Mentoring Moments for Christian Women » Around the House

Making Clean-Up Fun for Little Ones

Carla Anne — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:00:05 +0000

No kid wants to stop their fun to clean up! So don’t let them stop. Make the clean up part of the fun! Here are some ideas.

*Have them pick up all the red toys, then the green toys, then the square toys, then the round toys. Give a little treat after each assignment.

*Don’t let them wear everyday clothes for cleaning up – that’s boring! Instead call out a Firefighter or a Princess or a Doctor or a Baker to come help! And make sure those boys are making noise while they clean – they are made for that!

*Have them count while they put toys away, and every time they count one you put a raisin in a bowl. If there are 20 toys out, they’ll get 20 raisins. What’s more fun than a snack?

*Play Eye-Spy. I Spy with my little Eye something that says: “Choo-Choo!” When the right toy is found and put where it belongs, they get a chance to see if YOU can find the right toy and put it away.

*Use the alphabet for young learners. Put away something that starts with a ‘t’ sound, or a ‘b’ sound.

*Set the timer for 30 seconds and see how fast they can go! But the rule is as soon as the timer goes they have to (play dead, or dance, or sing, or twirl, or jump, or pretend to be an airplane…) until the timer goes again (another 30 seconds). Repeat until it’s all cleaned up.

*Hand out bags and see how much they can put in a bag and still carry it to the toy box. See who can put the most in – a sibling (or friend, or you) or them.

*Turn on dance or praise music. Have them put away as many toys as they can until the music stops and then they have to freeze! Do this in short bursts.

*Put away things from biggest to smallest.

*Race. Make 2 equal piles of toys on one side of the room, farthest from the toy box. On your mark, get set… GO! Race with your child to see who can take one from the pile, run it to the toy box and go back for the next until they are all gone. If you win… help out!

Carla Anne Coroy

A Cement Block Garden–Really!

Kellie — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:00:18 +0000

I do not consider myself a gardener, just a want-a-be. For years, I have killed more vegetables in container gardening attempts than my family has eaten. Last year I stepped outside my comfort zone and did the unthinkable…planted a real vegetable garden.

A church in our community started a series of cement block gardens last year that were intriguing. After a couple of weeks of watching their progress, I knew this would be the perfect project. Using cement blocks, landscape fabric to control weeds, and a mixture of gardening soils– cheap dirt and Miracle Grow, the garden was ready in just a few hours time.

Cement blocks are not the prettiest, but they are the cheapest at $1.25 each. For someone who has wasted more money than I care to admit on gardening, they were perfect. Infact, I’m sure if the Homeowners Association knew cement blocks were in my backyard I would be getting a lovely little letter. However, going into year two, plans are in the works to dress the blocks up with either brick or stone. Another project I need to learn how to do!

This year I planted tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, romaine lettuce, and strawberries. The romaine and strawberries are planted in the cement block holes. Last year the holes would fill with weeds weekly and quickly became a dreaded chore. There is still some space available and I plan to squeeze in a few more plants and some flowers.

If you are considering gardening–go for it! It is a wonderful way to bless family and friends with fresh produce right from our own yards. If you are a natural green thumb or a beginner like myself, send us your photos and comment with your tips to a successful garden. I would love to know what you have growing success with and what you have planted this year.

* The links above will take you to Lowe’s. I am not being compensated or have I been asked to share these links–just the first home supply store that popped to mind.

Creating a Bird Garden

Open Hearts and Home

Guest — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 10:00:08 +0000

When we were 23 and 24 years old we read a very influential book, “Open Heart, Open Home” by Karen Mains. It basically challenges the idea that your home is your fortress or your showplace. She wrote it after the kid next door from a dysfunctional home repeatedly tracked dirt on her nice carpets, etc. and she was tempted to limit his entrance to her home. Then, of course, the Lord rebuked her and reminded her that it was His house given for her to enjoy and to minister out of so she needed to loosen up and try her best to get lost people and others who needed a shelter to come inside it. That really resonated with us and we have tried to run an open home ever since. We often have an extra half-dozen people for dinner at night and especially on weekends. Sometimes that means someone staying with us for months at a time. Maybe we invite them, and sometimes they invite themselves.

