What Is Motherhood? -- Two Sides of the Question

Author unknown

Please be sure to read the second part, "The Other Side," which has to do with this photo.

The One Side

It's such a waste of time to cook,

I'm just a walking cookery book.
I make and bake the morning through,
The favorite pies and pudding too.
And then in half an hour or less,
My toil has gone to nothingness.
It's a waste of time to dust the stairs,
To clean the brass, and polish chairs,
To sweep, and pick up bits of fluff,
For nothing's ever clean enough.
Five minutes after I am done,
Someone is sure to romp and run,
Kick out the stair-rods, flick the mats,
Slam the doors and scare the cats.
Some sticky hand is sure to press
The brasses from their sprightliness.
I tidy up and do the dusting,
But all the while, my wings are rusting.
Then washing day, it seems to me,
Is just a waste of energy.
What use to stand before a tub,
And soak and rinse, and blue and rub?
Next week the self-same garment's stain
Will come into my hands again.
It's such a waste of time to mend,
One has no sooner reached the end
Of last week's pile, then---need you ask it?

This week's fills up the mending basket.
The stockings which were hale and hearty
Return from each picnicking party,
Weak and worn and wanly show
Great gaping holes in heel and toe,
While the buttons have a cantankerous way
Of disappearing every day.
Sponging off the spots and ironing creases,
Between it all, I'm worn to pieces.
Woman, from cradle to grave
Is nothing but a galley slave.

The Other Side

I've done an angel's work today!
Yes, such an honor came my way.
Real angel's work!  And lest you doubt it,
I'm going to tell you all about it.
Well, first, I cooked.  It was so nice
To plan the pies, stewed fruit, and rice.
God sent His angel once to make
Cakes for a poor wayfarer's sake.
But just today He honored me,
And sent the task my way, you see.
Then while I tidied up the place,
Gave every knob a radiant face,
Back of my mind this thought would lurk,
That I was still at angel's work.
Putting away coats and dresses,
And moving small unsightlinesses.
For, oh! 'tis such a lovesome thing,
Just straightening out and freshening.
And after that I washed a few
Small woolly garments, old, not new,
Things I had rubbed and rinsed before,
Quite forty times or even more.
And as I hung them on the line,
I thought what God-like work was mine!
To cleanse---ah, me!---to wash out stains,
Till not a single speck remains.
So later in the day 'twas sweet
To sit and rest my tired feet,
While mending the clothes, and planning too,
How to make old things into new.
For surely 'tis an angel's way
To put things right from day to day,
To find thin places, and repair
The glad rags and the sturdy wear.
Since wear and tear must surely be
On this side of Eternity,
I'm feeling very proud to say,
"I've done an angel's work today!"

A Balanced Woman of God

quote from Chuck Swindoll

Ladies, after my scriptural search, I came to three conclusions regarding this matter of being a balanced woman of God.  Each will require a good deal of your time and each will call for a fair amount of effort if you hope to put it into action personally.

A balanced woman of God sees Scripture as God's vital and relevant Word worth her attention, devotion, and application.

I learned this principle from Timothy's mother Eunice and his maternal grandmother Lois.

Just Call Her Mom

by Lois Breneman
 
If you are feeling tired and overwhelmed as a mother these days, this might make you feel like your burden in reality is not so heavy afterall, and help you to be thankful for the pampered life you live.

I used to save newspaper articles, and as I was cleaning out files recently, I came across this one, dated June 10, 1991. 

                                     "Just Call Her Mom"

Leontina Espinoza, 61, considered the world's most prolific mother, is expecting her 65th child, the Chilean government said Friday.  Espinoza shown here with one of her daughters in a 1988 file photo, shares a shack with her husband in an agricultural area 90 miles south of the country's capital of Santiago.

A Mother's Paraphrase of 1 Corinthians Chapter 13

Author unknown

If I keep my house immaculately clean, and am envied by all for my interior decorating, but do not show love in my family-I'm just another housewife.

 

If I'm always producing lovely things-sewing, art; if I always look attractive, and speak intelligently, but am not loving to my family-I am nothing.

 

If I'm busy in community affairs, teach Sunday school, and drive in the carpool, but fail to give adequate love to my family-I gain nothing.

 

Love changes diapers, cleans up messes, and ties shoes-over and over again.

Love is kind, though tired and frazzled.

Love doesn't envy another wife-one whose children are "spaced" better, or in school so she has time to pursue her own interests.

Love doesn't try to impress others with my abilities or knowledge as a mother.

