A Quiet Heart…

I am not at all exaggerating when I say I think this may be my favorite room in the house.

.

.

We have a great loft area upstairs, which I immediately claimed as our play/schoolroom when we were moving in!  I love it.  I know not everyone has the luxury of a dedicated school room…so I am enjoying it while I have it…because, I know that may not always be the case!!

 .

Yes, we have been in this house for a little over a year and a half, and it is still something of a work-in-progress…

.

This little table is Hannah’s “desk,” for now.  Eventually, I’d love to get a bigger (sturdier) table, or desk.  But, for now, this will work for most of what she needs to do.  We can easily pull it into the middle of the room so that I can write on the board (copywork, math problems, spelling/vocabulary words, memory verses, etc.).  And, if we really need more room, then we’ll just pack it up, and move downstairs to the dining table!

.

This is the other half of the room…the “reading corner.”  That couch has already become the favored location for Bible time, story-time, and many reading lessons…and I am looking forward to many more! 

.

Yes, you will notice a few gaps in the bookcase.  Our state’s homeschool convention was at the end of July, and I still had a few curriculum decisions to finalize and order at that time.  So, I am still anxiously awaiting the arrival of a few books and other materials!  (But, because of the timing of the convention, I had already decided not to start when the local public schools did, last week.  Our first day will be August 30th!)

.

There is one part of the school room that is not (yet) in these pictures.  That is my desk…or, as it is more commonly known these days, the disaster area.  In reorganizing the bookcase that you see in these pictures, I had to relocate several  books to make room for our (coming) curriculum.   And, the relocated books are, sadly, still waiting for a home on and around my desk.  And, in all honesty, I am too embarrassed to show it to you in it’s current (very messy!) state…so, I will add that picture once things are a bit more presentable!!

.

Head on over to Heart of the Matter to see more great spaces:

.

.

.

.

These are pictures of Hannah’s room before we started the make-over.  Still very much a “baby” room.  The armoire in the left picture is her…changing table.  (The top doors open up, and a shelf pulls out to change baby.)  The bottom doors open to reveal 5 drawers…and while they fit her newborn and toddler wardrobe quite well, her “big kid” clothes were a little too…well, big.  And, in the picture on the right, you can see that (up until this past Christmas) she was still sleeping in her crib!  Of course, we removed the railing to make it a “toddler bed” a couple of years ago, but basically, it is still a crib.

However, her Granny and Grandpa brought this (along with its twin – pun intended!) with them when they came out at Christmas!

I had spotted this adorable quilt, and bought it long before we had any use for it.  I “stalked” it at the store (Target) and online for several months before I actually bought it.  It was so cute, and I figured that if I didn’t get it, it wouldn’t be there when I wanted it!!  Then, Granny and Grandpa helped complete the bedding set with new pillows and sheets, and some coordinating (very soft!) throw blankets. 

We also found a fun brown polka-dotted rug and shower curtain that almost matched the bedding set!  (It isn’t exact, but it is pretty close!)   I turned the shower curtain into a valance:

Of course, I had the “help” of this furry little creature:

Ta da!! (Yes, I’m quite proud of this!)

Then, on  Saturday, the day Hannah has been patiently anticipating for over a year finally arrived!!  We covered anything that couldn’t be moved out of the room, and Daddy taped off the ceiling and baseboards…and we opened up the can of pink paint!!

Hannah helped Daddy stir the paint, and even helped with the actual painting!

We still have a little bit of work left to do…which will happen as time (and money) allows.  But for now, this is the finished room:

Because of the the paint fumes, Hannah had to sleep in another room.  Her daddy and I put everything back while she was asleep.  So, she didn’t get to see the final product until the next morning.  Her reaction?

She was so excited, she actually hugged the wall. 

Yeah, I think she likes it. 

Creating, maintaining, and rotating a well-stocked pantry (and freezer) can be a great way to create meals for your family that are both healthy and frugal, even, and maybe especially, when time is at a premium.  Words like instant, fast, and convenience can be quite appealing when we are short on time or inspiration.  But, in general, whatever I think I am saving in time, usually ends up costing more – financially and nutritionally.  

