Helpful Hints for Happy Homemaking

My latest article on Inside Out Magazine's website:

In case you haven’t noticed, I tend to write articles based on what experiences I am passing through, lessons being learned, etc.  Lately though, I’ll admit, I haven’t had very much inspiration in the writing department because my experiences all revolve around the very ordinary: keeping house, caring for a baby, cooking, grocery shopping, and all things domestic. 

The other day, however, it dawned on me that maybe I should write about just that: my ordinary homemaking days and what I have learned from them.  After all, I imagine that some of you readers out there are stay-at-home wives and mommies just like me, some of you aspire to be homemakers, and pretty much all of us live in some kind of home environment whether alone or with housemates.  So, perhaps what I am learning as a fairly new “keeper of the home” would be helpful to pass on...

Thus, without further ado, I bring you my personal list of helpful homemaking advice! :)

Click here to read the rest of the article!

Reflections of a New Mother

Last month, I wrote an article for Inside Out Magazine entitled Reflections of a New Mother.  It has now been posted to their website in two parts.  If you are interested in reading it, click here and here.

Another Advertisement!

Bright Lights conferences are once again coming to Texas - this time in two locations!  If you are a young lady desiring to honor God with your life, these conferences would be a wonderful encouragement in your journey!  They will be taking place in both the Dallas and Houston areas.  Click here for full details.

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Two upcoming events I'm spreading the word about!

Academy 31 is a unique, two-week summer camp for young ladies.  Lots of great info to be found on their website, if you're interested!  Early bird registration ends May 31, and space is limited.  There are also internship staff positions available for girls 18 and older.  Applications for these positions must be submitted by May 15th.  If you are a young lady looking for a worthwhile opportunity for learning and spiritual growth this summer, I highly recommend you check out Academy 31!

A trip to Israel exclusively for home schoolers!

My husband has long desired to visit Israel, and now the opportunity has come his way!  From December 9-19, Nathan will be accompanying Dr. Randy White, his former pastor at First Baptist Church of Katy, Texas, on the trip of a lifetime, and all you home schooling families are invited to join them!

  Dr. White has made annual trips to the Holy Land for nearly a decade now, making him an experienced guide and teacher with a true passion for this nation, its culture, its sights, and its Biblical significance.  If you've ever wanted to tour Israel and see the Bible come alive, this is one opportunity you won't want to miss!

Information pertaining to the trip can be found here and here (this part being written by Israelis, so pardon all the grammar errors!).  As you'll see, it is expensive, which is why I am advertising now so you can start saving!  (Remember, garage sales, bake sales, babysitting, etc. are all great ways to earn money on the side!)  And if four or more people from one family go, the price is reduced!

So think about it, pray about it, and see if this trip might be something your family would be interested in.

A Tribute to Edith Schaeffer

My husband shared this article with me the other day, and I thought it appropriate to pass on after posting about the Schaeffer's ministry this week.  It is a beautiful tribute to Edith Schaeffer's influence on one homemaker (that many more, like me, could also attest to!) in the wake of her recent death on March 30 at the age of 98.  If you have never read her book, The Hidden Art of Homemaking, I highly recommend it!

Lamplighter Sale!

Dear Readers,

I just wanted to get the word out that Lamplighter Publishing is running an amazing sale right now on their audio drama books as well as eBooks.  Until Sunday night, February 24, you can purchase 7 audio books for $7!  These sets normally sell for $180-$200!

For those who may not be familiar with Lamplighter Publishing, they publish Christian books for children and families that were originally written in the 1700s, 1800s, and early 1900s that are full of character-building lessons and Godly morals.  I own a number of their books in my personal library and really appreciate the quality of the stories!  This morning, however, was my first time to hear a sample of their dramatized audio books.  I was quite impressed!  I am looking forward to listening to them all during upcoming nursing sessions with a new baby. :)  They will also be quite enjoyable for long car trips and keeping busy children occupied profitably in the future.

Check out the sale here!

Reminded...Inspired

When I read Ann Voskamp's blog post for today, I knew I had to share it.  It both reminded me of the importance of keeping an eternal perspective in the midst of North American life and inspired me to think beyond my comfortable little world.  I've read the book she references, the life of Katie Davis serving in Uganda.  I've read the stories of Ann's travels to visit her Compassion-sponsored children.  I've even walked some similar roads myself in poor countries caring for the destitute and down and out.  Yet, how easy it is for me now, in this new chapter of my life to forget.  To get complacent.  To lose sight of what it means to be a missionary...even living in this desperate, North-American mission field of Taos.  I am grateful for the reminder...and the inspiration.

Click here to read the post.

Guarding God's Name

Click here to read my latest article for Inside-Out Magazine.  It is entitled "Guarding God's Name" and speaks to an issue that is close to my heart.

Reflections from a Newlywed

Here is a little something I wrote for the Inside Out Blog regarding some of the things I have been thinking about as a newlywed. :)  I hope it is an encouragement especially to you single girls!

