Five Question Friday

1. What's the oldest piece of clothing in your closet?

     I have a shirt that my grandmother and sister painted for me when I was in elementary school. It has all the names of my kindergarten classmates. It's the oldest piece, but doesn't get worn (obviously).
    The oldest garment still in wear is probably something from my teenage years. I get the utmost wear from my clothing in style or not! haha. (Have I ever said how much I hate shopping, especially for clothing?)

2. How many random blog readers have you met?

    I haven't met any blog readers in person. I certainly enjoy connecting with other homemaking/Titus2 ladies online though! You guys are such an encouragement to me and I pray that my little spot of the web can be the same for you. :)

3. Do you let your kids stay up till midnight on New Years Eve? (Or, if you don't have kiddos yet, did you get to stay up until midnight as a child?)

    No kiddos currently, so I'll skip to the alternate question. I really can't recall if I stayed up for New Years as a child. I rather doubt it because my natural state is to be an 'early to bed, early to rise' sort. We'll see if I make it this year! haha.

4. What are the gas prices where you live?

I believe I saw the price at $3.11 today. Not too bad.

5. What is one resolution that you know you should do but are too afraid to try?

     I have some big dreams for Reviving Homemaking. I know that I should pour myself into this endeavor, but there remains that nagging fear of failure (or is it success?). Nonetheless, I believe wholeheartedly that God has called me to the path of home and family. He and He alone is capable of far more than I can dream. If it is His will, then He will make it happen. :)

    I should probably also exercise more, but...hahaha! Okay, that's not so much "too afraid to try" as it is too unwilling to try. Maybe next year? haha 

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A "Good Christmas"

This post has moved! It can now be found at: 

Our Homemaking Story

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

What is Homemaking? Part 3

In continuation of breaking apart the definition of "homemaking" as is used on this site:

Homemaking is the art and science of creating and maintaining the home to be a pleasant and productive environment for the glory of God.

We've discussed the path to arriving at this definition in "What is Homemaking?" We've also looked a little closer at the terms "art, "science," "creating," and "maintaining" in "What is Homemaking? Part 2." Now, for the final part in which we'll look at the terms "home," "pleasant," "productive" and "glory of God."

Home: What is in a home? Would a home by any other name be as sweet? Clearly, this is a play on the famous line by Shakepeare, but the idea still applies. Is it necessary for a home to be a house? For some, a house is quickly inhabited after the wedding ceremony. For others, it's an apartment, a condo/townhome, a trailer, etc. Do these alternate residences demean the value of home created within the walls? Absolutely not! There are multiple reasons for choosing a particular housing arrangement over others. To put off transforming the environment into a loveing home while waiting for another situation is to forfeit the valuable treasure God has given you in placing you right where you are. Home is the place you and your family's heart dwells, regardless of the structure type. It may not be your ideal, but perhaps it is God's for you. The key is to embrace that notion and come to earnestly work within the means provided now.
     This blog will focus predominately on creating a home in apartment/small space living. How do we create the comforts of home in small spaces, within a budget, and with upcoming changes in mind? In other words, I focus on making the most of the space while also incorporating cost-effective design elements. This focus, however, certainly does not eliminate the potential for applicability to other housing situations!

Pleasant: Do you look forward to returning home? Is the home and family unit a pleasant place to rest and reside? What is it that creates a welcoming home? I personally feel that the key is the relationships of the individuals who reside within it. Love is an interesteing thing in that it can be felt even when not blantantly displayed. Is the heart bitter, resentful, disrespectful, unloving? I assure you these sentiments permeate the atmosphere of the home even without spoken words.
     In my viewpoint, "pleasant" can also mean aesthetics. Blank white walls are quite unpleasant on the eyes. Bare windows and bed covering leave much life to be desired in the room. Does one need to be an interior decorator or have a sizeable home decor budget to achieve visual appeal? Certainly not! There are many little simple elements that can be utilzed to add life and excitement to a space. Have pillows for the sofa? Use pillow slipcovers to add character and change the tone of the space! Even apartments will permit holes in walls for pictures. Pictures are the quickest and easiest way to add life (your story!) to the space. I love walking into homes with the pleasant faces of loved ones and times joyfully displayed!
     So, the blog will focus on pleasant in terms of heart and aesthetics.

