The Gift Of Hospitality...

 

Why Simple And Basic Allows Us To Enjoy

We live in a day where we have so many choices;

So when I think about cooking or baking I do try to prepare some

very simple meals. And I also will make extra special foods,

As time or celebrations present themselves.

Right now my refrigerator is stuffed and the counters have

So many goodies, that it immediately overwhelms ones senses.

But we are all in preparation for the greatest food holiday!

So we must take pleasure and enjoy all the goodies!

But we can use a bit of common sense and use a bit of moderation.

Don't Eat The Whole Pie

I think even the smells and aromas are healing in many ways.

Food can bring us together...

Breaking bread and fellowship as families and friends.

I do believe that many women have the gift of a hospitality,

That is really baking and sharing their lovely homemade goods!

Exercise your gift and give thanks and to share with others.

We always think we have to do a huge ministry;

But I think food made with love will nourish a weary soul!

Use the gift of food when you have a get together;

Or take something to your hubby's office or your own work place.

Make a pan of brownies or an appetizer sort of goodies.

I have always felt like a snack offered at a meeting had a way

Of diffusing some stress.

Hungry people can feel a bit cranky!

Did you know most men say that their favorite holiday is Thanksgiving?

I always envision and hope that my home is a happy place!

I am so thankful for the bounty!

So when you have extra time to bake up some hospitality;

Do some delicious goodies such as

Cookies and quick breads and put them in the freezer to grab and serve!

Tomorrow will be busy prepping and preparing

Do Not Stress, but rather take pleasure!

Enjoy!

Learn To Say No...

 

When I think about the season that smells of pumpkin and rich spices;

I feel a cozy sensation that we have now completed another portion.

Because of the strong and bright appearance that a pumpkin has,

We can see that time can bring forth a strong and lovely stature.

I can't help but think of the changes that happen in our lives.

We cannot stop the process of life that does bring about these changes.

These things will always be in the process of change.

We can all say remember when;

We would be bored to tears if nothing ever changed!

If the seasons did not change, we would miss the delights and the sorrows.

The summer brings long hot days and balmy nights.

The fall brings fruits and harvest of much hard work,

And the colors that are on display,

They twist and twirl and seem to be having the last dance, as if to say goodbye.

Winter can be harsh and can keep us close to home;

When the evening starts very early, we can embrace the longer evenings.

Then just when we feel like the never ending season of winter.

Then along comes spring once again to remind us;

God is still doing a good work within us!

But oh, we can take the time to be diligent in  how we live our days,

We also can take joy...

Dear Ones if you are feeling heavy laden;

Give it to God and learn to say no when a demand results in crushing your joy!

We are not suppose to say yes, to everything that comes our way;

Because we can actually start to feel a social justice to the world that we must accomplish!

This can become a false duty rather than a calling from God!

Screaming From My Bandwagon...

 

Here is my bandwagon of friends in my twenties;

We were all different and came in many shapes and sizes.

We all had a ton of energy and ideas to live out!

We were young...

This bandwagon was also the place where I knew everything;

And I needed no one to tell me anything!

We were taking our free ride.

Now, After getting a bit older and getting married;

My bandwagon got smaller;

These few friends on my wagon;

We're changing;

They we conservative, and voted and loved the Lord

We wanted our marriages to last!

We wanted our children to have a safe environment!

Not like the one where so many came and went;

And they believed many things...

Now, Here I am today!

I no longer need a bandwagon or a megaphone!

I just need a few people to give me wise counsel!

A few that stick with me through thick and thin!

A few that can be trusted!

Some that will take wise counsel from me!

I have said this once and I will say it again

If you can not take wise counsel

Or take constructive criticism

We will ride alone on a bandwagon...

So the moral of my story is this;

Better to have a few well trusted, honest friends on my flatbed;

Going places that matter and choosing my battles wisely!

Good Day!

Cultivate A Love Of Reading...

I have really been enjoying some sweet, wholesome reading lately.

I find it settles me with words that allow my imagination to roam.

A good book can be read more then once!

