Opening My Home

 We have found ourselves in a season of ministry at the moment.

I understand that for the homemaker, every ordinary day in her home is a ministry. But we have the unique privilege of hosting out of state missionaries for the time being.

I want our family to be able to say, as Job did, "My door was always open to the traveler." (Job 31:32)

It has been nothing but sheer delight.

What a fun honor it's been to provide a safe haven for these two ladies in my home.

My job is to make sure they are comfortable, loved, and well-fed. They work hard each day preparing and teaching lessons, and ministering at church in other various ways, that when they come home I want them to feel they can relax, rest, and just be.

I prepared Elsa's room for them to share while they're here...

(Elsa didn't mind giving up her room. She has been sleeping in bed with me, and it's going just fine. She is a very still and quiet sleeper. I don't even know she's next to me most of the time.)

😊

It can be overwhelming in the days leading up to guests' arrival. But I did my best to prioritize and not worry about the rest. For example, the priority for me was making sure they had extremely clean bedding.

I spent two days washing literally everything, right down the the pillows themselves and the mattress covers.

I washed the sheets and blankets in yummy smelling detergent, with a few drops of bleach, so everything would seem very fresh to them.

I also had fun assembling welcome baskets to greet them on their first night with us.

I filled the baskets with cozy, useful items like soft slippers, body lotion, chocolate, a journal, etc...

I've learned that traveling missionaries are great at settling right in and making themselves at home. They are used to a "life on the road." The adjustment is on the host's part. 

I had a little anxiety at the very beginning - just fear of the unknown. But we have now settled nicely into a routine, which has helped me relax very much.

The key is to pay close attention to their likes and needs within the first 24 hours (like how much they eat, what time they wake up, and their bathroom routines for example) so that the host can alter her family and her routine to cater to them.

They have been so sweet and appreciative of everything I've done for them, that it's been a blessing to serve them in these ways.

Booker T. Washington inspired me in his autobiography when he wrote, "In my contact with people I find that, as a rule, it is only the little, narrow people who live for themselves, who never read good books, who do not travel, who never open up their souls in a way to permit them to come into contact with other souls- the great outside world. I have found that the happiest people are those who do the most for others; the most miserable are those who do the least."

For me, if I open my home to you I have opened myself to you, because my home is an extension of my heart. I would be happy to do anything for these girls while they're here with me, and I've made sure to tell them that several times. 

My goal is to serve them and provide for their needs, but I also have another goal in mind, and that is to be a good example to them. They are young adults just starting out in a world that bombards them with messages like, chase your dreams, pursue higher education, and nothing is more important than a career.

Without ever actually saying a word to them about any of these things, I just simply wish to show them, through my actions and my homelife, a good example of a mother who is content and of a homeschool family who is doing well.

Who knows how far that could go? 

"Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home...." (Titus 2:4-5)

"Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)

Keep me in your prayers, as I continue in my effort to provide for my guests as lavishly and joyfully as possible. And as I always say on my blog, to cast a positive light onto homemaking.

💐

~ Courtney 

Another Ladies Brunch

 I hosted another Homeschool Mom's brunch today.

I try to host one every six months or so for the ladies in my church.

Many mothers don't want to leave their homes and children, so I feel very honored that they come! 

I actually have an excellent turn out every time.

Today I had a total of seven moms around my table...

It's always a time of encouragement and sweet fellowship.

I love these ladies very much.

I want them to feel like it's sort of a retreat when they come to my house. So, I set a nice table and try to make a pleasant ambience where meaningful, uplifting conversation can take place.

It's good to remember that home is capable of being a place to conduct ministry.

If you have nothing else to offer, in terms of talent or skill, but you have a home, you can use it for God's glory.

With that in mind I decided to create an "Award Ceremony" to highlight the achievements we've had this homeschool year.

About a week ago I let the ladies know to come to the brunch prepared to share a big win from this school year, something they feel they've accomplished.

Then, Roman helped me make professional looking certificates that I could present to each of them.

I really liked how they turned out!

In the working world there are raises, awards, bonuses, and pats on the back for a job well done.

Homeschool mothers forfeit all this when we come home, and know that now we are working for God and not man.