 .

I have found that the quickest route to the convenience foods, or the local fast food restaurant is a lack of proper planning.  (That is probably a whole post of its own!)  And, while I want to avoid that whenever possible, I also understand that, sometimes, even the best laid plans go awry.  Things happen that can make a trip to the grocery store virtually impossible.  Illnesses (kids, or mommy)…traffic (for those of you working outside the home)…blizzards (okay, so I can’t use that excuse, but some of you can!)…or just an unexpectedly busy day.  Keeping ingredients on hand that will allow you to create meals directly from your pantry (or freezer) is a great way to plan ahead for those things that you just can’t plan for!

 .

This is one of my favorite “pantry” meals.  But, it finds its way on to our (planned) menu fairly regularly as well!  It is healthy, very economical, and so easy. 

 .

Lentil & Brown Rice Casserole
by Sue Gregg, from “The Busy Woman’s Main Dish Cookbook”
Published by Transitions Publications (copyright 1986 by Rich and Sue Gregg)

 .

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 ½ hours

Serves: varies

 .

Ingredients:

3 cups chicken broth or stock

¾ cup lentils

½ cup brown rice

¾ cup dried minced onion (or you can use fresh onion, minced fine)

¼ tsp (dried) sweet basil

¼ tsp (dried) oregano

½ tsp garlic powder

1-2 cups grated cheddar cheese (optional)

 .

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350º.

Combine first 7 ingredients in a baking dish. 

Cover, and bake for 1 hour and10 minutes.  (If the liquid has not completely absorbed into the rice and lentils at this point, just continue baking, covered, checking every 10 minutes.) 

Once all liquid has been absorbed, remove from oven, sprinkle cheese on top (and stir some in, if you would like). 

Return to oven, and continue baking, uncovered, for another 20 minutes.

 .

Tips and Variations:

This is great as a side dish with grilled chicken, or fish.  But, I usually make it as a main dish and serve it with a (spinach) salad and whole grain bread (my friend has a great whole wheat bread recipe that is really good with this!).

 .

Including one (or even a few) meatless meals in your weekly menu is a great way to stretch your budget!

 .

You can make this a vegetarian/vegan dish by using vegetable broth in place of the chicken stock, and omitting the cheese (or is there a vegetarian/vegan substitute?  I don’t know.).

 .

Cost:

This works out to less than $2.00/person…possibly less if you have a larger family!! (But, I almost always have leftovers – which are great for lunch the next day, or even another dinner.  And, because the recipe doesn’t use a whole bag of lentils or rice – for our family – I can usually get at least 3 recipes out of each bag…making the second and third round…free?)

.

Here is the breakdown:

Lentils: $1.09/bag

Brown Rice: $2.99/bag

Cheese: $1.60 for about 1 ½ cups ($4.99 for 32oz ($0.16/oz) – I buy the large block of cheese, and shred it myself, rather than buying the pre-shredded bag.  It is cheaper, and, I recently discovered that the pre-shredded stuff in the bag is not gluten free!  This is pretty much a non-issue for our family, but since we do have several friends who need to eat gluten free, that was good to know!!)

The laundry piles (clean and dirty) are beginning to take over, and it is becoming a challenge to find something presentable to wear.  The dishes are threatening a mutiny in the kitchen!  And, there really isn’t room to walk in the play room, or Hannah’s bedroom (do so at your own risk!) – with all of the toys, books, crayons, beads, and tiny doll shoes scattered over every inch of the no-longer-visible carpet! 

.

But, I know how to prevent this!  I’ve done it before.  So, what happened?!  I thought life was supposed to slow down after the holidays.  I thought I would get things back on track when life returned to “normal” (whatever that is).  But, it is the beginning of February.  And, I am still waiting for life to slow down, but, it keeps “happening.”  (Which almost always means that the housekeeping does not.)  So, I’m beginning to think that maybe it isn’t “life” that is too busy…Maybe it is me!?

.

