Gift Ideas for Christian Homemakers at Phenomenal Prices

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I am always on the lookout for inexpensive ways to incorporate God's Word into my life. Home decor with scripture is one of my favorite ways to be reminded throughout the day of God's faithfulness and love.  

Enter DaySpring, a Christian company whose vision is "connecting people with the heart of God through messages of hope and encouragement every day, every where."
 
As we gear up for the holidays, I wanted to share you with some amazing deals from DaySpring that might add a little charm to your home, a great hostess gift, or even a Christmas present.



Give Thanks - Wooden Caddy

Like this "Give Thanks" wooden caddy marked down from $22.99 to $9.99. It's made from solid mango wood, handcrafted in India, and is the perfect way to store silverware or office supplies. I love the versatility! The inscription is from Psalm 107:8: "Give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love." Hurry! This one will go quickly!


Ever Grateful - 10" Taupe Vase

This taupe vase would be the perfect centerpiece for your table at Thanksgiving and every day. The sunburst design and inscription that reads "grateful for simple blessings" are on both sides. This vase is marked down from $21.99 to $7.99. Wow! This would also make a great hostess gift with fresh flowers.



Life Collection - 16" Oval Platter

This beautiful ceramic platter would be a lovely centerpiece holding fruit or appetizers at a party. On it are Jesus' words from John 10:10: "I have come that they might have life and have it to the full." Plus, the platter features the word life in 15 different languages in the background. Marked down from $26.99 to 7.99, this platter is a great price! It's also dishwasher safe, a plus in my book!


Redeemed - Lovely by Design - Overnight Bag

This durable canvas-oil cloth overnight bag would be perfect for a getaway or a trip to Grandma and Grandpa's house. Inside are two pockets and a zipper plus the lining wipes clean. I love the patchwork design and inscription "Lovely by Design" from Ecclesiastes 3:11. Marked down from $49.99 to $14.99, I think this overnight bag is a steal!
 
DaySpring has these other beautiful Christian gift ideas on sale right now, but these super deals end December 3! You'll need to act fast! If you aren't familiar with DaySpring, I hope you will check them out.  

Shipping is free for $50 or more!  

Have you ever bought from DaySpring? 

 Blessings to you,

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When We Need to Get Back to Work

My to-do list is 10 miles long. Days are overflowing as I move from one chore or activity to the next. And already I feel the pressure of the holiday season creeping in.

I wake up early to squeeze in a few minutes of Bible reading and prayer, but I'm so consumed with getting to work on the day's chores that I find myself glossing over passages that would ordinarily bring a man to his knees.

I'm far too busy "spinning plates" to let the words I'm reading really sink in. 

I'm far too full from physical food to truly hunger for righteousness. 

Chewing on the meat of God's Word requires time, that precious commodity that so few of us have excess quantities of, and a hunger that only comes from spending meaningful time with the Lord. {It's a Catch-22, isn't it?}

But as I read Haggai 2 this morning, I was convicted {again} that God wants to me to get to work.  

For Him. 

My work is consumed with me. 

Having returned from Jerusalem to rebuild the temple destroyed by the Babylonians, the people of Judah succumbed to outside pressures and neglected the Lord's work. They stopped building God's house and started building their own homes. God sent Haggai to encourage them to complete the work He'd called them to do.

Today, we, the body of Christ, have replaced the temple of Old Testament times. We don't have to go to a temple or church to be in the presence of God. He resides in us. 

"Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?"

1 Corinthians 3:16

Today, because of Jesus' sacrifice, God reveals His glory through us, His people. Because we are His temple now, we need to get back to work doing what He has called each of us to do.


And as true followers of Christ, we need to be using the talents and abilities within each of us, which God has endowed us with, and get to work for His glory.

Don't get me wrong: I'm not saying we let the laundry pile up to dangerous heights or neglect the needs of our husbands and children. No! As wives and mothers, God has called us to this work. Instead, we need to be doing that work -- whatever it is -- as if we are serving the Lord Himself. 

With a cheerful attitude . . . Not grudgingly or bitterly
With joy in our hearts . . . Not out of compulsion
Out of reverence for our Father . . . Not because I have to 
Committing our days & to-do lists to Him . . . Not our own agendas 

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

Colossians 3:17

God wants to change the world through us. That does not necessarily mean serving in the mission field overseas either -- although it might. He has a plan for each of one of us, whether it's something He wants you to do at your place of employment, in your church, or in your home. We need to listen to the Holy Spirit, be strong, and work.