Productive:  Did you know that one origin of teaching home ec within schools was to education women on how to be more producers than consumers? How do we get ourselves from living 'paycheck in, paycheck out?' We've got to learn how to work with our own hands to produce goods instead of constantly consuming them!
    This is probably one of my favorite explorations of homemaking because it is so multidimensional. For instance, productivity includes subjects such as "going green" and "frugality." I don't focus on that which is the "greenest" or most inexpensive because I choose to focus instead on sustainablillity and quality. I also focus on getting multiple uses out of purchases. (For instance, I can use vinegar as fabric softener in the wash, dishwasher rinse aid, hair "conditioner," all purpose cleaner, and cooking. By doing so, I just eliminated at least four individual products I would've had to be a dependent consumer of!).
     And so, the blog focuses tremendously on learning to be more productive. Being a gross consumer within the home is very counterproductive! Paycheck in, paycheck out. Furthermore, Proverbs 31 demonstrates the great potential of productivity!

Glory of God: Colossians 3:17 says, "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." How would my role in the home or in my family change if my "word or deed" was done "in the name of the Lord Jesus?" Herein lies the focal point of the blog. I can strive to my greatest ability, but if I have not done it for the Lord then I will have done it in vain. We're created to serve Him, and glorify Him with our lives. This blog focuses on doing so from the perspective of homemaking, but I in no means discount the many other modes of doing so! Regardless of the "how" the important part is the "why" and that should be answered simply- for the Lord.

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Five Question Friday

 

1. What's the best Christmas present you've ever received?

Suitcase set. In my first years of college I had to lug my stuff in anything I could find to put it in anytime I stayed away from campus. It was embarrassing and a pain in the patoot every time. I was so grateful for a suitcase that I could pack, zip and roll!

2. Worst/Funniest White Elephant gift ever received?

In the last one I participated in I actually ended up with some useful tools (screwdriver with changable heads, etc). Being the lover of humor that I am, my White Elephant gift wasn't as nice. I opted for giving a wrapped box filled with a can of air freshner, pinto beans, and Bean-o. The next opportunity that arises for a fun White Elephant gift will likely produce a box of classic 80s Buns of Steel or other such videos. (hehe!) 

3. Is your Christmas tree plain and simple (white lights and matching ornaments) or is it wild and crazy (colored lights with lots of ornaments collected over the years)?

I love our kindergarten tree! Hubby likes white lights and I like colored, so we compromise with a strand of each. The ornament balls are brightly colored, and the other ornaments are things that have been collected throughout the years- many from my childhood. Hubby and I started a tradition a couple of years ago of getting a new ornament each year. We've got to get a move on in ordering this year's ornament!

4. "How" do you iron your clothes? The old fashioned iron/ironing board way, the shower, back in the dryer, etc.

     Well, apparently I'm so old fashioned that I didn't even realize clothes could be ironed via "the shower, back in the dryer" etc. haha. I prefer a crisp result, and so my ironing board and can of starch are always out. Ideally I like to have things ironed and ready to go when they go in the closet, however I'll confess that sometimes that process doesn't always happen.

5. How much baking do you do for Christmas and what are your "must make" items?

     I used to do a lot of baking and detailed decorating. I had even become well known for my cookies. In recent years, however, the demands of working up until the day left little energy for baking and so I got out of the swing of doing much of anything. This year I'll probably do some thumb print cookies and perhaps one other kind.  I might do more, but that will depend on how things go as it gets closer to the day itself. I love Christmas goodies, but with hubby's job as busy as it is I try to keep everything else as calm and simple as I can.

