A Selection of Things for Mother's Day

I started to write something for today, but it isn't finished. I know, we've been down this street before. Anyway, here's a selection of things that might encourage of bless you today. :-)

Tender Strength - A photo and some thoughts from my own family history.

From Mom's Collection - A selection of items that my mom saved over the years. A variety of topics.

Mother's Question - A poem with a thought provoking question.

A Christian Mother's Life - A poem.

In Honor of Mothers - Scripture and pictures.

Bless the Hands and Hearts - A prayer.

Thorns - An encouragement for mothers whose babies died before birth.

I Love Homemaking... - Rejoicing in the the lovely work that God has given.

Martha and Mary – A poem by Annie Johnson Flint

This post originally went up in October of 2011. Since then it has become one of the most popular posts on my blog. I think you will see why when you read the poem below.

Do you ever feel like there’s just too much to do and that you can’t get it all done?  Do you feel like you don’t have enough time for the things that really count?  I love this poem.  It thrills me at the end, as so many of Miss Flint’s poems do.  She had such a way with words and such an order to her thoughts. Thank God for preserving these for us!  This one really helps us to re-adjust our perspective and consider the things that are truly needful.
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Martha and Mary

Martha was busy and hurried,
Serving the friend divine,
Cleansing the cups and platters,
Bringing the bread and wine;
But Martha was careful and anxious
Fretted in thought and in word.

She had no time to be sitting
While she was serving the Lord,
For Martha was "cumbered with serving,
Martha was "troubled" with "things"---
Those that would pass with the using---
She was forgetting her wings.

Mary was quiet and peaceful,
Learning to love and to live.
Mary was hearing His precepts,
Mary was letting Him give---
Give of the riches eternal,
Treasures of mind and of heart;
Learning the mind of the Master,
Choosing the better part.

Do we ever labor at serving
Till voices grow fretful and shrill,
Forgetting how to be loving,
Forgetting how to be still?
Do we strive for "things" in possession,
And toil for the perishing meat,
Neglecting the one thing needful---
Sitting at Jesus' feet?

Service is good when he asks it,
Labor is right in it's place,
But there is one thing better,
Looking up in his face;
There is so much he can tell us,
Truths that are precious and deep;
This is the place where he wants us,
These are the things we can keep.

Annie Johnson Flint

Luke 10:41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

(I took this picture in the corner of my mom’s kitchen, and yes those are real amaryllis.)

I love this picture in contrast with the one of my messy, stress-filled kitchen at the top.  It is so simple. So beautiful. So quiet.  Yet there is strength there as well.  It speaks to me of quiet waiting on the Lord and the slow, strengthening growth and beautifying that comes with that.  May God help us to seek out the quiet corners of our lives where we can focus on the precious, lasting things.

Worth Reading – More Links for Your Consideration

"Woman Reading In A Garden" by Mary Cassatt

Clear back in January I thought I would start posting links that I thought were worth reading.  I don’t think I posted any more after that.  Sigh.  I have big ideas but very poor follow through sometimes. 

Disclaimer:  Please keep in mind that just because I use a link from a specific site or author it does not mean that I necessarily approve all their writings or of them personally.  And, as always, I disclaim other versions of the Bible which may say things very differently from the one I use - the KJV.  (I am shocked sometimes at the changes some versions make, but that's a subject for another time.)

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Spiritual Issues

Why Are There So Many Superheroes? – A very useful and thoughtful article on why we have so many superheroes.  Did you ever stop to think that it might be a supstitution for the real Savior?  This does give one pause to think.

