The Pile of Sticks home was blessed for five short days to have four generations living under its roof. The rooms were filled with love and over-zealous personalities. Joe and I became caregivers to his mother- Great G’Ma- due to declining health; in addition, our son and his family moved back from prior stationing until they find a home of their own.
Every day was and is brimming with a new adventure: Great G’Ma brought wisdom to the table while our grandchildren keep us entertained. Past and present tenses are being used interchangeably, for G’Ma is now eternally resting and free from pain.
The “Waltons” scenario only lasted a week, but what an experience! The timing was bittersweet. I will forever hold on to the precious memories that were made- how each person saw the need to chip in and to make the current accommodations run smoothly.
A “Precious Memory” will forever be instilled of G’Ma holding the (five and half weeks old) baby. G’Mas face gleamed with her serene smile.
I read couple of pages from one book and then pick another book to read.
These books have similar themes: finance, homemaking, thrifting, problem solving advice, children, cooking, decorating, “being a lady,” etc. I could spend hours reading nonfiction that encourages me in my faith and being the family’s matriarch. Some themes apply to today’s living while others discuss older generations.
I have added a new author to my collection. Sharon White and I share many commonalities of “old fashion homemaking” such as wearing dresses, cooking, budgeting, reading material, homemade gifts, parenting, simple decorating in the home, etc. She also has a blog, https://thelegacyofhomepress.blogspot.com. Her platform is serving the Lord with a humble and sincere heart.
I am fascinated by her outlook on homemaking: all things are done for God’s glorification. Mrs. White emphasizes that homemaking is the heart of the home. Her thoughts as a homemaker is just that- staying home, maintaining a peaceful environment and supporting her family’s needs by living on a meek budget. I admire Mrs. White’s stance on mothers remaining at home. If only it was this simple for many mothers—
My current readings are from the book of Psalms and Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss. This Bible study was created by Mrs. White and has pinned a personal connection between the main character, Katherine, and me. Prentiss wrote Stepping Heavenward from Katherine’s perspective as she journals her Christian walk over a course of several years. Like many of us, Katherine struggles with her faith and conforming to worldly views.
The Bible study consists of several readings per day: two chapters from the Bible (Psalms and Proverbs in sequence), three entries from Stepping Heavenward, journaling own learnings, listening to appropriate music and being present in daily prayer. White offers a downloadable guide on her website. The guide details White’s purpose in reading the specified chapters and entries for the 90 day study. I am on day seven and have formed a kindred relationship with the fictional Katherine. The chapters speak to my heart, and I am grateful for that small voice that roused my yearning for Godly reading.
This post is splintered in thought but my thinking was to write a personal note on the new found writer Sharon White.
Please comment on your favorite authors and their titles. I am always in the market for Christian fiction or homemaking nonfiction.
My motto is clearly stated in the title. I can never have too many books. May you find comfort in a good book or study as I have.
Hope everyone had a safe and industrious or restful Memorial Day.
How was the day spent: cookout at home? going to the lake? gathering with family and friends? fireworks?
Were patriotic decorations scattered about the setting(s)? Was the serving ware displaying the American flag?
At any time, was a moment of silence given to those who gave all?
Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades.
No pictures or words can describe this holiday as best as observed in the following images. My simple words of “THANK YOU!” to the fallen heroes and their families will never be able to fully express my deep gratitude for the sacrifice given for my freedom. I have never faced first hand what this day stands for even though I had several generations of uncles and cousins who served in wars. Remember my son and his family as he is serving our country.
The lyrics are eloquently written from a fallen soldier’s perspective.
I never thought that this is where I’d settle down, I thought I’d die an old man back in my hometown, They gave me this plot of land, me and some other men, for a job well done, There’s a big white house sits on a hill just up the road, The man inside he cried the day they brought me home, They folded up a flag and told my mom and dad, “We’re proud of your son.”
