Gone Before You Know It

 

 

One day, it will all be gone.  

 

Those sleepless nights you thought you'd never get through.  

The waking babies who constantly need you. 

The sick little one with an earache or tummy trouble in the night. 

Days where your toddler wants you to read the same book twenty-one times in a row...

Gone.

 

Those days when you think you will always be pregnant and you think you can't get through another one.

You can choose to skip a few years of babies, can't you? 

You think your fertility will last forever.

But one day it will be gone.

One day you'll be sad at the negative tests and wish for just one more sweet babe to hold in your arms...

Or maybe the babies will come but they'll die in your womb, leaving their broken bodies behind with your broken heart...

All gone.

Those days when your house is full of many little ones, 

each needing your attention and help for many things.

How will you ever get through these days of so many?

But one day, those days will be gone.

The unkind words, the arguments amongst your children.

The dirty floors.

The piles of laundry.

The spills and the broken glasses.

The piles of school books all over the house.

It will be gone.

The children will grow up and grow out of needing you all the time.

You'll wonder if you did enough, cared enough, taught enough.

To your dear little ones and growing up ones.

Hopefully they will marry, and you hope they will live close by!

But they may move further

And then they'll be gone.

So, let us treasure, each day, each hour, every moment...

Because one day, it will be all gone.

 

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Happy Mother's Day + Homeschool Help

Dearest Mothers,

Oh, do you love or loathe this day?  Does it remind of you of your failures, or of your blessings?  Though I have many failings and of course have not always done things "right" or perfectly, my children always bless me on Mother's Day, and my husband.  I just can't believe how blessed I am, and can only thank God that He took me from being a person who never wanted children to a blessed mother of many, plus several more in Heaven.  Oh, the sadness and joys that motherhood brings.  Oh, the trials and the blessings both.  How can I thank God enough that He has given me motherhood and continues to sanctify me through it, (and how can my children write cards to me of how I am the Proverbs 31 woman?!)  I think they think too much of me!  My children are wonderful, and I thank God for each one of them.  Motherhood has not been, and is not easy.  It takes almost everything I have, every day, but Lord willing, what I have given into it will live on long after I am gone from the earth.

I pray for you that even if today you have not been so blessed, if you are in sorrow over bits and pieces of motherhood, that you may remember that we cannot do it alone; we cannot be godly alone.  We must seek Christ's help every day to lead and guide and provide for us.  And where things are broken, God can heal.  And God sees your toils and your labor of love, and He cares for you very much.

If you are a homeschooling mother like me, can you relate to wanting to change things up?  Though we school year round and still have many weeks to go until we are done with this year, I am completely caught up in my thoughts of next year.  Though I have used some Charlotte Mason Inspired curricula over the years, I am wanting to give my children a different kind of education next year entirely...One filled with living books and things to learn and see and do.  I have been giving myself a "mother's education" in how to do this, and my learning continues almost daily as I try to prepare.  A Charlotte Mason education includes learning through living books (not textbooks or workbooks, which we have often used), nature study, picture study, composers, and so much more.  Learning is demonstrated by narration instead of filling in blanks ono worksheets.

If you don't know much about a Charlotte Mason method of homeschooling and want to learn more, there is a conference on this very topic starting tomorrow.  I'm sorry to say that the early bird pricing (which is $30) ends on May 14th, but perhaps you can still get in before the time is up (you can still purchase after the early bird pricing ends)!  In the conference, you will learn how to incorporate Charlotte Mason’s methods in your home alongside real moms who have embraced the Charlotte Mason philosophy in their own homes.  I love how the producers of the conference say that 

"We believe that children should be educated in a way that instills a love of learning and a love of God."

And Charlotte Mason herself said

“Of the three sorts of knowledge proper to a child,—the knowledge of God, of man, and of the universe,—the knowledge of God ranks first in importance, is indispensable, and most happy-making”

– Charlotte Mason (Vol. 6, p. 158)

 

You can check out the schedule and speakers below.  I hope you find this helpful.  God bless you all today.

 

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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Disclosure: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Please note, I only endorse products that are in alignment with Blessed Homemaking's ideals and I believe would be of value to my readers. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reading Holy Scriptures

 

Reading the holy Scriptures is like a treasure. With a treasure,
you see, anyone able to find a tiny nugget gains for himself
great wealth; likewise in the case of Sacred Scripture, you can
get from a small phrase a great wealth of thought and immense
riches. The Word of God is not only like a treasure, but is also
like a spring gushing with everflowing waters in a mighty
flood.

St. John Chrysostom (fourth–
fifth century)

“The ignorance of Scripture
is the source of all evil.”

