Well howdy-do Sugar Pie! Thank you so-so much for stopping by! I’ve been a busy gal tending to my garden. We’ve had so much rain that the weeds have really taking over. Fortunately, my pumpkin plants are growing good and strong! Here’s the crazy thing…once again I’m growing another “accidental” pumpkin patch again this year. Although, this time I think I should say “intentional-accidental!” What I mean is, we intentionally threw our pumpkins over our deck onto my garden plot this past winter and WA-LAH! (Voila!)…pumpkin plants started popping up all over this spring! Makes this mama happy!
Here I am with my faded, vintage granny apron on (that I bought for $3 at a flea market here in the Ozarks) and my bandana on my head to keep the wind from blowing my hair across my face and sticking to my lipstick…ha! Yes, I wear lipstick while gardening! Like I always say “If the barn needs paintin’…paint it!” Hee hee! That’s how I roll sistah! :D
Chicken boots and pumpkin plants. Yee Haw!
Meanwhile inside my house…OH DEAR, we had (key-word “had”) a mouse in the house. Eeeeek! Lord have mercy! That there, is life in the country, by golly! I can tolerate a lot of things but not that! There’s only one mouse that I like and his name is Mickey. Other than him, the very minute I see evidence (poop) of a mouse, I declare war! I search for any points of entry to find out how he got in. I lay sticky glue traps (affiliate) everywhere! Fortunately, and thank The Lord we caught that rascal! Those sticky traps are the best thing since sliced bread, I tell ya!
Well, I had to scrub and scrub everything that got in it’s path. For some reason he walked through my beloved apron drawer. OH GOOD GRAVY! So I grabbed all of my aprons and pushed them into the washing machine and set it on the Sanitize cycle, which runs for about 2 hours. Oh Lawdy! When I went to transfer them into the dryer I found my aprons were tied together in a million knots! Wet knots at that! I coudn’t believe it! Seriously, I kept staring at this jumbled ball of soggy aprons twirled together like spaghetti on a fork. I kept thinking, what do I do now?? I called my daughter Summer to come see…she burst into a belly laugh and then we laughed ourselves silly. Then we got busy untangling that mess. It took us about 30 minutes. But I think the memory of it will last a lifetime! Note to self: Don’t launder a bunch of untied aprons together! Sheeeze!
Well, in other news, the good ol’ summertime is here at last! Yay!!! Fresh fruit from the farmer’s markets, slip-in-slides, sparkler’s on warm, starry 4th of July nights, family get-togethers…
Summer rainstorms…blue skies…puffy clouds lazily drifting by…
Growing my kitchen garden…
and my favorite homegrown cherry tomatoes warm from the sun…
daisy fresh, sunny mornings…
…summertime fishin’ with my kids and grand babies! And another soon-to-be summer favorite is my new grandbaby that’s on the way! My son Dusty and daughter-in-love Kimmy are expecting their 3rd in July! We don’t know what they’re having yet! It’s going to be a surprise!
More summertime favorites are dining outdoors…
and making my most favorite Plum jam!
Recently I made a batch of Strawberry Rhubarb jam…soooo yummy! I kept taste-testing spoonfuls at a time…well I had to make sure it tasted right don’t-cha-know! Ha!
And here’s a new-to-me summertime favorite! Watermelon Iced Tea! My son J.J. called me the other day and told me about it. He thought I might like to share it with y’all on my blog…isn’t that just the cutest! I love how he was thinking about his mama and her blog! Well, he said he was at a restaurant and they were serving this delicious watermelon iced tea. He said he loved it and that it was really refreshing. So I googled it and come to find out it’s an old southern recipe!
Basically, you make a pitcher of iced tea (minus two cups) and add two cups of pureed watermelon from the blender (that’s about 3 cups of chopped watermelon). Make sure the watermelon has great flavor and is nice and sweet. Sometimes the watermelon’s that we buy turns out to be a tasteless, grainy dud. It’s not going to taste any better in your iced tea either. Now if you want your tea even sweeter go ahead and add sugar to taste, a simple syrup or honey. You can also add fresh mint or basil too! Then just pour over a tall glass filled with ice. It’s a refreshing twist to plain iced tea. I’m thinking peach iced tea would be yummy too!
Another summer favorite of mine: It’s the perfect music for sitting-on-the-porch, watching-fireflies-dance-on-sultry-evenings, while you’re sipping an ice cold glass of Southern Watermelon Iced Tea…it’s Billie Holiday! I love the way she sings “Summertime…and the livin’ is easy…fish are jumpin’ and the cotton is high”. Ahhhh! It’s the simple things in life that are so sweet! Click here to listen to a sampler of her 1940’s blue-zy, southern sound! (affiliate)
Every summer I have to pull out one of my favorite Summer books to get me in the summertime mood! It’s Susan Branch’s The Summer Book! Oh how I love her stories, charming illustrations and recipes! I just love her!
Hey speaking of Summertime books! Hee hee! If you’ve never picked up my summer ebook Watermelon & Fireflies…you need to get you one right here!!
It’s jam packed with vintage goodness!
Recipes, stories, family fun ideas!
51 Farm Fresh Ideas Fo Celebrating The Good Ol’ Summertime!
My heart’s passion is to encourage you to be the best mama, wife, woman, and/or homemaker that you can be (by homemaker I mean any woman that loves her home and wants to create a safe, happy place for her family– whether she works outside the home or inside the home). That’s what Sugar Pie Farmhouse/ Warm Pie, Happy Home is all about.
I want to continue sharing with you valuable tips that I’ve learned through my 39 years of marriage and homemaking and 35 years of being a mama to four kids! Believe me when I tell you that I’ve had my share of challenges and difficulties keeping my home organized, raising my babies, and keeping my marriage strong. Not to mention going through post-partum depression, infertility (for three years), feelings of self-doubt and failure. But I’ve also learned that I don’t have to be perfect and that Jesus is right by my side, and that He has an amazing plan for my life as He does yours! I’ve learned the secret to joy and focusing on one of the most important things in my life which is making sure my family feels loved, blessed and cared for.
All that to say this; I love you my Sugar Pie Sister so very much, you are so dear to my heart and so when you take your precious time to come here I want to provide you with the most value that I possibly can. I don’t want to waste your time or mine. I need to know how I can best help you find joy and contentment in life. Not that I have all the answers, but I have a whole lot of experience behind me that I want to share with you!
So here’s where I need your help:
- I want to know what is your greatest frustration in life? As a woman, homemaker, wife, mother, Christian?
- What are your pain-points, challenges, or obstacles?
- Are you stressed out? With what?
- What do you struggle with?
- What are you anxious about?
Here’s the thing, we all struggle with stuff! We’re all in the same boat! Let’s help each other!
Leave a comment below! God bless you dear on! Just the fact that you are here tells me you have a heart for home, family and sweet vintage goodness just like me!
Sending you sweet-as-pie hugs and blessings!
Aunt Ruthie
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I find I am most overwhelmed by trying to manage my time. I desire to have time with the Lord, my husband and kids while keeping the house clean and homeschooling 4 kids and caring for infant etc. it just seems impossible. Our family dream is to homestead and I need to get order to the chaos before that!
Thanks for being an inspiration!
My biggest challenge is to be a good homemaker and wife while working 40 plus hours my house may never be clean nor dinner cooked every night but it is ok. I take each day as it comes and leave everything to the Lord’s will because he has blessed me more than I deserve.
I just love your take on things, Ruthie. Everything you mentioned has been addressed before but you make it all better! I love the way you incorporate your faith and positive spin on everything.
I would love to see more of your decorating…pie making…organization…definitely that garden…all of it.
Just keep it up! You always make us smile and have a great warm feeling inside. ♥
Dear Aunt Ruthie, My life is so blessed but I struggle to keep an upbeat attitude with my children all day. I want to be a sweet, soft-spoken mamma but I tend to get easily frustrated with all this child training. I need some “patient mamma” training! ~Angela W.
I must say my biggest challenge in life is being a single Mom to 3 of the most amazing chickies a woman could ask for. I work full time plus some to make sure their needs are taken care of. I know they are very grateful for this because they join me with all my silly homestead and gardening tasks when most kids would turn and run fr their electronics. Nothing pleases me more then hearing my 16 year old son remind me to prune my basil so they get nice and bushy. I do have to thank you for your blog and tips. You have helped me more than you can imagine on this journey. So be proud. You have been a blessing in this Momma’s life.
Like so many others out there I struggle with finding balance. As a mom, homeschool teacher, sports coordinator ;), chauffeur, church lover, (okay everyone knows this list can go on). The struggle is BALANCE!
Empty nest! Right now I’m trying to figure out ways to express my mad crazy love for all things domestic in new ways. First my mom’s home was our extended family’s gathering place. When she got sick from Alzheimer’s, my home became central. Now the kids are scattered and I’ m kind of floundering. I’m so happy that my daughters are also blessed and gifted with homes and precious families of their own. And they’re busy as bees opening their lives and homes to so many people. I love watching them fruit and flower! My struggle is adjusting to “domestic downsizing”!
Aunt Ruthie,
My struggle in life is that I am agoraphobic. I haven’t left my home in 5 years now. I have always struggled with fear in my life, but now it’s to the point of this. I am a christian and believe God can heal (I’m hoping that I really do believe this. Sometimes it can be hard to do), but I am afraid to move forward. It just scares me. I feel alone. I am married to a wonderful husband that loves me and cares for me. I don’t know what I’d do without him. I am very thankful to the Lord for his love and forgiveness for me. I am grateful that I found your blog back in 2010. I don’t know you personally, but you give me hope. The things you say, your belief in Jesus, your lifestyle. I am so happy that I can come on here and be encouraged and inspired. So thank you.
My greatest frustration as a Homemaker,Christian, Wife, Mother is personally staying motivated.I to like you truly believe Homemaking is one of the most important jobs on earth.It’s a divinely appointed mission field.My very own little piece of Heaven here on this Earth.That I get to set the temperature in, create a atmosphere that allows the Spirit of the Lord to move freely in an set up residence in.It helps those who call this home and visitors feel loved and safe.I love the Home and I am the mother to 4 children step mother to 5 and grandmother to 6.For me encouraging Blogs like yours helps me with inspiration,motivation,and encouragement.Thank you for that.God Bless you Ruthie. Lana from Mo.
I think my biggest frustration right now is finding a real life Titus 2 role model for me and finding a young woman willing to let me be one for her.
Online role models I can find, but one in person, very difficult!
My mainstruggle is loneliness/lack of connection. Especially as we moved away from family and established friends awhile ago. New friendships are slow to come. I think if I was better at this it would energize me in general.
Thanks for the entry!!!
Eek….I love this! My biggest struggle right now is being patient and waiting :( I’m trying ;)
I struggle with feeling like there just isn’t enough time. After dinner, dishes, bath for baby, playtime/reading…there’s no time to tidy up my house, spend time on my crafting hobby, etc. With a full-time job, there’s very little “me” time, family time, time for organization/cleaning…time, time, time! When I get home from work at 6:00 p.m., it’s hard to maintain that nurturing attitude because I’m rushing to get everything done so I can go at it again the next day. I’ve tried the chore-a-day, tidy up 15 minutes a day concept, but I don’t even have time for that. I’m exhausted by 8:30! But thank God for my family and my job and all of my blessings:)
As a full-time working woman who also lives with MS (thankfully, relatively uninterrupted) and with a hour commute daily; it makes for a long day with little energy at the end of it to do all the things I’d like to, want to, and need to do. Time is my biggest stress factor and often what causes me anxiety. There just never seems to be enough of it. For my family, for my friends, for myself, I wish I had just a little bit more. Oh, the things that I would do with it…the possibilities seem endless.
Hi Ruthie, seeing that you have a new blog post up brings me such joy ! The homemaking tips , family values and practical how to advice is such an encouragement to me . I struggle with feeling like I can never get things caught up in my home the way I want it to be. I feel behind all the time and I’m so tired of that feeling …I Love that you minister to us as well . There’s lots of how to and DIY websites out there but there’s nothing out there like your blog . Your love for Jesus and your wisdom and style makes it very special . Thank you for the encouragement and the great ideas and beautiful pics . It brings me much joy . Keep it up !
