tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916485057164205644.post9077780089830945687..comments2024-03-27T11:03:16.505-04:00Comments on Home Joys: Startling DiscoveryGinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05420137490490341730noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916485057164205644.post-47488060184047034272011-10-29T22:58:49.214-04:002011-10-29T22:58:49.214-04:00Thank you so much, sometimes your blogs are what I...Thank you so much, sometimes your blogs are what I need!!<br />ValerieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916485057164205644.post-51551431739740903112011-10-01T17:01:57.970-04:002011-10-01T17:01:57.970-04:00I love this post.I love this post.Margohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16345165456341197559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916485057164205644.post-50211675452192344042011-09-30T22:54:36.721-04:002011-09-30T22:54:36.721-04:00Gina,
This is exactly the way I've felt. I hav...Gina,<br />This is exactly the way I've felt. I have learned, lately tho, to pray that God will help me be 'blind' to the things that don't really matter and coherent to the things that do matter. It works! Yesterday, the house was a first rate MESS, I had piano lessons, I had a park 'date' with a couple other homeschool moms, picnic lunch to get ready, I crashed into bed after 9, but guess what? I didn't stress over it (obviously, b/c of the early bedtime..lol) and I got everything clean today! :) If I had stressed yesterday, it wouldn't have done any good, b/c I would've eventually gotten it cleaned anyway. :) My kids pick up on my 'edginess' very easily (amazingly so), so it serves a dual purpose for me and the kids to not stress about things that will eventually take care of themselves. Makes me a really grumpy wife too. :) <br />Make you a list of the housework that is really impt for you to do everyday and do those things only during homeschool days. Mine is to: 1. Make beds, 2. Keep laundry done 3. Keep dishes done (even tho my kitchen is usually NOT spotless). My kids pick up with me once or twice a day (in the LR/DR area). I do not worry about the sweeping/dusting/even the trash piles up unreasonable high. <br />On Saturday, I make me a list of things like (making applesauce), Pick pears, clean out van, clean out 1 kitchen cabinet, sort kid's clothes, etc...and check a few things off per Saturday. <br />I have tendencies like you, honestly, but ask God to help you, he will! :) So many times, we Moms forget to rely on God b/c we aren't used to relying on anyone, right?? :) (We are the rely-ee)<br />Thanks for being real with us! :) I surely enjoy your blog and I'm glad to see you got your applesauce made!! Ever made any pearsauce? We have tons of pears that I have got to do something with!!<br />God Bless! :)Natural Mamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10681703953590414842noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916485057164205644.post-22133304604014481582011-09-30T13:07:03.469-04:002011-09-30T13:07:03.469-04:00Thanks for being so transparent and "real&quo...Thanks for being so transparent and "real". :) Recently been thinking the same thoughts. It's so fun to homestead, but definately difficult with little ones. The Lord gives us just enough time in a day that HE wants us to have to get things done and then, oh then, we must rest!<br /><br />I'm a new reader to your blog and have enjoyed hopping over to see what you and your family are up to. <br /><br />Blessings!<br />Kelli<br />www.we4bates.blogspot.comKellihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08712995386714714804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916485057164205644.post-40103578742105413432011-09-30T03:44:20.831-04:002011-09-30T03:44:20.831-04:00Yep I sure can relate, more than I can type in her...Yep I sure can relate, more than I can type in here! I think a lot of us struggle with the super woman syndrome. Or that's what I like to call it anyway. I know for me friends have made me feel guilty at times because I didn't do "as much" as they did that day. Several years ago I was down in my back in bed for 3 months or so. I couldn't walk at all because of it. Ruptured disk was the problem and still is but have learned I had to slow down and had to change my lifestyle. But I still fight the battle of doing because I don't like to be idle and love to accomplish things.<br />I have been told more than once I am my own worst critic. <br />I have to tell myself, even Jesus rested so if He did I surely need to. :)Rosehttp://mrsbettybargain.