Linking to many of these of wonderful Wordless Wednesday link parties.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Our Happy Squirrel
This was the view from my kitchen window this afternoon. Kinda pretty, right?
But if you could zoom in a little closer. . .
. . .here, I'll do it for you . . .
. . . then . . .
. . . you would see my favorite part of this view.
Isn't it cute?
This squirrel lounged on this tree branch for a couple hours, happily chewing away on a walnut and just staying cool on this hot afternoon. He would turn one way for awhile, and then turn the other.
Mr. Squirrel even fell asleep for awhile, so relaxed I thought he was going to fall out of the tree a couple times.
I just had to share this cute little scene from Walnut Acre.
I just had to share this cute little scene from Walnut Acre.
10 Articles on Creating Margin In Your Life
I've been thinking a lot lately about how easy it is to overfill my life with "good" things that take my time away from the things that are the best for me. All this thinking and reading has led me to make some decisions about the work I take on and the activities I am involved in. And with that decision came a sense of relief and a new sense of purpose and creativity. So with this in mind, I thought today I would share some articles about creating margin. I hope you enjoy these and find them helpful.
1. 10 Ways to Create Time Margin
2. Create Margin in Your Life to Thrive
3. How to Create Margin in Your Overly Busy Life
4. How to Create More Margin in Your Life
5. Margin: Space Between Ourselves and Our Limits
6. Creating Margin
7. Creating "White Space" in Your Life
8. Create Margin In Your Life
9. Building Margin Into Your Life
10. Creating Margin to Allow for the Unexpected
~ Linking Here~
Monday, July 16, 2012
Five Ways to Make Our Homes a Place of Sanctuary
Peace - that was the other name for home. ~ Kathleen Norris
What a wonderful portrayal of what home should be like. A place of peace, of rest - a sanctuary.
I've been doing some thinking about specific ways to make home that sanctuary. Each family is different, each home is different, but here are some of the things I am coming to understand for my home and I hope that in sharing these, I can inspire others to think deeply about ways to bring that peace and that sense of sanctuary into their own homes.
1. True peace only comes from God. And since true peace only comes from God it stands to reason that to have peace in our home He has to be an integral part of our home. And this has to start with Mom and Dad. Regular prayer and study of the Word are vital if we intend to establish Him as the center of home. Some other ways we make Him an integral part is by learning about Him together, through reading the Word and through devotional books. Regular prayer time together and scripture memorization are also ways we make sure He is made a part of our home. And the counting of blessings together goes a long way toward increasing our awareness of the wonder of the God we serve. These are some of things we do now or have done in the past to ensure that we are keeping our focus where it should be - on our awesome Father God and His Son Jesus.
2. Space. More and more recently I've come to realize the need for space in so many areas of life and this includes in the home. The need for space spans a number of areas. There is the need for each individual to have the space to be the unique person that God created them to be. There is the need for space in our schedules and routines for time to enjoy each other as well as to buffer the unexpected things that come up in life. And there is the need for physical space - space free from clutter, space that is kept attractive and clean and inviting to each person.
3. Acknowledging and celebrating our own uniqueness as a family. Each family is different and that is what makes them so special. My own family is made up of an interesting variety of people - my husband and I come from very different backgrounds, and our children ours through birth, adoption and a unique care giving arrangement. But it works for us, it is our family and we celebrate our uniqueness. My own way of celebrating this has been to make patchwork curtains for our home. It reminds me of the beauty that can come from a seemingly random assortment of pieces placed together to form a beautiful whole.
4. Time. In order for us to live together as in a peaceful home we have to take the time to really and truly know and understand each other. And as much as it seems like it should be a totally natural result of sharing the same space it really isn't that simple. It is much to easy to become like ships passing at sea, in full view of each other, sharing the same water, and yet each totally unaware of anything beyond what is observable on deck. There is often so much more going on inside each ship (each person) that can only be seen and understood if we take the time to put down the anchors, lower my sails, and allow the captain of the other ship to take me for a tour. For me, that takes a conscious effort, I'm far too often content to simply continue to sail around each other, happy that everything on deck looks great, until suddenly the other ship springs a leak and begins to sink. Okay, enough with the ship analogy. The moral of the story is, it is vitally important for family members to spend intentional time with one another, so that not only can we help each other stay afloat, but also truly enjoy our relationships with each other.
5. Respect. Respect for each other is a key component in a peaceful home. We all know that children should respect their parents, but I also believe each person in the family should show respect for each other. I do NOT mean that the children should run the family, simply that each person's feelings, personalities and other characteristics should be taken into account when decisions are made. It is much easier for a child to give respect when they know they are valued as a part of the whole. It is much easier for children to get along and live together happily when they have respect for each other.
It takes hand to build a house, but only hearts can build a home. ~ Author Unknown
~ Linking Here ~
Creating Margin to Allow for the Unexpected
Maybe your life is more predictable than mine, and if it is maybe this post will not have much meaning for you. But for me and my rather crazy household it has become normal to expect the unexpected!
Here are some of the unexpected things things that have happened around here in the last five weeks.
