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Author: josh
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🌟 Upcoming Entrepreneur Meetup – July 21 in Devine, TX
Connect with Local Entrepreneurs in Devine
We’re hosting a free entrepreneur meetup on Monday, July 21 from 2:00–5:00PM at Black Creek Bar & Grill.
This informal gathering is open to entrepreneurs, small business owners, creatives, Bitcoiners, and curious locals. It’s a chance to talk shop, ask for help, offer support, or just hang out with others who understand the ups and downs of building something real.
This Month’s Theme: Simple Tech That Helps You Work Smarter
We’ll explore beginner-friendly tools like ChatGPT and Google Forms — great options for saving time, improving communication, and simplifying everyday business tasks. No tech background needed!
🧠 What You’ll Gain:
- Useful tips on free tools that help your business
- New ideas and honest feedback
- Real-world conversations with peers and mentors
- Connections with people who care about growth — not just profit
🎟️ RSVP Now
We keep things small and focused — RSVP is free but required. Tap the button below to reserve your spot:
💬 Questions?
Reach out via our contact form or message us on Facebook. We’d love to hear from you!
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What Cuts Come from a Whole Lamb? (With Cut Sheet Tips)
If you’ve never bought a whole lamb before, you might wonder: What exactly do I get, and can I fit all that meat in my freezer? Here’s a breakdown of common cuts and how to customize your cut sheet when buying from Smart Growth Farms.
Typical Lamb Cuts (Whole Animal Breakdown):
- Shoulder: Roast, ground, or stew meat
- Rib: Rack of lamb or rib chops
- Loin: Loin chops (tender, grill-ready)
- Leg: Leg of lamb roast or steak
- Trim: Ground lamb, sausage
- Extras: Bones, fat, liver, heart (optional)
Tips for First-Time Buyers:
- Ask for a mix of roasts and chops
- Specify bone-in or boneless
- Opt for vacuum-sealed packaging
- Save the bones for stock!
👉 View our available lambs and choose your own cuts with help from your favorite local processor.
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What to Ask Your Local Meat Processor Before Buying a Whole Lamb
Choosing a custom butcher is a key step when buying lamb directly from a farm. Not all processors offer the same options, so here are smart questions to ask before you drop off your animal.
Key Questions to Ask:
- Can I schedule 10 minutes for a walk-through?
- If they won’t allow this, walk away.
- If you wouldn’t eat there, don’t have your animal processed there.
- When do you provide custom processing?
- What cut sheet options are available? (chops, roasts, ground?)
- Do you vacuum seal? Label? Freeze?
- What’s your turnaround time?
- What’s the typical cost per animal?
At Smart Growth Farms, we encourage our customers to choose their own processor. This gives you total control over the final product — and ensures you get the cuts your family will actually eat.
- Can I schedule 10 minutes for a walk-through?
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How to Buy a Whole Lamb in Texas (and Why You Should)
Buying a whole lamb directly from a local farm isn’t just smart — it’s healthier, tastier, and often more affordable than grocery store cuts. If you’re in Texas and looking for premium, grass-fed lamb, here’s exactly how the process works.
Why Buy Whole Lamb?
- Save money per pound compared to grocery cuts
- Choose your own cuts, thickness, and packaging
- Support small, sustainable farms like Smart Growth Farms
Step-by-Step: How It Works
- Reserve your lamb with a small deposit
- Choose a local meat processor and fill out a cut sheet
- Pay the remaining balance at pickup or delivery
- The lamb is delivered to your processor
- Pick up your meat in about 2 weeks and pay the butcher directly
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Kids need a healthy balance of respect & fear
Kids need to be taught respect and fear for good balance. If you love your kids, don’t soft parent them so they’re mouthy, disrespectful, and lacking gratitude. Fail your kids, and they find out in real life as adults that after you’ve destroyed your relationship with them, life will beat the living crap out of them. Parenting must balance respect and fear but always lead with love. Some kids require more of one than the other, but both must always exist.
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Linux Server Upgrade Pain
There I was, knee-deep in an SSH session, trying to update my server for the 4th or 5th time when I got the last fail message I was willing to accept. It turns out that this isn’t particularly uncommon. When you are trying to execute an upgrade, you’ve got to have all your repo’s correct, as it appears that the errors will cause a failure.