Have you read a book more than once?

I like to have a library of good books to read when the fancy strikes me.

A good book has the ability to draw you into the story.

At times you can even identify with the characters.

A good sweet love story can even help you remember

Why We have fallen in love...

Sometimes this world is so hard and gruff;

We need to take time out to be refreshed and to do something that,

Allows us to take joy in simple pleasures.

Being at peace and rest keeps us healthy.

Women can get so emotional and defensive,

Just by not getting enough rest!

Reading is a wonderful thing to do!

Just be mindful of what you are reading;

Some material and books can create frustration!

I myself even enjoy reading books and blogs that help me grow and

Promotes new ideas for crafts or cooking!

I also enjoy teaching ministries!

  Learn to cultivate a love for reading...

Utmost For His Highest...

My Utmost For His Highest...


Most days just come to us wrapped in either sunshine or clouds.
~Each day has potential to live out His perfect will~

The contrast, seems to be light and dark...

We are pilgrims and we are on a journey to a far away land.
But, this journey usually takes place within a boundary that He
has placed you in!

I have learned most my lessons of biblical womanhood right within
my very home and church family.

We have been set in a certain place for a season and we also have been called out.
This seems to be the ebb and flow!
When we can adjust to these things we grow.

Truth is not always so easy to find...

We always think that the Bereans were special because they were
always seeming to be very religious;
They spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear
some new thing.
Acts 17:19-34

Stay in the Word
Study to show yourself approved
Stay and sit at the Lord's feet...

I have been cleaning out around here;
Paperwork
Books that are not approved;
Have been written with a tilt or an open false belief.

My first calling is to keep myself set apart
The narrow path is just that
~Narrow~
Yet, we can find unity in many things;
We must do all things in love and allow others to grow
 and to change as the Spirit leads them!

We are asked in the scriptures to check ourselves to
"To see that we are in the faith"

Why, because as the hymn states
Lord, I know that I am prone to wander...

My home and marriage is the most important mission fields,
Yet, we can reach out to one another as the Lord leads.
Encourage a woman today, that she is doing a powerful work
Training, teaching and being a Godly example, in her very home.

I hope to start doing some ribbon embroidering soon.
I have to go and pick up a needle with a large eye to thread
The ribbon into it. I have never done this, but I hope to give it a whirl.

Have you started any new projects to keep you busy at home?
(Well, that sounded silly, like any one of us have a spare moment)

Blessings to all of you!

More - More - More...

 

Home Life...

Some may think that there is an exciting world out there;

And there just may be that very thing;

But I always thought there was something wrong with me.

Because I never had that!

I never had great dreams of traveling or doing a ton of

 Adrenaline producing activities...

I have been thinking a lot about the scripture that says;

But we urge you brethren,

That you increase more and more;

That YOU also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business,

and to work with own hands, as we commanded you.

that you may walk properly toward those who are on the outside,

And that you may lack nothing.

1 Thessalonians 4:10-12

"Lead a quiet life and work with your hands"

The world seems to be screaming

-More- More- More-

God has a different more- more - more

Will we run with the world?

Everything will cost you something...

Time, Money, Energy

There is such a sweet fulfillment of looking at the work of thy hands!

Yes, they can be simple little things...

A loaf of bread

A sweet scone

A pot of soup

Humble your hearts and draw near to God;

Take pleasure in home and hearth...

~Do not try to be who you are, not dear ones~

More is not always better;

Many have sacrificed their children and marriages for more!

Arise, and take your stand in the very place God has called YOU

Do not allow the more to lure you into the clutches of more.

Many will be deceived, but we can avoid much sorrow

If we would only lead a quiet life and work with our hands

Using The Trusted Blue Book For Preserving....

 

I have used this book for years...
Ball: Blue Book Of Preserving

This is the time of the year when the harvest is drawing near.

 It is time to get all of the produce from your own garden and pull it in.

 This is where we gather it and we're able to put it up and 

Preserve it to use those long winter months that are coming. 

