Sweet Words and Gentle Hearts

Posted on Monday, February 11, 2008 at 08:41

My, but it is a beautiful day! The sun is shining, and though it is cold, our little home is warm and toasty. 

I have a list of things to do today, and as always, I wish for a bit more time to do it all in.  Chores await, calling for a quick and decisive action.  Too bad, I got bit by the lazy bug, last night, lol.   I am just kidding of course, and will soon get started, but for a moment, I wanted to share something with you.

Yesterday afternoon, I wrote a little comment to someone on HSB, who, every time I read her blog, blesses my heart.  She talks of many things, and her love for her family and others is evident in her writing.  When I awoke this morning, I had planned to post a recipe and my menu for the week, but God had different plans for my blog today.  To make a long story short, she wrote me a little note, and told me that I had blessed her with my comment. Oh my, but I was thrilled to hear that!

It may seem strange, but for me, this place is a place of ministry, in some ways.  I say that because, there are so many lovely people here, who take the time to write their thoughts, sharing their dreams, and sometimes, even their heartache.  What is so truly wonderful is that many will respond.  Loving-kindness and gentle words of encouragement will be written, and prayers will be spoken.  What a blessing it is to know that many will hear, and understand, giving of their time, and sending a word of encouragement and sharing laughter together.

I am reminded of a verse in the Bible, "Let brotherly love continue."  While we may not know each other in the sense of physically seeing and being near, hearts do meet and mingle here. We learn about each other, and from each other.  We share, and we care for each other.  Oh yes, we may not actually see one another, but sometimes, the heart sees so much better than the eyes.  Here, we can be ourselves.  We can give a moment of unreserved love for another, expecting nothing, but gaining so much from the experience.  In some ways, it is the sweestest of friendships.

The joy of friendship is in the giving to another person.  Whetther in thought or deed, words written or silent prayer sent heaven-ward, it is a blessing to both.  I pray that each member of HSB will be blessed with sweet words and gentle hearts, today and everyday.

God bless you all today, and fill your lives with love and laughter!

                         Mistypearl

Quiet Hearts and Full Spirits

Posted on Sunday, February 3, 2008 at 12:28

A blessed Sabbath to all!  Oh, but my heart rejoices this early Sunday morning, and for so many things!  My heart is quiet and my spirit full.  I am a blessed woman.

May I share a story with you?  It is about how one lost young lady was lifted into the loving embrace of God.  Many years ago now, there was a young lady filled with her own idea of self-importance and stubborn pride.  She went on her merry way, never knowing of the love she was missing until one very dark and lonley night when the voice of her Savior called out ot her, "Come, unto me, all ye that are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."   For you see, she did not know of her own foolish ways, until her life was on the verge of ruin.

She thought of herself as a good person, one with few faults.  She seldom gossiped, loved her family and went to church on a regular basis.  She was well-liked by most, and loved by many.  Little did she realize that someday, she would have that facade stripped away and her true heart revealed.  Oh my, what a day of revelation that was going to be!  And when it happened, it brought her to her knees.

For years, she had heard and seen the kindest example of Christian womanhood lived right in front of her eyes, yet she had been blinded to it.  Not because she did not know, but because she chose to be.  It was so much easier to live a life filled with things and activities that kept her busy, rather than making a solid commitment to living a Christian lifestyle.  She thought of all the "things" she would have to give up, and her heart quelled at the thought, so she kept herself on the margins of a deeply commited life.  What she would someday find out is that she would give up nothing, but gain everything.

On this particular night, she faced a crisis of untold proportions and was distraught to the point of emotional breakdown.  That is when she heard that still small voice inside beconning softly, "come."  And, she did.  She came, with all of her baggage, with all of her sin, and she fell down at the feet of the Master, crying, "Save me!  If you are real, if you love me like everyone says, save me!" 

He did.  He came, and he washed her clean, pouring out the love and mercy of a loving Savior, who cared not for her past, or the mistakes she had made.  He lifted her, and he held her in his loving embrace, forever changing her heart and mind.  Forever changing her.  That night she was washed clean, never to be the same.

