Homemaking
Archived Posts from this Category
Sun 17 Jan 2010
I’ve been meaning to have a post to highlight some new favorite blogs, and The Legacy of Home is one of them. Mrs. White at The Legacy of Home blog is having a giveaway of a book called Ultimate Thrifty Guide for Christian Housewives by Connie Hultquist. I used to be on Connie’s email list and can vouch that she’s full of wisdom and courage. I would love to have this book.
If you’d like to enter, just leave a comment on this post at The Legacy of Home blog. While there, be sure to read through past entries at The Legacy of Home. You’ll be encouraged greatly as a homemaker, wife, and mother.
 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. ~Psalms 19:14
Sat 19 Dec 2009
“What really does work to increase the feeling of having a home and its comforts is housekeeping. Housekeeping creates cleanliness, order, regularity, beauty, the conditions for health and safety, and a good place to do and feel all the things you wish and need to do and feel in your home.
“Whether you live alone or with a spouse, parents, and ten children, it is your housekeeping that makes your home alive, that turns it into a small society in its own right, a vital place with its own ways and rhythms, the place where you can be more yourself than you can be anywhere else.”
—Cheryl Mendelson, Home Comforts: The Art and Science of Keeping House
I found the above quote at Morning Cuppas With Glenys. Glenys is a Titus 2 woman who truly understand the biblical calling of women to their families and homes. I always find encouragement, refreshment, and grounding when I visit her blog. I have very frustrated lately with trying to balance homemaking and a home business. Even though I’m a single mother, I feel very strongly that my first obligation is to my girls and my home as a homemaker. A homemaker is just that—she makes a home for her family. She is not a maid or a slave to her family. But she serves her family with love and attends to their needs selflessly. She is there for whatever they need.
This year has been one of the worst years for our finances and for my business. Medical bills and the economic situation have taken a toll. When the recession began, I chuckled at folks who were upset that they couldn’t eat out or have the luxuries that they were accustomed to, because I’ve lived like this my whole life. It is nothing new to me! (Like my aunt says, we don’t have far to fall!  ) I honestly didn’t think that the recession could touch us, because we were used to doing without what everyone else considered necessary. I also thought that a website designing business would still profit, since we are living in the technology age, and having a website is extremely important for businesses. But the requests did not come, even though my prices are much more moderate than other designers. There have been quite a few inquiries lately, but so many business owners are saying they don’t have the money right now. That is quite frightening to me! I’ve had the temptation to pour hours into my business in an effort to provide for my family, but I got off balance. I was extremely unhappy, and my efforts did nothing. I’ve had to step back and go back to the beginning, to the Bible, to see what God says. God still says my priority is to be a keeper at home. God still says for me to trust in Him to provide. He still says “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). I want to be like the Proverbs 31 lady who had a home business, but spent most of her time on her family and home. That’s where her focus was.
Because I also must work, I’ve developed a strategy to help me wear all my hats. I get extremely frustrated that I can’t be just a mom and homemaker. I’m afraid I’ve spun my wheels so many times over the years and didn’t accomplish as much as I needed to. I’ve had to find a way to allow me to mentally and peacefully handle everything. I find I have to focus on one thing at a time or I just go crazy. I conduct our homeschooling in the mornings, where all my attention is on the girls and their schooling. In the afternoons is time for my housework, rest, exercise, preparing supper, etc., while the girls complete any schoolwork they need to do on their own. If they need help, I give it, but if it’s an extended problem, it has to wait until the next morning. After supper is my business time, where I devote all my attention to my clients. Sometimes I get frustrated that I can’t just watch TV in the evenings like most people do, but I do work better in the evenings, and I’ve given myself permission to do it occasionally. I don’t usually attend events at night during the week. I am trying to have a specific cut off time to shower, relax, and read until bedtime, but sometimes I don’t get nothing but the shower.:)
I need a lot of motivation. To motivate me for homeschooling, I enjoy reading homeschooling websites. To motivate me for work, I like to read computer blogs and newsletters. After work, I like to read homemaking websites and blogs that help me resettle into my job as mother, and motivate me to get up the next day to tackle it all again.:) Cooking shows on the Food Network really help me get excited about cooking when I lose interest.