I think that when women take the time to learn to preserve, to put up, to put back, to water bath, to pressure can or to make jams or jelly's even dry fruit is such wisdom. 

This is the time of year you can get many things

 For a very reasonable price peaches and plums and apples are yet to come.

 I want to encourage each of you to have a book that teaches you how to preserve. 

You can even pick these up at your local library and borrow them and even copy and print off some of the pages. There's something so satisfying about a pantry that is full with canned goods and jams and jellies and tomatoes and things that you've either grown yourself or picked up at the local farmers market or even your local store ...

I have also have been buying different fruits and cutting them up and actually freezing them, so later on after the holidays, like such as Thanksgiving or Christmas I'm able to make another batch of jam. I do hope that you can take this time of harvest that is coming very quickly is even upon us and learn to freeze and do something, maybe you have never done in the past even if it's just a small amount of a special fruit or vegetable that your family enjoys.

 I do hope you all have a lovely rest of the Seasons of Harvest.

Blessings to each and everyone of you!

Will You Make Your Boast In The Lord...

His Voice Is Like Many Rushing Waters

May His Word Wash Over You

~I will make my boast in the Lord~

I have had this word just rolling around my head;

And pondering it in my heart...

What can I do

Or

What do I have that is not from the Lord?

Absolutely nothing;

Let me say it again for those that are hard of hearing and seeing

Nothing

Zero

When I feel a proud boast coming on about anything I can feel a check in my spirit!

The flesh always wants to be noticed and set on a pedestal.

If anyone tries to place you upon a pedestal, slide right off it quickly.

If I had been taught in my younger years to not be bragging about

Something I had done, it would have been easier to see the err in my way.

We are always giving children and adults so much affirmation about,

everything and all the time. We now have a very boastful society!

I grieve over conversations that may have even been borderline of

boasting and bragging...

I desire to look and see what the Lord has done.

I know as a Godly woman we want to be wise;

But I think that as we learn humility we do become wise!

I have always loved that scripture's that says;

He does exceedingly, and abundantly

We can do all things IN Christ Jesus

I watched a little video on how others were calling themselves Christians;

There was one big problem; 

They talked about everything they embraced...

We just may be mocking the Lord, dear ones

Can I do just anything that I want to do with my life?

I bow to know one my flesh screams...

We cannot embrace all that is coming down the river***

I need to warn all those that are playing in the waters

(Beware a TOXIC spill that has just been released)

We are being set apart and the Christian is now under fire;

And the safest place to be is in His Word...

~Read the scriptures in context~

God has given us everything;

Yet, we will one day make account of how we used it!

Did I boast in my own self and strength!

Did I do it my way and not His?

Please may we give God the Glory in all we do!

Boast about who He Is and what He has done for us

God loves it when we know He alone is in charge and is the giver of life...

This boasting is not always even in an audible voice;

But a giving thanks in our hearts to Him alone...

I heard a woman tell how she had put many of her valuables in a big trunk;

So if the fire was coming her way she would load this trunk first in her truck.

She gave God the thanks that she came away with her life and a few valuables.

There is always danger in our world;

But do not make a boast of oneself.

As we can see of just how quickly things can change.

And it can happen to any one of us!

Boasting will hurt you

Boasting will hurt others

Boasting in any thing or any one is wrong!

Just for the record if someone is speaking highly of you that is another thing.

I do hope all you are doing well.

Let me know if I can pray for any of you this week!

Diligent In My Home Making...

Diligent Buisness

Making a bed, washing the dish's, sweeping a floor!

Being at home is required to do the large and small things that keeps a 

Home tidy and clean and organized!

When I go through my days I pray and talk to the Lord;

No time is spent that is not giving Him honor and thanksgiving!

I am a steward of all He has given me...

When you take or make the time to keep your Home cleaned

And lovely, it sends a big message to those we love and serve!

Why give your best to the outside world of jobs and such,

When they do not care if you are well loved and taken care of!

We made a covenant with one that has given us the privilege to

show how  much we care for them!

Men feel honored when we keep things clean

 (Especially the bedroom and kitchen)

A bedroom is where we spend so many hours sleeping;

And you might say what is the big deal??