And I’m proud to be on this peaceful piece of property, I’m on sacred ground and I’m in the best of company, I’m thankful for those thankful for the things I’ve done, I can rest in peace, I’m one of the chosen ones, I made it to Arlington
I remember daddy brought me here when I was eight, We searched all day to find out where my granddad lay, And when we finally found that cross, He said, “Son, this is what it cost to keep us free.” Now here I am, A thousand stones away from him, He recognized me on the first day I came in, And it gave me a chill when he clicked his heels, and saluted me.
And I’m proud to be on this peaceful piece of property, I’m on sacred ground and I’m in the best of company, I’m thankful for those thankful for the things I’ve done, I can rest in peace, I’m one of the chosen ones, I made it to Arlington
And every time I hear twenty-one guns, I know they brought another hero home to us
We’re thankful for those thankful for the things we’ve done, We can rest in peace, ’cause we are the chosen ones, We made it to Arlington, yeah dust to dust, Don’t cry for us, we made it to Arlington
I have been touched by this song and its allegory. May you find comfort in the verse and lyrics as I have.
Jeremiah 12:9, “Mine heritage is unto me as a speckled bird, the birds round about are against her; come ye, assemble all the beasts of the field, come to devour.”
1.What a beautiful thought I am thinking Concerning a great speckled bird Remember her name is recorded On the pages of God’s Holy Word.
2. All the other birds are flocking ’round her And she is despised by the squad But the great speckled bird in the Bible Is one with the great church of God.
3. All the other churches are against her They envy her glory and fame They hate her because she is chosen And has not denied Jesus’ name.
4. Desiring to lower her standard They watch every move that she makes They long to find fault with her teachings But really they find no mistake.
5. She is spreading her wings for a journey She’s going to leave by and by When the trumpet shall sound in the morning She’ll rise and go up in the sky.
6. In the presence of all her despisers With a song never uttered before She will rise and be gone in a moment Till the great tribulation is o’er.
7. I am glad I have learned of her meekness I am proud that my name is on her book For I want to be one never fearing The face of my Savior to look.
8. When He cometh descending from heaven On the cloud that He writes in His Word I’ll be joyfully carried to meet Him
A clean table cloth displaying a centerpiece created with Blue Willow serviceware invites you to my table. Homemade placemats rest for six settings. Folded cloth napkins tenderly await for the appropriate time.
Our table greets you as a welcomed guest as you will be served with the finest daily ware from one or mix of Correlle, Blue Willow, Memory Lane or Currier and Ives. Mismatched silver eating utensils and a Mason jar will gracefully surround the place setting according to proper etiquette.
A simple prayer will be given before partaking of the meal and conversing over the day’s events. Cell phones and elbows are not permitted during the meal.
The meal arrays from soup and sandwiches to a full course of home-cooked necessitating the use of assorted dish wares. A coffee cup and saucer are furnished upon request.
The table does not keep time. Its provisions of comfort and reassurance replenishes to all that receives.
The table openly invites you for peaceful nourishment.
May you be blessed with the following as I have been looking forward to “Suppertime.”https://youtu.be/XpII12_QXsc
In memory- until I sit down with you again at the table.
Meriam- Webster defines a mother several ways: “noun: maternal tenderness or affection; adjective: acting as or providing parental stock; verb: to care for or protect like a mother.”
“Mother” is an honorable name and is given even if she is not biological. She can be the mentor, caregiver, neighbor, relative, teacher, church or group member, friend, nurse, etc. A mother protects, counsels, loves, and provides unconditionally whether she is married, single, widowed, divorced, employed at home or works outside of the home.
Happy Mother’s Day to all who have made a difference in one’s life.
My favorite genre is historical fiction. I prefer books containing clean plots that unfold as the characters’ beliefs and values are put to the test. My convictions are relatable to the characters and their circumstances. I maintain a Godly mindset with Christian fiction.
I read my mother’s book, When Calls the Heart, when I was in middle school. The background inspired me; however, I did not read any other books by Oke until I was in high school. I came across “Seasons of the Heart” series in a Christian bookstore while attending a youth rally with my church. I stood in the aisle engrossed in the pages of the series first book. I purchased Once Upon a Summer on that trip, and the rest of the series soon followed. Overtime I have added Oke’s books to my precious collection.