We woke up one Monday morning to find that the water heater had sprung a major leak during the night. This was also the day that the dishwasher quit working, the computer ate all my lesson plans for the kids for the week, CJ's hamster got loose in the house and Doug and I were both scheduled to teach Bible School that evening. We were able to get a new water heater that day and later in the week I was able to get the dishwasher working again. But in the meantime things were a little off with no hot water and no dishwasher.
Then the Dorecho blew through. We were one of the fortunate families who had very little damage and didn't lose power. But we did spend a couple hours in the basement that night (with six kids) waiting for the storm to pass which resulted in lots of lost sleep. And we had a yard full of limbs and branches that had to be cleaned up, taking time from other plans.
One Sunday morning Michael had a seizure in his sleep and we called the Rescue Squad to take him to the ER. This was the first seizure he's ever had that we've known of ( although one doctor is thinking he may be having them during the night and we're not realizing it.)
The only thing the ER doctor could tell us was to follow up with his pediatrician, which we did. Then he had what I'm pretty sure was another one in his sleep so the worked us in for an EEG pretty quickly. What they did not tell me until the afternoon before the EEG was that this was to be a sleep deprived EEG which meant I had to get him up at 2AM and not let him go to sleep again until the EEG at 8:15. So suddenly I was looking at a nearly sleepless night and naps the next day. Once again, unexpected interruptions to normal daily life.
So, with all of this, I am beginning to live with a sense of expecting the unexpected. This got me started thinking of ways to keep things running more smoothly during times like this. I realized what I needed to do was create margin, or make space for the unexpected. Here are some of the things that I came up with that I think will be helpful for a smooth running household even when the unexpected happens.
Cook for the freezer - I do some of this already but I think I'm going to step it up a little. Casseroles, soups, stews, cookies, cake, muffins and pancakes all freeze well and it's a fairly simple matter to make a double or triple batch when I'm cooking anyway and freeze the extra. Then, when things are chaotic, it's so nice to be able to pull a meal out of the freezer. That's a definite win in my book.
A couple other simple things that are helpful are to always keep the dishwasher and washer and dryer cycling. This way there's never a pile up of dishes or dirty clothes. It's easy enough to think I'll do it all at later scheduled time but somehow schedules just aren't my friend right now. So instead, I think as soon as a load of dishes or laundry is done I (or one of the older kids) will be emptying the machines, putting things away and starting the next round. It really doesn't take that long and the good feeling of knowing that dishes and laundry are staying completely caught up is priceless.
I know not everyone is a coffee drinker, but I grew up in a family of coffee drinkers and still go through a couple pots of coffee most days. To make it easier on myself during the "crazy times" I'm going to make a point to have the coffee pot cleaned, fresh grounds in the basket and water in the reservoir so that all I have to do is hit the button for the next pot of fresh brewed coffee.
And this one is not exactly homemaking but it is one that I realized I need to work on - and that is keeping my laptop and cell phone fully charged. While sitting in the basement during the Dorecho I really wished my laptop had a full battery so I could track the storm. And sitting in the ER with Michael after his seizure I found myself really wishing my phone wasn't almost dead! So I've been making a real effort to make sure they stay charged.
But, regardless of how much preparation and "staying on top of things" I do, the bottom line is that God is in control. And that fact, more than anything else, allows me to know that I can face whatever life decides to throw my way.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. ~ Romans 8:28
~ Linking Here ~
Encourage One Another
Slightly Inspiring Thursday
It's a Party
A couple other simple things that are helpful are to always keep the dishwasher and washer and dryer cycling. This way there's never a pile up of dishes or dirty clothes. It's easy enough to think I'll do it all at later scheduled time but somehow schedules just aren't my friend right now. So instead, I think as soon as a load of dishes or laundry is done I (or one of the older kids) will be emptying the machines, putting things away and starting the next round. It really doesn't take that long and the good feeling of knowing that dishes and laundry are staying completely caught up is priceless.
I know not everyone is a coffee drinker, but I grew up in a family of coffee drinkers and still go through a couple pots of coffee most days. To make it easier on myself during the "crazy times" I'm going to make a point to have the coffee pot cleaned, fresh grounds in the basket and water in the reservoir so that all I have to do is hit the button for the next pot of fresh brewed coffee.
And this one is not exactly homemaking but it is one that I realized I need to work on - and that is keeping my laptop and cell phone fully charged. While sitting in the basement during the Dorecho I really wished my laptop had a full battery so I could track the storm. And sitting in the ER with Michael after his seizure I found myself really wishing my phone wasn't almost dead! So I've been making a real effort to make sure they stay charged.
