Simplicity Over Homestead for Faith and Family

 

Why We Left Our Small Homestead for a Subdivision Life

For years, the dream pulled at our hearts: a little homestead where we could grow our own food, raise a few animals, and live close to the land and raise our children. We poured love, sweat, and savings into that small property. It was beautiful in many ways—watching sunrises over the garden and teaching our kids about God’s provision by raising our own beef and chickens. Yet over time, we realized the dream was quietly costing us something even more precious: time, financial breathing room, peace, and the ability to be fully present as a family.

After much prayer, we sold our homestead and moved to a modest home in a simple subdivision. It felt counter-cultural at first, but it has been one of the best decisions we’ve made for our faith, our family, and our well-being.

The Hidden Costs of Our Homestead Dream

Homesteading taught us resilience and gratitude, but the demands were relentless. Broken irrigation systems, trees that always needed trimming, the endless weeds, and dump runs consumed our weekends and budget. Though we tried to stay holistic, the local mosquito abatement district’s truck fogging chemicals made us sick with headaches, nausea, and respiratory issues that clashed with the natural life we sought.

As our two oldest children moved out in 2025, the load shifted heavily onto my teenage daughter and me at home to manage the yard, animals, and the upkeep of the house and garden, which left us deeply fatigued. My husband worked all day, endured a one-hour commute each way, and then came home to more chores, the heavy ones like trimming trees, blowing leaves, mending broken sprinklers, and any other chore you can think of that needed a man's hand and strength. Evenings that should have been for connection and relaxing often ended in exhaustion. The place meant to draw us closer was quietly pulling us apart. And then the horrible, toxic chemicals sprayed on us all summer long took their toll.

Financially, we stayed stretched thin. We began asking: Are we stewarding God’s gifts wisely, or chasing an ideal at the expense of our true callings?

A Gentle Nudge Toward Simplicity

After months of mental and emotional turmoil over the fogging from the abatement district and constant sickness, stress, and anxiety, my husband and I cried out to God for direction. The Lord says in Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Those words resonated deeply. We weren’t experiencing that rest.

Through earnest prayer and honest conversations, God answered. We felt His gentle permission to release the homestead dream, especially me, because it's what I longed for, for so long. We weren’t failing—we were realigning around faith, family, and a sustainable pace. And a deep peace we all longed for.

The Gifts We’ve Rediscovered

Moving to our low-maintenance subdivision home brought immediate relief: a yard mowed in under an hour, predictable bills, and no more irrigation battles, dump runs, or relentless chemical fogging. We gained breathing room.

More Time Together

Evenings now hold unhurried dinners, movie time, spending time on our porch swing, enjoying the sunsets, and connection. Weekends include church, rest, and soon-to-be adventures. We’re present with each other and our grown kids.

Financial Stability

By downsizing our home, we have gained more financial stability, allowing us to build savings and live within our means—trusting God as Provider.

Room for Faith and Rest

Simplicity created space for prayer, relaxing, and hearing the Lord. Our faith is thriving in the ordinary. Contentment isn’t found in the perfect property but in Christ, wherever He calls us.

For Anyone Considering a Similar Shift

If you’re weary from “more,” it’s okay to change course. God’s plans for your family may look different from what you imagined—and that’s beautiful. Pray boldly, seek counsel, and consider your current season.

Our subdivision home isn’t fancy, but our hearts are fuller, our home is peaceful, and we’re living with greater joy and purpose.

If you’re chasing bigger or harder, come home to simplicity. Lean into Jesus. Prioritize your family. The most abundant life often hides in the quiet, faithful ordinary. May you find rest for your soul in the place God has for your family, whatever size yard it comes with.

“Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it.” — Proverbs 15:16

What about you? Have you simplified for faith and family? Share in the comments.