Attention Young Ladies!

It has recently been made known to me that there are a number of outstanding events for young ladies coming up this summer here in Texas!  They look like wonderful opportunities for receiving Godly encouragement and practical training in so many areas of life.  If you are a young woman, please consider looking into how you might participate in one of these events.

For starters, in the month of July, there will be two conferences held back-to-back in Carrollton, Texas (Dallas area) hosted by the Mally family and their Bright Lights ministry team.  Back when I was involved with Maiden's Quest retreats, Sarah Mally, the founder of Bright Lights, was a huge help to me with wise advice, great ideas, and practical resources for putting on a retreat/conference like MQ.  We actually borrowed from the model of the Bright Lights conferences when planning our own.   They are full of great teachings, hilarious skits, beautiful music, and Godly role models.  

Here is detailed information you need to know:

Strong in the Lord Conference 

Age: 8-14

Topics:

• How to be Strong for the Lord in Your Youth

• Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends

• How to Turn Your Heart to Your Parents

• How to Be a Bright Light in the World

• Keeping Yourself Pure from Polluting Influences

• Seeking the Lord with All of Your Heart

• Developing a Disciplined Walk with God

Includes insightful testimonies by godly young ladies, humorous skits, a chalk talk, harp music, singing, small group times with sharing and interaction, hands-on activities, and practical teaching that will challenge and prepare young ladies to remain strong for the Lord through their teen years.

Parents are encouraged to attend the conference in order to hear what their daughters are learning and reinforce it at home. While the girls are meeting in small groups, sessions will be offered for fathers and mothers. Sessions will cover topics such as the importance of protecting your children, how fathers can set a godly pace for their family, how to win the hearts of your daughters, and building strong mother/daughter relationships.

Carrollton, Texas Conference Information:

Schedule: Tuesday evening from 6:00 - 9:00 PM; Wednesday from 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Dates: July 24^th-25^th, 2012

Location: Northside Baptist Church

2000 N. Denton Drive, Carrollton, TX 75006

Cost:

Early Bird Registration (before May 26^th): $10 per girl / $5 per parent

Regular Registration $15 per girl / $10 per parent

Late Registration (after July 10^th): $18 per girl / $12 per parent

To Register :

To register online, click here.

Visit the Bright Lights Website to learn more about the conferences.

For questions, feel free to e-mail the Bright Lights staff at conference@brightlightsministry.com  

Radiant Purity Conference

Age: 12-22+

Topics:

• Waiting for God’s Very Best

• Giving Your Heart to Your Parents

• Avoiding the Dangers of the World’s Thinking

• How to Delight in Jesus, Our Heavenly Prince

• Using Your Years of Singleness for God

• What the Lord Says About Modesty

• How to Guard Your Heart When You Have a Crush

• Living for God’s Purposes

• Being Wise in Internet Usage

A young lady who is pure shines with a radiant brightness in this world of darkness. How can a young lady stay physically and emotionally pure as she waits for God’s best in marriage? How can parents protect and guide? Creatively presented through stories and testimonies, practical instruction, skits, and real-life examples, this conference gives Biblical answers to everyday questions and deep life struggles. The material is discreet and appropriate for twelve year olds, yet relevant to all ages. Includes testimonies from young ladies who serve as Bright Lights staff, chalk drawings, and harp music.

                         

Click here to see a 2 minute video clip of Sarah Mally teaching at a Radiant Purity Conference in 2009.

                                                                                             

Fathers & Mothers are encouraged to attend. Parents' sessions will include: Every Mother's Example, 40 Ways to Protect the Hearts of Your Daughters, and Talking to Young Men who Express Interest in Your Daughters.

Carrollton, Texas Conference Information:

Schedule: Friday evening from 6:00 - 9:00 PM; Saturday from 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Dates: July 27^th-28^th, 2012

Location: Northside Baptist Church

2000 N. Denton Drive, Carrollton, TX 75006

Cost:

Early Bird Registration (before May 26^th): $10 per girl / $5 per parent

Regular Registration $15 per girl / $10 per parent

Late Registration (after July 10^th): $18 per girl / $12 per parent

  

To Register :

To register online, click here.

Visit the Bright Lights Website to learn more about the conferences.

For questions, feel free to e-mail the Bright Lights staff at conference@brightlightsministry.com  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On a completely different note, it gives me great pleasure to introduce to you a new ministry that is launching this summer called Academy 31!

From the looks of it, Academy 31 seems like a two-week Maiden's Quest experience - only run by different leaders and located on a lovely farm in central Texas!  This unique summer camp experience for young ladies who are in high school or beyond promises to provide in-depth Bible study, practical skill building, and the fun of life on a farm.  I know a couple of the leaders involved with Academy 31 as well as the host family and can, therefore, highly recommend signing up for this one-of-a-kind camp!  

