The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . February 28, 2012

Outside my window . . . it looks and feels as if spring is here. The sun is shining and the sky is blue. Ds may have to mow the grass this weekend.


I am thinking . . . springtime would be perfect if it weren't for those pesky allergies.


I am thankful . . . for being the mom in the neighborhood the kids gravitate to when they need help. I am the provider of food, odds & ends, and lately, sewing help. American history projects are due this week, and even though ds took it last year, his friends have come to me for help. On the one hand, I can't figure out how I got "stuck" helping sew a 1920's flapper dress and a 1920's menswear placket shirt, but on the other hand it's nice helping them out and seeing and hearing their appreciation.

In the kitchen . . . what with all the historical sewing, we had baked salmon, succotash, and crescent rolls last night. Quick and easy. I haven't even thought about tonight!

I am wearing . . . still in my flannel robe and slippers. 

I am creating . . . still working on that baby blanket. I started it over 3 times I think. I just couldn't find a pattern I was happy with. Over the weekend I got the mojo and found the pattern, so we are under way now.

I am going . . . . to sew and crochet and do laundry. If all that gets accomplished, dh and I make take a walk around the local lake.

I am wondering . . . duty and responsibility, and respect and self-protection.

I am reading . . . The Saving Graces by Patricia Gaffney. It's an interesting, if somewhat fluffy, read. I'm also reading Ezra for Bible study, Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon, and Lenten devotionals on YouVersion.

I am hoping . . . to keep the interest in sewing once the kids finish these projects. I moved my sewing machine, months ago, to the bonus room where there is more light. This is the first sewing I've done out there and I really like the space. It's open and the machine faces the windows. I have room to setup the ironing board and the ping-pong table is excellent for cutting out patterns!

I am looking forward to . . . the coming spring. I would like to get some yard work done, but I don't know how much my allergies can take : )

I am hearing . . . peace and quiet, which is quite lovely after last evening with the 4 of us plus 3 additional teenage boys in the house.


Around the house . . . I'm still working on that cleaning plan. I have about decided the house won't be clean until the kids move out. Oh well!

I am pondering . . . the round robin nature of this weekly post. Apparently my mind doesn't move far from week to week. There is a certain sameness here. I am pondering if that is good or bad, or is it just life.

One of my favorite things . . . is getting into a project (crochet, sewing, homemaking, cooking -- whatever) that really grabs me. I have decided that for me, the key to enjoying the outcome of most things is about enjoying the process. I've spent a lot  of time pushing through the process without realizing that the process is just as important as the outcome.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . Another class at Kundalini Rising Yoga as last week's was good (an interesting story that I'll share later). Otherwise it's finishing the American history project (no I'm not doing it all myself), crocheting, housework, Bible study, exercising -- there's that repetition I was talking about earlier!).

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing . . . 

baby blanket progress

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook

Thankful Thursday #8

I found this information on YouVersion.com and I wanted to share. I grew up in a religious tradition that shunned religious holidays. I didn't understand the meaning of Ash Wednesday until just a few years ago when a friend explained after I had shared my ignorance. Over the past few years, I have begun to incorporate aspects of the Lenten season into my own traditions. I have found it to be a time for renewal and self awareness, and I find comfort in the worldwide community of believers who participate at the same time.
I liked the ideas expressed in this piece (although is was essentially an ad for this particular application, but it's a good one).

"Lent draws us closer to God through purposeful prayer, self-denial, repentance, giving, and time in the Bible:
Prayer. We thank God for reaching out to transform us, and we ask for direction and insight. Consider asking God to help you see people the way He sees them.
Self-denial. Fasting means food, but we may also give up certain activities we enjoy. What things do you think about most? Food? Coffee? Sweets? Social media? Television and entertainment? Commit to go without at least one between now and Easter.
Repentance. When our thoughts drift to ourselves, that’s our cue to connect with God, asking Him to show us our weaknesses and sins. We ask Him to forgive us and change our hearts.
Giving. We freely offer whatever we have to those in need. It could be money contributed to worthy charities, our time, our talents. Volunteer at a soup kitchen or shelter. Visit the elderly. Write letters of prayer and encouragement to orphans. Give intentionally to people who can’t repay you.
Scripture Reading. YouVersion has 5 Reading Plans specifically designed to help you center your life on God and His Word during this special time of reflection and purpose."
Right now I find myself grateful for the season; for the opportunity to re-examine my own life; to strive to grow closer to God; and to seek opportunities to serve others.
I hope you do too.

link up at Grace Alone

Thankful Thursday -- August 11, 2011

well it's been quite awhile since I've been here.

things have been unbelievably hectic.

all the more reason to stop and take a minute

to express gratitude.

:: for a new Bible reading program that I started

24 days ago. I haven't missed a single day!

I'm doing a chronological reading, which

I have always wanted to do.

Check out this website/app:

YouVersion

:: for a summer spent safely. only 1 car wreck

and no one seriously injured.

however, I'll be getting a new car!

:: for my father in law showing some 

improvement. he started pulmonary

rehab yesterday with a class on learning

how to breathe.

:: for my ds who is starting his senior year in

high school today. I am grateful for all

the joy and laughter he brings into

my days!

:: for my dd who doesn't start classes for

a couple more weeks. she has had a good

summer even handling the car wreck

with aplomb. so grateful none of her injuries

were serious and that the other driver

was unharmed.

:: and as always for my dh who has had a

really rough summer with his dad being

so sick. I am so grateful for everything my 

dh does for all of us.

may you find grace, peace, gratitude, and blessings

this day and every day.

for more Thankful Thursday visit Women Taking a Stand