Hello friends!
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!It’s been a little while since I’ve posted — life has been full and busy, as I’m sure many of you can relate to. Between family, work, and everything else that fills our days, it can feel like there’s never quite enough time.
I actually have several posts already written, just waiting to be fine-tuned and shared. My goal is to get a few more of those wrapped up soon. Then I can post more regularly in the coming months. Writing brings me joy, even when it’s hard to fit in. Like many things worth doing, it’s all about finding balance — and trusting that God gives us the grace to manage what truly matters.
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”
— Ecclesiastes 3:1
The Joy and Purpose in Preserving
This summer and fall have been full of canning and preserving — work that is both humbling and rewarding. Over the last weekend in July, I found myself surrounded by jars, fruit, and friends, reminded how meaningful this process can be.
Canning has become more than just a hobby for me; it’s part of the life and community I feel called to build. Growing, making, and preserving our own food is one small way I can care for the family God has blessed me with and honor His provision in our lives.
Recently, we wrapped up canning apples and are waiting on our winter pears to finish ripening. Once those are done, we’ll be set on fruit for a while! Next up: finishing our frozen tomatoes and harvesting whatever’s left in the garden before the frost arrives.
We still have plenty of peppers to dehydrate, and I plan to freeze some as well for later use. That will wrap up our fresh produce for the year and lead us into winter — the season for pressure cooking beans and meats, and resting after a full harvest.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
— Colossians 3:23
When I spend time in the kitchen preserving food, I’m reminded that even the simplest acts — washing fruit, tightening jar lids, labeling shelves — can be acts of worship when done with a thankful heart.
New Routines and Simple Joys
Alongside all the canning, I’ve also gone back to school, and we’re settling into new routines as a family. Both of our kids tried something new this year and really enjoyed it! Sports seem to be in our future — within reason, of course.
I believe sports can build strong character and teamwork, but I also want to make sure our priorities stay in line with our faith. We’re encouraging our kids to learn piano and explore their musical gifts, too — a reminder that creativity and worship can go hand in hand.
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
— Proverbs 22:6
We’re learning to balance all of this with the value of simply being home. After working all day, I crave quiet evenings where we can sit around the table, talk, or just rest. Having our kids help with chores, care for their spaces, and take part in family life teaches responsibility — but also gratitude for the home God has given us.
Balance isn’t always easy, but it’s necessary. And I’ve learned that sometimes saying “no” to one more activity means saying “yes” to peace, family, and time with the Lord.
Choosing What Matters Most
Lately, I’ve been reminded — through funerals and celebrations of life — that our time on earth is precious and limited. We each have to decide what’s truly important and how we want to spend the days God gives us.
For me, canning, gardening, and preserving have become ways to slow down and reflect on His goodness. When I look at shelves full of jars, I don’t just see food — I see faithfulness. I see the work of our hands, blessed by God’s provision.
I know we’ll notice a difference in our grocery bills and in how often we need to go to the store. Instead, we’ll “shop” from our own pantry — one built with gratitude and prayer. There’s such comfort in knowing the meals we make are wholesome and come from the blessings God has provided through our garden and hard work.
“The Lord will open to you his good treasury, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hands.”
— Deuteronomy 28:12
Even more, this way of life has strengthened our community. We’ve built deeper friendships through sharing work, food, and faith. The Bible teaches us not only to build community and share the Word, but also to surround ourselves with good people who encourage us to live out our faith daily.
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.”
— Hebrews 10:24
Closing Thoughts
So while life has been full — of jars, schedules, and new adventures — my heart is full too. Each season brings new challenges and blessings, and through them all, I’m learning to rest in God’s rhythm instead of rushing through my own.
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
— Psalm 46:10
Thank you for following along here, for sharing in this journey of faith, family, and the simple joys of a life rooted in gratitude. I look forward to sharing more in the months to come — hopefully with a few of those drafts finally ready!