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916485057164205644.post-2645786950856794182011-09-29T23:00:33.456-04:002011-09-29T23:00:33.456-04:00Jesus response to Martha when she was complaining ...Jesus response to Martha when she was complaining that her sister left her to serve alone, has been a conscience pricker many times for me when I can't get everything done I would like to even though it all seems very valuable & important. His response was this, "Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." Luke 10: 41-42 O for grace to daily sit at the feet of Jesus as Mary did!Jesalynnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03252444459267703224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916485057164205644.post-21562278430537413202011-09-29T20:39:46.059-04:002011-09-29T20:39:46.059-04:00I started reading Sharon Astyk's "Depleti...I started reading Sharon Astyk's "Depletion and Abundance". I didn't finish it, but I remember one thing. Don't think about about what you didn't accomplish - think about all that you *did accomplish. There is always goign to be a bunch of things we didn't get to. And some of the most important things I think I am doing at home is providing a loving home for my kids, teaching them to love God, providing loving examples for them. That has nothing to do with whether or not their clothes are perfectly clean, or their bread is homemade. Nice if we get to that, but not a failure if we don't find the time.Evelyn in Canadahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16273654056979750579noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916485057164205644.post-16826190404476536802011-09-29T19:43:52.395-04:002011-09-29T19:43:52.395-04:00Yes!! Something I am still finding hard to accept....Yes!! Something I am still finding hard to accept.MarzieCXhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06699768832578493384noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916485057164205644.post-21539465293899332942011-09-29T10:11:06.751-04:002011-09-29T10:11:06.751-04:00I have a post in que ready to be posted saying muc...I have a post in que ready to be posted saying much the same thing. I have found doing my 12 goals for the week helps me tremendously. I am at least getting a few more things done than before and I am keeping the most important things in perspective and I also have a newer homeschool plan that has worked effectively this week anyway. You do a lot but I know that we all need to slow down and listen to God's still small voice.Extraordinary Ordinary Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01232777722945061624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916485057164205644.post-45104572971545838372011-09-29T09:19:55.189-04:002011-09-29T09:19:55.189-04:00Thank you for giving my own feelings a voice. I c...Thank you for giving my own feelings a voice. I can empathize with you. My only hope is to prioritize and then I never seem to get to the bottom of that list, but maybe I wasn't meant to get there since at the bottom of the list are things we could do without anyway, but would be nice. I'm always telling myself that when I retire I'll have the time to do all the things I LIKE to do, but in reality... even in retirement it will still be busy (or may be too old to care anymore), there will still be all the chores to do. I don't hate work, I just wish I had a little time for doing the things I LIKE most of all.<br /><br />Hope you get near the bottom of the list today.<br /><br />God Bless.Mrs. Doughttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07703464320152527607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916485057164205644.post-65985712268703633422011-09-29T09:08:32.172-04:002011-09-29T09:08:32.172-04:00Gina,
The most Important Love God 1st, 2nd Love yo...Gina,<br />The most Important Love God 1st, 2nd Love your Husband, 3rd Love your kids and all the rest just pick like you said 2 or 3 things that day. <br />I too feel that its in the number of accomplishments the things seen that I felt I had a good day. All the unseen things God see's, try writing down them, like tied a shoe hugged .......ect you might be surprised at all you accomplishments:)<br />I got to a point were if I had to buy a loaf of bread for a week to take a break to catch up on something else it is ok. Also went threw a time were I stayed of the computer I call the computer a time stealer :) Your children are little only so long and then this precious stage will pass you buy enjoy it! As others have said " Do the Next thing when you feel overwhelmed, give God your to do list and ask Him what his is.<br />I love your sight, your a great Mom, and wife. And as another wife to a pastor's wife, I'm still me, just be you.<br />in Jesus<br />Sharlenelivinforhimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17748257223066146778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916485057164205644.post-51864292811652146292011-09-29T08:05:51.346-04:002011-09-29T08:05:51.346-04:00Sorry you've been having a rough time. I can r...Sorry you've been having a rough time. I can relate in a lot of ways. So many days I just wonder exactly WHAT I'm supposed to do, and HOW I'm supposed to do it. I mean I know my children need me, and they are more important that my house work. But how do I fit home schooling in. AND make healthy home made food... keep the laundry done, the house out of disaster status, AND get enough rest so that I'm a happy wife and Mother. I ENJOY doing all the things I do... I just don't know what I can possibly not do, but also know I can't do everything...UGH! I just keep plugging along. Asking for lots of grace, relying on God for strength, and hope it'll all turn out okay in the end.BekLovesJeremyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03391077072995862419noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916485057164205644.post-79672890524072704722011-09-29T07:33:21.938-04:002011-09-29T07:33:21.938-04:00Continue having that faith that God can heal you- ...Continue having that faith that God can heal you- because He can. He healed me and He can heal you. On my search of healing (from leukemia) the one thing that repeats itself in Scripture are the words ..your faith has healed you. Jesus Himself said it to the woman who just wanted to touch His cloak. <br /><br />Keep believing..