At this moment, my greatest struggle is finding a good routine. I’m struggling with finding time for the housework and general care of the home/family with homeschooling. I know that not every mama homeschools but any time management tips would be beneficial. Also, as a woman currently struggling with secondary infertility any advice or just in general sharing your experience and what helped you would be wonderful as well.
Love your delightful summer pics! My biggest challenge and often anxiety trigger is dealing with family members who want you to put your faith on the “back burner” for their own agendas. It’s so hard at times, but the Lord always strengthens and guides me in these situations. Hope you and your family has a wonderful summer!
I LOVE your blog and am so encouraged and inspired in my role as wife, mother and homemaker. I struggle though, with staying focused in keeping my home clean and orderly – internet is very distracting. But I want to “work vigorously” as the Proverbs 31 does.
Congratulations on the newest grandbaby! You’re family is GROWING!!!
The thing that I struggle with the most is staying motivated. Specifically with housework. I find it SO boring. I love living in a clean, organized home and for the most part, it is. It just takes everything in me to get up and do it. Many time I look to your blog to find the inspiration that I need. Thank you so much for doing all that you do. You ARE making a difference. :)
Thanks for having a give away! Very exciting.
((Hugs))
Laura
I find it hard to get everything done. From working full time job, working around my house, helping my parents on their yard and house, to helping others that I can. I think I need to say no more often but it is hard. I grew up helping others. I need to work on myself more.
I struggle with the thought of not having been a good enough mother, yet knowing that it is all good because in the end I know God is in the midst of it all.
Ruthie, I can’t thank you enough for your upbeat, old timey blog site. You are a breath of fresh air ‘n a woman after my own heart. I struggle with trying to get back to normal after the past few years which has seen my husband in the hospital several times (once while we were uninsured ‘n he was there for 2 weeks), we’ve lost his mom ‘n just this February my dad, both to dementia. My mom is not well ‘n we’ve had to deal with some major problems in the lives of our children not to mention that my husband lost his job of 39 year due to Chapter 11, got another job ‘n now has lost it ‘n looking again. In our early 60’s this is very trying. Oh, did I mention the Christmas tree going up in flames two years ago prompting us to live in his mom’s house for 7 1/2 months while they gutted ‘n redid our house? Yes, it’s been a journey here lately but I know that God is there with us (sooo many things re the fire prove that alone) ‘n in spite of some physical problems that the enemy is using to try to get me down I’m looking upward for my strength ‘n help through this all. It is such a joy to me to come in here daily ‘n read your blogs ‘n become inspired. Keep it up, gal — you are such a blessing to so many of us!!!
Beautiful post.
My biggest struggle is patience with my family. I often busy myself with chores and get impatient with them. As a Christian I am frustrated with many things, our country, our politics, our children, etc. I pray, pray, pray.
My paint point and obstacle is my weight, it slows me down because I tire fast and my joints ache. Which this also leads to my impatience with my family :(
YES, I am stressed, everyday I wake praying the Lord covers my family. I stress that my children will not honor God that day. I stress over my 3rd daughter, who has been under spiritual attack.
I struggle with making prayer my priority and making it the first act I do upon waking!!!
I am anxious about my kids serving the Lord, but I tey to remind myself daily the scripture that says “NOT to be anxious”. Because our Father is in control forever & always!!
This is so good, I appreciate others and their transparency here.
So many of us seem to struggle with the same problems I see…should come as no surprise that I too, have trouble with finding a good balance of my time. Between working full-time, house-cleaning duties, yard work, gardening, caring for our 6 horses, church, shopping…the list goes on and on. There always seems to be so much more work than there is time. Finding that balance between family time, spiritual time, friends, work, fun and responsibilities leaves me feeling like I’m spinning in circles and accomplishing very little. I look around at all I should be doing and feel exhausted and disheartened. I realize that none of us, nor anything in this life will ever be perfect. That’s not what I’m trying to attain at all. I’d just like a better way of managing my time, and creating a healthy balance of work and leisure. Maybe organization is the root of this dilemma. Not sure, but could sure use some advice and help in this overwhelming time-management area. I really do enjoy reading your blog, and especially the Biblical wisdom that intercedes everything that you write. God is my number one priority, but I even fall lax in that. Help!
So good to have you back again, Aunt Ruthie! I am the most blessed woman on Earth — I know that always. We’ve just built our dream home in the middle of nowhere and we’re in the midst of moving a thousand miles away after being in one place for 20 years. Suddenly, I feel like I’m in Junior High again. Will the ladies at church like me? Is the neighborhood going to be friendly? Will bears eat me if I walk my dogs in the neighborhood? … Though I admit I was not worried about bears in Junior High, it’s just another thing to add to the list! Keep that sense of humor — it’s critical!
Howdy Aunt Ruthie,
First I must say that your blogging truly inspires me! Often when I’m feeling unmotivated, I’ll go back and read over your past post. You always put a smile in my heart and a skip in my step! Thank you for that. Your up beat motivation always gets me heading in the right direction.
The one thing I struggle with is taking time for myself. I just love when our home is all neat and tidy but when I do find a few minutes of free time, I often find myself with the lack of energy or the feeling I should be rearranging a closet or doing more laundry. I would love to get back into crafting. Looking for a way to not feel guilty about it.
As a stay at home homeschooling mama to a teen, a tween, and a two year old, I’m exhausted most of the time. My just turned 2-year-old still wakes up at least once each night. Staying on top of household chores, school, and keeping the little one out of trouble is tiring. I definitely need more patience.
Thanks for your encouragement!
getting healthy and refreshing my relationship with God. My mom passed away a year ago next week and I’ve gone through a depression and gaining weight. I am working on getting some control back over my emotions. By the way, I love your blog! It inspired me to start one of my own!
Hi aunt Ruthie, first of all I wanted to say that the watermelon iced tea sounds so yummy, I’m definitely going to make it :). Also, I’m so glad I stumbled upon your blog, it has been very encouraging to me. My biggest anxiety right now in life is probably just letting go and trusting God. We’ve been going through infertility for about ten years and trusting God through all this has been the hardest… Lots of fears, doubts, what if’s are some of the battles I ‘m facing.
I just love your blog – everytime I read it I’m encouraged! A few answers to your questions –
(Greatest Frustrations) – How mamas/wives/etc. have begun to compare themselves to their peers (who throws the most lavish parties, has the most cultured family, etc.)
(Pain Points/Obstacles) – Organization… organizing my time, my home, etc..
(Stressed Out) – Usually I am stressed over finances or not finding enough time in the day to complete the things I need to get done.
(Struggle With) – Flesh… I lose my temper with my family, thinking I’m not measuring up as a mama/wife, not putting my relationship with the Lord, first…
((Comparison is the thief of joy – Theodore Roosevelt))
Hi!! I struggle with keeping my home as clean as I want it to be. I have a chocolate lab that doesn’t make my job any easier. I have an 8-year-old who is very active in sports throughout the year, a 1-year-old, and a job with a 1.15 minute commute each way. I’m stressed just trying to keep my home clean, food cooked that pleases my oldest, my husband, and now trying to feed my baby table food. I wish I had more time in the day. I don’t spend the quality time that my oldest wants and needs me to spend with him because I’m tired and still need to clean house.
My biggest struggle right now is trying to adapt to being a mom of children scattered the world over. I miss my kids but don’t want to give them any guilt about living their lives wherever God takes them. It’s hard to go from being involved in their day to do lives to living thousands of miles away, especially when they call and are struggling themselves. Their Dad and I miss them. I am VERY thankful for Facetime though.
My struggle lies in having chronic fatigue syndrome, which was just moved to a disease classification, and fibromyalgia. I used to be so athletic, so active, and now I struggle some days to force myself to get up & just move. I’m raising my 3 yr. old granddaughter, and I just want to be there for in a bigger way in regards to physical activity levels. On my bad days I try to remember to just breathe & enjoy her light, letting it go as best I can, holding on to the face that this too shall pass.
I struggle with being a good hostess. I spend so much time stressing about making everything perfect and forget to enjoy the process.
Hi Ruth Ann :)
I actually just blogged about my biggest worry right now. My daughter is almost 20 and is ready to move out, but I’m not quite as ready as she is. She’s the baby and after she’s gone, I’ll be an empty nester. I know it’s something all parents face, but it doesn’t make it any easier.
I’m just praying that I gave her all the tools she needs out there.
xo,
rue
I struggle with the fact that my husband and I were without an income for over 10 months and used up our retirement to pay our bills and live. Now I have four grandchildren who I would love to fuss over, but cannot afford to spend money on them. I remember my grandparents and how I had no relationship with them. I certainly did not want that for my grandchildren. My anxiety is with the future. I am constantly saying, “what if” and it brings me down. I just wish life was a little better for us.
Just love your inspirational blogs….please keep sharing and encouraging us along the way. I love a clean, neat house and try my best to keep it that way…..but it seems like as soon as I’m done with one chore or project, it’s ready for another. Does anyone keep a routine schedule for cleaning? I have difficulty being able to stop and enjoy, especially when I see any kind of work that needs done. Any ideas would help me tremendously.
My greatest struggle right now is my health. I have not been at my best for several years and it keeps me from doing many things that bring me pleasure. I’m praying for God’s touch on my body. Thank you for your uplifting posts. They bring a smile and such joy.
Shirley
Aunt Ruthie, you always inspire me!!! It’s a highlight of my day whenever you put up a new blog post – and I grab a cuppa coffee and sit right down to enjoy it! Am so appreciating the transparency of the ladies’ comments here, too. My biggest pain point right now is probably kinda unique – for fifteen years I was physically disabled, unable to do most things that needed doing around the house. While I still have some problems with that, God is restoring my strength & energy, and now I can do almost everything in the way of housework (and gardening) as I recover! And while I am thrilled-as-can-be about that, I would love to “kick it up a notch” and take my home from just being clean to being pretty, too. Nicely decorated, cozy, welcoming. The kind of place where neighbors love to drop by for coffee, or where I could host a Bible study meeting. So would love to see even more of your decorating “how-to’s”, and your garden as well!.Your home is the prettiest one I have ever seen! Thanks for setting up the lovely give-away – and I look forward to making some yummy Watermelon Iced Tea soon! Hugs to your day!
My biggest struggle is trying to keep a healthy balance in life. Especially since the death of my young daughter to a brain tumor a few years ago. Trying to just manage my own life is difficult and then you add trying to help my other children cope with the loss of their sister along with refusing to let the loss of a child destroy my marriage to my sweetheart of 25 years….sometimes it is overwhelming. Thankfully I have found that turning to God’s Word and posting promises or verses of encouragement around my house helps me hang in there!
By the way, I love your blog! I love your enthusiasm and your post are always so encouraging and uplifting! Thank you !
Hi Aunt Ruthie! I just love your blog and all the fun and practical advice you have to offer. I guess one of my biggest struggles is connection. We have moved often and are finally settled (unless God has other plans), and it is difficult to meet people and make new friends at this stage in life. I homeschool my 14 year old son and a lot of the time it is just him and me and I worry that I am not doing the best I can for him. Such a sweet giveaway you are offering. Thanks.
The question that jumped out at me right off the bat was “What do you struggle with?” Since March of 2013 when I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Kidney Disease keeping my home up has been a struggle. I don’t have the strength or energy that I once had to keep it spotlessly clean like I used to. In September of 2014 I had advanced to Stage 5 which is Kidney Failure and I now have to go for dialysis treatments 3 times a week and each treatment is 3 hrs. and 45 min. and by the time I get home I’m exhausted. I do well here lately to just keep the laundry and dishes done and cook the meals. Reading your posts is a bright spot in my day for sure. I still keep busy with my crafts and sewing as well. God Bless You.
This is an easy one for me. That despite all our years of marriage (32) and witnessing to him, my husband does not have a true relationship with Jesus. You can lead a horse to water but… :(
Hugs and thanks for continuing to keep the SPFH board for us sistas to share fellowship.
Boy – I have answers for all of your questions. My husband had a massive stroke over 16 years ago, and I am his caregiver. I do get frustrated because he is like having a child that will never grow up! He suffered brain damage, and I do thank God I can leave him alone to go get groceries, etc. but I can’t leave him for long! I need to get him up, get him dressed, give him showers, fix his plate, and on and on it goes! The challenges are feeling trapped! I feel very trapped!!!! All he does is sleep and watch t.v. I get so sick and tired of listening to that t.v. all day and all night! Yes! I am stressed! It is stressful to have someone barking orders at you all day long! Plus I am a only child that has a mother in assisted living. I am responsible for taking her for dr. appts. visiting her, getting supplies for her, taking care of her money, etc. And I watch two of my grandchildren every morning and then take them to school! I am a three generation caregiver! I struggle with all our friends vanishing! It is a VERY lonely life!!! I get anxious that I am getting older and I am not able to do what I would like to do! I feel my husband died the day he had his stroke. We don’t have any kind of relationship! I am just his caregiver – end of story!
