New Chapters

Life is full of beginnings and endings. We all know this. Some of us learn that life changes at a very young age. For others it flows along and all your changes seem to happen at once. I know my life has had many changes over the years. Some were wonderful while others were devastating. Yet, as I look back over my time on earth and the many changes I've endured, one area remains constant. God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ my Savior and their never-ending, unfailing love, protection and care for me.


Looking back is not really something Christians are encouraged to do. We are told not to forget where we've come from, but we are called to press on toward the prize. I think the only reason I look back from time to time is to remember how God kept me in every circumstance. Even when I wasn't aware He was keeping me.

My brother said something to me today that I thought was very interesting and very true-God is the God of today-the "I AM"...not the was or will be...He is "I AM"...where ever you are, when ever you are.

And so...now...I am in a "new chapter"...I feel as if I'm a traitor to my very cause here. Speaking of women loving their home-sweet lives, fulfilling our call to be keepers at home. I do believe that no matter our circumstances, we are called to be content; to love the Lord, love our husbands and children and neighbors. I believe in this with all my heart. Yet....

I got a part-time job.

There, it's out.

Yes, I work now on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Only part of the day. Lydia is taken care of and does her school work. And I am not at home for that time.

Why?

Well, it's a sewing job. You all know how much I enjoy sewing. I love to sew. I love to be creative in many areas. I believe God gave me this ability. It is a talent that I've used in the past to make extra money at home. Making dolls, girl's clothing, things for babies, tea towels...lots of things.



But Why?

OK...

Any of you who know me...know that my daughter Jynette moved out when she was 17. This was very sad and traumatic to Dave and I (our whole family really) because we just didn't feel that she was ready to be on her own.



Things were hard here at home with her. She was a rebel-no matter how hard we tried to do the right thing, it just didn't work. I'm sure we did plenty wrong...plenty.



Screaming and yelling and lots of arguing-none of that is the Lord's way.



At that time I did not know what God's Word said about being a wife and mother. I was still kicking against the goads, having a "form" of godliness but denying the power thereof. It's true...I was a Christian of the American form-feministic, dominionistic, materialistic and probably hedonistic as well. Sick-but true. Why did I think I was a Christian? Because I was not taught truth on this subject and I didn't know God's Word. I fit what I liked and ignored the parts I didn't.

But anyway...back to Jynette.



She moved out when she was 17...my baby...my flower...my first little girl. She moved into an apartment with two guys-thankfully neither of them had a relationship with her. My pride constantly asked what any of my friends from church would think! Those who knew us best...what would they be saying??? But mostly I was worried about my daughter.



A couple of years have passed and she's gone 'round the mountain a couple of times. So have I.

Things have mellowed between us. I am one of her heroes on her myspace page (now I am working at living up to that example a mother should be to her daughter)! On the first of August the lease is up on the apartment she is in now and she says she is planning on coming home.

Now back to the reason I got a job.

I'm certain now it has everything to do with Jynette. You see, she works there too. She told me about it and kept telling me I should really go over and try to get a sewing position. So, one day I filled out the application and went over.



Every day I am there-I see her and we take breaks together and eat lunch together. And she talks to me and I listen now. She asks my advice and I try to give her Godly counsel. She says she prays for her Dad and I and she wants to be Daddy's Girl again. Even now it brings tears to my eyes. God is using this time to bring healing and show Nettie that we can be Mom and Daughter and friends. I believe God is drawing her as well. She talks a lot about Him.

So, I got a job. I don't know how long I have it for. However long it takes to win my daughter's heart back toward home. Until the Spirit of God tells me "It is finished".

In the meantime, I've made a few nice lady friends. We talk about gardening and the lovely woman who is training me is a Christian and quilts. How cool is that? It's been a long time since I've worked an industrial single-needle sewing machine. But I got hired on-the-spot when I took my sewing test and the experience I'm getting is wonderful.

I got a job. I see my daughter three days a week (more if she comes to visit the house). I'm getting more sewing experience AND getting paid for it. Lydia is being taken care of when I'm not home. And even though I have less time at home, for some reason I seem to get more done in this shorter amount of time.



Everything changes. This too will pass. But in it and through it, I'm sure I will see God's unchanging hand and His continual steadfastness and His grace in returning a prodigal home where she belongs!



