Happy Homemaker Monday 3/25/24

Another Monday already.  Time marches on.  I'm having a slower start to the day today.  I did get the kitchen straightened up and kids off to school.  I rarely climb back into bed but this morning I decided to bring my coffee and laptop upstairs and warm back up a bit in bed.  It's chilly out there!  

Last week was another busy one so it's nice to have a slower start to this week.  The kids have Friday off from school for Good Friday so it will be a shorter week for them; which is always nice. We do have a few things going on this week, and of course I need to figure out a plan for Easter dinner but for now I'm taking a few minutes to blog.  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 cold!  The sun is trying to peek through the clouds but we're supposed to have mostly cloudy weather today and then cold & rainy weather the rest of the week.

Outside my Window:

There's still a bit of snow on the grass, skies are a bit cloudy. 

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.  What to make for Easter dinner.     
 

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:

Catching up on Blown Away, a glass-blowing competition show on Netflix.  It's amazing what they can do with glass.

On the Dinner Plate:

Either Chicken & Barley Pulao  OR Israeli Couscous salad with chicken 

 

On the Menu this week: 

 

I need to do a full menu plan.

The two recipes mentioned above are leftover from last week.

 

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 A to find a white shirt for her concert

Weekend cleanup/straighten house

 

Plans for this week:

Catch up on laundry

Finish a crochet Easter dress for our youngest.

Continue to research some things for a possible project

Attend Band Jamboree (all bands from the 5 schools in the district play at this concert)

Figure out Easter Dinner plans

Attend Good Friday Service

Help prep for the Easter brunch at church

Hopefully meet with school principal about a project I proposed to him.

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. 

 

I'm almost done this!  I just need to finish weaving in the ends and adding the butterfly appliques.  A side-effect of matching the stripes was many more ends to weave in.  Don't be like me, use a solid colored yarn, it will go much faster and there will be hardly any ends to weave in. 😀

From the Camera:

 I didn't take any pictures last week. 

Highlight from Last week:

Helping with the band kids. 

Having brunch with my sister.

Attending the monthly women's group at church.  

 

Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:

 

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!

What's so great about eternal?

 

For many years I lived in a place of thinking that eternal life was something that, while I had it, didn't really "kick in" until after this life.  As I've read more Scripture and dug deeper into the original words I've found a much deeper and richer understanding of this word, eternal.  So, grab a cup of coffee or tea and sit with me for a minute.  Soak in the truth of why eternal is so great!

In the original language the word for eternal is aiónios, this word means eternal but the deeper implication of this word is that aiónios "does not focus on the future per se, but rather on the quality of the age it relates to.  Thus believers live in "eternal life" right now, experiencing this quality of God's life right now as a present possession." (biblehub.com)

So, let's look at some Scripture to see what we have right now:

John 3:16 - We possess eternal life - right now!

Hebrews 9:12 - We possess eternal redemption - right now!

Hebrews 9:15 - We possess an eternal inheritance - right now!

2 Thessalonians 2:16 - We possess eternal comfort and good hope - right now!

2 Peter 1:11 - We possess a place in the eternal kingdom - right now!

Revelation 14:6 - We possess the truth of the eternal gospel - right now!

Hebrews 5:9 - We possess eternal salvation - right now!

 

I'd encourage you to take some time and meditate on these verses, see if you can find other verses that speak of the eternal things we, as believers, forgiven and accepted children of God, possess.  And then share them in the comments to encourage others.  

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. 

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 learn.  I only ask that you be kind, and that you substantiate your thoughts with Scripture **

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!