The Simple Woman's Daybook {July & August Editions}

For Today

Looking out my window... at this beauty. It is over now, my Mockorange...come and gone, but it's scent lingers in my soul still.

But, most mornings...my view is with my son as we work through math and phonics practice.

I am thinking... how nice it is to still get a work-out, even when the weather is too hot or too rainy.

I am thankful... for good health.

One of my favorite things... corn on the cob.

I am wearing... a comfy, blue sleeveless t-shirt dress and my feet are bare.

I am creating... new papercut journey pages every now and then as the mood strikes.

I am watching... and loving Season 2 of Yellowstone.

I am reading... this pile of goodies from the new shelf at the library.

I am listening to... this on "buttercup" below, my Amazon Fire. My summer playlist is growing daily and yes, I dig deep.  Here is another one for good measure.

I am hoping... to get a bit of time to put thread to needle soon.

I am learning... over and over...how time gets away from you. Some days I really miss the little man below, even though he is now 16. Time does not wait.

In the garden... things are growing well with the hot and humid days of summer.

In the kitchen... rather on the screened-in porch where you will find me most days...delicious lunches.

Board Room

 from my Pinterest board "the not so simple woman"

 full credit for this pin not given

Shared Quote

"You learn a lot about people when you listen to the songs that mean something to them"
-unknown

A moment from my day... my daughter bought this sweet vase for me and I recently planted an ivy in it...I thought she needed a little hair.

Post Script

If you enjoyed reading my daybook and would like to create one of your own, HERE is the link to the format, guidelines and complete list of prompts. 

The September Community Edition will be posted September 2nd

Please Note:
If you want to be notified by email of each monthly daybook edition, as well as all other posts you can "subscribe" using the box on the sidebar. 

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The Simple Woman's Daybook {June Edition}

For Today

Looking out my window... chilly start to the week

I am thinking... that 60 feels so good on me and I am blessed to have reached this milestone.

 

I am thankful... for safety during our lake retreat. Always good to go and always good to return home.

One of my favorite things... country roads...love a country road!

I am wearing... long yoga pants and simple workout tee. I am hoping that my time on the treadmill this morning will warm me up a bit. It 51 degrees, this third day of June

I am creating... a loose plan for summer days since school will be out this week

I am watching... FBI

I am reading... 

~Return to the Sea ~ 

Reflections on Anne Morrow Lindbergh's Gift from the Sea

Anne M. Johnson

(see quote below)

I am listening to... more of...yep, country music. Just me for sure.

I am hoping... to get my new Kindle Fire up and running this week. A gift from my dolly girl and she bought it in buttercup yellow which will brighten my day each time I use it

I am learning... and re-learning how fast time flies. It is hard to believe this little guy in my arms  (my baby and youngest of six) will turn 16 this month 

In the garden... everything is now planted and peeking through the ground...right on time as all the many years of growing before and it looks like will be for many years to come. We are staying put...this is home

In the kitchen... getting ready for fresh strawberries

Board Room



 from my Pinterest board "make love"

 full credit for this pin here

Shared Quote

"Like the oyster shell, each of us is unique but not rare. None of us knows a life without struggles, without hardships, disappointments, even devastation. None of us makes it to adulthood without experiencing some event or set of circumstances that breaks our heart, or chips away at our self-esteem and inner confidence. Like the oyster shell, we each have

fought to have that place on the rock to which it has fitted itself perfectly and to which it clings tenaciously"

(from book mentioned above)

A moment from my day... a new papercut journey page. Creating these pages are such a release of emotion and thought. I make them for me, but share them with you :-)

Post Script

If you enjoyed reading my daybook and would like to create one of your own, HERE is the link to the format, guidelines and complete list of prompts. 

The July Community Edition will be posted July 1st

Please Note:
If you want to be notified by email of each monthly daybook edition, as well as all other posts you can "subscribe" using the box on the sidebar. 

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The Simple Woman's Daybook {May Edition}

For Today

Looking out my window... just listening tonight as one of those sweet spring-like storms roll through. It is late, the house quiet all but a gentle roll of thunder now and again, a splash of lightening shines in the skylight. Thoughts roll through my mind as thunder, loud and then becoming far off and silent.

I am thinking... and reflecting on the last decade and contemplating turning another round of numbers. A certain pause and a special remembering of what was and what is yet to come.

I am thankful... for the blessings that adult children bring to one's life.

