Best Selling Books by Darla Noble

Turns Out you Can Grow Money - The Basics of Value-added Agriculture Table of Contents Introduction Chapter 1: You can Have your Hobby and Make Money, Too Chapter 2: The Rules of the Game Chapter 3: How to Get Started Chapter 4: Let’s Brainstorm Chapter 5: Let’s Talk Business Chapter 6: Helpful Resources Conclusion Author Bio Introduction Nearly fifteen years ago, co-author, Darla Noble, had some free time at an agricultural/farming expo she was participating in. As she meandered through the other exhibits, she happened onto a short seminar that was just beginning. The name of the seminar, Making Value-added Agriculture Work for You, intrigued her because she wasn’t quite sure what it was. Within minutes of taking her seat, however, Darla knew she wanted to hear everything Joan Benjamin had to say. The concept of value-added agriculture (VAA) is quite simple, really. It means using what you grow for more than one purpose; increasing its value and your earning potential. Darla knew, almost immediately, that value-added agriculture was something she could do to make her family’s farm even more profitable. So, that’s exactly what she did. And guess what…so can you!

Katahdin Hair Sheep - Raising a Profitable Breed of Sheep Table of Contents Introduction Chapter 1: What are Katahdin Hair Sheep Chapter 2: The Katahdin Advantage Chapter 3: Selecting Katahdin Sheep for your Flock Chapter 4: Reaping the Benefits of the Katahdin Breed Closing Remarks Author Bio Introduction More than a few people would use words like ‘dumb’ and ‘stupid’ to describe sheep. Not me. I use words like ‘trusting’, ‘habitual’ and ‘profitable’. I use these words because they are what I know sheep to be. As someone who spent over twenty years as a shepherd to several hundred head of sheep, I can say in no uncertain terms that I know the potential for sheep when it comes to making your farm a profitable business. The degree of profitability, however, depends upon the quality of your sheep. And when it comes to quality, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better breed of sheep than the Katahdin. Katahdin are hair sheep; meaning they don’t have wool. So yes, if your intentions for raising sheep are for spinning, you will need to choose a wool breed known for the quality of their wool. But if it’s meat production you are after, look no further than the Katahdin.

Keep or Toss…That is the Question - De-cluttering Your House and Your Life Table of Contents Introduction Chapter 1: Why De-Clutter Your House Reasons for de-cluttering your house Chapter 2: How to De-clutter Your House Tips for de-cluttering: Chapter 3: Why De-Clutter Your Life Chapter 4: How to De-Clutter Your Life Tips for de-cluttering your life Chapter 5: What to Do With All That Stuff Financial Records Personal Items Food Household Items Closing Comments Author Bio Publisher Introduction America is known as the land of opportunity and the land of plenty. There was a time, though, when people were far more content with much less. Closets weren’t filled with clothes, shoes and purses. Families did not have multiple sets of dishes to eat from. One was the number of televisions in a home and everyone watched together. So what happened to make us start believing we needed so much more than our parents and grandparents did? Are we better? Smarter? More entitled? Certainly not! I think we developed the mindset of needing more for no other reason than there are more things to have and they are all right here and readily available to us. Thankfully, though, more and more people are beginning to see the futility of having so much stuff. More and more people are realizing our parents and grandparents knew what they were talking about when they spoke of ‘the simple life’ and are trading their excess belongings for more time and space to do what really matters…spend time with the people they love and do the things they really enjoy doing. The purpose of this book is to help you de-clutter your life; to get rid of things you don’t need and to help you see the benefit of not being so attached to material possessions. So gather a few (or several) boxes and even some trash bags because a simpler and less cluttered life truly is a better life.

The Basics of Raising Sheep - Don’t Be Dumb About Raising Sheep…Because They Aren’t Table of Contents Introduction Chapter 1: Being Prepared… it’s More than Just a Motto Chapter 2: Fencing Chapter 3: The Three Essentials—Food, Water and Shelter Chapter 4: I Pick Ewe Chapter 5: Hello, my Name is Shepherd Conclusion Author Bio Introduction Most people consider sheep to be cute, wooly…and dumb. These same people would be wrong. The truth of the matter is sheep are cute and wooly, but as for being dumb…while it is true that some breeds of sheep are less resilient than others and don’t do very well in the mothering department, the word ‘trusting’ is a much more appropriate adjective to describe these wonderful (yes, wonderful!) animals. There are a few other adjectives which aptly describe sheep: manageable, functional and profitable. Whether you have a couple of acres or a couple of hundred acres—sheep have much to offer in the way of an agricultural venture as long as you do it right. That’s where this book comes in. “I cannot tell you how many times I’ve turned people away wanting to buy sheep; telling them to come see me when they are actually ready to buy.” –Darla Noble That’s what this book is all about; getting you ready to raise sheep. Based upon the assumption that you’ve decided that’s what you want to do, we will tell you: *How to prepare yourself and your property to raise sheep *What you need to raise sheep *How to select sheep for your farm *The primary functions of a shepherd (that’s you!)

