My Homesteading Journey: Faith-Filled Living

If you’re considering starting your own homesteading journey or you’re just curious about what leads someone to live a more natural, self-sufficient lifestyle—this story is for you. I’m sharing how I got started with homesteading, why it matters so much to me, and how God completely transformed my view of food, health, and family life.

I hope my story inspires you to begin your own homesteading journey and that I am able to be a blessing to you in some way through this blog. I have a growing library of Farmhouse Recipes, Homesteading and Holistic Health articles as well as Faith based content!

Growing Up in the Country (But Not Homesteading)

I grew up on eight acres of land in Pennsylvania, surrounded by grape vineyards and wineries. It was the perfect backdrop for homesteading, but I didn’t know it then. Even though we lived in the country, my upbringing wasn’t centered around self-sufficiency. I was raised to focus on school, get good grades, go to college, and chase a stable career—not chickens.

Our property had three acres of grape vines that were maintained by a local winery. I remember the farmer occasionally asking us to shut our windows so he could spray pesticides. At the time, I thought nothing of it. Like most teenagers, I ate what tasted good and never questioned what was in my food.

A Life-Changing Diagnosis

At 16, my life changed forever. I was diagnosed with cancer. While I won’t go into all the details, I will say this—it opened my eyes. I underwent treatment, was pumped full of medications, and eventually declared cured. But I began to wonder: What had caused all this?

Looking back, I now believe years of exposure to pesticides, chemicals, and processed foods played a major role. Still, it would be years before I fully realized how disconnected I was from real health—and real food.

City Living and the Longing for More

After graduating high school, I moved to Texas and spent years living in a cookie-cutter neighborhood. Homes were packed so closely together that I could reach out my window and almost touch the neighbor’s house. I worked at a grocery store, and even then, I found myself bringing home plants—craving something deeper and more life-giving.

Even though I didn’t realize it at the time, I was yearning for the peace and purpose that comes with a homesteading lifestyle.

Marriage, Motherhood, and Misplaced Faith

Next, I married my amazing husband, and a few years later we had our son. Like most parents, we followed the status quo—going to every doctor’s appointment, getting annual check-ups, and trusting that the medical industry would keep us healthy.

After my past health scare, I was borderline obsessive about getting bloodwork done and chasing answers from doctors. I laugh now thinking about how I used to be just like Melman from Madagascar—a total hypochondriac!

The Move That Changed Everything

After our son turned one, we sold our home in Texas and moved to New Hampshire. We missed the seasons, the trees, and the slower pace of life. More than that—we wanted space, seclusion, and a new start.

We stayed with family in Connecticut for a few months before settling in a small New Hampshire condo. It was there, in that little space, that the spark truly ignited. With limited space and nothing to do, we dove into research: How do you raise meat chickens? What’s really in our food?

Starting Our Homestead

Eventually, we purchased our current home and immediately got to work. We built our first chicken tractors and brought home our very first meat birds. That’s how it all started—just like many other beginner homesteaders. From there, things snowballed. Now, we raise chickens, quail, and meat rabbits, and we grow a large garden every year.

We’ve learned so much and continue to grow every day. And now, I share our homesteading journey with you through this blog and my YouTube channel, The Stone Hearth Farmhouse.

Learning Through the “YouTube Grandma”

Because I wasn’t taught homemaking or homesteading skills growing up, I often find myself turning to what I call my “YouTube Grandma” for help. Whether it’s learning to bake sourdough, start seeds, or make kefir—I’m often glued to a screen instead of spending that time with my son. It can be frustrating, but it also motivates me to pass these skills on to him while he’s still young.

The Lost Art of Homesteading

Somewhere along the way, society stopped teaching the essentials: how to grow food, care for animals, cook from scratch, and live simply. The push toward career, consumerism, and convenience has made people completely dependent on broken systems.

We live in a world where many have lost the ability to care for themselves and their families. Kids would rather play video games than build forts or get their hands dirty. And sadly, many parents aren’t showing them another way.

Teaching the Next Generation

I’m thankful that my son has only known this lifestyle. He’s involved in chopping wood, planting seeds, and raising animals. He knows what kefir is and how to feed a sourdough starter. He’s learning essential life skills every day—and most importantly, he’s learning how to trust in God’s provision.

Faith Over Fear

The biggest transformation in my journey hasn’t just been physical—it’s been spiritual. I no longer live in fear of illness or put my faith in doctors. My trust is in the Lord. We’ve even chosen to live without health insurance because our faith is in God—not a system.

He’s given us everything we need to stay healthy: nutrient-dense foods, medicinal herbs, sunshine, rest, and joy. Our family no longer receives unnecessary treatments, and that’s a personal choice we’ve made through prayer and conviction.

Why You Should Start Your Homesteading Journey

We’re living in uncertain times. The same corporations that control the medical industry are tied to the processed food industry. But we don’t have to be victims. You can take control of your food, your health, and your future—starting today.

Homesteading offers a more fulfilling way to live. It reconnects you with the land, with your family, and with God. You’ll find peace in a slower pace and joy in the simple things—like planting a seed or cooking a meal from scratch.

The Gospel Message

And if you’re still reading—thank you. I want to leave you with the most important message of all.

Jesus Christ saved my soul. He left Heaven to be born in a barn, lived a sinless life, and died on the cross to take the punishment for our sins. True riches aren’t found in material things, but in knowing Christ. With Him, we have everything.

“For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.” — 2 Corinthians 8:9

If you don’t know Jesus, I pray you’ll seek Him today.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re just starting to think about starting your homesteading journey or you’re knee-deep in garden soil, I hope my story encourages you. Don’t put your faith in the government or in broken systems. Trust in the Lord. He will provide, lead, and equip you for the path ahead.

Thank you for sticking with me—here’s a message from Pastor Cody Zorn that you won’t want to miss.
Watch Here

God bless you,
Ashley Nicole
The Stone Hearth Farmhouse

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