The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul. Ps. 23:1-3a
I have had these verses memorized since I was a little girl, and I always thought about the literal sheep in a pasture when I read this Psalm. I never really applied it to myself. But when my husband died, and I was raising young children on my own, it became a lifeline for me, and I can see how God has gently led me through difficulty to restore healing and joy.
Read more...The holiday season is a special time of year, filled with love, laughter, and the spirit of giving. And sometimes we need a little help with ideas that won’t break the bank. If you are needing some last minute gifts that are budget friendly, look no further. These thoughtful handmade gifts will be a favorite this year. They are effortless to make, and you probably already have most of the ingredients.
Here are three simple DIY gifts that you can easily make with only a few ingredients.
Read more...The first Christmas after the loss of a spouse can be an overwhelming and bittersweet experience, especially when you are left with small children to care for. It is during this time of year, cherished for its joy and togetherness, that the absence of your beloved spouse is deeply felt. As someone who has walked this journey, I want to extend my heartfelt compassion and share some insights on how to navigate the emotions and find hope during this challenging time.
Read more...The first year.......
The first year after my husband’s passing, I was constantly bracing myself for all of the firsts that would happen.
First birthdays
First holidays
Mother’s Day
His birthday
Each milestone was met with trepidation and apprehension, as I had no idea what to expect. Would I be an emotional wreck? Would it be a hard day to get through? Would anyone remember this is the first time we are doing xyz without him? Some milestones went OK, others were very difficult, like his birthday and Father’s Day. I tried to make each of these days full of his memories for my kids, even if I was struggling.
My daughter turned 7 just nine days after Jon passed. Thankfully, we still had family around that were there for his funeral, so we celebrated with them. It was a good distraction after all the preparation and work that went into the services.
Read more...As a mom of two, I understand the challenge of simplifying and embracing a frugal lifestyle while also prioritizing the removal of toxins from our home. It would have been so much easier to stick to the familiar products I was used to, but deep down, I knew they weren't safe for my family. That's when I made the decision to take charge and make a change. I couldn't keep bringing harmful products into our home when I had the power to choose safer alternatives. Buying nontoxic cleaning products from the store would have been convenient, but it was also expensive, and as a widow, every penny counted. That's when I discovered the incredible versatility of white vinegar for cleaning. But I didn't stop there. I delved even further and found another amazing pantry staple that could also be used for cleaning.
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