My biggest challenge right now is not having any connection with my daughter for over a year now. I’ve reached out to her several times,but she will not budge. She has done this as well to her mother-in-law. She wants to omit us from our 3 grandchildren’s life as well! This makes me so sad,because we had a good relationship before. I’ve prayed about this,and I have two sons that are close to me. I want my family whole,and loving like I see you,and other people have! Thank you for your wholesome posts. They are very uplifting! Your friend, Gloria
These are more difficult questions to answer than I first thought. I stress about the childten, their safety ( physical, spiritual, mental), their future, sick family, etc. I guess I worry about the same things everyone does, but when I spend time with the Lord He consoles me. And He reminds me that I should have faith…and trust.
So, I “worry” more about not trusting Him. I want to be a good role model to my children and I pray for their eternal happiness as well.
Husbands, *sigh* are husbands! Love mine, but I I have to learn that God wants me to lean on Him.
Keep reminding us how to put God in our day. How to nurture our loved ones with love! Thanks
My struggle is dealing with the loss of my sister. We were only a year apart in age. Sounds funny but she was my other half. We worked together taking care of our 88 year old mother and now it’s just me doing it since I live in the same town as her. There are times I can hear Sondra tell me “I love you Brenda Kay ” and I feel her close. I just celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary with the love of my life. I was 15 and he 19 when we got married and people only gave us 6 months together. Two years later our daughter was born and then our son four years later. I would do it all over again and gladly with a big smile. The loss I feel is so great that only Jesus has been able to help me through it and I know I will see her again someday! The joy I feel now is helping me deal with my grief and each day is such a blessing!
I have a 6 month baby boy who is wonderful but he makes it really hard to stay on top of my house work! I just can’t seem to get everything accomplished like I use to. Frustrating!
I’m always encouraged by your sweet posts. I would say my biggest struggle as a wife and mother is transitioning. I feel like I did such a good job when my kids were little and now I just feel like I have so much on my plate that I’m just fitting in connection time. I’m not satisfied with the outcomes in either role, wife or mother. I would love to hear how you dealt with the changes in your family.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your family with us.
as an empty-nester I struggle with motivation. I usually have zero except when I know the kids will be coming. I would like to be able to take control of my time and my home on a daily basis.
My biggest struggle right now is simply trusting…. Gods got it all under control and will give me strength to keep walking faithfully.
Love to come to your blog so inspiring. Right now I’m struggling with keeping my faith up every day. My husband lost his job over a month ago. I’ve been blessed this week serving at VBS. have fed 140 kids plus 50 crew every day. Love it! I know HE will provide but waiting is so hard.
i struggle with my health and I get down when I can’t take care of my home like my heart desires. I have more good days then bad now…. But still….. I feel like I can’t do enough in one day.
I love your blog and all of ebooks! I have everyone of them!
I always feel refreshed and encouraged after reading your posts! I am an empty-nester so one challenge is finding joy in home and family since it’s grown so quiet and empty around here with no kids to add to the fun. Another challenge is discouragement as a housekeeper for not getting everything done because of limited health. I need to find good shortcuts and workable organizational ideas.
Thank you for the opportunity :)
I would like a Godly marriage role-model! No one told me how difficult this would be, especially with a full-time job and three children. I don’t know how to be a good wife in a practical sense. Thanks again, and I have really enjoyed your blog. Thanks for all of your hard work!
What a lovely post. I have your summer book and it’s such an inspiration.
I struggle with trying to juggle it all – the home, family, husband, etc. when my babies were little and I had them around my feet I used to think it was going to be so much easier as they grow up. Well now my babies are teenagers and I feel they need me more than ever. I struggle with what to let them do, giving them the emotional support they need and trying to guide them in the right direction. They are good boys but the world is a scary place and I worry constantly.
I also feel I could be doing so much more, I feel I never do enough. I’m struggling with motivation at the moment.
I always look forward to your posts. Such fun and encouragement. To answer one of your questions. What is your greatest frustration in life? As a woman, homemaker, wife, mother, Christian?
I think my greatest frustration is trying to fit it all in. I put a lot of guilt on myself sometimes. I stay home and homeschool my boys and often times I feel my boys want me to occupy them when they aren’t schooling and that leaves little time for me to do the things I “want” to.. Then I feel guilty and so on and so forth. It’s like a vicious circle sometimes. I try to tell them that just cause I’m sitting down doesn’t mean I’m not doing anything. Momma is ALWAYS doing something. *smile* I know these days will be gone before I know it so I actually probably play with them and do things with them more than most because I know I’m going to miss this when it’s gone. My needs/wants can wait. But once in awhile, my selfishness takes over and well it ain’t pretty. Ha! So as you can see, I’m quite a mess. LOL! But God is good and I know He’s got my back.
Have a marvelous day girlfriend.
HUGS
Kim
Oops! My comment intended to be posted here is over @ ‘5 Things to Make Life Sweeter”! No matter, it fits in both places. May God bless your heart and your Ozark Day!!
hi
my struggles, aside from the financial aspect ( we have been blessed in more ways than i can count ) deep debt . by the grace of god we still have a place to live ( too long a story for here, but immensely grateful and full of awe ) . my biggest worry/stresser is my health. it is not terrible but it is bad enough. i have hashimotos which is an autoimmune disease . this has made me gain 50 lbs and has about 300 symptoms, lots which i do not have . thank god.
my husband grew up a Jehovah, he has a lot of pain due to the way he has been treated by his family. he was not allowed to go to his fathers funeral because he is no longer a jehovah. this has hurt him in so many ways and on such a deep level. my heart hurts for him.
i live on an island and way too far away from my family-i hate that. but again, grateful that i was able to see my son and his daughter two weeks ago.
anyhoo-love your blog, so beautiful.
Like a lot of these other mamas, I too struggle with my time. It seems like there just isn’t enough time in one day to do the laundry, tidy up the house, tend to the garden and the chickens, and still play with my son and teach him things. I feel like it is a daily struggle to decide what is more important. I go through phases where I want the house to be spotless and focus on that for a few days, and then I go through times where I just want to spend all day watching my son play and learn new things. He is almost 1 (at the end of June) so he is changing every day, and I don’t want to miss a thing! I have found that instead of trying to clean the house and figure out how to occupy him, we are now a team and I am teaching him all the things I do around the house and garden. We have made pulling weeds a game, teaching him that our tomatoes can’t grow big and yummy if they are surrounded by weeds. We have to check on the chicks every day and make sure they have their food and water so they can keep growing big and strong. Doing the laundry is important so that we always have clean clothes to wear, especially dad who leaves so early in the morning to go to work and works so hard to provide for us so we can stay home and do our chores around the house. I have to admit, now that I have taken this “team” approach with my son, even though he is still little and doesn’t understand, maintaining the house and doing the day to day chores are so much more enjoyable. I feel like I am not only able to get things done and spend quality time with him, but I am teaching him valuable life skills that his future wife will appreciate one day. The biggest lesson I have learned by becoming a mother is that not everyday is going to be perfect, but every day will be good. I have learned not to make too many plans, because when we do, they never work out. But even if I don’t get something done that I had been hoping to, it will still be a good day, because I am surrounded by so many blessings. Looking at the cup half full rather than half empty like I used to has changed my life in more ways than I can count. I always try to encourage other mamas who are stressed or anxious to take a step back, evaluate all the good in their lives, and be thankful for what they have. It is definitely not always easy, but it is worth it.
Good morning, I just love with your blog posts & site – such a treat & inspiration! Well, some days I struggle with the kids, some days keeping my nest feathered & fresh, some days,getting food on the table but I think that’s all of us mama’s with kids at home! I think overall I hope to be raising good people, who lead by example with the Golden Rule and making sure God speaks thru them in their words & actions. This can be an uphill battle with many outside influences! Your site makes me re-focus on the good – there are many other like-minded mama’s out there and I get inspiration on making our home even sweeter! I believe God speaks through you, sharing so much love, inspiration and joy for all of us! Thank you!
Hello Ruthie!
Your blog and site are a sight for sore eyes! Everything is so special and lovely. Makes me smile!
My anxiety comes from the fact that I have to “let my daughter fly” soon! She’s going to be 16 this year. Graduation and college are not far off and I dread the day I have to let go. I know she’ll be fine. She’s a very determined, smart, focused young lady and I just love her to death! She’s the apple of my eye. I just can’t imagine all the quiet and times without her constantly around the house. I wish her all the best and know she’ll be successful and I will miss her dearly. I pray everyday for God to watch over her and to give me strength.
Have a beautiful day sweet friend!
I find it hard to juggle work, friendships, housework, everything after a busy week of work.
Hello my sweet Missouri friend!! Your posts are ALWAYS a breath of fresh air to me. Thank you so much for being a blessing. As to what I am struggling with . . . . . our handsome son got married on May 16th. We are so excited and so proud of him, and our daughter-in-law. Our daughter is getting married on July 4th. So 2 weddings 7 weeks apart is a pretty full plate!! But, our daughter is marrying a young man in the Marine Corp (FREEDOM ISN’T FREE!!) and moving to Norfolk, VA where he is stationed the week after they get married. Oh Aunt Ruthie . . . my heart is breaking. I miss her already and she isn’t even gone. So I am asking God to help me to trust Him even more as my children are grown up and I have to let go. It is so very, very hard. I am happy for both of them, but I feel like I am losing them, especially our daughter who is moving away. I know that may sound silly. They are both GREAT KIDS and we are very close. I wonder what do I “do” now that they are going to be out of the house. I have a wonderful husband!! We will be married 30 years in October. He does not attend church with me. My heart’s desire is for him to love Jesus like I love Jesus and to be the spiritual leader of our home!! There are so many people suffering, so many enduring horrible circumstances, that I feel guilty even mentioning what is going on in my life. But I would sure appreciate your prayers for our son and his wife, and our daughter and her very soon-to-be husband as they begin their married lives. Prayers for me to trust God with my children. And prayers for my husband’s walk with the Lord. Bless you my sweet friend!
Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this giveaway. I love everything in it. Im stressed out about so many things (sad to say) that I dont even know how to pick just one. Lets see… finances would probably have to be the biggest stresser right now. We have a pile of medical bills on top of everything else that we’re trying to pay off but there’s just not enough to stretch. We havent been on a vacation in 7 years and I need one badly. My marriage of almost 20 years is struggling and the only thing I can do about that is pray every day… and I do. Thanks for listening ! I LOVE your blog.
I want so bad to be a good ole mom and housewife, but I have to work so we can have insurance. My prayer is to have a country home and a simple life. I find it hard to do the things that are good for my family, like fix supper every night, when I do not get home until at least 6:00 p.m. I want my kids and husband to have fond memories of home and a mom who was just basically a good mother and wife with a nice homey home and who cooked really great foods and wonderful pies (my resolution for this year is to learn to make really good pies and really good meringue from scratch). I love your website. I am brand new to it, but so far it is wonderful.
Have a blessed day.
It’s hard going to work everyday in an environment that is very liberal and not God Centered. I try and be a light at work, but it’s really hard to witness to people.
What I find very stressful at this stage in my life is taking care of my sick mother while still trying to take care of my own family house and self
I desire to have my big kitchen table and farm kitchen back. We have been living in our rv for 4 yrs now. Our home of 30 yrs we are letting our kids live in for a while. Then we are selling it. We raised 5 children with 90% of all our meals at the table. Fun discussions and happy sharing was encouraged. I’ve been fixing homemade before it was the thing to do:-) and now All children are grown and have given us 18 precious grandchildren. I so want the grands to remember the scents, the color of mixing bowls, the feel of rolling dough out with Nana, canning and the cleaning of a kitchen with me Nana.
The good news is…God knows the desires of my heart. He has helped me find special things to go in my future kitchen. He makes me happy and He knows someday when we sell this farm…our new
Memories will be filled in a new kitchen:-)
Thank you for always reminding us of the simple things. And what Godly wife’s are to be. Blessings to your sweet home.
