Happy Homemaker Monday 12/18/23

Another Monday!  This month is flying by, I can't believe that Christmas is only a week away!  Both our college kiddos are home and I *think* I'm done Christmas shopping.  Tomorrow is a baking day and I'm hoping to finally watch a few Christmas movies this week.    I'm thankful to be able to join in this week's Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay At Home Mom.   

The Weather:

Rainy!  It has been warm here (about 60 degrees!) but sooo rainy today.

Outside my Window:

It's later in the day so the sun has set.  It's still raining outside.

Right Now I am:

Blogging listening to the kids chatting.

Thinking and Pondering: 

All the things to get done this week.  Tonight will be the start of wrapping gifts.
 

Podcasts I'm listening to this week:

 Haven't listened to any this week.

On my T.V this week:

Not sure.  Maybe a Christmas movie.

On the Dinner Plate:

Broccoli, potato & cheddar soup. 

On the Menu this week:

Soup

Spinach Pie

What I'm Reading:

Bible

Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr

On my To-Do list today:

Laundry ✓

Errands ✓

Start wrapping gifts

 

Plans for this week:

Keep up with housework.

Wrap gifts

Make cookies

Awana & Youth Group Christmas parties

Prep & facilitate Gathering Table study (we're doing a study on the Lord's Prayer)

Continue decorating & preparing for Christmas

What I'm Creating:. 

I'm excited to share that I actually had time to craft this past week!  I'm done the graphic part of my daughter's blanket (she chose the graphic); so now I just need to finish the background to make it the length of a blanket and then add a border.

  I also was excited to repurpose some greenery.  This swag used to have lights in it but when we plugged them in this year they were dead.  The pinecones were also falling out.  I went to the craft store but didn't find a good replacement; however, I did find this lovely bow.  So, I came home, removed the lights, hot glued the pinecones back on and added the bow.  I love how it came out.

                                                               

From the Camera:

A picture from the middle school concert.  We were able to see our girl walk in but unfortunately she was in the back on the other side of the stage.  All the kids did a great job!

 

It is great to have our older two home.  Our oldest and youngest have always had a very special bond.  She is very happy to have him home for a few week.

 

 

Highlight from Last week:

So many highlights; from watching our girl perform her first concert playing the trombone, to our oldest two coming home for Christmas, to helping with a School Festival and book fair.  It was a full, fun week.

 

Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:

I recently saw a video of Times Square where Silent night was broadcast and the true story of Christmas was shared.  Many people, who said they were believers, were complaining about who sponsored the event.  As I watched the video I was reminded of Paul's words in Philippians.  

 

Here is the video:

 

I probably will not post on a Monday until after the New Year so I'd like to wish you all a 

Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

On My Prayer List:

Family & Friends who are ill.

Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.

Safe travels over the next several weeks as many family & friends are traveling.

Wisdom in parenting

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

Happy Homemaker Monday 12/11/23

Happy Monday!  Getting a slow start this morning but  I'm thankful to be able to join in this week's Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay At Home Mom.   

The Weather:

Cold & cloudy.  Hoping for some sun later this afternoon; but definitely makes it hard to get moving with such a cloudy morning.

Outside my Window:

Cloudy and still wet from the rain yesterday.  Almost all the leaves are off the trees now so looking a bit bare out there.

Right Now I am:

Blogging and contemplating what to do next.

Thinking and Pondering: 

What I need to get done today.  How much Christmas decorating I want to do; we got our Christmas tree yesterday and will be decorating that this evening.  Figuring out how many bins of decorations to bring down from the attic.
 

Podcasts I'm listening to this week:

 Haven't listened to any this week.

On my T.V this week:

Not sure.  Maybe a Christmas movie.

On the Dinner Plate:

Chili is in the crockpot. 

On the Menu this week:

I went grocery shopping but need to figure out an actual menu for this week.  We have some busy evenings so probably will have a few crockpot meals.

What I'm Reading:

Bible

Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr

On my To-Do list today:

Finish Laundry 

Clean Bathrooms ✓

Pay some bills

Decorate Christmas Tree

Plans for this week:

Keep up with housework.

School Band Concert

Help with School Festival

Pick up two oldest from airport (two different days)

Continue decorating & preparing for Christmas

What I'm Creating:. 

I'm still slowly working on my daughter's blanket but haven't had much time for crafting lately. 