Maybe part of the problem is just the natural aftermath of holiday company, new Christmas gifts in need of homes (and older toys needing to be rotated out of circulation for a little while), and the process of transforming a “baby” room into a “big girl” room.  And, there were the Christmas parties and extra services, followed by getting the regular ministries up and running again after the start of the year.  Then, I managed to hurt my wrist falling down the stairs. (Yes, I’m a klutz.) Hannah had a rash and pinkeye. And, I came down with a hideous cold.  Yes, life happens.

.

You know, I could probably get away with blaming just one of those factors for the state of my home right now. 

 .

But, I can’t.  Because, life does happen.  And, when I honestly evaluate the situation, I know that this did not happen overnight, or even as a direct result of any of those events.  It happened slowly…  Until I find myself overwhelmed by the chaos and clutter consuming my home, and the mere thought of conquering it seems almost impossible.

 .

Sound familiar?

 .

As a wife and mom, I am called to be a keeper at home.  But, that is difficult to accomplish when I am rarely at home.  Or, maybe I am at home, but my time is otherwise occupied.  Either way, when the dirt, clutter, and chaos takes over, it is a good indication that I am not doing my job…or, at the very least, I am not doing it well. 

 .

But, my calendar is full…of good things!   And, it seems like I am busy all day long.   But, busyness does not mean that I am using my time wisely.  Even good things can take up time that should be invested elsewhere.  (And, although there are aspects of Twitter and Facebook that I enjoy, I am convinced that these two forums have an ability to eat up time like nothing else, except maybe television…)

 .

So many things are clamoring for our time and attention these days – from the legitimate, necessary, and eternally valuable, to the frivolous, trivial, and, in some instances, downright irresponsible.  And, we need to make sure that we are using our time and energy wisely – and investing it in the right people, and the right place. 

 .

I am not really a New Year’s Resolutions kind of girl, but the beginning of this year marked our first year here – in our new home, new church, and new town!  So, it was a good time to step back and assess how and where I am investing my time, and how (or if) that reflects my biblical priorities. 

 .

And, do you know what I realized?  I realized that life is not going to slow down if I keep adding more things to our already-overflowing week.  And, it is okay to say no.  Yes, even to good things, like “ministry” opportunities.  Because, in this season and stage of life, my most important ministry is my family and my home.  I am a wife and mom to my husband and my daughter first.  I am a “pastor’s wife” second. 

 .

Because I believe that God has called me to be a wife and mother, the primary focus of my time and energy should be within the realm of my home: my husband, our daughter, and our house.  And, that gives me plenty to do each day.  So, I must be a wise manager of my time, resources, and energy.  And, being a wise manager includes knowing when, and what, to say yes to, and when it is better to say no. 

 .

For the past few weeks, I have been prayerfully revising our daily and weekly schedule.  And, in the process, I have said no to some great opportunities…in order to concentrate on some even better ones.

.

“…and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.” ~Titus 2:4-5

.

———

.

What about you?  What does your day, or week, look like?  Do your activities accurately reflect the role(s) and priorities that God has called you to fulfill?

I don’t really consider myself a “good” cook…You know, the kind of person who can just whip up something tasty at a moment’s notice with only the most basic ingredients…  Oh, I can read a recipe, and (usually) get a decent meal on the table, but gourmet, it is not!  So I never intended for this to become a recipe blog!  But, since this time of year, there are always lots of parties and potlucks on the calendar, I thought it would be fun to post a few of my favorite dishes.  You may notice that most of them will be of the breakfast/brunch or dessert variety.  I sure hope no one is on a low-carb or low-sugar diet!

I got this recipe from my friend, Michelle.  And, I love it!  I brought it to our Bible Study Christmas party this morning, and it was a hit!  And, I received quite a few requests for the recipe!  (So, here you go, ladies!)  This one is particularly great, for breakfast or brunch events (or Christmas morning!), because it is put together the night before, and in the morning, all you have to do is pop it in the oven to bake (while opening gifts on Christmas morning, maybe?).   

Enjoy!!

