Quietude: Taking Time to Be Still

I am resting in my room this morning and thinking about kindness.

How something so simple is often overlooked.

I want to be kind in my ways --kind to my children and my husband. I want them to remember me for being a kind person.

We all fall short in so many ways, but the Lord is kind and gives us grace. 

A look, a smile, a kind word.

Do not underestimate their power.

Maybe a hug or a pat on a back.

Makes the world of a difference to someone who feels all alone or discouraged.

Just taking the time to spend it with those that you love.

Asking questions, finding out how their day has been.

Just plain simple caring.

Sitting down and talking around the living room and making yourself available to anyone who joins you.

Maybe heating up some cold food so that someone who came home late at night can have a hot dinner after they have worked the whole day.

And listening.

Just sitting and caring can change someone's entire day.

Let us also extend that kindness to others outside our home too.

To strangers and those who are different from us.

So that God may be glorified.

And they may see His love through you.













"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,  bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.  And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.  And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." ~Colossians 3:12-17


Quietude is a new monthly post where I will be sharing on my reflections as I grow closer to the age of 50.

What To Do if You Are Thinking About Homeschooling

You might have been reading about the new CDC guidelines that school will be following in the coming year and it has you thinking about all your options.

You may also have been kicking around the idea of homeschooling even before all this happened and now you are thinking this could be the right time.

Get FREE Books with Kindle Unlimited until June 30th!

Are you staying home and needing books?

Yes, I said needing--especially for all you bookworms out there. (You know who you are!)

Father's Day Gift Ideas That He Will Love

Are you looking for a special gift for dad?

You might have several dads in your life---your husband, son(s), father, grandfathers, uncles, in-laws, and friends and sometimes finding them gifts that would be encouraging and clean can be a challenge.

I know that my husband loves spending time together as a family (he is a big family man) but not so keen when it comes to shopping--especially for himself. He only does it when he absolutely has to or when the need arises (which is probably how many husbands are), but I know that can pose a challenge to women who are looking for something to get them. 
Sometimes we need a little inspiration!

Family Time: Games to Bring the Whole Family Together

"Let them be happy, encourage all innocent joy, provide pleasant games for them, romp and play with them; be a child again among them. Then God's blessing will come upon your home, and your children will grow up sunny-hearted, gentle, affectionate, joyous themselves and joy-bearers to the world.”  

~JR Miller,  The Christian Family

Are you looking for ways to pass the extra time home with the children?

We have been tackling various home projects around here and getting several needed things done.

But while we also are working around the house we also take the time to play hard too. (smile)

He is a Refuge in the Storm

This year has been a doozy, hasn't it?

Who would have known what this year would have brought forth...only the Lord knew.

I know there has been a lot of worry and fear for the last few months for many of you.

I know that times have been hard.

I know that you have been wanting to cry or have cried (many times).

Feminine Favorites: The White Spring Dress

It has been awhile since I have been able to share one of these Feminine Favorites post -  I really do love doing these because it is so fun to find cute clothing to share with you!

About every once a month or so we like to share some pretty inspiration from around the web, we hope it encourages you and gives you some fun & feminine ideas for your wardrobe!

Today I am just picking one dress that I really like for spring which is this soft white dress called from The Spring Lillies Dress Collection:

Staying Home: Christian Movies to Watch

We have been given the gift of time with this quarantine.  Yes, I said gift. How have you been spending it? I know that for many it has been a very stressful time but many you are trying to make the best of it. Remember to just do what you can do day-by-day and know not to pressure yourself!

A relaxing way to use this time is to catch up with some Christian movies you might have missed watching in the past when you had a busier schedule. They will inspire you in faith and teach your children a lesson or two in character now that time has slowed and you can invest some time into it.

Penny Pinchin' Easy Flat Bread Recipe

Are you finding that it is hard to find bread these days?

Thankfully in our area it has been fine but I know that many of you are looking for easy bread ideas that are also cheap to make so I wanted to share this easy flatbread recipe with you that I found online that I really think you will love.

Deepening the Pantry

How many of you have had food storage on the mind?