                                                               

From the Camera:

In January we tragically lost our cat Bennett; we have taken most of the year to let the kids grieve and have a break from having a pet.  However, over the past month or so we've decided that it was time to start looking for another cat.  We were specifically looking for a longhair cat, preferably male.  This little guy popped up on our local SPCA website; we went in the next day and brought him home.  He's adjusting well and the kids are thrilled to have another cat to love on.  As you can see the noise of the house doesn't bother him at all and he likes being around all of us. 

 

 

 

Highlight from Last week:

Getting a new cat was definitely a highlight.  The kids love having him here.

 

Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:

 

Loving people can be hard! I recently chatted with a friend who shared how that they had been very hurt by a church they were atttending.  It's hard to keep loving other believers, those who should "know better" when we have been so deeply hurt.  As I read these verses today I was reminded how that our focus, and where we place our hope, is foundational to being able to keep loving others even when we are hurt.  We have a heavenly hope, a treasure stored up for us in heaven, a Gospel Truth that can never be changed.  We must keep our focus on these things, keep our faith in God only, and keep loving as He loves. 

On My Prayer List:

Family & Friends who are ill.

Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.

Safe travels over the next several weeks as many family & friends are traveling.

Wisdom in parenting

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

Happy Homemaker Monday 12/4/23

Welcome December!  I'm slowly gathering things for Christmas but definitely not ready yet.  I'm thankful to be able to join in this week's Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay At Home Mom.   

The Weather:

Cold & cloudy.  It' supposed to be pretty chilly all week.  I'm not a huge fan of snow but I love to have some for Christmas so it would be nice if we got some in the next couple weeks. 

Outside my Window:

Cloudy and still wet from the rain yesterday.  Our neighbors across the street have their house all decorated so it's pretty to see their Christmas lights at night.

Right Now I am:

Blogging and enjoying a quiet moment after a very hectic couple of weeks.

Thinking and Pondering: 

What I need to get done today.  Whether to cook for dinner or just have leftovers.
 

Podcasts I'm listening to this week:

 Haven't listened to any this week; although a friend recently recommended the podcast called History that Doesn't Suck so I'm hoping to check that one out soon.

On my T.V this week:

Not sure.  Maybe a Christmas movie.

On the Dinner Plate:

Not sure yet; either something quick or leftover chicken pot pie.

On the Menu this week:

Beef & Barley Soup

What I'm Reading:

Bible

Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr

On my To-Do list today:

Finish Laundry 

Errands ✓

Write note to prayer partner & compassion child & mail them. ✓

Plans for this week:

Keep up with housework.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Help with Scholastic book fair

Continue decorating & preparing for Christmas

What I'm Creating:. 

I'm still slowly working on my daughter's blanket but haven't had much time for crafting lately.  I may make some mug shaped gift card holders (including a gift card of course) as teacher gifts but we'll have to see how the week goes.

                                                               

From the Camera:

My husband and I were blessed to get away with friends for a few days.  While we did have some pretty significant bumps along the way, God blessed and provided and we were able to enjoy the time away and connecting with friends.  When we got home I had to replace my phone and in doing that I lost several of the pictures I took.  I'm hoping they are on the memory card from the old phone so I'll have my husband check that this week.   This is one of the only pictures that I still have on my phone. We were able to have a special dinner at a rooftop restaurant.  After eating dinner we were encouraged to go out on the balcony to watch fireworks.  It was such a fun way to spend and evening. 

 

 

 

Highlight from Last week:

There were several highlights from last week.  Seeing God provide in very special ways was definitely at the top.  The second would be the wonderful candlelight processional we watched.  The music, the Scripture and the venue were all beautiful.  I had pictures of this but alas, they aren't on my new phone.

 

Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:

I recently saw a quote that said something to the effect of 

"When we are feeling lonely or overlooked it is often a sign that we have put someone else in the place of Jesus."  

It was a great reminder that we are to find our ALL in Jesus and He promises to never leave us or forsake us.  He is El Roi; the God who sees us.  We are never left alone or overlooked by Him.  Others may hurt or disappoint us but God is faithful to His promises and we can trust fully in His presence and love.

On My Prayer List:

Family & Friends who are ill.

Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.

Safe travels over the next several weeks as many family & friends are traveling.

Wisdom in parenting

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

Happy Homemaker Monday 11/20/23

Taking a quick minute to join in this week's Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay At Home Mom.   

The Weather:

Cold & sunny. 

Outside my Window:

Lots of sunshine, a few leaves still on the trees.

 Right Now I am:

Blogging and waiting for the oven to preheat.

Thinking and Pondering: 

What I need to make for Thanksgiving dinner (not hosting but bringing some dishes).  I also need to make a packing list as my husband and I will be away with friends for a few days in the coming weeks.
 