The craziest and most frustrating part of this battle was the fact that NGINX wasn’t in my source.list, so I couldn’t (still haven’t) figured out why it was so stuck. It wasn’t installed or in existence on my server. (As far as I and the internet could figure out.)
Below are the 2 threads that helped me resolve the issue.
https://nginx.org/en/linux_packages.html#Ubuntu
https://askubuntu.com/questions/1047517/apt-upgrade-errorThe error that got me:
A problem occurred during the update. This is usually some sort of network problem, please check your network connection and retry.
I had to look at the syntax above to find the NGINX error, which required updating the NGINX PGP key.
curl https://nginx.org/keys/nginx_signing.key | gpg –dearmor \
| sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/nginx-archive-keyring.gpg >/dev/nullWhen you’re looking for your error, look for all the HITs.
“Hit http:”, then look for the IGN followed by the ERR, that’s where your core problem is.
If you find an error that isn’t as legit as NGINX, you’ll want to look at this solution, which can be found on the AskUbuntu link above. [Find the files inside /etc/apt/sources.list.d that contains the above repositories. Rename those files so they don’t end with a.list
extension (for instance, rename them tofilename.list.old
).]After deeper looking, I was able to [ls | grep -i nginx], which showed me the files causing the issue. As you can tell, I’m not pro-level, just a dude sharing his challenges. If you enjoyed this, feel free to reach out and chat or share your discoveries. The long-term goal for me is to automate as much of my farm as possible and share that setup with others so you too can reduce the amount of work and cost of growing your own food.
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Manhood: A Journey of Growth, Strength, Community, and Family
“Modern Manhood: Navigating Growth, Strength, Community, and the Pillar of Family”
In the digital age, where definitions and roles are constantly evolving, understanding the essence of manhood becomes both a challenge and a journey. This essay delves into the multifaceted dimensions of modern manhood, emphasizing the pillars of personal growth, strength, community, and the undeniable importance of family.
Understanding Modern Manhood
Manhood, traditionally defined by physical prowess and the capacity to provide, has undergone a transformation. Today, it’s a harmonious blend of strength, knowledge, spiritual growth, community value, and familial commitment. As society progresses, so does the concept of manhood, adapting to the needs and challenges of the contemporary world.
The Lifelong Pursuit of Knowledge
Continuous learning stands as a testament to a man’s commitment to personal growth. In our information-driven era, the acquisition of new skills, expansion of knowledge, and the pursuit of wisdom through mentorship are more crucial than ever. This dedication to self-improvement not only benefits the individual but also enriches the community at large.
The Holistic Approach to Physical Fitness
Physical fitness in modern manhood transcends the mere aesthetics of a chiseled physique. It’s about cultivating a mind-body synergy that exudes confidence, resilience, and leadership. A healthy body is a vessel for a vibrant mind, and together they form the cornerstone of a fulfilling life.
Wealth in the 21st Century: Beyond the Dollar Sign
True wealth in today’s world isn’t solely about financial accumulation. It’s about creating opportunities, ensuring the well-being of loved ones, and understanding the broader value of resources. Financial literacy, combined with ethical wealth management, is a hallmark of responsible and mature manhood.
Spirituality: Nourishing the Inner Self
Regardless of religious affiliation, a man’s spiritual journey forms him. While I’m of the Christian faith, I won’t turn away anyone of different faith seeking help. Muslim or Jewish, Sikh or Hindu, a man of faith will always have a firmer grasp on good decision making. A moral compass is vital when making life decisions. Development of the confidence to put off gratification for a greater reward is a keystone to faith and an important. This journey, without religion and personal growth leaves you shapeless, like a jellyfish. A well shaped character provides a sense of purpose in a chaotic world. In my darkest times, talking with god and the faith in more after this life is all that kept me going.
To further illustrate my point, I was heading down a very destructive path in college when I was invited to church. I was one of maybe 4 white people in a black church, a bit uncomfortable, but I will be forever thankful for the invitation. I heard the right word at the right time. The pastor was speaking on his childhood and the cycle of alcoholism and child abandonment by men in his family. He was later heading down a similar route as a young man and reflected on his childhood, choosing to be different. I couldn’t tell you the scripture he referenced from that day to save my life, but that message will stick with me forever. It’s not nearing 20 years and I remember it as if it were this morning. I made the conscious decision that semester to leave college and join the military. I won’t say the military is a good option for anyone in particular, but it was the only opportunity in Altoon, PA, other than selling or using heroin.