So, just for fun, I wanted to acknowledge their achievements in the home, and remind them that they are doing Kingdom-building work.

They were all good sports to play along with my idea, and we applauded each other and had fun with it!

The awards read like this:

"Certificate of Homeschool Excellence

In recognition for your outstanding talent and profound work."

The verse I included at the bottom is Psalm 138:8...

"The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me;

Your love, O Lord, endures forever-

Do not abandon the works of your hands."

My personal homeschool journey is a work the Lord began and is doing through me. I hope the ladies today found it encouraging for their homeschool journeys, as well.

With each place setting I included a flower seed packet and a poem.

I found this poem in one of my antique books and thought it was very thought-provoking.

It's titled, "The Bravest Battle" by Joaquin Miller

"The bravest battle that was ever fought

Shall I tell you where and when?

On the maps of the world you will find it not,

'Twas fought by the mothers of men.

Nay, not with cannon or battle-shot,

With a sword or noble pen;

Nay, not with eloquent words or thought

From mouths of wonderful men.

But deep in a walled-up woman's heart-

Of a woman that would not yield,

But bravely, silently bore her part-

Lo, there is that battle-field!"

Our morning together went by so fast!

It seemed as though as soon as they came, it was time to say good-bye.

I hand washed all the dishes and tucked everything away back inside my china hutch.

(You can see my tulip inspector, keeping me company as I pack away my silver.)

As I cleaned up I prayed that the ladies left my house feeling encouraged and spoiled.

I can't wait to do another one. 

These brunches bless me, as well.

💐

~ Courtney ~

Ladies Brunch

 I was so blessed this weekend with a lovely gathering in my home.

This past winter I hosted a brunch for the homeschool moms in our church, and it was such a hit that I promised the ladies I'd do it again.

It is so fun for me to set my table, plan a menu, and excitedly await for my friends to arrive.

This time we were bubbling over and extra talkative because months of quarantine had made us miss each other!

I never plan a strict agenda or speech. No one likes to be lectured at, anyway.

Instead, I wish to have a relaxed dialogue where everyone is encouraged and comfortable to share.

We are a close group and get along very well, so there's never any awkward moments.

We talk, laugh, ask each other questions, and pray together.

(The cinnamon rolls hadn't made it out of the oven yet when I snapped this picture.)

It's a special thing to be a part of a church family. But it is all too tempting to succumb to the feeling that you don't fit in.

I've watched this happen many times through the years.

Someone will come to church thinking they'll find a mentor, a program, a class, or a kindred spirit to meet their needs.

Once they realize this doesn't exist, they assume they're in the wrong church and leave.

They didn't find that church was of any use to them, but they somehow failed to consider that maybe they could be of some use to the church!

Don't leave.

Maybe you can be the example and friend you were searching for.

For example, several years ago a woman left our church because she couldn't find the support she needed for her particular life circumstance.

But it makes me wonder... Could she have created the support she claimed our church lacked?

Could she have searched out others in her situation and started a Bible study out of her home?

When I began to feel isolated in my homeschool journey, and wished I had a support network, I sat down with our church directory and sought out all the homeschool families.

I made a list.

I purchased invitations.

I set a date.

I opened my home.

And the response was magnificent!

The seats around my table were full.

And when my friends left, my heart was full.

I no longer felt isolated.

It was so encouraging that we all felt it was necessary to keep our little gatherings going.

So it was such a delight to meet again this weekend.

As always, when I wish to be a blessing to others, they all bless me, instead.

"Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered." - Proverbs 11:25

I am already looking forward to the next one.

xo,

~ Courtney ~

Do Something Different ~ A Ladies Brunch

I mentioned in a previous post that I had planned a few "bright spots" in our schedule to help get us happily through the winter.

 Then my children and I fell ill so it all had to wait.

Well, I am thankful I was able to complete one of my ideas this weekend.

I hosted a brunch for the homeschool moms in our church.

Winter in the North can drag on and on for months after Christmas, and can have a really negative effect on a lot of people.

Most people will tell you that the way to combat this is by scheduling a trip to some warm, tropical place.