Podcasts I'm listening to this week:

 Haven't listened to any this week.

On my T.V this week:

Not sure.  Maybe a Studio Ghibli movie or two since our 15yr old is really into those lately.

On the Dinner Plate:

Chicken and Rice Soup

On the Menu this week:

Soup

Swedish meatballs

Chicken pot pie?

Thanksgiving dinner

What I'm Reading:

Bible

The Words we Whisper; haven't gotten very far into this so we'll see how it goes.

On my To-Do list today:

Finish Laundry 

Errands ✓

Make Bread✓

Write note to prayer partner & oldest son & mail them. ✓

Plans for this week:

Keep up with housework.

Thanksgiving Eve Service

Celebrate Thanksgiving w/family

Take daughter to airport (returning to college after Thanksgiving break)

Pack for trip

What I'm Creating:

I promised pictures of the giant lollipops I was making so here is that picture and also a couple of the parade float.  I was hoping to walk in the parade with our youngest two but with iffy weather and a family member needing help last minute, the logistics for walking didn't work out.  It was still fun to help decorate the float. 

 

                                                                         

From the Camera:

Just the ones from above.   

 

Highlight from Last week:

The highlight from last week was definitely our oldest coming in Saturday night for a visit.  It's great to have her home for a few days.  Another highlight was celebrating Friendsgiving with the ladies group at church.  We are currently going through a study on the Lord's Prayer and the time together was so sweet and encouraging..with yummy food too!

 

Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:

These few verses really stood out to me this week.  People had heard of the work God had done in Paul's life and they glorified God.  Am I living my life so that if people were to hear about God working in my life they would glorify Him?  Is my life one that always, only points others to glorify God and not seeking my own glory?

On My Prayer List:

Family & Friends who are ill.

Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.

Safe travels over the next several weeks as many family & friends are traveling.

Wisdom in parenting

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

Thankful Thursday: Countdown to Thanksgiving

Seems hard to believe that next Thursday is Thanksgiving.  I'm grateful for this month; where many take a more focused look at gratitude.  It's easy to focus on what is wrong with this fallen world but oh! the gift of focusing on the goodness of God!  How that even in such a fallen world His faithfulness, goodness, and grace are on full display.  

 

 

 

 There is SO much for us to be grateful for.  So here is my list of things I'm thankful for this week:

    - I'm thankful for walks & talks with good friends who encourage, pray for and walk life with me.

    - I'm thankful for the energy & time to get tasks done ahead of "schedule".

    - I'm thankful for Scripture; God's Word to us!  That it is always relevant, fresh and living.

    - I'm thankful for God's patience and understanding with me.  His timing of giving just what I need when I need it.

    - I'm thankful for talks with my kids, including those unexpected calls from our oldest two as they navigate college and see God working.

    - I'm thankful for "car concerts" with my girls! And for new songs shared with me by my kiddos.

The song below was shared with me last night by one of my daughters.  I love the message & the sound of this song.  The reminder to "put it down" and trust Jesus.  Take a minute to listen; I pray you will be blessed and encouraged.

What are you especially thankful for this week?

Happy Homemaker Monday 11/13/23

I almost didn't sit down to blog but the thought of just sitting down and doing something routine was actual a comfort today.  Some days are just harder and a Monday after a long weekend seems to be one of them.  It's hard (but a necessity) to be reminded over and over that while we, as mamas, can control a lot of things there are certain things we will never be able to control.  Resting today in the truth that God does really have all of us. 

 I'm happy to say that last week I did get to writing up a schedule for the next two months.  So, it's broken down by each week and what needs to be accomplished each week.  It's doesn't seem quite so overwhelming to have it all written out. So with that said, I am happy to again be joining in this week's Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay At Home Mom.   

The Weather:

It's chilly here with a mix of sun & clouds.  This morning it was 25F when I took the youngest out to the bus stop.  Brrr...

Outside my Window:

It's sunny right now with lots of blue sky.

 Right Now I am:

Blogging and enjoying the quiet.

Thinking and Pondering: 

If I will finish the decorations for the PTO parade float today or tomorrow.  I'm helping make some giant lollipop decorations.   Also deciding what days I'll do other tasks since I have an appt in the city this week and other things that will take up some extra time.
 

Podcasts I'm listening to this week:

 

Haven't listened to any this week.

On my T.V this week:

Not sure.  Maybe a Studio Ghibli movie or two since our 15yr old is really into those lately.

On the Dinner Plate:

Roasted Pork Loin, Rice & some veggie

On the Menu this week:

Not sure, might just make extra of meals I'm prepping and freezing.

