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.

October already?!

It's hard to believe that October is already here!  I've been meaning to jump back in on the Happy Homemaker Monday posts but just haven't seemed to have the time.  Hopefully, in the next couple weeks I'll be able to do a few before the holidays start up!

The last few weeks have been filled full!  We celebrated another family birthday, had the annual Beach BBQ & Baptism with our church, spent time with family who were visiting from out of state and started all the fall activities up again.  

One of the fall activities we are involved in is the AWANA program at church.  I help out with the 3rd graders and this year our youngest started Sparks (K-2).  She was SO excited to earn her vest and book by saying John 3:16. 

 If you're not familiar with AWANA it's a great kids program that teaches Biblical truths while focusing a lot on Scripture memorization.  The older kids have youth group, PTO for the school has begun and clubs at the high school are also getting back into full swing. So, all that to say, we are good and life is FULL right now. 

One fun thing is that the deer we spotted in our yard have returned a few times now. I was able to get another picture of them yesterday.  There is a shrub along the edge of our yard that they really love to eat; thankfully they do not care for the blueberry bush leaves or lilacs so I'm happy to let them roam and eat the wild shrubbery. 

Oh!  and I also finally started working on my daughters graphgan.  This one is definitely going to be a process but I'm already liking the results from the small amount I've been able to get done.  

One last thing, our oldest girl is away at college (and loving it!); while there she is attending a church in town that only has acappella music in their services.  The song below is one of her favorites and a new-to-me song so I thought I would share.  I love all types of music but don't listen to a lot of acappella music.  I really enjoyed the beautiful harmony of voices.  Enjoy!