Plants for Sale! - Owning & Operating a Greenhouse for Profit Table of Contents Introduction Chapter 1: What Kind of Greenhouse is Right for You Chapter 2: Setting up your Greenhouse for Commercial Growing Chapter 3: What…When…and How Much Chapter 4: Plants for Sale Chapter 5: Getting the Most from your Greenhouse Closing Remarks Author Bio Introduction The fact that you are reading this book tends to make me believe we are alike in the aspect that we both derive a great deal of satisfaction from helping and watching things grow. To this day nothing (except my grandkids) brings a smile to my face faster than a cheery and colorful array of zinnias. They’re just the happiest flower I know! I will also venture to say you share similar thoughts in making your passion for growing things into more than just a hobby. Again…why else would you be reading this book? Hopefully you won’t be disappointed by what you read. Instead, this book is meant to provide you with the information necessary to begin to realize profits from your greenhouse. You will learn how to set up your greenhouse for commercial, how to determine what to grow and how much of it to grow, how to sell what you grow and even some alternative ways to profit from your greenhouse. Are you ready? Then start reading.

Pot it There Container Gardening Even YOU Can Do Table of Contents Introduction Chapter 1 Container Gardening Basics Chapter 2 A Pot by Many Other Names Can Still be a Pot Chapter 3 Potable Flowers Chapter 4 Potable Plants Chapter 5. Food in Pots Chapter 6. Caring for your Container Garden Chapter 7. Pretty Posies Chapter 8. Closing Remarks Author Bio Introduction Gardening is one of the easiest and best ways to feel accomplished, work off a bit of stress and make the world a little more beautiful…even if it’s just your own little corner of the world. Unfortunately, many people think gardening isn’t for them. They think they don’t have room, don’t have a green enough thumb or don’t have the time to garden. Are you one of these people? If so, this book is going to change your mind and make your world a more colorful, sweet-smelling place and add some flavor to your kitchen. The room necessary for container gardening can be as small as a ledge on a porch rail or the top of a nightstand. Or if you are fortunate enough to have a deck, patio, porch or even a bit of lawn space, container gardening is an option for you. As for having a green thumb, don’t worry. It’s more important that you have thumbs (and fingers) willing to get dirty. While it is true that some plants are more difficult to grow than others, there are dozens of plants that require minimal care while still providing color, pleasant scents and even air purifying benefits inside and outside of your home. The time it takes to plant and care for container gardens is also minimal. Even if you have numerous pots of plants, you will not have nearly as much time invested in those as you would in-ground flower beds and gardens. So you see, it is possible for you to enjoy growing plants and flowers in containers…successfully. If you already enjoy gardening but want to use something besides the standard clay pots seen everywhere and need a little help deciding what can and cannot be successfully grown in pots, this book is going to be your new go-to for creating gardens that will beautify your home and possibly even put food on your table. This book will introduce you to new and unique options for pots—things you might never have thought of using otherwise. You will also be challenged to get your creative juices flowing in mixing and matching plants for attractive containers that will be the envy of everyone in the neighborhood.

Living Off the Land - A Beginner’s Guide to Being Self-sufficient Table of Contents Introduction Chapter 1: It’s What You Do With What You’ve Got That Matters Proper management includes keeping your pastures in good shape. Chapter 2: Moo, Bah, Cluck And Oink Chapter 3: Eat Your Veggies Chapter 4: Fruits, Herbs And Flowers Conclusion Author Bio Publisher Introduction There’s a little bit of pioneer spirit in all of us. We can’t help it…it’s in our blood. For some this pioneer spirit shows itself in someone’s determination to climb to the top of the corporate ladder. But for others, this pioneer spirit takes them back to their roots…literally; giving them the desire to be self-sufficient to the greatest extent possible. If you are reading this book you are most likely someone wanting to be more self-sufficient. Good for you! With the cost of food going higher and higher every week (literally) and the nearly-constant revelations of the negative effects of chemicals, processed foods and other things we ingest, it’s a shame more people aren’t willing to do more to get back to the basics of providing for themselves. Yes, it’s true you may raise a few eyebrows or be asked if you’re hooked on reruns of “Little House on the Prairie”, but that’s okay. Besides, I bet those same people will be wishing they would have been a little less critical when you’re giving away excess produce. Anyway…the purpose of this book is to give you the direction and encouragement you need to be able to be as self-sufficient as possible. So without further ado…let’s get started.