Stuffed French Toast

Ingredients:
1 lb (16 oz) loaf French bread, cubed
8 oz. package cream cheese (the block works better than the kind in the tub)
8 eggs
2 ½ cups milk
6 Tbsp butter (melted)
¼ cup maple syrup

Directions:
Butter 9×13 baking dish.  Tear or cut bread into cubes.  Place half the bread into baking dish.  Cut cream cheese into cubes, and place on top of bread.  Layer remaining bread cubes on top.  

In a large bowl, mix together eggs, milk, butter, and maple syrup.  Pour over bread and cream cheese and refrigerate (covered) overnight. 

In the morning, or before baking, make Apple Cider Syrup (click on link, or see recipe in post below).  Pour over bread mixture and bake at 350° for 45 minutes to 1 hour.  (Watch it carefully in the last 10 to 15 minutes of baking.  Mine is usually ready after about 45 minutes of baking.  If I let it go much longer, it would probably burn.)

Serve with more warm Apple Cider Syrup (click on link, or see recipe in post below).

I have gotten a few requests for my recipe for Pumpkin-Gingerbread waffles since posting about our Quirky Christmas Traditions.  So, here you go!  I am no Pioneer Woman, so all you get is the recipe…no pretty, step-by-step pictures.  But, it is simple enough…and if you follow the directions, I promise you, it will be yummy!

The waffle recipe, I adapted from a Rachel Ray recipe.  And, the Apple Cider Syrup is from my friend, Michelle.  (It also goes great with plain waffles, french toast, or pancakes!)

Wait!  I found a picture.  The height of food photography it certainly is not…but, here is our Christmas breakfast from…2 years ago, in all its glory!  (We spent Christmas at my parents’ house last year, because we were in the process of moving.  We did have waffles, but there were quite a few hungry people, so they were being eaten almost as quickly as they were being made!  So, no pictures.)

Pumpkin-Gingerbread Waffles

Ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose flour
4 tsp baking powder
2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp ground ginger
½ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp salt
4 eggs
2/3 cup brown sugar
1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 ½ – 2 cups milk (start with 1 ½ cups, and add more if needed – the batter can be very thick)
½ cup molasses
½ cup (1 stick) melted butter

Directions:
Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions. 

In a large bowl combine first 6 ingredients (flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt). 

In a medium bowl, beat eggs and brown sugar until fluffy.  Beat in pumpkin, milk, molasses, and melted butter.

Stir the wet ingredients into the dry until just moistened.  Do not over-stir.

Coat waffle iron with melted butter/cooking spray, and cook waffles.

(If you do not like pumpkin, feel free to omit, and make gingerbread waffles instead.  Still good!)

Serve with your choice of toppings:
Maple Syrup
Spiced Whipped Cream
Fruit
Apple Cider Syrup (my personal favorite – recipe below!)

Apple Cider Syrup

Ingredients:
½ cup sugar
4 tsp cornstarch
½ tsp cinnamon
1 cup apple juice or cider
1 Tbsp lemon juice
2 Tbsp butter

Directions:
Combine sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon in a (cold) saucepan.  Stir in apple juice/cider and lemon juice, and bring mixture to a boil.  Continue boiling until syrup thickens.  Remove from heat and stir in butter. Serve warm.

“Stay, stay at home, my heart, and rest;
Home-keeping hearts are happiest,
For those that wander they know not where
are full of trouble and full of care;
To stay at home is best.”
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

The quote above is one of my favorites!  I love being at home.  Honestly, if I didn’t absolutely have to, I don’t know that I would ever leave.  And, I love that it is both my privilege and responsibility to turn our house into more than just a place to eat, sleep, and store our belongings. 

But, truthfully, this house is not ours.  It is a blessing from the Lord!  And, one that we, as a family, want to use to bless, encourage, and minister to others.  I want our home to be a center, not for “entertaining,” but for biblical hospitality…

Thank you, Lord, for this blessing.  May others be drawn to You because of how we use it.

(What are you thankful for today?  Hop on over to Rebecca Writes, and share what you are thankful for this month!)

Housework can be a thankless job.  Typically, when a homemaker says that, she is referring to the fact that she rarely gets thanked for the work that she does around the house.  And, while that may be true, I am talking about something else entirely.