The Potty Humor Problem – This blogger talks about the very real and ligitamate problem with potty humor in childrens’ books and media.  I ran across some of this last year.  After some friends talked about how much they liked certain cartoon characters, I looked up some video clips online and was unimpressed with the potty humor involved.  My husband and I determined that we would not be buying anything with those characters it for our nieces or nephews, or anyone else for that matter. 
I remember years ago when my brother and I were in our teens and a ceartain Christian man we looked up to had been telling a lot of potty jokes at a gathering where we were present.  We went home, and thinking they were funny and must be ok if so-and-so told them, we repeated them to our dad.  He was quite disappointed and gave us some instruction in not lowering our talk to that level of vulgarity.  The author of this blog post points out some good reasons to avoid these things.  1 Timothy 4:12  Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

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Home, Nature and Health

Outdoor Adventures In Michigan July 2014 – There are some beautiful photographs of Michigan here.  I was born in Western Michigan and lived there at various times, amounting to quite a few years.  I have visited some of the locations represented here and have fond memories of them.

Experimenting in the Kitchen with Food Coloring – One bloggers experiments with creating her own natural food coloring for frosting.  This is inspiring for those who try to avoid using chemical based food coloring.


What Are Infantile Spasms and How to Recognize the Symptoms – This video briefly explains what Infantile Spasms are, how to recognize them, and what to do about getting help.  Some friends of ours have had to address this health problem with their toddler this summer.  Thankfully, they noticed the problem and sought out help quickly.  Infantile Spasms Awareness – This is a slightly longer and more informative video from the Epilepsy Foundation of Metropolitan New York.

A Couple Articles On Things that Make House Cleaning Difficult

 

An old picture of me from when we were first moving into our house here.

I guess we all have housekeeping jobs that we dislike and reasons or excuses that we use to avoid doing certain things when we should – or ever.  Patty Gardner at Homemakers Daily posted a couple of useful articles on this subject. [As usual, probably disclaimer on some content of this site.  I’ve actually read very little of it.]

Patty wrote a two part article:

10 Things That Make House Cleaning Difficult, Part 1

10 Things That Make House Cleaning Difficult, Part 2

Some of her observations are so accurate, and some of her suggestions are really helpful.  But, as she seems to make clear, to really overcome the difficulties you’ll have to work out a plan that will help you according to your particular needs.

There are few things I want to emphasize or point out. 

First off, she stresses that if you’re dealing with health issues and that’s a hindrance to your cleaning, not to overdo things when you are able to work.  This is so important.  I have learned this the hard way to my sorrow.  When we feel better and we start overdoing things we’re very apt to cause a new flare up or such.

Secondly, more than once in certain situations she recommends lowering your expectations.  This is something that my mom taught me by example, but I still struggle with it in some areas.  I also know there are some people who really let their expectations rule them.  Be realistic about your situation and decide what is really important and what people will really notice.  I know one person who regularly goes “crazy” when company is coming and will clean things that no one is going to see – and if someone does see them they should probably be rebuked for putting their nose into some place that wasn’t any of their business.  You really don’t need to clean the shower of the master bath when company is coming for dinner.  Close the curtain or hang a towel over the door if there’s a remote chance someone might need to use that bathroom.  If your lady friends are coming for exercise and Bible study and there’s a load a laundry that needs to be folded in the living room carry it somewhere that they won’t be.  It is not necessary to fold it and put it away if you’re already struggling to get things done.  Also, people aren’t likely to look behind your dressers or in your laundry room on casual visits.  (I know some of my readers may wonder at this kind of advice, but I’ve seen some pretty ridiculous behavior – when company was only coming for the afternoon and dinner.  Sorry to say, I’ve done some silly things myself in this line!)

In point No. 7 she recommends if you have kids making them help you with chores, and working together rather than at different times.  This is good advice.  However, one thing she seems to indicate is that certain ones in her household did certain jobs all the time, or their preferred jobs.  I strongly recommend mixing things up and making everyone take a turn at all chores suitable to their age – and, yes, that means the boys too.  Sadly, there are some homes where the boys get away with not learning to do certain chores because it’s “girls’ work”.  One day they may be very sorry or hindered by that, mothers, so don’t deprive them of the full education they may need to run a household if they remain single or “wife” is sick in bed or, even worse, dies.  There are also some homes where certain jobs are considered “men’s work” and so the girls never learn to do them.  This is just as unhelpful for the same reasons.  By having everyone learn all jobs they can cover for each other, and there won’t be holes in your house work when someone is away or leaves home. 

