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. 

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.

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