DIY Homemade Cinnamon & Clove Toothpaste --- Guest Post

I'm so excited to welcome my friend Audra as a guest blogger today! Audra is the one who encouraged me to start blogging so long ago. Thank you, friend! Check out her blog at audrasilva.com.

I had ‘make toothpaste’ on my to-do list for quite a while, but never seemed to get around to it. When Sarah asked for guest bloggers, I knew it was time to tackle this mini DIY project, at last. There were two recipes that stood out to me with ingredients I wanted in my own recipe, so in typical Audra style, I decided to create my own, pulling from these.

The first one was written by a dentist, and I cannot remember where I originally found it. I know it had baking soda, Xylitol, and food-grade peroxide. I chose to pull the Xylitol from his recipe.

The second one is what I used for the base of my own recipe. You can find the original ingredients and instructions at the Bulk Herb Store.

Here’s a quick breakdown on why I chose these ingredients (ignore the heart in the photo as I accidentally grabbed a jar left from a previous recipe)…

Xylitol is not only sweet in taste, but it also helps reduce plaque and tooth decay. In some cases, it may even reverse decay. Warning: it is toxic to dogs, so be careful if you have fur babies.

Cinnamon (not what you find in the supermarket) is an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties. It also fights bacterial and fungal infections. Plus, it has a nice flavor.

Cloves have the following properties: analgesic, anesthetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial. Have a toothache? Check out this article on dental care and the benefits of cloves. Cloves freshen breath and leave your mouth feeling clean.

Baking Soda is a natural choice for whitening teeth, freshening breath, and scrubbing away tartar.

Sea salt has wonderful trace elements and minerals and is great for strengthening gums, fighting tartar and bad breath, and whitening teeth. It also causes your mouth to water more, and your saliva has anti-bacterial properties that protect your enamel. Cool huh?!

Bentonite Clay absorbs toxins, allowing them to be carried out of the body (in this case when you spit out the toothpaste). It also has re-mineralizing properties and gently scrubs your teeth.

Activated Charcoal whitens teeth, helps fight gum disease and prevent cavities, and absorbs toxins allowing them to be carried out of the body (when you spit out the toothpaste).

Caution: Bentonite Clay absorbs particles from metal and toxins from plastic, so use glass bowls and wooden spoons when working with it.

A couple of things to note: when I first made this, I added about ¾ tsp. of sea salt. It’s too salty for me. When I remake this recipe, I will only add a pinch of sea salt, which is what my recipe now reflects. You’re welcome.

Also, when you combine these ingredients, the end result is a green/gray paste that looks like something you’d smear on your face as a mask. I would advise against that as the Cinnamon might irritate, but I thought I’d warn you. It isn’t a ‘pretty’ toothpaste. You can make a pretty label for your jar instead. Smile.

Also, the paste is a thinner consistency than store bought toothpaste so I use a decent amount. I expect it might thicken over time, however, which is why I kept mine on the moist side. Nowhere does it say to refrigerate, but I’ll probably put my main jars in the fridge and store a small jar of toothpaste in my bathroom. Just personal preference for me.

Now, without further ado, here is the recipe:

Have you made your own toothpaste yet? Interested in giving it a go? For more tooth care goodness, check out Three Toothy Tips over on Simply Audra Marie.

Now, go forth and show those pearly whites (well, the white part might take some time).

Disclaimer: I am not a dentist nor do I play one on TV. I’m a mom who has researched, experimented and drawn conclusions. These I share with you in the form of a recipe designed to encourage healthy teeth and gums. Use at your own risk, and definitely do some research as you decide if this is something you want to try. 

Affiliate Links: This post contains affiliate links. These are products and/or companies I have personally used and recommend. It doesn’t cost you to use my links, but it does help me with the cost of blogging. Thank you.

In Which Mom and the Littles Take a Road Trip

Welcome to the Homemaking Party! A couple weeks ago, I mentioned I had a secret. Well, instead of coming to you from my home here in NW Arkansas, I was actually writing you all from a motel in eastern Colorado! Liam, Kynthia, Brenna, and I made an 8-day, 4,000 mile road trip to Oregon and Utah to see most of my family and some of Jamie's. I didn't want to tell anyone until I got home since Lynzie and Michael were home with the other kids during the days while Jamie was working. It was a great trip---but exhausting! The kids did great---but I don't think I'll be up for that again any time soon. Ha! This picture is our first day on the road in central Kansas.