What I'm Reading:

Bible

The Echo of Old Books

On my To-Do list today:

Finish Laundry 

Work on float decorations

Shop for new coat ✓

Write note to prayer partner ✓

Plans for this week:

Keep up with housework.

Appt in the city

Walk with a friend

Gathering Table (ladies group at church) Friendsgiving 

Start Prepping meals

Help decorate float

Pick up oldest daughter from airport (Thanksgiving break)!

What I'm Creating:

Making some giant lollipop decorations for a parade float.  Not sure I'll get to much other crafting                                                                        

From the Camera:

So, I checked to see if I'd taken any photos this week and I haven't.   

 

Highlight from Last week:

The highlight from last week was that the kids had two days off from school.  Tuesday was election day and Friday they had off for Veteran's Day.  We didn't do really anything special but it is always nice to have some more relaxing days.

 

Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:

This morning as I was reading through Acts chapter 7 I noticed verses 24-25.  Stephen is retelling the events of the Old Testament and showing how all of it was pointing to Christ.  In verse 24-25 he is speaking about Moses. Moses had killed an Egyptian and it says "He supposed that his brothers would understand that God was giving them salvation by his hand, but they did not understand."  Moses thought that they would see him as their great savior; how wonderful it was that he, Moses, would stand up for them.  But God's plan was to glorify Himself & show He was their True Savior...not Moses.

So often we try to control things and "help" how we think things should go; but God's timing and ways are always best.  His purposes will be fulfilled but it rarely, if ever, looks like how we think it should go or in the timing we think is best.  

It was such a great reminder to me, especially on this harder morning, that I don't have to figure everything out, that it's not my job to fix everything for everyone.  My job is to pray, serve as God leads and to leave it all in His more than capable hands.

On My Prayer List:

Family & Friends who are ill.

Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.

Safe travels as oldest girl flies home.

Wisdom in parenting

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

Thankful Thursday: Countdown to Thanksgiving

 It is getting bu-sy around here!  So, I'm especially thankful for a quiet minute to sit and blog.  Earlier this week I wrote up a schedule for the next two months and posted it on the fridge.  It's broken down by week and the things I need to do each week.  Getting things down on paper helps me to put into perspective just how much I need to do (which often feels much less overwhelming once I'm not trying to mentally keep everything straight) and also to feel the accomplishment of checking things off the list.  So, in honor of that thinking here is a list of things I'm thankful for this week.

Image from Country Living Magazine

1) For God's patience and faithfulness!  That as I learn and grown He's always there and shows me clear reminders that He's listening and He really does understand and will provide just what I need..when I need it!  His grace and timing are perfect!

2) For godly friends to "do life" with.  Such an encouragement and so much fun to have them in our lives.

3) For cozy homes on cold days.

4) For the simple things like fun new recipes and cozy books.

5) For new songs that encourage.  I love this song as it combines Scripture truth, an old hymn and new sound.

Happy Homemaker Monday 11/6/23

Eeekk, it's November already!  The next two months are very busy but with a lot of joyful moments planned.  Yesterday I was telling a friend that I've reached that time in the year where I really need to focus on just one week at a time so that I can keep everything organized.  Some of that weekly focus is on preparing for later things but I find it helps for me to break those bigger plans/tasks into smaller ones and prep a bit each week.  So I'm taking a few minutes to blog and then will jump in to the task of breaking up those bigger plans.   Happy to again be joining in this week's Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay At Home Mom.   

The Weather:

It's chilly here with a mix of sun & clouds.  The highs this week are only supposed to be in the 40's to low 50's so definitely feeling more late fall now.  The time change and earlier sunsets are also giving that late fall/winter vibe.

Outside my Window:

Many of the leaves have dropped so the trees are looking a bit bare now.

 Right Now I am:

Blogging and enjoying the quiet while I wait for laundry to finish.

Thinking and Pondering: 

How to break up bigger tasks over the next few weeks.
 

Podcasts I'm listening to this week:

 

Haven't listened to any this week.

On my T.V this week:

Probably will finish the mini series All The Light We Cannot See.  I read the book a few years back and have been enjoying the Netflix mini series based on the book.  Highly recommend this book!

On the Dinner Plate:

Leftovers

On the Menu this week:

Don't have all the meals figured out but so far:

Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken Parm

Meatball Sub on a Stick

What I'm Reading:

Bible

A Slave No More (getting back to this one)

On my To-Do list today:

Finish Laundry 

Sketch out the week and hopefully next few weeks

Finish planning meals to prep for later in the month

Plans for this week:

Keep up with housework.