Most days, I love being a homemaker.  I love that it is both my privilege and responsibility to turn our house into more than just a place to eat, sleep, and store our belongings.  And, I can clearly see evidence of God’s love and care for us.  On those days, folding laundry, mopping the floor, picking up stray fairies or dress-up clothes, dusting furniture, and cooking meals all become tangible reminders to thank God for His goodness and His blessings. 

Then, there is the other kind of day…  The “terrible, horrible, no good, very bad” days.    On those days, I cannot see God’s blessings over the mountain of laundry, or the pile of dirty dishes, or past the mile-long to-do list.  Because my eyes are on serving myself, not the Lord (Col. 3:23-24), I become easily overwhelmed with the tasks at hand.  I become resentful over the amount of help I do, or do not, get.  And, although I am still surrounded by God’s blessings, both tangible and invisible, I become discontent – with my house, with my husband, and with my child(ren).  And, instead of being thankful, I overlook God’s goodness and take His blessings for granted.  It might even seem that there isn’t much to be thankful for. 

But, even on those days I am to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)  It is God’s will for us to give thanks…in all circumstances.  Even when we are re-folding the laundry, for the third time.  Even when we are wiping up spilled apple juice from the just-mopped floor.  Even when we have to make dinner after a long, or difficult day.  We are to give thanks in all circumstances.  Not only when it is easy, or obvious.  Not only when the tasks ahead of us are enjoyable or fun.  Not only when things are as we think they ought to be.  

I am sorry to disagree with Mary Poppins, but, as hard as we may try, or as creative as we might be, there are just some jobs that are not fun, pleasant, or enjoyable.  But, if we are to give thanks in all circumstances, then there is always something to be thankful for!

Really?  Yes, really.  Here are some ideas that I have collected on how to have a thankful heart as I care for my home.  Some of these are from friends, some are from books, and some are my own.  (I would love to add to the list, so please, feel free to add your ideas in the comments!) 

Laundry – Be thankful that you have clothes to wear!  Be thankful for the variety, the protection from the elements, the color, the beauty, and the opportunity for expression of creativity that those things offer.  As you sort and fold tiny little t-shirts, or match tiny socks, thank the Lord for the little person that fills, and dirties, them, and for the joy that they bring to your life.  As you iron, and hang your husband’s shirts, thank the Lord that He has given you a husband who is willing to work hard to provide for the family.  Be thankful for the opportunity to use your time wisely: listen to music that leads you to praise and worship the Lord, or listen to a sermon, or memorize Scripture, or review a school lesson with your child…

 

Grocery Shopping – Thank God that He has provided for you in the form of the money to purchase food for your family…so what if it isn’t a gourmet menu?  So what if there isn’t much variation from week to week?  Are you are able to plan, purchase, and prepare nutritious meals?  Thank Him.  Thank Him for the variety available to you.  Thank him that you can purchase, and serve your family clean, healthy food that is fresh, and free of disease.

 

Cooking – Be thankful that you have food to eat!  Some people do not have enough to eat on a regular basis.  Be thankful that you have the modern-day conveniences of preservation, refrigeration, and microwaves.  Be thankful that you have the opportunity to serve and care for your family, and friends in this way.  Be thankful for the variety that God has created – the colors, the textures, the flavors – and that He allows you to enjoy it!

 

Dirty dishes – Cooking and sharing a meal will almost inevitably produce dirty dishes.  Again, as you stand at the sink, or load the dishwasher, be thankful that you have food to eat!  Be thankful for each family member or friend that shared the meal with you.

 

Toys/Clutter – Be thankful for the toys!  They will be gone too soon.  Be thankful for the sweet children that each toy represents.  Be thankful that you have the resources to provide them, not only with the things they need, but with things they want.  Be thankful for the generous gifts of friends or family who care for and love your children.  Be thankful for the creative little minds and the hours of imaginary play that is fueled by the toys.

 

Sticky fingerprints on the windows – Again, thank God for the ones who left them there…Just like the toys, the little handprints will be gone soon enough.  Thank Him for the wonder and curiosity of childhood.  Thank Him for the opportunity to train and teach those little hands.