Now if you are going to run an open home you need to make a few adjustments. For starters, you need some new systems of care that are not built on entertaining but on practicing biblical hospitality (meeting the person’s real need). For example a tired college student is fine with a sofa to sleep on. Don’t turn him away because you have no more bedrooms. Tables should be round, not rectangular. Sherry says, “There’s always room for one more at a round table.” You need also to have an attitude adjustment about the cost of food, etc. Don’t calculate it. Just give. And it will be given unto you. Good measure, pressed down, running over. If you look at the context of that verse I really don’t think Jesus was talking about giving in an offering in a church service but giving to real people in life. Share food, money, and beds with people and God will fill your cupboard and bank account back up when they run empty.

An open home is a little messy most of the time, but it is a place of laughter and warmth. I encourage you to open your doors and your kitchen table and invite someone into your life to share community. We have found so much joy that way and our life is a greater influence. Our home is the absolute center of our ministry. Everything “public” flows from there.

Chuck and Sherry Quinley have six children. The Quinleys are 25-year veteran missionaries serving mainly within the 10/40 window of Asia. To follow the Qunileys visit quinley.com and for some great Christian radio, visit their station The Edge.

(from archives)

DIY Fall Cake Stand

Kellie — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:00:23 +0000

Do-It-Yourself projects are not my thing. I like the idea of being crafty, but let’s face it, I don’t do crafty well. For me to attempt and complete a project it has to be super easy, just a few pieces involved, and cheap to make.

Creating a cake stand from a plate and candlestick fits the bill. Of course, all you DIY divas are thinking ‘that’s so last year’. You’re probably right, this project can be found on any number of blogs and websites. Just in case, there is anyone left who has not seen this, it is truly a project worth trying.

Three components: a pretty plate, candlestick or glass to use as a base, Gorilla glue.

My plate was $3 at Goodwill.

The pretty candlestick stand was $2.42 at Goodwill.

Look, it’s a Gail Pittman too!

Glue it all together for a pretty fall dessert stand. Don’t let the glue’s brown color cause concern, it dries clear. Now that I have this project under my belt, I plan to make a few for Christmas gifts. (Pretend you did not hear that if we’re related.)

Fall Blessing

Kellie — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 10:00:59 +0000

The Lord bless you and keep you The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you;

The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.

In the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen

It’s Just Cleaning

Kellie — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 10:00:43 +0000

Nowadays it seems we need how-to books, vlogs, blogs, and even devotionals to tell us how to clean our houses. Entire industries have sprung up catering to how-to-clean your house. My great-grandmother would have thumped my head or said her favorite line while holding out her hand, “cry me a handful, just cry me a handful.”

Lest you think I am the guru of housecleaning with no compassion for those who may struggle. I am not. In fact, I’ll have to share soon how I did not know until six months into marriage that a bathroom was supposed to be cleaned. Housecleaning has always been an uphill challenge for me. I’ve read the books, watched the videos and still it comes down to two simple words no matter how I avoid or slice it: do it.

The problem is not really the cleaning, it’s the want to.
I admit–I don’t want to.

As a newlywed if I didn’t want to, I didn’t. Now as a mom of four if I don’t, a new lifeform is likely to grow in my home. Is there a problem with trying to improve one’s skill? Of course not! FlyLady.com is a great resource. I will always credit her with cleaning with my shoes on and shining my sink until it sparkles.

As my friend Michelle recently said, “If you’re heart’s not in cleaning, it’s not going to get done good.” And that’s true whether it’s our children completing chores or ourselves. The want to is all about disciplining ourselves to get the job done whether we want to or not. If you’re like me and missed out on the cleaning want-to gene, there is help. First, talk to the Lord; ask for His strength, ability, discipline, and want to.

Avoid making housecleaning an idol or stronghold.
It’s just cleaning. It’s taking a broom, mop, a toilet bowl wand, furniture polish, and getting to work. It’s not about spending time obsessed with learning how or allowing it to consume our lives. It’s a chore and we just…do it. How would we respond if our kids said, “Mom, I need to pray about this, do a devotional and in a few weeks, Lord willing, I will be ready to do my chores”? Yeah, you and my grandmother both!

Beth Moore in her book, Get Out of that Pit, says, “Scripture has a name for a small distraction that becomes a big distraction. It’s called a stronghold. Scripture defines it as any and “every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:5). Anything that becomes a bigger preoccupation in your mind than the truth and knowledge of God, anything that dwarfs His truth and knowledge in your imagination, is a stronghold. In other words, if I have a relationship through which I can no longer prioritize Christ and His Word, Satan is building a stronghold there.”

