Wild Eden News

Latest news, articles and resources from Wild Eden on sustainable living, organics, permaculture, eco building, homeschooling and more
Wild Eden News

Wild Eden News

Saving Money on Growing Vegetables 1 Soil Make Up Basics

Growing your veggies? How to save money AND get better results! A short article about soils and getting good growing results from your plants. One of the things that stuck in my mind when doing a horticultural apprenticeship at Botanic Golf was about soil. The owner (the late Theo Puik) came from a line of champion Tulip farmers in Holland and was incredibly knowledgable. Looking back, I regret not learning more from him (I was more interested in drugs, alcohol, cars and girls so he let me go). The simple rule he had for plant growth highlighted that what was …

Growing   | |

Sometimes It is the Little things

I remember, many years ago, being in a house full of people tripping (on drugs, acid specifically). Things were getting *very* weird – furniture and fittings were getting damaged, people were falling in the pool as they thought they could walk on water and lots of screaming. Not really my type of ‘buzz’ so I headed out the front of the house. There was a pretty decent thunderstorm. I don’t know if it was a conversation inside about someone thinking they were Jesus but I remember thinking I wonder if there is a God. I had what is a common …

Soul Food

Is your King a Lamb Palm Sunday 2020

We are living in world that is rapidly changing, sometimes hour by hour. Rules and regulations from government, health and safety advice, food, work and travel is constant change. At this point in time, we have to go through a police checkpoint that is manned by state emergency service and army personnel. If we do not have written documentation from government to say we can pass, we get turned around – we are not allowed to our nearest food shops or the metro area. Public opinion has swiftly changed from that of freedom to that of quarantine (and anger at …

Faith | for thought | Soul Food   | |

COVID Fear

Isolation. Fear. Helplessness. Depression. Uncertainty. Grief. Panic. Paranoia. Despair. These things are rampant at the moment and the best advice people give is generally ‘remember this will pass’, ‘be prepared’ or ‘avoid the bad news’… But really the remedy for fear is not avoidance of bad situations. Neither is it ‘faith’ in the sense of believing everything will be ok. Rather it is a heart (not just a mind) connected with the One and only true God. Not the god of our own understanding, not the god of religions that say you must earn this or that by good works, …

Faith | for thought

Chilli Sauce Vinegar Testing

Testing vinegar types for chilli sauce… As a follow up to our basic chilli sauce how-to (here), we thought it would be great to do a taste test to see the different vinegars can make to a recipe. We used the same recipe and the same type of chilies with 8 different types of vinegar… White White Malt Brown Malt White Wine Balsamic Apple Cider Rice Wine Top Secret, best for sauces homegrown 🙂 It was ridiculously hard to resist adding cardoon and other yummies, but we managed to keep the recipe basic: 15g superhot chillies (a poor reaper in …

Consuming / Cooking  

Solar Cooking a Carrot and Walnut cake in a Timber Cake Box…

Timber Cake Box Test It’s been over a year since I have been wanting to test the amazing Timber Cake Boxes. Giving truly unique results, these boxes are the perfect fir for the Sun Oven® (we sell the Sun Oven as well as Timber Cake Boxes here). Today, we decided to put a quick carrot and walnut slice together and put in the Sun Oven. How to line the Timber Cake Box: First, measure the length of baking paper needed. I cut just over twice the length as the box we were using is square. (If using a rectangle box, …

Consuming / Cooking  

What happens when you accidently leave curry in the oven ALL DAY?

Today, we had some diced meat that needed using, so I thought I would document how quick and easy it is to cook for free in the Aussie Edition Sun Oven® (a product we sell and distribute here) Unfortunately, things didn’t go to plan…as per normal 😝 First off, the ‘recipe’ which for this one was mainly just pre- purchased sauces to make it as quick and easy as possible. The below is not an endorsement for specific brands, (though we do use and recommend a lot of Melrose products) Ingredients: Approx 2kg of beef. 2 different old curry powders …

Consuming / Cooking  

Home Made Chilli Sauce

Home Made Chilli Sauce A few quick notes on making chilli sauce and rough recipe that may give you a start… We have now made a number of batches of different sauces. Some of them are incredible, though we haven’t yet got to the point of following the same recipes – just experimenting and enjoying the results! My first advice with chilli sauce is as the same for most things: just give it a go! You will find that as you experiment you will soon figure out what works and what doesn’t and what you like and don’t. 1) Base …

Growing   |

God’s Love Letter to you.

