Archive for Simple Gifts

For When You Feel Weak

A reminder, “Be not weary in well doing.”

I’ve had so many friends this week who are really going through hard times. They’re discouraged, overwhelmed, dealing with sick friends, dealing with combative family members, big decisions that weigh on them, discouragement over spiritual failures, and women who are just tired from the daily battle- – the day in day out of motherhood.

When you are overwhelmed, (or if it is “that time of month”) it is NOT the time to assess your life. Don’t think about the big picture, or even about tomorrow. Just do the NEXT right thing today. Worry about right now. That is wisdom.

What does God want me to say right now?

Who is in front of me, right here, right now? You ordained this. Help me to serve them.

How would God have me react here? Lord, help me to hold my tongue!

These kids still don’t get this math concept? Help me to be patient like you, Lord.

“In due season, you will reap if you faint not.” Don’t give up. One foot in front of the other while praying for strength. You CAN do all things through Christ, who strengthens you, who has already given you the victory in the end, who knows EVERY detail of your life and has ordained it for your GOOD.

I made this free printable so you can hang it where it will remind you to press on!

Giveaway: Karen Andreola’s Mother Culture CD

Need a little Charlotte Mason inspiration?

As you know, I read and enjoy Karen Andreola’s blog Moments With Mother Culture.

I’ve also enjoyed her books and have personally benefitted from her research. I am forever grateful to her. :)

Did you know that she has a little CD on Mother Culture™?

What is Mother Culture™?

It is essentially the habit of taking time to refresh your own soul, so that you can, in turn, help cultivate the hearts of others.

Karen makes the case that small snatches of time, even just 15 minutes, are worth investing in some noble pursuit: reading, crocheting, needlework, walking, painting…whatever it is that refreshes you as a mom.

So, I am excited to announce that I have two copies of Karen’s Mother Culture CD to give away to two winners.

I listened to the CD today and was greatly encouraged, and I know you’ll be blessed as well.

How to enter:

Leave a comment below or use the Rafflecopter form to enter.

Winner will be announced Monday, 27th at 9am EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Give One Thing More- A Grateful Heart

photo credit: Country Living

“Thou that hast given so much to me,

Give one thing more–a grateful heart:

Not thankful when it pleaseth me,

As if thy blessings had spare days,

But such a heart whose Pulse may be

Thy Praise.”

~~George Herbert
1593-1633

A Few Gifts

I feel especially blessed this week as I count my blessings. Everything in life is sifted through the loving hands of God to me.  And I am told to give thanks. So I am counting.

My sister Bethy had a newborn baby, Leah Mae.

I got to hold and cuddle little Leah and whisper into her newborn ears the truth that God loves her.

Lunch out with my mother at Panera Bread. Love her!

Late night movies with my teenage daughters. Who doesn’t love a good BBC drama?

Lunch out with a friend, which included laughter and encouraging each other to follow hard after God and nothing else.

Flower delivery for Valentine’s Day. Red tulips and puprle iris…plus a mushy note.

A Valentine’s Day Dinner with Peter…and our five children. :)

Progress made on math concepts with Hope. Counting change is sooo hard!

Snow melting and weather warming. The girls were able to swing!

There are so many more…if I choose to see.