One of my favorite things... is when I work on my papercut journey pages...a release of emotion and story. If you want to see more you are welcome to visit my @papercutjourney instagram feed.

I am wearing... a pair of 3 color-block leggings (black, gray and white), soft gray short-sleeve tee and my favorite black Skechers

I am creating... a packing list for my lake retreat. Twice a year (spring and fall) my daughters who are my very best of friends and I make the 2 hour trek across the mountains and become tucked away in our lake cabin for a week.

I am watching... Season 11 of Heartland...I own all of the seasons, it is that good!

I am reading... A Walk On The Beach ~ Tales of Wisdom from an Unconventional Woman by Joan Anderson

I am listening to... the newest cd I just picked up by Cody Johnson -Ain't Nothin' To It...most definitely will have this one on hard replay during my road trip, cause I am in song love and it fills my country girl heart to the brim.

I am hoping... that our decision to sell and move becomes a firm and clear 100% go! About 10% of unsure looms, but is losing ground fast. Down-sizing will feel good and having a smaller home will be less work for my husband, but the bittersweet of living here for 34 years, raising and homeschooling six children on this land...well, that just might hurt for a bit.

I am learning... that seasons of writing and sharing come and go. Just as much as I longed to return here to my blog more often, my need to not be has over-shadowed that longing. With getting a home ready for sale, warmer weather, yard and garden work and school closing for summer vacation in a month, life will require much more of my attention. 

However, I am thinking of posting a second daybook to stay in contact with you mid- month. The first Monday with the community link-up and then an extra one from me around the third week-ish without the link-up. If you are subscribed you will receive it once it posts. 

In the garden... red beets, asparagus and spring onions are making their way up. See my garden gate down there with a star. A lot of steps are made through that gate each growing season.

In the kitchen... a frig full of fruit at the moment. Oranges, blueberries, grapes and a pineapple and cantaloupe I just cleaned and cut up.

Board Room


 from my Pinterest board "in her aloneness"

 full credit for this pin here

Shared Quote

"The transitions of life's second half offer a special kind of opportunity to break with the social conditioning and do something really new and different." Bring it!

A moment from my day... going through my oils and ordering a few new ones

Post Script

If you enjoyed reading my daybook and would like to create one of your own, HERE is the link to the format, guidelines and complete list of prompts. 

The June Community Edition will be posted June 3rd
(I may post one mid-month)

Please Note:
If you want to be notified by email of each monthly daybook edition, as well as all other posts you can "subscribe" using the box on the sidebar. 

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For The Love of a Clothesline

I have been around clotheslines all of my life by women who used them. Today, after 37 years of marriage and six children later, I am still without a dryer because of choice. There is something so special within the act of laundry hanging. It allows you to slow down, taking each piece in hand and snapping it with a wooden clothespin to the line. It gives you time to pray, sort your thoughts, enjoy nature and be touched by a bit of sunshine.

 Then the bringing in of that clean, breeze-blown basket of goodness is your reward and if you are doing sheets and bedding, well, that freshly made bed is just pure joy!

I had this poem in my notebook and thought I would share it since a number of us are on the precipice of Spring and all the loveliness it brings, hanging laundry being one. 

~*~

The Clothes Line

by Marilyn K. Walker

A clothes line was a news forecast,

to neighbors passing by.

There were no secrets you could keep,

when clothes were hung to dry.

It also was a friendly link,

for neighbors always knew,

If company had stopped on by,

to spend a night or two.

For then you'd see the fancy sheets

and towels upon the line;

You'd see the company tablecloths,

with intricate design.

The line announced a baby's birth,

to folks who lived inside,

As brand new infant clothes,

were hung so carefully with pride.

The ages of the children,

could so readily be known

By watching how the sizes changed,

you'd know how much they'd grown.

It also told when illness struck,

as extra sheets were hung;

Then night-clothes, and a bathrobe too,

haphazardly were strung.

It said "Gone on vacation now",

when lines hung limp and bare.

It told "We're back!" when full lines sagged,

with not an inch to spare.

New folks in town were scorned upon,

if washing was dingy grey,

As neighbors raised their brows,

and looked disgustedly away.

But clotheslines now are of the past,

for dryers make work less,

Now what goes on inside a home,

is anybodies guess.

I really miss that way of life;

it was a friendly sign,

When neighbors knew each other best,

by what was on the line.