Here we are the second day in Wyoming. Ha!! We found snow!

The second night, the kids were getting pretty homesick so we Skyped with the family back home.

Once we got to Oregon, things got easier as the kids were distracted by family and fun. Here they are with a whole bunch of cousins they met for the first time!

After a few days in Oregon, we went on to Utah to meet new baby Sammy, my first nephew. My brother and sister in law took us to Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah. The kids loved feeding the Koi and seeing all the gorgeous landscaping. My favorite part was the Secret Garden---complete with wooden doors and a pretty fountain. 

On the way home, GPS took us through all the neat landscape of northern Utah and the Colorado Rockies. I'd never been through any of these places before so it was super neat to see it all!

We were beyond relieved to be home, though. We're a pretty tightly-knit family and it's hard separating and going our different ways. We celebrated Saturday with a trip to a baseball park here in town, as well as a picnic and a hike. More on that later!

Thanks for stopping by the Homemaking Party! I'm excited to see what you've got to share!

Lying in Bed, Afraid

My eyes were swollen and groggy when I came to, but I made a good attempt to open them and look across the room. He sat, perfectly relaxed, in the chair my parents gave us for our wedding. He was gazing at me with a smirk-smile when I discovered the little cut marks on the back of my hand. 

"What is this?" I asked.

"Just a little something I gave you to keep you still," he answered, lazily.

I couldn't wake up enough to be fully afraid and as acceptance once again took over my will to fight, I drifted off thinking, "Oh God, my kids. Please protect my kids."

I was so tired. Deep sleep wanted to come and I wanted it too. But I heard the footsteps again and when my bedroom door slammed open against the wall, I sat up, gasping.

Yesterday I attended the 7th annual Butterflies & Blooms luncheon to support Saving Grace, a Northwest Arkansas ministry devoted to helping young women who have aged out of the foster care system and have nowhere to go. It was an encouraging time to learn more about the ministry and how it's helped to bring vital hope and practical help to these girls in a transitional time. One message that really hit me was when a speaker began listing some of the "firsts" these girls experience through the Saving Grace ministry---things like a birthday cake, curfew, and someone to tell them, "goodnight, sleep well." 

I grew up as a typical 80s-90s American kid. Our family had its share of junk: My parents were self-absorbed, my dad had a heavy hand, and our family was split in half by divorce before I was 12 years old. Still, I had a loving home, a safe home, and any need or want I had was met by parents who loved me and wanted to provide the best life possible for me---even if they didn't always know how to go about doing that. 

In high school, I dated a boy with a pretty scary past. His parents had already joined rehab groups by the time he and I got together, but he'd grown up in an environment filled with drugs, alcohol, and physical abuse. This was his normal and our 2 1/2 year relationship was full of red flags that I finally stopped ignoring.

Now, almost 20 years later, I'm married to a gentle, happy, easy-going Christian man who brought to our family a generational legacy of following Christ. We have nine well cared for children, a clean, safe, and beautiful home, the finances to support ourselves and allow me to stay home, and we all go to sleep each night feeling peaceful and optimistic about what the next day will bring.

Still, I have recurring nightmares, like the one above, that I'm living a life of abuse and fear. In my sleep, I go from one frantic plan to protect my children to another---all of them crumbling with the thought that he (whoever he is) will find us, no matter what. My dream usually always ends with this sick acceptance that this bad-dream life is my fate and I'm powerless to change it.

Saving Grace of Northwest Arkansas is providing young women with that power to change. These girls are being set on a path to break generational cycles of poverty, abuse, neglect, godlessness, and negativity. One way this is accomplished is by assigning each girl a group of mentors who stick with her for life. I'm hoping one day to serve as a Saving Grace mentor, as this blessed life I've been given is not meant to be contained within the walls of this home. 

Would you consider supporting Saving Grace? If you live in the area, you can contact them at (479) 636-1133 for information about volunteering your time. There's also a list of material needs if you'd like to give something tangible, and anyone anywhere can donate monetarily.

“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard." ~Isaiah 58:6-8

The Homemaking Party

Early morning in eastern Kansas.

Welcome to The Homemaking Party! Hope everyone is having a great week! I am...but I can't tell you why until next week! Stay tuned!