Love doesn't scream at the kids.

Love doesn't feel cheated because I didn't get to do what I wanted to do today-sew, read, soak in a hot tub.

Love doesn't assume that my children are being naughty just because their noise level is irritating.

Love doesn't rejoice when other people's children misbehave and make mine look good.


Love is genuinely happy when others are honored by their children.

God Didn't Make Perfect Mothers

by Bernice Maddux

"May I go now?" the almost completed, eager mother asked.

"Not yet. There are essential parts and finishing touches to be added," her Maker replied.

"I look pretty good to me," she said, peering into the crystal pool at her feet.

"True, you're looking better all the time. But bear with me."

"What does a mother have to do, God, besides wash, feed, and clothe little bodies?"

God only smiled and continued working.

"What are you doing now?" the curious mother-to-be questioned.

"Tightening your anger valve. If this doesn't work, everyone is in trouble."

She watched as He reached for the container marked patience.

"And what do I need patience for?" she asked as He poured in quite a supply.

"After a week you will know, my child."

"And whatever could that be?"

"This is your bypass mechanism. It enables a mother to operate efficiently for long periods of time without compliments from her children."

"I'm sure I won't need that."

"I'm sure you will."

Then God reached for a bundle labeled insulation against loud noises.

"You can skip that," she told him. "I don't mind a little noise."

"That's nice," He said.

Seeing all the energy He was preparing to give her, she shifted uneasily from one foot to the other. "I wouldn't need all that energy in a million years."

"Little you know. You will use all of this and be begging for more before long."

"I didn't know there was so much involved in being a mother. You're not just putting me on, are you?"

"No, little mother."

With much apprehension, "Are you sure I can handle the job?"

"Quite sure...with help. I'm always available when you need me."

"I'm glad to know that. What could I possible need all these for?"

"A certain amount of pain, so that you will be fully equipped to sympathize with and minister to the needs of your children when they feel pain; tears, so that you will be able to cry with them when they are hurt; and laughter to blend with theirs for happy times."

The mother-in-waiting fidgeted while God attached yes and no buttons. "Wouldn't it be nicer just to say yes to my children all the time?"

"Definitely not. Good mothers need to say no--and often. Say it with kindness and they will respect you for it."

"Have you equipped me with this thing called kindness, Lord?"

"I have indeed."

"And what about respect? Do I have to respect my children?"

"Absolutely."

The anxious mother tried to be patient as God installed a question answerer, advice giver, get along without sleep, and a pretender not to notice.

"I know I wouldn't use one of those!" she said, as God came toward her with a let-go lever.

"Sure you will, though it's hard. This is a vital piece of equipment. Until this little lever is released, your children will not have room to grow properly, make their own decisions, or develop their own personalities."

"I guess that is important."

God stood back a few steps to appraise His work, then reached for a coat of love and wrapped it around her. "Wear this at all times, and you'll be a good mother."

"Am I ready now, God, to get on with the mothering bit?"

"You can go now," God said gently. "You're not perfect, but you will do."

Morning Prayer for Moms

by Phyllis Brokaw - March 2005 - Used by permission

Good morning, Dear Lord,
My day's just begun.
Please guide me and help me to honor Your Son.
Help me to walk in the path you have planned.
There are so many options---so many demands!

Help me keep focused, Your Word obey,
Teach me to trust You each step of the way.
Don't let me wander, don't let me stray,
May Your will be done in my life today.

Amen.

Recall the Extraordinary in the Ordinary

Used with Permission by Michelle Gill
 

One day last week I was struggling with letting go of something I have been waiting for from God.  He had shown me and confirmed in many ways that I am to have more children.  I am forty-four years old and the world's ideas about age began to creep in and I am tired of waiting to be honest.  A common battle ensued of letting go and moving on versus believing, waiting, and battling through.

Then I heard this verse:  "Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well."  I Tim. 1:18 NIV

Paul tells Timothy to recall to mind the prophetic words spoken regarding him.  This can mean a promise God has given you or an actual prophetic word spoken over you that He has confirmed in your spirit.  First, recall it.  Remind yourself of it.  Then use it by fighting the good fight with it.  Believe. Stand firm.  Speak it.  Pray it.  Battle.

The following verse says that many have shipwrecked their faith by not standing firm, stepping out of the battle.  Waiting is a battle.  Believing when we can't see it is a fight.  It would be much easier to let go.  He has spoken to me to believe Him for a larger family.  He told me to buy a painting of a little boy and girl playing by the sea when I first lost my husband.  To me it made no sense at all but I did it purely out of obedience.  It hangs in my bedroom still.  He has given me confirmations time and time again.  Yet I still wait and it is easy to get used to the life you live and lose the want altogether.