Once Upon a Summer is missing.
Many are familiar with Janette Oke. Her book series, When Calls the Heart and Love ComesSoftly, have been made into movies.
Many of my books have been put into storage boxes to make room for the children’s books. These are the only series that are kept in the Hoosier hutch.
Oke’s autobiography also sits on the shelf. Oke has written several books with her daughter, Laurel Oke Logan, and T. Davis Bunn.
Most of the collection is paperback and yellowed with age, yet they still possess the wholesome message to place all our cares on God.
If I could attend a book signing, it would be to meet Janette Oke and thank her for writing books that encouraged my reading habits.
May you find an author that instills a love for reading and enduring lifestyle as I have.
Homemaking: noun- the establishment or management of a home; duties of a homemaker; adjective- of or relating to the management of a home (dictionary.com)
Bible journal- January 7, 2021
I struggled with this year’s word. I wanted it to be meaningful and reflective. 2020’s word was acceptance. I had to “accept” the current status of my well-being. It took months before I was WILLING to let go of the fact that I was no longer employed, financial independent, and free to do as I pleased. After it was determined that I was medically disabled, I had to assent to the fact I no longer could live the life I once enjoyed. When I write, “once enjoyed”, I am referring to the ability to soak up the outdoors, eat what I want, clean anything and everything, and interact with the public while being mask free.
I went from being an educator to being a homemaker. My employer is now my home. I researched the meaning of “make” and all of its affixes. I wrote the findings in my personal Bible journal. I prayed for guidance and wisdom as to what will be my focus this year, especially after the previous year’s initial response to the pandemic and medical diagnosis.
A simple conclusion commenced. If I am to be homebound and a homemaker, then I need to understand what these entail. My learnings represent my interpretations of a HOMEMAKER: a doer who acts upon.
This post is not as in-depth. The purpose is to give an synopsis of my reasonings of the blog’s title. The above image displays my personal study of His word and answer to my struggle.
I am at peace with my situation and honored to be a homemaker: “Homemaking in This Season of Life.”
Initial logo
May you find peace in your current season of life as I have mine- homemaking.
The sun peeking through the windows to light the darkened living room.
As I was putting away the Easter decorations, I went a step further and decided to remove all the familiar decor. I wanted the living room and kitchen area to be empty of any miscellaneous items. The open concept area looked clean- visually clean. The customary furniture sat free of any items. With the sun’s illumination, the living area was bright and cheerful on the honey pine walls and brown, wooden furniture. I was impressed by the overall luminosity of the open layout.
Ingredients rest in the corner awaiting to be mixed for double chocolate brownies.
Despite being in seasonal containers, I was unable to rationally declutter the multitude of unwanted (not needed) items. Therefore, the kids and I packed the van, and I drove to my sister’s home to clutter her garage with my overload of anxieties- containers. She and her husband have been gracious to store the boxes until I am ready to finalize a “YES!” or “NO!” on each individual item.
Small touches add to our home’s Spring fever.
Those items became too much for me to decide upon an immediate “yes” or “no” answer. At this moment, I am thinking “NO!” to all of it. But then my brain goes into memory mode and plays all the little scenes of how the children enjoyed certain seasonal pieces. With my sister’s assistance, I should be able to decide what my home needs.
My cup runs over with the delicate simplicity.
As to the current state of my home, I am slowly adding a few- I truly mean FEW- items to the deserted furniture. Even with the small quantity, the three areas continue to appeal to my clean state of mind.
Our newest addition- the sunroom- is in the holding phase at this moment.
My home is my haven. My home is loved. My home has welcomed four children and numerous guests. My home has been blessed with upgrades over the last 25 years.
***Lighting comes from the sun’s provision except in the trinket closet that houses our memorabilia. Goal was to accentuate the natural appearance in the home.***
May you find enjoyment in this year’s Spring cleaning as I have in mine.
thepileofstickshome 