November 23, 2009
what we’ve been up to
November 17, 2009
to sit a spell
We’re still here, I’m still around. And here I am to sit a spell….whew. To inhale & exhale deeply for a few minutes.
The past two weeks have been—wait—the past two months have been very full! September and October are typically the busiest months of the year for our family and after a relaxing August, the pace of our life did indeed pick up a little speed, right into the start of November.
I love this quote from John Wesley :: “Though I am always in haste, I am never in a hurry. For I never take on more work than I can do with calmness of spirit.”
So, yes it’s been haste around here! Place to go, people to see, things to plan, homeschooling, housework, church responsibilities and the list goes on…but I have not felt overly hurried. Or rushed. Without time to pause (though the ‘pausing’ was often shorter than I would have liked). This season is over though and I am glad :: we anticipate the holidays, which for us is the most relaxing time of year.
All that to say—I’m still here and hope to be posting more often!
November 2, 2009
October 29, 2009
so many projects, too little time
Creating and making things for some people may be a stress inducer, but for me it has the opposite effect. So after a very full schedule last week, I decided to pour through the need-to-finish crafting list that actually never gets fully completed. What to do, what to do!?
I finally chose a project that would require little effort since I was really supposed to be lying in bed due to flu-like symptoms. Seen here first, it was one of those projects that got me off the chair and roaming around the house to gather supplies already found in various rooms. A quick trip to rummage through my sticker stash for rub-on letters and voila! A new centerpiece for the dining room. These “grow in gratitude” glass containers will be around for a bit. And to think I went to the Dayspring website just to send an online card!
I used to reward myself with crafting time, you know, after everything else gets done (or close to it). It took me a few years to realize that everything rarely ever gets done and that it was frustrating me greatly to not take time for this avenue of creativity. So, that mentality got changed big-time. Creating and crafting is now a part of my life more and a part of my schedule as well. It’s not a special reward, but just what needs to be done like the dishes, cooking or lesson planning.
Most projects are for the family or our home in some way, so I see it as part of homemaking—I budget both time and finances for it, however big or small. I am a happier woman! And you know what they say about Mama being happy….
October 26, 2009
soul cries
Oh Father, we miss her. We really do.
And while we do not sit with questions of ‘why’, our soul cries out to You in real pain.
To the One who understands our loss.
This grief is so very small compared to the man who called her wife and the children who’s mother is not there at night. We share in their own soul-cry journey from a distance.
And we miss her too, wishing for just one more trip out west…another opportunity to share with friends. It’s difficult for us to accept that those days are over, her passing to Your eternal glory leaves a void here on earth :: and the living grieve.
Comfort your people, O Lord.
Gratitude today for ~
:: bread pudding. Our favorite ‘Annette recipe’ has not been made quite yet, but yesterday we enjoyed a local taste & recounted memories, with tears yes, but precious memories they remain.
:: early morning conversations~spouse to spouse. enjoyed today and reminding me of how our dear friend would never let us get by with a quick ‘fine’ to the question ‘so, how are things?’ We appreciated it!
:: the opportunity for friendships. deep, real friendships.
{photo ~ so completely Annette! At our last campfire together, May 2007, she says ‘Let’s take pictures at the same time!’ So we did.}
October 19, 2009
grace abounds
At the start of a very busy week, one filled with many tasks…I first pause to give thanks ::
for sunshine and leaves, both bright and bold
laid-back Sunday afternoon and evening, a simple day
with a ‘funny dinner’ (my children’s words) of homemade bean dip, blue corn chips, popcorn and grapes
hot tea at the end and start of days
Sunday sermon reminder of His love being the foundation for His law, bringing us life
children’s voices, rising & falling :: more of the first than the second, but that’s okay too
for grace :: abundant, lavish, and available
October 15, 2009
autumn food planning
There’s always a lot of planning happening around here, and organizing our lives is a major job in itself! One of my favorite parts is when there’s time to leisurely sit (okay, so it’s not all that relaxed) and make plans for our meals. Every once in while though, I feel that preparing & cooking has gotten into a rut :: or just survival mode as I’ve been in the last several weeks post-baby. I’m good with that, it was necessary.
Last week new cookbooks and magazines were taken out to peruse through and I became a little distracted by it all. Not much real meal planning got done. The grocery list remained short with just ‘mushrooms’ and ‘spinach’ as listed items. Ahem. But, it was loads of fun! Which of course makes it completely worthwhile in my book.
