Why Were We Interested in Homesteading Anyway?

Homesteading is more than just a way to live—it’s a deeply intentional lifestyle rooted in purpose, self-sufficiency, and connection. At Abundant Grace Homestead, our journey began with a simple desire: to make the most of what we had while practicing grace in every area of life. What started as a small, scraggly garden, growing little food has blossomed into a holistic way of living, bringing together our faith, our community, and our commitment to sustainability. Here’s part of our story about how it all began, why it matters, and where we see this path taking us in the future. We’ll discuss various parts of this and more in future blog posts.

The Seed of a Dream

For us, the first steps toward homesteading were humble. On our small plot of land, we turned every inch into something purposeful. Herbs and vegetables thrived in pots and even a small raised bed on our front porch. With each harvest, our curiosity about growing our own food deepened. Could we do more? Could this lifestyle align with our faith in a meaningful way?

1 Timothy 1:12-17 says, “The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” This verse became a cornerstone for us as we sought to live through the abundant grace we’ve been given, sharing that grace with those around us. And so, the dream of Abundant Grace Homestead was born—not just as a place to grow food, but as a way to live out grace in every area of life.

A Journey of Learning and Growth

Natural Solutions, Healthier Living

Our journey took a transformative turn when we discovered the power of natural remedies. At first, we were skeptical. Could essential oils and plant-based solutions really make a difference? After experiencing firsthand relief from inflammation caused by two herniated discs, I began to embrace the idea that nature actually holds incredible potential for healing and wellness.

This mindset inspired us to swap out chemical-laden products for natural alternatives—not just at home but even at work. From cleaning supplies to personal care items, we became intentional about what we allowed into our lives. Our homemade tallow balm, healing salves, and lip balms are now staples in our home and reflect our commitment to creating products that are safe, effective, and nourishing.

We also have planted a number of medicinal, native plants around the homestead that we have utilized for natural remedies such as tinctures, poultices, and other extracts. This allows us to have a natural medicine chest available from a known source.

Expanding the Garden and Raising Chickens

When we moved to a larger homestead, our vision expanded. Our garden grew to include a repurposed chicken run turned greenhouse, rainwater catchment systems with solar-powered pumps, and new crops to feed our family.

Chickens became part of our daily rhythm, providing fresh, nutrient-rich eggs and teaching us lessons in stewardship. Our daughter loves helping care for them, and the electric poultry netting ensures their safety while giving them the freedom to forage. It’s a win-win for everyone—including our dog, who stays on the other side of the fence!

Beekeeping and Sourdough Adventures

Adding bees to our homestead has been one of the sweetest parts of our journey—literally. With two thriving hives, we’ve been able to enjoy the fruits of their labor: delicious honey that not only nourishes us but also connects us to the rhythms of nature. Beekeeping requires vigilance and care, but it’s deeply rewarding.

Our adventure with sourdough started with a gift from family—a forgiving starter that we’ve now nurtured for years. Using freshly milled organic flour, we bake everything from bread to muffins to pancakes and much more, savoring the satisfaction of knowing exactly where our food comes from.

Why We Do What We Do

At its heart, our homesteading journey is about living intentionally—aligning our values with our actions. It’s about asking important questions:

• Where does our food come from?
• How can we care for the earth while providing for our family?
• What legacy are we leaving for future generations?

Through it all, we strive to practice grace: grace for ourselves as we learn, grace for the land we steward, and grace for the community we serve. Homesteading is a way to live out that grace in practical, tangible ways, creating a life that is deeply connected, meaningful, and abundant.

Dreaming About the Future

As we look ahead, our vision for Abundant Grace Homestead continues to grow. We dream of:

• Expanding our garden to include more staple crops and medicinal herbs.
• Adding more animals (more chickens) to our homestead to expand our reach into the community.
• Hosting workshops to share what we’ve learned about natural living, gardening, and sustainability.
• Offering honey, homemade products, and other goods to our local community, furthering our mission to share grace abundantly.

What’s Your Homestead Dream?

Our hope is that by sharing our story, you’ll feel inspired to take the first step toward your own homesteading journey. Whether it’s planting a single pot of herbs or dreaming up a full-scale homestead, the possibilities are endless. Your journey will be unique, but it starts with a simple question: What if I could live more intentionally?

Let’s dream together. What’s your WHY? What steps could you take today to begin creating the life you envision? At Abundant Grace Homestead, we’re here to encourage, support, and share in this journey with you. Together, we can make a meaningful difference—one small step at a time.