All Glory to Him!!! The Great "I AM"!!

Bless Your Holy Name Lord God, my Redeemer. Thank you that restoration and love are always Your will. Amen.

Remember to love your family and bless them in every way as Our Heavenly Father commands us to do-when we serve them, we serve Him. The Home-Sweet Things are a blessing from the Lord! x0x0

Plans...

Within my House
by Fay Inchfawn

First, there's the entrance, narrow,
and so small,
The hat-stand seems to fill the tiny hall;
That staircase, too, has such an awkward
bend,
The carpet rucks, and rises up on end!
Then, all the rooms are cramped and close
together;
And there's a musty smell in rainy weather.

Yes, and it makes the daily work go hard
To have the only tap across a yard.
These creaking doors, these draughts, this
battered paint,
Would try, I think, the temper of a saint,

How often had I railed against these
things,
With envies, and with bitter murmurings
For spacious rooms, and sunny garden
plots!
Until one day,
Washing the breakfast dishes, so I think,
I paused a moment in my work to pray;
And then and there
All life seemed suddenly made new and
fair;
For, like the Psalmist's dove among the
pots
(Those endless pots, that filled the tiny
sink!),
My spirit found her wings.

"Lord" (thus I prayed), "it matters not
at all
That my poor home is ill-arranged and
small:
I, not the house, am straitened; Lord,
'tis I!
Enlarge my foolish heart, that by-and-by
I may look up with such a radiant face
Thou shalt have glory even in this place.
And when I trip, or stumble unawares
In carrying water up these awkward stairs,
Then keep me sweet, and teach me day
by day
To tread with patience Thy appointed
way.
As for the house . . . . Lord, let it be
my part
To walk within it with a perfect heart."





The sun shone today and that just makes all the difference-doesn't it? I need the sun's rays as often as possible to make it through the long winter. The gray really gets to me after awhile. It is such a blessing to have the warmth and light streaming through the windows and brightening up the dark rooms. It gives me energy and zest!

I have decided to paint my dining room and kitchen a pale gray. The current color has served its purpose and now I need something a bit calmer. The light plays with this new color and looks gray at times and also a very nice light blue. I will still be accessorizing with the other colors I love: turquoise, red, bright pink, apple green and white (and really any other color that fits). I got the paint chip from a trip to Wal-mart-KILZ Casual Colors-called "City Gray". I took it the next day to Home Depot and had it matched and brought home a quart to try it out on the wall and to see if I liked it. Lydia picked it out of all the samples I brought home and I must say she picked a good one. I really like it. So, this weekend I will be painting my dining room. I know it's not the best color for an eating area...but it's the one we like. I'll share photos later.

I always intended to make a booklet up from a blank sketch pad with the paint and cloth samples for my different rooms so when I went to a store I'd have something with me to match colors and cloth and wouldn't have to guess if the item will match. I have decided to purchase the blank book and get that going this weekend too. I don't have a lot to put in it right now, but there are a few things to start with. When I'm done with the dining room, I need to paint my hallway and then all the white woodwork in the house needs to be freshened up . This will take a bit of time, but I will try to get it done before things are ready for the freezer this spring. I want to make one for my garden this year too so I can better plan ahead for the next year's-it's getting too big to remember everything now. We shall see...we make plans but things happen!



I thought I'd share my cabinet full of glassy memorabilia and thrifty finds today. I got the cabinet from an old house I cleaned out for a real estate client. The items in it are from thrifting and living family member's hand-me-downs or family members who have passed away. Every time I look at the cabinet I think of different people whom I love and those I miss. Oh yes, there's Helena's happy, little snowman standing guard over it all! If you click on the photo it should enlarge and give you a better view.

I didn't forget about my apron give away, it's just-obviously postponed. Perhaps I'll get to work on it after I get finished painting. I am also working on an old novel to put into a PDF file for your reading enjoyment. Not an original work, just something I read once that I enjoyed. I passed the book along to a couple of friends and they enjoyed it and so I'm typing it into a PDF file to share. It will take a bit longer and I'll get a link on here (I have to figure it out of course). It is an old story written in the 1800's. It is a novel and it's just a sweet story. But I don't want to "spill the beans" yet. I am also coming along with my images for my sewing book for Moms and their daughters. Actually, I'm working on a few things and I need to finish the ones I've started so I can get them out here to you. The sewing book would also help someone trying to learn how to sew and stitch. You will see. It's a very old book that I'm revamping.