My mom and I experienced this because for some years my brothers were always the ones to clear the dinner table and wipe it after meals and we girls cleaned up the kitchen.  Mom and I both have struggled with remembering to wipe the table because of that.  For me it’s partly an irritation thing because for so long someone else did that and I only had to do it when he annoyingly forgot.  You get the picture.  This is why I recommend sharing the chores around.  Plus, if you share them around the least assertive person won’t get stuck with the most tiresome or tedious chores all of the time that no one else wants to do.  If you had a few siblings or have a few kids you know what I mean.

Taking Part - The Simple Woman’s Day Book

 

I haven’t done anything like this before, so this will be something a bit different. :-)  I decided to participate this month in this writing/sharing project just to give you a little window into my life.

 

Outside my window...is warm sunshine, goldy-brown leaves, dry dirt and kind of dry grass…welcome to Texas.

I am thinking...about all the things I want to write and the projects I need to get done.  I’ve been particularly focused on preparing for our upcoming trip.

I am thankful...for an abundant garden this year.  We have been so blessed to be able to eat our own fresh produce and, even more, to preserve so much of our own food.  I’m so thankful that my dad has worked so hard at this project, and that the Lord has blessed his efforts so abundantly.

In the kitchen...are tomatoes – both red and green – needing to be made into sauces.

I am wearing...a denim skirt, stained pink sweatshirt, old socks and slightly scruffy sneakers.  This is work day wear.  I hope to work on canning which is sometimes quite messy.

I am creating...calendars for our family.  I’m also hoping to make some scripture calendars to sell this year.  I have numerous sewing projects under way or in mind.

I am going...to New Mexico this month, Lord willing.  We are planning to spend Thanksgiving with my husband’s parents.  Since they just retired from the missionfield this year and settled into their own house, this is the first family holiday that we will have together.  My husband’s brother and his family also plan to be there.  We’re hoping for a blessed time. :-)

I am wondering...how I’m going to get it all done.

I am reading...the book of Psalms, and I Am Hutterite by Mary-Ann Kirkby (which I bought at a second-hand book store).

I am hoping...to finish some projects before we leave on our trip this month, and to get some writing done this winter.

I am looking forward to...the end of canning season – does it ever end in Texas?  I’m so thankful for the food, but it is a lot of work.

I am learning…T-Tapp.  My mom and I have started this exercise program together and it has been really good for both of us.  We have a long ways to go yet, but it’s helping.  We have both improved already.  :-)

Around the house...my husband is working from home today.  It’s a blessing that he has a job that makes that possible! :-)  Otherwise – there are several packages waiting to be opened, and there’s a little disorder, but it’s not too bad really.

I am pondering...how many amazing things are happening in the world right now that could easily be setting the stage for the fulfillment of prophesy during the time of Jacob’s Trouble.  And, will America fall before or after the Lord’s church is taken out?  What is really important and how should we live during this time?

A favorite quote for today...Isaiah 45:22  Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.

One of my favorite things...is crisp autumn weather bathed in golden sunshine. :-)  [Limited supply in Texas.]

A few plans for the rest of the week:  I’m hoping to get some more green tomato enchilada sauce done and all of it canned, and to make some pizza sauce and can it too.  I also want to make more progress on getting things ready for our trip.

A peek into my day...

This picture was taken last month, but my husband is working from home today, and he and our cat are part of every day for me.  (Except when we’re away.  We don’t travel with our cat!)  :-)

Note: Some of these things changed slightly before I even got this posted. :-)  The packages are now open and the red tomatoes are slowly turning into pizza sauce on the stove. ;-)  And, I changed to a short sleeved shirt – yes, we’re still getting warm in Texas!

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As with most sites I link to, there’s a disclaimer on this page. You will find links there to a variety of blogs, many of which you will realize are not at all on the “same page” with me and mine.  Use discretion.  Join the fun if you wish.  :-)

The Simple Woman’s Daybook home page.

The thousand word project: Many Hands