For
we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which
God prepared in advance for us to do. - Ephesians 2:10
We look around and the whole world seems to be crumbling, to be lost, to be in disarray. Within the walls of our home, things are peaceful, calm, normal.
So how do we live in balance between the two?
By continuing to do God's work. What He places before us, that is what we focus on. We go about our days with joy in our hearts, being of service to others, to our families and to our homes. Oh how I love being a placemaker for God's gospel and love.
Remember
that no matter what is going on around us in the natural, we serve a
mighty God who sees it all, and is constantly working it all for our
good. *Romans 8:28*
I woke up yesterday morning with a joy so intense in my heart. It caught me by surprise at first, because truth be told, our lives have been hard lately, so much loss, so much sadness, how could I be joyful and content in these circumstances?
Only through God's love and His peace that surpasses all understanding. How grateful I am for that, for if I didn't feel it even in the midst of the darkness, life would be so much harder to get through.
I sat for a few moments on the bed, just enjoying Elliott sleeping next to me, the sun rays streaming through the window and the birds chirping outside.
Then I grabbed my camera, popped in the SD card and decided to share my day with you. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back and come along with me as I show you what I got up to yesterday.
Always, the first thing is to make the bed, although this day I stripped it, threw everything in the laundry basket and let the bed air out for a couple of hours.
Next, coffee. I love a good cup of pour over coffee, there is nothing quite like it. It also reminds me a lot of the way my great grandmother would make her coffee, and so many like her back in those days. Sometimes the simpler and older things, are the best after all.
I usually make a big thermos and leave it in the kitchen so I can have another cuppa, throughout the day. If you're wondering which pour over dripper I'm using, it is this
one from Amazon.
While in the kitchen, I washed my windows which immediately caught Elliott's attention. He had to come and inspect the job and make sure I did it right.
He has become such a joy to have. I can't believe I didn't like cats and never wanted any. As always God put him in our lives knowing full well that I would grow to adore this little boy. He has been a blessing the past month, as I grieve my sweet boy Marley.
Before I made my bed, I went to grab my homemade odor eliminator (like febreze), and realized I was out, so quickly made a new batch. I actually doubled the ingredients to make a bigger bottle this time.
I've shared it before but in case you missed it and want to give it a try, here are the measurements:
Homemade Odor Eliminator
100 ml (1 cup) water
100 ml (1 cup) rubbing alcohol
50 ml (1/2 cup) laundry softener. (I used suavitel but you can use downy or whatever you have on hand)
Mix all in a spray bottle, give it a good shake and use where needed. I use it on my couches, curtains, carpets, when I iron my clothes and on my bedding and mattress.
I gave the house a good clean, changed the bedding, then sat down to reply to some emails and put up a book review that I needed to schedule on the blog.
Did a bit more housework and before I knew it, it was time to fix dinner. You know I always meal plan, but for some reason this past menu didn't work out as well as it usually does. I think the reason is that when I went grocery shopping two weeks ago, the prices had gone up so much, that I ended up not buying as much meat as I usually do. It kinda threw everything out of whack and I've been trying to make do as I go along.
Let me say, it is NOT going to happen again. I can't function without my meal plan and I am definitely not a fly by the seat of my pants, kinda cook. Having to stand in front of the fridge trying to figure out what I'm making, on the day, is not for me.
I looked through my freezer and found a pound of ground beef and a pound of sausage, so I mixed both, fried them up and then went in search of a quick recipe I could use. Thankfully I found one that looked delicious and I happened to have every ingredient on hand, including the greek yogurt, which is not something I usually have unless I'm specifically making a dish needing it.
The recipe is this one from A Family Feast, and oh my goodness it was delicious, and easy to put together. I'll share the recipe on the blog later today. Oh and speaking of recipes, I posted two last night.
As my day came to a close, I took my shower, slipped on my pajamas and got into bed, with a smile on my face. I had a productive day, got a lot done and faced each task with joy in my heart.
Ending the day with the house clean, an empty sink, a full tummy and the family safe and healthy, is the best feeling in the world.
I am so thankful for my house, my family and my life. I hope that the love I have for my homemaking, is felt through my blog and each post that I share. I want nothing more than to motivate you all to embrace your homemaking, embrace old values and morals, and treasure your family.
Those of us who are old fashioned homemakers, are standing in the gap. I see so many looking down on traditions and Godly things, it breaks my heart. My job is not to change anyone's mind, or pull anyone towards my way of living, but merely to share what I do, how God is working through me and around me, and why I love the life I live.
If it brings someone to God, that's wonderful. If it reminds someone to spend more time with their family and in their homes, that's wonderful too. As long as what you're getting from my blog, is positive and love filled, that's what I hope and strive for.
Have a wonderful Wednesday friends!