This letter reflects the truth of God’s love for you. If He could fulfil one thing, it would be that you know and experience His great love for you. He has already done a lot for this to happen: including sending His Son to die for you… Hello My child, this is Me, God: your real dad. I formed you in your mothers womb, creating you just the way I wanted. With care and deliberate thought, I fashioned you. I loved what I saw and I still do. I made you to be a little like Me. You’re made in …

for thought | Soul Food   | | |

Mango Picking and Deviant Devil Ants

The Deviant Devil-Ant! On a recent trip to pick mangos in Kununarra, I encountered what I started to call ‘devil ants’, though their correct name is actually the “Weaver Ant” (genus Oecophylla). These little green ants, according to Wiki: “ inflict painful bites and often spray formic acid directly at the bite wound resulting in intense discomfort.” I don’t think this is quite accurate – the bites do sting but I would say they are only around a pain level of 2-3. As a frame of reference, the the bite from the big bull ants on our property would be …

for thought | Growing | Harvesting | Soul Food   | | |

Happy Birthday Jesus – 2019

Happy Birthday Jesus – 2019 Although we were determined to be prepared for our celebration early this year, a number of unforeseen situations yet again led to us have very limited time to prepare. A serious fire threat set us back a full week and an unexpected visitor added to the time constraints. Business had to take a back seat, though we managed to get our gate decorations up in time – sort of…

Soul Food   |

Are you hungry? 

Or do you just want food? Matthew 15:29-39 Not many educated people would deny the birth and life of Jesus Christ. History shows clearly He existed around 2000 years ago and was indeed killed. His actions made a huge impact on His society and to those around Him – especially the miracles He performed. His fame spread far and wide – people travelled for miles to come and get the healing they could not find anywhere else. And He healed them *all*. Here and now, today, it’s so easy to get discouraged when we don’t get the healing we want …

Faith | for thought | Jesus Time | Soul Food

Mango Picking 2019

What two weeks covered in ‘Devil Ants’ taught me… For a few years now I have wanted to volunteer picking mangos. Unfortunately, our living situation and deaths in the family have prevented it being possible. This year, finally, I left my second eldest son in charge of the business, ready to deal with any issues with the unfinished house and took my eldest son up to Kununarra. We were ready for the long, hard, hot days and early starts…

Finances  

Dont contact me again son

‘Dad I’m getting married – do you want to come?’ “Adam I never wanted children – I still don’t – please don’t contact me again” The above was a real conversation I had with my dad over the phone a week or so before I was married in 2003. It is the last time I have spoken to him – I don’t know if he is still alive, in jail or whatever. I have respected his wish and, unfortunately, I understand his desire…

for thought | Parenting | Relationships

Gods-provision-printer-rip-off

Another example how ridiculous God is at a garage sale after church… I saw an office printer that I thought might be a good deal, but decided I would wait before asking him the price to get a good deal. Before I had a chance he tried to sell it to me, offering it at a song – but I was more interested in talking to him about Jesus. He shared how he used to be a drug addict and was quite sure he had found freedom. After talking for a while it was evident he had just exchanged addictions …

Finances | for thought   |

Concrete Benches? An intro

Thinking of doing concrete benches? Read this first! I often joke with people that when doing the rammed earth, we would be mixing large amounts just adding ingredients by hand and eye – no real measurements – then when we came to the concrete benches we were literally using drug scales and measuring 20 different products at 0.1g accuracy!! Talk about chalk and cheese. Side note: Just in case you were wondering – yes the scales used to be used for drugs. Something else Jesus has redeemed 😂. I was amazed that there was an actual legitimate use for them …

Building | Concrete / GFRC   | |

Monogenes – Single Jeans and the Begotten Son

For Jesus Time today I wanted to start the children off on a direction I introduced yesterday: digging a little deeper into one particular doctrine in order to bring truth to people in other religions / cults. We watched some witnessing clips with some particular cults and I explained that I would let the children choose one topic or doctrine to research and learn – like a debating exercise. While I have read lots of different material on various cults, false doctrines and methods to bring truth, I find it great advice to use this one point, ‘dam crack’ method…

Jesus Time   |

One of the saddest photos in the world?

This photo does two things to my heart… It is a photo taken just after my 9yo son & I left emergency after a very difficult night. He had suffered a serious concussion and had amnesia and a possible brain bleed. I was sick, over tired and very sore but somehow – miraculously – we had just been released. All seemed to be going well…

Ministry / TPM | Parenting | Relationships   |

Have we already been to bed dad?