That certainly does the trick, and we've been lucky a few times to be able to do that ourselves. But that's not always realistic, and not everyone can travel.

If this is you, and you're struggling getting through the dreary, cold winter, you could try doing something different.

Some ideas I've had for this winter are... 

~ Try a new restaurant

~ Take a day trip to a fun place like a museum or discovery center

~ Read bright, beautiful books

~ Visit a relative

~ Reach out to minister to someone and get to know them better

~ Host an event at home

I decided to invite the homeschool moms at church to a morning of meaningful conversation and encouragement.

I prayed before the event that it would be a blessing for all who would attend, but in the end they all blessed me!

(Isn't that always how it works. *wink)

It was a wonderful time, and we are all talking about doing it again!

The homeschool lifestyle can be very isolating, and even though we know there are other moms out there doing what we're doing, it can still feel like we're on an island.

My vision was to create an opportunity where we could see each other face to face, and realize we are in this together. We share the same burdens and experiences. Let's support one another! 

Prior to the event I sent out a group text of a few discussion questions to get everyone thinking and excited to come.

I wanted to discuss things like...

~ How is God providing for your homeschool journey?

~ How has He blessed it?

~What's your daily schedule like?

~ What are you reading right now?

~ Do you have a prayer request or a question for the group?

~ Is there a Bible verse that has encouraged you?

I really wanted to take full advantage of our time together and make it uplifting and meaningful for all.

Once drinks were poured, plates were filled, and we were seated around the table, I said, "Well, ladies, I have no agenda and there's no guest speaker... WE are the agenda and WE are the guest speaker. This morning can go however we want it to go!"

What followed were a couple of hours of talking about what matters to us.

I've yet to meet a homeschool mom who isn't passionate about homeschooling.

Our heart strings are attached to every little thing we do in our home for our children. And we love talking about it!

Everyone who came was engaged, contributed to the conversation, and had valuable things to share.

Some even brought notebooks and pencils to take notes!

We encouraged each other with Bible verses, shared ideas, talked curriculum, asked questions, laughed and prayed.

My hope was that each lady would leave my home feeling encouraged and with some fresh inspiration. But I don't think anyone was more encouraged and inspired than me!

These ladies were very sharp and had excellent ideas!

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." - Proverbs 27:17

It was definitely a time of iron sharpening for me.

As we talked, I recognized how different homeschooling is lived out in each of our homes.

Some ladies have designated school rooms, others do school at the kitchen table.

Some have rigid schedules, others are more flexible.

Some are veterans who've been doing this for years, others are just getting started.

Some are very busy and on the go, others live a more quiet life.

That's the beauty of it! There is no right way. We can design our life at home with our children however we want!

As one of the mothers at the brunch reminded us, "Never stop incorporating what you love into your homeschooling, so that you don't lose your joy for it."

So... if winter is getting you down, do something different. For me is was a special treat to host a ladies brunch. What creative thing will you come up with? You are welcome to share in the comments.

Thanks for reading,

xo,

~ Courtney ~

(Because I tend to get negative feedback whenever I post about homeschooling, please note the true purpose for this post... I like to use my blog to record the things that I do at home. Sort of like a scrapbook or a journal for my own personal use. And if anyone stops by my blog, maybe it can also be an encouragement to them.)

Four Years of Blogging

It has been exactly four years since I started this blog.

It was my New Year's goal for 2016.

So every January since I like to "go back to the drawing board," so to speak, and reevaluate my vision for this blog.

Why am I doing this? and Do I want to keep doing this? Are the questions I ask myself each year.

(A winter vignette on my mantle...)

I had several reasons for starting my blog four years ago...

~ I wanted a place to record family stories and pictures.

~ I wanted a place to document the renovation projects we've accomplished in our old farmhouse.

~ And I wanted a place to write my heart out.

I do not call myself a writer, but I've used this blog as a canvas to jot down ideas, to express my beliefs, and to maybe be a blessing to those who stop by to read.

Several years into my homemaking career, I noticed a pretty blatant trend sweeping through our culture. Women who were home were looked down upon - viewed as oppressed and uneducated. Our work at home was not considered valuable to society. 

So I decided my photos and writings on this blog would shed a positive light on homemaking.