Where it is this one place that you do not share with others

~The secret sanctuary~

The kitchen says to a man "Food"

Men are hungry...

Feed Him!

You care more about what kind of hair day you're having as important,

Instead of thinking what yummy meal can I prepare for my Hubby and children.

I feel sorry for the men that marry these women today;

They do not cook

They are always on Facebook

They do not wash and iron shirts for their own husbands

They have not learned how to run a household

Golly gee 'These girls say; I am not their Mother!

Well, maybe these guys are just out of luck any more.

Or feminism has finally worked, we are all equal!

So what's the prize?

Divorce after two kids and a cold, messy bedroom!

And no one to cook for...

Well, I hope it is all worth it to make your way!

We make the choice to either serve outside the home and give strangers

are best. Or give our best to our own loved ones.

Serving is a powerful ministry and it starts in your OWN HOME!

When doing laundry, do smaller loads as it dries faster and is not so overwhelming.

Cook up rice and noodles and some potatoes, each week!

(Makes for an easy side dish)

Vacuum quickly every few days

Keep a dishpan in the sink filled with soapy water

(Helps with keeping dish's from becoming impossible to clean)

Sweep kitchen floor...

Keep the crock pot on the counter and use it!

(Buy a cookbook for the crock pot)

(Buy those slow cooker liners from Reynolds for easier clean up)

Keep a Shopping List for needed essentials

Make up a dinner idea list...

Now, If you have to work outside the home, then you must

Try to say no other outside activities. So you can be home in the evenings.

Please, Feed your man and love him tenderly...

Show him respect and kiss him regularly

~Happy Home Making~

"Diligent in business, serving the Lord.”

 There is no period, dividing these.

 I long ago discovered that I could make a bed and sweep a room for His sake,

 As surely as I could speak a word for Him."

(A Quote From Somewhere)

I feel that keeping a home is a very important business,

And I take great pleasure in being a good steward of it.

What are a few things you have learned to keep things

Running smooth and efficient?

How To Embrace Everyday Love In Your Marriage...

Everyday Love

After being  married for many years, it can bring about such a soft and comfortable love.

Some may even call this a boring love;

Not, I

Love in the beginning is young and is exciting, everything seems new.

But really you don't even know one another!

When we are courting or dating we are putting our best foot forward.

We are always seen at our very best...
We have not been tried or pushed out of our comfort zones.
Having conflict and issues in our differences allows us to grow.
One thing my husband and I have said is this;
We can agree to disagree...
We are not cookie cutter people,
We allow each other to have a difference of opinion!
We allow each other to have the space and a portion to speak
(What is in our hearts, without interrupting them)
A good marriage is not a dictatorship...
But rather a team that has to have a good leader!
In our God given roles, it has been given to him to make the last or final decision.
But I am so blessed that he inquires of me as to my thoughts,
An opinion on every major decision in our lives!

Also a good disagreement can even be healthy to clear up little
Irritations that can just start mounting up in our daily lives!
We must always be ready to resolve conflict and work together!
We always try to pull for the best outcome!
I believe God has used a marriage to teach us so many things.

Years of walking side by side, we have experienced many landscapes.
Valleys, and plains and mountains.

We are not wise to run away from the little tougher seasons or just a day or two.

In our walk with Christ it is in the very valleys we run from that we can

Become better acquainted and intimate with Him.

If You have not walked any valleys as yet;
May I tell you this dear ones,

 The valleys will come...

It is in the valleys that we are placed in the shade of the Mountain

The weight of His Glory can be seen in the shadows.

Being in a marriage for a long time is what makes a marriage vow grow
 and presses out the wimpy within us.

What started out as a wrinkle free wedding license surly can become
Wrinkled...
These wrinkles begin to show up on
 our wrinkled brows and our bed sheets,

Our wrinkled tummies from bearing the babies, we held within a once firm tummy.

Slowly you will blend and compliment one another

One day you will become familiar with what his sighs might really mean!
But only if you take the time to really listen...