Homily 9, On Colossians

 

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Subscribers-- Problem with My Feed (Updated)

My Dear Readers and Subscribers,

 It has come to my attention that there is a problem with my feed, for those of you subscribed via follow.it

It seems several links have been put up that are coming through my feed.  The titles are in Spanish and go to some website.  I have no idea how this has happened and what is going on.  I have contacted my email subscription service and am awaiting a reply.  In the meantime, I am looking for a different solution for a subscribers' service for you.  I may have to come up with something creative so I don't have to pay.

 Please bear with us, and thank you for your understanding.  The Blessed Homemaking blog is still fine. 

Update:

The problem has been fixed now and all is well.

 

Church is a Lonely Place for Homemakers

 

Time and time again I've had Christian homemakers, Biblical keepers-at-home, write in to me and say how lonely it is at church because the church is full of feminists.  It feels so lonely there because in a time for having fellowship, the other women are all talking about their work week.  Instead of talking about their week spent at home preparing lovely meals for their husbands, teaching their children about the world God made, cleaning the home, sharing time management tips, or even about difficulties with parenting children, many Christian women think they have now found their "higher purpose" in having a job outside of the home.  Even if their children are all grown and out of the house, they very rarely relate to the younger women who are in the throws of raising a family because their minds are consumed with holding down a paying job.  This is not how the Bible says it should be. 

The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

(Titus 2:3-5)

Besides this, the mother at home is often neglected in sermons and rarely receives any encouragement for her good works at home (though in some churches, praise thankfully still happens).  Perhaps the preacher is afraid of offending the working wives if he praises the keepers at home too much.  Sermons may only center on a few favorite verses or focus always on evangelism, and often home life that applies to mothers, fathers, and children is sadly left out.  Homemakers then often get the feeling that their work is not important, or is less important, because after all, they are not out "winning souls" like the men.

But.....

I want to encourage you...

Your work at home is important.  

It does matter.

Even if no one acknowledges it or says a single word about it...

Even if there is no one at church to talk to about womanly things (keeping a home, raising children, teaching your children, loving and serving in your home)...

God sees you...

And He values what you are doing.

As a bonus, we now have the internet where we can find like-minded women who love serving their families at home!  I'm so thankful that there are still women writing lovely blogs in between taking care of their families (or even when their families have grown), so we can learn from each other and still have a bit of "Titus 2".

So despite discouragements we may have, let's labor on in love for our families, and may we one day hear from the Lord Jesus Christ, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

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Merry Christmas, Dears

 

Many of you are probably busy with your families today, but I just wanted to wish you all a very blessed Christmas!  What a wonderful occasion to remember the Lord Jesus come down to be with us.  May your Christmas be very joyous ❤️

“This is what we are celebrating today: the Coming of God to man, that we might go forth, or rather that we might go back to God, that putting off the old man we might put on the new; and that we have died in Adam, so we might live in Christ. Therefore, let us keep the feast, not after the manner of a pagan festival, but in a godly way...
But let us, who are worshipers of the true God, if we must in some way have luxury, let us seek it in God’s Word and the Law and the Scriptures.”


~Gregory of Nazianzus (329-390)

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{Time Sensitive} One Last Reminder

Just a quick post today to remind you that it's the last day that you can purchase the Home Management bundle.  I know I sometimes forget things like this, so I just wanted to send you a quick reminder.

Also, you don't have to use everything in the bundle if you purchase it!  I know there are so many products, and it can seem overwhelming to think you have to use it all, but you don't.  Even if you only see two to three things you might find helpful, it's well worth the purchase price.  For instance, some of the included products I find most interesting are in the Cleaning & Decluttering section which includes 1 eBook, 4 eCourses, 1 Planner & 2 Printables.  There is the Family Home Hub Setup course, the Family Systems and Charts, Simplifying Cleaning Routines Bundle, and more...Oh...there are so many things that look good.  There is a section on homeschooling that looks wonderful as well--including a musical instrument course and notebooking pages, plus the Busy Mom's Home Management Bundle (I need that).  I could go on and on, but these are just a few examples of things that immediately caught my eye.

 You also have access to all of the products for life--just download what you want within six months time.  I hope you find these resources useful in your home.

 Here's how much time is left!

 

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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Disclosure: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Please note, I only endorse products that are in alignment with Blessed Homemaking's ideals and I believe would be of value to my readers. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Do You Ever Feel Like This?

"A woman once fretted over the usefulness of her life. She feared she was wasting her potential being a devoted wife and mother. She wondered if the time and energy she invested in her husband and children would make a difference. At times she got discouraged because so much of what she did seemed to go unnoticed and unappreciated. “Is it worth it?” she often wondered. “Is there something better that I could be doing with my time?”