I wanted to be part of the solution!

Why not go against the grain of the culture and try to give homemaking a good reputation?!

That became my vision.

(A winter table for family dinners...)

But I quickly encountered opposition.

I've learned that one cannot write or speak about being happy at home without receiving negative feedback.

I've been accused of being narrow-minded and judgmental. And I've been accused of forcing my opinions on people.

- How dare you write about homeliving and homeschooling. 

- Don't you know you're a nobody? 

- You have nothing valuable to say.

- No one's listening to you.

These are all comments and attitudes I've received.

But, I certainly don't view myself as a judgmental person.

And I've always known I'm a nobody.

I don't write precociously, I just write out of my own experiences.

So, I guess I don't really see that I've done anything wrong.

I've only ever written about positive and uplifting things, and have never used my blog to tear anybody down.

"When you begin to do Kingdom-building work, Satan will go after ya!" My Dad told me once.

Yes, I have definitely felt that.

But that's how you know you're on the right track. Satan leaves alone those who are no threat to him.

Mothers who have sacrificed everything to be home full-time with their children, and who tirelessly train them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4) are going to soon turn loose warriors of righteousness. So yes, Satan is paying attention.

So, do I want to keep doing this?

Do I want to keep opening myself up by continuing to write on this blog?

I recently read this by Nancy DeMoss-Wolgemuth...

"I promise you, what you have gleaned of God's nature and ways throughout the course of your life, however inadequate you may feel, is worth passing on to others, particularly to those following behind you. Wherever you've seen God prove Himself faithful, wherever His Word has sustained you in weakness and provided needed direction, and yes, even wherever you've experienced the consequences of failing to walk according to His Word- there's your story to share."

God gave me that encouragement and "green light" to go forward with blogging just at the right time.

~ This little light of mine

I'm going to let it shine.

Hide it under a bushel? No!

I'm going to let it shine. ~

(A napkin love note from one of my children...)

Going forward, here's what you can expect from me on this blog in 2020...

I publish posts about twice a month. That is a good pace for me. 

This is a blog about home living, so you won't see any political rants or things of that nature.

I like to write and post pictures about decorating, family stories, recipes, homeschool ideas, etc...

And since my goal is to give homemaking a good reputation, you probably won't see posts of me complaining or of my house in chaotic disaray. Don't accuse me of being fake. I have bad days. I just choose to strive for the excellence I know is in me and celebrate that instead.

"God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will excel in every good work." - 2 Corinthians 9:8

As far as forcing my opinions on people... well, you had to make the decision yourself to click over here and read this, didn't you? *wink

I will not tailor this blog to my critics.

Read along only if you'd like.

xo,

~ Courtney ~

Staying When it's Hard

Some people have a niche.

A thing they identify with.

A thing that's their gig... or their jam, as the kids say.

The older I get and the more I experience life, the more I realize that I stay in hard things.

I haven't figured out if that's good or bad.

I just stay in hard things.

Even when it hurts me, I'll stay in it.

Even when it no longer makes sense, I'll stay in it.

Even when the people around me urge me to make a change and move on, I'll still stay in it.

There have been times over the years when I've wondered if I was doing the right thing.

So I would search out a truth-telling friend to give me some reassurance.

The problem is, we live in a culture that is saturated with selfish messages.

So often I was given feedback like,

Do what makes you happy...

Pursue your dreams...

You deserve better...

Cut off negative and toxic people from your life...

etc..

All of that sounds good, but there's a problem with it.

It is a "me-centered" attitude.

I suppose if one's highest ambition in life is happiness, then this would be good advice.

But once a person becomes a Christian, they are no longer living for themselves.

Each Christian is plucked out, set on a higher plane, and given Kingdom work to do.

They are noble assignments meant for the edification of other believers, and for the glory of God.

Once I had a handle of that concept, I was able to get my eyes off myself and see the bigger picture.

(This is probably the reason why I stay in hard things. I guess I assume that wherever I am is exactly where God wants me to be.)

So.... since a truth-telling friend has been difficult for me to find, I will preach to myself...

I will give myself the encouragement that I need.

Here it goes...