You will learn that when they are silent
It does not mean that, they are angry or mad at you!
Maybe they have just had a hard day.

Marriage will change you!

But, I give you this bit of advice
 if you will love and forgive and roll into each others side

(Every night and hold each other tight)

You will live to grow comfortable and warm and not critical...

Love has many hues of color;

But it is in the dark of night or in a valley you must trust instinct.

~ keep your eyes on the Son~
Not each others faults;
For you both have many...

Real life has real challenges...

But if you resolve to love your spouse!

God will help you to become comfortable with old fashion love everyday!

May we learn to embrace Everyday Love;

Not what a romance novel might portray it to be!

God has written the greatest romance of all!

He gave it all, He held nothing back,

Why should you?

~Loving is the prize dear ones; even if it is not returned~

Love is truth in action and in words and deeds daily...

Do not become hard hearted dear ladies;

Keep your heart tender

Think the best of him always

Finding his faults will make yours grow!

Do you want to be found irresistible?

Keep loving even if it becomes hard as we are all being molded into His image.

The Gift Of A Good Memory...

 

Why memories are so powerful

We have one of the greatest gifts!

Our memories are a portion of us that has been tucked away into

In the recesses of our minds.

Firstly, I want to address so many of you out there that have had to 

live with a terrible memory, my heart cries out for you.

I do know the sorrow of those memories also.

But, What I want to share is the real love and the power in a good memory!

I was a little girl sitting on my mother's lap while she is visiting with her

Girlfriend and neighbor. Even as a child, I know this was a special time.

I remember the smell of the coffee aroma and the sound of it as it percolates in the kitchen;

Momma pours two cups of coffee into two of these lovely

Rose coffee cups, they are placed upon the little saucer that match.

Each cup is doused with cream and sugar...

~I can still hear the tinkling of the spoon as it mixes the cream and sugar~

My mother is so busy chatting away that she only has one sip of her coffee;

She kisses the top of my head and tells me this

Sweetie, why don't you drink the rest of mommy's coffee...

I do this very thing that she has spoken to me;

And I remember that moment and memory forever!

It was tender and sweet as the sugar made my little mouth happy.

I am sure I was not even five!

What's love got to do with it?

Everything...

I do hope when I have finished my days here on earth,

That my dear ones will hold a memory of love, that I showed to them!

God gives us strength and grace to create sweet memories.

May we learn to ask for more of them in our prayers.

Being a mother of influence does not have to consist of huge or big things!

This one gesture has been tucked in my heart for years...

God Bless each of you amazing women of God,

Stand your post, guard your loved ones.

Never turn back...

Run to win the prize.

Be sure to leave a memory to someone that will always bring a smile to their face and

Warm their hearts and keep them tender for what really matters in this life!

Find as many little opportunities to create a good memory...

Trust me it has a huge impact for little or big people;

When we see in this world that so many have lost their memories;

So much is truly lost for all of us!

I have heard that when the elderly have shown signs of dementia,
Many can not remember  many things. But can recall facts and memories
from their childhood. I think this is so amazing,
Many can remember scripture and songs.

Think of a memory that brings a gentle tug of happiness to your hearts today

How To Safeguard Ourselves and Our Loved Ones In This Day And Age...

The Beach Is Calling And I Must Go...

 I got a good laugh out of this cute little thing saying. 

When I think of the ocean and crystal clear waters, and amazing white sands;

The word paradise pops into my head.

I love the salt water and the sand and the wind that blows off the amazing blue waters.

I find great joy in hunting for seashells and small pieces of driftwood.

I would love to find some sea glass this time!

But I do always feel a sadness over the half naked ladies that parade as if

it is the most natural thing in the world.

Can you be in the midst of this and not really even see it?

I do hope so...

It really does not matter where I go anymore;

I have to guard my eyes and my heart!

I would have to become a hermit and do nothing and go nowhere;

To avoid the over exposure of people being half dressed.

All in the name of what?

Fashion

Getting Tan

Parading oneself for all to see; young and old

Can we still go to the beach as Christians and not have to be assaulted?