When the people of Judah returned to God and resumed the work of rebuilding the temple --- when they got to work for the Lord and stopped working for themselves --- God once again blessed their efforts.

God will also bless our efforts, but we must get to work for Him. 

How?

By being women of prayer, women who make time to meditate on God's Word, women who work as unto the Lord in whatever we have been called to do. 

However, we must get to work. And when we do, no matter how long our to-do lists or how frustrating the work may be or how many challenges we may face, God promises He will be us. 

 ⁴ But now be strong . . . all you people of the land,’ declares the Lord, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the Lord Almighty. ⁵ ‘This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.’

 

 Haggai 2:4-5

 

 

Do you need to get to work for the Lord today? What's keeping you from obeying His Spirit? Overflowing to-do lists? Too many activities? Pride?

 

I pray that we can be strong and get to work for the Lord today, focusing on the work He has called us to do.

 

 Blessings to you,

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5 Strategies to Make Meal Planning a Reality

                                         
I've been meal planning for a few years now. It's just one of those things I do every Sunday as soon as the new grocery store sales ads come out because:

1) We're on a budget, so I need to see what meats and vegetables are on sale in order to plan our meals for the week; and

2) I like having a plan in place so that when Monday afternoon rolls around, I'm not scratching my head and scanning the pantry shelves trying to decide what's for supper in the midst of children and a home that need my attention. 

Having a meal plan makes life a little easier for me. 

If it doesn't for you, then DON'T do it.

That being said I know there are lots of people who don't meal plan because (1) they think it's too much work; (2) they like to be spontaneous; and/or (3) they don't know how. 

In a previous post, I explain how meal planning works if you fall in camp #3. If you're in camp #2, I can only say that you can meal plan and be spontaneous. I'd much prefer to have a plan in place first, and if I want to change it, then I can. 

For those of you who think it's too much work, here are 5 strategies that might help make meal planning a reality:

1. Don't think you have to plan every meal. 
I know some people plan breakfast, lunch, dinner, even snacks. I've tried that in the past, and it just didn't work for me because we eat the same things for breakfast, lunch, and snack every day or I let the kids choose among what's available. I simply make sure we have those foods on hand each week. 

2. Repetition isn't boring; it can be good. 
I like variety in my menu, but my children do not. Perhaps yours don't either? I think mine would eat spaghetti or macaroni every night if I'd fix it. We have about 10-12 meals that we all like, so I fix them frequently because my husband and I like to eat our meals in peace. Trying to convince a child to "just try it" is not conducive to peace in my opinion.

3. A master list of your family's favorite meals will save you time & lots of heartache. 
While I like to try new recipes, I do not like to be the only one who will eat them, and, as mentioned above, new recipes often lead to headache. It frustrates me to no end when my family finds the food I've prepared repulsive. So, I stick with tried and true family favorites most nights of the week. I do, however, try to take one night each week to experiment with a new recipe. 

Right now, most of our family-favorite recipes are on my Menu Plan and Pinned Recipes I've Tried boards on Pinterest and in various cookbooks I own. Simply make a list and keep it handy for meal planning.

4. A different meal idea for each night of the week can be a lifesaver. 
At our house, I rely on this schedule:

Sundays = Leftovers or Daddy cooks

Mondays = Try something new

Tuesdays = Pasta or Stir-Fry

Wednesdays = Meat-less (usually beans)

Thursdays = Mexican (usually fish tacos)

Fridays = Pizza Night

Saturdays = Dinner Out

Consider the foods your family loves, and devise a similar schedule {if it works for you! If it doesn't work, then don't do it!} For me, meal planning is so much easier when I have a schedule to rely on.

5. Find new recipes to add to your repertoire of family favorites. 
I recently made this black bean sweet potato enchilada dish, and my husband requested that we add it to the rotation. The kids agreed. So, now I have another recipe I know my family likes. If you get tired of fixing and eating the same 5 meals, then try out something new. You'll discover quickly if it's a keeper or not.

Meal planning does take a little time and effort, but the rewards are amazing. Not only will you save money by eating out less and buying what's on sale, but you'll also feel good knowing you're fixing meals your family will eat. 

I encourage you to have a meal planning day and set aside 30-45 minutes to do the following: 

(1) Make a list of your family's favorite meals.