<br />and take care of you..<br />TammyTammyhttp://simpleanddeliberate.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916485057164205644.post-74301078242846646502011-09-29T07:18:23.585-04:002011-09-29T07:18:23.585-04:00Thank you! We've never met, but I follow your...Thank you! We've never met, but I follow your blog ~ intermittently, lol. Glad I read this one! I needed this, and I have an online friend (I've never met in person either), who I sensed would be blessed by reading it as well. So thank you again...I'm busy but in a different way, as our children are grown and have children of their own, all blessings from the Lord.Lorihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01676755116194562175noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916485057164205644.post-39281465042547898032011-09-29T05:46:46.161-04:002011-09-29T05:46:46.161-04:00I smile as I see how many of us relate to you. I ...I smile as I see how many of us relate to you. I know sometimes I have to remember through out the day just to stop and have some quite time with our Lord, that seems to quite my spirit. <br />Remember God has you under His wings, so just snuggle down in there and He will give you strength.<br />God bless, and thank you for your wonderful blog, I have gotten so many ideas from it.<br />JeannaJeannanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916485057164205644.post-56993904208923988442011-09-29T01:29:40.821-04:002011-09-29T01:29:40.821-04:00I try to prioritize based on what I'm likely t...I try to prioritize based on what I'm likely to remember in 10 or 20 years. I know I'll remember the sweetness of drawing with a little one. I'm hoping I'll have blocked out the hideous mess that is my house! <br />It's so hard to balance cherishing your children with respecting your husband's need for an orderly home and a decent meal every now and then. And on top of that, feeling like a failure compared to all the other "got it all done, how about you?" blogs out there. <br />I love your posts and always look forward to the next one, but your blogging audience comes last if you're feeling overwhelmed. Don't worry, we'll wait! You're too fun to give up.Pecky_Cawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09187072088442418155noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916485057164205644.post-16918505291990500162011-09-28T23:34:30.335-04:002011-09-28T23:34:30.335-04:00Such a great post after I had been missing you for...Such a great post after I had been missing you for a few days. We have not been blessed with children (yet) but I do care for a child in my home. I know exactly what you're saying! My mom just went home from her yearly visit with us, and over the course of the few months she was here, she would make comments that made me question whether I am a good wife or not. Simple requests that I asked my husband to do to help out around the apartment (like sweep or vacuum) she didn't think he should have to do. "He works hard every day," she would say. But he agrees with me that he lives here too, and he can do some things sometimes. I am also blessed with a good husband! I, too, fall into the "life will slow down someday" mindset far too often. Unfortunately, it may not slow in the way we expect. Thanks for the reminder that we can't do everything all the time, and that it's ok. The important things will always get done, and He will never give us more than He will help us handle. Take it easy for a while - kids love to play grown up and be "in charge". Back problems are no fun, so rest and let Him restore you. <br /><br />So glad you were able to post today! :-)<br />Aliciaagoconnorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07556638972570789448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916485057164205644.post-74711968514389731012011-09-28T23:20:24.406-04:002011-09-28T23:20:24.406-04:00I remember reading a book by Leslie Parrot where s...I remember reading a book by Leslie Parrot where she talked about how women are fulfilled by relationships. The more we try to run on checklists for our lives the more unhappy and unfulfilled we are.