“Have we already been to bed dad?” This sentence was the first sign that something was wrong – very wrong. At first, I thought this child was joking, despite him knowing that health / injury is nothing to ever be joked about in this family… As I questioned him, it still seemed just like he was joking, until, after about 3 minutes he ‘jerked’ a little and his eyes went funny and the same sequence of questions came out. No one could act this… I called the two children who were near him when he came off his bike. I …

Parenting   |

Sometimes God’s provision sucks!

God promises to provide all that we need: And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 Is this a promise of financial prosperity or ‘blessing’? I would argue it can mean the opposite at times. Sometimes what we need is a life hardship to get our attention, to see things differently, to change our ways. Sometimes our comfort leads us to apathy or worse, neglect. A loving Father will see that and do what doesn’t feel nice for the …

Jesus Time | Soul Food   | |

Science Experiment Homeschool Template / Example

Just in case it is helpful to anyone here I thought I would put a sample of an experiment template that can be used. This combines elements of a younger students science experiment with those of a research paper to introduce higher aspects to those ready. We don’t use all of the headings for all ages of children but the experiments are normally pretty good. Yesterday we trialled 3 different woks (Commercial Induction, Breville Electric and Gas) to see which was the most cost effective. Very interesting (and some would say fun)! If anyone wants one in Pages / Word …

Homeschool  

How to stop speeding? (Or any addictive behaviour)

There are a number of factors to addictive behaviour – but the root of them all is the same: sin and pain.   Sin: is breaking God’s law – Lying, stealing, hating, lust, envy, idolatry etc. Anything we rely on outside of God is sin. Alcohol, drugs, sex, relationships, other people, food – the list of idols is long! Pain: pain increases a persons drive to look for comfort or release. Being in pain though (physical, emotional or mental) does not make sin ok – there are no free passes. But it does make it more difficult to break a …

Ministry / TPM | Soul Food   | |

Shoulders Forward – the sign of a death wish…

So driving through the wind & rain after a long day on the road, my back is hurting, I have a headache and the effects of a cold are becoming more noticeable. I contemplate overtaking someone slowing down due to the conditions, but it’s only a short hop to the overtaking lane… As the lane opens I have been accelerating for about 500m to give the bus & trailer enough momentum to pass up the hill. My shoulders are forward as I pass and it becomes obvious that roos are a real threat tonight. I narrowly miss one that is …

Soul Food   | | | |

Our Amazing Neighbour Audrey

After a day on the road yesterday, this morning we could finally go and help the elderly lady next door… I am continually amazed at her. She’s 92, had 12 children, is now caring for her invalid husband, always happy and fiercely independent. Often we will see a bag hanging on our fence and she will have bought some presents or treats for the children. It is common to see her in the rain, chain-sawing wood for her fire. When we first moved here, she would forcefully refuse our offer to take the bins up to the gate for her, …

Soul Food   | |

I can only Imagine

The effect of Mercy on Me Tonight, as part of her Mothers Day celebration, Sharmini had wanted to watch the movie “I can only Imagine” – the story behind the #1 all time best selling Christian single.  The writer of the song (Bart Millard) had an abusive father and very difficult life that continued into early adulthood. Later, Bart saw Jesus transform his father from a ‘monster he hated into the man that he wanted to become’ (his words).  The song talks about what it will be like in Heaven – far from the cliche great food and good times …

Marriage / Sig Other | Soul Food   | |

Australians have reason to rejoice.

Today, we were Invited to a BBQ, bonfire & concert of someone I had never heard of at short notice.  We didn’t know what to expect, but it was our weekly ‘family fun’ day so the resulting vote was to go along. My wife and I with 6 children and my niece arrived to a flashing arrow directing cars and large ETERNITY sign on the gate. This humble entrance was hiding something…

Fishing | for thought   | |

Jesus is not my King!

He’s not my King! Today, we travelled down to Perth to see my nieces in an Easter re-creation of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Our goal was to support, so gave up our favourite Good Friday service (Padbury Chapel) where they always have very meaningful service ending with everyone giving 30 pieces of silver. All I knew was this was to be a dance and theatre type of display and likely part of a church service but it was so much more… The whole service was basically the acting and dance by (mostly) children. As the story unfolded we …

Soul Food  

Redeeming Kombucha vinegar and more!