I'd like to post some things I am thankful for now-it's been awhile since I've updated my One Thousand Gifts list:

#16: the ability to work
#17: streams of sunshine to bask in
#18: friends found on blogs
#19: the privilege of learning about You, Lord through life's lessons
#20: artistic talents
#21: my own washing machine in which to do my laundry
#22: flylady.org
#23: spending time with Lydia
#24: beautiful music
#25: the joy of simplifying life-one decluttering spree at a time
#26: the peace of a balanced checkbook
#27: the days free of pain
#28: lunar eclipses to share with my children
#29: plans brought to fulfillment
#30: homeschool




May the Lord bless you as you tend to the daily tasks and as you tend to the inner house-the inner man. May He fill your inner spirit with the fruit of His Holy Spirit, that your inner man may be straightened-not straitened. Oh yes Lord, let us not be so narrow-minded that we focus on the external only-but that we are fixed on things above-on You, O Lord, on You. Amen

Oh Friends, there is no blessing like the blessings of Home-Sweet Things.
xoxo

An Afternoon of Yumminess

This weekend I spent some time in the kitchen making Pumpkin Apple Streusel Muffins. They are so tasty that I made 3 dozen and by Monday evening they were gone! Between family and friends they didn't last long. They are the current faves around here! They are so moist and yummy I'll share the recipe here for you to try it.

The pretty blue dish above is really a saucer-the muffin fit nicely on the teacup center. The retro glass is a find from some dishes I got in a house I cleaned out. Did I tell you I like junk and thrifting? Those of you who know me best know this about me! This is why I spend so much time decluttering.

Pumpkin-Apple Streusel Muffins

2 1/2 Cups all-purpose flour
2 Cups sugar (I use 1 3/4 Cups
1 TB Pumpkin Pie Spice (I use pinches of cinnamon; ground ginger, nutmeg and cloves)
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 Cup solid pack pumpkin
1/2 Cup vegetable oil

2 Cups apples, peeled and diced thin
(optional: 1 Cup walnuts, chopped small)

Streusel Topping:
Combine 2 TB all-purpose flour
1/4 Cup sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Cut in 4 tsp butter, until crumbly

Wash, peel and dice apples. Set aside.

Prepare streusel topping. Set aside.


In large bowl combine first 5 ingredients. Set aside.


In medium bowl combine eggs, pumpkin and oil. Add liquid ingredients to dry ingredients.


Stir just until moistened.


Stir in apples (and nuts if adding) just until distributed evenly.

Spoon batter into greased muffin cups-filling 3/4 full.Sprinkle streusel topping over each cup of batter.Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 30-40 minutes (mine were done at 30 mins.) or until toothpick comes out clean.
(You may substitute banana for pumpkin or in a pinch I've done 1/2 Cup pumpkin and 1/2 Cup banana.)



Enjoy!!!

Blessed are you when you prepare the Home-Sweet Things for your family!

Days Go By...

Hello My Friends!

I won't waste any time trying to excuse my absence...it's been too long since I last posted. I've thought about getting a post on here many times but got distracted and then it got late and then another day went by and another and...well-you get the picture.

We survived the start of another New Year and even Groundhog's Day! It will soon be Valentine's Day. Do you make Valentine's Day special? We don't do much of anything out of the norm here. I am a huge romantic at heart-I love Jane Austin novels and the Bronte Sisters and anyone else of old who wrote those heart-stirring novels. But as for real life...it's just not that romantic...at least for me.

And yet, I think of the Scriptures. The Song of Solomon-whose scripture is full of romance and wooing and love. This is the Lord's Word to us-His Bride. This is also The Bride's word to Him. I am examining my heart to make sure my words to Him reflect the scripture. The Bride adores her Groom-cannot live without Him. They say wonderful things to each other to confirm their love.

Here is one:

"Set me as a seal upon your heart,
As a seal upon your arm;
For love is as strong as death,
Jealously as cruel as the grave;
Its flames are flames of fire,
A most vehement flame.
Many waters cannot quench love,
Nor can the floods drown it.
If a man would give for love
All the wealth of his house,
It would be utterly despised."