(2) Devise a "schedule" for each night of the week.

(3) Peruse grocery store sales ads to find out what's on sale.

(4) Plan your menu for the week according to your family's favorite meals, your meal "schedule", and what's on sale. 

(5) Find 1 new recipe to try each week.

Of course, do what works for you in your present season. After having a new baby, I stopped searching sales ads for deals and relied on easy-to-fix meals. 

Overall, though, if you commit to meal planning, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Do YOU meal plan? Why or why not? If you do, what advice would you give to someone new to meal planning?

Blessings to you, homemaker, as you manage your home and take good care of the money God has blessed you with!

Photo Credit

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5 Fun Fall Activities for Preschoolers

One of "My Most Popular Posts" right now is "10 Fun Fall Crafts for Toddlers." That seems appropriate, yet all of images from that 2011 post have disappeared due to Pinterest's changes. Here's a 2013 update!

These activities are all FRUGAL, FUN, & KID-FRIENDLY. I hope you'll try a few out with your kiddos!



1. Fall Nature Canvas

We actually made this one in September, but we keep replenishing our leaves as the old ones shrivel up. You need a foam board, straight pins, a shirt or paint to cover your board, and leaves. The girls painted the board yellow (washable paint). Then, we went on a Nature Walk and gathered pretty leaves that they stuck on the board with pins. 

This craft is super simple but really adds a touch of Fall to the house! Plus, we used it as a learning opportunity and looked up our leaves in the tree guide. Now the girls know what trees are around our house.

2. Easy Popcorn Balls

I can't remember what prompted us to make popcorn balls (a book??), but when I found this super EASY recipe, we had to do it. The girls enjoyed melting the butter and marshmallow, and they REALLY loved adding sprinkles at the end. Our Fall popcorn balls look more like Christmas ones since they used green and red sprinkles, but they were FUN and DELICIOUS.

3. Crunchy Fall Leaf Pictures

Photo Credit

We haven't done this one since 2011 :) so I think we'll revisit it next week since the leaves here are getting pretty crunchy. These pictures also make lovely Fall decorations for your home. Plus, the girls love to see their handiwork on display. A word of advice: If you do this activity inside, put a baking sheet underneath the paper to catch all that leaf confetti. It makes a MESS! But the finished products are beautiful.

4. A Thankful Tree

Photo Credit

We have made a Thankful Tree for the past two years. Unfortunately, I can't find my pictures to share ours with you, but both most closely resembled Emily Rose's (pictured above). We gathered sticks and tree limbs from the yard and fit them into a 1/2 gallon glass milk jug. Then, I cut out paper leaves {here's a template} which we placed beside the Thankful Tree. 

During our morning devotionals, we would each share a blessing, and I would write it on a leaf {one per person} with the date and each girls' name on the back. The girls string the leaves with yarn, and I tie them to the tree. I keep the leaves so each year for beautiful memories. The girls look forward to adding leaves and it's a perfect opportunity to praise God for all His sweet gifts!

5. Finger-Painted Pumpkins

Photo Credit

Our girls are still too young to cut out pumpkins, but I really want them to participate in the decorating. My mom blessed us with three pumpkins -- one for each girl -- so we're going to have a go at this idea {thanks, Pinterest!}. 

Basically, you apply painter's tape to your pumpkin and use an X-acto knife to cut out the image you want. Then, your child finger paints to her hearts' content over the painter's tape (and anywhere else). Once the paint dries, you remove the tape to reveal your picture! I think the girls will love making their own pictures and getting to paint their pumpkins.

Those are just 5 simple Fall activities you can do with your little ones (and even your big kids). For more fun Fall ideas, check out my Fall Recipes, Fall Decor, & Fall Crafts for Kids boards on Pinterest.

Happy Fall, ya'll!

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Homemade Vanilla Extract--The Quick & Super Easy Version

Making vanilla extract is probably the easiest do-it-yourself project you can do. If you like to give bottles away at Christmas time, then this recipe is for you! That is, unless you're super-planner-woman who can make a huge batch of vanilla in plenty of time to let it set for 2 months before distributing it to family and friends.

Alas, I am not that woman, which I realized because I haven't made my own vanilla since 2011, the last time I used my vanilla extract recipe. 

Why? 

Because I detest waiting for the vanilla to infuse. I'm like a hungry toddler. Gimme gimme.