My daughters help me tremendously. They have a lot of chores to do each day. They are surprised when they hear of kids who don’t know how to work. (We find our days go better when chores are done before homeschooling starts.) I do not allow my girls to do everything here, because I don’t want them to resent me or the housework. I still feel the house is my responsibility. But since I have so much on me, I have determined the following are the most important for me to handle, while the girls fill in much of the rest: good, nutritious meals, quality homeschooling, and my website designing work. I do keep my own room and bathroom clean, and supervise the girls with all their chores. I organize things that need it, and help my 2 oldest keep the yards mowed during the growing season. I also spend a good bit of time preparing my coupons and grocery shopping weekly. The girls help me by cutting out the coupons. The girls do cook a lot, but I try not to ask them to do it unless I really need their help.
I must admit, I still flounder and fail, and stay exhausted. I really struggle getting everything done everyday. I’m still trying to keep everything balanced. Financially we are struggling hard, but it has been worse. If it was not for my sweetheart Tim and my father helping us with finances and needs, and multiple car repairs, I don’t know where we’d be! Hopefully, 2010 will be a much better year for everyone. I keep praying that God will allow His people to prosper in a special way as a testimony to the world, just as He allowed the Israelites to flourish even while captive in Egypt.
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. ~Psalms 19:14
Mon 16 Nov 2009
“…but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15).
I was very blessed to grow up in a Christian home, but things were not perfect and were, at times, hard. My father worked long hours for us, many times working at least 80 hours a week. Even when it made things very stressful for him, he enrolled my brother and I into a Christian school, where we were able to attend for 4 years. He made sure we went to church regularly. He served God with all His heart, and still does.
Now my Dad has become a father in many ways to my girls. He’s always fixing things for us, or having things done for us that we cannot afford. He loves his family fervently and has always been there for us, and always will. He’s even tenderhearted enough to cry in church or during a TV program.
Mama was a homemaker, and she really made a home for us. She never discussed with me why she was a homemaker, but just lived her life and her convictions. Because of her, I really always wanted to be a homemaker more than anything else. No matter how hard things got, even when my dad was out of work nearly a year due to an injury, Daddy never asked my mama to leave our home to work. During the time of my dad’s injury and recovery, we were blessed with a pastor who would come by to see if we needed anything, many times bringing a check that we never asked for.
Mama was and still is very funny. My girls really enjoy laughing with her. Mama has always been the best about finding a use for the most ordinary of things. My middle daughter has really taken after her in this regard. I’ve always been able to talk with my Mama about anything. She has always been one of my dearest friends. She understands me better than anyone else on earth.
I have a baby brother, who’s now my big brother, because he’s taller than me. He’s always wanted to do what I did, and I called him my “tagalong brother”. (I even wrote a paper in college about my tagalong brother. ) Growing up, we shared our birthdays every year, because they are very close together. We have almost felt like twins because of that.:) My brother now has his own family and is just as hardworking as our dad was. He is a loving, caring husband and father. He loves and serves the Lord and his family as fervently as our own father did. I always wanted a sister, too, but am so thankful that the Lord gave me my brother. Thank you, Lord, for the family you put me into.
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. ~Psalms 19:14
Mon 2 Nov 2009
Thank God for Dirty Dishes
author unknown
Thank God for Dirty Dishes,
They have a tale to tell.
While others are going hungry,
We’re eating very well.
With home and health and happiness,
I shouldn’t want to fuss.
For by this stack of evidence,
God’s very good to us.
My baby girl got the dishwasher going and started on the hand washing before she went to bed. I just finished them up so we can wake up to a bright, clean kitchen in the morning. My oldest is having to cook meals for us for her Home Ec. course; I’m looking forward to a great breakfast tomorrow!
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. ~Psalms 19:14
Sat 18 Jul 2009
Last year, I received a new sewing machine for my birthday from my sweetheart. The girls and I can’t believe that there are actually sewing machines that don’t break down! Slowly I’ve been making curtains, because I hate the dust that collects on mini blinds. I say slowly, because I love to sew, but don’t have time like I want, and also I need to be in the mood to sew. Fabric cost is also a factor. Sometimes we have a “Homemaking Week” and put aside our normal homeschooling and spend time cooking, baking, and sewing together.
Here are the curtains in my bedroom/office. All curtains that I make are very basic, without ruffles and lace; I don’t like complications.:) I make tie backs with button holes to fit over the cup hooks to hold them back.
