Simplifying Mama

There is a slow steady rhythm, like a heartbeat.  Gone is the ebb and flow of a harried pace.  There is a quietness.  Margin.  Time to sit and observe the children, to see behind their actions, into the heart.  Stillness to ponder the ways of God.  Priorities have their proper place, God, husband, children, ministry.      

      We have simplified mama.
 We have taken away the idols, projects, urgent but unimportant time stealers, sports programs, community involvement, and in their place reigns Simplicity.
 

 

The Lord has spoken to my heart, teaching me, through a myriad of ways and people that keeping margin in my day is essential. I used to schedule my days absolutely full, thinking I was making the most of life.  As if I were training for an “Industrious Woman of the Year Pageant.”

“Be still, and know that I am God.”

 

Where can we find time to be still?  The  whirling culture we live in screams at us to do more, buy more,  and fit more into our lives.  Not surprising to me is the result; a nation that relies on anti-anxiety medication to function.
Does God show himself to be a busy, whirling, frantic figure?
In 1 Kings 19:12 He is a still voice.
In Isaiah 40:11 He gently leads those with young.
In Genesis 2:2   He rests. 
Through out the Scriptures He is patient, and long suffering.
If we are to be like God, why would we think we have to rush, fill our days to a frazzling pace, leaving no space for rest and somehow be serene?  I beat myself up for years for not being able to do it.  And finally, I have understood that all the “good” opportunities this world offers are not so beneficial.   Through God‘s grace, He gently led me to empty my life of the extras, things I used to see as a must.  Rushing, anxiety, irritability, fatigue, and the ever present feeling of not having done enough plague me no longer.  I have eliminated the unnecessary and found a gentle and quiet spirit that I never could muster before.  I am learning to say no to opportunities by gauging whether I can participate in them without sacrificing my peace of mind or my family’s need to be nurtured.

“He leads me beside still waters.  He restores my soul.”  Psalm 23:2b-3a  
 

 

 Still  basking in the newness of a simple life, I only plan the basics, making sure I keep my priorities in line. Such simple living has blossomed into more peace, serenity, thankfulness, sanity, contentment and beauty than I could have possibly imagined. I am getting so much more out of each day, the children are getting more of me, and a higher quality me. 

I am in awe.
 

 

Each morning there is delight to set about our chores, with grace and freedom to not rush. Gathering at our big table together with lighted candles for our Proverbs study, partaking of a simple lunch. Steady and gentle passes the morning.  Baby is ready to sleep, and I feel the calming rhythm of the rocking chair as he drifts off.
I am reminded.
 

 

 We have simplified our lifestyle to a pace that becalms me.  My Husband benefits from a wife who is not high-maintenance, who has time and energy for him at the end of the day.  Our children have settled.  Their contented spirits fly through the day with happiness, abundant expressions of love, less bickering and fighting, more creative play and improved attitudes.  Truly, this is the more excellent way.  Herein is a case where a lifestyle of less is so much more. 

We have simplified mama, and all are better for it.

 

 

These are the Days of our Off-grid, Home schooling, Quiverfull lives

 At the break of day, our priority is a cup of daddy's excellent coffee and time alone with God.

Morning chores give our day order and structure.

 

Off grid means no electric dryer, we hang our laundry out on nice days, and on a indoor rack on wet days.  There is something very peaceful about hanging laundry on a line.  It is very romantic.

 

Off grid also means no (automatic)dish washer, other than the lovely ladies you see here.  This  is also a peaceful, quieting activity, that promotes family unity.  The girls usually end up singing and harmonizing while washing dishes.

 

Homeschooling, for us, is a Charlotte Mason Approach. We read aloud or silently lots of real books, practice narration, make observations and study together.

We are walking through the Proverbs together for our summer school.  All 8 of us who are usually home sit together, the little one on my lap or "coloring," the preschoolers coloring or writing letters, then the older ones writing, defining, drawing, and discussing our way through each verse.  When the littler ones have reached their capacity for sitting at the table, they are excused to go play.

 

This is what Mrs. Michelle Dugger calls the "bus stop" method.  Each student gets "off" when their learning capacity  is reached, we then go on deeper for the next older students, and so forth.  I find this method very time and energy efficient, promoting family togetherness, and simple to teach.  Love it!

 

Then, there is nap time, or quiet time for those not sleepy.

And play time following.  This is the time of day where,(I am quite sure there is a secret conspiracy) the children see who can get the most dirt on them.

 

He wins!!  Those who work hard must play hard!.

 

A time to walk, a time to ponder.

Preparing yummy food to nurture and satisfy rumbly tummies.

Gathering around our big table for a beautiful dinner, singing, praying, discipling, laughing, and enjoying our large family, is the highlight of the day.

 

At the end of the day we are thankful for being blessed to have 8 sweet children, with another yet being formed in the womb.  We sure have our hands full.  I can't imagine life any other way, nor would I want to be doing anything else in the world.  

Log Home Decorating - part 2, "Romantic Rustic"

Welcoming all to the lodge, this solar light bear is surrounded by my favorite porch flower, red geraniums. There used to be more but one of our dogs ate them :-).  I enjoy mixing rustic items with my romantic tendencies, you may never see such a combination in a decorating magazine, but it is just so me.

 

 Not quite the willow twig porch seating I had envisioned, but the camp chairs are comfy, and better than no porch seating at all.  We really enjoy spending time out here, morning, noon or night.

 

I just had to rearrange a few chairs since the last decorating post.  Now this nook in the living room reminds me of papa bear, mama bear chairs, which makes me smile.

 

The living room feels lush and rich in texture and color, like an old Victorian den.  We are extremely pleased with it, since nearly everything in it has been given to us.  I would like to paint the sewing cabinet some day.  Maybe a distressed black.

 

The romantic white on white master bedroom stands out next to the rustic log walls.  Here is a classic example of "do with what you've got"  that works pretty well when you mix it up right.  Little by little I am  making progress, puttering around and getting things just right.  Living a beautiful life is a conviction of mine. It is a way I can organize an efficient living space, wrap it in beauty, and give it a character that reflects who I am.

Human Solar Panels

Early one sunny morning last week, I found my husband soaking up the sunshine out on the porch, reading his Bible.  I quietly slipped back inside so as to not disturb him.  As I did, my eye caught a gleam of sunshine reflecting off the solar panels.  My husband had turned them toward the morning sun, to catch the full benefit of their rays.

As the day progressed, we pivoted the panels to track the sun.  We have continued to do this, especially on cloudy days, when we need the maximum charge attainable.  The solar panels receive sunlight, which it translates into power and stores the power in our batteries.  The batteries charge the lodge.

As I was washing dishes, it all came together clear in my mind, how similar we are to solar panels.

Our greatest need is to direct our focus on the Son, receiving wisdom and power from Him, in which we can then turn into holy energy so that we may live a Godly life, minister to others, and reflect His glory.  It is just so simple.

We must start with a moment.

                                       And a humble spirit, eager and willing to receive,

Then, take what we have gained and be willing to impart it in our daily lives, to whomever God puts in our path.

 

“It is good for me to draw near to the Lord, I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.”  Psalm.  73:28 

Lyrics of songs bounce across my mind…

“A reflection of you I long to be, so your kingdom I will seek…”
                Before the day slips away, I want to stop and say, I love you, I love you.”
                           “My heart’s one desire is to be holy, set apart for you Lord…”
                                              “Be Thou my vision O Lord of My heart….”

                      My own prayer; "O God, may I be a human solar panel for You Today."