Homemaking Linkup

Be sure to check out the homemaking linkup http://raisinghomemakers.com/2010/new-homemaking-link-up-share-your-own/

Seeking Simplicity

I wanted to share with you an amazing book I have been reading lately called "Abundant Simplicity" by Jan Johnson.  It has certainly been eye-opening to me, and perhaps you might find the same.


It is as Jan says about "discovering the unhurried rhythms of grace".  Isn't that what we all crave deep down in our souls even as we run around "multitasking"?  


Since I have started reading this book, I can actually feel a little serenity seeping into my life.  Not that my life is any less chaotic than before, but I am beginning to look at it in a whole new light.


I am trying to discern what is necessary in my life.  And that includes things, thoughts and things I choose to do with each minute of the day.


One of the things I have added is studying my Magnificat devotional in bed, right before I close my eyes.  But in order to do this, I have given up watching the news at 11 while in bed which I was addicted to.  


But I feel so much more relaxed when I close my eyes at night, with God's word the last thing I think about before sleep.  


And then, when I open my eyes in the morning, I once again grab my Magnificat and my glasses and read the morning prayers as well as the Mass for the day.  What better way to prepare myself to tackle the day?  And the peace and quiet of that early morning prayer seems to let me hear God's voice a little more clearly.


Some of the things I have chosen to lose are the stack of magazines and newspapers sitting by my chair.  I've decided that when it feels like a chore to make myself read them, it is time to dump them or recycle them.  


And then there are my clothes.  From now on, when I put something on in the morning and it doesn't feel great on or look great, off it goes into the donation bag.  No more messing around with uncomfortable clothes or ones that just aren't me.  My closet looks much better for it and so do I!


Then there are the things I sign up for.  You know how it is.  Bible study, choir, a class, cantoring.  I've decided that I am going to spend as much time as possible with my family, rather than with others.  My children are growing up so quickly, and my parents getting older, which is causing me to value my time with them all the more.  With God's help, I'll have time later in life to devote myself to helping others besides my family or getting involved with things without the fear of taking away from family time.


I'm now trying to discern what I want to concentrate on here at home.  I am currently selling on Ebay as well as Etsy and trying to keep up with my blog.  Therefore, many of my hobbies have fallen to the wayside like sewing, quilting and reading.  This is the hard part for me right now.  I'm praying that God will direct me in the path he has chosen for me, and that I can hear Him loud and clear.  My goal is to use most of my energy left over from being a mom to do what God would have me do, so I am listening very closely, and trying to clear my mind of the chaos of life.


I will try to continue to keep you updated in my quest, and I really recommend that you pick up the book I mentioned at the beginning (Abundant Simplicity by Jan Johnson) to begin your journey like I have.  Best wishes and prayers to you all!

Slacker Mom...Continued

The other day, I posted on being a Slacker Mom, Slacker Teacher, but never really touched on the slacker mom aspect.  I feel the need to do this now.


I had been thinking about my Mom, especially with Mother's Day coming up and what a wonderful Mom she was, and still is.  She was an incredible example of what a mom should be and I certainly wouldn't be who I am today without her influence.


And so, when I compare myself to Mom, I feel like a slacker mom.  She was so good at training us, in a good way, to be organized, clean and kind.  Somehow, in raising my five children, I failed to do that.


For example, when we were little, as soon as we got up, we went into the bathroom to wash our face and brush our teeth.  Period.  Some of my children haven't washed their face in days, and some I have to mention their "dragon breath" before they brush!


Every Saturday was bed changing day years ago (and still is for my bed).  But at my house, I'm lucky to see my children's sheets once a month!  As for making beds, (which I do mine every day), I wonder if my children are feeling well if theirs are made.


We were also required when I was little to keep our rooms decently clean, including dusting.  My children's rooms have paths to their beds through all their stuff.  I have to avert my eyes during evening prayer so that I don't have anger in my heart during a prayerful time.  And I don't think my children know what dusting is!


Bedtime with Mom was set in stone, except for exceedingly rare occasions, like a good episode of "Wonderful World of Disney" on Sunday nights.  Usually it was 7 to 7:30 p.m.  At our house, bedtime can range from anywhere between 9:30 and when I go to bed (usually 10:30). 


Mom was a quiet, loving authoritarian.  We respected her wishes and wanted to please her, so we always (mostly) did what we were told.  Somehow that gene did not pass on to me, the slacker mom.  I could never be a CEO or a boss for that matter.  I somehow missed out on Mom's amazing ability to teach and to lead and instead wander through life with no clear household rules.  Being a follower is not a good attribute for mothers.  Moms need to be leaders, and instill basic habits in their children, all with a loving heart.  


I love my children dearly, but I feel I have done them a disservice in not teaching them and expecting some very basic things from them.  I tend to overlook a lot, as I like to keep the peace and don't like confrontation.  Perhaps I should study in my mind more closely how my Mom led our family with love and patience and maybe glean a few tips.  Perhaps it's not too late!