Song of Solomon 8:6-7

And He so longs to hear Her voice:

"You who dwell in the gardens,
The companions listen for your voice-
Let me hear it!"

Song of Solomon 8:13

God the Father, through Jesus Christ, desires the most, the uttermost relationship with His people, His Bride. He wants the best for us-His best-and He desires to walk with us through this life-through it all. While we're walking and living this earth-life, He desires to envelop us in His presence, to cleanse us, to purify us, to keep us, to love us with an everlasting love. This love, this true love is for whosoever will. Yield to Him and let Him love you.

Here's one expression from Jars Of Clay's "Love Song for a Savior":

"Love Song For A Savior":

In open fields of wild flowers,she breathes the air and flies away
She thanks her Jesus for the daises and the roses in no simple language
Someday she'll understand the meaning of it all

He's more than the laughter or the stars in the heavens
As close a heartbeat or a song on her lips
Someday she'll trust Him and learn how to see Him
Someday He'll call her and she will come running and fall in His arms
and the tears will fall down and she'll pray,

"I want to fall in love with You"

Sitting silent wearing Sunday best
The sermon echoes through the walls
A great salvation through it calls to the people who stare into nowhere, and can't feel the chains on their souls

He's more than the laughter or the stars in the heavens
As close a heartbeat or a song on our lips
Someday we'll trust Him and learn how to see Him
Someday He'll call us and we will come running and fall in His arms and the tears will fall down and we'll pray,

"I want to fall in love with You"

It seems too easy to call you "Savior",
Not close enough to call you "God"
So as I sit and think of words I can mention to show my devotion

"I want to fall in love with You"

my heart beats for You"


Here's the you tube link to watch them sing it live.

I've been working on some things in my absence. I'm putting together readable books in PDF format and want to offer anyone who reads my blog and whoever finds me out there in the internet world.

Some will be free and other things I will offer for sale. I am working on putting together a sewing kit/teaching/curriculum for homeschoolers or Moms who want to teach their children to sew. It's taking a bit to put it together because I have to research it all out and then make the things and take photos and yada yada...But I'll let you know for sure when it's all ready. I've got a couple of other things I'm working on too-some money saving books, thrifty things and old-fashioned recipe books for those of us who enjoy baking and playing in the kitchen and who just love good, old-fashioned comfort food. I'll probably link on the sidebar to my new site Home Sweet Things and you'll be able to see all the goodness and yumminess!


Remember to Fall in Love with Jesus...it's not so much that we know Him...but that He knows us! (Matthew 7:23-and no the two are not the same!) Lord, I pray we seek to know the difference. Amen

God Bless you as you enjoy blessing your family in the Home-Sweet Things! x0x0x0

Testimony

The Lost House
Fay Inchfawn

It was not the sort of a house where He
Could enter and belong,
He had not been invited, for
This was a house where wrong
Flaunted itself without disguise
Openly, unsahamed--
The wrongness which the Holy Book
Says never should be named

But, as He entered at the door
With friendship in His face
The strong man of the house rose up
And gave Him honoured place.
Then, as He took the offered seat--
Guest at an alien board--
The woman of the house brought out
The best she could afford.

It was like breathing mountain air
Or wind which comes over the sea;
It was like rain on a thirsty land
To be in His company.

Now came the touch He loved the best:
The children of the household pressed
So close to that most friendly Guest
Determined not to miss a thing
Just for the want of listening
And presently a small clear voice
Spoke, and half shyly said,
'Would you please to tell us a story, Sir,
Before we go to bed?'

He looked in her face with His kindly look--
That shy little five-year-old;
'Shall I tell you the tale of a little lost lamb
The shepherd brought back to the fold?'



Gently He spoke, but it came to pass
His voice was heard in the street,
And swift as the breeze in the aspen trees
Came the sound of hastening feet.
His voice had been heard and their hearts were stirred
As they wandered up and down,
And into that long-lost house they came,
The lost folk of the town.



In at the door
They came by the score.
Wild-eyed, bold faced terrible folk
Hung upon every word He spoke.
Everyone who had ears to hear
Eagerly, hungrily, drawing near.
Silken mantle or beggar's cloak,
The soul beneath it was moved and woke,
Saying so wistfully over and o'er
'Never man spake like this before'.