Today, that young woman is no longer concerned for the things she has left behind.  She has spent almost twenty years in her Savior's service.  There are days when she struggles, and days when she must fall on her knees, begging for wisdom.  Yes, even days when she is a dismal failure.  But, in all the years of her realationship with her Savior, he has never failed her.  Never, not even once!

So, she continues forward, walking in a sure and certain hope and faith that he will continue to hold her, and love her.  Because he has promised, "I will never leave you, or forsake you.  No, not even until the end of the world." 

That woman is me.  My heart is quiet because I have no need of fear.  My spirit is full because he feeds me with his never-ending love and grace.  Truly, I am a blessed woman.  And I didn't have to give up one thing.  Now that is love.

Monday Evening and Gentle Persuasion

Posted on Monday, January 28, 2008 at 06:22

I woke this morning with a doozy of a headache.  I very seldom have them, but this was excrutiating.  However, the day did improve, and as I sit here tonight, I thank the Lord for His blessings, knowing that His grace is sufficient for me.

I had plans for today.  Things on a list that really should have been done a week or so ago, but, sometimes, the unexpected can get in the way.  Hubby called from work this morning to tell me that he had a half-day off, and asked if I would meet him to go look at some equipment we need.  So, out of the kitchen, and into the car.  Pumpkin growled some too, because she knew it meant "car school."  The bananas I had already diced to make the recipe for banana butter were left in the fridge, and off we went.  Talk about a bad mood!  I could have been the poster child for "Grumpy Housewives."

As we rode the twenty or so miles to Agri-South, Pumpkin recited her multiplication tables, and did a bit of vocabulary work.  I have to admit, my mind was really not on her, but on the list of chores that would have to wait another day.   The further I drove, the more I resented being dragged from the house. When we pulled into the parking lot of the farm supply store, there was Hubby, all grins and hugs.  I stood there, mad as a wet setting hen, fuming that he could be so cheerful, when my whole day was shot!  I was soooo miserable and grouchy, I could hardly stand myself.  When he leaned down to kiss my cheek, I was a wooden statue.  Oh my, but I was ill..

As we walked around, my mind began to drift to recent devotionals. and one of my  favorite songs, "If We Are The Body."  In the song, the singer asked the question, "If we are the body, why aren't His arms reaching, why aren't His hands healing,"  He talks of the loving example set by Christ.  I found myself wondering, what kind of example am I setting?  If I am less than loving with my Hubby, who in truth has really done nothing wrong,  what might my actions be showing others?  I have to tell you, I was so upset by what I felt in my heart!   I had to repent immediately!   As I did, I began to feel a peace about many things I have praying about for a while now.  It seems that in my "busy-itis",  as one of my HSB friends calls it, I have neglected some other very important issues.  My emotional quotient for dealing with changes to my plans being a major part of that.

When we left, I took hubby aside for a moment, and apologized.  He just beamed!  It seems that me telling him I love him more than my schedules or anything else on this earth, was just what he needed to hear today.  So, I have come to this conclusion.  God interrupted my schedule today to teach me something I really needed to know.  And, He did it in a loving and gentle way.

I will still make plans, and yes, schedules will still be a major part of our lives.  With our lives, they have to be, lol! I have learned, however, that no matter what else, God always knows what I need and when I need it.  I recently wrote a post asking for prayer, as I stove to be even closer to God, and live my life in a deeper Christian walk.  I know He has heard, and He, in His wondeful grace, and mercy, is already answering!

I guess we will have banana pudding tomorrow night.  Gotta do something with all those bananas, lol!

God bless, Ya'll!

Good Monday Morning Ya'll

Posted on Monday, January 28, 2008 at 01:56

Mornin' everybody!  Hope the weekend was pleasant and filled with wonderful moments of joy.Our Sunday was quiet and peaceful.  We enjoyed Church services, then came home and pigged out on pot roast.  In the afternnon, we watched a movie, and everyone did a bit of reading.  I have been re-reading a book from a few years ago, and hubby is working on a Mark Twain collection.  Pumpkin and the two oldest read to each other from Silas Marner.