 

"It was during one of these moments of questioning that she heard the still small voice of her heavenly Father speak to her heart. “You are a wife and mother because that is what I have called you to be. Much of what you do is hidden from the public eye. But I notice. Most of what you give is done without remuneration. But I am your reward. Your husband cannot be the man I have called him to be without your support. Your influence upon him is greater than you think and more powerful than you will ever know. I bless him through your service and honor him through your love. 

 

"Your children are precious to Me. Even more precious than they are to you. I have entrusted them to your care to raise for me. What you invest in them is an offering to me. You may never be in the public spot light. But your obedience shines as a bright light before me. Continue on. Remember you are My servant. Do all to please Me.” 

 

~ Roy Lessin

Oh, aren't these encouraging words?  When we do all these things for our families, it may be hard.  No one may notice day to day.  But God sees all we do.  Let's remember that.

Have you gotten your Home Management bundle yet?

 

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Help for Your Most Important Work (at Home!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Hello Dear Ones,

I have received some messages asking where I've been and if everything is alright.  Yes, everything is alright, but life has just been busy.  As I get older and now have grown daughters helping out with many things, I often wonder how I managed so many years without them helping in such ways.  But with the Lord's help I did.

I have also been told many times by ladies that my posts here are an encouragement, and that people still enjoy reading my blog.  So, as long as that is still happening, I will keep writing as time permits.  I don't think there is enough encouragement in the Christian world for women to be devoted keepers at home.  And don't we all need that encouragement?

Even though I have been a homemaker for many years now, I still try to educate myself about things in the home, and I look for better ways of doing things.  I definitely still feel like I have room for improvement, especially when it comes to time management.  There are other areas too which I feel I lack in.  It is my hope that each year I can become better and better at my work here, not to please myself, but to do a good job for the Lord and my family.  Sometimes I find some gems on the internet that are of great help in learning new things or better ways of doing something--usually things other ladies have kindly shared.

I wanted to share with you all one such mighty gem that I've learned about.  I've actually shared about it years ago because it has been around for that long.  What was previously known as the Homemaking Bundle has been renamed the "Home Management" bundle and is available now, but it's new material and goodies.  I looked through what is included and could not believe all of the resources that are in this bundle for such a reasonable price.  There is so much to learn and implement (in the areas you desire, of course--you don't have to do it all!)  There are actually 86 products worth $2,590.13.  But the cost is only $47, or if you'd like the cheat sheets which help you to better navigate all the resources more easily, it is $67.  These resources include 10 eBooks, 36 eCourses, 14 Planners, 19 Printables, 1 Summit, 1 Membership Site, and 5 Workbooks.

Here are the categories that come in this bundle:

• Beauty & Self Care
• Cleaning & Decluttering
• Family Life & Relationships
• Holiday Fun
• Homeschooling Your Children
• Homesteading & Gardening
• Hospitality
• In the Kitchen
• Making a House a Home
• Managing Your Home
• Natural Health & Healthy Living

Doesn't that sound so exciting?!  I can't wait to dive into mine.  These categories are all so interesting.  Do you have a favorite one?  I honestly don't think I can pick a favorite.

The Home Management Bundle is available from today until Friday, so hurry to get yours!  If you want to get the 8 free bonuses, then order right away, because those are only available for a day.  I think you will really enjoy this bundle of homemaking resources and will be able to benefit from it.

 

 To get the free bonuses, order before...

Let me know if you have any questions.  And as always, thank you for ordering through my link--it's much appreciated, as it helps cover the costs of this site.

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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Disclosure: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Please note, I only endorse products that are in alignment with Blessed Homemaking's ideals and I believe would be of value to my readers. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hurry for Homeschooling!

Dear Blessed Readers,

 I haven't written in awhile, I know.  But I am still here.  And part of the reason I haven't written in awhile is just pure busyness--the kind where you are just trying to keep on top of the most important things.  Homeschooling is one of the reasons I am so busy--if you've been reading here for awhile, you know that I am a big advocate for homeschooling our children and giving them a Christian education.

So before it's too late, I wanted to let you know about a homeschool resource sale that is going on right now-- where you can get an amazing $900 worth of products for only $33.99.  There are products for a variety of subjects and ages, and even resources to bless homeschool mommies too.  I see a lot of things in there that would be helpful for us that would save me some time instead of trying to gather activities and printables for some of our learning.  We are going to be "visiting" the United Kingdom soon, and I need to plan some things for that, and I see there are some resources in the package for this, along with many, many other things.  This is a digital package, so you can have all the resources at your fingertips for whenever you need them.

The reason I said "Hurry!" in my post is because today is the last day to purchase this package, so I wanted to let you know about it in case you hadn't heard.  Go ahead and click below to see all that's included--it's a lot! (If you do decide to purchase it through my link, we will get a small commission at no extra cost to you--thank you so much).

 I hope you all are well, and I hope to write more soon 💖

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