We do hope to go to the beach and look for shells and enjoy;

God has given us such beauty!

I refuse to be robbed of all the wonderful things out there in my life!

I don't care if we have to move our chairs 10 times to not have to sit

Next to half naked people.

 We may even just go in the late evening time!

"As a Godly woman it is my responsibility to help safeguard my Husbands eyes also"

I am very thankful that I still want to protect even myself;

I believe we can grieve our Father by inappropriate dress and behavior!

Some woman think they are being stylish by what they wear;

Yet, it is never fashionable to show what only belongs to your husband!

We have heard and seen too many stories, to not take heed

To Cover Ourselves

To Cover Our Children

No locker room dressing in the open

No sleepovers

 No Male babysitters

No No No

Trust no one;

Keep your Eyes and ears open!

But remember, if you use a few innovated ideas you can still enjoy some beach time!

What are your thoughts in this overly exposed and s** crazed society?

I appreciate each of you lovelies that stop in for a visit!

You're always welcome to comment and encourage those that visit...

Blessings,

Living From Glory To Glory

Why It Is Never Too Late To Start Homeschooling Your Children...

 

It is never too late to start homeschooling your children...

It does not matter what their age is or grade level.

Homeschooling was the very best thing for our family!

We will always be so thankful for training our children with a curriculum that

was consistent with our value system.

We were able to give them a one on one approach!

Also to provide a tutor when needed for tougher subjects.

Also, we were able to enroll them in art classes!

They also had the chance to be involved with many field trips!

They were able to make friends that have lasted into adulthood.

We were blessed to see their growth and maturity levels blossom!

~Learning to learn is the greatest gift we were able to give our children~

When you have your children home, you are able to be quick in responding

To a need that they might have,

 And you will be better able to provide it quickly so they can move to the next level!

So many children just can fall between the cracks in the system.

Also, when a child has to be gone from their homes and family for such long hours,

They can become unattached and very withdrawn!

We have seen that children that our home schooled, have a stronger

Bond with their siblings and parents!

They also seem better rested and less stressed!

They also can interact with every age level;

Less peer pressure...

Less bullying...

Less homework...

(Because you do it during the day)

We have never regretted homeschooling our children!

We watched how God developed their ability to think and create and

Problem solved real life situations.

 They learned real life skills!

Also, we had more time each day to work and develop Godly character...

This was accomplished through prayer and Bible study!

We were able to see their hearts grow in compassion and wisdom!

Our children have a deep love for reading 

and have learned :

The great art of being able to teach themselves 

almost anything and everything they have wanted to do or explore.

Building, cooking, creating, running a business, being a Mother and Father!

Learning should never stop...

We have a whole generation that has never learned to think for themselves!

A mind is really a terrible thing to waste...

~ ~ ~

Just like coming home, homeschooling your children

has to be a calling and a conviction!

Ask the Lord if He just might be calling you to take your children Home!

I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me!

Pray for our children and grandchildren.

Train up a child in the way he should go!

And when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

How Early Mornings Can Set The Course For Your Days...

How I Love Mornings...

There is just something about the newness and the clean fresh slate that is ahead...

A new day to lean in against all the oppositions that will come your way;

It also could be smooth sailing!

But one thing that we can not argue with is this;

We have the chance to make it a great day with this one very simple thing!

Your reaction and response to what is given to you with what we

"Think is others"

But really is from the hand of God...

He allows even the hard things;

Even if these are direct results of your previous bad choices!

Today is a new day!

Try today to stop doing something that even makes you frustrated;

Examples:

Do not correct your husband over every single thing he suggests or does.

Do not be judgmental over everything that you see and hear.

(This will make you critical)

Smile and give someone a break;

Be kind and set the law of love in motion!!

Setting yourself up for disappointment is not a good thing;

Be flexible and not perturbed over every silly thing!

Be who God is calling you to be!

A Godly woman...

When I get down, I try to encourage others

As the scripture says if you will refresh another

He will refresh you!

Take notice of others and what they are doing!