Today promises to be busy, but I am trying to be much more organized in using my time, and will have Pumpkin doing her schoolwork at intervals, to make it easier for me to work on some laundry and prepare the banana butter recipe. I am so happy to have my simple kitchen, with it's sunny windows and plenty of counter space.  We can do such much in that one room.  It is truly the "heart" of our home.

In the yard, there are leaves that need raking, and my flower beds await some tender-loving care.   Yet, it is still far to cool for me to brave much in the way of yardwork.  I will have to remain content with planting the rest of my seed trays.  It may be winter, but these hands still need to dig in the earth a bit, lol.

Late this afternoon, I have to make a trip to town to pick up a new ceiling fan for our bedroom.  The wiring on the old one is shot, and Hubby says it is no longer safe to use.  I am thinking of a very simple light wood, with the old fashioned school house light kit. I can paint the shade with a few flowers, or vines, and it will fit right in.

Well, best to get to it!  I pray that you all will have a wonderful day, and the blessings of the Lord will abound in your loving homesteads!

Home Comforts and Mom's Example

Posted on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at 09:25

Oh what a beautiful morning...oh what a beautiful day!  Those are the first words to an old song that my Mom used to sing to me, early on school mornings, when I didn't want to climb out of my cozy bed.  There was something almost magical in the way she sang.  So full of life, and love!  She always had a way of making me feel that all was right with the world, and she still does.  She made our house a home, and filled her children with a love for God and their fellow man.  I never heard her complain or grumble about housework.  She worked full time and still managed to keep her home a place of wonderful comfort and grace.  I want to be just like her, when I grow up!

When I rise in the morning, I head to my kitchen, and brew a pot of coffee to help wake me, sitting for a moment at our table.  It is a routine that I have enjoyed for many years.  I am sure most people do something similar.  Usually, Hubby has been off to work for an hour or so, and I have some quiet time for reflection.  The solitude lends itself to thinking of the day's planned activities, and helping me to push away the last vestiges of sleep, before I tangle with daily tasks.

This morning, I have my home on my mind.  Over the last few weeks, as I have been visiting Homestead, I have read of many of the sweet ladies' desire to make their homes into a place of comfort, and love.  I love reading of how they are working toward that goal.  Each of them have brought a bit of inspiration to me, and for that I am thankful.

I do so want my home to be a symbol of grace and comfort to my children and husband.  I want it to be a place of welcoming love, and filled with the warmth of faith.  As the days move in an ever-increeasing whirl, I want it to be a place of rest.  So, today, I am thinking of new ways to have that be the focus of my home.

Today, I will spend some time cleaning basics.  However, I am also going on a foraging adventure this afternoon.  I want to find some new vines to make a wreath for the front door, and broom straw to make a new fireplace broom.  I will have a crockpot filled with the savory smells of beef stew bubbling gently, and  slices of homemade honey wheat bread lined artfully on my wicker blue plate grace the table for dinner.  I think it is so nice to have a meal served on good china once in a while, and I will do that for tonight's meal.

I am thinking of adding a few more creature comforts, too.  And most are things that I can do with what I already have on hand. Maybe I'll take that quilt Mama Connie made out of storage, and place it over the back of the little living room sofa.  Hmmmm. maybe I should also make new covers for the pillows!

Truly, I know the comforts of my home have so much more to do with my being a loving wife and mother.  It is not the "things" that make a house a home.  It is the people, and their love for each other.  Yet, if I can add touches of personal mementoes, a few fresh flowers, and a bit of spit and polish to the mix, I think it will add just a bit, making this house a place that my family will always want to come home to.  Don't you?

Home comforts....loving arms, graceful words and deeds, but most importantly, a strong faith and a love for God that transcends all else.  Thanks Mom!  I love you!

Woo Hoo, it is Friday!!!!

Posted on Friday, January 11, 2008 at 11:49

Good Friday Afternoon, Ya'll!  I hope everyone is having a great day.  I am so exicted, because I have three days off of work, after this afternoon.  No schedule, and some peace and quiet are coming my way, yipee!