A Prayer for Womanhood

A Prayer for Womanhood

God, give each true good woman

Her own small house to keep

No heart should ache with longing

No hurt should go too deep

Grant her age-old desire

A house to love and sweep

Give her a man beside her

A kind man, and a true

And let them work together

And love, a lifetime through

And let her mother children

As gentle women do

Give her a shelf for dishes

And a shining box for bread

A white cloth for her table

And a white spread for her bed

A shaded lamp at nightfall

And a row of books much read

God, let her work with laughter

And let her rest with sleep

No life can truly offer

A peace more sure and deep

God, give each true woman

Her own small house to keep

~Grace Noll Crowell

The Desk Series: Books (part 3)

The Desk Series :: My Meeting Place 

Books  - Part 6

Continuing with part 6 in this series, I want to share a few more titles with you that have made a difference in my life. 

You can find  parts 1-5 of The Desk Series listed on the sidebar.

The first book for this third post in the area of books is of course, Fervent: A Woman's Battle Plan for Serious, Specific, and Strategic Prayer by Priscilla Shirer! I could go on and on about Priscillia and the wonderment of her gift in ministry. She is on fire for Jesus...we need more to step out with that kind of fire today! I will have more to post on her work once we move to studies.

The book, Fervent was inspired by the movie, War Room. That movie was a game changer for women and prayer "closets" began springing up in a lot of homes because of it.  If you need a reminder of it's inspiration or you have never watched it for yourself...here is a clip. I found it a fantastic movie which reminds me I want to get my copy out and watch it again. 

The book is broken down into strategies using precise topics in which to pray. If you want to build your prayer life and need a bit of help, do read and study this book. I am sending along the little videos that go along with each strategy and they are free! You can begin here with week 1 and conclude with the 11th week being her final thoughts. They are awesome and go along with personal study so well. Enjoy!

*~*~*~*

The second book for this post is The Divine Mentor: Growing your Faith as You Sit at the Feet of the Savior by Wayne Cordeiro. I like this book because the author reminds us of mentors in the Bible. 

Also, he guides us to and through commitment and devotion in order to put time aside for study and the importance of getting in the Word and staying in the Word. One chapter reminds us how important 5 things are; Bible, pen, journal, Bible-reading plan and a daily planner. I would agree since this entire desk series is devoted to items I have found to enhance my quiet time.

Once you reach the second half he goes into depth to teach you the S.O.A.P. method for studying your Bible. If you are not familiar with this method, it means:

S ---> Scripture

O ---> Observation

A ---> Application

P ---> Prayer

Personally, I have used this method somewhat over the years, but it tends to keep me a bit more structured than I want to be. However, it is a great place to begin...find the scripture, tell what it says in your own words, how can I apply it to my life and finish with prayer. I just finished reading and studying the book of Hebrews using my own method which I will share with you in a future post.

Also, the author speaks strongly of the "fruit of daily devotions", telling us to "Look intently". "God isn't inaccessible. He's neither coy nor introverted. But He does require us to seek Him. This hones our hearts and purifies our motives. And the ancillary benefits are manifold. Seeking and searching for God builds our faith, like pecking out of the shell strengthens a newborn chick." You know the more we do something, the better we will be at it.

If I Had A Remembrance Book : A Friend Like Fairlight

I have more posts coming on The Desk Series soon, but I want to break again from those for another series entitled, "If I Had A Remembrance Book". If you think you have heard that phrase before, you might have if you ever watched The Little House on the Prairie television show where Laura would begin with the words, "If I had a remembrance book I'd write..." and then she goes on about a beautiful moment she would want to capture on paper. (which of course she did and they are well loved)

I have felt a bit reflective these past months as I near another birthday that seems like a milestone for me...you know the ones that end with a zero. So looking through notebooks of past writings long forgotten with bittersweet melancholy, I thought I would take you along with me.

If I Had A Remembrance Book : A Friend Like Fairlight

(taken from my notebook of written memories)

I just finished my bible study an hour ago and tucked everyone in their nest and now I sit and write. The house is quiet, my mint tea is steeping and a chocolate chip cookie tart is melting in my warmer. I look down at my day calendar and the little saying on it says, "My dear, my better half". It is sad that not everyone sees their husband in that light, but I understand. It hasn't always been easy for me either, but I keep working at it. Spirits are roaring and minds are going this way and that, fretting over this problem and wondering if things will ever change. They do, but it takes time.