Our Homeschool Co-op Spring Party featuring Toddler Crafts and Games! #GerberLilBeanies #ad

This post was sponsored by The Women Bloggers in association with @KendalKingGroup and #SoapboxInfluence. All opinions are honest and are my own.

Last week we gathered with our homeschool co-op for a spring party. Everyone brought food, games, and crafts to share, so Brenna took the opportunity to introduce her friends to new Gerber Lil' Beanies snacks. Bean snacks? Yes---and the kids loved them!

Lil Beanies are toddler-sized snacks that are perfect for ages 18-48 months (although they'd be great for a grade school kid's lunch plate, too). They're made with navy beans and rice flour and come in two flavors: Original (Sea Salt) and White Cheddar & Broccoli.  These healthy, tasty and fun snacks contain no GMOs or artificial flavors and preservatives. Per serving, they contain 2g of protein and 1g fiber, making them the perfect fuel for lots of great play dates and kids' activities.  They were just right for our fun day!

After snack time, the kids went outside to play games. There were relays and contests of skill---even some balloon fun! It was great to have a beautiful sunny day to enjoy with our friends.

After outside games, we came back into the gym for some fun crafts. These kids grabbed a can of Lil Beanies to munch on while they colored. Even Miss Connie got to try one---and she liked it! I'm not a plate "cleaner upper" but if you are, you're in luck---adults like them too!

Brenna and her friends made magnetic clips for hanging artwork on the fridge. They started by coloring a little chick that I'd copied onto card stock and cut out ahead of time.

Then they glued clothespins to the back of the chick. I'd already adhered a small magnet to the pin with hot glue. Once the glue dried, they were ready to take their creations home.

I think these girls would agree that our spring party was a hit! Lots of fun games, crafts, and great snacks, like Lil' Beanies, made for a special day full of happy memories.

You can find Lil' Beanies at Walmart near the toddler foods in the toddler/baby care section. With an affordable price and a convenient location, you can't go wrong giving them a try!

The Homemaking Party

Hello Friends~

Wooieee! Are you having a crazy busy week? I am and it's only Tuesday! Still, can't forsake our fellowship time at The Homemaking Party! I can't wait to see what you've all got to share!

Writing an Heirloom Cookbook -- The Homemaking Party

Welcome to the Homemaking Party! Today I've got an article at Raising Homemakers about Writing an Heirloom Cookbook. I hope you'll go check it out!


Linking with:

Homemade Teriyaki Chicken

Do you worry about what hidden preservatives are in those little packets of sauce mix? Here is a great recipe from my mom for homemade teriyaki sauce.

Welcome to the Homemaking Party! I'm featuring a favorite recipe from my mom for delicious homemade Teriyaki Chicken! Enjoy!

Teriyaki Sauce
1 cup water
4 TB corn starch
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 TB apple cider vinegar
1 cup sugar
1 TB onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ginger

Mix everything in a medium size sauce pan and simmer until the sauce bubbles and turns thick. It will be light in color at first and darken and it thickens into a smooth sticky sauce.

Salt and pepper a dozen or more chicken legs and place them in a slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the chicken and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for 4 hours. Place the chicken pieces on a cookie sheet in the oven on broil for 5 minutes, or until they're brown.

Thanks for stopping by the Homemaking Party! Have a great week!

Michael's Mission Trip to Ecuador

Hey everyone! Welcome to the Homemaking Party!

I'm super excited tonight to let you know about Michael's upcoming missions trip to Ecuador. Michael is our 14 year old, oldest son. He's such a great guy. He's got a heart for children and his main ministry goal is to be an encouragement to others.

Here's a message from Michael:

"In June 2016, I'll be traveling to Ecuador with a team from my church to show love to orphans and handicapped children. Opportunities to minister include construction projects, children's Bible club, intercity missions, and village outreach. 

Please consider helping me raise funds to cover my travel costs. I am also willing to do yard and house work locally. Thank you for your support and prayers."

If you'd like to support Michael's travel expenses, you can donate at his GoFundMe page.

Thanks for stopping by The Homemaking Party! Have a beautiful week!

Celebrating Avalon

Today we celebrated our sweet Avalon Grace's 7th birthday! Wow! She's had such a wonderful day. A blessing for sure!

Thanks for stopping by The Homemaking Party!

No Matter Who is President, Jesus is King {2016 Edition}

About four years ago, I wrote an article called, No Matter Who is President, Jesus is King. Obama was up for re-election and all was looking promising for him. My friends were losing it on social media, my husband and I had many worried conversations, "how can it possibly get any worse than it is?" Well, as many of you would agree, it definitely got worse.

