Monday, March 18, 2024

Happy Homemaker Monday 3/18/24

Phew!  It has been a busy (good) couple of weeks around here.  We managed to squeeze in quite a bit of fun while our oldest girl was home on spring break.  She needed to visit a couple art museums for one of her classes so she and I checked out a couple local places we had never been to before.  We also were able to rent a friends condo last minute so that Matt and some of the kids could get one more ski day in this year.  It was a great overnight trip but we both agreed next time needs to be longer.  Last week was filled with meetings and visiting a friend along with the normal weekly activities.  On Saturday we took a day trip to a Sculpture walk, some of the sculptures were fascinating! This week is looking to be another busy week so I wanted to get this up earlier in the day. Jumping on really quick to join in this week's Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay At Home Mom.  

The Weather:

It's sunny again!  It's a bit chilly here but sunny today.  One thing about such a dreary, gray, rainy winter is it definitely makes me more thankful for the sunny days.

Outside my Window:

Clear blue skies, some trees budding, most of the wood is cleared from the tree that fell. 

Right Now I am:

Taking a minute to sit and blog before getting started with my day.    


Thinking and Pondering: 

All that I need to do this week.     
 
Podcasts I'm listening to this week:
I've been listening to David Platt's podcast; Radical.  I so appreciate his teaching.   I've also listened to some more American History Tellers recently.

On my T.V this week:

We've been enjoying History's Greatest Mysteries; so we'll probably watch some more of those.

On the Dinner Plate:

Brown Rice Salad with Chicken 
 
On the Menu this week: 
 

I need to do a full menu plan but a couple recipes still on last week's menu are:

Baked Pasta

Lentil Soup 

 
What I'm Reading:
Bible
Network Effect (Book 5 of the Murderbot Diaries) -This is the first full length book in the series.
Be Confident: Live by Faith Not by Sight by Warren Weirsbe


On my To-Do list today:

Workout
Laundry (catch up on folding)
Blog
Take kids to library
Vacuum upstairs

 

Plans for this week:

Catch up on laundry

Work on a crochet Easter dress for our youngest.

Continue to research some things for a possible project

Help band teacher 2 days

Go visit my sister

Attend and lead this month's Gathering Table (church women's group)


What I'm Creating:

Our youngest requested a crocheted Easter dress.  I made her one a few years ago and it got a lot of wear (for awhile it was the only thing she would wear to church).  She has outgrown that one so she wanted a new one this year.  Most of my "relaxing" time has been spent on that and thankfully it looks like I'll get it done in time.  
 
I'm using up yarn that I already had which is a pastel multi-colored yarn.  This yarn worked up in a stripe pattern, which is cute but now that I'm adding the sleeves it's much more time consuming as I'm trying to somewhat match up with the dress stripes.  I love the pattern but if I made another one I would definitely use a solid color yarn.  I'll be sure to post pictures when it is done.

From the Camera:

 

A view from the top of the sculpture trail.

                I found this sculpture so fun.  It always amazes me how they can make stone look soft.


                While the other kids went skiing, I took two of our girls for a little hike near the condo.  

                            This waterfall was so pretty with all the moss covered rocks.

                These paperweights were at one of the museums. I had watched a documentary about the                                             company that makes them so it was neat to see them in person.


Highlight from Last week:

Visiting a friend, special day trips making fun memories.

 
Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:

Thinking a lot about words and how we use them.  I was going to share some thoughts here but it got to be a bit long so if you're interested you can read my thoughts about 1 Peter 3:4 in this blog post.  

For now I'll just share these guidelines that I often repeat to myself and my kids. Before you speak T.H.I.N.K.



On My Prayer List:

Family & Friends who are ill.

Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.

Wisdom in parenting.

Direction, time & diligence for a project.

Peace & the willingness to let go of things that are not mine to carry.

Wisdom for how to deal with difficult things and to trust God with all!


Quick thoughts about 1 Peter 3:4

 A quick thought on 1 Peter 3:4.  This verse has always been one I've struggled a bit with.  While I'm quiet around people I don't know, once I'm comfortable I'm not a quiet person. I love to talk, laugh, have fun, etc.  Growing up I struggled with feeling like my personality was "wrong" or "less than" in some way because of this.  