Having lots of gut issues over the years, I had often thought about doing Kombucha. Finally, I gathered the needed equipment and got the needed Scoby & teas…but adding something else to an already full life wasnt off to a great start! Doing the first brew was easy, though my wifes birthday was approaching and we were working over time to try to get the house to a point where it was ready for the 100+ people who were meant to be coming. By the time of the her birthday, the Kombucha had been sitting for 6-8 weeks and had …

Consuming / Cooking  

Racing to beat winter

We had thought it would be easy – but due to sickness, finances and a number of other issues, it is now going to be very difficult to get a bathroom sorted for hot showers before winter… We have running water (mostly) for doing dishes, though the main plumbing for waste water needs to go right where the north verandah will be. To make things easier and cheaper in the long run, the verandah had to be next!

Concrete / GFRC | Rammed Earth   |

Hope Less

If it were possible to have less hope… After a long, hard week with many failures, this morning I lay with pain in my body, a mild headache and a huge day ahead filled with activities I *really* didn’t want to face. I reflected on how different things are… With deadlines approaching and the never ending list of jobs to do – completion of this project seems impossible – even futile. How different things used to be! I had numerous desires, goals and aspirations – and I worked *real* hard at attaining them. I had every expectation that I would …

for thought   | |

Laying our concrete kitchen bench top!

Thanksgiving Day / Thankful Thursday 22/11/18 A journal of the day we finally laid our main kitchen concrete (GFRC) concrete bench top. Due to it’s size, a friend was sending some workers who specialise in concrete coatings to help. It would be a different way of doing GFRC from what we had previously done. A huge day to say the least, but as always, we wanted to put God first. He was the only reason we are alive let alone made it so far on this building journey. I awoke reading an article of an American man (John Allen Chau) …

Concrete / GFRC | Jesus Time   | |

The stupid / non existent potter

Does a jar ever say,“He didn’t make me”?or“The potter who made me is stupid”?Nope – but that’s exactly what I did… Convinced there was no ‘god’ based on the actions of others (if ‘he’ existed why would ‘he’ let me suffer) – I determined to do *whatever* felt good. Chasing good feelings, fun – adrenaline – wild times and being drunk / drugged up seemed like the only option and a mostly enjoyable one. “If it feels good do it – and do it some more…” Problem was, the more I did ‘it’ in various and copious forms, the less …

for thought

The difference a little water makes!

Yet another ‘Choose Day’ – and an object lesson that I couldn’t have planned better if I tried! As our bathrooms are not yet functional, one has been used as a nursery of sorts for seedlings through winter and spring – chillies, tomatoes and this week – cucumbers. As it happened, the last day and half they received no water and had started to shrivel… Definitely time to kill two birds with one stone… I didn’t let on to the kids what the object lesson was about, but said todays Bible Sword was a scripture about the Holy Spirit from Genesis – …

Jesus Time  

Indian date night with a difference.

A brief look into our crazy world…Tonight it was date night so I was cooking a special meal for myself and Sharmini that she has arranged. The children are looking after the babies and buying / selling goods as part of their new business venture. We are running late, and the phone rings with “No Caller ID”. It can only mean one thing: telemarketers. I normally answer and tell them about Jesus, but today I was going to ignore due to time restraints. But Sharmini decided she would answer this time… “Hello” “Hello sir, Do you know that your business can not …

Fishing | for thought | Marriage / Sig Other   |

Happy 15th Anniversary

Today it’s our FIFTEENTH Wedding Anniversary!  To say it has been a FULL ON 15 years with many highs and lows is an understatement! Many, many failures & mistakes but always matched and overcome by God’s love and grace. We are very thankful to Jesus who brought us together and really is the reason we are still together. We had decided that we weren’t going to go anywhere or do anything special, but would tidy up the property and possibly try to sort either some bedroom furniture or bed sheets for our room. After doing some normal morning duties, we were told …

Marriage / Sig Other | Personal  

Bethesda Palliative Care

It’s just over two weeks since my mother in law passed away. After a 6 year battle with cancer, the intensity and the difficulty mounted.  In the last two weeks she was admitted into Bethesda hospital / palliative care as the cancer overtook her body.  Although this was a gruesome reality and very very difficult time, it was made much more bearable by the care she received at Bethesda.  It wasn’t just the sense of peace in the place or the amazing views either… Every one of the staff showed genuine care and compassion both towards my mother in law …

for thought | Relationships