When I wrote that article, gay marriage wasn't a nationwide thing and Planned Parenthood wasn't exposed (and then ignored) for the illegal acts we are now aware of. "Obamacare" hadn't yet affected us all, and the lengths the President was willing to go to trample on our Constitution were not yet realized by most of us. Many conservatives chose to vote for the lesser of two evils---some (like me) chose to vote with their consciences and "threw away their vote" on a third-party candidate.

Now we're faced with the very real possibility that Donald Trump could be President. Normally I'd encourage you stop and let that sink in, but many of us have tried and failed at that already. The Trump thing has definitely caught a lot of us by surprise and we've really got just a short time to stop reeling from the shock of it all and act.

So my husband and I are back at the conversations---we've got all the solutions. I mean, if the three other candidates would just get behind Cruz, we could keep Trump out. The way we see it, that would totally solve all the problems of the universe and we'd all be living in peace, harmony, and complete prosperity by this time next year.

Christians, the truth is something we already know---we just need to get it deep down in our hearts, as well as in the forefront of our minds. No matter who is President, Jesus is King.

Last night, after watching videos of what the other conservatives had to say after the polls closed, I watched one of Trump's. It was only a couple minutes long, but in that time I was hit with something profound. As I listened, I found that I wasn't mocking him in my mind, I wasn't rolling my eyes and making sarcastic remarks, I wasn't begging and pleading with God that he'd somehow be knocked out of the race (usually these prayers involve a hint of murder---just being honest).

Instead, I was listening to him. I was beginning to feel compassion. I was begin to accept this as a very real possibility and I found that I was beginning to be ok with that. God gave me peace. The me of yesterday morning would say I was being influenced by subliminal messages and selling out to the enemy---but last night I realized that Trump is not my enemy. Neither is Obama, for that matter.

...and here's where I stop. Because I don't know what else to say. I have absolutely no other solution to all of this than prayer. I've read 2 Chronicles 7:14, the "if the people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray" verse. Did that.  I know that Romans 13:1 says that God appoints our leaders. I understand that. But here's one that's new to my index of election-year verses: Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. (Prov. 19:21) This is the peace God is giving me during this time.

Listen, we all know the time of Jesus' return is so close. The Bible tells us the world will be like it was in the time of Noah, that what seems right will be considered wrong and what seems wrong will be considered right. That's exactly what we're seeing today. One of these days there will be a ruler who will rise up and he will be the last ungodly ruler to ever be allowed in power. This could happen this year. Guess what's more---it could be any of the current candidates. It could also be someone we've never heard of. It could be generations from now---but I doubt it. The point is, it's going to happen. None of us can stop God's plan from unfolding any easier than we can stop the wind and waves.

This should bring us peace, not fear.

So let go my soul and trust in Him.

The waves and wind still know His name.

It is well.

Linking with:

Homemaking Party @ Classical Homemaking

Whole-Hearted Home Wednesdays 

Wonderful Wednesday

A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

Homemaking Link Up @ Raising Homemakers

Wow Us Wednesdays

Thursday Favorite Things @ Katherine's Corner
Home and Garden Thursday

Think Tank Thursday @ Saving4Six 

Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home 

Create It Thursday

Open House @ Bernideen's Tea Time Blog 

Share Your Cup Thursday @ Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson

Thought-Provoking Thursday

How to Make an Easy No-Sew Tied Fleece Blanket #SnuggleUpMoments #ad #cbias

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SnuggleUpMoments #CollectiveBias

I love simple craft and sewing projects that I can put together quickly and enjoy in my home. I've been making tied fleece blankets for a long time and they're a family favorite. I love them because I can customize the size and style so they're great for gifts, too. Washed with Snuggle® Ultra Blue Sparkle Fabric Conditioner and Blue Iris Bliss® Snuggle Scent Boosters®, they smell great, stay fresher longer, and feel super soft.

Adding the fabric conditioner to our laundry provides our clothes and linens with 30 days of freshness, and the convenient, single-pack scent boosters are extra bursts of fragrance that pair well with the fabric conditioner. They're great to use together for the ultimate snuggly experience! 

We are a family of book lovers who enjoys snuggling at all times of day and reading stories together. These easy, no-sew blankets are perfect for making story time cozier, and washing them with Snuggle products make them soft and smelling sweet so we enjoy our reading time even more.