In my original recipe, the vanilla beans have to infuse for 8 whole weeks before you can use it. I can't wait 8 weeks!

This recipe from the May 2013 Southern Living is perfect for the impatient (or the last minute Christmas gift giver) because 7-14 days is all the time it takes to make your own vanilla extract.

Wanna know the trick?

You cook the vodka or bourbon, and pour it over the vanilla beans. Voila! Instant infusion! 

Here's the recipe, courtesy of Southern Living:

Ingredients

3 vanilla beans
3 cups bourbon or vodka


Directions

1. Split 1 vanilla bean and scrape seeds into a clean 1/2-pint jar. You can cut bean crosswise. Place in jar. Repeat with remaining beans and 2 (1/2-pint) jars.

2. Cook bourbon or vodka in a large saucepan over medium heat for 5 minutes. (Do not cook longer than 5 minutes or it can overheat and ignite.) Pour 1 cup bourbon or vodka into each jar. Cool mixture to room temperature (about 30 minutes).

3. Cover jars tightly, and let stand at room temperature 1-2 weeks before using. Shake jars once a day. The longer the mixture steeps, the better the flavor!

4. After 1-2 weeks, pour liquid through a fine wire-mesh strainer into clean bottles with tight-fitting lids; discard solids.) Store in a cool, dark place up to 1 year. 

Some Helpful Notes:

• You can double the recipe. That's why I ended up with 2 pint jars, which is 1 quart or 4 cups.
• You need to be very careful when cooking alcohol as vapors can ignite. I used a large saucepan to contain vapors. Be sure not to heat it longer than 5 minutes.
• For a pure vanilla flavor use vodka. I believe the bourbon version will be slightly darker and have a "different" flavor.

Making homemade vanilla extract is very easy. This recipe speeds up the process. I hope you will enjoy it! Happy baking!!

The final product: Two Pints of Pure 100% Vanilla Extract

What are your favorite uses for vanilla extract? Have you ever made your own?



Praying God's blessings on you,



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for when you want to escape

 
Yesterday, I read this quote with a smile. 

"Amen, sister!" I thought. 

But when I re-read it today, I got angry. No one would take a nap. The baby had been screaming all morning. The preschooler's antics were simply enervating. I'm tired. My husband had been working all weekend, and I felt like I hadn't had a moment to exhale.

Every ounce of my being was screaming, 

"But I need a break! I deserve some peace and quiet! My family is driving me crazy! When do I get some me time?!" 

And I'm throwing a big ol' pity party all by my lonesome. 

But Brenneman is right. 

In those moments when my sanity is hanging by a thread, running from my family anywhere else is simply not the answer. Instead, what I need to do is deny my self and run straight to the cross.

Wise women have told me that parenting is part of the sanctification process. Our children refine us by their actions (or inaction), words, and behavior. We discover our weaknesses while mothering our children. Honestly, despite my red hair, I never knew I had a temper until a toddler tested me.

 

When we're walking through the refining fires, it's tempting to want to escape. It's too hot. We hurt. We're exhausted. The weight of it all is too much for us. And it is if we try to do it on our own.  

We can't be the best mothers unless we seek God's help in the process. Our children refine us to His glory when we choose to run to God for help rather than escape the flames. 

Escape is not always the best answer.

That's not to say we don't all need some quiet time alone for introspection and reflection. I need it desperately. What I mean is that it's easy to throw in the towel, hand the baby to hubby, and announce your departure: "Good luck! I'm outta here!"

When I'm tired and overwhelmed by the weight of all that's heaped on my plate, that's when I need to run to Jesus for comfort.

Our families should be our joy. 
Our homes should be the only place we want to be.
Our lives should be spent honoring Christ as our first priority.

We should be sad inside when we're separated from our children or our husbands, not jumping up and down in glee that we have some time to ourselves.

Those are hard words to hear, I know, because they're hard for me to type. The world tells us children are a burden, that we "deserve" our time because it will make us happy, and we deserve happiness. Yet, my heart has always felt guilty for wanting time alone. Now I see why. God didn't want it this way. 

I haven't arrived as a Mom. I never will. Even today, I desperately wanted to cop out, but I didn't. 

Why? 