Some gems that came my way~
:: A magazine from this company had my attention for most of the hour. I had no idea there were so many cookie molds available, though I won’t be purchasing any in the near future. Beautiful…
:: Rustic Fruit Desserts ~ our local library had this one and what a great cookbook! I really enjoy baking though sweets are not my favorite foodstuff (I’m more a savory type of gal). Lots of information on each berry and fruit for baking cobblers, buckles, crisps and more.
So I was rather unfocused as my family cannot live by cookies and fruit desserts alone. I did look through Simply in Season ~ not new to my shelves, but one that’s not been used for a bit. Great soup ideas here; we can live on that.
This time of year provides for some enjoyable meal plans, all of that great comfort food…yum.
October 9, 2009
September 28, 2009
simply me
I hang up the phone and pause to contemplate words undeserved, words spoken in admiration but that have left me pondering once again their concealed meaning…
‘Oh, you’re a super-mom, a super-woman! You’re simply amazing!’
Is this really true? And what does this mean anyway :: have I somehow reached a status that we as women and mothers are to try and attain? Who makes these decisions….
My spirit is disturbed at the thoughts shared. It often rattles me when an outsider receives a peek into our daily routine, our pattern & rhythm of life and makes such a declaration. I’m not amazing. I am just simply me. Just attempting to live out our priorities in a God-honoring way, what feels right for our family. There are no claims that what we do or how I function works for all, but at times others seem to think so. While I know how to receive and even welcome compliments, I still cringe :: for I want to inspire, not intimidate. They receive a message not intended.
It’s flattering and can lead to pride, oh I’ve been there. When others try to emulate and copy, the heart swells with selfish thoughts leading to an uppity disposition that has trapped so many. It’s a snare, pride is. Ugly and unrelenting in it’s trap. I don’t want that.
And yet, I am to be me. Living out the plans and purposes He designed, trying to be a good steward of the gifts He has given. Exploring the interests that cause a spark in my mind or heart. I didn’t ask for these gifts—they do not belong to me ultimately :: and my creative pursuits are wide and many…
but that’s just who I am. It’s simply me.
While there are many aspects we should hold in common, we’re each to walk in the unique path set before us, to develop our abilities and talents, to share with others the gifts bestowed upon us. We should not push our own expectations onto others, but neither should we shrink back because others have yet to accept who they are uniquely. Encourage spirits though, for they only struggle with an ailment common to us all at one time or another.
What is the right path for you? Is it one of quiet in this season or do you sense a wild stampede of ideas, rushing to the surface to make themselves known? Perhaps this is a time for retreat from previous plans, or on the other hand…it’s time to step forward :: knees shaking, heart trembling but a readiness to pursue & move ahead.
Dare to be who you were created to be. Live fully and uniquely to how you’ve been wired. Really, it’s the only way. But, for His glory, oh yes….only for His glory.
“Not to us, O LORD, not to us
but to your name be the glory,
because of your love and faithfulness.”
Psalm 115:1
photo: last weekend’s project~homemade tic-tac-toe board for game time fun (idea came from here)
September 23, 2009
around the web
Sooo….instead of working on lesson plans for the next day,
or writing down ideas for a health and wellness day our church is hosting next month,
or returning emails,
or doing anything last night that required that I think! ~ I instead chose to wander through some beauty and goodness around the web. It’s a most relaxing activity (especially with a cup of hot tea in hand). Go ahead, try it.
:: I seriously want to own this journal just for the cover and also because the paper is completely captivating (I love paper). There’s room in my house for this pillow, so sweet.
:: after our six-year old went into a tic-tac-toe frenzy this summer, I was very happy to come across an idea that will save us a bit of paper. I’m thinking of it as a Christmas gift, but not sure it can wait until then. Um, well..first I need to make it.
:: when we’re finished with our acorns on the nature table, we’ll take the tops off and make these! a cute way to preserve a bit of autumn.
:: note to self ~ use the last bit of summer squash and turn them into ribbon candy; a special way to serve this veggie when company is over :: or just because.
:: as soon as I find the next gorgeous sunset, and I have my camera with tripod ready, and my 3-yr old is being still enough…we’ll try for a shot just like this one. but that just may never happen.
:: colorful butters and homemade biscuits! the photo alone makes me hungry. any kind of bread is my weakness ~ I completely blame it on my French heritage.
Alright, enough. I did eventually finish up school plans and return a few emails. Replenished my cup of tea and called it a night ~ it was enjoyable while it lasted!
photo~a bit of beauty on our table to welcome Autumn
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