I've made so many of these blankets for people---but it never occurred to me to make one for our puppy until we moved into a house without carpet. I won't let him on the couch and those floors get cold! I found this cute scotty dog fabric in a box a friend gave me and thought it was perfect for Mr. Darcy. So today, Mr. Darcy finally got a blanket!

 Making a tied fleece blanket really doesn't take long at all. Begin with two coordinating lengths of fleece. For people blankets, I use pieces that are each approximately three yards long. First, I wash and dry the fleece, making sure to pack the pieces loosely in the washer when using the scent boosters so both pieces receive a long-lasting fragrance boost. Follow the directions on both packages exactly and make sure not to use too much in the load.

Secondly, I cut off any part of the fleece that I don't want in my final project, like the edging shown here.

Third, I lay the pieces on top of one another with the right sides facing out. If your fabric is printed, you'll want to make sure one printed side is facing the table and one is facing up. Then I cut a 3x3 inch square from each corner of the stacked pieces. You can throw this square away or save it to fill with rice for a bean bag toss game for your kids.

Next, I cut into the blanket all the way around, being careful to keep the stacked pieces together. I cut pieces that are about one inch wide and three inches long. 

Finally, I tie each set of strips together with a double knot. This secures the blanket and the more you use it and wash it, the tighter they'll become. 

Now those cold floors are much more comfortable for Mr. Darcy and he can enjoy some snuggly softness, too!

I found Snuggle Ultra Blue Sparkle Fabric Conditioner and Blue Iris Bliss Snuggle Scent Boosters at Sam's Club in the household cleaning section. Just like our bookish family, these two are better together. 

Who will you make an easy tied blanket for? You can find great savings on participating Snuggle® laundry conditioners in Sam's Club's March Instant Savings Book. Check it out to see what you can save. Need a Sam's Club Membership? Apply online. 

Linking with:

Thursday Favorite Things @ Katherine's Corner
Home and Garden Thursday

Think Tank Thursday @ Saving4Six 

Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home 

Create It Thursday

Open House @ Bernideen's Tea Time Blog 

Share Your Cup Thursday @ Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson

Thought-Provoking Thursday

Come to England!

I'm preparing, once again, to tour England with Sense & Sensibility Tours. I'll be meeting up with friends from India, The Netherlands, South Africa, Ireland, England, and elsewhere to see some of the beautiful sights, as well as study historical costume, this coming September. 

There are two spots left on the trip! Are you interested? We'll be spending the second half of the trip here in Bath and will end the tour by attending the Jane Austen Festival---in costume!

If you're interested in learning more, visit Sense & Sensibility Tours online. This will be my third time visiting England and spending time with Jennie, Suzi, Cathy, and the other ladies who make this tour such a fantastic experience. Trust me---you don't want to miss this!

Linking with:
These great parties

The Homemaking Party

Our family is anxiously awaiting the arrival of my first nephew! It's so exciting to be an aunt for the first time! He should be here by the end of the week. What a blessing---I can't wait!

What are you celebrating this week? 

Thanks for linking up. Have a blessed day!

What to Do When Hurting People Hurt You

You've heard the saying, "burn me once, shame on you; burn me twice, shame on me." I've never said that or believed in that; however, I think I'm coming to sympathize with where it comes from.

This weekend someone hurt me badly, and probably permanently, with their words. Angry, accusing, and unfair words hurt, y'all---they kill. In fact, I think some words hurt more than actions. Especially written words, because you know they've been meditated over---read and reread---and then a conscious choice has been made to seal up that letter or to send that email.

Jesus told us to forgive seventy times seven times. How can this mesh with the "burn me" phrase above? There are two things I have learned to do with people who hurt me: speak truth and set boundaries.

Before I go on, let me be clear that I'm not talking about the wishy-washy fair-weather friend or the creep who cut you off at the Krispy Kreme---those kinds of conflicts are easily managed and don't stick to your bones too long. I'm talking about those you have a deeper, heart relationship with: long-time friends, parents and grandparents, adult children, adult siblings, ex-spouses.

So how do I handle situations where those I love have hurt me deeply? First, I speak truth. Conflict and negativity are unavoidable consequences of sin, but the best way to combat the enemy of our souls who wants to keep us in that place of negativity is to use words that are true.