Last year I read the book Having a Mary Heart in A Martha World one of the beautiful things I noticed was that both when Jesus first met Martha and the last recorded meeting between them, she was serving.  Her personality, her gifts, were not seen as bad or something she needed to give up; it was her attitude in doing those things.  God has made us each unique and didn't make a mistake in making some of us with "louder" personalities.

So, what does all of this have to do with 1 Peter 3:4?  Let's look at the verse and then there are two words I want to expand on a bit. 

1 Peter 3:3-4 - ESV

I'm not sure if I heard preaching this way or if it was something I inferred from other messages;  but I always saw this verse as telling women to be a bit "mousy" to be small, to not give strong opinions or to never be boisterous.  I don't believe that is what this verse is saying at all.  Let's look at the words gentle (sometimes translated as meek) and quiet. 

Gentle is translated from the word, praus, this word means "strength shown with reserve" or as the Biblehub lexicon puts it "Biblical meekness is not weakness but rather refers to exercising God's strength under His control. -- i.e. demonstrating power without undue harshness."  

We are to demonstrate our God-given strength in a controlled way, without harshness.  This verse presupposes that we are believers so we do in fact have God-given strength.  This is referring to how we live that out, our attitude. Our strength of spirit! In all this we must submit ourselves to be under God's control.

The next word I wanted to look at is quiet.  Quiet is translated from the word, hésuchios, this word means "calmly, quiet" being "appropriately tranquil by not misusing (or overusing) words that would stir up needless friction (destructive commotion)." There is also the idea in this word of being calm, still, settled because of a "divinely inspired inner calmness".  

Having a quiet spirit means we are settled, calm because we have God.  For me, it was a great reminder that I don't need to overuse words trying to make sure I'm never misunderstood.  I'm not to use words, or keep talking when it would just cause needless friction.  

In both these words there is an understanding that we will talk, we should talk.  Have fun, be boisterous, we can share our thoughts and opinions, even if we are passionate about them, but be very aware of how you use your words.  In all things we are to be seeking God's wisdom for what to say, how to say it and when to stop speaking or stay quiet.

Am I expressing my beliefs and opinions in a harsh manner?

Am I trying to settle arguments or misunderstanding in my own strength? or am I relying on God's strength? Should I even be trying to settle this, or should I hold my tongue and give it to God?

Am I  using harsh words in dealing with  my kids?  When I exercise my God-given authority?

Am I overusing words that might "stir up needless friction"?

This passage is speaking to wives; am I being harsh with my husband?

Am I venting all my thoughts just to be heard? Get my own way? Or are my words helpful, encouraging, under the control of God's strength?

Two other verses came to mind while writing out the questions:

"When words are many transgression is not lacking, 

but whoever restrains his lips is prudent."

Proverbs 10:19


"A fool gives full vent to his spirit,

but a wise man quietly holds it back."

Proverbs 29:11

 

**my normal disclaimer.  I'm not a Bible scholar, I'm still learning. If you've studied this out more and see anything that seems off with Scripture, please comment, I'm always willing to learnI only ask that you be kind, and that you substantiate your thoughts with Scripture **

Monday, March 4, 2024

Happy Homemaker Monday 3/4/24

Happy March!   Well, March isn't very "liony" this year.  It's been rather warm so far.  This week is a bit different as our oldest daughter is home for spring break so I'm looking forward to extra time with her.  Jumping on really quick to join in this week's Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay At Home Mom.  

The Weather:

It started out sunny but now is a bit cloudy.  Warmer temps today which are always welcome.

Outside my Window:

We have a lot of sparrows this morning!  Yesterday we saw the turkeys for the first time in awhile.  Mr. Tom Turkey now has four lady friends that keep him company.  It's always fun to see them wandering through the yard; and especially fun when they decide to take flight. 

Right Now I am:

Taking a minute to sit and blog before heading out with our daughter.    