Here on my mountain tonight my thoughts are calm and sorted, nothing jumbled together. Above the grand wall of the great room, at it's peak is my precious lookout, an eight sided window with little grids. My husband made sure when he and our boys built the room that he would add that little dream request of mine, to be akin to the one in Fairlight Spencer's cabin (my book character mentor). Just as Fairlight showed Christy (the beloved novel by Catherine Marshall), I look out and see the stars by night and fix my vision of home once again in the morning, renewing myself for yet another day. 

Oh, I wish I could sit in her cabin and glean from her, a kindred spirit for sure. I love the plain and devoted attention she has for her family and home, nothing glitters, nothing is golden...just her sweet face shining with a smile as she chats with Christy. Women like that are sorely hard to find...you find one, but they are in passing as they move at the speed of "forget you", some are so caught up in their own lives that they have no time or room to grow a deep friendship to blooming, while others wear masks or seem to have two faces. To sit with a woman of finery such as Fairlight must have been a dream for the young Christy.

One time during a walk and rest in the woods with Fairlight, Christy thinks..."I turned over and lay on my stomach and look at Fairlight. She was not sleeping, but she was so silent. I had learned by now that stillness was part of these mountain people. I lay there studying Fairlight's face in repose. She looked tranquil enough. Little did I realize at the time what depths there were underneath the tranquility..." Does that not soak into your mind a bit? It does for me, but I might be a little different wanting to grab onto the simple and plain sweetness of thought. Many a chilly Saturday afternoon have been spent awestruck with the simplicity of the treasures placed within this series. 

Well spoken language without correct English, full of rich sentences without watered down exchanges of thought, plain words without being full of radical terms that give no understanding. For me it just fits like a well-worn glove, the outline of my hand was there before I put it on.

The Simple Woman's Daybook {April Edition}

For Today

Looking out my window... a bit warmer each day! Winter is over!

I am thinking... of all the outside work that needs completed, a great way to get a work-out in!

I am thankful... for those early bouquets of daffodils. A promise kept.

bringing out some pretties for spring

One of my favorite things... is sharing with you by way of my blog. The only space I continue to use online for writing.

I am wearing... cropped jeans, gray cami sticking out under a navy long-sleeve knit top with gray Skechers.

I am creating... a list of what to plant in the garden this year.

I am watching... the garden closely and the minute it is dry enough it will be plowed to ready for planting.

I am reading... Abound : A call to purposeful servant LEADERSHIP by Jessie Seneca so I am ready for the She Leads conference held the end of April. So excited to have the opportunity to attend!

I am listening to... this by Priscilla Shirer! I think this is the best thing I have listened to in a long time. If there is one thing you listen to this week, please take about 40 or so minutes to be blown away!!! Oh! and get a tissue before you do.

I am hoping... the next six months move s-l-o-w-l-y.

I am learning... how important diet, exercise, water intake, and vitamin supplements are to my good health. I feel better now than when I was in my 30's!

In the garden... the Rhubarb is up!

In the kitchen... an ever steady stream of fruits, vegetables, rice, pasta, beans and grains with small amounts of meat added for my husband.

Board Room



 from my Pinterest board "in spring"

 full credit for this pin here

Shared Quote

My quote this month comes from the beloved book, Christy by Catherine Marshall. The book has been turned into an excellent set of 20 dvds. I own this entire series and it will always and forever be a favorite and have a special place in my heart.

Thus the quote...

"I often marveled that the interior peace of the woman was selected so faithfully in her surroundings. Even the selection and arrangements of her possessions gave an aura of uncluttered calm. In addition, there was a directness in her approach to all of life-including the art of housekeeping-that never failed to fascinate me. 

Miss Alice was a woman to whom color, symmetry of line and contrast of texture were important. She flouted the accepted custom of covering her table tops with doilies or small scarves; the sheen and patina of the lovely old wood were all the decoration needed. In a pewter bowl she could arrange with artistry a few well-polished apples and some nuts, or a piece of quartz picked up somewhere in the mountains along with some unusual leaves and berries. I reveled in all of this."

On a side note: I wrote more on my love of Christy in a post I will share with you next week. 

Post Script

If you enjoyed reading my daybook and would like to create one of your own, HERE is the link to the format, guidelines and complete list of prompts. 

The May Edition will be posted May 6th

Please Note:
If you want to be notified by email of each monthly daybook edition, as well as all other posts you can "subscribe" using the box on the sidebar. 