• Begin by owning your responsibility in the matter. Do what you can to offer resolution and ask for forgiveness where needed. 
• So much of conflict resolution has to do with what is going on inside of you. You can't make someone forgive you, see your point of view, or change theirs. You've got to make sure you've done everything God is requiring of you in the situation---mostly for your own peace and so you can move forward without regret.
• Remember the things you've been forgiven for. Oftentimes, the conflict you're in now is the same conflict you've been in before. Is the person bringing up things from the past that you've already worked out and resolved? Is the person bringing up your own sin that you know God has already forgiven you for? You took that trash out long ago. Don't let someone bring it back in.
• Remember the things you are not responsible for. You are not responsible for your parents' divorce, your sibling's failure, your adult child's finances, or your ex-spouse's relationships with others. You are not responsible for making someone else's life miserable. You're not. People choose to be miserable. Don't be one of them.

When you are speaking truth, either to the person or just to yourself, (you'll need to speak it to yourself way more than you will to anyone else) you'll find that you're able to think clearly enough to set proper boundaries. These will look different for each person and situation---and they'll likely change over time as you heal and as your life changes. Here are a few things to know about setting boundaries:

• Setting boundaries is basically saying, here is a line we won't cross. It doesn't always have to be a negative thing. For instance, my brother and I disagree on many things. We both have similar moral codes, but sometimes we have different reactions to important issues. We love to discuss and debate for hours, but we've set up a boundary---we won't fight. We love each other too much to ever let those disagreements become personal.
• Sometimes boundaries need to be set concerning time, influence, or even what topics can be discussed. Do what you can to maintain a peaceful relationship, so far as it depends on you. 
• Learn to say, no.
• Prepare for a change in your extended family dynamic or circle of friends by keeping a humble heart. Often, it's the people we are closest to that can be the most toxic in our own walk with God. Allowing angry, bitter, and hurting people to have a spiritual influence in our lives will not bring us closer to the Lord. We can love them from a distance, but we must be careful not to adopt a haughty attitude. Self-righteousness is not self-preservation.
• Sometimes boundaries are going to be permanent. This is where both the "seventy times seven" and "burn me" phrases come into play. When I was a new wife and new Christian, one of the verses that always bugged me was Matthew 10:37 where Jesus tells us that anyone who loves his parents, children, etc. more than Him is not worthy of Him. The basic gist here is not that Christ is trying to separate us from the family we were born into, but that we need to count the cost of following Him. We should be willing to forgive with reckless abandon. Holding onto hurt hurts you more than it hurts the other person. However, forgiveness doesn't always mean a happy reconciliation. Sometimes we do have to let go for good. How do you know if it's time? Talk to God about it. A lot. You'll know it's right when he gives you unexplainable peace in your heart.

It's true that hurting people hurt others. Just prior to the situation I'm currently experiencing, I hurt someone I love with words that should have been left unsaid. My brother gave me some good advice a couple nights ago when he said we should always think about whether or not something needs to be said before saying it. Is it going to accomplish anything positive? Is it going to move you forward toward a closer relationship with this person and with Christ? If not, be careful to really think and pray it through before making a decision. Let us be so careful not to hurt one another with our words. Let it begin with me.

Pretty Vintage Pitchers and Some Thoughts on Hospitality

Winter pretty much skipped us here in NW Arkansas this year so I'm packing away the winter time decorations and pulling out the spring stuff! I'm definitely a cold weather girl but the one consolation about nice weather is there are more flea markets and thrift sales to visit. The past couple weeks, I've picked up two pitchers at two of my favorite thrift shops. I found this pretty pink one today.

I love things that show a little (or a lot!) wear---chippy pottery, worn leather---I like to imagine that they've been well-used and well-loved. 

I was thinking about these pitchers today as I worked on redecorating my living room for spring---thinking about how they represent me as a homemaker and my desire to offer hospitality to those God would bring to my home. I've always been nervous about hospitality as I worry my home isn't big enough, or my couches are uncomfortable, or that I won't know what to talk about with my guests. These chipped pitchers, the pink one that is barely pink anymore, they're vessels that aren't perfect but are still beautiful---and still very much able to fulfill the purpose for which they were made.

Like these pitchers, I can be filled so that I can pour out. When I'm running low, I can be refilled so I can continue fulfilling my purpose. It's ok if me and my home are not perfect. My willingness to be hospitable is beautiful to the Lord and He will honor my efforts.