Thinking and Pondering: 

So very thankful for how God works.  Also pondering a project that I feel God calling me to finish.  Praying for good time management to work on it and finish it.     
 
Podcasts I'm listening to this week:
I've been listening to David Platt's podcast; Radical.  I so appreciate his teaching.  

On my T.V this week:

Not sure, probably some period pieces as my older girls love those (Pride & Prejudice is a favorite!)

On the Dinner Plate:

Chicken Tikka Masala with Naan bread 
 
On the Menu this week: 
 
Chicken Tikka Masala
Meatballs & Pasta
Chickpea, Cashew & Coconut Curry with rice & veg
Lentil Stew
Chicken with Whiskey Glaze & vegetables 
 
What I'm Reading:
Bible
Network Effect (Book 5 of the Murderbot Diaries) -This is the first full length book in the series.
Be Confident: Live by Faith Not by Sight by Warren Weirsbe


On my To-Do list today:

Workout
Laundry
Lunch with my parents.

 
 

Plans for this week:

Catch up on laundry

Sand and paint archway

Work on a crochet Kitty Pillow for our youngest.

Continue to research some things for a possible project

Spend time with oldest daughter

Read to youngest daughter's class for Read Across America


What I'm Creating:

I'm working on a stuffed kitty pillow for our youngest.  After I made the whale she's been begging me to make her a giant stuffy so last week we found a pattern and I'm using up some blanket yarn from my stash.  I'm simplifying the pattern a bit, as I didn't want to buy any yarn for this project, but so far she's thrilled.

From the Camera:

 I didn't really take any pictures last week.


Highlight from Last week:

Highlight was definitely our girl coming home for a visit.

 
Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:

I saw these two posts on Instagram last week and saved them as good reminders. 






On My Prayer List:

Family & Friends who are ill.

Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.

Wisdom in parenting.

Direction, time & diligence for a project.

Peace & the willingness to let go of things that are not mine to carry.

Wisdom for how to deal with difficult things and to trust God with all!


Monday, February 26, 2024

Happy Homemaker Monday 2/26/24

It's hard to believe this is the last Monday of February.  While the winters here tend to be long; it's nice to feel that spring is on the way.  Since Easter is in March this year, Spring feels especially close now. Once again, I'm happy to join in this week's Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay At Home Mom.  

The Weather:

It's sunny!!! It is also a bit warmer than it has been the past few weeks.  It's starting to feel a bit like spring. 

Outside my Window:

The sun is shining.  The trees are budding and I'm starting to get spring fever for some outside time in the yard doing some cleanup.  The temps aren't quite warm enough (or ground dry enough) yet; but it's nice to see that it's coming. 

Right Now I am:

Taking a minute to sit and blog while I wait for laundry and banana bread to finish.  


Thinking and Pondering: 

A phrase that has been a comfort to me over the past week or so and especially today.  I read a post on Instagram about how the phrase "I don't know" can be a prayer.  The phrase "I don't know, But God does, and I choose to trust Him" has been helping me to put things in perspective.  
 
I'm also pondering some projects; praying over which ones God would have me finish.     
 
Podcasts I'm listening to this week:
None this week.  

On my T.V this week:

No idea. Maybe catch up on some YouTube channels I follow.  We've also been watching the new live-action Avatar show; while not as good as the animated, it's still been fun to watch with the kids.

On the Dinner Plate:

Not sure yet.  We may order in or I might make chicken noodle soup. 
 
On the Menu this week: 
 
So far just chicken noodle soup and stuffed pepper casserole.  
 
What I'm Reading:
Bible
Exit Strategy (Book 4 of the Murderbot Diaries) -these are short (~150pgs each) books and just a fun scifi read.
Be Confident: Live by Faith Not by Sight by Warren Weirsbe


On my To-Do list today:

Workout
Laundry
Catch up on random things

 
 

Plans for this week:

Catch up on laundry

Go to a school event for our son

Work on a crochet Kitty Pillow for our youngest.

Research some things for a possible project

Work on the newly installed trim (sand & possibly paint this week)

 Hem a couple pairs of pants


What I'm Creating:

I finally finished weaving in the ends on the blanket.  So, now I can share a picture! 
 

