Homestead Dream

5 years ago, we set out to start our homestead dream.

We bought land put a mobile home on it, got chickens, pigs, and goats. I had a sorry attempt at a garden, and we were doing our best to do it all.

When the Homestead Dream gets tough

My children were young, and I felt overwhelmed and alone. Zarick had a full-time job and helped with the chores of the homestead when he was home. But a lot of the time the work fell on me, and I was not mentally prepared for it.

My priorities were my young children. Caring for them and homeschooling them. I felt the chores of the homestead took me away from them.

Now I know there are so many homesteaders who do a fantastic job of raising children and caring for the homestead. But that was not me. Having never been raise on a farm, I was not prepared for it. Looking back, I think we were a little overzealous and tried to do too much too fast.

Then we learned the used mobile home we had bought had mold. A lot of mold. We worked hard to clean it all out. But we quickly found that we were over our heads and didn’t know what to do to fix it.

We sadly decided to sell. Hoping that the land would go to someone who knew better how to handle the situation.

When the Homestead Dream changes

We ended up moving in the exact opposite direction. We moved to the middle of the city and gave up the homestead dream completely. Figuring, we tried and failed, so we should find something different to do with our life.

Thankfully the Lord always knows what is best for us and is always working and using our circumstances to change us into the servants of His that we should be. We are never left to figure it out on our own. He is always right there with us. Leading and growing us into His likeness.

I was in great need of spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with Him. I was trying to go at it all by my own strength, will and determination. Let me tell you, I was a mess.

Reflecting

I think it is important to spend some time reflecting on our lives. Looking back over the course of our lives and taking the time to see how the Lord has worked in us. So that we can apricate and thank Him for it.

It’s important to not spend all of our time reflecting, obviously. Because then we can miss the gifts He has given us right now. There are always blessings from the Lord all around us that we should praise Him for.

Every now and then looking at where we used to be and where He has led us to is so humbling. It reminds me that I really have no control over anything even though I like to think I do. Even though I know I’m not really in control, the one who is, is working all things for the good.

Homestead Dream Again

I have grown a great deal, though I am far from perfect. I am so grateful for the time the Lord has given me in order to grow. We are at a fantastic church where the body truly loves and cares for one another. My children are older now and not quite as demanding on my time. And we are surrounded by like-minded people who love us.

We have decided to move once more. We were going to move to another city home more centrally located for work, church, and family. But the spark for a homestead has been rekindled in our hearts. I can’t help but think this timing has been provided by the Lord. His timing is always better than ours because His is perfect.

We learned a lot in our first attempt at the homestead dream and I am very excited for the opportunity to try again. But this time with a better frame of mind. This time I won’t be relying on myself.

Our children constantly talk about how much they loved playing on the land. I know my husband loved it too.

This time we will take it a bit slower, however. Knowing that we are in it for the long haul not a fast and furious spark that sizzles out. But slow and steady. With the aim of pleasing God first and foremost in all that we do each and every day.

Rather than spending my time dreaming I want to be sure I am enjoying where God has us each and every day.

I pray that you will be encouraged to live every day in service to Him with us.