My desire a long, long time ago was that my life would show that He still answers prayer on a regular basis and works in mighty ways in our ordinary everyday life.  I first heard of George Mueller, who fed ten thousand orphans through prayer only in his lifetime, as a child.  His reason for opening the orphanage was not primarily to feed and shelter orphans but to show the church that God indeed answers prayer, provides, and is the only answer we need.  So he never asked for money or provided it himself.

God is faithful.  Faithful to the ordinary everyday person.  He is faithful in the smallest needs and the largest.  He has extraordinary plans for your ordinary life.  So instead of letting go of His word to me, I let go of my reasoning, my waning desires and passion, and I recall His words to my mind and fight the good fight of my ordinary day.

I will report His extraordinary fulfillment to you when it comes.  So be watching for Him and may my life be an encouragement to you to believe and trust Him for your ordinary life. 

Precious Gems

Compiled by Lois Breneman

Thanks to all who contribute to Precious Gems!  Anyone is welcome to send kids' quotes to me at jhbreneman@juno.com to be considered for this segment.

While visiting our son's family earlier this month, I noticed Daniel (8) standing behind his daddy and Pawpaw, looking from one to the other with a very concerned look on his face. Then he asked them in a serious tone of voice, "Does baldness run in the family?" They told him it does. Poor fella! Then his Pawpaw asked if he'd rather have brains or hair, to which Daniel answered, "Hair." He probably realizes he already has good brains, since he seems to be following in his pawpaw and daddy's footsteps with a budding mechanical engineering ability. ~ Lois in Virginia

Amiya (8) to her twin brother:  "You're mostly my brother, more than my friend."
Malakai (slightly offended): "But I can be all the way your friend AND all the way your brother." ~ Danielle in Alabama

Flipping radio stations...
Malakai (8): "I like the rap song."
Me: "I didn't hear any rap songs."
Malakai: "It's the Chick-Fil-A rap song."
Me: "I've never heard it. How does it go?"
Malakai (exasperated): "You know, Mom, the sound the Chick-Fil-A wrapper makes?" ~ Danielle in Alabama

My granddaughter (2) saw white blossoms on trees as we were driving and said, "Look! Snow in the trees!" ~ Julie in Virginia

Gigi (Grandma): "Kids, you're on part of the old Santa Fe Trail!"
Malakai (8): "Huh? What? Santa takes this road?" ~ Danielle in Alabama

Mia (7): "Carter (5), there are two things you should know about sharp curves and bikes. First..." ~ Elizabeth in Virginia

Malakai (8): "Mommy, every time I see you, you look shorter...and more beautiful!" 😍 ~ Danielle in Alabama

5 Petal Flower Crochet Pattern

 

 

5 Petal Flower crochet pattern:

http://skamama.blogspot.com/2007/11/5-petal-flower.html

Health Benefits of 7 Easy-to-Grow Herbs

Used with Permission by Reboot with Joe
Written by Claire Georgiou, Reboot Naturopath, B.HSc ND
http://www.rebootwithjoe.com/health-benefits-of-7-easy-to-growherbs/?utm_source=feedburnerutm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+jointhereboot%2FuoBr+%28
Reboot+With+Joe%29

 

Growing your own herbs at home is not only easy but it’s inexpensive! When you have herbs on hand you can create countless flavor-filled recipes without trips to the market. When you buy them at the store, the bunch is usually more than you need and that can get wasteful (unless of course you use these handy storage tips)! When picked straight from the garden they are also super fresh and will have a stronger flavor while also offering more antioxidants and nutrients. Culinary herbs not only offer fabulous taste but they also offer a long list of health benefits.

In my garden I always like to have a few different types of herbs going. Right now I have basil, oregano, rosemary, chocolate mint and stevia. The chocolate mint is taking over at the moment and I rarely use it for smoothies like I intended so it may need to make room for something more appropriate for me. I absolutely love having herbs in the garden for quick salad additions, homemade pestos, dressings and thrown in any vegetable based dish or to add loads of flavour to a juice or a smoothie.