Practicing the Art of Being Gentle to Myself & The Homemaking Party

I've never felt like I was the sort of girl people would describe as gentle.

I'm not an animal lover. I don't tend a garden. Growing up, I preferred camping over ballet and took weight lifting when my friends were taking home economics.

I didn't start wearing pink until my fifth child was born and rarely wore a dress or skirt until I was almost 28 years old. Maybe you don't use any of these things to describe someone who is gentle---but they're things that I've always associated with the trait. At any rate, the feminine side of me was slow to emerge and the consistently kind and gentle side is just now beginning to show itself.

Each January, many of my friends share their word for the year and talk about why they've chosen that particular thing to focus on. I've never done that either. (Well, I guess one year I did say I was going to start saying NO to everything. It's been my word for every year, ever since.)

I think I will choose a word this year. I think I'll choose, gentle. What I'm finding is that gentleness has little to do with the outward appearance traits that I described above---and everything to do with the heart.

It's funny---when I'm walking closely with God and he wants to do something new in me, he makes it really clear. I find similar themes cropping up in various areas of my life and pretty soon they all culminate in a big, a ha!! moment for me and I realize it's God.

The last few weeks, I've found myself seeking a gentler path in so many ways...

• Gentle Reading: I read Stepping Heavenward by Mrs. Elizabeth Prentiss in January and just finished Mary Froehlich's Courageous Gentleness. I'm finding myself hungering for books that are going to nurture my soul and encourage me in my walk as a wife, mother, and homemaker. I've started hashtagging these #gentlereading on my social media. I'm hoping others will do the same so I can get more ideas for great reads!
• Gentle Speech: I've always sort of prided myself on my ability to make a joke in a split second. I've got a pop culture reference for just about anything anyone says and tend to be a social media show off when it comes to debating hot topics. I struggle between congratulating myself for my wit and condemning myself for the way I make some people feel. I do not like this part of me anymore. I'm trying to clean up my act and remember Proverbs 31:26--"She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness."
• Gentle to My Body: I've dealt with a lot of self-loathing as I've done the yo-yo diet thing for far too long. Lately, I've focused more on what I put in my body, rather than what I'm avoiding. I'm choosing natural and fermented foods, drinking healing herbal tea, taking good quality vitamins and supplements for those my body is lacking in, and cutting back on sugar. I feel peaceful and positive---which is way more motivating than putting myself through the daily guilt like before.
• Gentle to My Soul: I want to focus on positive self-talk. Speaking kind words to myself and others. Seeing the positive side of things and believing in myself more. Allowing myself times of rest and peace.
• Gentle in Homeschooling: Since moving to Arkansas, we've been able to relax quite a bit as there's not nearly the constraints on our rights as there were in Oregon. I want to continue on that path---letting go of crazy expectations and allowing God to mold our homeschool into the unique-to-us thing he wants it to be. I want more kids-on-lap reading time, more wonderful discovery time.
• Gentle in My Treatment of Others: Assuming the best, ignoring the rest. Walking away from conflict instead of getting sucked in. Realizing I can't "fix people" and doing my best to be an example of Christ in my words and actions.

I'm excited about the work of bold gentleness that God is doing in my heart and I'm looking forward to sharing more with you all about that.

Thanks for stopping by the Homemaking Party! Have a beautiful week!

Linking with:

Homemaking Party @ Classical Homemaking

Whole-Hearted Home Wednesdays 

Wonderful Wednesday

A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

Homemaking Link Up @ Raising Homemakers

Inspire Me Wednesday @ MamaBuzz

What's It Wednesday @ Ivy and Elephants 

Wow Us Wednesdays

Mom's Library (more than books)

Thursday Favorite Things @ Katherine's Corner
Home and Garden Thursday

Think Tank Thursday @ Saving4Six 

Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home 

Open House @ Bernideen's Tea Time Blog 

Share Your Cup Thursday @ Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson

Thought-Provoking Thursday

Inspiration Friday @ Dear Creatives
Link Party Palooza

Show and Tell Friday (and Everything Else) @ My Romantic Home

Pintastic Party

Friendship Friday

No Rules Party

Creativity Unleashed

Sharing Saturday

Homeschool Mother's Journal

Dare to Share

Nifty Thrifty party

Craft Schooling Party

Happy Homemaker Monday

I've been lurking at Sandra's Happy Homemaker Mondays for a couple weeks now and decided this week to join in and do one of my own! You can check out the prompts at Diary of a Stay At Home Mom.