 
 
Now I'm working on a stuffed kitty pillow for our youngest.  After I made the whale she's been begging me to make her a giant stuffy so last week we found a pattern and I'm using up some blanket yarn from my stash.  I'm simplifying the pattern a bit, as I didn't want to buy any yarn for this project, but so far she's thrilled.

From the Camera:

We didn't do too many things during last week's vacation as some of the kids weren't feeling 100%; however, on Wednesday a friend texted last minute to see if we wanted to go snow tubing.  We went later in the afternoon and had so much fun.  A bonus of going later in the day was watching the sunset.




Highlight from Last week:

Tubing was definitely a highlight.  A couple other fun things were; having breakfast with a friend I don't see too often; Saturday I had an impromptu dinner out with two other close friends.

 
Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:

I've been studying through the book of Hebrews.  I love the emphasis on how we can be confident of God, of our eternal salvation and of all of His promises.  Hebrews 4:16 speaks of the privilege we have as His children to  "with confidence draw near to the throne of grace".  

The word for confidence here is parrésia - meaning freedom of speech, confidence, boldness.  In this verse the idea is "free and fearless confidence, cheerful courage" that's how we can come before God's throne!  We can come fearless, cheerful and pour out all of our thoughts to God, we have freedom to speak to Him.  What a comfort and privilege prayer is; and a challenge to never lessen the value or take for granted the great honor it is that we can come before the God of the universe. 



On My Prayer List:

Family & Friends who are ill.

Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.

Wisdom in parenting.

Peace & the willingness to let go of things that are not mine to carry.

Wisdom for how to deal with difficult things and to trust God with all!

Monday, February 19, 2024

Happy Homemaker 2/19/24

Another Sunny Monday here,  I hope you all are having a great Monday.  The kids are on winter break this week so it's a bit of a different week.  We are enjoying the relaxed mornings and time together.  I'm glad to have a few minutes to sit and blog. Once again, I'm happy to join in this week's Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay At Home Mom.  

The Weather:

It's sunny!!! It is also a bit warmer than it has been the past few weeks.  It's starting to feel a bit like spring.

Outside my Window:

The sun is shining.  The chicadees are at the feeder.  We've had a surprising number of cardinals this year as well.  One day I looked out and counted eight cardinals in the magnolia tree next to the feeder. 

Right Now I am:

Taking a minute to sit and blog while I grab a late lunch.  


Thinking and Pondering: 

How I need to make some big changes in my thought patterns and pondering some practical steps to implement immediately.     
 
Podcasts I'm listening to this week:
None this week.  

On my T.V this week:

No idea. Maybe catch up on some YouTube channels I follow. 

On the Dinner Plate:

Pesto chicken pull apart sliders with cucumbers and carrots on the side.

On the Menu this week:

Need to figure this one out. 
 
What I'm Reading:
Bible
Rogue Protocol (Book 3 of the Murderbot Diaries) -these are short (~150pgs each) books and just a fun scifi read.
Be Confident: Live by Faith Not by Sight by Warren Weirsbe


On my To-Do list today:

Workout
Laundry
Sand trim

 
 

Plans for this week:

Catch up on laundry
Passport appts for kids
Breakfast/brunch with a friend
Finish sanding and paint baseboards
Enjoy the extra time with the kids

 


What I'm Creating:

 I'm also almost done with my daughter's blanket; I just need to weave in all the ends and then it's done.  I've been tempted to post a picture since the front looks done but I'm using that as incentive to get those ends woven in!  Hopefully this week. (still not done!).  I did finally finish painting a hook board that I had put together about a year ago.  Now that it's done I have no idea what I will do with it. 


From the Camera:

So, my older kids grew up watching Looney Tunes.  I had bought a collection of (I think) 6 DVD's and they loved watching them.  Over time the DVD's became scratched and we had to get rid of them.  Since this happened before the youngest two were born they've never really seen Looney Tunes. My oldest kids joke that I've "neglected" my duties by not introducing the youngest ones to Looney Tunes.  So, this week I remedied that. Here is a picture of them enjoying a few of the cartoons.