Vote in local elections.

Dentist visit

Enjoy extra time with kids on their days off (for voting & veterans day)

Continue working on daughter's blanket

What I'm Creating:

So last week my husband and I built a plant shelf.  We had seen a similar design on Etsy and decided to recreate it for our dining room window.   I really love how the floor is clear and how cozy this corner looks. The shelves swing out so we can still open/close the window and clean it when needed.

                                                                        Daytime photo

                                            Nighttime photo (I love how cozy this corner looks)
 

I was also able to work on the graphgan for my daughter.  So all in all a productive week for crafting.

From the Camera:

'Tis the season for baking.  Last week at Awana the younger kids (Sparks) decorated pumpkins.  Our youngest came home and asked me to roast the pumpkin so we could make pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.  Here she is helping to put the dough on the cookie sheets.  

 

Highlight from Last week:

This past week was quite full. From the regular events like, Awana & Youth group, to a PTO meeting, dentist appointments, a church workday, a concert date night, hosting friends for Sunday lunch and an unexpected video call from our oldest girl.  There were many highlights and I'm so thankful for each of them.

 

Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:

In the read through the Bible in a year plan that I am using this year; we read John 13 the other day.  This passage has become one that I return to over and over for both encouragement and admonishment.  The example Jesus gives of washing feet is rooted in the fact that He is fully grounded in Who He is, Who sent Him, what His purpose is and where He is going.  Such a great reminder to keep our focus on God so that we are willing and able to love and serve as He directs.

I posted more on this passage a few years ago in a blog post titled Thoughts on John 13

On My Prayer List:

Family & Friends who are ill.

Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.

Wisdom for parenting.

Wisdom in scheduling and preparing for these busy next few months.

Thankful Thursday: Countdown to Thanksgiving

Yesterday I was thinking how I wanted to do some sort of blog series to focus on gratitude this month.  At first I thought I'd like to post each day but realistically that just isn't going to happen.  So I'm planning to post each Thursday.  So today I'm sharing a verse that I found encouraging and a new-to-me song that was a great reminder and encouragement to me this week.  I'm so very thankful for how God brings specific truths into every situation we face and at just the right time.  Extend grace, increase thankfulness, glorify God!  It is ALL for His sake!  Focus on God!

The graphic at the bottom is something funny I saw on Instagram. Wouldn't it be great to always skip over the panic part...definitely a work in progress in my life. 

 What are you thankful for today?

Happy Homemaker Monday 10/30/23

Well, wasn't sure I'd be getting this blog post up today but I do have a few minutes so here it is. I woke up in the night with a migraine (hasn't happened in a very long time).  I'm thankful that I was able to rest after the kids were off to school and am feeling better now; still not 100% but much better.  Happy to again be joining in this week's Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay At Home Mom.   

The Weather:

Very wet and rainy today.  The weather has been a bit crazy here with temps in the 80's on Saturday and in the 40's today.  Supposed to stay cool and wet for the rest of the week.  

Outside my Window:

 Wet, wet, wet.  Although the fire bushes in our yard have turned so they are bright red, which is pretty against the wet green. 

 Right Now I am:

Blogging.

Thinking and Pondering: 

What to do for dinners the rest of the week.  Thankful for God's promise to provide the wisdom we need each day and the importance of keeping our focus on one day at a time.
 

Podcasts I'm listening to this week:

 

Haven't listened to any this week.

On my T.V this week:

Not sure.

On the Dinner Plate:

Chicken and Green bean stir fry with rice.

On the Menu this week:

Not sure yet; I didn't make the Swedish Meatballs w/egg noodles and veggies last week so that will be one meal.

What I'm Reading:

Bible

A Slave No More (getting back to this one)

Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by JoAnna Weaver

On my To-Do list today:

Finish Laundry 

List some dresses on Ebay ✓

Pay some bills

Plans for this week:

Keep up with housework.

Spend some time with friends.

What I'm Creating:

I want to finish up a hook board that I started some time ago. I'm hoping to hang it in the kitchen for aprons (still haven't done this). I started the graphgan for my daughter but haven't had much time to work on it. Still these; I'm thinking I need to give myself "permission" to actually schedule time for working on these.  (Yes, same as last week. Although we did start another project that is almost done)

From the Camera:

I didn't really take any pictures in the last week.  There were a couple times that I specifically chose to just be in the moment and not take pictures. 

 

Highlight from Last week:

Celebrated a family birthday by taking a day trip to a favorite bike path.  The kids rode bikes while the adults walked. It was a beautiful day of fresh air, 80 degree temps, picnic, playground and laughs.