<br /><br />I am sorry you've been having that never catch up feeling. But I am thankful for the reminder, that I am made for relationships and not for accomplishing things. <br /><br />God is good and I need to remember to breath.Bethanyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09265277532451713731noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916485057164205644.post-90310592832368500882011-09-28T23:14:53.680-04:002011-09-28T23:14:53.680-04:00Gina! I am praying for you out in CA. I want you ...Gina! I am praying for you out in CA. I want you to know that you described me almost perfectly! But, I don't want to leave it with that thought. I know too many times when I have been struggling with things others, with good intentions, have told me things that just made me feel that I was "normal.". It is normal, BUT, such a struggle! The Lord sees your heart, your situation, your desire to serve your family and be sweet all the while! He can give you what you need to get done what needs to be done! Praise God for your husband being so sweet. I have a sweet one myself an have heard many tough stories that bring tears to my eyes for so many women. All of those books that are encouraging and full of tricks and help can be nice at times. Lately, I am finding that they all seem to raise my own expectations to a level beyond my duty. I have found that finding the help and inspiration in Gods Word meets my need each and every time!!!! Hang in there and I appreciate your honesty!!Ahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03958393253816735277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916485057164205644.post-89859568248563243452011-09-28T23:08:09.903-04:002011-09-28T23:08:09.903-04:00Hi Gina,
I really loved your post today! I along ...Hi Gina,<br /><br />I really loved your post today! I along with almost all Moms struggle with that exact issue. I think back to my Grandparents and beyond and know they had it 100% harder, yet they never stopped. How did they do it? <br /><br />You all have a wonderful day tomorrow and enjoy the "little things".<br /><br />BlessingsWendynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916485057164205644.post-22641882777668181602011-09-28T22:06:55.285-04:002011-09-28T22:06:55.285-04:00Christi's comment reminded me of Karen Andreol...Christi's comment reminded me of Karen Andreola saying (In a Charlotte Mason Companion) about calmly going about the next thing. I don't have the words exactly right - but that's the jist.Naptime Seamstresshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05971159046347608338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916485057164205644.post-68061924533072012372011-09-28T21:38:47.194-04:002011-09-28T21:38:47.194-04:00Don't I know all about it!! I have finally le...Don't I know all about it!! I have finally learned that at the end of the day, if all I did was feed my family and wash their clothes, and wipe a runny nose, I DID accomplish something! I was being a home maker and blessing my family and right now, that is where God wants me and I did His will. I have tried to get over the mindset that if I don't have anything to show for my day, it was a wasted day. But oh, how great a feeling it was too get that half a bushel of pears canned today!! I accomplished a LOT :) I keep reminding myself that years down the road, when I have all day to do anything I want, I will probably be longing for a two year old in my house again! So when I see smeary hand prints over the windows-and baskets of wash to fold, I try to see them as roses!Reginanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916485057164205644.post-89733331780682300932011-09-28T18:07:57.837-04:002011-09-28T18:07:57.837-04:00Totally! Gina you've hit it on the head for so...Totally! Gina you've hit it on the head for so many of us. I keep the scripture running through my head, "seek ye first the kingdom of Heaven and all these things will be added unto you." So for me, I stop worrying about the things that earn me a little pocket money (that make a huge difference to our grocery bills) or things that I want to do for my own sanity and interest. <br />Priority number one. God, Yourself, Husband, Children and our basic spiritual and physical needs. <br />Everything else will fall in line.<br /><br />Gina, why don't you ask someone for help?! Your sister to help with the applesauce day to make things quicker or ask another home schooler to combine kids for one day a week, then you swap. Giving that break you need without loosing an education day. :o) just some ideas.<br /><br />xxxxxxSuzihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09637570761992549181noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916485057164205644.post-47451957004243163182011-09-28T17:40:18.760-04:002011-09-28T17:40:18.760-04:00Gina...I totally relate to your post. I believe th...Gina...I totally relate to your post. I believe the Lord wants us to DO WHAT WE CAN and not stress over what we CAN'T. This is something he has been teaching me since my husband and I separated nearly 3 hours ago. I can't do it all..it's impossible. and it's OK to do what I can and be pleased and not guilty. Condemnation doesn't come from Him...let us be reminded of that truth and live joyfully in our busy and productive lives for the days are long but the years short! {{{hugs}}} <br /><br />Julia, in New ZealandHopes Handcraftshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08388763562145957609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4916485057164205644.post-83528520454622195332011-09-28T17:18:17.276-04:002011-09-28T17:18:17.276-04:00. . . and on top of it all you are now the pastor&.... . . and on top of it all you are now the pastor's wife???? Take it easy on yourself. ~LizMyBulletinBoardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07961091298654325887noreply@blogger.com