Here are the curtains and fabric that I used to make my curtains for my daughters’ room, which my 2 oldest share. They chose a brown fabric with pretty colored flowers. They made much of the curtains themselves.
Here are my youngest daughter’s curtains. She chose a pink calico. She helped me tremendously by ironing and doing small things for me.
My oldest made a circle skirt using Anna’s instructions, How to Sew a Simple Girly Skirt. We had to adjust it a bit to make it work for us, and we used elastic instead of drawstring. This skirt is beautiful, and I want me one like it!
My middle daughter and I made a ruffled apron using ladybug fabric, but the pattern was so complicated that we said we’d never use it again. The apron is pretty, but way too big. We may end up taking it apart and making it into something else.
I purchased these fabrics recently to make curtains for my bathroom and then a skirt for my middle daughter. It may be several weeks before I get to it though!
My youngest is still waiting on me to make her Raggedy Ann a dress out of some Raggedy Ann and Andy fabric. I’ve put it off because I’m not sure how to go about it. I was blessed to have taken Home Ec. in high school, but there is much about sewing that frustrates me and that I avoid. I’ve often wished I had someone that sewed to help me. Either most women don’t sew, or they are so busy that I hate to ask.
Lady Lydia of Living at Home (formerly Home Living) has been posting wonderful entries on sewing dresses. Her posts and pictures, and the comments, have inspired me greatly! We have a hard time finding appropriate, modest dresses for my teen girls. Perhaps we can try to make dresses using a very simple pattern. I’ve fallen in love with the pretty fabrics at RJR Fabrics, especially the retro fabrics, and at Connecting Threads.
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. ~Psalms 19:14
Mon 13 Jul 2009
 I recently rediscovered a beloved blog writer, who had closed her previous blog. I have been just delighted as I’ve read her entries. Morning Cuppas With Glenys is written by a true older Titus 2 lady. Each post is written in gentleness and genuine love, while still telling the truth from the Word of God. Both my mom and I have been loving perusing her blog entries—getting homemaking encouragement that is hard to find—and viewing the beautiful pictures.
I’ve been going through a hard, exhausting time lately, trying to make things balance as a Christian mother who truly just wants to be a Proverbs 31/Titus 2 woman, while struggling as I handle life as a single mother. Many blog posts have meant a lot to me, especially the following.
Let’s be gracious to single mothers: As a single mother, I’ve experienced many of the things Glenys describes. I know other single moms who’ve been there as well.
Recognising False Guilt: Although I am not dealing with chronic illness, I struggle feeling like I ought to be doing more in the way of my home keeping, even though I have my home business and homeschooling that take up the vast majority of my time and energy. This post was comforting to me. My thoughts are also with my oldest daughter’s future as she is still experiencing chronic physical problems, even more than previously thought.
Investing in Eternal Treasures: This post reminds me that even in my situation, God still expects me to be the keeper of my home. I’ve recently felt the pinch of the economic situation and felt I should spend more time on my computer to bring in money. This post reminded me of what I’ve always believed—as I keep my priorities in order, He will provide for us, just as He always has. Our situation has been much bleaker than it is now, and I must not stop trusting in Him as our provider. I should do what I can to bring in an income; however, my priorities must be right. Our situation does not negate the need to rear my daughters for the Lord and teach them all the skills they will need as adult women.
There Is No Better Place Than Home: I especially love this quote, “The homemaker is a servant who is ministering for the LORD as much as any preacher or evangelist- the future of her family and therefore, society does indeed rest in her hands and the results will be eternal.”
The Fairy Godmother’s Not Coming!: This post really inspired me to quit thinking things to death and just do them!
There are many other posts that I dearly love, but these are some of my favorites. I encourage you to visit Morning Cuppas With Glenys often to be encouraged and refreshed by a godly older sister in Christ who has been there.
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. ~Psalms 19:14
Sat 16 May 2009
With Mother’s Day, there has been many great messages on the radio regarding mothers and homemakers. I hope the following resources bless you!