Don’t allow life to be ruled by a belief system that places housecleaning, of all things, into a position of dominance. Nothing, nothing is to take the place of our time spent in prayer and study of the Word of God. If you are feeling overwhelmed and defeated, especially after reading about how someone else keeps their home spotless on a daily basis, let me give you a bit of truth:

* They do not have your life, your home, or your family.

* They are probably not in your season of life.

* Their expectations of what a clean home is and how to do it may not work for your family.

Housecleaning is a stewardship issue, a priority on a weekly to-do list, and a part of life. When it overwhelms, defeats, and paralyzes a family into doing nothing or not giving it it’s proper place, there is a problem. But there is an easy solution.

Overcoming and Conquering
Keeping a clean home is a challenge we all face daily. It can be put into its proper place, not dominating or overwhelming our lives. We can walk in freedom, not locked in a stronghold of cleaning obsessions that require more and more.

How?

In upcoming posts I will share how knowing your family’s season of life is key to cleaning, introduce you to a panel of moms who will inspire you with real life strategies, talk about the nitty gritty of getting everyone to help–including spouses–and celebrate putting cleaning in its proper place!

Can you spread the word? Forward this email to family and friends. Got a question or have a strategy you would like to share? Please, please do! Commenting is how we become a community of encouraging sisters–and live out mentoring. If there is a particular issue you would like to see addressed, let me know!

It’s Time to Clean

My House is too Small..Why be Hospitable?

Jan — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 10:00:39 +0000

My house is too small. They won’t have a place to park. The carpets are always dirty. Sit on the floor? Are you kidding me? I can’t cook. What if I run out of things to say……

Why be hospitable? Do people even need your caring words or actions?

Are people hurting today? Yes. Are they thriving or are they in survival mode? Do they have peace or are they in need of peace? Can you offer them a glass of water?

I’m not known for my hospitality. My mother is a gracious person. I don’t have any excuse…..except one. Perfection. I want things to be perfect. And they aren’t……ever. My desire for perfection doesn’t even come from wanting to please others as much as it comes from my own pride. Ugg. The ugly cards are out on the table now.

Martha, just call me Martha.

But when I consider those I think about hosting I know that they need ME. They need the love of Christ that I can share that day. They need a loving touch or a listening ear. They need to relax and have a moment away from the demands overwhelming their lives. They need a meal…..any meal. A friend recently got excited when I invited her to come over “one day soon.” I told her I wasn’t sure what I’d cook. She quickly responded, “Grilled cheese would be fine! I just want to come visit!” It really isn’t my food she longs for, it’s His food she knows she’ll get!

Another friend wants to come over. She has never been here but she likes some of the things that consume my time. She just wants to sit and be encouraged, she wants to take a deep breath and slow her pace.

As I prepared for our wonderful fellowship yesterday with my Polish friend, Maria Rybarczyk, I knew that I wanted the focus to be on her, not the food. I bought some fruits, cubed some cheese and set out crackers. We made a delicious punch and had hot coffee and tea available. The table looked bare so I thought about buying a few pretty flowers but I didn’t have a lot of time to run out and get them. As I walked into my kitchen I saw some (old….I’m being honest now) “silk” flowers in a vase. (I really feel like I’m using the term “silk” loosely.) At that moment I felt God say to me, “Jan, this isn’t about perfection and you have only Me to please. Wash the old flowers, put them in a vase and set them on the table. This day isn’t about your idea of beauty. It is about showing them My Love. Just love.”

The day was full of dark skies, strong winds, hard rain, impressive lightening and powerful thunder. The phone began ringing as two o’clock approached and I braced myself for regrets. Instead I had requests for: driving instructions, permission to bring a friend, and “Is there anything you’d like me to bring?” Everyone showed up and they were all on time! They brought smiles, umbrellas, diaper bags, excitment and anticipation. We all sat in my livingroom and compared our circle to what the early church must have been like huddled in the catacombs. What a wonderfully glorious day it was.

They sat on the sofa, diningroom table chairs (that don’t match the table and were bought from an old army kitchen), the floor….even the inexpensive folding chairs I bought to use outside! There was laughter, some tears, many hugs and prayers. We sang aloud a few songs that have guided and strenghtened Maria….and we sang them a capella. Talk about missing perfection. But I’m certain the angels were singing along too.

My friends (from all walks of life and many not knowing anyone else before coming over), left refreshed. They looked more filled and complete than when they first walked in the door. They were built up and ready to “go forth.”

The kitchen was not as clean as I would have liked. A few prep things I had planned to do never got done. My little projects even sat in their places unashamed, waiting on me. It was obvious. She didn’t get her whole “look” finished.