 

Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:

I thought it would be nice to share a song this week, so here is one of my favorites:

On My Prayer List:

Family & Friends who are ill

Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.

Wisdom for parenting.

Happy Homemaker Monday 10/23/23

Two weeks in a row! Happy to again be joining in this week's Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay At Home Mom.   

The Weather:

Sunny today!  A bit chilly but that's expected for it being almost November.  The rest of the week is supposed to be in the 70's which is unseasonably warm here.  

Outside my Window:

The leaves have really started changing this last week so it's very colorful outside. Earlier we had a blue jay land on the outside of one of our windows, so that was a fun way to start the morning.

Right Now I am:

Blogging, relaxing a bit before tackling the rest of the housework.

Thinking and Pondering: 

Whether or not it's too late to decorate for fall.  It's been so busy and time has gone by so fast that the only decorating I've done is adding a fall/apple placemat to the table with a fall candle; and filled a bowl with some fall decorations from Target.  Also, really praying for wisdom this week to use my time wisely.  

I often blog something and then second guess it because I'm not an expert in really anything but I do like to share what I'm learning because so much of life is a process. I may look back someday and cringe at things but that's also an encouragement because I can see the growth. This is often how I feel about marriage; God has taught me so many things (that I often still forget 😌) and I know I still have a long way to go.  I'm thankful that I had time last week to blog about some of these things in the post on Seasons of Marriage

 

Podcasts I'm listening to this week:

 

I listened to one by Tony Evans this morning on Moving Mountains and the importance of examining our hearts before God for any sin that might be causing other issues/symptoms (physical, mental, emotional) in our lives. 

On my T.V this week:

Not sure.

On the Dinner Plate:

Sweet Potato, Bacon Chowder - seems like Mondays are for sweet potato soups since I made one last Monday as well.  I chose this for tonight since it's the coolest day this week and I have a very busy afternoon.

On the Menu this week:

Jerusalem-Style Mixed Grill w/mango on the side

Ground Beef & Vegetable Stew

Swedish Meatballs w/egg noodles and veggies

What I'm Reading:

Bible

A Slave No More (getting back to this one)

Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by JoAnna Weaver

On my To-Do list today:

Finish Laundry 

Help at school this afternoon for PTO

Pick up kid after they're done with an afterschool Club

Pick up from weekend ✓

Make needed phone calls ✓

Plans for this week:

Keep up with housework.

Work on blanket

Help with PTO things

Work on project with my husband

What I'm Creating:

I want to finish up a hook board that I started some time ago. I'm hoping to hang it in the kitchen for aprons (still haven't done this). I started the graphgan for my daughter but haven't had much time to work on it. Still these; I'm thinking I need to give myself "permission" to actually schedule time for working on these. 

From the Camera:

We have a family birthday coming up so last week we took a special trip into the city to spend the day celebrating them.  This picture shows a bit of the color there.  As usual the picture doesn't do it full justice.

 

Highlight from Last week:

Taking a special family member to the city for the day.  They had a short list of things that they wanted to do and we were able to do everything and still make it home before the kids got home.  It was a whirlwind trip but still so fun!

 

Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:

I've mentioned before that I'm reading through the Bible with a group of people using a plan on YouVersion.  One day last week our reading took us to the account of the transfiguration (Found in Matthew 17, Mark 9 & Luke 9).  Despite reading this account many times it struck me a little funny this time.  Here's what I wrote:

"I love that Jesus chose Peter because it's so easy to relate to him.  During the transfiguration I noticed; for the first time, how that Peter just starts talking and trying to come up with something to do when he's afraid.  One of the passages says he didn't even know what he was saying.  They are literally having a mountaintop moment with Jesus and Peter's just talking and planning!  God breaks into this event and says "This is my Son.  Listen to Him!"  There's a time to serve and a time to speak but there are also times when we just need to listen!"

On My Prayer List:

Family & Friends who are ill

Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.

Wisdom for parenting.

Seasons of Marriage: Best Advice I have been given/learned over the years.

Awhile ago I wrote a post titled Seasons of Parenting: Best advice I have been given since then I've had some notes on marriage jotted down on my phone so I thought I'd share them. I'm certainly no marriage expert and have days when I fail miserably; I'm thankful for the grace extended to me by both God and my husband.  In a world where emotion and self are often elevated to the highest priority let's remember the beauty of dying to self as we choose to rely on God, His wisdom and truth, and rejoice in the beauty of marriage!