So here are some basic herbs that can be easily grown (and enjoyed) in a garden:

Rosemary

Rosemary is high in antioxidants, nutrients and anti-inflammatory compounds. Rosemary is traditionally used for poor memory, to stimulate hair growth topically, improves muscle aches and pains topically, supports blood circulation, improves digestion, liver disease and is helpful to reduce food borne pathogens. There are also studies that indicate rosemary may help to reduce cancer cells from replicating.
Researchers have found that sniffing rosemary is good for reducing free radical damage in the brain due to an ingredient, carnosic acid and it also may be helpful for protecting against beta amyloid-induced neurodegeneration that has been shown to occur in Alzheimer’s disease. Rosemary also helps to reduce carcinogenic substances that may form in the cooking process, so used in a marinate it has many beneficial health properties.

Thyme

Thyme is a herb I commonly use in respiratory and gut infection formulas and for coughs as it has natural antiseptic compounds, one being ‘thymol’. Thyme also has soothing expectorant properties that can be used in bronchitis and for sore throats. Thyme is also showing promise to be helpful in the reduction of breast and colon cancers. Its extracts have been shown to improve oil stabilization by reducing it from oxidizing and acts as a natural preservative. It is also helpful for candida infections and as a helpful soak for athletes foot and other fungal infections.

Lavender

This is a well-known beautifully smelling herb that has a vast array of health benefits. It is mostly used as a smelling agent and as an essential oil as a natural anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, soothing agent, supports rest and reduces anxiety and depression. Lavender can also be consumed as a tea, herbal medicine or added to meals in small quantities.

Oregano

Oregano is a well-known herb that is used all around the world for its health benefits and its delicious taste and scent. Oregano has been shown to be helpful as a natural antibiotic, for upper respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, as a strong anti-inflammatory herb and has shown potential for its naturally occurring anti-cancer compounds. Learn more about health benefits of oregano!

Basil

This is certainly one of my favorites to add to salads such as a caprese salad, or a great tasting pesto, Italian dishes, stir-fries with chilli, juices and smoothies and many other delicious dishes. Basil contains a wide range of essential oils rich in phenolic compounds, polyphenols such as flavonoids and anthocyanins, and is also high in antioxidants and other anti-bacterial agents.
Basil is a strongly scented herb that offers an array of health benefits such as its natural antiseptic compounds, which can be used topically or internally. It helps to clear acne, infections and is used in some mouth washes. Basil has been studied for its potential anti-aging benefits, and it may be effective at reducing the effects of free radicals, as well as protecting heart, liver and brain cells.

Cilantro

Often used in Mexican and Asian cooking, this is a strong herb that adds a very distinct flavor and can be used for pestos, dips, salads, dressings, main meal dishes, juices and smoothies.
Cilantro is also a good source of dietary fiber, iron, magnesium and manganese. Cilantro has been found to suppress lead accumulation in rats, which gives promise to combat lead and other heavy metal toxicity. Many people in this study suffering from mercury exposure report a reduction in the often-cited feeling of disorientation after consuming large and regular amounts of cilantro over an extended period.
Because of its chelation abilities, cilantro is also being studied as a natural water purifier. Research reported success in removing lead and nickel with their cilantro filters, and are studying how well the herb can remove other heavy metals found in the Tule Valley water such as arsenic and mercury. It has also been shown to reduce anxiety levels and reduce oxidative stress and offers cardio-protective effects.

Parsley

Parsley is high in nutrients particularly iron, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, folate, calcium, magnesium and potassium. When we juice this herb we are consuming these nutrients easily and in excellent quantities. Parsley is a great accompaniment to many dishes, juices and smoothies. Parsley is revered for its ability to support bone health due to the high mineral and vitamin content.
Parsley is traditionally used as a diuretic in cases of excess fluid retention and can help reduce this from occurring. It is also helpful for reducing garlic breath after consuming plenty of garlic.
Research at the Marmara University in Istanbul, Turkey showed evidence that diabetic rats that were given parsley actually showed a decrease in their blood sugar levels over a period of a month and may be helpful for blood sugar in humans while other research indicates that parsley displays anti-inflammatory and supports and protects liver cells.

Stevia

This is a great natural sweetener that can be easily added into dressings, juices and smoothies. Stevia is 300 times sweeter than sugar and very little is needed to give a meal sweetness without the sugar hit or the calories. Stevia has been shown in studies to be helpful for diabetes and insulin resistance in the management of healthy blood sugar and insulin levels post meal.
It is also important to note that many granulated sugar substitutes that claim to be stevia are often mostly sugar alcohols with a small amount of stevia glycosides for sweetness and these combinations may cause diarrhea, so it’s important to read the labels.

