The Homestead Way of Life

Homestead in Your Heart

When we think of a "homestead" many of us get the mental picture of an expanse of land with an old farmhouse and a big red barn.  The acreage would be dotted with cattle, perhaps a creek running through, in the vast, open countryside.  A lot like the picture above.

Well, that's a very nice picture.....but it's not reality for many of us and may never be.  Don't get me wrong!  I thank the Lord for giving us our little parcel in the country, with the fruit trees and the river nearby.  It's been such a blessing.  But, you can have a "homestead" no matter where you are - you don't need to be in the country or have lots of land.

We started our homestead adventure in the thriving suburb of Simi Valley, CA on a corner lot.  I grew a small garden and kept two chickens.  It was there that I learned to can and bake bread.   Eventually, we did get our place in the country.  But, you know what?  That could change.  The Lord could call us to another place.  And I know now that it doesn't matter where I live, because my homestead is in my heart.

You can grow food, bake bread, can fruits and vegetables, sew, craft, keep small animals whether you are in the city or the country.  Our grandmothers did all of these things and many of them did them in their backyards!  The Victory gardens grown during World War II produced over one-third of all vegetables and fruits grown in the United States at that time!  I will be writing more about this in my January/February issue of New Harvest.

So, don't be discouraged if a move to the country doesn't seem to be the plan for you right now.  The homestead life is a "home-centered" life where a woman can work with her two hands to produce good things for her family and her home.  Remember, where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.  Treasure the Lord, treasure your family and treasure the life God has given you.  You can do so much right where you are.

Write to me at NewHarv@aol.com for a free sample of New Harvest.

so true, Lisa

02:59, 2006-Jan-2 .. Posted by JoyceFamily

thanks for the reminder!

Thanks!

10:29, 2006-Jan-2 .. Posted by SimplifiedLife

your message is very timely.

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12:04, 2006-Jan-3 .. Posted by Dalyn

I just love how encouraging, positive, and inspiring you always are Lisa. I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart! I just love ya!

Thank You!!!

04:42, 2006-Jan-3 .. Posted by GoodNeighbors

This is totally excellent!!!!! God has given me a homestead heart and put us in the suburbs. This hits me right where I live... Thanks so very much!!!

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04:57, 2006-Jan-3 .. Posted by Lisa

Lisa,
Your newsletters are ALWAYS so uplifting, and full of information! Can't wait for the next one!! So glad you are here!

Lisa @ OurLittleHomestead :)

Thank you Lisa !!!

09:30, 2006-Jan-3 .. Posted by KellyKJV

GOD knew I needed to read that!! Thank you !!! I pray that GOD will forgive me, for really not being thankful for what I do have and I pray He blesses you for opening my eyes !!! Kelly

homestead heart

10:31, 2006-Jan-3 .. Posted by Joanna

I just love the way you write. You have a gift. I will remember this-that my homestead can be in my heart. We live in a neighborhood but have a huge backyard, almost 3/4 of an acre. We had two dozen chickens in the back corner until we needed to take a break from them and gave them away a couple of years ago. Someday we'll get more.
I have more land than many women who live in the city but I'm rarely content. I want more, I want privacy, I want a stream and big shade trees and fertile soil, I want...on and on it goes. Your thoughts today have blessed me. There really is so much we can do right where we are, wherever we are.
I'm so looking forward to your next newsletter/ezine. I just love it!
Blessings to you Lisa!

Thank You

07:29, 2006-Jan-4 .. Posted by YPAmy5

Thank you for your timely and inspired words. Reading others blogs, I often find myself "wishful thinking" but I know that I am where God wants me to be for this time.

Yep

02:55, 2006-Jan-4 .. Posted by winterpast

another poster took the words right out of my mouth :So true". Keep letting people know. ~Rebecca

Yes!

01:03, 2006-Jan-5 .. Posted by rosehillranch

What a lovely, inspiring post! xo Jeani

thank you...

11:50, 2006-Jan-6 .. Posted by DonnaJoy

I know fee much more like a homesteader!!

homesteading

06:04, 2006-Jan-14 .. Posted by mccrjill

I was getting ready to research the meaning of homesteading - but now I don't need to - "being steadfast at home" - what a great thing - I love being home and learning to be more self-sufficient - I gather too much clutter, but thrift stores are so much fun! Jill

The homesteading life is a "home-centered" life

06:39, 2006-Jan-15 .. Posted by karatemom

Couldn't agree with you more. This is my first visit but certainly won't be my last. Your gift of writing is wonderfully comforting. One of those warm fuzzy types of writing which I dearly love. I just realized that I've had a homesteading life for many many years, even when I lived in the heart of Miami Florida. I always thought that I had to move to the country, the same "vision" that you mentioned in your post. I did that, moved to the country with my first husband. However, I had a home-centered heart, he did not. The marriage, of 18 years, ended but my home-centered heart continued. I'm married again, 11 years now. I have a 24 year old son from 1st marriage and we have a 10 year old son. This time around we all three live home-centered lifes. Real home-bodies to the point that people get really frustrated with us because we don't "visit" alot. Can't help it. We just love being home so much and doing things together, that when we do visit we choose to make it a visit of quality rather than quantity. We now live on an acre, just moved here, and can't wait for the weather to warm so I can get outdoors and spot my garden plot. For now I'm learn the indoor arts like needlework, quilting, and busy doing interior design and repurposing. Sorry for the long post. Your writing has me inspired.
Lovely home you have here. I'll be back often.

Living the simple life,
Sherri
homesteadblogger.com/simpletreasure