Making Your Home a Haven

Even though we are not active homeschoolers (yet ;), I occasionally receive homeschooling publications in the mail. I was browsing through one yesterday and came across an article about finding balance and what it really means to be like the woman in Proverbs 31. The author (Joanne Calderwood - http://www.urthemom.com/) pointed out that although it seemed like the P31 woman was more like Martha in the sense that she was very busy, she was only able to accomplish what she did because like Mary she chose the better things first. I felt like Mrs. Calderwood was speaking directly to me in this passage:

"...by constantly praying when feelings of stress and strain come over me, I am freed from their grip. When I spend that close fellowship time with the Lord at the beginning of the day, my heart is in tune and is worshipful and reverent. What a beautiful way to start a day. But it doesn't end there, at the "amen" before getting the children up for breakfast. As we go through the day, the Holy Spirit will inspire us to do what He calls us to do. He will grant us the wisdom and resources we need to homeschool, to be a wife, and to be a mother. Contrast that with just jumping out of bed in the morning, grabbing a cup of coffee, waking the children, and getting started on the day - without any quiet time or instruction from the Lord. I've done the latter, and it doesn't bear good fruit. I am quickly absorbed with my kingdom, and I am either overwhelmed by busyness or I accomplish little because I am so overwhelmed that I go in circles because I don't know where to start." - 'A Guide to Getting it in Gear' from Homeschool Enrichment Jul/Aug 2010

Going in circles because I don't know where to start accurately describes my day to day life. How much different would my life look if I made an effort to spend time with the Lord at the beginning of every day? Even if I am getting things done, it doesn't matter how Martha I am around the house if I cannot first be like Mary.

God, of course, didn't stop this lesson with this article. I stumbled across THIS post on Women Living Well about making our homes a haven. When I read about what kind of woman it takes to make her home a haven, I was saddened by the realization that I am more like the woman described in Home #1 in the article. I am often distant, distracted, crabby and discontent. Worst of all, I do not pray enough. It's interesting to think that the first four things mentioned would be significantly remedied if I would just do the last thing. So, I am taking part in Courtney's challenge to make my home a haven for my family and all who enter it. That is my calling, and I want to see to it well while always remembering that I cannot possibly accomplish any of it on my own.

Pretty and Frugal Home Decor

My living room is in dire need of a makeover. There is a large wall on the far end of the room that has been needing decorations ever since we moved in almost two years ago. Well, I finally found something to do with it! I took cues from my friends Kelly (yeah, she did a guest post at Nesting Place, one of the many reasons why she is awesome) and Sheyenne (who is also very skilled in the area of home decor) and created my own little frugal art gallery with card stock and things I printed from my home computer.

I must apologize for the poor quality of these pictures. Not only am I a terrible photographer, but I have kind of a crummy camera.

Sheet music for "It is Well with My Soul"

Lyrics to "Everything" by Lifehouse - our wedding song

Colossians 3:12-17

One of the best parts of this project is that it cost less than $20! Next up for this room: a little window mistreatment :)

Yum!

There are few smells better than the scent of fresh bread baking in the oven.

Earlier this year I became very interested in eating more naturally and nutritionally. I'll admit that in recent months I have slacked in this area both because of laziness and because of rising food costs (the healthier the food the more it costs - no wonder there is a weight issue in this country!). However, one thing that I have done consistently - save for the early months of pregnancy when the scent of yeast made me ill - is make homemade bread. It's delicious fresh out of the oven and great for toast and sandwiches. It's important to me to keep doing this because I know exactly what is going in to the bread we eat. Oh, and it tastes better too!