I know that with all the talk about viruses and quarantines and that more people are taking this topic a little more seriously. But so many other just like to do it "just in case."

Many homemakers have found it helpful and a lifesaver if there is a layoff or some other kind of unforeseen emergency that arises.

A wise man stores up choice food and oil but fools gulp theirs down." Proverbs 21:20.

How to Deal with Worrying

Are you dealing with worrying right now?

Are you looking at the future and it is looking bleak?

Steady yourself and calm your heart.

 The Lord is near and we only need to look to Him.

 We can trust Him and His faithful Word is a comfort to us in hard times.

 It is like a balm to our troubled souls.

 Maybe you are worried about health issues...

 finances...

 your family...

 the future...

 or even all the things you see in the news...

or all the above!

Coronavirus Preparedness

I want to first begin post by sharing that we should act in wisdom and not fear.

God is certainly in control of everything and our trust is in Him.

We all have heard the news that the virus is here in the U.S. and nearly every media channel is sharing updates about it.

I just came back from a doctors visit and the first thing my doctor told me was that she stockpiled 6 months worth of toilet paper. I think she only has a family of four but said she wanted to be safe and would use it up any way. Another person said there was a line outside of their Costco with people actually fighting over bottle watered.

A Peek Inside My Life {and Where I Have Been}

I have been on a bit of a blogging break for the month of February. I have been praying a lot and spending much needed time with my family. The older that I get the more I know not to take family for granted and to cherish every minute you get. You just never know when things will change.

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Couples

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching and some of you are looking for some gifts!

I am probably going to spend a little time decorating today--the kids really enjoy it when I do. They like making all the hearts (and heart animals) to decorate the windows.

Every year my husband likes to get the traditional flowers and chocolate and take me out for dinner and a movie or sneak in some fun at a bed and breakfast. He also likes to get flowers and candy for all the girls and he will also get the boys some chocolate or candy too!

26 Inexpensive Date Night Ideas

Are you looking for something to do for some simple quick ideas for an inexpensive date night?

It is always important to invest in your spouse and your marriage--it takes time to nurture it and grow it. A wise woman is always looking for ways to love her husband and make sure he knows that he is loved.

How to Pray for Your Adult Children

As a mother of 9 children I do not take praying lightly.

I know how important it is to keep praying for your children--no matter how old they are. Prayer is so important when they are young and even when they are well into their adult years.

Homeschooling Through The Winter Months

Do the long days of winter seem longer than you like?  I personally look forward to the winters months because we are able to get more accomplished that we usually can't because the warm sunshine is beckoning us outdoors. Winter is a time for us to 'buckle down' from whirl of events from the holidays and to settle into a nice steady routine. I know that many moms can get cabin fever, whether you have big or little ones, so here are a few suggestions.

Slow Down and Encourage Your Children

"Parents do not realize how far a word of praise will go with children. Praise is sunshine to a child, and there is no child who does not need it. Praise spurs a child on to earnest effort. 

5 Steps for Being More Productive in Your Day

Are you struggling to get things done?

Yes, I know, it is January and it is all gloomy outside and you are feeling like you have cabin fever and you need to get to all those things you just haven't gotten to because of the holidays.

But you know you need to get to them, some way some how. And you just keep reminding yourself how amazing you feel once you actually get them done! January is actually a great time to get things done since we tend to be a bit more homebound because of the weather. It is a great time to purge, refresh, and start new getting to those things you said you would get done last year!

Recently I had a project hanging over my head I had been meaning to get to all week. I was really dreading it and kind of making excuses to myself of why I couldn't get to it. But one day I just woke up and did it. And I couldn't believe how quickly I got it done and just how great everything looked afterwards! Not only that but I got it done in just under 10 minutes. I couldn't believe how fast it all went and why I didn't get to it sooner.

A Peek Inside My Life

It is January and I am loving all the NEW that comes with the New Year!

(Here I am playing with a Christmas filter!)

We haven't done one of these posts in a while and am glad that we could share a bit with you today. We like it when we get a chance to share a personal post so that you get a chance to see a glimpse of me as a real person and feel connected.