Lovingly Jesus sat with them,
Too courteous to intrude.
To some, maybe, it might seem that He
Had forgotten to do them good.
Yet He was the only Man who knew
The heart of a sinner through and through.
And only He heard the speechless plea,
'Find me, Lord Jesus,
Even me.'

Until lost sheep,
Lost coin,
Lost son,
Was found again--
Found again--
Every one.

When He rose to go, small fingers tried
To hold His hands and His robe beside.
The midnight cock had crowed before
Those glad folk followed Him out the door.
He went by the light of the harvest moon
And the children called after Him:
'Come again, soon;
Come again,
Come again, soon.'

I received an email this evening and in it my dear friend shared how the Lord had touched her so many years ago and changed her life. It reminded me how fortunate we are to have a loving Savior and Friend who sticks closer than a brother.

This poem by Fay reminds me of the very night the Lord, Himself came to me and stayed by my side until the morning, when I would be alright. The very next day I gave my life to Him. Situations and circumstances in my life led to me crying out to Him. And He came to me. Me, in all my ugliness, filthiness and wretchedness. I was amazed that He came to me in my used and abused state. But He did and He stayed until I was able to get help the next day. Help from a Dear Auntie who I knew would encourage me and together we would grow and walk with Him.

The Lord gives grace to the humble, that's what His Word says. I was floating on grace, no, I was swaddled in it. My life has never been the same since. I was like those lost folk of the town, that lost sheep, that lost coin, the lost son. And I was so worth it to Him. Me. Worth it to Him. And you...you are worth it to Him too. You are ever so valuable to the Lord. And He longs to bless you with His presence...like breathing mountain air or wind which comes over the sea, like rain on a thirsty land-ahhh to be in His company.



I can say, that night, long ago: alone, death hovering near, self-inflicted stupidity, a feeble attempt to cloud, to mask years of hurt...He came to me and breathed His breath into me and gave me to drink of His living water...and gave me life and promise of a new day-and it was like sunrise over the mountaintops, the warm sand at the ocean and the bubbling, clear water in a mountainside stream. I pray we can learn to remain there, in His presence-in the Spirit.


My little list for The Thousand Gifts:

#11 shelter in the storm
#12 hugs for someone who truly needs to be loved
#13 tears before the Lord-my Father-leading to peace
#14 pretty icicles dripping
#15 a helpful son

Lord, I thank You that You find us valuable:so valuable that You gave Your life for us-even in our unworthy state. While we were yet sinners, You died for us, to give us life. Breathe Your breath upon us Lord, baptize us in Your Holy Spirit and that we may walk with You-giving You glory, forever. Amen

Remember your testimony-it will strengthen your armor. Commit your plans to the Lord and let Him order your Home-sweet Things. Then, whatever you do, in word or deed, do all in the Name of the Lord. xo

Instant In and Out of Season...

Hello Friends. I have come to the conclusion that I am not in charge of my house (something I should have known all along).

The Lord is.

Right after I put my house together the way "I" wanted it: my dining room, my studio, my living room, MY PANTRY...here comes another homeless young person needing a place to lay his head. This has happened to us so many times over the years I should have known that after the last time...after I said "No more!"...God said, "Once more..." And so, I have spent this week undoing my purple pantry for a more noble cause. I am relinquishing my rights to my house and surrendering them to the Lord.

My husband did not bat an eye. He knows he is looked upon with a questioning eye by his co-workers for taking in youth. He knows many people frown on the attempt to make any kind of difference in someone's life. Some friends and some family and even people who call themselves "Christians" think we are insane and even chide us for being "naive" and "foolish" to seriously think it would make a difference.

Even when we took in the young man (18 yrs old) who was sleeping in the back of a truck trailer in the middle of winter with no coat and no warm blanket-near a junkyard in a shady part of town. He would sneak into the junkyard at night when no one would see him.

My son brought him home one night while I was asleep. He was so happy to be warm. When my son told me about him, I made him the hugest breakfast and he ate until he was full and he made this comment to my son, "Wow, no one has ever been that nice to me." What would you do with that? I went in my room and cried...there was no question that he would come and stay with us and never sleep again in a cold trailer shivering alone. He stayed long enough to detox from heroin, he got a couple of jobs but didn't keep them. He moved in with his brother after our "let's make progress" deadline...and once in awhile he pops in. I don't know where he's staying right now (my sons keep tabs on him), and if he ever needs anything-I pray he knows we care and I pray that at some point he learns to trust the Lord enough to give his life to Him.