The weather.....
Today we were surprised by a bit of snow! Nothing stuck and it only lasted for short bursts, but the kids still had fun outside for the couple of minutes it lasted! A friend was in Joplin today and said they were getting snow and since we had a lot of wind, I guess it just blew south a bit!

Right now I am....
I've just finished up a government lesson with my 16 and 14 year olds. We are going through a US History book together as part of their homeschooling lessons and really enjoyed our time together. We tend to rabbit trail in all different directions so these discussions take much longer than planned. I'm thankful I'm blessed to be able to homeschool during this time.

Thinking....
The house is quiet and everyone is relaxing. I'm trying to decide if I want to read my book all evening or watch Merlin with Jamie. We just started re-watching the series. It may require ice cream. I'm trying to decide if I feel like going to buy some this late.

On my reading pile....
I'm currently reading The Treasure Box by Penelope J. Stokes. I don't love it but it's keeping my attention. 10 years ago I would  have devoured it and ordered everything I could find by her. But now, I feel like I'm wasting time if I read fiction that doesn't have a firm base in reality. This one is kind of science-fictiony so I'm not that into it---but I'm trying to lighten up. 

On my TV.....
I'm not sure what they're watching out there. I imagine it's probably The Bible series on Netflix.

Favorite blog post last week (mine or other)....
My favorite post from last week is my Stepping Heavenward review on my book blog, Belle's Library. That was such a great book!

Something fun to share....
Today my almost 7 year old, Avalon, received her first Math books in the mail. She grabbed them and squealed and ran around the house showing everyone. She immediately began working on them and only stopped for dinner time. After dinner everyone wondered where Avalon went. She was working on her Math.

Blog hopping (newly discovered blog)....
Today I followed a comment on one of my social media networks (or maybe it was on my book blog?) Anyway, I found Amy at Making a Joyful Home. I can't wait to see what she's got to share as my first visit to her blog was really encouraging.

On the menu for this week....
Six year old Liam has requested biscuits and gravy and tacos made in pita pockets. He also asked if we could have pork chops every single night forever. 11 year old Cainan is planning our Valentine's Day family party and dinner so I'm sure we'll have something special then, too.

On my to do list....
I have a large pile of sewing: 12 year old Elisha wants me to make his dress shirts cufflink-friendly. Cainan has some badges to go on his Royal Ranger vest, as does 4 year old Kynthia. I have a button to sew on pants for Elisha and Liam's super hero eye mask needs repairing. I also have a book review to put up and general housework/homeschooling. I'll do grocery shopping on Thursday.

In the craft basket....
I'm considering making some curtains for my kitchen window (that's actually a fake window looking into my boys' bedroom and currently sports a Spiderman blanket for a curtain). I've got some vintage handkerchiefs that I'm going to form into some kind of pretty treatment for my side of the window.

Looking forward to this week....
Other than ballet, we have a quiet week at home. This is always nice! Friday night I'll be visiting with a friend for awhile. That will be great! Sunday is Valentine's Day and we always do something fun for the kids here at home. This year, Cainan wants a special party so we'll need to do some crafty things ahead of time to plan for that. 

Looking around the house....
It's funny because there are several clutter spots in my house that usually drive me crazy but this week I just don't care! I've begun focusing on taking in extra vitamins, kefir, fermented foods, healing teas, etc. this week and I just can't believe the impact it's made on my moods. I feel so peaceful. Even though I've got homeschool clutter and craft area clutter and a pile of clothes that need to be hung up, I don't have the guilt about it that I usually have. I've focused on health and family this past week and I feel good about that.

From the camera....

Here's a silly picture of the kids enjoying our 30 second snow!

On my prayer list.....
This week I'm especially praying for my friend, Sarah, who is battling Lupus and has been accepted into the Lupus treatment at Johns Hopkins in Maryland. She leaves on Sunday. None of her treatments have been effective so I'm really praying that God will use the wisdom of the doctors there to heal her and bring her relief and comfort. Please be in prayer for her, her husband, and their three young daughters.

Bible verse, Devotional....
I've just finished Courageous Gentleness by Mary Froehlich and am so encouraged to practice gentleness and kindness. I'm reminded of Proverbs 31:26--"She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness."

Make sure to visit Happy Homemaker Monday to see what other homemakers are sharing this week!