I struggle to walk as Jesus walked in love and caring while this world walks away from Him and His teachings.
I also struggle making a comfortable home for my husband and myself with not being bombarded with family history items. Literally junking up my home. Trying not to live in the past but remembering the past!
The thing that is stressing me out is excessive stuff- Stuff in the basement, in closets, in kids’ rooms, in kitchen cabinets and drawers. It is just clutter – which stresses me.
I am stressed out by a neighbor who has no concern about his animals and the damage that they do. He has a chow that has attacked my dogs, neighbor’s dogs, people, the kids at the Head Start. He does not offer to apologize, pay for any incurred bills or even offer to pay for some of it. A few years back he let his chickens free range, but they came into my yard, and ate at all my planted vegetables, I replanted, and the same thing again — it cost me close to $90 for the two replants and over $200 for vet bills, and now my medical from the chow’s attempt to attack – I have a tendon injury to my finger. It’s really hard not to want to hate someone who is so pompous he doesn’t think he’s at fault for his irresponsibility.
My biggest struggle as a mother (and woman in general) is patience. I fly off the handle at the smallest things and wish I could just take a minute to pray for God to give me calmness before I speak or yell.
Love your positive attitude, I try to display that all the time also.
One aspect of working in a church…people that aren’t committed to helping/serving, especially during the summer months.
Thank you for the opportunity to win your give-away!
I always look forward to your posts. I would love to see them more often, but I know you are busy too. I would love to see some new recipes, tips for decorating and an easy to follow cleaning schedule of some sort. I am a full time working mama, but also put in a full time job at home taking care of the family, keeping a tidy house and baking.. I love to bake! I share so much of the same interests as you and love hearing your wonderful advice. How do you handle disagreement with your husband? How do you keep things upbeat and moving forward if you simply don’t see eye to eye on something, such as raising the kids or family budgets or how things should operate around the house? This is my biggest road block in the house…. we have been married 19 years and don’t always see eye to eye. We are strong willed and very stubborn. What is the best way you handle those sort of disagreements? I look forward to seeing more posts soon! Thank you for the words of encouragement, when we all need them the most!
Well my largest personal struggle I have is being a good employee and wife, mother, Nana and daughter. I feel I can handle the family life ok when I don’t have a job and can handle the job ok when I don’t have things going on at home or have to come home and do the house hold chores. Some how I just don’t feel capable of doing both well enough. I find I am always making mistakes at work and at home that are uncalled for and I shouldn’t be if I were just focused in the right direction. I wish I could flip a switch and be in work mode /home mode. It is just not that easy for me. Especially right now — our office is under construction so my “office” is on my dining room table at home and I have 2 children-a daughter and son that have boomeranged back home and daughter just had a baby in March that has spinal bifida and many many dr’s appointments. Son has epilepsy and was toxic on his meds b/c before coming home he had not eaten for 4 weeks. So more dr’s appointments to get him straight. So this is a crazy house right now – not to mention that my husband is disabled and so….I am the only working one — son just got a job but it takes all of his money to buy his meds right now b/c he doesn’t have insurance.
Aunt Ruthie:
I struggle with knowing I have little time outside my work for the home-investments my heart longs for. I live vicariously through your blog. I find myself longing for retirement when I imagine having the time to blog and can and craft and sew…that is still a long way off and I can’t wait that long. I love projects I can invest an hour or so into. I’m about to be an empty nester, and I hope that challenge can be balanced by a little order in my chaos. Thank you for an image of home that I keep in my heart…I speak blessing over your family, home and heart.
My biggest challenge as a homemaker is getting it done! I was just recientely diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and am undergoing tests for MS and I used to be so happy doing it all…for my kids, husband and friends. Keeping and decorating my house. Cooking, gardening and crafting. I know God has a purpose for this. Never take for granted what you can physically do. It may seem like a chore but enjoy it as a blessing. I miss it so.
Hello! You are such a positive influence on so many people and I truly thank you for that. When I read your posts your love shines through, for people you don’t even know. I cannot imagine you treating people with anything but love.
That leads me to tell you what is probably my biggest frustration in life, as a mother and a Christian. I have a grown daughter(25) who has suffered her entire life because most people she has EVER met, the majority of whom wear the name Christian, have ridiculed her and found her lacking. She was born with a severe cleft palate that has required many, many surgeries, caused many illnesses, and years of speech therapy. You would never know it to look at her, yet when she speaks she doesn’t sound exactly like the rest of us. I never understood until I had her what a HUGE part speech plays in our lives. Say a word, and people make a snap judgment. Years of rejection have made it very difficult for her to socialize and speak with most people. (With her family – she is a chatterbox with a great sense of humor) I have seen people in my own church reject, make fun of, and ignore her since she was a toddler – even the adults. I have listened to people who told her at her Christian college, “You will never get a job because you talk like that.” I have watched the same people that go out of their way to be nice to a profoundly handicapped child, totally ignore or say rude things to me or my child – just because she sounds a little different. These same people felt justified in walking up to me and saying “what is wrong with her, is she retarded?” Or, my favorite – “if you would just sing songs with her, she would talk normal.” They do not have any idea what they are talking about, or how their words affect others. She is a precious soul and is so careful never to judge others – because she understands what it feels like. My biggest struggle as a mother and a Christian has been worshipping with people who talk about the love of God, but cannot accept one in their own midst. I want to make things right for her, as all mothers do. But, of course, you cannot control other people’s actions, only your own. I have worked tirelessly to encourage my daughters’ love for others, no matter what their situation is. And to forgive, even when people don’t ever ask for it.
However, I see blessings from this struggle. My two daughters are extremely compassionate toward others and look for people who need love and go out of their way to help them and accept them. My younger daughter said just a few weeks ago that she understands that having an older sister with struggles has shaped her life as well. Because of struggles, you grow and learn to look at others through the eyes of God; not to judge them according to the world’s standards. And we need a daily reminder that this world is not our home – and that we have something far, far better than we could hope or imagine to look forward to.
Blessings, and thank you for your love and encouragement to all of us who look forward to your kind words!
My biggest challenge is learning how to relax. I retired last fall after working for 35 years in state government. I have so many projects, crafts, yard work, cleaning, etc. that I haven’t figured out how to slow down and chunk things out. I am more than wiling to learn from any suggestions you can offer. Thank you so much!.
I struggle so much just keeping up sometimes. I have three young kids (youngest is a baby). I always feel so far behind and feel like I’m failing as a housewife. If I’m caught up on housework I don’t feel like I’ve spent enough time with the kids and vice versa. The balancing act is so hard.
Thank you so much for all the encouragement and love you share with us on this blog! I’m always wondering when your next posts will be!! Love everything you share!!
I just love it when I receive a notice in my e-mail that you have a new post. You energize my spirit. Right now, I have a major challenge in my life. I was diagnosed with cancer 2 months ago. It has been a nightmarish whirlwind of activity since then – surgery x 2 and now chemotherapy. The prospects may not be good for me according to the statistics. Our youngest son just graduated from college so we are now officially empty nesters. I am so thankful for my faith in a loving Heavenly Father and a wonderful husband who is doing everything he can to help me through this process. It is difficult for me to carry on with any of the homemaking activities that I have loved doing all my life. I do treasure the time when I am feeling well enough to read and be uplifted by sweet positive thoughts. Thank you.
Not enough time even though my husband and I are empty nesters! We both work very hard and I then go the gym every day after work and then it’s more work when we get home. We have a small farm and a big garden and it’s just hard to keep up with everything and work a full day, too! And, I’m a perfectionist, so the house has to be clean (at least picked up), bed must be made, etc. And I have a small bakery business on the side so that takes some time, too. But, baking is my passion and will be my transition into retirement. And, even though I love our 3 sweet grandsons (7, 3 and 2) and new little granddaughter (4 months), I find myself wanting some time to just be by myself or get caught up on things rather than doing something with them on the weekend, etc.
I have finally moved past the empty nest phase and am enjoying the time with hubby! We’ve been married 37 years, too! I struggle with the same things I always have–insecurity, doubting my abilities, fear of failure… It is much better than it used to be, but always lingering in the background. Fortunately, I have the tools to get past the negative thoughts now and can move on much faster than in the past. God is always faithful–I am the one who forgets He’s there ;-)
I love your site and drive to be more creative which is hard because I have no talent. But I love to bake for my family and have been blessed with a wonderful spouse, children and grandchildren but I never feel like I do a good enough job at anything. I will keep trying as you say.
Oh my! After reading all these comments I am hurting and praying for all these wonderful women! Life is soooo full of heartache and suffering for so many.It makes me so grateful ! So sad to hear so many problems out there! Well,let God be our strength for all situations and bless all of us! Well, let’s see so what is my frustration? I guess it would be trying to get through all the clutter if my linen closets and storage room to rid myself of STUFF!I am slowly but surely getting rid of things! And having more patience! I want to simplify! Well, take care and God bless! Cindy
I get the most frustrated with my own doubt when it comes to the future of my children and their walk with the Lord. I fear for them in this world and my own doubt in the Lord’s goodness when it comes to their lives. I am challenged with the desire to compare myself to other women and mother’s, which brings about feeling discontented. I stress about how my kids will respond to the world around them, will they give into temptation, will they be manipulated and hurt, will they be lied to (and worse yet, believe) about the God of the bible. I struggle with doubt, unfortunately. (Mark 9:20-24)
Thank you so much for your blog, I find it so enjoyable and encouraging!
I struggle with all the above. Mostly over my grown kids and my wonderful grand babies that I don’t get to see. All three of my grown kids live too far away. I get phone calls but it’s nothing like seeing and hugging and kissing for myself. Know what I mean?
Oh Aunt Ruthie!
How thoughtful you are to want to help us!
You inspire me so!
My challenge is that I tend to be a bit of a control freak
And can be a bit bossy rather than relationship building.
I would love ideas on how you build up that relationship, with your Summer, and your grown and Flown .
Our son will be coming down to C of O in August for college.
We are going to miss him so! Tips on transitioning with young adults is much appreciated. ~
Your apron-string dilemma made me chuckle. It sounded so much like something I would do — and for the same reason. I hate it when mice get into any area like stored dish towels, aprons, kids’ clothing, etc. They make such a mess. I would have done the very same — chuck everything into the washing machine and sort it out later. And I would have found the same sort of mess that you did. At least you and your daughter could chuckle together as you sorted them out!
As for things I struggle with, the biggest challenge on my plate right now is trying to do eldercare with the right attitude. I have many other God-given responsibilities on my plate and I am my dad’s only surviving child. My hubby is a tremendous help and I am so thankful for that — but it is so hard to make time to go and look after my dad each day. The other tasks on my agenda are not things I can just set aside, and my dad — though in his 90s and increasingly forgetful — is completely able-bodied and I don’t see him qualifying for any kind of in-home assistance aside from me. I do realize that this (looking after him) is something God would have me do, but I also don’t believe He would have me give up the other tasks either. I guess wisdom in managing my time may be something to pray harder for — though I do try to manage my time wisely already.
Time management and feeling motivated throughout the day are the areas I’m weak in.
I love the verse, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men”
That verse reminds me when I feel “no one sees what I do day in and out, no one appreciates me, etc.” (pity party), that I’m doing it for God. But it’s still difficult sometimes.
I struggle with feeling like a mom-failure each day, and wonder if because of my failures and mistakes that my kids will turn away from the Lord when they are grown, instead of having a faithful relationship with God.
But thank you for your posts, they’re always so uplifting and encouraging!!
Aunt Ruthie you have already been a big blessing and encouragement. I struggle with keeping a happy positive attitude amidst all the challenges of trying to keep the house in order with a bunch of littles! One reason I keep coming back here is because I know I will get uplifted by your cheerful attitude! Keep it up! :)
Stressed out right now being a good daughter taking care of my elderly father, not being able to be at my home to enjoy
spring and now summer and being able to plant, tend to my garden. Know I’m doing the right thing but it is still hard! Moving him to our home in the country by the end of June (I hope) so I can can what I have been able to get in the garden! Having to clean out his home! So much stress but grateful I have a supportive husband who is helping all he can. And grateful God is with me through all of it. Sorry this is so long!
Deep, meaningful, lasting friendships with other Christian women is my answer to all of those questions.
As always, your blog comes at the perfect time. I enjoy reading it and will on occasion re read the previous posts.