Because I feel a beautiful change in my heart that I can only explain as the Holy Spirit working in me. He is growing my love for my family and shrinking my love of me. It's a gradual, one-step-forward two-steps-back kind of dance, but as I cling to Him in the midst of rough days like today, I see the moments where He was moving: pulling me to Him when I wanted to run, making me smile when my kids acted silly, stirring up laughter just when we all were crumbling.

Instead of checking out when life becomes challenging, instead of complaining about the sparse time I have for myself, instead of demanding that I be happy, I'm learning-- day to day, with God's help-- to deny myself, cling to the cross, and look for moments of peace here in this place.  

In my home. 
Among my family. 
Surrounded by those I love most. 
With Christ in our midst.

This is where I'm supposed to be. 


What about you? Specifically for those of you who have found peace and joy being at home among your family rather than out in the world, how have you done it? What advice do you have for a young mom of little ones who craves a quiet space but also desperately wants to continue growing in love for her family?

May God continue to richly bless you!

Resources in this post:

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Related posts:
Battling Entitlement in Our Homes
When I Feel Like I Deserve _____________ 
What to do When You Feel Entitled : 5 Tips to Tackle Discontent


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Creating a Seasonal Table for Valentine's Day {Or, My Attempts to Grow as a Homemaker}

Photo Credit: libertygrace0

I want to grow in so many ways as a wife, a mom, and a child of God. One area in which I am always in need of "cultivation" is homemaking. It just doesn't come naturally to me. My mom could decorate an entire room in one trip to TJ Maxx and an hour's worth of work, but unfortunately, her decorating knack did not pass down to me.

However, I desperately want my house to be a home where we can grow together as a family, and I want our children to participate in it, too.

That's why this year I am introducing a "seasonal table" to our home.

What is a Seasonal Table?

Source: goldensunfamily.blogspot.com via Keri on Pinterest

For those of you, like me, who are unfamiliar with the seasonal table, it comes from Waldorf education principles, which encourage children to be lifelong learners through exploration and interaction in areas of interest. While I'm not a Waldorf fan for the most part, I do like this concept.

A seasonal table (or nature table) is whatever you want it to be. It can be very simply or elaborately decorated. But the contents of the table usually revolve around a particular season, holiday, time of year, or theme. It may be nature-based or not.

How to Create a Seasonal Table?

Source: seasonsnaturaltoys.blogspot.com via Keri on Pinterest

The first step in creating a seasonal table is finding a table and space accessible to your children. I chose a modest end table on loan from my mom. It's small but at the perfect height for young children. 

I have a small area in our living room that we are using to house our seasonal table. Limited space is no problem.

Then, simply gather materials you already have, find outside, or you buy at the store. How much or how little you spend is entirely up to you! 

How you arrange your seasonal table is also up to you. I have NO decorating skills whatsoever; however, the kids can't tell. They just love to see a space that is open for their little hands to play with and explore.

Take it down and start over again for each new holiday, season, or family event.

Our Valentine's Day Table

 

I have attempted the seasonal table before but never consistently. This year I aim to change that beginning with a table centered around Valentine's Day.

Because of so many illnesses in our family the past two weeks, I have not done the best job at finding as many "child-friendly" items as I'd have liked. However, the children are allowed to touch and play with any of the objects--even the breakable ones; however, they cannot take the items out of the room.

Beside the table is a basket filled with books relevant to the particular season, holiday, or theme. Here are our Valentine's Day books.

  
And on both sides of the table are chairs on which a child can sit and look at one of the books or play with items on the table.

It's all about the children's interaction. This heart-shaped glass bowl ($1 at the Dollar Tree) is filled with heart-shaped stickers. The girls can pick one out any time they do something kind or loving to another. 

 

The other knicknacks on the table afford little hands with opportunities to touch, take apart, explore, create, and imagine. My four-year-old has already asked if we can put a different picture in the Love frame and why the red heart-shaped box is empty. We will be doing something there for sure.

All of the decorations on our seasonal table are inexpensive: I bought the majority at the Dollar Tree and Goodwill, so if something does get broken, it's not a big deal. 

 

I'm not a decorator, nor do I claim to be one. But I am working on becoming a better homemaker because I want to build a home of love. A seasonal table is just one way to do that.

How do you instill the seasons, holidays, or other themes into your home throughout the year? 

Have you ever attempted a seasonal table?
 
I would LOVE to hear your ideas! I may just include them in a future post!

{For more seasonal table ideas, follow me on Pinterest!}


Blessings to you as you grow in God's glory,

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