We've been used and abused by some of our house guests. Some of them were dirty, some were recovering drug addicts, some were totally out of control, some stole from us-but when each one left, I cried. Some stayed with us for months, some for weeks, some for days. We felt we should show God's love to them all. Some received Him, others refused Him. I still pray for them all. Yes, some made me very angry, but the Lord loves them and I am reminded to forgive seventy times seven. The love of the Lord will constrain me. And it does. And love never fails.




I have no idea why these young people come to us-I just know, if I am entertaining angels unawares, I want to do it with the right spirit. If Jesus came and needed a place to sleep, I'd clean my room from top to bottom and let Him sleep there. So, I can give my measly purple pantry to someone who asks of me. I am humbled by the opportunity from God to show His love to yet another who has need of Him. I am blessed by the opportunity to show unconditional love to someone who grew up without it.

If I am a fool for Christ's sake, and I err on the side of grace and love, then so be it. I only pray that I remain worthy to be instant when it's convenient and when it's not convenient.

I encourage you all to ask God how you can be "inconvenienced" for Him and for the opportunity to show His love to another human being on this planet who needs to see Him for real. Today is as good a day as any. Do something out of the ordinary in the Name of the Lord. He looks for willing hearts in people who believe every jot and tittle of his word. Faithful is He that calls you, Who also will do it. 1 Thess. 5:24

One Thousand Gifts...

#6 for the opportunity to enjoy my daughter Jynette's visits

#7 the fun call from my friend who is doing mission work thousands of miles away

#8 putting the house back in order

#9 laughter

#10 blessings of food in the pantry

Lord, help me to be a vessel fit for Your use. Thank you for the opportunity to show love to others in ways only you can know they need. I pray that I would be a witness of Your truth. Please provide for our new guest and let him see You in all we do. Thank You for choosing us to do things that seem foolish. Blessed be Your Name Lord. Amen

Be inconvenienced in the Home-Sweet Things and receive an opportunity to entertain angels unawares!!! x0

One Thousand Gifts

Hello Friends. I am daily inspired by a blog called Holy Experience. One day not long ago, I thought it would be a good lesson for me to post the things I am thankful to the Lord for and maybe encourage others to live in a state of thankfulness-after her example.

This scripture often comes to mind from Colossians 3:12-17:

12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.



I am encouraged to begin a journey of my own on the "Path of Thankfulness". The Lord has been so good, kind, patient and merciful to me since I began my walk with Him, I want to make a record of His love toward me.

Psalm 100

1 A Psalm of Thanksgiving. Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!
2 Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing.
3 Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
5 For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.

For as long as it takes, I will take the time to see God in ways I've never noticed before. Even in the very smallest and simplest of blessings that I might otherwise overlook.

Here is Ann's post on The Thousand Gifts in her own words. When I figure out how to link my list to the graphic in the sidebar...I'll do that to keep the list in order. In the meantime...I'll have to stick them in my daily posts.

#1 the warmth of the woodstove on a cold, damp, gray day.

#2 the sound of fellowship among my children

#3 fellowship with a friend

#4 clothes drying on the clothesline in the basement near the woodstove

#5 a safe drive through much traffic near the city and back home again

I will end with a Fay Inchfawn poem:

I Will Give Thanks

I will give thanks to the Lord my God,
For His mercy endureth for ever,
He shortened the wearying path I trod,
For His mercy endureth for ever.

Patience He gave to my own home folk
With spirit to make, and see, a joke.
He gave me again the signs of health
And wonderful friends in the commonwealth.
For His mercy endureth for ever.

I will give thanks for a mended shoe;
And a small gas-ring in my bedroom, too;
That neighbours sometimes come in for tea,
And a cat of character lives with me.
For His mercy endureth for ever.

I will give thanks for a grand new book,
Pleasant and clean as a running brook,
Which turned my thoughts in times of stress
To the coming kingdom of righteousness.
For His mercy endureth for ever.