My struggle right now is finding a Bible teaching church. It is so hard to find one without the “country club” mentality. Please pray for us.
I would love a chance to win the giveaway and thank you for offering it.
Kathi in Florida
My biggest struggle/frustration and source of anxiety is finding the time to keep my house going. I work 60 hours a week and my house tends to lack. My heart is provide a love filled, happy home with many memories for my husband, kids and grandkids but sometimes i just dont feel like I have enough time in my day or energy.
I struggle with getting motivation to do everyday chores. I had to retire from work a few years ago because of a disability and I feel useless and tired. It would be greatly helpful to me if you would post more often because your posts inspire and light a fire under me to do good works. I need to be reminded more often. Thank you for your beautiful words of inspiration and advice.
Hi Auntie Ruthie,
Doing it all! Having baby #6 in August, homeschooling, being married to a busy guy, and taking care of my home.
(Love your blog- it’s VERY life-giving. Thank you so much for serving my family and me.)
I struggle with trying to balance taking care of the home, helping with the business we have and keeping up with the farm chores. I want to spend more time with the Lord and to explore a hobby, but don’t seem to have enough hours in the day. I enjoy the things you post. and I know things will work out as long as I keep trusting. Thanks
Well my goodness, Aunt Ruthie! I love your sweet posts. They make me smile. After reading these comments, I think I am very blessed. I will be honest and say my stress is as a caregiver to my 83 year old father who really is still in fairly good health, Praise the Lord and making sure I have enough time to prepare the special diet my husband is on because of health issues and then hoping there is time left for me to bake some cookies for my precious 2 year old grandson. There’s been 5 doctors appointments in the last three weeks plus a trip to the emergency room and we still have another doctors appointment and a day of lab work. How do you plan for the surprises? Bless you and bless that new grandbaby!
I struggle with finding balance in my life and I worry about things too much. Trying to trust God more so that I worry less. I love all your posts and I always feel calmer after reading them.
My biggest challenge is that I am always always thinking I need to be perfect. Wheather it is preping for guests, making something for a gift or just routine house cleaning, it HAS to be perfectly done. People notice and ask my why I am so fussy. I just have to be. People laugh when something doesn’t go just right for me and say they are glad because it proves I’m human…lol!
I struggle with keeping my faith–sometimes I want to yell to the skies how much I love Jesus and that He is the greatest!!! I get a warm flush on my face and my heart soars. Then…at other times, it’s a struggle for me to know that he is there and is watching over me. That He has a plan for me and that it’s going to be okay. I’ve had lots of struggles in life, lots of hurt, and I am envious of others who can still rely on Him when they’ve had it worse than me. How do I stay strong and steadfast? How can I have such a unbalanced view of Him? That’s my struggle.
Well when Aunt Ruthie asks, people answer!
As with the others here- I love what you do on your blog by encouraging us to be woman after God’s heart… society seems to push us in every direction but that. Sometimes even good things, like homemaking, can charge our hearts more than Jesus. That’s why I squeal when I get an email saying you’ve posted again- you point us to Jesus.
Areas I need encouragement in: Cleaning, organizing- time, rooms, closets, etc., Decorating, Entertaining (in a calm and relaxed manner)
Thank you!!!
Oh your words always uplift!! I would love to know more about how you find consistency in being a godly woman/wife/momma and friend? I always feel I am burning out from doing too much or guilty for not doing enough…any tips on balance and consistency as we walk in the light of His Word? Thanks- hugs and kisses, Becky
First of all, I so lucky to have found your precious downhome emails! They bring me back to the simple times that we seem to forget these days. “TO JUST SLOW DOWN”. As I continue to teach my daughter to drive and how inconsiderate some people can be on our roads. She sees this and is not encouraged to drive much & I can’t blame her at times. We all need some patience & kindness back in life on the road, in the workplace, at home, etc. The other challenge I find myself is to be organized & to do with “less stuff”. Be creative around the house in organization projects. Thanks again for your peaceful and educational emails, as it puts my mind in a different place to really relax & enjoy all your ideas you share. God Bless!
I’m very thankful for the life the Lord has given me. I have a good Christian husband, and I have been blessed with five children. I am anxious that empty nest is waiting right around the corner. I’ve had a brief trial run at it while my daughter was finishing her clinical for school. I found it very challenging to cook for just two people : ) My husband and I ended up eating out a lot. I love how encouraging your web site is. Especially getting back to the older ways of doing things. I want my home to always be something my husband and children look forward to coming home to.
I am most anxious about helping out with my husband’s grandmother. We had to let her nurse go so now we are having to struggle with finding someone new for her. It sure is hard to find someone you trust with your 84 year old grandmother :)
I’m trying my best to put it in the Lord’s hands and just pray that we will find the right person for the job!
I am frustrated with cast iron pans. Help! I have a really nice cast iron griddle that goes on top of the gas burners. I have used it a couple times, but the clean up was awful!!!! I don’t want to stop up my sink. I layed paper towels under it and used a plastic scraper on it, wore it out! Then used a brush that had metal type brissels. It worked better. But I don’t want to use it now. I did use crisco on it after it was cleaned to reseseason it. Don’t want to put it away dirty, bugs might appear! Help!
Thanks!
Connie
Dear Ruthie…thank you again for your wonderful post and photos…and for your genuine concern for all your homemaker sisters out there! I guess I struggle most with making the best use of my time….our kids are grown and pretty much gone, though they love to come home and have get togethers; all except for our 31 year old son who is disabled and lives with us…I am his full time caregiver, which requires much time spent with him and his needs, since his needs are such, that he cannot care for himself at all……so I guess my main struggle would be with figuring out the priorities each day…also, dinnertime seems to be a struggle at times….anyway, thanks so much for your wisdom and encouragement! God Bless you!!…Donna
Hi
I guess my biggest struggle is organization and time management, seems there is a lack of both in my family.
Thanks!
Erin
My biggest challenge is the fact that I have a rare disease and am often sick and hospitalized. Even on a good day I always worry about my family and dogs, and who will take care of them when I’m gone. Prayer helps, but it’s always a worry.
I want to know what is your greatest frustration in life? Me…lol As a woman, homemaker, wife, mother, Christian? A woman, my weight. Homemaker, being lazy and procrastinating. Wife, being one. Mother, being one. Christian, being one….♥
What are your pain-points, challenges, or obstacles? Pain points in my physical body, back, left knee, groin area on the right side, right shoulder. Challenges, not allowing the physical pain to steal my joy in the Lord. Obstacles, my place of employment.
Are you stressed out? I’m not stressed out but work in a highly negative stress filled place. Dealing with highly negative stress points at home, in relationships and with myself. Praising God for His leading me on the path of health and wholeness. Praising God for healthy coping skills and letting go of the unhealthy coping skills.
What do you struggle with?
What are you anxious about?
I will be 60 in August….I can’t believe it and still consider myself young at heart. But the one thing I struggle with now is loneliness. My husband works offshore 3 weeks and home 3 weeks. All of our 4 children (blended family, I have 2 sons and so does he), live far away. 3 are in the military with 2 being in Japan and Italy. We moved to a new home 3 yrs ago and since I don’t work, I am having a hard time establishing new friends. I volunteer, go to bible studies, but none of the people at those places seem to want a close friendship. I am so much a people person and crave the longtime friends I left in other places. But now I know it takes years to fit in someplace new. I miss my children and struggle with how to be an adult child parent. So I would love to hear about how to make a new life at 60 in my situation. I try to make journals and things with old stuff, but get burned out doing it by myself and it seems no one I know here is interested. I love your blog…..wish I could find friends like you where I live.
My greatest frustration, challenge and sorrow in being a wife and mother to 5 children (ages 16 to 22 now) is living with fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue syndrome. My body simply “gave out” (it was my adrenal glands actually) 14 years ago when my kids were 8 down to 2 years old. It’s a long story. While I am much better today, I still don’t have the energy to clean or cook and struggle with my faith in a loving Heavenly Father who would allow (I can’t say it was His will!) such a terrible time for my family. Years and years of financial struggles, holidays and birthdays barely being tolerated (by me) and it goes on and on. The reason I come here is because my heart is the same as yours-the difference is I read about your homemaking and only dream that my life can again be like that. So this is my biggest challenge.
Well, Aunt Ruthie, I struggle with following through with schedules. I guess I’m a free spirit and don’t discipline myself with consistency in areas such as house cleaning. I would like to find ways to motivate myself to follow routines that I know would help daily life run much smoother. I always look forward to your posts and the godly advice you give! Thank you for keeping up your blog…it is a blessing to so many mamas!
LADIES,
I just spent time reading about 2/3 of your posts and have felt for all of you. I would like to post encouragements to each one but will not, because it would not be probable to take that much space here. However, to Mrs. Francine Werlinger, I am SO SO sorry for what you have and are going through. Your story, especially, spoke out to me.
When my husband was 3 days old and his sister was 15 months, his dad got into a car wreck and became a paraplegic. My MIL had these two little babies and now also had the task of walking through this tragedy. My FIL worked for many years but always had health problems, a catheter, etc. In the last many years of his life and, due to another accident (his electric wheelchair went over several-foot drop), he became a quadriplegic. For 42 years, my MIL used a manual Hoyer lift to get him out of bed, on to the commode, into the bathtub, etc. In the latter years, when he could no longer care for himself at all, she cleaned out his bowels, cared for his bedsores, and did CPR into his trach tube more than once. As well, she cared for her Alzheimer-afflicted mother, in her home, for a year. She is one of the most amazing women I have ever met.
Two years ago this July, one of her twin daughters (my sister-in-law) and her husband (my brother-in-law) were killed in a car wreck. Her mother, husband, and daughter now gone, she continues to be a blessing to her family. Starting decades ago, she has let whichever family members that have had need at the time, live with her. This has included her children and grandchildren and at times, their entire families. She has never had a garage to park in because it is always full of storage. She walks with a limp due to a bad back and knee but still goes on a yearly 5K walk, which supports families who have had infants pass away. She does this because, 2-1/2 years ago, one of her grandaughters was still born.
Dear Francine, i wish I could take your burdens away. I just want you to know that 1) The Lord loves you and 2) You are not alone.
Blessings to you dear woman; may the Good Lord give you strength in your life.
Since my husband passed away its been over thinking everything. Not being able to let things go. And really not caring about anything. I dont sleep well either.
I’m struggling with becoming an empty nester. I have been married 35 years next month. I have 3 daughters and the youngest one just left the nest. My home is so quiet and staying way to clean and tidy! Lol. My youngest was 12 and 10 years younger than the others so I had her at home when the oldest 2 left. I’m feeling lost.
My struggle has been with me since I lost my job in 2010. Everything since that day has changed for me. I lost my house, car and friends (at least i thought they were ) i moved with my daughter to another state, hoping for better. I’m still hoping, i know it will get by better just wish it would happen at a faster pace.
I am so blessed and thankful for everything, I am having to learn to share my time with newly retired hubby,,, which is a huge adjustment to say the least.. 2 very young grandsons,, deployed son ,, and an aging mother and I work!! somedays i need more hair color!! but God is good and I will survive,,, love this post,, thank you!!
Hello Aunt Ruthie.. What a wonderful give away!!! Thank you so much for posting today.. Every day I check here to see if something new has been posted and I read through older posts.. Your words are so comforting and so encouraging.. I have been a stay at home mom and wife since my 1st was born, 11 years ago and I am extremely grateful that I am able to stay at home.. Having worked outside the home 50 to 60 hours a week I am familiar with working outside the home and working inside the home and I always say, even with the long days and the stress of the job (police dept. processing/dispatch) I still think that job was much easier :-)
I struggle daily with the feeling that I am failing at my job as a wife and mom.. I begin and end the day feeling unappreciated, exhausted, flustered and with the feeling that I didn’t get anything accomplished.. When I worked outside the home, positive words and words of appreciation from my supervisors and co-workers let me know I was doing a good job.. I knew I was making a difference and having a positive affect on peoples lives.. Now I second guess and doubt myself all the time.. I have no idea if I am doing a good job or completely failing.. I feel constantly like I am failing.. The only thing anyone notices is what I didn’t get done that day.. I guess that is my biggest frustration.. These things (cooking, cleaning, laundry, raising the kids, tending to the yard) are expected.. As long as all these things are tended to no one says a word.. If something comes up or I am not feeling well and fall behind the complaining and criticism follows..