....................................

I am in a hard situation right now.

I hate it.

It is burdening my heart.

It is haunting my thoughts.

The worst part? I can do nothing about any of it!

Decisions are being made that are out of my control.

And I just sit by silently, watching it all unravel.

Sure, I could jump ship.

That option is always there.

Somebody actually just asked Micah and I when we are going to move on from this situation that has been so hard on us.

That seems to be the solution most people settle on.

Once something no longer pleases us, meets our needs, or makes us happy, we should move on from it, right?

I am sure there are cases where that is totally appropriate.

However, it has seemed to me that that has not been God's will for my life.

I've been through hard things before, and I've watched the Lord work in it and get me through it.

"The Lord stood at my side and strengthened me."

- 2 Tim. 4:17

 I learned that though jumping ship may offer me initial relief, I would forfeit these blessings:

~ A chance to mature and grow, and to rely on the Lord's strength.

~ A chance to deepen my understanding of the people involved and hopefully bond with them in a richer way.

~ And finally, a chance to watch God redeem it!

It still doesn't make it fun in the meantime.

And it still doesn't mean that I haven't pleaded with the Lord for a way out.

I have buried my face in my hands to sob more than once, and each time the Holy Spirit has ministered to my heart the same words...

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

- 2 Cor. 12:9

My heart would cry,"But God, this feels like a curse! This feels like you've taken your hand off us! Have I sinned? Have I done something wrong that I should be experiencing this with no relief in sight?" 

During the time I was battling this, God sent someone to me who said, "Maybe God is testing you. Maybe He wants to see if you'll remain faithful."

???

That makes me think of another blessing I would forfeit if I jumped ship - The chance to set an example of faithfulness for others, and hopefully leave a legacy of faithfulness for my children.

I want them to see what happens when you choose to commit to something and see it through to the very end, even when it gets hard along the way.

I want them to see that you can stay in hard things!

Just because something's hard doesn't mean it's bad for you and you shouldn't do it.

Anything that's worth doing will come with its set of challenges and even heartbreaks.

Just stay in it!

Watch what God will do!

"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!"

John 16:33

This is what I'm preaching to myself, and I'm sticking to it!

"Sometimes I need only to stand wherever I am to be blessed."

- Mary Oliver

xo,

~ Courtney ~

A Home for Traveling Strangers

I've been experiencing some sadness...

A couple of sweet girls that have been staying with us, moved on to their next adventure.

And now the house feels quiet, empty, and sad...

The morning they left was dreary and rainy, which matched our emotions about them leaving perfectly.

These girls were an absolute delight, and I have missed them greatly since they left.

I cried as I watched them pull out of our driveway for the last time...

I knew that these two young girls who I had opened my heart and my home to, were two young girls I would probably never see again.

But so it goes for the life of a missionary.

Always traveling to a new town... Ministering to a new church... Adjusting to a new host family...

"I realize that you are used to coming and going... But I am not used to it. My heart hurts. I will miss you!" I said to them as they stood by my door with suitcases in hand.

The night before we had stayed up laughing with them, praying over them, and talking about how we just couldn't believe that their two weeks with us was already over.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I knew that our church had scheduled a revival summit, and I had put it into my calendar so that our family could attend, but I didn't know the role I was to play while the revival team was here.

Our associate pastor called me one afternoon and asked if I would be willing to house a couple of the team's members. 

He said he was having a hard time finding enough families to host, and would I consider providing meals and beds for two of the girls on the team.

I instantly thought of Isaiah 58:7 which says, "Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the wanderer with shelter..." and I knew I had to say yes. 

I got to work right away on preparing the house for their arrival.

We technically have a guest bedroom, but it only has one bed and I didn't know how these girls would feel about sharing it.

So I decided to let them have Nola and Elsa's bedroom, because that way they would each have their own bed.

This is what their room looked like once it was made perfect for them...

I had so much fun getting this room ready!

I scrubbed and cleaned and washed up all the bedding...

I bought fresh flowers...

And put together a little toiletry tray and vanity for them to use...

Nola made this precious welcome sign...

And I stocked the room with snacks, chocolate, and water bottles...