Tags: benefits of herb garden, herb benefits, medicinal herbs

Claire Georgiou, Reboot Naturopath, B.HSc ND

Claire Georgiou is an Australian Naturopath, Nutritionist and Herbalist who has completed a Bachelor of Health Science (Compl. Medicine) and an Advanced Diploma of Nutrition, Naturopathy and Herbal Medicine. She has more than 14 years of clinical experience specializing in liver disease, autoimmune disease, thyroid conditions, diabetes, insulin resistance, digestive disorders, chronic infections, children’s health, fertility and pregnancy care. Claire consults in private practice in Sydney and also offers consults out of area and is an accredited member of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society. Claire has worked closely for many years with Dr. Sandra Cabot, who is known as the “Liver Cleansing Doctor” and has written more than 25 health related books. Claire writes health related articles, creates healthy recipes and is one of the nutritionists who runs our Guided Reboot programs.

More posts from Claire Georgiou, Reboot Naturopath, B.HSc ND

The True Vine

Used with Permission by Barbara Baranowski

                         Photo by Lois Breneman to go along with this scripture

 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.  He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”   John 15:1-2 (NIV)

The beautiful ivy had crawled up through the ground after winter’s cold and was overtaking our sturdy wooden fence.  I needed to remove it.  So, on a beautiful spring day, with gloves and clippers, I headed out to trim.  The vine was solidly and deeply rooted in the dirt, but I was able to pull the runners away from the fence.  I hated trimming those beautifully variegated leaves.  To me, ivy gives a sense of antiquity and strength.  As the day ended, I looked at the carpet of cuttings on the ground and breathe a sigh of relief that the job was nearly complete.  As I finished the next morning, I noticed how dead the trimmings were after only one night.

Jesus cautioned believers to live in Him for the same reason.  His words in the Bible resound with the same thought—apart from Him, we can do nothing for His kingdom and do not become what He has created us to be.  If we are like sturdy branches growing in Him, the Vine of Life, we will understand that the pruning, while sometimes painful, is necessary for us to grow in love, trust, and service for God, leaving us to be an ever-bearing, vibrant part of His kingdom.  However, as the leaves of the ivy vine will die apart from its strong source of strength, we too will quickly die spiritually if we remove ourselves from prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers.

As the springtime brings new growth and the earth becomes rejuvenated with beauty, may we experience the same in our relationship with Jesus by staying connected to Him.


Barbara Baranowski is a published writer and inspirational speaker devoted to family, educational, and spiritual issues.  She lives with her husband John in Roanoke, Virginia, and is a retired middle school teacher and director of the Roanoke Valley Christian Writers.

Mom, It Doesn't Matter What Kind of Cookies You Bake

Used with Permission by Kristin Welch
http://wearethatfamily.com/2016/04/mom-value-not/

I rushed home from the warehouse and beat the school bus by 8 minutes.

My van barely fit into the garage because boxes and containers hadn’t quite made their way to Mercy House yet. I squeezed out of my car and then stepped over baskets of laundry in various stages on my way into the house through the laundry room.

With my purse and laptop bag still on my shoulder, I turned the oven on to preheat it.

I shoved refrigerator chocolate chip cookies into the oven and started tackling the dirty dishes in the sink from the night before.

I checked the clock and with two minutes to spare before kids walked through the door, I took a deep breath and surveyed my life.

A stack of school papers I needed to go through on the bar mocked me; a note on the counter reminded me that my son’s band shirt he needed for a concert was somewhere in the mounds of laundry and that’s when I noticed the crockpot held an uncooked roast and crunchy vegetables instead of the dinner I was planning.

Awesome.

Even the store-bought cookies baking smelled like failure.

Mom, It Doesn't Matter What Kind of Cookies You Bake

By the looks of things, I wasn’t exactly rocking motherhood.

It’s in moments like these I am overcome with temptation to compare myself to other moms I know. I have friends who would never serve their kids break and bake cookies or leave dishes in the sink overnight. I am blessed with women in my life who decorate their homes and kids like pages off of Pinterest. I have friends who’s love language is laundry (bless them) and I know moms who don’t depend on their crockpot three nights a week.

Every time I give in and compare, I feel like I’m not enough.

But then I heard this truth whispered to my heart: My value isn’t in what I do well or don’t do; it’s not in how I measure up against other moms–no, my worth is in who I am.

I am a child of God. He loves and accepts me. He doesn’t wait for me to get it right or do it better.

He whispers deep into my inadequacy and says, you are enough.

