government regulation, on farm events, and the coffee cart

”Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” Prov. 4:23

From our newsletter:

“I have been mulling over and over on this verse since I heard it the other day in an audio book that I am listening to. The book author was talking about how we have control over our feelings and emotions and reference the verse in the context that what our heart is set on will control the outflowing of our emotions, feelings, actions, and ultimately how our life is lived.

As you may have seen if you follow along on our social media profiles, we had to cancel the June Third Thursday concert and all other on farm events including our mornings on the farm. The reason being that current government regulations regarding land use make it such that we can only hold one event open to the public on AG zoned land per year.

Following that notice we had a meeting with planning and zoning to see what we can do to move forward with community events, an essential part of our farm’s vision.

We were given a couple of options, one is a conditional use meaning that the planning and zoning staff make a determination as to if we can or cannot operate under that use based on current regulations. If we can, they will “stamp” it and we are good to go for the concert in July. If not, we either have to seek a text amendment or pursue the second option which involves a city counsel hearing and a special use permit. The person who complained about the original concert in May would have the opportunity to challenge the special use permit under whatever complaint he or she has with the farm. Unfortunately, they are not interested in working with us directly and could drag the special use permit process out substantially if they wanted to.

I have been encouraged through this process by the peace that the Lord has given me and the direction that He has given us to move forward. The city has been as helpful as they can be and my family has always been behind the vision that Analise and I have for the farm.

As I search my heart and find that my value is not in if the farm succeeds, or how much money I make, or how good I am at what I set out to do; but rather my hope and value is set on the Lord and I have peace knowing that His will is done - I am marching forward on the path He has laid in front of us, without frustration or anxiety and the only way that is possible is through peace which surpasses all understanding.

Thank you for coming along side us! If the second path and special use permit are required, there will be an opportunity for you to write a letter of support for our farm. I will let you know if that opportunity arises both on our social media pages and over email.

In Christ,

Dawson”