But now I know. We weren’t really going for “my look.” We were going for His look. And since He is Perfection, what was I worried about after all?

IF He is my Boss (and He is!), then I need only concern myself with the assignments He puts before me and they are never too much or too hard.

My friends relax when I relax. And before I know it the meal is finished and they’re drying dishes and putting them in my cupboards. (Never my intention or desire by the way!) But they smile and say, “Wow, we’re a lot alike. I’d put my such-and-such here too if I were you.” Then we’re laughing and I’m understanding that they just want to be my family for the day.

They got a lot more than nourishment at my table. They got loved. They felt cherished and listened to and the ride home is an easier one because they know I care about them and they have another sister looking out for them. The harsh world is a little less harsh because they felt loved and not with a love that is superficial….but with God’s love, the Perfect love.

“But when perfection comes, the imperfection disappears.” 1 Corinthians 13:10

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13: 13

Be the balm that is needed, the oasis that is desired, the friend that is loving and available.

I am tossing the pride of my own need for perfection. My Boss expects obedience, not my simple idea of excellence.

The world is in too much need to wait for us to finally get over ourselves. Set aside personal agendas and Love One Another! The time is nigh.

Can I count on you?

Can He count on you?

Obediently,

Jan aka The New Mary

Mission: Hospitality

Guest — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 10:00:18 +0000

Last year, I experienced one of life’s major moments: I bought a home. As a single-again woman, I beamed with pride on closing day. For most of the five years after my divorce, I lived in a decent-sized apartment. But I didn’t let that stop me from having people over.

Now, with my very own home, I had a unique opportunity–welcoming even more people into my mission field. I didn’t know that God already had a plan in mind.

Several months after being in my home, a young friend (whom I consider the little sister I never had) needed a safe and emotionally-healthy place to live. I didn’t hesitate. I had three bedrooms in the split-plan home, and I was using only one. She graciously accepted my offer, and I’m glad she did.

Our friendship blossomed as we confided in each other, laughed, and cried together. I admit it wasn’t always easy; it’s a challenge to live by yourself for so long and then have someone in your home. But we worked around our quirkiness, and after eight months she was able to move into a place of her own. Even though I’m happily married now, I still miss her presence. We still hang out, and she visits regularly. I wanted to bless her, but she blessed me.

My home is my mission field. Of course, that doesn’t mean I invite all people to live in my home, but I want my home to be an inviting place–a safe place for all who enter. I want my guests to be welcome any time, any day, and to make themselves at home. Anytime? Any day? Yes, I truly mean that, and my friends know it.

In the past, I refused to have anyone come over if the house wasn’t in tip-top shape with everything in its proper place. Spotless. But after years of struggles–divorce and medical issues, to name a few–I now treasure the important things in life.

My house is not perfect–it’s lived-in, it’s real, it’s my home. Of course, that doesn’t give me an excuse not to clean, but it puts cleaning in perspective: Do I spend time serving, laughing, and sometimes even crying with friends, or do I spend the time preparing frantically for their visit?

The Bible says to share with God’s people who are in need, to practice hospitality, working together for the kingdom of God (Romans 12:13; 3 John 1:8). Some of us have to work harder than others at hospitality, but when we do, our home is our mission field. What we do for one of the least of our brothers, in reality, we do for God (Matthew 25:40).

Daphne Tarango is a freelance writer—and happily-married newlywed–who comforts others with the comfort she herself has received from God (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). She lives in the Southeastern U.S., where she is a leader in a Bible-based recovery program and president of a local writers’ group. Visit her blog Daphne Writes.

Editor’s Note: Daphne’s piece jogged me into adding this as I think that many Christians in our hurried era fail to answer the call to hospitality–even in their own churches. A friend told me that her Sunday School class decided to have dinner party groups to get to know each other better. Each couple who wanted to participate was grouped with two other couples for a period of three months. Then the groups would change members. The goal was to meet once a month. My friend signed up for three consecutive rounds. Each time, after receiving the names, she contacted everyone first and offered to have a dinner at her home. They decided on a date and what each couple would bring to supplement her entree. Everyone seemed to have a great time at the first dinner meeting. But…no one else volunteered for the next dinner. Everyone was “busy.” Right before the three-month period was up, one woman suggested they all meet at a restaurant (dutch treat, of course) to fulfill her commitment. (My friend knew that this woman had a lovely, spacious home which she kept immaculate, so space or cleaning was not the issue.) In the second group my friend entertained first, and the three months passed with no one else volunteering to host a meeting. In the third group, my friend entertained first again. Late in the third month one other couple invited the group to their home. When the fourth round was advertised, my fellowship-seeking but disillusionined friend didn’t sign up. Apparently most others didn’t either, so the program was abandoned. How different it might have been if each couple who had signed up had taken their commitment to hospitality and fellowship more seriously.