Also, for those of you who post a daybook here each month, I am planning on leaving the daybook post up for one week before adding a new post to my blog. Once I post a new blog, the link will then be added to the sidebar and be found under, "current daybook". 

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The Desk Series: Books (part 2)

The Desk Series :: My Meeting Place 

Books  - Part 5

Continuing with part 5 in this series, I want to share a few more titles with you that have made a difference in my life. 

You can find  parts 1-4 of The Desk Series listed on the sidebar.

The first book is Experiencing the Presence of God by A. W. Tozer

Teachings from the Book of Hebrews

 (compiled and edited by James L. Snyder)

If there is one thing you can count on in reading any work by A. W. Tozer  is that your toes will surely get pinched and sore. I love A. W. Tozer for that very reason. He writes profoundly, without reserve or apology and this is what draws me to his books. Too many books tend to skim the surface of the matter and few get down deep where real transformation and change can take place. His books can sometimes be difficult to understand, but if you are looking for meaty soul food, check out A. W. Tozer.

In the introduction of this book, Mr. Snyder says, "Dr. Tozer writes about solid, scriptural truth. Truth is not isolated from another truth. Isolating God's truth, according to Tozer, is how heresy starts in the Church." 

This thought aligns with something I read the other day by Beth Moore and which I agree with wholeheartedly and see so much of today. I wrote her quote on an index card and have it taped to my desk.

Beth writes, "You know you are losing sound doctrine when we lose any kind of doctrine whatsoever of there being a devil and there being legions of demons and there being a real live hell." 

The Word of God is complete and nothing is to be left out. I know there will be more and more of this "letting out" until we are hardly able to recognize the Word of God. This is why we must be in the Word daily so we are able to know the truth when we read, hear or see it!

A little from chapter 2 : Hindrances on the Pathway to God's Presence

A. W. Tozer writes about, "cauterizing the conscience"...being insensitive or callous to the world around us, a deadening of feelings toward morals.

Then there is, "spiritual lethargy, an unnatural inward drowsiness when faced with the claims of God. We are always concerned about superficial things but rarely concerned about spiritual things." 

I want to add here the "spiritual things" he is speaking is of course not the lie-filled type of "new age spirituality" or "new spirituality" that is growing in popularity today. 

"Moral insensitivity and spiritual lethargy are two great curses because they keep us from taking earnest heed to our spiritual health. Unless we are serious about our approach to God, we will be hindered every step of the way."

(Goodness, Mr. Tozer passed away in 1963 and I can only imagine his thoughts on this if he were alive today)

*~*~*~*

The second book for this post is a gal whose work is always on point. I love Lisa Whittle...she is a firecracker who loves Jesus! My copy of her book, Put Your Warrior Boots On : Walking Jesus Strong Once and For All is full of turned down pages, yellow highlighter and pen. This is an amazing book that will heat you up and rekindle your walk with Christ.

There is just so much good stuff in this book. I will share a few quotes...

"We live in a world that pulls us away from knowing anything for sure. We've started to believe everything-whatever the latest popular spiritual guru says, whatever the world sells that sounds like love, broadening the door instead of honoring the God-created narrowness of it for our protection-it is a slow death we don't even know is taking our life. Because believing in everything is really believing in nothing at all."

"The double standard of culture is to respect, even promote, the secular no while calling the spiritual no "legalism." And those "legalistic" Christians have become unpopular because they are saying no to things secular society does not want policed. We have become the unwelcome group, and no one wants to feel unwelcome. So we have started to cave." 

"When we leave God, we start marching the death march and eventually we reach the end: the end of ourselves, the end of goodness, the end of our standards, the end of peace, the end of the hopeful life." 

"A strong warrior for God will be determined by the depth and consistency of our following."

This last quote is meaningful for me personally...I want the consistency of following God in my life. Not the back and forth, on the whim, on the need, and certainly anything that resembles a lukewarm walk!! I have lacked consistency over the years and I can attest of what she says about reaching the "end of ourselves." We will and all of the goodness of life will fade more and more the longer we wander.

Well this post got a bit longer than I wanted it, but I learn as I share. Truly, it seems when I write to you, I am writing to myself as well, because I need these reminders in order to stay fresh and renewed. 

Also, I want to thank you for the kind comments that I have been receiving. I appreciate you letting me know your thoughts.