 

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What is Homemaking? Part 2

Last week I defined "homemaking" as:
      Homemaking is the art and science of creating and maintaining the home to be a pleasant and productive environment for the glory of God.

          I've underlined certain words I felt were key to the concept and practice of this definition. These will serve as foundations for the directionality of the Reviving Homemaking blog. The following is a generalization of each term as is applied to homemaking:

Art: Many words come to mind when I consider art- expression, discipline, appreciation, skill, perspective, diligence, beauty etc etc. In her book The Hidden Art of Homemaking, Edith Schaeffer contends that art is not bound to the professional realm, but is also "found in the 'minor' areas of life. By 'minor' I mean what is involved in the 'everyday' of anyone's life" (pg. 31). Homemaking is multifaceted in it's potential for the creation of art. The objective is to simply come to see it as such. And so, just as an artist would we observe the works of others past and present within the realm of homemaking with an appreication and enthusiasm. We also diligently work to discover and develop our own canvas so that we may create something that is uniquely ours, and in that be there something beautiful. We all possess some level of artistic or creative talent. As Schaeffer says, "although your art or talent may never be accepted by the world as anything 'great', and may never be your career, it can be used to enrich your day by day life: enrich it for you, and for the people with whom you live" (pg. 48).

Science: Homemaking involves far more than the "how-to" of practice, but also the "why." Even when Home Ec was commonly taught in schools, it was done so as a science. Today, it is still being taught as a science in select universities but under a new name- Family and Consumer Science. The greatest example of use is within the kitchen. We may know how to follow a recipe, but do we know why each ingredient is important? How do we determine proper nutrition? How do we decided the best use of our financial resources? Science examines the "whys" behind the elements or actions within our home so that we may be more knowledgeable and skilled to complete the tasks further. Home Ec courses featured a lab. The home serves the same purpose for discovery. The mundane may become a little more enticing when we desire to learn the science behind it.

Creating: Proverbs 14:1 says, "The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down." The home environment will exist to some extent, but for it to flurish it must be effortfully created. This is a verb and ought to be treated as such. We are not bound to the trapping of circumstance or poor demonstrations experience previously. Within our homes we possess the ability to construct or destroy the entities of home and family. We set the tone for our home environment and even our days. God's grace is sufficient! 2 Corinthians 12:9 states, " But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." With hearts focused on serving the Lord, the home can be created to be something beautiful.

Maintaining: Again, verb! Maintaining the home environment is to anticipate and behave preventatively. Otherwise, I'm forced to scramble to complete the task at the cost of my time, attention, energy, and resources. Maintenance is far more effective! We've invested in the creation of the home environment, and so it next must be maintained. Here too, I recall the words of 2 Corinthians 12:9. The Lord has given me this home and family to care for, and He will also give me the strength to complete my role.

     
      Next week, we'll complete the definition of "homemaking" by looking at a few more key terms- home, pleasant, productive, glory of God.

Review- "What is Homemaking?" (part 1)
Up Next- "What is Homemaking? Part 3"

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Five Question Friday

 

1. What is your favorite Christmas cookie?

     I don't know if I have a favorite, but hubby and I made some chocolate chip peanut butter cookies last weekend that were unbelievable. I won't even admit how many I have eaten! I will say that there has been much tasty delight in so many days this week marked by such shameful lack of self control. haha

2. What's your favorite holiday movie & why?

   I've had two Christmas movies since I can remember and they are The Santa Claus and Miracle on 31st Street. I've watched them so much that I'm pretty sure I could quote the lines independently. Somewhere along the line they became part of the spiritedness of Christmas.

3. Is there a gift that you bought for your kids that you wish you hadn't after they opened it?

      Can't say there is considering we don't have kiddos currently. Hubby and I don't exchange gifts, so no worries there (phew!). For everyone else we give gifts to we receive a detailed list from them weeks prior, so that cuts down on the risk of them not liking it or us wishing we'd done something different.

