poppyjoes

Why We Left the Busy Life to Build a Homestead: Our First Generation Farming Story

Before Poppy Joe’s it was a studio apartment in Decatur, Georgia for me. Doug was in Midtown, Atlanta. We each have our stories – shootings in the gas stations across the street, city pipes bursting resulting in apartment buildings without water for a week, cranes collapsing… the lists can go on. It was easy during these minor inconveniences/scares to laugh with each other and say they were why we couldn’t wait to get out of the city. And while events like those may have played a minor part in our decision, the true drivers to us diving into this lifestyle were so much deeper. 

Our faith is the most important thing in our lives. I always feel the need to tell people these aren’t our dreams… they’re His. He planted these dreams in our hearts when He brought us together. 

Taking Care of God’s Creation: Stewardship Through Farming

One of the biggest reasons we felt called to this homesteading life was the desire to be good stewards of the land God entrusted to us. Farming isn’t just about producing food—it’s about tending to the soil, the animals, the plants, and every piece of creation with care and respect.

Every time we step outside, we’re reminded of how connected everything is. The health of the soil affects the food we grow. The way we will treat our animals impacts not only their well-being but the entire ecosystem they’re part of. It’s all a reflection of God’s perfect design.

Instead of rushing through life consuming more than we give back, we wanted to take a step back and care—to work the land in a way that heals, nurtures, and sustains. Whether that means composting, maintaining pastures, or simply taking the time to appreciate the small creatures and plants that often get overlooked, we believe every act of stewardship is an act of worship.

Living this way constantly teaches us humility. We aren’t in control—God is. But we are responsible for how we show up every day to care for what He’s placed in our hands.

The Joy (and Challenge) of Growing Our Own Food

I often dream of the freedom we’ll feel in planting, tending, and harvesting our own food. So far, we’ve got a few things planted in our spring garden, but the learning lessons seem to come every single day. To nurture a tiny seed indoors, carefully transplant it outside, and then continue to give it love as it grows into the food that fills our dinner plates—what a beautiful journey to be on!

Between the two of us, we came into this with almost zero gardening experience. In our city apartments, all we could do was research—books, videos, local classes. But moving from plans to action always brings its own twists and turns. Like when we tilled up our garden, planted our onion sets… and then it rained for six days straight. We quickly realized we may have a drainage problem (cue Doug digging trenches in the pouring rain to save our little onions).

I’ve always loved visiting farmer’s markets—shaking the hand of the person who grew the food I was about to eat. To now have the opportunity to become those farmers, not only for our family but for a local community, is the inspiration that fuels us every day.

Raising Animals with Purpose and Care

I’ll admit it—I’m one of those slightly “annoying” animal lovers… the kind who would happily have ten dogs if Doug let me, and they’d probably all sleep in the bed with us.

While I love animals and will no doubt consider all of our future animals part of the family, I also have a deep respect for the purpose in which God created them. The animals that will one day roam our pastures aren’t just pets—they’ll be a source of nourishment for ourselves and our community. I believe in the circle of life, and I have faith that we can offer them a beautiful, well-cared-for life until their purpose is fulfilled.

I know it won’t always be easy emotionally. There will be tough moments and countless lessons in how to properly care for them. But I can already picture it—the quiet peace of sitting on the front porch, looking out over the pastures, watching animals freely foraging through the fields. It’s the kind of life we’re working toward—one filled with gratitude, responsibility, and reverence for God’s creation.

Slowing Down to Be Present in God’s Creation

If you’ve ever lived in a busy area—like the downtown of a city—you know how rare it is to experience a truly quiet moment. Sirens, people, traffic, noise… it’s constant.

I found myself craving peace and quiet. But here’s the thing: truly experiencing God’s peace doesn’t just come from moving to the countryside. It requires intentional work and mental discipline. You don’t step onto a farm and suddenly receive a 24/7 gift of peace, as if the enemy doesn’t follow you there too. But—waking up, stepping outside, and hearing nothing but birds chirping, the gentle wind, maybe a rooster crowing from a neighboring farm… peace is so much easier to reach.

I’ve always been the type to focus on productivity, tying too much of my worth to how much I get done in a day. Before moving out here, my mind was constantly racing—a million miles per minute. Even in the middle of one task, I was already thinking about the next thing on my list.

Now, when I’m out working in the garden or walking through the pastures, I challenge myself to slow down. To stop. To name every sound I hear around me. To notice all the colors. To feel the wind like our dogs do (yes, weird—but true). And that’s when I feel His peace. That’s when I feel most present.

I’m grateful beyond words to have this little slice of heaven to tend to each day. It’s where I’m learning—over and over again—to stay grounded, stay present, and rest in God’s creation.

Freedom for Our Kids: Teaching Responsibility and Hard Work

Ah yes, our future farm babies. Those little ones will have quite the playground to grow up on. A childhood spent learning right alongside Mom and Dad on this farming journey feels like one of the greatest gifts we can give them.

The beauty of life is that we all get to have our own dreams, our own opinions, and our own ways of doing things. I don’t believe raising kids on a farm is the right way—it’s just the way we feel called to do it.

Children are the greatest blessing we could ever receive from the Lord. He entrusts us with the responsibility and authority to raise these babies He’s created, and we don’t take that lightly. For us, the chance to raise them here—learning how to grow food, care for animals, understand hard work and responsibility, and find joy in simple things—is everything.

We want them to know the value of tending to God’s creation, the satisfaction of seeing something through from start to finish, and the importance of faith woven through it all. And if they get to have some fun and freedom running barefoot through pastures along the way? Even better.

Closing Thoughts: Building a Life Rooted in Purpose

This journey of building a homestead—of leaving behind the noise, the busyness, and the comforts of convenience—hasn’t been the easiest path. But for us, it’s the most meaningful one. We’re learning new skills, growing deeper in our faith, and slowly shaping a life that honors God, cares for His creation, and invites our family to live with purpose.

Every day out here holds its own set of challenges and lessons—whether it’s figuring out how to keep plants alive, fixing up damaged fences, or simply learning to slow down and be present. But through it all, we’re finding freedom: freedom to live intentionally, to steward well, and to raise future generations who know the value of hard work, responsibility, and faith.

We hope that by sharing our journey—the ups, the downs, and all the beauty in between—you feel inspired to chase your own version of this dream, wherever you are.

Farm/Homestead Resources We Love

Here are some of the books we read in our city days to prepare us for this life! We are still referring to them weekly to guide us in the journey. 

• The Backyard Homestead
• The 7-step Homestead
• Homesteading: A Backyard Guide
• Georgia Month-by-Month Gardening
• Back to Basics