10 Tips for Building into your Marriage:

1) Pray for your husband!  - You are uniquely positioned to pray for your husband.  Not only to pray for challenges he might face but also to express your gratitude for him and pray blessing over him.  Praying for your husband refocuses your mind on the unique person who you have been joined to by God.  (side note: I highly recommend the book The Power of A Praying Wife) (Philippians 1:3-6)

2) Remember you are NOT the Holy Spirit! - This truth is one I heard more recently and has really shaped how I pray.  We need to leave everything in God's hands.  We were never meant to act as the Holy Spirit to our spouses...we can pray for them, support them, and love them dearly but we can't and should never try, to control them or change them.  We are responsible to live before God faithfully and commit our husbands & marriage to Him and His will.  (John 1:20, 1 Peter 3:1)

3) Don't gossip about your husband! - It is so common today to see wives posting all sorts of things about their husbands on social media.  This is so harmful!  If you are in a dire situation in your marriage and need counsel then yes, absolutely find a trusted, godly confidant to share and get counsel.  Blasting your husband and airing all on social media tears down your husband and your household.  If you have children it also breeds disrespect.  (Proverbs 14:1, Ephesians 5:33, Proverbs 11:13)

4) Communicate clearly, Ask Questions! - I think this is one that is a lifelong learning process.  Communication can be hard in any situation!  It can be so easy to misunderstand or be misunderstood; give your husband the benefit of the doubt.  Be clear, be direct, don't hint.  Find the right time to speak.  Be respectful of both privacy (don't air everything in front of your kids) and timing (is your spouse tired, overwhelmed); especially with hard conversations. (Ephesians 4:29, also see how Esther handled communication in Esther chapters 5 & 7)

5) Get out alone together/ plan dates! - This will definitely look different at different stages of marriage but it's SO important to have time out without the kids.  Time to talk, to do activities you enjoyed before kids.  Even if you have to stay at home there are numerous ways to just set aside time to prioritize each other.  Your kids will grow up and move away; remember to prioritize your marriage! (Romans 12:9-10)

6) Remember your vows were before God...commit to stay faithful to Him! - Marriage is a holy covenant made before God.  Just as in any relationship there will be mountaintop moments and there will be times of conflict.  Your number one priority in your marriage; as in every area of life, should be to stay faithful to God.  He will lead you through any circumstance just keep your eyes on Him! (Hebrews 10:23)

7) Love is a choice & commitment; not just a feeling! - So often we hear "I just didn't love him anymore", "I just wasn't feeling it anymore", "I need to go find my happiness."  as justification for women leaving their marriages.  As I often tell my kids "feelings are real but it does not mean they are true!" Feelings come and go; our hearts can be deceitful...we must rely on God for He is greater than our hearts. (Jeremiah 17:9, 1 John 3:20)

8) Your husband is NOT your enemy! - This one goes with the previous point.  Our feelings can be deceitful and the devil loves to breed conflict within our marriages.  After all, marriage is the closest earthly picture we have of Christ and His great love for the church.  The devil wants to destroy that!  We need to remember that our enemy is always prowling and that our enemy is not flesh & blood/ a person. (1 Peter 5:8, Ephesians 6:12)

9) Have fun! Be Silly! - Do you remember when you first started dating your husband?  How you had fun, talked for hours, laughed, were spontaneous and did silly things?  Keep doing that!  Yes, it will change a bit over time and seasons of life but keep having fun!  Don't let the cares of this world steal your joy.  We can rejoice every day because God has made that day!  If marriage is the closest earthly picture of our relationship with Christ; then we certainly shouldn't be miserable or joyless!  In John 15:1-12 Jesus tells what it means to abide in Him, to bear fruit for Him.  As we live for Him and abide in Him He brings joy to every aspect of our lives....including our marriages!  

10) Marriage has seasons! - Just like every area of life, marriage has seasons.  Learn from the challenges, enjoy the beauty, and rest in the Sovereignty of God in each season.  (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Do you have any tips or advice that you have found helpful in marriage?

Happy Homemaker Monday 10/16/23

 Joining in this week's Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay At Home Mom.  Wow, a month since I've been able to sit down and blog.  I often think of it and I have a note in my phone with outlines for several blog posts but it seems time fills up and goes by. So, I'll just be content to pop in and join when I can.

The Weather:

Cloudy and wet.  It's supposed to be cloudy and cool for most of the week. Definitely feeling like fall; however the foliage hasn't been as bright. 

Outside my Window:

Wet leaves, some are changing colors but we still have green on many of the trees.

Right Now I am:

Blogging, getting a slow start to today; last week was one of "those" weeks so I'm just enjoying the quiet while waiting for the laundry to finish.