4. What is the messiest room in your house right at this moment?

Oh dear. It might be a toss up between the kitchen and living room. I finally visited the public library where we live (we've only lived here 8 mo), and came away with a stack of books. Needless to say my nerdy book-lovin self was in a very happy place. So much so that my dirty dishes are still needing loading into the dishwasher, counters washed, and trash can liner replaced. On top of that my living room currently looks like a library threw up because of all the books scattered about. Ugh, I'm so embarrassed and ashamed now that I've not only pulled my head out of the books and looked around, but also that I've shared my mess! Oh well, such is life. Today shall be a cleaning day that is for sure. haha

 

5. What is the furthest you have driven for the holidays?

Last year we spent the holidays with my husband's family who live about 6-7 hours away from us. Currently, we're still close enough to each side of family that we can drive to spend the holidays with them. We know it won't always be the case, so we're grateful for these opportunities presently.

What is Homemaking?

         If you are a follower of Reviving Homemaking on Facebook, then you are aware of a rather baffling question I recently released. I asked, "What is Homemaking?" Indeed, this is quite a broad and complex topic. Yet, entirely necessary of inquiry. The name of this site is Reviving Homemaking. Though, I am not one who grew up within any context of home ec. or homemaking. And so within the realm of all that I am familiar, homemaking/home ec is, in fact, a lost art. Though to pronounce it's passing in completion would be gravely incorrect. Within the connectivity of online media the faint though fully present livelihood of homemaking is palpable. Within the description of this site is the word "journey," and that is precisely where I am. My heart enuthusiastically and joyfully is to walk in the direction of homemaking. It's more than an interest; it's a calling.

     The content up to this point has not been exactly what I had envisioned when the site began. The trouble with reviving something is that one must first understand the identity and function of the matter. How do we revive something unknown? We can't. Or, at least, we can't without tremendous difficulty. Furthermore, in order to bring something forward into the present it must also be conformed in some regard to be applicable and relevant. Some areas of teaching when home ec was at it's height may not apply now, but that is not cause to disregard the subject matter in it's entirety. Enormous significance and value persist in the lessons of homemaking or home ec. If that were to not be the case, then it would be appropriate to issue a certificate and forget it. The strong support for homemaking, even within the online realm, is evidence that it is well and beats onward in the present and future.

     And so, the question arises: "What is Homemaking?" There are numerous personal philosophies behind the practice. What is it on a day-to-day scale? What knowledge or skills are pertinent to the function of the homemaker? For you see, this definition of sorts is even more puzzling for individuals like myself who have not been previously introduced. There is a growing heart for homemaking, but a lack of reference for tangible terms.

     Finally, I've been reflecting lately on how the journey intended by this site to revive homemaking to be undertaken? My conclusion has come in the form of a library card and the pricipal of taking one - step - at - a - time. After much deliberation I've devised the following definition of homemaking, and it will serve as a basis for future content:

    Homemaking is the art and science of creating and maintaining the home to be a pleasant and productive environment for the glory of God.

Continue reading- "What is Homemaking? Part 2" , "What is Homemaking? Part 3"

Linked up at: Deep Roots at Home, Women Living Well, Growing Home, Far Above Rubies, Time-Warp-Wife, Our Simple Country Life, Raising Mighty Arrows, A Pause on the Path

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Book Review: What Women Fear

I’ve recently completed  What Women Fear by Angie Smith. Upon introduction I was hesitant to purchase because I assumed it would discuss anxiety or paranoia type fears. I was quickly proven incorrect. The content of the book discusses matters relatable to any woman.

Though the author has a background that includes a master degree in Developmental Psychology it isn’t apparent that the work is driven by a desire to construct a self-help book based on her studies. Nor it is intended to be an in-depth theological study. It is more appropriately the exploration of the balance of faith and fear on a daily basis. I believe the heart of the work can be seen when she says:
     
     I long to be a woman who walks in the moment God has  
     given me, with full confidence in what's to come. I know it
    isn't always going to look the way I want it to, but I long to
    internalize the fact that He is never going to forsake me or
                           take His hands off me (page 26). 
  