Highlight from Last week:

A special time at The Gathering Table with other ladies from church.  Hubby also took the youngest to her school dance.  I had helped set up for the dance and was there when they arrived; she was so excited!

 
Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:

Today I want to share a "new to me" song that we recently sang at church





On My Prayer List:

Family & Friends who are ill.

Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.

Wisdom in parenting.

Peace & the willingness to let go of things that are not mine to carry.

Wisdom for how to deal with difficult things and to trust God with all!

Monday, February 12, 2024

Happy Homemaker 2/12/24

Good Monday Morning!  It's sunny here!! I hope you all are having a great Monday.  We have another busy week here (and a predicted snowstorm too!) so I'm glad to have a few minutes to sit and blog. Once again, I'm happy to join in this week's Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay At Home Mom.  

The Weather:

It's sunny!!! We had the first good weather weekend in awhile; which was wonderful.  We were able to get some outside tasks started. 

Outside my Window:

The sun is shining.  It's hazy but the sun is getting through.

Right Now I am:

Taking a minute to sit and blog while laundry finishes and the bread finishes it's first rise.  


Thinking and Pondering: 

How I so need God's wisdom each day.    
 
Podcasts I'm listening to this week:
I listened to a couple of David Platt podcasts last week.  They are always both challenging & encouraging and filled with Scriptures.   

On my T.V this week:

No idea. Maybe catch up on some YouTube channels I follow. 

On the Dinner Plate:

I'm not sure yet.  We had a few people over for the Super Bowl last night but didn't end up cooking all I had bought since we had SO much food.  So, maybe dumplings & fried rice?

On the Menu this week:

Ham Dinner 
Pea Soup (one of the kids requested this so that's why I'm making the ham)
Whatever else I throw together with what's in the freezer & pantry.  Oh, I am planning to make a nice steak tip dinner to celebrate Valentine's but it'll be on Friday since we have church activities on Wednesday evenings.
 
What I'm Reading:
Bible
Rogue Protocol (Book 3 of the Murderbot Diaries) -these are short (~150pgs each) books and just a fun scifi read.
Be Confident: Live by Faith Not by Sight by Warren Weirsbe


On my To-Do list today:

Workout
Laundry
Make Bread
Clean up random things around the house

 
 

Plans for this week:

Make Bread

PTO Meeting

Drop off Sewing Machine for Maintenance and Repair

Keep up with housework

Finish weaving in ends on daughter's blanket

Get older kids packed and off to camp

The Gathering Table

Help Setup for K-4 Someone Special Dance (PTO Task)

Write 2 notes & send out

 


What I'm Creating:

 I'm also almost done with my daughter's blanket; I just need to weave in all the ends and then it's done.  I've been tempted to post a picture since the front looks done but I'm using that as incentive to get those ends woven in!  Hopefully this week. 


From the Camera:

I don't really have any.

Highlight from Last week:

Some very sweet time with God in prayer and study.  Also spending some time with the Women's Ministry team praying and planning for this year.

 
Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:
 
 Over the past week I've been focused a lot on the subject of prayer.  How Jesus is faithful to hear and answer our prayers, how we can have confidence that how He answers is always best, the privilege of prayer, and also how we are to be persistent in prayer.  This morning's Bible reading was from Matthew chapter 26 and the verse below caught my attention. 

So often I can feel that taking something to God in prayer over and over shows a lack of trust; and yes, sometimes it probably does.  But, we see here that Jesus, fully trusting His Father, still went back, praying the same prayer.  It was an encouragement that when things are hard, God knows that trials weigh heavy on us and that we need to keep running to Him.  For strength, reassurance and the comfort that comes from being in His presence.  While nothing we face will be on the same level as Jesus going to the cross; the example He leaves for us is still true.  Our Father loves us, and wants us to always bring our concerns, praise and desires to Him over and over.

https://images.biblewordings.com/wp-content/uploads/Matthew-26-44.jpg



On My Prayer List:

Family & Friends who are ill.

Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.

Wisdom in parenting.

Peace & the willingness to let go of things that are not mine to carry.