When Guests Drop In

Guest — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 10:00:58 +0000

It’s been a long day, the sun has just set, and dinner is over. You’ve managed to clear the table and get the dishes to the sink–even to give the little ones a bath. Whew! Finally, the time you have been waiting for all day has arrived. You settle down on the couch to cuddle with the little ones and your husband. He turns to one of your favorite psalms and begins to read. You needed this–it soothes your soul. You drink in every word.

Ding Dong!

Startled and surprised, you look at your husband in disbelief.

Ding Dong!

The reality begins to sink in, but still you whisper to him, “Company? This late?” As he rises to answer the door, you squeeze the babies hoping for the moment to last just a second longer. You sigh and ask the Lord to make you be what He needs you to be at this moment. You pray that you will be “hospitable without grumbling.”

The thought that this is your time crosses your mind, and you push it away, knowing that you are here for Him. You are here for His glory and to be used at any time of the day. You even smile as you remember that you prayed just last week for Him to use you.

You greet your company both sincerely and cheerfully. You are glad they are here!

Unexpected? Yes!

Blessed? More than yes!

A few hours pass and they leave. They leave comforted and filled, because you gave up your comfort. They thank you for being so hospitable and apologize for “just dropping in so late.” You assure them it was no imposition and remind them that they can come by any time.

You slip into bed exhausted but with a heart full of joy. You drift to sleep thankful for a home to use for Him, thankful for a husband and children to share it with, and thankful for friends that feel welcome enough to “just drop in.”

Jennifer Ross
Jennifer is the cherished wife of a very visionary man, and a home schooling mother to almost a dozen children. Her deepest desire is to consistently love her husband and children and to be a diligent and joyful keeper at home, all for the glory of God. Her favorite pastime is to encourage fellow housewives in their highest calling of wife and mother. When she’s not creating Homemaking DVDs or hosting webinars, she can be found blogging at Renewing Housewives.

Drop Everything and Just Go?

Wax Paper Flowers

Guest — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 10:00:57 +0000

I love working with wax paper. I think it is the opaque quality it has. Plus it is dirt cheap. I wanted a bouquet for my outdoor gazebo. Something that could withstand the wind and rain in the summers of western Washington. I played around and came up with these wax paper flowers. You could do a zillion things with them. Add them to scrapbooking pages, make a fun pin for your lapel or add them to a pretty package. I wired mine to sticks to make a bouquet. They are very easy to make but there is one caveat, so follow my instructions below about ironing the wax paper together. Otherwise, have fun!

You will need wax paper, pretty fabric, scissors, a piece of cardboard, iron, button and wire.

1. Cut out a flower from the fabric. The best way to do this is to trace a circle onto the fabric. After you cut the circle, fold in half and then half again. Then trim the raw edge to make a rounded edge. When you open up the circle, you will have a scalloped edge.

2. Tear two squares of wax paper, at lest twice as big as your flower. Now this is the important part! You want a good inch of wax paper around the edge of your flower. Heat iron on high. Do not try to iron until it is fully hot. Set a piece of cardboard under your flower to absorb the melting wax. Now quickly run the iron around the wax paper on the edge of the flower. You do not need to iron the fabric center, just the wax paper edge. But it takes only a second or two. If you iron too long, the wax melts away and the paper will not stick. Try playing with a few pieces and you will see what I mean. All you need to do is melt the wax enough to get the papers to stick.

3. When wax has cooled, (a minute or two after you ironed), cut the wax paper following the shape of the flower. It does not have to be perfect. Actually I think they look better not too perfect. Remember to not cut too close to the fabric. Leave about an inch of melted wax paper around the fabric!

4. To add a button to the center, run a thick piece of wire through the button holes, then through each flower and twist wire in back to secure button. If you want to do a bouquet, then twist the wire again around a stick.

Clarice Fox- Hughes, is the writer of Storybook Woods where she blogs about cooking, crafting and making the most of what she has. She also has written a novel Wren Bay, based upon her blog, with 41 of her recipes.