Managing and Marketing Sheep - Tools and Techniques for Every Shepherd Table of Contents Introduction Chapter 1 Getting Off to the Right Start Chapter 2 Feeding Ewes and Rams Chapter 3 Feeding Lambs Correctly Chapter 4 Let''s Get Down to Business Chapter 5 Techniques and Tools for Marketing Conclusion Author Bio Introduction The keys to raising sheep for profit lie in management and marketing. Managing your flock to achieve optimal health, growth and productivity in the most cost-productive manner is absolutely essential if you wish to market your animals for the best possible price. Rather simplistic sounding, isn’t it? It can be—if you follow a few basic guidelines and remember: You can’t starve a profit out of your animals. No one has as much to gain or lose as you do from managing and marketing your flock, so no one should work as hard as you do. Both of these statements should be at the core of your business plan (yes, farming on even a small scale should be viewed as a business) and the purpose of this book is to help you a) get to that point or b) give you an ‘atta boy and a few ideas to take you to the next level of production and profit

Ways to Sell What You Grow - Making Money with Your Farm Selling Agricultural Products Table of Contents Introduction Chapter 1: Agriculture and the Internet Chapter 2: Networking Equals Sales Chapter 3: Local Outlets Chapter 4: Cutting out the Middle Man Chapter 5: Good Business Conclusion Author Bio Introduction There was a time when farmers took their excess eggs, cream, and butter to town on Saturday to trade for coffee, sugar, flour, baking powder, and other things such as nails, fabric, and shoes they couldn’t grow or produce for themselves. The store owner would then have eggs, cream, and butter to sell to the people living in the community who did not farm. The ‘system’ worked; everyone’s needs were met and they were happy. That’s not the way it is done today, though, is it? Today’s farmers are either: A—large-scale producers who grow and sell commercially for a large corporation such as Del Monte®, Tyson® or one of the other major players in the industry. These farmers depend on government policies and programs and the businessman’s thoughts and decisions in regards to what is going to put the most money in their pockets. This leaves these farmers wearing two very big hats—the one of farmer and the one of businessman trying to meet the demands of corporate America. B—small producers (like you, most likely) who raise and produce livestock, food, and grain/hay for themselves and (hopefully) some of the people living in their own community who buy what they take to the farmer’s market or directly off their farm. This does somewhat resemble the days of old, except for the fact that you have a much smaller customer base. I say this because the number of people buying from the grocery store is vastly larger than the number of people buying from people like you. But what would you say if I told you there are ways to narrow those margins and to make your products available to the masses without being swallowed up by the corporate jungle? If you would say ‘sign me up’, then keep reading, because that’s what this book is all about. By reading this book you will discover ways to reach out to potential customers (literally) around the word. You will discover how and why networking can expand your earning potential, why the middle man isn’t always necessary, and how doing away with ‘him’ will increase your bank account. Yes, this will require you to put on a business hat, but it’s one that actually fits and can be worn comfortably. So get comfortable and get ready to make your world-wide debut in the world of agriculture.

Table of Contents Introduction Chapter 1: The Mess We Got Ourselves Into Chapter 2: Let’s Get Back to Reality Chapter 3: The Emotional Advantages of a Small House Chapter 4: The Practical Advantages of a Small House Chapter 5: Tips For Living With Less Space THE KITCHEN: THE BATHROOMS & LINEN CLOSET: BEDROOMS: THE LIVING AREA: CLOSETS: GUEST ROOM: THE GARAGE: Closing Comments Author Bio Publisher Introduction There was a time not so terribly long ago that families were larger than they are today, but lived in houses less than half the size we see dotting the neighborhoods of America. Families with as many as eight and nine children lived in houses less than 1,000 square feet in size! But then came the 1980s. Our country had forgotten the struggles of war, families were earning two incomes thanks to the women’s movement and greed for bigger and better became the norm. Even hair was big! Houses were not immune from America’s fixation on big, either. In spite of record-high interest rates, houses went from an average of 1,000-1,700 square feet to 2,500 square feet and up! The need for big is still just about everywhere you look. Big drinks, super-sized fast-food meals, big television sets and big houses…society has spent the last few decades obsessed with BIG. The big house obsession, however, is waning. The reduction in the size of houses being built and those that are selling best, stems from a number of reasons. The reasons for the decline in the size of houses American families prefer is the focus of this book. So as you read, ask yourself if you and your family are ready to take the plunge from too big to just right.

