Practical Homesteading

Tag: homestead

  • Growing Where We’re Planted: Moving Closer to Family and Letting Go of Fate

    Growing Where We’re Planted: Moving Closer to Family and Letting Go of Fate

    Do you believe in fate/destiny?

    No, I really don’t believe in fate or destiny. I don’t think anyone’s life is completely prewritten. Our paths are shaped by the choices we make, the help we accept, and the way we respond when things get messy. Still, some circumstances are stronger than our willpower alone, and none of us can do it without support — from faith, family, or good friends who remind us we’re not alone.

    ## A Family Move That Tested Our Strength

    A few years ago, my husband and I decided we wanted to live closer to our families, who were about two hours away. We were rooted on an 18-acre homestead — beautiful but not easy to leave behind. I was pregnant at the time and caring for our three-year-old, running on fumes while my husband carried most of the physical load.

    He managed the heavy lifting and trips back and forth, while I coordinated with the real estate agent, cleaned, packed, transferred doctors, and researched schools. It was exhausting work, physically and mentally. Change doesn’t always feel like courage — sometimes, it’s just stubbornness and persistence one long day after another.

    ## Lessons in Change and Support

    Through countless trips, family help, and many take‑out dinners, we finally made the move. Looking back, that season taught me how much support truly matters when facing big life changes. We can often change more than we think — and when we can’t, we can still find ways to live fully in the situation we’re in.

    That perspective has shaped how I understand personal growth and mindset. The biggest shifts often happen quietly — in how we think, what we choose to let go of, and how we lean on the people who love us. Growth doesn’t always look graceful; sometimes it’s just persistence disguised as survival.

    ## Finding Peace Through the Serenity Prayer

    When I reach the limits of what I can control, I take comfort in the serenity prayer. It reminds me to seek the courage to change what I can, the grace to accept what I can’t, and the wisdom to know the difference.

    Maybe that’s not destiny at all — maybe it’s the steady, imperfect work of growing where we’re planted and finding grace along the way.

    Feature Photo by Alicia Christin Gerald on Unsplash

    How do you think about fate versus choice in your own life? Have you ever made a big move or change like this?

    I’d love to hear your story in the comments—what helped you get through a season of big transition?

    If this story resonated with you, please tap the like button, leave a comment, or share it with a friend who’s facing a big life change. Your support helps this little corner of the internet grow.

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    Read More: Learning to Let Go: Saying Goodbye to Our Homestead and Pond

  • Feathers, Frogs, and Family: Lessons from Our Chickens

    Feathers, Frogs, and Family: Lessons from Our Chickens

    What are your favorite animals?

    I remember he day our delivery person lingered just to pet a chicken. It marked a quiet but unforgettable connection between humans and animals in our lives. That black hen with golden feathers wasn’t just beautiful. She was a symbol of the surprising personalities and stories hidden in every farm animal. These stories have shaped my family and me in ways I never expected.

    Farm animals have always felt special to me. More than simple creatures in a barnyard, they each hold distinct characters and life lessons. Chickens, in particular, embody a fascinating mix of contradictions: small yet bold, practical yet full of surprises. Take the first time I saw one catch and eat a frog, for example. I was both fascinated and startled. There she was, darting through the grass with sharp precision, capturing a hopping frog with a triumphant snap. This wild side of chickens revealed itself suddenly but clearly—showing me they are more than gentle garden pets. They are resourceful, lively members of the natural world.

    Equally meaningful to me has been watching my son grow alongside these animals. From tentative first touches to bursts of laughter as he ran alongside the flock, his connection with the chickens deepened steadily over time. This growing bond reached a milestone when we gathered our first pullet egg together. It was a small, warm marvel that tasted like patience and hope. Sharing that fresh egg was a celebration of both life and the quiet rituals that come from care and attentiveness.

    Beyond their intriguing personalities and practical benefits like eating food scraps and producing fertilizer, these animals have woven themselves into our daily rhythms and affections. It’s no wonder our delivery person was so drawn to that golden-feathered hen. Her presence brought him brief moments of comfort and joy. When she passed away, it marked a quiet loss that reminded me how deeply animals can touch human lives and how these bonds leave lasting marks on our hearts.

    Farm animals are, in truth, companions who teach us to slow down, observe, and connect with the cycle of life. Chickens, with their surprising mix of wildness and gentleness, stand out as providers with vibrant personalities and teachers. In their company, I have found moments of laughter, reflection, and an enduring appreciation for the simple, rich realities of living closely with nature.

    What’s your favorite farm animal or memorable moment with animals that has touched your heart? Share your stories in the comments below—I’d love to hear about the special connections you’ve had with animals!


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