The dates are August 12-24 and they are only accepting 18 girls, so time is of the essence if you want to participate in Academy 31!  Please check out their BEAUTIFUL website and learn more about this wonderful new ministry!

Evaluating A Suitor

I recently wrote an article for the Inside-Out Girl blog that got posted yesterday. It seems a fitting follow-up to the letter Nathan shared, so here is the link for your enjoyment and hopefully, your encouragement too!

Remembering

With all the busy excitement of this new season of life in which I find myself, my time has been filled lately in ways that don't leave much room for leisure reading; especially the reading of blogs.

Today, however, I was able to make the rounds to a few favorite reading spots on the world wide web as I sought to catch up on the news that is taking place in the lives of dear brothers and sisters in Christ; some whom I have met and some whom I have not, yet I feel as though I know them all thanks to the window into their lives that their blogs provide. As I have made these rounds this morning, I am reminded that the world is much bigger than my little corner here in Houston, TX, and that God is working in many wonderful ways beyond my own precious love story that is being written.

I was so blessed to read the January posts on Kisses from Katie that I wanted to take a few minutes and share the link here as well. Katie Davis is one of those whom I have never met...and yet I feel as though I know her. I can't remember when I started reading her blog; ages ago it seems. And then when the book chronicling her stories and lessons from God in Uganda was released this past fall, I eagerly purchased it on my Kindle while in far-away Bolivia. I wish I could tell you just how much her words encouraged, challenged, convicted, and blessed me, but I am not sure it is possible to explain. In Katie, I discovered a true "kindred spirit," who truly loves Jesus and has asked Him to teach her how to love the unlovely in His Name. The works He is doing through her in Africa as she mothers more than a dozen girls, nurses the sick, cares for the outcast, and tells them all about the only Savior who can redeem their souls is truly amazing.

So if you have a chance this morning, take a few minutes to read her blog and be reminded with me of the greatness of our God who is at work all over the globe drawing people to Himself and teaching us more of Him. Let us remember, too, how deeply He cares for the "least of these" who share our world.

To Live In A Rainbow

I love rainbows. And rainbow-colored things. Always have. When I was a little girl, I used to draw pictures of rainbows all the time. When my mom asked me what we should name our homeschool, I naturally piped up, "Rainbow Academy." And it stuck. (Until high school graduation, that is, when I needed a slightly more dignified sounding name to go on my diploma!)

Tonight, as I was doing some blog reading, I followed a link from Ann Voskamp's blog to this one. Now I have an idea of what it must be like to live in a rainbow. The pictures made me smile. I really like this lady's decorating touch; her bright colors, homey style, and vintage accessories. I'll admit I'm not too crazy about all the clusters of wall hangings that seem to adorn every wall in the house. Seems a little too busy and border-line cluttered for my taste. But life in a rainbow...now that's something I could go for.

Enjoy the home tour and be inspired!

An Update from the Days

My sister and brother-in-law and adorable niece, Melissa, recently returned to the United States for a furlough visit after two years in Ukraine. They are currently stationed in Colorado spending time with Nathan's family (although Katelin happens to be with my family in Houston at the moment due to a surprise birthday celebration she traveled in for). She recently posted pictures of their travels to America and time there so far. I had a wonderful time viewing them and thought you would too! Of course, Melissa is the star of the show. :) Check out her album here!

Learning to Be a Lion Chaser

I had a wonderful time writing my November article for the InsideOut Girl's blog as it helped me define in black and white some of the things God has been doing in my heart and life as a result of reading a life-impacting book. You can read Part 1 here and Part 2 here. Hope it's a blessing!

Deeply Moved

How can you read this and not be moved? Deeply, profoundly, unequivocally moved?

Oh God, give us more compassion!

A Way with Words

Ann Voskamp never ceases to amaze me with her unique ability to craft words so beautifully...so artistically...so captivatingly. Today, I clicked on her blog to read the latest of real grace and discovered that she is currently in Ecuador again, this time with her husband. This post is a true testimony to the goodness of God; He who knows us so intimately and cares for us even more than the sparrows He watches with a tender eye. Please read it. You'll be blessed as you mediate on the Lord who cares. So. Very. Much.

A Must-Watch. Period.

A compelling documentary about the Holocaust, Abortion, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and what they all have to do with each other.

(To pause the background music, scroll to the bottom of the page.)

Another Post on Motherhood

Today, this gem was discovered on the YLCF; again another post on motherhood to which I could relate in many ways. Just plain, honest thoughts about the ups and downs, the trials and joys, the hopes and dreams connected with one's children. If you're a mom or you work with little ones, I highly encourage reading it!

Touched and Teary-Eyed

As I sit here in the La Paz airport on my way back to Cochabamba after a special week in Peru, I am enjoying the free Wi-Fi and the opportunity to catch up on some of my internet blog reading. As I visited Ann Voskamp's page today, this post brought tears to my eyes and struck a chord in my heart. So often we don't realize how the seemingly "little" gestures of life make an eternal difference...