Family Life Today had a series called Radical Womanhood: Feminine Faith in a Feminist World. Carolyn McCulley was the guest speaker. I have heard her many times on the radio and just love to hear what she has to say. (She also has the sweetest voice to me!) As a former feminist, Carolyn has much knowledge to share with Christian women. To find out more about her, you can visit her website, CarolynMcCulley.com, her book site, Radical Womanhood: Feminine Faith in a Feminist World, and her blog, Radical Womanhood. On day 3 of the series, a song called “Homemaker” by Paul Overstreet was played. I had never heard it and couldn’t believe there actually was a song about a woman who ignored the world and poured her life into her family and home. I just love it! The video below is actually a tribute to Paul Overstreet, but listen to the wonderful words!
I have a book by Donna Otto called The Stay-at-Home Mom that I just love. I got it when Donna was a guest on Elisabeth Elliot’s radio program, Gateway to Joy. I was thrilled to find Donna’s website, Homemakers by Choice, and her podcasts at Oneplace. Donna had several podcasts on mothering, including one in which she shares the bad relationship with her Mom as she was growing up.
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. ~Psalms 19:14
Thu 23 Apr 2009
A friend sent me this wonderful quote from Generation Cedar blog!
A man approaching retirement called the retirement office to inquire about his pension. Afterward, he was asked if his wife worked. “She’s worked all her life making me happy”, he replied. “Yes sir, but has she earned money to receive her pension?” “When we got married we agreed on an arrangement”, he said. “I would earn the living, and she would make the living worthwhile”.
Rest of this wonderful post here: Are You Making a Living?
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. ~Psalms 19:14
Thu 9 Oct 2008
“In times of sorrow it is important not to let the home life sag, not to let ourselves take the attitude that we don’t care or that things do not matter. This is not the right heartbeat for a home. No, let us force that smile and perform our household duties with poise and dignity in honor of those who trusted and loved us. Now more than ever the family needs nutritious meals and an attractively set table with delicious, appetizing foods.”
—Thyra Ferré Bjorn, The Home Has a Heart
Although the above quote is for those who have lost a loved one through death, this also applies in other times of sorrow, like a divorce or in our current time of economic uncertainty. There is so much fear being spread through the news and elsewhere these days, but I’m reminded that what I’m doing here in my home is so very valuable and needed. Doing my job with poise and dignity brings much comfort to my family and myself. I also gives us courage.
Tomorrow is here,
The day
That I feared
Yesterday,
And God
Is still
In control.
—Phyllis C. Michael
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. ~Psalms 19:14
Sat 5 Jul 2008
Afterward I asked her, “Do you think I’m wrong in holding on to my wishes about moving? Surely Kermit should consider my feelings, too.”
Aunt Miriam gazed thoughtfully out the window for a few moments, then turned back to me and said, “I once heard the saying, ‘A man’s home is his castle.’ I believe that is the truth because God planned it that way from the beginning. The man is the head of the home and his wife must fit herself into the blueprint of his dreams. If she doesn’t and insists on having things her way instead of what her husband desires, she is a usurper to the throne, and I don’t believe that usurpers are ever happy.”
… “But surely the wife has a right to her dreams even if they differ from his.”
Aunt Miriam nodded. “You know that Kermit loves you and that if you don’t yield he will give up his own dreams bit by bit and give in to you. But in doing so, both of you will be weakening the foundation of your life together. A wise woman will never let that happen.
… “Tell me then, what is the answer when a husband and a wife want different things.”
Aunt Miriam’s smile was gentle as she replied, “The wife has a castle, too, a wonderful castle in which she reigns as a queen. It is strong and secure from without, but very fragile from within. She is the only one who can tear down that castle, for it is a living thing which must be nurtured and tended lovingly, or it will decay. A wife who is content to rule only within the bounds of her own castle can be gloriously happy. When she steps out of her domain, she is apt to be unhappy. God has given women a power that is noble, queenly, and good if rightly used. She remains in her castle only by accepting her husband’s plan for their life together, and by seeking to nurture and lovingly build her own private castle strong and sure.”
… On the way home it dawned on me what Aunt Miriam meant. The castle was the wife’s love of her husband. His happiness, virtues, faults, dreams, and dislikes must be accepted and hallowed by her love because these things make up her own secret castle. She must tend it lovingly, and in so doing will add a glory to the home of her husband’s choosing.
Suddenly, I made my decision. Kermit should be able to realize his dream of working in the outdoors under the big, blue sky.
Carrie Bender, Forget-Me-Not Lane
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. ~Psalms 19:14
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