At the end of the day I know I can come here to be renewed, recharged and encouraged.. That someone is supporting me and cheering me on.. That someone is guiding me and showing me the way to be a better wife and mom.. That someone has ideas, suggestions and advice on how to be more productive, more organized and how to make my home that place I want it to be and that they take the time to share it.. Ideas and suggestions on how to be more organized, how to be a better wife and mom.. That someone is you Aunt Ruthie.. I am truly grateful that you take the time to encourage and support us homemakers.. It is the hardest job I have ever done and I often find myself lost and feeling alone and not sure what the next step is.. I come here for encouragement, ideas and advice.. Your positive, happy and cheery posts always get me back to the positive mindset I need.. Your blog has and continues to help me, I cannot say thank you enough!!!
Aunt Ruthie,
I would say my biggest challenge right now is learning how to juggle being full time (24/7) caregiver to my 90 yr. old father and still getting my husband and home taken care of as well as being able to spend quality time with my grandchildren in between doctor appts. for dad. Also getting quiet time with the Lord each day. Most days I am totally done in. I am so glad to get your posts in my email. They always cheer me and encourage me to keep moving forward.
WOW…after reading some of the comments, I feel that I am blessed. How gracious of you to offer so many prayers for others! Thank you.
I struggle with my Christian witness to my unsaved family. Sometimes my witness isn’t like Jesus at all :(
Thank you for having such a sweet giveaway. May you be BLESSED
warmly,
deb
My challenges are nothing compared to ones I see in the comments of others, so I am not going there. Just remembering to be thankful in all things and know that God can use all of these things to teach us. I am thankful for your loving witness and am always glad to see “you” in my inbox. I know I am in for a treat. Blessings.
My biggest struggle right now is my desire to be a stay at home mom. I work from home, but am not able to have my children home with me. So many days I feel like I have failed as a mother because I feel like I’ve given everything I have all day to work and so when I’m with my children I tend not to be as patient as I should be. I think if I could just be “at home” that I could be the mom that I’d like to be to them. This is a daily struggle for me that I give to the Lord everyday.
Hi Ruthie,
I am most anxious about raising my daughters without family around me. I grew up near my very large extended family and it was amazing. However, my husband’s job has taken us to a new state and I often get lonely. I miss having family and want my girls to have cousins, aunts, and uncles nearby! Thank you so much for your amazing posts that let me live vicariously through your close-knit family.
Balancing home and work!
I am struggling with trying to finish my son’s home school year. He has loss interest in school and it is very hard having the wisdom to know what to do. Every day I wake up knowing it will be a long day and I really hate feeling this way. I do spend much time in prayer and the Lord has been so sweet to me standing so close to me. I chose to see the beauty in small thing and that helps so much.
LADIES,
I need to post one more time. I see you all trying so hard in your difficult lives, and it is a blessing to me to see that you do so, even in the face of much adversity. It makes me think of what I have heard before. That is that he Lord sees us all. We may think that we are failures and our good isn’t good enough. To him, it is. We haven’t failed. We just need to know that He makes up the rest. Our trials will not go un-noticed, and we will be rewarded, in some way and in some time. Blessings to you all.
I am a mother of three adult children and a grandmother of four…two girls and two boys….married for 46 years. I am most anxious about the direction our beautiful country is headed in….moral decay, loss of family values, our standing in the world but most of all what our grandchildren will face. I pray each day and sometimes more than once a day that our country would turn back to God and what is right and good for all. May God continue to bless us all.
I’m struggling right now or stressed right with so many things but caring for our elderly mom with dementia and brain cancer is taking its toil on my family and it breaks my heart for mom above everything. I pray constantly for strength for mom and my brother and a friend helping us to be able to continue to care for her. Only because of God have we been able to do this.
Time Management is the biggest struggle for me – balancing housework, my grandchildren, work, church – everyone is so busy these days – this is where I need the most help!!!
I sometimes find it very difficult to strike a good work/life balance. My job can be demanding and I often bring it home with me (both actual work as well as just having it on my mind).
I struggle with really hating my job. I have prayed about this for years. I do wish I liked my job. My husband and I own and operate a breeder poultry farm. Our eggs go to a hatchery. It is just such a nasty job. It affects my allergies. It consumes all of our time. And sometimes we have worked a complete 24 hour day when something would go wrong. I grew up on a farm. Just a regular small farm with regular farm chores. I love farm life, but not chicken farm life. It is not something I would recommend to anyone. It has been many years since we have had a vacation off the farm. It is totally a full time job. And it is 7 days a week. Without God I would not make it through day to day.
Aunt Ruthie,
Like others my anxiety is based on time issues. How do I balance my husband, my children, grandchildren, other family members, friends, house work and cooking, pleasurable things I want to do, and everything else.
Something always seems to get left out! If I spend too much time on one or two things then other things seem to not get done. I just need help in figuring out the balance.
I am very lonely I lost my husband 2 years ago. Both my children are in the military and live away. One with my 3 grandchildren I feel lost
I have 4 grandchildren under the age of 4 and I worry about what kind of America they are going to grow up in. I will leave it at that.
Opening your post this morning has been a blessing. Your questions and the responses I have read has helped more than you will ever know. I lost my 21 year old son six years ago tonight. It has been a tough week. I can also relate to everyone that is caring for an elderly parent. My husband and I moved in with my 97 year old grandmother two years ago and cared for her until she passed away last September. The hardest job I have ever had. Its tough being the “bad guy” to the grandmother who had always been there for you. I thank God for my husband and the opportunity to care for her. It was in hindsight one of my life’s greatest blessings. It helps knowing that I am not alone in my struggles even though we feel so alone in this world. This post will go in its own special file so I can open and read when I feel so all alone in this world. I am now going to face this day and thank my husband for always being there for me.
My biggest challenge is my self-discipline and just-do-it-ness. many times I get home from work, the house is a mess, the kids want dinner, I have homework to do, and I’m exhausted already…the last thing I want to do is any of it! I *know* that once those dishes are clean and the sink is clear, I will feel a billion times better. I *know* that a cluttered home means a cluttered mind. I *know* my children shouldn’t suffer because I’m lazy or “just don’t feel like it” right now. It’s a daily fight with myself that I lose often enough to make me wonder if homemaking really is what I’m called to do.
Goodness Aunt Ruthie, I can’t tell you how much I would love to sit down and talk all about life with you. I am a twenty something ;) momma to four little sweethearts 8, 6, 3, and 5 months. My days are long and yet the years are just flyn’ by. I struggle with the day to day of it all. I no sooner clean one mess before there is another. Throw in a few hundred diaper changes, cooking dinner, giving baths, and my day is done. I need some practial wisdom to get this nest running a bit more smoothly.
First I want to thank you for your postings. You give me such inspiration in serving God and keeping my home for my family. I struggle with this. Reading your blog somehow grounds me, reminds me I can get it done and just by asking Gods help in motivation to start cleaning up the over whelming mess. And he does! Again Thank You for sharing your busy life with us.
Something I struggle with daily is patience with my children. I love them dearly, but I get so grouchy at them for the silliest things like fingerprints and muddy shoes. It feels like I nag at them all day and I hate that! I wish I was a funner, more laid-back mom. But still had a clean house. Is that possible?? :)
Your blog is adorable and very inspiring by the way!
Good Mornin! I enjoy staying home with my two little boys so much, however, I find myself hollering too much, browsing on my phone too much, and get caught up in how others think our family should be or the “normal” that we are not living. I know we aren’t the only ones but I go back and forth between “I don’t care what others think of us” and “Do they think we are crazy?”. We have a small two bedroom and plan on welcoming our third baby this December! We keep hearing lots of others opinions on the size of our home and cost of raising kiddos and it gets me down WAY too often!! Maybe we are a little crazy! I guess my biggest struggle is staying true to my heart as a momma and wife. Making ends meet is tough with only one income and I feel like I always have to defend our choice for me to stay home when we can barely afford it.
I have also had a struggle with time, but lately, I have struggled with a sense of self. I was a stay at home mom for over 25 yrs. My 7 children grew up and are making their own way in life. I have the joy of having my grand babies come over, but that is only occasionally. My husband became disabled a few yrs ago, so I went back to school to become a nurse. I now work full time. God has blessed me greatly. And if I didn’t believe that this was all his will, I might dispair. I would give any thing to go back to a time when my kids were small, my house was cluttered, and I never had enough sleep. So, for all you mothers with children (teenagers included ). ENJOY this time! It goes away! And you will long to go back, believe it or not. :)
Hi Aunt Ruthie, Struggling with having enough money to make something good to eat besides just having a potato or pasta… need some DIRT CHEEP meal ideas. Just keeping my hope and spirits up… I need to join a church somewhere…how to go about that? God bless, Shari Witt
I just love your blog! All the pictures and your encouraging words inspire me, so thank you!
I am a stay home mom of a 5 year old and a 7 month old. My relationship with Jesus, my husband, and my kids are my top priorities and I start each day with the right intentions but other things “intrude” and demand attention as each day rolls along. They are important things…things I need to stop and take care of. But I find it hard to keep pushing my priorities to the top while also accomplishing everything else that must/should/I would like to get done and not getting frustrated along the way. I’m not a perfectionist, well maybe a little :)
Loved this post, Aunt Ruthie!
As a woman of faith AND a working mom (my girls are 15 and 7) something that frustrates me is feeling/being excluded from stay-at-home mom’s and their lifestyle. I too was a SAHM for 14 years and just in the last few years have gone back to work. My values have not changed; my Lord and my family are my top priorities but there seems to be a way of thinking in our society that we working moms value our work more and God and family less. That is incredibly false. I still LOVE to feather my nest, spend my time with my family and worship the Lord. I just have to be incredibly efficient with my time! And sometimes I fail! But I am still the same person I was when I was a SAHM. Churches need to be inclusive in their programming for both SAHM and working moms as well. It all begins with our own mindset. Not one is better or more ‘godly’ than the other. The Lord used me as a SAHM and uses me as a working mom. There is no competition here as long as we do not allow there to be.
Thank you for the blessing of your blog! Mindi Heise
The thing I probably struggle with most often is motivation. I have 8 children. #6 child just graduated from high school. #7 will be a junior this year and #8 will be in 8th grade. I made a mess of my life about 10 years ago and all that I dedicated my life to for 20 years kind of washed down the drain. The Lord is good and did not give up on my nor did He let me go. I am walking with Him again! I am deeply grieved over the consequences my actions have had on my children. Only one of my “olders” is walking with the Lord. I deal with guilt and regret and wonder if anything I do will make a difference. ~sad smile~ I pray A LOT. You blog is a bit of light for me that life can be good. Thank you!
I wake up everyday and set out, with the best intentions, to make it a God honoring day. A day that I will honor and respect my husband. A day that I will not say something hurting to or about someone. A day that I will be an example of a Godly mom to my teenager. But somewhere along the way I have grown weary. Weary of praying and not receiving answers, weary of trying, weary of feeling like the things that I do right do not matter. I love God, my husband and our kids. I do the best I can, but I do not feel like I am accomplishing anything. This sounds so negative and I am not a negative person, but I feel so worn down. I adore your blog, keep up the great work. God is definitely using you.
I love your blog! I get so excited when I see there is a new one, because every time there is something in it that touches my heart and speaks to me. Biggest struggle is being all things to all people. I feel I give and do and take care of everything in the house and family, and feel a little under appreciated! I love taking care of my family, but sometimes “me” time sounds good! I also agree with others that I struggle with staying happy positive all day long. I start with good intentions, but they dissolve as I go thru the day!
Mine is to deal with my children moving out of the house and what’s next in my life. Also, I’ve lost inspiration in the kitchen. I can find all of the recipes in the world via the world wide web or cookbooks, but nothing is inspiring me. I seem to make the same old same old.
I have loved your blog since the very beginning! xoxo, F.
Oh, dear. I stress about money constantly. My husband is unemployed and I am the sole breadwinner. It is so stressful at times. Planning and budgeting are hard for me. I need to really work on this areas as a homemaker! I just try and put my trust in our Lord knowing he will take care of us!
I struggle maintaining an upbeat, encouraging & positive attitude for my husband at the end of the day. After working a full time job, when I get home in the evenings & have to begin my job of being a wife, I’m often times tired & ready for a break myself. It can be difficult to muster up energy to take care of things & have a happy attitude at the same time. I can only imagine how this will magnify when there are children to tend to as well. I need an endless supply of enthusiasm & energy!