Once they arrived and settled in, they made themselves right at home, which absolutely delighted me!

I said to Micah, "What if in ten years Nola comes to us and says, 'Mom and Dad, I have joined a revival team. I will travel the country and stay in stranger's homes.' I would be a nervous wreck! I want to approach this company with the mindset that we are taking in

somebody's daughters! I want them to feel at home here."

Micah agreed, and we did everything we could to bless them and take care of them.

Although in the end, I realized that they were the ones who blessed us!

They were always cheerful, and appreciative of everything we did for them. It was a treat for me, as a mother, to watch my kids open up to them and play with them as the days progressed. And I was so grateful to them for showing my kids what godly young adults look like.

"They were not your typical nineteen and twenty year-olds," I said to my dad after their two weeks with us was complete. "I was so impressed with how mature and joy-filled they were... Always looking for ways to bless us!" I said. "And to think, they are from the 'entitlement' generation!"

But my dad replied, "They are Christians. Christians are peculiar. They've always been. They never fit into the mold of the culture."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

After they left I went into their room to begin the process of getting our 'normal' back, and I found this...

One of the girls left us this precious thank-you note.

It read...

Downs Family,

Thank you so very much for taking in a couple extra kids. I'm so grateful to have had the privilege to be a part of your sweet family and humble, lovely home. I felt truly welcomed since the first night. Thank you so much for sharing your space and treating us so kindly. I hope to have a home as cozy and warm as yours one day.

God bless you all!

Until next time, 

Emma

Oh, how that did my heart such good!

My only wish through the years has been to make a wonderful, restful home for my family and for visitors. I've never cared about trying to impress or make my house into a trendy show place. I've just wanted it to feel like home. 

God used her words to minister encouragement to me that I am on the right track.

Home is a powerful feeling.

It can restore and comfort you.

And what a treat it was for me to be able to share my home with others.

"Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." Romans 12:13

(Side note- In case you're wondering... Our family room renovation is still not complete! I felt self-conscious of that at first but in the end I learned a lesson. I learned that I don't need to wait to have the perfect house before offering hospitality. I made sure the girls' needs were met and I did the best that I could with all the other rooms. They made me feel like that was more than enough!)

I will miss their smiles and laughter, their presence around our dinner table, and the meaningful conversations we had, but I am thankful for the experience.

"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers." Galatians 6:10 

(I have decided not to include photos of our guests to be respectful of their privacy.)

Thanks for taking the time to stop by my blog today friends!

I'll be back soon...

xo,

~ Courtney ~

Being Bored At Home

Hello again, friends!

It's always wonderful to sit down at my computer to chat with you!

I spend my days flying around like a headless chicken!... Mopping floors, doing laundry, and driving kids to and from the park, the pool, and other activities. So, when nap time arrives, or the kids have finally been tucked in their beds for the night, it feels luxurious to me to be able to sit and rest and type out what's been on my mind!

Lately I've been thinking about the topic of being bored at home.

This comes up from time to time in 'Mom World', from both parties - The stay-at-home moms, AND the working moms. So today I would like to address it.

I have personally heard women who are new to the stay-at-home life complain of boredom...

Maybe they were raised by working mothers so they don't know what to do. And they don't know what homelife should look like, since they weren't given an example growing up.

Or maybe they just left their careers to stay home and they are bored because they are transitioning to life at home and just trying to adjust.

As for the working moms, I've heard it from them, too. They will say things like, "I don't know how you stay home and keep your sanity. I've got to work or else I'd be So bored!"

Or they will say to me, "You better keep your cosmetology license renewed through the years so that when your children are grown you can go back to work and have something to do."

And on and on it goes...

Well, first of all I'd like to say this ~ The Lord has given us His Word to address all topics of life. From the bible we can learn exactly what God wants from His people. His Word and His ways are perfect for us.

"All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

2 Timothy 3:16-17

If you have chosen to be home, or would like to leave your career to be home, please! please! please! don't listen to women who tell you it will be boring!

God's Word says that we younger women ought to be, "... Self-controlled, pure, busy at home, kind, and subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the Word of God." Titus 2:5 (Emphasis mine.)

