The Ripple Effect: A Loaned Bull, Finding Peace, and the Heart Behind the Beans

Welcome back to another week at Larson’s Land! If there is one thing we are constantly learning out here on the farm, it's that everything is connected. The work we do today is planting seeds—sometimes literally, sometimes figuratively—for the seasons to come.

Between moving cattle, prepping the new building, and reflecting on why we are doing all of this in the first place, it’s been a week full of profound reminders of God’s goodness. Here is what we’ve been up to.

On the Farm: Stewardship and the Kindness of Friends

Things have been busy in the pastures. This week, we brought a bull onto the farm to start spending time with the ladies. To make that happen, I had to separate and wean off the steers, which also means we are back to milking Delilah every single day.

Being out there every morning, working with the animals, naturally creates moments to just stop and reflect on God’s blessings. He put all of this here on earth, and it is our responsibility to be good stewards of it—to care for the land, the plants, and the livestock to the absolute best of our ability.

But the biggest blessing this week wasn't just the animals; it was the community.

The bull we brought in is big, healthy, and on loan from a good friend. He didn't have to do that for us. He just did it. It is an amazing thing to watch Jesus work through the generosity of others. That one act of kindness is a true ripple in the water. Because of that loaned bull, we will be able to feed multiple families here in about two years. That is a beautiful, humbling thought.

Hebrews 13:16: "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."

In the Roastery: Laying the Groundwork

While the farm keeps moving, we still have a bit of downtime at the new building as we wait for our commercial roaster to arrive.

But "downtime" just means doing the unglamorous behind-the-scenes work! This week was all about preparation. We are getting the wiring and plumbing mapped out and ready to go. We've also been unboxing and setting up our workstations—getting the tables, scales, and scoops organized so that the second that roaster gets here, we are ready to hit the ground running.

A Walk, A Friend, and Finding Peace

I have to be honest, though: between the farm chores and the roastery prep, I found myself feeling pretty anxious earlier this week. I was getting into my own head, looking at the massive to-do list, and feeling completely overwhelmed by how much there was to get done.

Thankfully, I had scheduled to take a walk with a friend. As we walked and talked, we realized we were both dealing with similar issues. It hit me that so much of this anxiety was completely self-imposed and, honestly, unwarranted.

We reminded each other of one simple truth: If we are doing what we are doing according to God’s will and not our own, we are going to be okay. Let me tell you, that realization was incredibly calming. It shifted my whole perspective and allowed me to breathe again.

• Proverbs 19:21: "Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails."

Connecting the Dots: Why a Roastery for Larson?

Getting my heart right on that walk helped me refocus on the real reason we are doing all of this. As we get closer to opening the doors, a question naturally comes up, and it’s an important one to discuss:

Larson was three years old. He never even drank coffee. So why are we building a coffee roastery to honor him? Let me help connect the dots on that.

Larson was one of the most energetic kids you could ever meet. He loved with his absolute whole heart. If there was music playing, he was dancing. If he had something in his hands, he wanted to share it with you. That was simply Larson’s way of living.

Coffee is the vehicle right now for us to live like Larson did.

A great cup of coffee invites people to sit down, open up, and have loving conversations. It gives you an excuse to share a moment with someone you typically wouldn't have. It reminds us to slow down, to share what we have, and to look at life as an opportunity to dance in the moment.

Ecclesiastes 3:4: "...a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance."

We aren't just roasting beans; we are building a legacy of joy, connection, and sharing. That is why Larson’s Land is starting here.

An Invitation to the Table

We have to be honest with ourselves: life is tough. It is hard, and we are going to lose people we love along the way. That is a reality we know all too well.

But through this Roastery, our hope is to help you gain people through this life, too. We invite you into this space to share a cup, to enjoy the time you have, to stand back up when you've been knocked down, and to learn to love again.

1 Peter 4:8-9: "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling."

Thanks for being on this journey with us. Have a blessed week!

— Mike, Nicole, and the Gunselman Family