Dear Ruthie,
It’s always such a pleasure to see a blog post from you waiting in my email inbox! I loved all the pics you shared to get us in the ‘summertime’ mood, I can’t wait for school to be out and for vacation to begin (I work as a paraprofessional in a local middle school).
A challenge I have daily is how to live my life as a witness to my Christian faith; how do I demonstrate my faith without preaching to people? Sometimes, I feel like I just fit in with the rest of the world instead of leading by example. Even if people see me as patient or charitable they don’t attribute it to my faith, they just think I have a laid back personality. When I’m at work I feel like I don’t belong there…that I should be home working for the Lord. So how do I let my light so shine before men when away from home?
I feel that this is an area which you’ll have some sage advice to share with us. Thanks Ruthie!
Smiles, DianeM :)
P.S. – I was at a Cracker Barrel for the first time earlier this year and fell in love with those lights like the one in your give-away!
Dear Aunt Ruthie,
First, let me thank you for putting a smile on my face when I read your blog and also thank you for this generous give away.
I feel blessed in my life and thank God all of the time but right now my biggest struggle is watching my wonderful husband of 28 years fight to overcome a terrible illness. I ask God for strength to help him but we are not sure of the future. We can only hope and pray for a miracle. On top of all of this my only brother who was such an amazing person passed away suddenly one week ago today. My heart is broken.
Thank you for such a great blog. Your home and all your decorations are an inspiration. My frustration is that I don’t know how to prioritize my day. I jump from one thing to the other and never seem to get anything completed. I am going to try and do better because I have lots of projects that need attention. I am a quilter, knitter, tatter, and love to crochet so I try to do them all and my husband says I have a lot of half finished projects, which is a true statement. Keep the happiness going for all of us.
1) I want to know what is your greatest frustration in life? As a woman, homemaker, wife, mother, Christian?
My greatest frustration right now is that people seem so apathetic about the Lord. I’m talking about people who say they are born again believers. They SAY they love Him, yet make zero time for Him and live life as if what His Word says doesn’t matter.
2) What are your pain-points, challenges, or obstacles?
My current challenge is figuring out how to be the best mommy I can be.
3) Are you stressed out? With what?
I am stressed out with my children fighting!! UGH!!!!!!
4)What do you struggle with?
I struggle with encouraging my husband in his job. I AM thankful he has a job, but the hours are horrific and I feel as if we never see him. And when he is here, he is tired. :(
5) What are you anxious about?
I often have depressing thoughts about getting older pop into my head. Tons of “what ifs”. Dumb, I know, but they still pop there and will sometimes camp out a while. I’m learning to take every thought captive, but it’s sloooow going.
My greatest frustration has is…being a wife/mother/homemaker/homeschooler! lol Anywhoo… I sometimes struggle with balancing it all. It tends to be overwhelming.
For me, I think one of my biggest struggles comes from being a homemaker and mother to my children all my life, and now I am trying to find my niche again. All my children are grown and live 800 miles away with my grandchildren…so when I go all out as I did as a young mother, I don’t feel it is appreciated anymore so I have no motivation. However I know I left a wonderful legacy for my kids because I see them incorporate alot of the things I did with/for them with their families. I just miss it.
I really struggle with keeping my house in order…….. :-(
My biggest challenge as a wife and mother who works outside the home is finding a routine which allows me to get everything done that needs to be done. Sometimes there just aren’t ebough hours in the day – especially if something happens that is not on “my to do” list. I need to remind myself that I can make plans but I must hold them loosely because God is in control of my days. Anothsr thing that has helped is to not compare myself to others. I must be thankful for what God has given me – abilities, material things, more children, etc.
If there was an area I knew I needed to grow, I would read about it and ask friends and family for hints and tips. As sisters in Christ we need to help and encourage each other.
AlI I ever dreamed about being in life was a wife and mother and my life hasn’t been exactly like I dreamed it would be. God did bless me with a loving husband and 8 children. Instead of getting to be that stay at home Mama, I have had to work to support the family for the past 25 years. We are empty nesters now with 16 grandchildren. The sad part is that all the children and grandchildren live far away except for our youngest daughter. So life has not turned out exactly as I dreamed but I am blessed in that they are all healthy and thriving. My dear husband was diagnosed about 12 years ago with early dementia. Praise the Lord that with medication his deterioration has been very slow in coming. I know that God’s plans are way better than my own but I still struggle some days to see that! Your blog is a great help and encouragement. Thank you!
the thing that stress me out most is my son. he is a great kid just finished his first year of college. well i worry about him is he safe, is he happy, will he be happy in what he wants to do. i have strong faith but i always worry.we have raised him with good values i hope he always remembers where he came from.p.s only child so iam twicw as crazy about him spreading his wings hahahah
Hi Aunt Ruthie, wonderful post at usual :) I always enjoy your posts and pictures. For 23 years I have been a mama and homemaker and have always enjoyed making memories with my girls. I have always had dear friends with kids that I was able to get together with and connect with but ever since we moved to a small town hours away from my old friends, I have made no real friends. I love my small town but it is very clique-ish and all the women aren’t really interested in the newbies. So i struggle with the loss of friendship.I would love for my two youngest babies to experience play dates and all that fun stuff. Thank goodness for the internet though and all the friends i have made on message boards who share my same interest such as the forum here on SPFH. I do continue to make memories with my children as if I did have friends, its just a little more quiet. Have a blessed summer!
My greatest frustration is that by being a military family it’s incredibly difficult to create the home I’ve always wanted and envision. We move around constantly and with that the home continually changes. However, your posts encourage me that the home begins with me and not the house itself.
My challenge is to not be constantly worried for my children and how they will adapt to life. I have my oldest moving on to college and I worry. My youngest going into middle school and I worry. I worry that they won’t make the right choices…worry all the time :) the life of a parent, right?
Ha! Stress and anxiety are my constant companions but I’m sure I’m not the only one. Life is full of struggle but I strive to focus on the good and let God guide me through the rest. I do struggle with this but I am a work in progress. Thank you and God bless you for sharing your passion, I look forward to everything you do!
I think my greatest frustration is trying to keep a clean, warm, inviting home for my husband, 2 girls and their friends, while working outside the home 40+ hours a week, and also trying to fit in quite time with God. There just aren’t enough hours in my day.
hi Aunt Ruthie, it always makes my day brighter when you have a new post!!
I would have to say that I’m frustrated with the shape our country is in right now. It seems like we have lost our way and what we stand for!! The things that made us a great country!! We’re more divided than ever and it breaks my heart!! Seems we’ve certainly lost our morals and values and if you still have morals and values “You” must be some kind of freak!!
I’m also stressed, my Ma is 90 and Pop is 96. My Ma has Dementia. I work part-time but have to run to my parent’s Senior apartment, take care of her and shower my Ma and try and get her to eat. I am blessed because only one of six brothers gives me a hand but I am grateful for him.
And lastly I’m stressed because my husband’s stressed about his job and finances 24/7!! And we are both worried about paying back Parent Student Loans that we had to take out in order for our daughter to go to college. A big mistake but we didn’t understand what we were getting ourselves into at the time it seemed like the right thing. Anyways, I pray every night for strength and patience with my parent’s because I love them so much. And I pray that my wonderful, hard working husband would find faith in God. Because I feel that he would be less stressed if he knew God would see us through the tough times. And I pray for a better country for our Daughter (22) and Son (17) . Thanks for the chance!! And thanks for listening !! PS- please tell us we’re you got your awesome Red Lipstick!!
Like others, balance is a struggle. Homeschooling, work, trying to be a good keeper of the home. Sometimes feel like not even getting out of bed and being an adult. Need to be spending more time with God.
My challenge has always been – Figuring out how to make the best use of my time during the days – there is always so much to do and the day just slips by.
Love your blog!
My struggle is trying to raise my kids in a wholesome way while being surrounded by so much impurity in this world. I love your blog. You have a great way of writing that makes it sound like you are talking to me.
I find that I mostly struggle with getting it all done! I’m a working mother of two very active boys. I am married to my high school sweetie, and we have just recently purchased our first home. My perfectionism tells me that i have to get everything done all of the time. I need to decorate, clean, wash, work, mend, cook, bake……all the time! I love serving my family……but I worry that I am not able to do everything that needs to be done. I have purchased planners, home management binders, etc. I just don’t feel there is enough time in the day to get it all done!
Ruthie I so love your blog and am so encouraged by it! I am an empty nester but a Nana to nine grandbabies! I want to be a fun and encouraging Nana and also convey the love of our sweet Jesus to my grandbabies. Also in this new phase of life making sure my hubby gets due attention and honor…oh and balancing home duties with everything else!! I do try to enjoy each day and find Joy in the Journey!!
I have to tell you I laughed. Probably for the first time this morning.
Don’t usually wash clothes on weekend, so Mondays are my get the laundry done day. Well dryer went out, so I need to hang clothes on the line. No problem but I haven’t been doing that lately so I had enough clothes pins to do a couple of loads. So things will get slowed down. Working on rearranging my craft room. Had to run an extension cord behind a shelf. Get stuff on the shelf then to find out cord not working. It seems every thing I touch today is not going right. Then I had a thought maybe God allows those days just to see how much complaining I would do. So I stopped mumbling to myself and just decided I was having a mouse in the apron drawer kind of day. So we will see how things continue to go today without mumbling to myself. You are such an inspiration. Have a wonderful day.
Hey, Aunt Ruthie,
Always happy to see a post from you! I am a home school mom, so what I struggle with is the battle between school work/ housework. I feel like I’m running around all day, start the kids on math, run down to change out laundry, help with a problem, break up an arguement, science lesson, make lunch…you get the idea. Maybe, some tips on how to train these youngin’s to help out would be good?
My biggest challenge is striving to keep a positive attitude. It seems that there is negative news everywhere, attacking our moral beliefs, our feeling of safety, and even our intelligence. I constantly struggle with depression and it’s only by faith that I can stay on course. I really enjoy your upbeat posts–thank you very much!
The thing I am stressing about most now is trusting that I have grounded my children in the Lord. My children are 20 and 18 and leaving the nest to fly on their own. I don’t worry about my 20 year old so much, but I’m terrified for my 18 year old.
I have been a stay at home empty nester for 2 years now & I’m still having a hard time adjusting. I have lost any motivation or desire to do anything. I am praying that the Lord would help me to delight in taking care of my home for me & my husband again. Like one commenter above said, I am floundering. I enjoy your posts so much & look forward to getting them.
Thank you!!
Hi Auntie Ruth we live on a farm here in Rural NC I am a stay at home mom with two children and I homeschool my daughter, because she is severely dyslexic. My biggest challenge is keeping up with the farm because my hubby also works a full time job and making sure my daughter has the help she needs. I pray each day for God to show me what she needs and how to help her not to mention the housework, gardening, and the animals I have my hands so full that sometimes at night I can’t sleep. I love love love your posts and your pictures and I would appreciate your prayers because this Mama has a lot of irons in the fire. :)
having the time and energy as a working mom to provide a home that rivals moms who don’t work outside of the home
What are your pain-points, challenges, or obstacles?
My 16 year old son who is more recently on the fence about Christian values… being led by friends w/odd ideas contrary to the Bible.
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Are you stressed out? With what? Sometimes, with my son and his no-it-all, anti-authority attitude.
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What do you struggle with? My weight.
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Thank you for the opportunity. Wishing you and your family many blessings!!
As July 18th approaches I am anxious as well as celebatory. On that date last year I received the report from a breast biopsy that it was positive for cancer. Something that I thought I would never hear. But after surgery, radiation and chemo I celebrate life everyday!
MY STRUGGLE IS TRYING TO KEEP MY BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS DOWN. MY NEXT ONE IS TRYING TO FIND A WAY TO KEEP MY DOG FROM CHEWING ON ELECTRICAL CORDS. SHE HAS CHEWED THE FOLLOWING CORDS IN HALF: FLOOR LAMP, VACUUM CLEANER, TV SET, COMPUTER POWER CORD, AND MY NOCTURNAL BREATHING MACHINE.
Hi Ruthie!
I’m always so happy to see that you have a new blog post!