Welcome to My Farm - Agri-tourism at its Best - 17 Ways to Make Money From Your Farm Table of Contents Introduction Chapter 1 How to Use this Book Chapter 2: The List Bee keeping Beef cattle producer Berry /nut farming Chicken/turkey producer Christmas tree farming Crop farming (grains) Dairy farm Exotic animals Fish farming Flower and/or herb gardening Greenhouse Horses Naturally resourced (ponds, caves, streams, etc.) Orchards/vineyards Retired farmers Sheep Producers Vegetable gardening Chapter 3: Covering all the Bases Safety Legal ‘stuff’ Chapter 4: Welcome to the Farm Marketing and advertising More than just a trip to the farm Service with a smile. Closing Remarks Author Bio Introduction The word ‘agri-tourism’ is a word coined by the agricultural (farming) industry to define what takes place when someone experiences the happenings of a particular farm by way of visiting and possibly participating in the workings of that farm. It’s a form of educational entertainment. There’s something else you need to know about agri-tourism, though…well, actually two something’s: 1) agri-tourism can work for almost every farm in some way, shape or form. 2) agri-tourism is virtually limitless but requires you to think outside the box and beyond the normal mindset and perceptions of what farming is. Oh, yes, and one more thing…agri-tourism can be the way in which you financially enhance your farm’s profitability.

Parenting is about so much more than diapers, skinned knees, homework and curfews. Parenting is about being present; listening, talking, forgiving, asking for forgiveness and most of all, loving with that unconditional "just because you''re you" kind of love. Momma D, aka, Darla Noble, understands the joys and stresses of parenting and has years of experience as a mom and nanna to help you and your children enjoy (almost) every moment of every day. So whether you are looking for ways to help build your child''s sense of self-worth, solutions to issues with school, sibling rivalry, or just good common sense on how to teach those all-important life-lessons we all need to learn, Momma D is here for you. Love, Momma D is a book filled with the wit and wisdom every parent needs to be able to get to the heart of parenting from the heart.

"Through the Eyes of a Shepherd" is a devotional book reminding us that being called God''s sheep is a compliment...not an insult. Each brief story shared by shepherd and author, Darla Noble, is a reminder of just how blessed we are to be cared for by the Good Shepherd and the assurance that he is always there; listening, watching, providing, and loving. "Through the Eyes of a Shepherd" is an excellent resource for personal or group devotions, sermon illustrations, communion meditations, and children''s lessons.

Letters from a Missouri soldier fighting in the South Pacific in World War II.

How can the number 5 show you the truth that God never changes? How can a banana prove that God works in your life even when you don''t think he is there? Using heat and popcorn to help you understand how God can turn your sadness and pain into something good and wonderful, and learning important truths about God''s protection from an orange--these are just a few of the things you do to see, feel, taste, and hear the TRUTH that is the Bible. And that''s what "The Sneaky Banana Lesson" is all about. Each of the 27 lessons is easy to do, easy to explain, opens the door to great conversations, and demonstrates the truth of the Bible using science, investigative processes, and all sorts of things God created for us to enjoy. Both students and their teachers/parents will be awed and amazed while being reminded of just how truly great and holy God is.

This heart-warming memoir is a collection of letters written by Army medic, George Burks to his parents and little brother, while serving our country during WWII. The letters begin when George is in basic training and end exactly one week before he is killed in the Battle of Luzon (South Pacific Campaign). In addition to George''s letters, the little brother he was writing to, shares his thoughts and memories of his brother, of the pain and pride of being a Gold Star family, and of what it was like to grow up during this time in our nation''s history...sixty-some years after the fact. Reading "All my love, George..." will transport you back in time; making you feel like you are sitting at the kitchen table sharing the lives of the Burks family in a real and personal way.

As a Christian, you must fight. You must fight hard to win against Satan and the temptations he puts in front of you. You are created in the image of God, and part of that image is to enjoy beautiful things. And because the female body is a beautiful thing, males enjoy looking at it. But...God tells us that there is a time and a place for everything under the sun (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). The time and place for a man to enjoy a female body is marriage. That''s it. No more. Nothing else. No exceptions.

Recalling memories of gardens past, laughing over mishaps, remembering with fondness those who shared their garden treasures with me, and marveling out loud (on paper) at the creative genius of God-it''s all in here...and more. "Jesus and Zinnias Make Me Smile" is a collection of gardening memories and the ah-ha moments from God that took root and blossomed in my heart, soul, and mind. Much like seeds do when I put them in the soil. They blossomed into life lessons that continually help me grow into the woman God intends me to be, and to be more like the Master Gardener--my Savior, Jesus Christ. I hope when you read them they will do the same for you.

"Faith is Like Chocolate" is a devotional book for tweens, teens, youth groups, and families learning God''s Word together.