But, regardless of how much preparation and "staying on top of things" I do, the bottom line is that God is in control. And that fact, more than anything else, allows me to know that I can face whatever life decides to throw my way.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. ~ Romans 8:28
~ Linking Here ~
Menu Plan Monday - July 16 - 22
MONDAY - JULY 16, 2012
Breakfast - Oatmeal, Raisins, Milk
Lunch - Sandwiches, Chips, Fresh Veggies (Picnic Lunch)
Dinner - Macaroni and Cheese w/Ham, Fries, Lima Beans (Austin*)
TUESDAY - JULY 17, 2012
Breakfast - Tomato Gravy on Biscuits, Blackberries**, Milk
Lunch - Pizza Bread, Salad (CJ*)
Dinner - Chicken Fettucini Alfredo, Peas(Amanda*)
WEDNESDAY - JULY 18, 2012
Breakfast - Fried Ham, Fried Potatoes, Blackberries, Milk
Lunch - Sandwiches, Cookies, Bananas (Picnic Lunch at the Park)
Dinner - Taco Salad
THURSDAY
Breakfast - Pancakes, Blackberries, Milk
Lunch - Corn Dogs, Mixed Vegetables, Blackberries (CJ*)
Dinner - Pepperoni Pasta Salad, Cauliflower Poppers
FRIDAY
Breakfast - Boiled Eggs, Toast, Blackberries, Milk
Lunch - Cereal, Bananas, Milk (Austin*)
Dinner -Macaroni and Cheese, Chicken Nuggets, Mixed Vegetables (Amanda*)
SATURDAY
Breakfast - Cinnamon Rolls, Fried Ham, Blackberries, Milk
Lunch - Dorito Casserole, Salad, Bread
Dinner - Broccoli Chicken Casserole, Corn, Bread
SUNDAY
Breakfast - Breakfast Casserole, Smoothies
Lunch - Pork Roast, Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Mixed Vegetables, Bread
Dinner - Leftovers/Get Your Own
*Austin, Amanda, and CJ each plan, shop for and cook two meals each week.
** Because we have lots of blackberries growing down by the creek at the edge of the field behind our house we are using them in a lot of our meals right now.
Heart & Home Tuesdays!
Menu Plan Monday
Breakfast - Oatmeal, Raisins, Milk
Lunch - Sandwiches, Chips, Fresh Veggies (Picnic Lunch)
Dinner - Macaroni and Cheese w/Ham, Fries, Lima Beans (Austin*)
TUESDAY - JULY 17, 2012
Breakfast - Tomato Gravy on Biscuits, Blackberries**, Milk
Lunch - Pizza Bread, Salad (CJ*)
Dinner - Chicken Fettucini Alfredo, Peas(Amanda*)
WEDNESDAY - JULY 18, 2012
Breakfast - Fried Ham, Fried Potatoes, Blackberries, Milk
Lunch - Sandwiches, Cookies, Bananas (Picnic Lunch at the Park)
Dinner - Taco Salad
THURSDAY
Breakfast - Pancakes, Blackberries, Milk
Lunch - Corn Dogs, Mixed Vegetables, Blackberries (CJ*)
Dinner - Pepperoni Pasta Salad, Cauliflower Poppers
FRIDAY
Breakfast - Boiled Eggs, Toast, Blackberries, Milk
Lunch - Cereal, Bananas, Milk (Austin*)
Dinner -Macaroni and Cheese, Chicken Nuggets, Mixed Vegetables (Amanda*)
SATURDAY
Breakfast - Cinnamon Rolls, Fried Ham, Blackberries, Milk
Lunch - Dorito Casserole, Salad, Bread
Dinner - Broccoli Chicken Casserole, Corn, Bread
SUNDAY
Breakfast - Breakfast Casserole, Smoothies
Lunch - Pork Roast, Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Mixed Vegetables, Bread
Dinner - Leftovers/Get Your Own
*Austin, Amanda, and CJ each plan, shop for and cook two meals each week.
** Because we have lots of blackberries growing down by the creek at the edge of the field behind our house we are using them in a lot of our meals right now.
~ Linking Here ~
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Spiritual Wasteland
Last Sunday my pastor spoke of the dangers of walking in a spiritual wasteland, of living a spiritually dry life. He pointed out that one of the attitudes that often goes along with spiritual dryness is complacency. So often a person who is spiritually dry does not even really realize the danger they are in, instead they are going through life with a sense complacency, and sense of self-satisfaction, feeling that all is well and unconcerned about their own lack of spiritual fruit. He warned against the attitude that times of spiritual dryness are just to be expected as a normal part of the Christian life. Christians, with the Holy Spirit living within them, should be the most passionate, alive and fruitful people on earth.
How do we avoid this spiritual dryness and stay out of the spiritual wasteland? First, we stop looking to things of this world to provide the refreshment instead choosing to spend regular time in the water of the Word, as well as time in prayer so that we stay connected to the Source of living water. We recognise and express gratitude and thankfulness for the showers of blessing we regularly receive.
Jeremiah 2:13 says "My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water."
Jeremiah 17:13 says "Lord, you are the hope of Israel, all who forsake you will be put to shame. Those who turn away from you will be written in the dust because they have forsaken the Lord, the spring of living water."
In contrast John 7:38 says "Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.
And finally, Revelation 7:17 - "For the lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, `he will lead them to springs of living water' `and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.' "
~ Linking Here ~
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Playground Fun
Yesterday we packed a lunch and went to play on the playground at the elementary school. Between my kids, Austin's friend who was here and the daycare kids we had a completely full 12 passenger van.
Lets race!
Lunch break!
Just a little more fun before we go home and crash for naps.
It was a fun morning making memories.
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