Community Engagement: Building Bridges
An active role in the community is more than a responsibility—it’s a privilege. As a real man, you recognize the significance of community involvement, understanding that individual growth and communal progress are intrinsically linked. With this engagement comes opportunity to enage in new growing opportunities and exercise your courage. Too many people hide in their home, gaming, doom scrolling and watching tv, STOP! Get out, find an organization to volunteer in, and do the right thing. You’ll find more conflict than any video game simply by pressing for ethics. It’s truly amazing how few people exercise good ethics and morals in their leadership of organizations, especially government. Start small, work your way to larger challenges. You’ll make friends, learn a lot, and if you don’t have a wife or girlfriend, this is a great place to find one. The number of people I have met who, can’t find a “good woman” (or man) is almost always due to their spending more time on Tinder and in the bar than at a quality organization giving of themselves.
Family: The Anchor in a Sea of Change
Amidst the whirlwind of life, family remains the critical anchor for many men, as it should. Being a father, husband, and son isnt’ an opportunity granted to every man, not having parts of that doesn’t detract from your manhood.
Being a father and husband is an immense challenge, but incredibly fulfilling. It’s vital we embrace this role as “culture” and primarily social media like the Chinese Communist Party’s TikTok tell us how stupid family is. Life comes with never ending challenges, having a solid family to come home to is the only way I make it through some days. Having those people that know, love, and support you when you need it, is an amazing feeling. Leading with love, understanding, and commitment is the essence of family in manhood. There is a natural drive to permiscuity, but I can prommise, from experience the wholesome value of life with a quality partner is worth far more than the instant gratification of a hookup.
Having gone through a divorce after nearly a decade of marriage with kids, I will be the first to attest to the fact that a quality wife is both tough to find, but also pivotal in a lasting relationship. Having opted for hot and fun turned out to be a terrible choice. As I grew and matured out of that phase, she couldn’t help but resent me more and more for taking her out of that life. Seeking to appease her need to party and get other men’s attention by going the bar or club more often didn’t help. All that to say, take the time to develop as a young man, in a good church before trying to find a woman. I found whay I was looking for because I didn’t have a firm base of morality and wasn’t sure what my value were. Once I figured that out, I was 4 years into marriage and the fun had worn off. That resulted in a slow spiral into misery and divorce. Avoid it all by identifying your value and finding a partner with similar. You’ll both grow over time, but growing together sure does help solidify your relationship.
Conclusion
The tapestry of modern manhood is woven with threads of tradition, which have been unraveling since the 90’s and genetics of ancestors who fought animals and tribes. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century combined with the pillars of spirituality, life-long growth, strength, community, and family build us, ensuring that the essence of manhood perserveres through this trubulent time.
Engage with Josh!
We’d love to hear your thoughts on modern manhood. Share your stories, experiences, and insights. Let’s foster a community where we can learn and grow together.
Keywords for SEO Optimization: Manhood, Modern Manhood, Personal Growth, Physical Fitness, Wealth Management, Spirituality, Community Involvement, Family Commitment, Continuous Learning, Leadership, Fatherhood, Mentorship.
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Learning Technology: Exploring Privacy and Open-Source Technology
In the pursuit of growth and knowledge, educational institutions like Devine ISD and Divine Christian Academy are embracing the drive towards technology and incorporating it into their curriculum. As we delve into the world of technology, one area of focus that has emerged is privacy and open-source technology. While some may believe that Linux has no impact on general learning or that it is immediately intuitive for those with technological knowledge, our experiences with NGINX, Docker, and Ubuntu have proven otherwise. A lot of this software was developed for Windows. When you leave that ecosystem, your software doesn’t work the same, and you end up with novel errors.
This week/year’s journey began with the task of removing Podman to make way for Docker. After encountering several challenges, we finally discovered how to force a file to overwrite, successfully removing Podman from our system. This process taught us valuable lessons about the intricacies of managing different technologies on a single system. It also highlighted the importance of understanding the underlying mechanisms of these tools in order to navigate potential conflicts.
Another valuable lesson we learned was related to the Docker CLI. We discovered that when logging in, it is necessary to specify “docker.io,” a detail often overlooked in online courses and the Docker documentation. Without this crucial information, we found ourselves unable to log in to Docker Hub. However, through perseverance and experimentation over the course of more than half a day, we were able to overcome this obstacle and continue our exploration of Docker.