Smith’s writing is clear and easy to comprehend while also often displaying her joyous sense of humor. She writes as though speaking directly with her audience in the tone of intimate friendship. Smith gains the trust of the reader through her retelling of personal experiences with each area. Readers are then drawn in further by her ease and relevance of discussion.

Each chapter begins with a reference to wisdom gained from a Biblical story. The Bible is frequently quoted as passages or as individual verses and are the mediums through which her exploration of fear are conducted. At no point does she deliver a definitive conclusion to any area of fear, but rather encourages the reader to find balance in the matter through a walk with God. Each chapter focuses on specific areas of fear such as: “What if..,” rejection, abandonment, betrayal, failure, success, death, past becoming present, insignificance, God’s plan, realism of God, and fear of God himself.

       Angie Smith does an excellent job at demonstrating Biblical wisdom as is applicable to daily living in a fresh and tangible way. The writing exposes a new way of considering many of the familiar Biblical passages. As I read I was compelled to underline, highlight and comment in the margins extensively. I spent my time savoring the heart of the message she conveyed in each chapter.

       I genuinely did not find a single chapter I did not mark and find value in. In reviews of the book that I could find, only one out of more than a hundred reviews was negative. A strong response such as that speaks accurately well of such a great piece of writing. I would highly recommend What Women Fear by Angie Smith. In one word- phenomenal.

*Note: -The above opinions are mine alone and have not been influenced or solicited in any manner.
-Clicking on the links will take you to the product page on Amazon.com where you can read more on the book. If you decide to purchase, RevivingHomemaking does get a small comission through the Amazon Affiliate Program. (Thank you! :))

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Five Question Friday

1. What is your favorite Christmas decoration in your house?

I love our Christmas tree! When many aspects of Christmas dampen my spirts, the bright glow of lights and ornaments of memories hanging captures my heart as though I was still a child entranced by the wonder that was Christmas. I joke that our tree is decorated by a couple of five year olds for the brightly colored lights and ornament balls as well as the many goofy looking ornaments. I have many of my childhood ornaments, and so I suppose in a sense it was decorated by a five year old. I absolutely love it though. It's our tree..in our home..for our Christmas.

2. Do you finish your Christmas shopping early or are you a last minute type?

I suppose I'm a middle of the road shopper. I prefer to have my Christmas savings completed by the conclusion of November and then shop the first week or two of December. I certainly don't touch any closer to the day than that! (Have I ever mentioned that I'm not a shopper, and so this shopping season really isn't my favorite? haha)

3. When do you turn on your heat?

Fortunately for where we live we can go without any heat or air during most day of the spring and fall. We'll wait as long as we can before turning on the heat. Doing so provides an excellent opportunity to take in the cool crisp air of fall.I love the coziness that accompanies cool weather.

4. Do you ever wish your blog was private?

     I work to publish only writing which would not ever produce embarrassment or shame. It is the medium of my exploration of life and homemaking. If my journey can be of meaning to anyone, then I'm pleased to have all content public.

     With that said, I must admit that I am not without fear of rejection. The blog contains writing on a subject matter that can be quickly mocked and criticized in certain audiences. In these instances, a piece of me wishes to make content private to avoid such responses. However, in doing so I acknowledge that I would be denying myself and that which I feel the Lord calling me to pursue. And so, I swallow my fear of rejection and type again with trust in the Lord who has lead me to this place.

5. Do you put your deodorant on before of after you put on your shirt?

 Well, isn't this a t.m.i. question?! haha. To answer the question (because I know others really want to know), I tend to do it afterwards. I'm always concerned that I'll get it all over the shirt and then not get it off in a timely manner if it do it before the shirt. haha..and now you know ;)