Stop drawing all the attention to yourself;

By what you say and what you wear and how you act!

The days come and go...

But you my friend have an amazing adventure straight ahead...

Live this day like there may be NO tomorrow!

Enjoy whatever you set your hand to do!

Make this and every morning a new day...

Go and take a step in the direction that is pleasing to the Lord!

Have Mercy

Have Joy

Have Faith

Have Love

Have Wisdom

Have Quick Forgiveness Extended To Others

Enjoy the portion of working and loving and creating;

Leave behind a legacy from this day!

Take a deep breath and enjoy this day called life!

Do you delight in your mornings?

What do you do to inspire yourself to seize the DAY?

I pray for each and every one of you who visit this space;

For His Glory ...

Our Family Summer Picnic...

 

This family picnic only took place about 100 years ago...

See the covered wagon in the background?

That is my Great Grandmother on the right;

The one laughing!!

I guess I come from a long line of those that know how to laugh,

And knows how to enjoy a good picnic.

In this case a day at the lake!

I just love that picnic basket that is sitting next to her.

I like to use my imagination as to what this picnic basket just might hold for lunch!

The lady on the left is wearing a full length apron over her skirt;

I just love seeing the ladies wearing aprons!

Also the swim suit that my Great grandmother is wearing looks

very modest and of course the nautical design.

Having a lovely day has always been the summer thing to do!

As a child, I have so many wonderful memories of being on the lake.

We went fishing and swimming and of course a picnic.

Being a woman that is not afraid to enjoy oneself is very becoming!

Not being overly loud and drawing attention to one's self;

But rather a person with a personality that others enjoy being around!

I have learned to laugh at myself and am not a spoil sport!

I enjoy making my husband laugh and smile;

Not a joker, but a good sense of humor!

I want to enjoy a few special days that come with every season!

Let us get outside and enjoy the simple things!

Sometimes by just being outside and filling your birdbath with fresh water,

Or watering your vegetable gardens and flower beds can refresh oneself!

In the very hot weather we like to be out very early

 And the latter part of the evening!

Why is it that a picture like this can evoke such a happy feeling?

I think that we must always look well to the way of our households!

~ And to remember to have fun ~

Our days are all numbered and so we can enjoy a restful and peaceful

Day of fun and family and friends...

Do you try to take and make regular days of rest a part of your life?

Just think that your very next outing could be a blog post a 100 years from now!

(I am so funny)

How The Fine Art Of Being Quiet Will Allow You To Hear The Lord...

How Being Alone Can Be A Gift...

The loneliness is as thick as fog at times;

But alas, this is not loneliness but rather being alone.

We live in a culture and an era where there is hardly ever real quietness!

We have background music, even while in an elevator.

When we become so uncomfortable with quiet, we miss something...

With all the noise and activity that goes on around us, we truly do not

know what real quiet really sounds like.

Quiet can be in the wind, and in the rustling of the leaves.

I believe I even heard the stars twinkle once.

We want to hear something...

Only those that can handle a bit of quiet will be able to hear that still small voice!

When we will finally learn the fine art of quiet;
We then will have a place or space that is not filled with noise or just busy!

Giving heed to the small things that do come from the Lord;
I would call these promptings...

I feel bad when a woman who has a heart to stay at home and she
is belittled for not wanting more...
More WHAT!

I understand the great demands on us all!
Overwhelming at times...

But when and if you are offered the gift of staying home;
Maybe just for a day or to come home to raise your little ones!
Give it as much thought as possible!
Money comes and goes!
Homes grow and feel welcoming when someone is in residence.
Children grow and leave quicker than anything!
Age comes and settles no matter how you think you have the fountain of youth!

We all have a very small window to catch the whisper of God's voice.
Quiet your hearts for a moment every day;
I promise He will speak to you!

(Just a note to say I was not referring to meditation as in yoga)
But rather...
Meditating on the Word Of God

When and where is your most quiet time to hear the Lord?

How To Make The Kitchen Table The Center Of Your Home...

The Kitchen Table Is Key...