It seems that I still have a busy schedule this weekend, but at least it will be spent at home, and no having to go out, or running around to be done.  Nope, for me, and my little brood, this weekend means two things.  First, a Saturday filled with some fun crafts, catching up on blogging, a bit of house-cleaning, and a wonderful Sunday morning spent with our church family.  I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to it!

I have spent a few moments browsing blogs today, and I just love the posts I am reading. It seems I learn something, and meet the most interesting people here.  People unashamed to share their faith, who know how to laugh at their failure, and give of themselves, richly blessing the lives of their readers.  I hope mine will one day be half as good as some of those I have read.

I wonder at the ingenuity and stout-heartedness of many who have found their way to Homesteader. I have read of great adventures, hopes and dreams that have become wonderful reality, and blessings that abound for many.  It seems as if they have found their niche, and love their lives.  Isn't that an awesome thing in this day and time?  It is as though the windows of Heaven had truly opened up, and poured out its blessings upon them.  In truth, I know it has.

God honors those who honor Him, in every way.  His word promises us that He will give us the desires of our hearts, if we will follow Him.  I believe He often gives us more than we have even dreamed of asking.  I know He has for me.  As I go to prepare for an afternoon filled with client complaints, I am so thankful for His many blessings to me.  Tomorrow may not be certain in many ways, but we may always rely upon is His mercy and grace.  It will carry us, fill us with hope, shower us with His mercies and fill our mouths with praise, if we will only allow it.  What a wonderous day, and what a blessing to be alive and filled with the love of the Father, open and ready to receive what He has for us!

"Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.  Then it was said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them." Psalms 126:2

Sunday Evening: Moments of Peace

Posted on Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 09:23

Good Sunday everyone!  I pray that your day has been blessed. 

Tonight, I take a few moments to relax in the atmosphere of peace that fills my home.  Hubby is on the laptop, doing research, and the babies are all at rest.  The house groans and creeks with the chilly air that blows outside, but we are warm and snug, and enjoy the small fire in the grate.  It is a time of relaxation, and quiet contemplation of the busy week that will start bright and early in the morning.

I glance around our living room, orderly for once, toys put away, and rugs without any speckiling of little muddy footprints.  The mantlepeice glows with the lights entwined throughout the evergreen garland, and the Christmas tree lights twinkle merrily, illuminating the front yard with little dots of brightness.  It is a festive scene, but also one of simplicity.  There are no big screen TVs, no technical gadgets, other than this old computer, which will soon be hidden away in the cabinet.  There is no jangling of the phone and no whirr of the fax machine.  For the moment all is calm, and still.

I know that Monday will soon intrude, and the schedule that we must keep, for now, will once again be at the forefront of our daily planner.  But in this second, I feel only wonder, and the beauty of silence. I think of that stable so long ago, when our Blessed Savior was ushered into the world, and I know the same sort of peace and awe, must have filled His mother's heart, as she first held Him in her arms.  I look at our creche, and run my hand over the figure of Joseph, who stands, quietly gazing upon the face of the Son, whom God gave to him to help bring up in a world filled with uncertainty, and fraught with danger.  In this moment,  I want to weep, both in joy for His gift to us, and in sorrow, knowing that even as we celebrate His birth, we must also acknowledge that He came for one reason...to die upon that cross, that we might one day feel this very peace.  Peace, His peace, fills my spirit, and I know that no matter what tomorrow may bring, I will have that with me for eternity. 

Tonight, I saw the images of joy, and my heart soared.  I began to hum Silent Night.  My DH, who had stopped pecking away. gazed at the fire, turned to me, and smiled.  In that smile, I saw the wealth of Christian love he has shown me all of our married life.  He bowed his head, and I lowered mine, as well, and we give silent thanks to the author and finisher of our faith, and the giver of our peace.

Thank you Lord, for your blessings on me.

The Lord is My Strength and My Song

Posted on Friday, December 14, 2007 at 01:12

"Surely the Lord is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid.  The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song: He has become my salvation."  Isiah 12:2