Last updated on February 10th, 2025 at 07:26 pm
A Legacy of Love, Learning, and Land
Life has a way of bringing us full circle, doesn’t it? I’m writing to you from the same piece of land my daddy and granddaddy cleared years ago, where the legacy of their hard work still whispers through the trees. Today, this homestead isn’t just my home – it’s where three generations of our family live, love, and grow together, including my children and five precious grandbabies who fill these acres with laughter and new memories.
For 25 years, education was my calling. I spent my days in the classroom as a 3rd-grade teacher, then helping young minds blossom as a reading specialist, and eventually serving as Technology Coordinator and Director of Long Distance Learning. Teaching wasn’t just my profession; it was my passion, a way to nurture growth in others.
Then 2020 arrived, bringing changes none of us expected. In 2021, at the age of 54, I made the bittersweet decision to step away from the classroom. What I didn’t know then was that God was preparing me for an even more profound journey. Between 2020 and 2022, I said goodbye to both of my beloved parents, a loss that shook my world to its foundation.
But sometimes our deepest pain becomes the soil where new purpose takes root. My early retirement became a gift – time to grieve, to heal, and to embark on a transformative spiritual journey that would span three years. In the quiet moments of reflection and in the depths of both sorrow and joy, I discovered parts of myself I never knew existed. More importantly, I found a deeper, richer understanding of God’s faithfulness in every season of life.
Now, as I tend to our cattle and goats (with chickens soon to join our menagerie), I’m stepping into a new season once again. This spring, I’m planting my first big garden, taking up the mantle my daddy left behind. Each seed I sow feels like a connection to him, a continuation of the legacy he and my granddaddy started on this land.
Last fall, I began putting my thoughts on paper, finding my voice through writing. It took time to build the confidence to share these words with others, but I’ve learned that our stories – even the difficult chapters – can be a light for someone else walking a similar path.
That’s why I’m here now, ready to share what I’ve learned about finding joy in every season. Whether you’re navigating loss, seeking deeper spiritual connection, or simply trying to live with more intention, you’ll find honest conversation and practical wisdom rooted in faith.
Life on this homestead has taught me that growth comes in cycles, that strength often springs from our most challenging seasons, and that joy can coexist with grief. As I continue to learn and grow – raising animals, tending gardens, loving on grandbabies, and deepening my faith – I invite you to join me on this journey.
Here, we’ll explore everything from intentional living and sacred habits to practical matters of stewardship and household management, all through the lens of faith and grace. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that every season has its purpose, and there’s joy to be found in each one.
I’m so glad you’re here!