Wisdom for how to deal with a difficult person

Monday, February 5, 2024

Happy Homemaker Monday 2/5/24

Phew...Made it!  Last week was very busy here and I didn't have any time to sit down and blog.  It was a good week filled with good things but very busy!  On Monday the kids had a 2 hour delay so they had a shorter school day.  I spent the time after they left deep cleaning a room.  Tuesday I was blessed to get to visit with my sister; we don't live far apart but it just seems we don't get together nearly as much as we'd like.  Wednesday I had some time out with a friend and then another friend and her daughter joined us for dinner.  Thursday I was able to be home and Friday was errands and a much needed hair cut.  So, again, a great week but busy.  I'm happy to join in this week's Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay At Home Mom.    I hope you all are having a great week and start to this new year.

The Weather:

It's chilly here but sunny!!! It has been soooo dreary and gray the last few weeks that having sun is such a blessing.  I'm very ready for spring and warmer weather.

Outside my Window:

The sun is shining.  There are buds on the ornamental plum tree and the magnolia tree; which seems very odd for the beginning of February.  

Right Now I am:

Taking a minute to sit and blog while laundry finishes and the bread finishes it's first rise.  


Thinking and Pondering: 

How patient God is with me.  He never tires of us bringing our thoughts, praises, requests and concerns to Him.  He is always there to listen, teach, guide and correct.  I'm so thankful for the relationship He provides through His Son, Jesus.  
 
Podcasts I'm listening to this week:
Haven't listened to any this week. 

On my T.V this week:

No idea. Maybe catch up on some YouTube channels I follow.  Oh, and my husband introduced me to a new one called Sandwiches of History.  I already follow Tasting History and love that channel so the sandwiches one should be fun...I just really love history. 

On the Dinner Plate:

Tonight is Moo Shu Chicken using this recipe and substituting chicken for the pork.   I'll cook up some brown rice to go with it since a few of the kids aren't fans of tortillas.

On the Menu this week:

Ham Dinner 
Pea Soup (one of the kids requested this so that's why I'm making the ham)
Beef & Barley Soup
 
What I'm Reading:
Bible
Artificial Condition (Book 2 of the Murderbot Diaries) -these are short (~150pgs each) books and just a fun scifi read.
Be Confident: Live by Faith Not by Sight by Warren Weirsbe


On my To-Do list today:

Workout
Laundry
Make Bread
Clean up random things around the house
Women's Ministry Meeting tonight
 
 

Plans for this week:

Make Bread

Women's Ministry Meeting

Get Oil Change

Eye Dr. Appt.

Keep up with housework

Finish weaving in ends on daughter's blanket

Write 2 notes & send out

 


What I'm Creating:

I finished the whale for the fundraiser, both it and the shawlette sold so I'm happy!  I'm also almost done with my daughter's blanket; I just need to weave in all the ends and then it's done.  
 
 



 



                                                     
This is my 6yr old cuddling him. 


From the Camera:

Other than the whale pictures I don't really have any.

Highlight from Last week:

It was great to hang out with my sister one day and a friend another day.  I'm so thankful for the ladies God has brought into my life.

 
Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:

I'm studying through Hebrews and this verse in particular caught my attention.  As my readers know, I love to dig into the original forms and meanings of the words.  The two words merciful and faithful are the ones I focused on here.  Reading through the original meanings brings so much beauty of this verse into focus. 

eleémón - merciful, acting consistently with the revelation of God's covenant. Actively compassionate.

pistos - faithful, trustworthy.  Trusty, faithful, of persons who show themselves faithful in the transaction of business, the execution of commands, or the discharge of official duties. 

This made me think of the verses in 2 Corinthians 1:19-20 where we are told that " For all the promises of God find their Yes in him."  Jesus is faithful to fulfill all that God has promised!  He always acts consistently with God's covenant. 

**all lexicon information is from biblehub.com

Humility of Christ



On My Prayer List:

Family & Friends who are ill.

Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.

Wisdom in parenting.

Peace & the willingness to let go of things that are not mine to carry.

Wisdom for how to deal with a difficult person.