 

Making the Beds – Be thankful that God “gives his beloved sleep.” (Ps. 127:2)  Remember that the Son of Man had no place to lay His head, and be thankful that you do.

 

Cleaning the Bathrooms – (Okay, this one was a little harder for me…) Be thankful for the convenience of indoor plumbing.  Be thankful for products that keep your home clean and sanitary, and your family healthy.  Be thankful for the little ones (or maybe the big ones) who make the messes.  Remember to pray for those who do not have such luxuries, and who daily face illnesses as a result of poor sanitation.

 

Cleaning up after pets – Thank the Lord for the enjoyment that they (usually, though maybe not at that specific moment) bring to your family.  The comfort, the protection, the companionship.  Thank him for yet another opportunity to teach your children responsibility, gentleness, kindness, and how to care for another living creature (Prov. 12:10). 

I have mentioned several times that I think a schedule, a plan, or a routine is an invaluable tool to a homemaker.  But, it is possible to create a beautifully arranged, clutter-free, picture-perfect house with a selfish, grumbling, or complaining spirit.  But, while the dust and clutter may be absent, so is the joy.  No schedule, no routine, no system is going to change your heart.  And, if we constantly view the task of caring for our home as simply another item to be checked off of our never-ending to-do list, and whine and complain our way through each chore, we are not honoring God.  We are not honoring our family.  In fact, we are not really complaining about the chores at all, but about the very blessings that God has graciously given, and called us to serve!   

Before we develop a plan for managing our homes, we need to be thankful for the opportunity to serve.  And, realize each task – pleasant or not - is a tangible, daily reminder of God’s goodness, provision, care, and love.  Even when it seems as though there is nothing else to be thankful for – we can, and should be thankful for that!

Philippians 2:4 says, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (ESV)  But, how does that apply to caring for a home?  In Designing a Lifestyle that Pleases God, Lisa Tatlock says “A final aspect to consider when creating a warm and welcoming home is to consider the preferences of others.” (pg. 215) 

Because the majority of the household chores typically fall to the wife/mom, we can get a little possessive about how they are done.  We want certain tasks done our way, according to our particular likes, dislikes, and preferences.  And, while those things do need to be considered for a plan to work effectively, we cannot forget to consider what other family members may need, or prefer so that it works for everyone in the home.  Shifting our focus off of ourselves, and on to the needs, wants, and preferences of our family and guests, does not change what must be done.  But, it just might change our attitude while doing it….

When we look at the baskets of dirty laundry, the crumbs on the floor, and the pile of dishes in the sink, do we sigh, and whine, and complain about all we have to do, and about how difficult our lot in life is?  Do your husband, or your children constantly see a whiney discontent wife and mom?  Or, do they see a joyful, shining light?

“Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” Philippians 2:14-15

As our children watch, and work alongside us, what are we teaching them (both by our words, and our example)?  Are they learning to “work heartily, as for the Lord”?  Or do we give it a half-hearted “effort” and call it good, teaching them to do the same?  Housework can be a thankless job…unless we remember for Whom we are doing it:

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24

I love what Martha Peace says in her book, Damsels in Distress:

“The everyday ordinary Christian life is one of great joy and anticipation in what God is doing in us and through us to accomplish His grand design for His creation.  It is an incredibly humbling privilege to serve Him in any way that He chooses.”  (pg. , Damsels in Distress)

Very few things in this life may seem more ordinary than tasks of washing dishes, folding laundry, mopping floors, and scrubbing toilets.  But, even in the midst of those “everyday” tasks, is your life one that is marked by great joy and anticipation? 

Our household chores are a part of how God is working in us to accomplish His grand design!  Tedious though they may seem, these chores, in this home, for this family is how God has chosen for us to serve Him today.  It is so easy to complain!  But, when we choose to see the eternal value to what we are doing – and intentionally choose to serve God by serving our families, in obedience to God’s Word – there can be joy – dare I say it, even enjoyment – in creating a warm and welcoming place of refuge, retreat, and rest for our family!

But, how?