I snapped out of my deep thoughts when I heard the school bus stop in front of my house. I met my teens at the door and they looked tired from the day and relieved to see me.

The ups and downs of being a teenager poured out and I listened, nodded and patted arms.

Because isn’t that what we all want? A place to unload all the good and bad; a place to be heard.

“Are those cookies I smell?” my daughter asked.  “I hope they are my favorite ones from the store.”

I smiled.

I handed my son his shirt for his concert and told them it was an unplanned pizza night.

They didn’t comment on the piles of laundry or the messy kitchen or judge me for the unplugged crockpot.

They noticed I was simply there and that was enough.

We devoured those warm cookies and I even heard a,”You’re the best, Mom!”

I agreed.

Because mom–it doesn’t matter how you get or give the cookies, it just matters that you do.

Kristen Welch - "I'm wild about sweet tea and I have a thing for globes and maps. I love color and words and my house has a lot of both. I’m parenting teens and a tween with my husband slash best friend of more than 20 years. I’m the founder of Mercy House and Fair Trade Friday and sometimes I write books. I love traveling and experiencing new cultures, trying new foods, and I’m a big fan of all things fair trade. I share my broken and beautiful story in my memoir, Rhinestone Jesus. My life is messy and redeemed and I’m grateful for the chance to live it. - See more at: http://wearethatfamily.com/#sthash.xrijqfPO.dpuf"

Frugal Gardening Tip #2 - Mulch

Used with Permission by Gina Martin at Home Joys

If "time is money" then any time saver is saving money - or that is the way I look at it.  And mulch saves time - lots of time.

We never mulched at my home growing up. Well, we did lay black plastic down in the melon patch but otherwise we relied on the tiller, hoes, and man (or child) power to beat back the weeds. It was a great project to keep children busy in the summer and I actually did not hate it. But by the end of summer, when the harvest was full swing, the weeds usually got the upper hand.

My husband's family were mulchers. And what a difference. By the time I met Ed's parents, they were retired and gardening was their hobby. My father-in-law mulched with newspaper between the garden rows and his garden was beautiful.

When we moved to our own home, we had a mower with a grass bagger. We use the grass clippings as mulch and enjoy a basically weed free garden. Our garden has continued to grow and we don't always have enough grass clippings but we mulch as much as possible.

Remember our new strawberry bed? Last week the plants were only a few straggly roots. A week later, there is new green growth and the row can be seen. The weeds haven't appeared yet but it is only a matter of time. Weeds in our old patch is one of the reasons we planted a new strawberry bed. We wanted to do what we could to eliminate the weed problem before it began.

Our strawberry rows are three feet apart. We needed to allow room for the strawberry plants to grow runners. We laid down one foot of card board between the rows. When we ran out of cardboard, we used newspaper.

We covered the paper with a generous layer of grass clippings. We pulled the grass clippings up around the plants. The runners should be able to root through the clippings.

We did the same to our new raspberry bed, using cardboard and grass clippings. (And you'll notice that I say "we." Ed does the work while I take pictures and say how wonderful it looks. And cook him a good supper. And take care of the children. And...well, I won't pretend I hold up my side of the team, but I try! I know I'm one blessed girl. And have I told you that he REALLY likes homemade bread?)

Some mulching tips -

Free is good. My husband has a basically unlimited supply of cardboard boxes from work. We have a huge lawn so grass clippings are abundant as long as we have rain and the grass is growing.

If you use newspaper or cardboard, you'll need to weight it down with rocks, dirt or something to keep it from blowing away. It also works well to soak the newspaper in a bucket of water first to make it easier to manage on a windy day.

Aim for thin layers. A thick layer of grass clippings will become slimy and yucky. A thin layer applied often is much preferred.

Keep in mind that the best mulch depends on what you are planting. Strawy manure is great if it won't come in contact with food. Maybe for a new strawberry bed that won't be harvested until the next year or around corn. Grass clippings can cling to things like green beans and make it more difficult to get clean. Choose something like newspaper for cleaner green beans.

I like to mulch after a rain. If dry soil is mulched, rain fall may run off without sinking into the soil. A good mulch will help to hold in the moisture. We use drip irrigation right in the garden rows to maximize our water.

This has not been a problem for us but if you have a lot of trouble with slugs, mulching may not be for you.

Our garden has very good soil but it also contains a lot of clay. The consistent use of mulch for the past seven years has increased the humus in our soil significantly. Though we use a generous layer of mulch, with our humid summers and freezing winters, all the mulch material has completely composted by spring. I think of it as the lazy man's compost system. In another climate, mulching may not work as well. I love to pull back some mulch, dig in, and watch all the earth worms squirm. A picture of happy soil!