Our commitment to learning and growth in the realm of technology extends beyond these initial challenges. We are now diving deeper into the Docker ecosystem, eager to uncover its full potential. Our goal is to develop a Golden Image—a privacy-focused, plug-and-play server solution—by March. This Golden Image will serve as a valuable resource for anyone interested in harnessing the power of open-source technology while prioritizing privacy with anything as cheap as a recycled Goodwill PC.
As we embark on this educational journey in the new year, we encourage others to join us in exploring the vast possibilities that technology offers. By embracing open-source solutions and focusing on privacy, we can create a more secure and transparent digital landscape. Through our experiences with NGINX, Docker, and Ubuntu, we have come to understand the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the ever-evolving world of technology.
As we strive for growth and knowledge in 2024, our focus on technology education has led us to explore privacy and open-source technology. Our experiences with NGINX, Docker, and Ubuntu have provided valuable insights and lessons. We have learned the significance of understanding the intricacies of different technologies and the importance of clear documentation. Moving forward, we are excited to continue our journey into the world of Docker and develop a Golden Image that promotes privacy and ease of use. Here’s to a great and educational year ahead!
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From Farm to Family
The days go on, rapidly passing in this endless life loop. With full-time careers, kids overly scheduled for activities, rigorous Farmer’s Market tempo, and an endless to-do list, we found ourselves burning out as we operated at warp speed from the latter year’s holiday without reprieve. Where had the time gone? What had been accomplished? And, what did it mean if, in the end, there was no joy?
Summer times here, a time for laughter, adventure, and long nights in the backyard, spending quality time. Josh and I have realized we can’t have it all right now. For us, family is the focus. We only have a finite time to spend time and make memories. So, we have just decided to slow down. Take some of the livestock we raise out of cycle, scale back on Farmer’s Market attendance, and pursue more joy.
Joy in Short.
In pursuit of joy, we find ourselves doing more projects at home together, building imperfect creations that spark joy. Whether it be a brooder, a tallow recipe, or a gardening hack, we’ve re-found pleasure in creation. The girls are really into creative writing, and it has been a treat as they develop various archetypes, often narrating their latest iteration with great artistic license and often using their baby brother as a stage prop, lol. On a more intentional note, we spend more time in the Word and fellowship with our family in Christ, joy words cannot define. The slowdown has created this microcosm of joy that has transformed us in unexpected yet better ways.
With that, we continue to care for rabbits, chickens, ducks, sheep, pigs, and the occasional cow; however, this is less about creating products and more about feeding our family and community enough supply to meet customers’ demands as needed. So, this is not “so long,” as we will continue to attend a few markets and are hopeful for other products we are testing at Smart Growth Farms. We are only reframing how we do business to maximize family time beyond the grind.
Psalm 16:11. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
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The Journey to Becoming a Better Man: Insights from Older Men
Welcome to our show, dedicated to helping young men in their journey towards becoming better individuals. From teenage years to early adulthood and eventually fatherhood, we understand the challenges and transformations that occur during this phase of life. Our goal is to provide you with valuable insights and lessons from older men who have experienced the highs and lows of life, enabling you to learn from their experiences and become a better man.
As we embark on this journey together, we invite older men to share their stories, failures, and triumphs. By listening to their experiences, we hope to impart wisdom and guidance that will help you navigate the complexities of life with confidence and resilience.
One of the key aspects of our show is the emphasis on personal development. We believe that growth is a lifelong process, and it starts from a young age. By focusing on personal development during your teenage and early adult years, you can lay a strong foundation for the man you want to become.
Our guests, who have lived through various stages of life, share their insights on topics such as career choices, relationships, mental health, and personal growth. They offer advice on setting goals, overcoming obstacles, and staying true to oneself. Their stories serve as a reminder that failure is not the end but an opportunity for growth.
Transitioning into fatherhood is a significant milestone for many men. Our show recognizes the challenges and joys that come with this new chapter in life. We discuss the importance of being present, nurturing healthy relationships with your children, and balancing work and family life.
As we explore the journey toward maturity, we delve into topics like self-reflection, emotional intelligence, and building strong connections with others. Our guests share their experiences of how they have matured over the years and the lessons they have learned along the way.
By listening to our show, you will gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a man in today’s world. You will learn from the successes and failures of others, allowing you to make informed decisions and navigate life’s challenges with resilience and determination. Our goal is to empower you to become the best version of yourself.