You might be wondering, how exactly does a rock bloom???
I’m so glad you asked!
At first glance it seems like an oxymoron. We all know flowers bloom, but rocks? Biologically speaking, they don’t grow. But what if we look at it from a spiritual perspective? That’s exactly what God asked me to do!
you don’t have to be blooming to be growing.
Ruth Chou Simons
tiny bit of background first
Humble Homestead Beginnings
The woods on the homestead have become a place of rest for me. Which, in retrospect, is something of an anomaly all by itself. I grew up a city girl enjoying the stability and structure of administrative work, amidst a few years spent traveling the Midwest road racing with my now husband.
So, when Jason proposed farming, with two small children, I was equal parts terrified and intrigued. I knew nothing about ruminant animals, hay, buildings, harvesting, cow pies, etc. I did know I’d need a comfy, but cute, pair of muck boots for myself and the babes though.
We brought the first pair of heifers home fall of 2015. For the next several years, I would question my sanity umpteen million times, ask God what in the world He was thinking with this plan, pray I’d make it to the next season, and start a blog. Because why not add another thing (insert eye roll)!?!
fast forward to 2024
Whisperings of a Change in Season
Early spring, I made a goal to be more physically active by spending time in nature. After a few weeks, the huffing and puffing while walking through pastures and woods, turned to humming worship songs, reading the Bible, and praying.
God was speaking to me in such profound ways, about simple truths that could be applied to everyday seasons of life; I couldn’t help but be excited to share them with my community of friends. Soon, my moments with Him became the main thing I blogged about when time allowed.
I’ll never forget when God revealed He was using these walks to heal wounds and deepen our relationship. I paused midstride and thought, “Ya know Lord, before moving to the farm, I wouldn’t have dared entered these woods, let alone by myself, in early morning light, out of fear. Look what you’ve done!”
It wasn’t long before it became clear God was asking me to embrace the blog as a ministry, and to share how He can help us heal our hearts and bodies through His Word and creation.
Blooming Rock Homestead
There’s a huge rock my dog and I sit on during our walks. It’s where all else fades away. What’s left is the tender caress of God’s grace, as healing rays shine through dappled leaves singing whispers of love. It’s the moment God reminds me He’s my firm foundation, The Rock, and with His help, anything can bloom in any season. Even the seemingly impossible.
and that’s how this chapter of ministry began
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2
Go from Stressed to Blessed!
when you join our supportive online family
This is where you’ll find me working through the nitty gritty of whatever season God has for me. Moment of honesty? It’s not all zinnias, strawflowers, poppies and sunshine. I’d be honored to have you join us and connect with heartfelt devotions, faith-filled book recommendations, Bible verses and quotes, and natural living info.
follow along
P.S. Facebooks more my jam (old school girl here), so you’ll find exclusive things like candid snapshots and funny farm tales over there!