We have found it best not to mulch late in the season. If the soil is covered with a heavy layer of mulch in the spring, it will take a long time to dry out and warm up. We usually add fall leaves and grass clippings to our compost pile or around shrubs, grapevines or other place that will not need tilled up for spring planting. That said, we are running an experiment this year with one sections of our garden. We covered it with shredded leaves this past fall. This spring we did no tilling but just chopped a hole and dropped in the broccoli and lettuce plants. We plan to plant corn in that garden as well with no tilling just pushing the seed into the ground. We'll see if it works!

One of the things we enjoy about gardening is trying new things. We've had successes and failures but we wouldn't have known the result if we had not tried.

If mulching your garden is a new idea to you, I'd encourage you to try it this year! I'm sure you could find a better use of your time then weeding!

Sit Still, My Daughter!

by J. Danson Smith

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
Nor deem these days—these waiting days—as ill!
The One who loves thee best, who plans thy way,
Hath not forgotten thy great need today! 

And if He waits, ’tis sure He waits to prove
To thee, His tender child, His heart’s deep love.

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
Thou longest much to know thy dear Lord’s will! 

While anxious thoughts would almost steal their way,
Corrodingly within, because of His delay—
Persuade thyself in simple faith to rest,
That He, who knows and loves, will do the best.

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
Nor move a step, not even one, until
His way hath opened. Then, ah, then, how sweet!
How glad thy heart, and then how swift thy feet! 

Thy inner being then, ah, then, how strong!
And waiting days not counted then too long.

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
What higher service could’st thou for Him fill? 

’Tis hard! Ah, yes! But choicest things must cost!
For lack of losing all how much is lost!
’Tis hard, ’tis true! But then—He giveth grace
To count the hardest spot the sweetest place.

The Mother Mender

--Author unknown

 

I came apart at the seams yesterday,

 

    Children crying-

        Supper frying-

            Husband sighing-

 

But last night I knelt to pray

And Jesus took the tensions all away. 

 

 

Today the same old seams were frayed.

 

       Weather dreary-

            Children teary-

                Husband weary-

 

But God's peace was under-laid

And I was strong because I prayed.  

Storage Bags Made from Repurposed Jeans

by Lois Breneman - Heart to Heart - 2016

Probably everyone has old jeans around the house that are no longer worn, so why not give them another purpose!  Cut off the legs and make snazzy and colorful storage bags!   This is a perfect project in teaching your grandchildren how to make a useful storage container.




Not only can the legs be used, but the top section of a pair of jeans, including the pockets, can also be transformed into a nifty little storage bag.  Two of the bags below with pink trim have partially concealed pockets, with the lining turned down over the pocket opening.  You might say it's a secret compartment, and kids would love the mystery of that!

In making these bags, the fabric of the jeans is stiff enough that interfacing isn't necessary.  The finished bag will stand up with just the two layers of fabric (jeans and a cotton lining).  To make the bag stand up, the bottom is squared up with a "dog ear" sewn in on each side, trimmed off, and the raw edges are zig-zagged. 

Ric-rac or other trim can be sewn between the two fabrics to add an extra pretty touch.  The colorful lining is turned down to help even further to add stiffness to the bag in helping it to stand upright.

For more photos go here.

No-Sew T-Shirt Pillow Covers

Note from Lois:
     This is not only a great quick and easy no-sew project for adults, but for children as well - even boys!  Who doesn't like to tie knots?  It's a perfect weekend project to do together!        
     Repurpose a favorite T-shirt or transform a tired old pillow you already have.  Or purchase a pillow form at JoAnn Fabrics!  Not only will a T-shirt work for this project, but fleece would be perfect as well.
     If you do sew and have an embroidery machine, a large embroidered motif sewn on a new T-shirt or fleece would be beautiful, transformed into a beautiful pillow!
     Why not teach your children how to make their own gifts? Either a T-shirt pillow or a plain or embroidered fleece pillow would make a great gift for teachers and friends when your children attend birthday!

 To see a video of instructions from Tip Hero:
http://tiphero.com/pillow-covers-without-sewing/

 


Spring cleaning also means it’s time to clean out your old spring wardrobe, too! If you have a stack of old t-shirts that you’ve decided need to go, we encourage you to donate any and all clothes that you no longer want – but what about that t-shirt with the hole in the armpit or the tear at the collar? You can’t donate those! Don’t worry, you don’t necessarily have to throw those t-shirts away. With this fun, simple craft you can turn those t-shirts into adorable pillowcases in a snap! And guess what? You don’t even have to do any sewing. Magic. Watch the video below to see how you can accomplish this simple DIY.