Thinking and Pondering: 

 So much on my mind.  Thankful that God is faithful, thankful for His lessons; even when they are hard.  Also, thinking about all the planning for the next couple months.  We have a getaway (adults only) with friends coming up, a special date night with other friends, college kids to get home (one comes for Thanksgiving and Christmas and then both for Christmas), holiday planning, a couple family birthdays, church events, etc. 

 

Podcasts I'm listening to this week:

 

I haven't listened to any recently. 

On my T.V this week:

We've gotten into Agatha Christie movies recently so we might watch one of those.  We also haven't watched the new episode of Loki and I've been enjoying the new season of the Great British Baking show so I'll probably catch up on that at some point as well.

On the Dinner Plate:

Sweet Potato, Sausage & Spinach soup

On the Menu this week:

I need to sit down today and figure out a menu.  With colder weather we'll probably be having more soups & casseroles.

What I'm Reading:

Bible

A White Bird Flying by Bess Streeter Aldrich (the sequel to A Lantern in Her Hand)

Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by JoAnna Weaver

On my To-Do list today:

Finish Laundry 

Clean up from weekend

Vacuum basement

Grocery List & Menu

Plans for this week:

Keep up with housework.

Work on blanket

Go to monthly ladies study

What I'm Creating:

I want to finish up a hook board that I started some time ago. I'm hoping to hang it in the kitchen for aprons (still haven't done this). I started the graphgan for my daughter but haven't had much time to work on it.

From the Camera:

There is a beautiful walking path a couple towns over.  It's about 2 miles through the woods and around a pond.  I managed to make it over there twice last week.  

 

Highlight from Last week:

A much needed walk and conversation with a friend and another friend stopping by with one of her sons to visit.  Christian friendships are such an amazing gift from God.

 

Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:

On My Prayer List:

Family & Friends who are ill

Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.

Wisdom for parenting.

The blessing of the ordinary

 

A couple day ago this graphic showed up in my Instagram feed.  I shared in on my stories as I thought it was cute and a good reminder to be careful of comparison. As God so often does, He started to bring several thoughts on the same topic together.  It has been an encouragement to me to think on these things a bit more so I thought I'd share a quick note and hope it's an encouragement to you as well.

Awhile ago I heard a podcast (can't remember which one it was now) on the miracle of Jesus turning the water into wine; however, this particular episode took a different approach to this passage.  We find the story of water to wine, in John chapter 2.  Here's the part that was a fresh thought for me.  In verse 5 Mary tells the servants to "Do whatever he tells you."  In verse 7 Jesus tells the servants to "Fill the jars with water." that's it..just the ordinary act of pouring water into jars.  Notice now how they fill the jars "And they filled them up to the brim." These servants didn't do the job halfway they filled the jars as much as they could.  Yet still, it was just filling jars.  After the water (now turned into wine) was served John says no one knew "where it came from (though the servants who had drown the water knew)".  These servants who did the simple act of filling jars with water where the first people to know the first miracle Jesus did in His public ministry!  And all from just filling jars, doing their ordinary, daily work.  

As I was reading John 4 I noticed that we see this same theme again. An ordinary woman doing her ordinary, daily task; yet again, Jesus reveals Himself to her first.  In John 4:4 John says about Jesus "And he had to pass through Samaria"; here's the thing. Jews did not get along with Samaritans; in fact they would routinely lengthen their journey in order to go around the region of Samaria but here we see that Jesus had a purpose and "had to" pass through Samaria.  Here he meets a woman at a well; she is going about here normal everyday task of drawing water from a well when Jesus begins speaking to her...she a Samaritan!  She even questions this in verse 9 when she asks "How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?" (for Jews have no dealings with Samaritans).   Yet, not only does He ask for a drink He reveals to her that He is the Christ!  The Messiah! and she is then the first person to tell those in the region of Samaria about Him! Because of her testimony many come to listen to Jesus and believe in Him.  

In both of these cases Jesus meets people in the everyday, doing ordinary things, faithfully doing what needs to be done. In one case he asks them to do a task and because of their obedience they get to be a part of a miracle, in the other He goes out of His way to step into a woman's ordinary day to give her a new kind of water...living water and because of her belief she gets to lead many to Jesus' feet!  

So, on days when it feels like everyday tasks are wearing on you.  When the ordinary may not seem like enough; know that God sees you, He sees your faithfulness to the little things and you never know what He might do with those ordinary things.  So keep being faithful and obedient...and "fill to the brim" whatever God asks you to do today.