I will give thanks that I need not dread
Change, nor old age, for He has said
He will show unto me His quickening power.
His kindness is not for the passing hour-
His mercy endureth for ever.

Thank you, Lord, for the honor of Your presence in our lives, large and minute. I pray you help us to be ever aware of Your gifts and faithfulness toward us. Amen

Remember Dear Ones, always, to be thankful for the home-sweet things. x0

Pay It Forward

I found this opportunity to be a blessing on Jeanne's Life after reading this story on futuregirl's blog Anyway...it is such a wonderful story and a wonderful chance to bless 3 people I thought it would be a fun thing to do. So read below and if you think you'd like to participate...join the fun!!


Anyway, here's how it goes:

I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this Pay it forward exchange. I don’t know what that gift will be yet and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week, but you will receive it. The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.

So, if you're one of the first 3 people to comment, copy and paste the above paragraph on your blog and share the crafty love!....of course, the challenge being, are there even enough people that read this blog to post?

So the race is on! First 3 people to post AND link on their blog that they are also doing the Pay it forward craft swap, I will mail you a Christmas wonderful!

THANKS!!


I'd also like to take the opportunity to say that Jeanne's Grandmother Lenore is a very blessed woman-to be able to touch so many lives is a very noble thing and from what I read she is a jewel and her children (and her family) rise up and call her blessed! God bless Lenore and her family!

Lord, I thank you for the opportunity to read of such a giving woman and I pray that I will be as noble and kind and giving as she is. Let me be a blessing to all who pass through my life. In Jesus Name...Amen

Remember to be a blessing to others as you are given an opportunity to share in the home-sweet things. x0

Remembering "Why" This Week...

Hello My Friends! Time to end my unintended bloggie absence. I pray all your Thanksgiving feast days were happy and blessed.

I wanted to make you all aware of Crystal Paine's blog challenge on Biblical Womanhood to: "Make Your Home a Haven". It started yesterday (December 3rd) so we haven't missed much. There are a lot of like-minded women who are sharing in the challenge. Go over and be encouraged!

I'm all for making your home a place where the world stays outside and inside it is orderly, calm and filled with the essence of God's gentle presence. I need all the encouragement I can get in this area of my life. We know a stay-at-home woman is not always understood nor respected. It seems, at times, that people think I don't do anything all day. Believe me, there are no bon-bons in my freezer-and I don't watch TV all day-nor do I have time to lay on the couch! I'm sure if you shared your experiences, you'd say the same!

I will admit, sometimes there is temptation to go out and find a little part-time job. Especially when I think about how tight things are financially. We've never really lived an over-the-top existence here. We've had lean times and times where we've had more than enough. We've never gone hungry and all our children had clothing to wear. We have learned to be content. I'm sure many of us are learning to do without "extras" since the hike in fuel and many other necessessities. Many of us are learning frugality as well.

I've been spending time reading many books and articles on making money at home. There are many of us doing this. I am working on some things I am passionate about and hopefully others will find them interesting and something they can use in their homeschool or in their homes too. I'm excited about it and cannot wait until it's all ready to launch!! (More on that soon!)

Every day this week I am spending 9:30-1:30 in my friend's real estate office to help her out while she is away. I used to sell real estate. Talk about stress, talk about patience, talk about forgiveness!!! I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia while under the stress of selling real estate. I'm in the office answering the phone and relaying messages and doing clerical work while she is away this week. It serves to reinforce my decision to stay at home and eventually work at home. Thank God, while it is not always easy financially, I have this option. Many of us don't and I feel that it is up to the church to minister to these women.

This is good for me, I want to journal and blog this to remind myself why I came home, why I was so convicted, why I was absolutely convinced that it was the best thing for my family and me. I get to remember what it is like to run out the door every morning and leave what needs to be done here for when I get home. I am also remembering how tired dealing with people can make you. It reminds me of what a working woman goes through in a day and then goes home tired to keep her home on top of it.

Lord, help us to remember to always be thankful no matter what our situation is and trust You to help us find a solution in our circumstances. You are always interested in what concerns us. We want to trust You. Remind us by Your Spirit that what's not done in faith is sin. Help us to walk in faith in You and not by what we see. Guide us to fulfill Your will in our lives. Amen

Appreciate the Home-Sweet Things every moment!