If you’re a novice crafter and you’re a bit worried about sewing, this is a perfect DIY for you! You’re still upcycling the fabric and making it into something cute for your home, but with no need for a needle and thread. If the t-shirt you’re transforming doesn’t match your decor or if it’s a color or pattern you know a friend would like, this is such a thoughtful, customized gift for a housewarming or birthday!

Let’s break down the steps of this DIY:
STEP 1:
Place the pillow in the center of the t-shirt, where your middle section would be, and cut around the pillow. Make sure to leave a few inches of fabric on all sides.
STEP 2:
Cut frayed edges around the two pieces of cut fabric.
STEP 3:
Put one piece of t-shirt fabric under the pillow and one on top.
STEP 4:
Knot the frayed edges of the top and bottom fabrics all the way around.

And just like that, you have a fun, clean-looking pillow case to display in your home! And you did it all yourself, you crafty person, you!

Owls - A Toilet Paper Tube Craft

by Lois Breneman - Heart to Heart - 2016

 

There are so many cute crafts that can be made with empty toilet paper tubes, so you might want to save them for crafts with your children or grandchildren.

Tape a piece of craft paper (plain or designed) around the toilet paper tube.  

Fold, score, and bend down the top to form the ears.

Cut out feathers with paper and glue only the top section.  Start at the bottom to glue on the feathers, overlapping as you go up to the top.

Glue on the nose in orange, yellow, or brown.

Glue on large googly eyes.

Glue on contrasting wings, tucking them just under the eyes while the glue is still wet.

For more detailed directions, go here.

Dragonfly Craft

by Lois Breneman - Heart to Heart - 2016

This was a fun craft to do with my two grandsons, ages 5 and 8.

First twigs were collected that could be used as the body and antenna for the dragonfly, then maple tree "helicopter" seed pods were collected for the wings (two large and two smaller wings).

The four wings for each dragonfly were painted and allowed to dry before gluing them to the twig with a glue gun. 

For more photos, go here.

Coconut Lime Sugar Scrub

by Lois Breneman - Heart to Heart - 2016

Yields 1 cup - fits perfectly in this little Ball Mason jar!

 

1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)

1 cup white sugar

10 drops of lime essential oil (lemon, orange, lavender, or other therapeutic grade essential oils of your choosing)

 

Instructions:
Melt coconut oil in microwave.
Mix in with the sugar until well blended

Add the lime essential oil and mix together.
Spoon into a jar and cover with lid.

This scrub is especially nice to rub on the hands and feet for soft skin.  After rubbing it in, rinse thoroughly.  Enjoy the softness!

Lavender Deodorant

by Lois Breneman - Heart to Heart - 2016
(Effective, safe, healthy, and super inexpensive)

This is the most simple homemade natural DIY deodorant and very effective as well, not to mention that it's healthier than bought deodorants and antiperspirants.  And I doubt it costs even a penny for one application. 

Often one application will work for five days straight!  If you miss one or two days, it won't really matter, because it keeps on working.

Alzheimer's Disease has been linked to aluminum!  There is no aluminum in this deodorant.  Also this deodorant will not clog the underarm pores where lymph nodes are located.

For a container I use a Tupperware Midget Cup which holds two tablespoons.  It's very handy to use at home as well as to grab for traveling. 

Ingredients:
Baking soda
5 drops lavender essential oil (therapeutic grade is best)
Water

Directions:
Fill container almost full with baking soda.  Add lavender essential oil (calming to skin) and top off with water.  Stir. Keep covered.  If you forget, it will dry out, but adding more water and stirring will solve the problem.  When using, the deodorant should be like a paste.  Dip clean finger into the mixture, and apply about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon to each underarm.  That's it!

Feeding the Hummingbirds

by Lois Breneman - Heart to Heart - April, 2016

Today I hung my two hummingbird feeders - one on the front porch and one on the sundeck out back with the regular bird feeders and heated birdbath. 

The hummingbird feeders are filled with 1 part sugar to 4 parts hot tap water, stirred until completely dissolved.  I used a 1-quart Pampered Chef measuring cup and it worked out perfectly to fill both feeders, but a Tupperware cup worked best to fill them without dripping.