What We’re Cultivating This Month: April

April always feels like a breath of fresh air, and this year, I’m breathing it in a little deeper. After a long stretch of winter (and let’s be honest, more clutter than I care to admit), the soil’s warming, the porch is calling, and our family is slowly stretching back toward the light.

We’re not doing it perfectly. Life around here feels full — in that good, meaningful, overwhelming-sometimes kind of way. Our house is messy. The routines are hit or miss. But under all of that, something quiet is beginning to stir again: a sense of wonder. Of noticing. Of paying attention to what’s growing, inside and out.

Here’s a little look at what we’re cultivating this month…

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In the Garden

We’ve got eucalyptus, strawflowers, and celosia under the grow lights. Our frost date (sometime between April 11th - 20th) is right around the corner, and once it’s passed, we’ll transplant those starts and direct sow four varieties of zinnias directly into the soil. Our little one helped lay out and secure the landscape fabric this year, and it’s been fun to see her involved.

We’ve also started planning our kitchen garden as a family. We like to grow what we actually eat: herbs, berries, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, radishes, carrots, beets, peas, and more. I have no luck with lettuces, unfortunately. Drew also plans to grow corn and pumpkins out in the field, beside the flower rows.

It’s slow and it’s messy, but it’s full of life.

In the Home

Speaking of messy, our house didn’t get the spring-cleaning memo this year. And honestly? I’m learning to be okay with that (recovering perfectionist). I’ve been reminding myself that yes, the house would be cleaner if it were just me living here… but I don’t want a showroom — I want a home. One that’s full of the people I love most. And people? They’re messy. Especially the ones under four feet tall.

Our laundry room is currently serving as a holding zone for farm tools, coats, backpacks, muddy boots, and an embarrassing number of random things. Oh, and laundry that never seems to get folded.

It’s not picture-perfect, but it's ours.

In the Heart

Lately, I’ve been starting my mornings on the porch with coffee and my Bible. That small rhythm has anchored me in a season that feels really full. Some days I dive into Scripture. Other days, I just breathe and ask God for enough grace to get through the day.

One verse I’ve been sitting with is from Titus 2:11-12 (NLT):

“For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God.”

I’ve read this verse before but this time, it hit different.

Because grace - unearned and unwavering - isn’t just what saves us. It’s what instructs us.

Not shame. Not hustle. Not that panicked I should be doing better feeling. Just grace.

And I needed that reminder recently when my daughter told me, in her sweet and honest way, that I’ve been on my phone too much. Oof! That one went straight to my mama-heart. Because she’s right, and I never want her to think that she comes second to a screen.

That conviction wasn’t wrapped in shame; it came wrapped in grace. God’s using my daughter’s voice to gently instruct me back to what matters most.

In the Waiting

Right now, my children’s book is still in the works. I’ve found an illustrator I’m thrilled about. Her name is Cailey, and we actually attend the same church. Neither of us saw this opportunity coming, but we both feel so led in this project.

As I’ve mentioned, the book follows Ruby through the seasons, starting in spring. And now that spring is here, I’m feeling the story come alive all over again. I’ve found myself noticing the wind a little more, how it carries the scent of new life and reminds us to pay attention.

My hope for this book is that families will feel invited to talk about wonder and faith together. It’s not out yet, but I’ll keep you posted along the way.

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A Simple Invitation

If I had to choose one word for this season, it would be renewed. Or maybe budding. There’s something stirring in the soil and in my soul, and I want to pay attention to it. I want to name it and make space for it.

So, here’s my simple invitation this month:

Slow down. Look around. Ask yourself, What’s budding in my life right now? What’s quietly growing, even if I can’t see the full picture yet? Where is God showing up in small, hopeful ways?

And maybe - just maybe - you can create one small rhythm that reminds you to listen. It doesn’t have to be big or fancy. It could be a cup of coffee on the porch. A story read outside. A little hand in the soil.

That’s what we’re cultivating this April.