I find great joy in simple pleasures;

The other day I cleaned off my kitchen table and then polished it till it shined!

 Then I put on a fresh table cloth and a lace topper over the tablecloth.

It feels really good to see it all cleaned off and ready for another week
of meals being served. Or a cup of coffee being enjoyed with a loved one.
Place a bowl of fruit or a snack to draw them to the table!
A plate of cookies;
Cheese and crackers
Serving a meal cooked with love at your own hearth...

When the children were little we did our school work on our kitchen table.
Now I even do a little bit of studying myself.
We might read the paper through the week there also.
We pray often at our kitchen table!
Memories are made in this very place!

Your Kitchen and Table should be the welcoming spot in your home!
Keep it clean and tidy and always pleasing to the eye.
Keep napkins in the center with some fresh spices for any dish.
Sea salt, pepper, cayenne powder and hot sauce.

There is something so comforting about a kitchen!
It Is The Heart Of The Home...

Making your home cozy and welcoming is an art!
If you can keep only one spot in your home orderly and clean;
The kitchen and kitchen table is what I would suggest to you.

You can take a very worn table and chairs and paint them and recover the chairs,
To give them a new fresh appeal!
You can find table coverings for very cheap and some great linen finds also.
Check out your thrift stores.
 Also, you can find wooden table centerpieces and spray paint them.
I did this a few years ago and it was so lovely.
Everything can be an added pretty!
You can find very inexpensive place mats in a thrift store.
 Or look at your store clearance sections for seasonal items.

 I would watch using a plastic cloth with those backings as they can stick to your wood table tops. But if it is a glass or Formica then it would be okay.

It is also very nice to change out the colors and decor for the holidays.

Sometimes when I am not even sure what I am making for dinner,
I will set the table to get myself inspired.

Please encourage yourself today and get inspired!
Look in your drawers and find what you might have to use!

Practice serving your meals and snacks at the table.
Get into the habit of keeping it clean and welcoming!

Use what God has given you!
Keep your heart alive with simple home, keeping routines!

Every meal can be a time to come together as a family
Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner...

This was my table this last fall!

Chips and salsa served!

Red, White And Blue, These Colors Do Not Run...

 

Country Red, White And Blue...

These colors don't run.

 They  stand up under duress!

Wear and tear and blistering sun...

These Things Will

Keep you on your toes and teaches us to keep a good sturdy pair of boots on!

I am learning to be a lady even in rough conditions;

Hail, Heat, Gully Washers!

This is the first year I have not killed at least a few rattlers....

(Thank You God)

I painted our bird feeder out front this morning.

I painted our old metal swing set also.

I started scraping the old paint of my clothes line.

I am painting all these things my country Red Color!

Yesterday, after cleaning all my cupboards out, of all the foods that,

Had now turned limp from the humidity, I thought I would go out and

Take a little rest in the kids hammock next doors tied up between two trees.

I kid you not;

 I got into that thing and it just spun around and threw me to the ground!

I could not believe it;

I said aloud....

SERIOUSLY

So last night required two aspirins and some wintergreen oil on my shoulder.

I awoke feeling like I had ridden a Wild Bronco!

But no, I was just dumped out of a hammock right onto my backside.

SERIOUSLY

This is how I imagined it was going to go!

A girl needs to look like a lady

Dress like a lady

Talk like a lady

But work like she can get a job done...

I am not a wimp, I enjoy getting my house painted and clean!

Sometimes it does require work gloves, work clothing and boots!!

My husband is always so amazed that I am willing to jump in!

Trim trees, paint, pull weeds...

Whatever it takes to help alleviate some of the work and burden!

I believe God has made women very strong and a bit of grit...

We have helped this country by working alongside our men!

Yes, I firstly keep our home running smoothly and something to eat!

But there are times that we just need to help get the extra stuff done!

I have never been afraid of hard work!

This country has always been under attack from either,

The enemy or a wicked person or a natural disaster!

War or a downturn in something!

But we are told to look to the hills where our help comes from!

May you all have a wonderful life!

God Bless America...

SERIOUSLY...