So you see, it is not God's plan for us to be bored at home!

When I was pregnant with Elsa, I began writing letters to her in a journal. I know I've mentioned it on this blog before. It's an eclectic assortment of family history, stories, and motherly advice. I plan to give it to her when she's an adult.

When preparing for this blog post, I remembered an entry I had made in the journal about this very topic. 

I'd like to record it here, for you to read...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Elsa,

I live in the day of homemakers being looked down upon. People think we're chained to our ovens, living dreadfully boring lives. The common question- with a smirk- is always, "What do you do all day?" 

Today is Thursday, November 5, 2015. It is 7:00 at night. This is what I did today...

- Made my bed, got dressed, did hair and makeup.

- Cooked a hot breakfast, and made a spinach smoothie for myself and my children for breakfast.

- Changed diapers on the little kids and got them dressed.

- Tended to 'Max' (our special needs kitty who's healing from surgery) cleaned out his box, gave him breakfast and love.

- Swept the staircase and foyer.

- Watered the plants.

- Monitored the big kids during their 'Morning Routine' and chores.

- Drove kids to piano lessons.

- Made fish for lunch, with fresh salad and tomato on the side.

- Put a meatloaf in the crockpot and prepped the potatoes for supper.

- Worked with Roman on his school worksheets.

- Administered one spanking, two rebukes, and broke up about six or seven sibling fights.

- Three loads of laundry, to completion, folded and put away.

- Two dishwasher loads. Clean dishes were put away after each load.

- Received a visit from Grandma.

She stayed with the kids and I...

- Took Nola to dance class.

- Stopped by Target for some Christmas shopping.

- Purchased Roman's birthday present and card.

- Got gas.

- Set the table for supper.

- Had a nice family meal.

- Gave you a bath.

This is a brief summary of what today looked like. My day is still not over, but it is winding down. I usually go to bed around 11:00pm and set my alarm to get up in the mornings at 6:45. 

There is no opportunity for boredom.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Yes, friends, it is important to stay busy at home.

You may be reading this and thinking, "Yeah, she only feels that way because she's a homeschool mom. My kids are in school full-time."

Well, I have given some thought over the past couple of years as to what my days would look like if my children went to school... And I still don't think I'd be bored. 

If my children were in school full-time I think I would...

- Hone my cooking skills.

(I would love to become a better cook!)

- Plant a vegetable garden.

- Do a lot more with my flower beds.

- Work on keeping my home far more clean and tidy than what I am able to right now.

- Reach out to neighbors.

- Minister to and encourage young, new moms.

- Plan and host dinner parties more often.

etc, etc...

Recently I was reading in 1 Timothy, and was encouraged to read about how God wants women to spend their days...

(You have to know a little background though, first, in order for it to make sense....)

 Advice was being given to the church about how to care for widows. For a woman to be put on the list of widows that the church was to care for, she had to meet several requirements...

She should be, "Well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in trouble, and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds." 1 Timothy 5:10

Sounds like a busy life at home, to me!

When I read this the other day I realized that my time for doing these things is NOW! And I began to feel convicted.

"Would I qualify for such a list at the end of my life?" I wondered... "I don't think I'm good enough... I don't think I'd make the cut..."

Suddenly I felt inadequate.

I prayed the Lord would help me do well in these things, then went on with my life...

Well, today I brought Elsa in from playing outside and washed her hands in the bathroom sink, then I stuck her feet in the sink to wash them, too. This is a dull 'mom duty' that I've been doing methodically for years. Never thought it mattered in the big picture of life.

But today when I was washing her feet in the sink I heard the Lord speak to my heart, saying, "You are washing feet. See? You ARE doing these things."

And I was encouraged!

What about you, friends? Are you home full-time and bored? 

(I know this exists because women have told me!)

Just roll up your sleeves and get to work!

"She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks."

Proverbs 31:17

Work hard at home training your children and keeping your home clean and tidy, and not only will you not be bored, you will be doing kingdom work!

We can do it, friends!

"She watches over the affairs of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness."

 Proverbs 31:27

And at the end of our lives we'll be glad we did!

"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her."

Proverbs 31:28

xo,

~ Courtney ~