I’m at a point in my life where things should be “easier” than they turned out to be. I have an adult daughter who has battled a serious eating disorder for 12 years. I have other things on my plate (an unhealthy husband and the care of an elderly, invalid mother), but the situation with my daughter just breaks my heart. Some days seem so dark that it’s hard to get up, put one foot in front of the other, and carry on. You are so sweet and positive and I just wanted you to know how uplifting you are to me!
I think I am super blessed with my married daughters and slew of grandchildren, I have a full busy life with my family and friends, I crochet daily and love my group of ladies, we all do charity crochet……….really could use great fast housekeeping and porch keeping tips.
I did see you have a link to laundry soap making. I bought stuff to do that years ago and need to follow through in making it up.
Good Morning Aunt Ruthie,
My greatest frustration is living life to its fullest after loosing my son tragically to a reckless driver four years ago.
My son Michael was on a weekend trip with his employer and co-workers when a reckless driver racing 2 other trucks took his life instantly. Michael or Mikie as he always has been called was 27 years old, lived in AZ but called home in Northern Indiana. Mikie was over 2000 miles from home when the accident occurred. I have never felt so helpless and getting word he had a accident, and then waiting 3 hours to hear he died instantly. The man was released at the scene of the accident, never to be found again. This information was held from us for 3 months. Never in my life have I prayed so deeply, so profoundly begging God to protect my son, nut he was already with him. Each day since the accident and loosing my incredible son has been a struggle, each holiday, his birthday we try to look to our memories to get through the day, but it is so deeply hopeless. They say memories of our loved ones help us heal, but they also are constant reminders of what is gone. The daily frustration and sense of helplessness to not have seen justice brings fourth immense exhaustion. We try so very hard to hold onto that one day we will reunite with Mikie but myself and three adult children and two grandchildren struggle. Thank you Aunt Ruthie for allowing me to share my story and frustration of not being able to be the mother/protector that lives within me. Sadly try as we might we do fail at the job we take very seriously when our children are born. Lori.
Ruthie,
So happy every time I get the email that you have a new blog post! I have been following you for several years. I love all of your decorating, recipes and momma advice. I would say my biggest “momma struggle” is finding time to spend with my kids. I recently left my job with the school system and went back to a tradition 8-5 and it has really taken a toll on me. Very stressful but gonna make it work! :)
It seems I am so stressed out with my life right now. I never have enough time in my day to everything in my day and never enough time for ME. Ruthie…any hints on how you do it all?
First I’d like to say thank you for sharing YOUR personal struggles with us! That was SUCH a HUGE blessing just to ‘hear’ that another woman has the exact same loving Lord, struggles, dreams, trials, etc. as me! Can you say ENCOURAGEMENT?!?! :)
As for my answer, it is hard to narrow down, but I think mine would probably be the stress I feel because I am all the things you shared that YOU are (and MANY other women, I’m sure…). A Christian, a wife to a wonderful man, a mother to five beautiful children, a stay-at-home mom, a homeschool mom, and trying very hard to create a loving, strong environment for our family! The frustration for me is actually self-inflicted. I feel as if godly wives and mothers are a rarity so I feel the need to always “have it all together, all the time.” I am slowly learning over the years that I have put an INCREDIBLE amount of stress on myself, which in turn did the opposite in our home than what I desired! (No worries, it didn’t destroy my marriage or anything, just haven’t always had the environment in our home that should be there in my opinion.) So I guess that would be my frustration, trying to find all the love, joy, and peace the Lord has made a way for us to have, without stressing myself out trying to get it! And as we all know, it is easier said than done! But, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthenth me!” Love you all!!!
As a wife and mom who has raised two amazing children, the thing that brings me anxiety is watching them go through difficult times and not being able to carry the load for them. One has a serious long term health issue and a small baby to raise and the other has been struggling as well. I, too, have had a health issue we can’t pin down, so it’s frustrating. My goal is just to keep on pressing closer in to Jesus, trusting Him more and more because these things are out of my control. Thank you for your precious blog that brings such joy to my heart. I just love the words, photos and ideas you post. May the Lord bless you as you reach out to encourage all of us in your readership family! I feel like a chick in your nest!!!
I have been very blessed with my husband and two grown sons and now I have two fabulous grandsons. I do struggle with keeping my home life, work life and being a good Christian. I try to balance everything and it just sometimes comes unbalanced. So I just hug my grand babies and things always feel better.
What do you struggle with?
I struggle with managing my time with the internet! So many good things CAN come from it but it is a major time waster as well!
you are such an inspiration with every area I love the gardening and cooking and videos I love it all when I grow up I want to be just like you im so glad I found your blog last year in a magazine I look at it everyday at work old ones current ones my day goes great when I log in to your blogs :) keep them coming!!!!!
My biggest frustration – the never ending feeling of not getting it all done! I’m one of those that feels like if it’s going to be done right, I have to do it. Gotta get out of that mindset!
I’m a new reader but love, love, love your blog!!
I struggle with sticking with something, I struggle with my weight and how to keep my house up. I thank you for your post they are so inspiring.
My biggest frustration is not having enough time (or sometimes energy) in the day to accomplish all that should be done- at least in my mind it should be done. Then I have guilt that things(or people) were shortchanged. Trying to balance marriage, working, mothering 3,(including 1 with special needs) homemaking and walk with the Lord. I’m thankful for His grace in this!
Hello there! Enjoy your blog very much. I’m 68 years old. In my mine, I’m still in my youth but with a more mature mind. When my husband of almost 50 years, and I retired, we had plans of enjoying every thing. That was put to a halt for he had a major stroke. This left him paralyzed on his left side. He’s still him, has his speech. We still get out and still travel some. We have so many blessings. It could have been so much worse. I’m able to leave him for a little while if I have errands to run.That is such a plus for he and I both. Sometimes it’s frustrating to keep him on track with exercising.Don’t want him to loose what he has. He sure likes to tell jokes. His memory is so good. Probably better then mine. And he handles his situation so well I depended on him on the maintenance of the vehicles which is his profession and so many other things. Depending on others is hard when your use to doing it yourself. I just thank the Lord for all his blessings for we have so many!
My wonderful husband died 1 1/2 years ago tomorrow. I miss him terribly so. He was also my Pastor!! Now I must find a church home and it is so hard. It is very difficult to try to go where he pastored, even though they are kind and loving people. It is difficult seeing someone else in the pulpit where my husband should be.
I feel guilty not being in church but this is so ard!
Right now my number one stressed is finances. And then balancing all my famines needs including taking care of elderly parents. I have everything from a married child, grand kids, and a 4 year old! It’s a lot of balancing! Finding time for The Lord is difficult but so needed .
I am blessed with a peace-filled, joy-filled life, but when anxiety creeps in it is over fear of the future. We live in troubling times, and though I am a believer and I trust the Lord to carry my family through, the thought of them being harmed in any way is unsettling. I often wonder what kind of world my grandbabies will live in…. Lord, come quickly!
Wow! where do I begin? First and foremost I struggle with clutter, well who doesn’t and oh how I want it GONE!!! I want a fresh, clean, tidy home everyday, but life just keeps getting in the way Ruthie!
Secondly, I am very discouraged with what has happened to my momma. See, my brother and his wife moved in several years ago and have stolen her money and really recked her home. We have tried to fight it but to no avail. Courts just won’t do their proper job. Mom wants them to stay even tho they have done all those awful things. So we have to step away and let her have what she wants no matter what. My heart is broken, we tried to help and rescue her but she won’t have none of it. Now I can’t even go see my momma because they have kidnapped her and won’t let us. So I just stay in prayer and hope her heart is right with Jesus so I can see her in heaven.
Love your darling giveaway and I so appreciate your blog, you don’t have any idea how you bless us but when you get to heaven you will darn near have million crowns! Love ya with many hugs!
Cathy
My biggest struggle is the feeling of am I doing enough to guide my children and husband to know and taste that Jesus is real and for each of us and not a select few. Have my short comings been to much, and am I doing enough to also show that there is another way to life when working with my foster children and their respective bio families. I am reminded HIS WAYS are NOT MY WAYS, I may never see this side of heaven the legacy I am leaving(good or bad) but HE KNOWS. I hope that all I have ever done will bring GLORY TO HIM.
I struggle with kids growing up and leaving the nest. It was so much easier when they were all gathered round safe and sound under our roof. I feel anxiety and loneliness and wonder what my purpose is? I don’t really have hobbies. My family is my hobby and my joy. I do like to cook and find it hard to scale back for a smaller group.
Anna Korkova
I just wanted to say thank you for all.my ex lover is back now. That very
powerful spell to STOP THE DIVORCE – and get my ex husband back – as you claimed.email him for help at {d.rrivershebalisthome@gmail.com} Thank you for all your help.
Anna Korkova, FL, USA
I’m raising four children myself, and I struggle with having patience and raising them right. I’m doing my best with God’s help, as I have teenagers and little ones!
Thank you for your blog, your ideas and sharing your heart with us Aunt Ruthie!
My daughter just moved across the country for a summer job. Things were set-up a little differently than she expected, not bad, just different. I know she’s anxious and I’m too far away to help her other than over the phone and through texts. So for the next few weeks until she is settled in and feeling comfortable, I will be struggling to trust the Lord to watch over her.be I KNOW He loves her more than I can imagine but I feel so far away. I’m doing my best to let her be a “grown-up” and not bug her too much. Just reminding her to eat and rest, two things she doesn’t always do when she’s uptight. Thanks for “listening”. Much love to you and yours. -staci
Continued inspiration on keeping a tidy cozy home and home cooking
I am a newby to your blog and I just love it. My biggest frustration is my back pain. A surgeon really messed up my back. There are so many things I want to do but am unable to. My brain says I’m 45 but my back says oh no you are really 60. Some days I feel 70. I have faith God will help me. He has brought me this far. I have a son and grandson who I am so proud of. I really feel blessed. You have a great weekend and thanks for your blog and the contest. :-)
Having been out of the job market for 10 years to raise my daughter and realizing I don’t have many skills to get back in. This is especially hard since my husband was laid off 2 months ago. But God is good and He will prevail and provide!
I always enjoy and get so much from your posts! Thank you for sharing your heart with us all. To answer the questions you posted above, I would love any tips you could give about juggling house work while staying home with young children and keeping a good attitude/not losing my patience amid it all. I have an 18 month old adorable baby girl with tons of energy, and I am finding it a challenge just getting the basic house stuff done (cooking, grocery shopping, organizing… forget cleaning the floors these days lol).
Thank you so much for all your great homemaker ideas and encouragement!
Hey Aunt Ruthie,
I always get such a blessing from your post. I tend to just get anxious about getting things done. I see that you are just working through all the same things. Also, I have a couple of grandkids and I just worry about them growing up in a crazy world. But,everytime I get on here I feel uplifted by your strong faith.You make me feel so at ease. All your recipes and pictures make me wanna get busy.
Thanks for the encouragement,
Kathy
I struggle greatly with time management! I have to work outside the home right now. A lot of times when I get home, I have just a few hours to get housework, supper, laundry, etc. done before it is time for bed. I feel like I can never catch up on housework, much less do fun things like decorate, craft, etc. I need some kind of system, but I am just not sure where to start! I feel very overwhelmed most of the time.
Dear Aunt Ruthie
My biggest struggle is learning how to let God lead me in all that I do. Giving God my first thoughts in the morning. I have been married for 24 years to a man who struggles with his walk and is a very prideful person which leads to a lot struggles in our marriage. So if you could touch on this subject I would just be so thankful. I have learned so much from you and what God has blessed you with. Thank you for your happy and encouraging heart and sharing it with others. Kathy
I have been a stay at home mom for most of my married life. I have had part time jobs off and on. I just started a 4 day a week part time job. I still struggle with the guilt of my son being home by himself those days and he is almost 15 yrs old! I also seem to struggle with confidence in doing this job. I feel like it was a God given job and I love it! But just wish I didn’t feel like that! I really enjoy your blog and this is a great idea to help women with these struggles! Thanks and God bless you!
Hello Ruthie………wow….so many to choose from. That sounds horrible I guess, but I struggle most with letting the Lord take control of my life. I am the problem solver in the family. I have finally realized that I have been walking in the wilderness….I needed to be shown that the life I had been living was not God’s plan for me. So I move forward one baby step at a time. Thanks for all your faith lifting posts….they truly help us day by day. Blessings!
I am struggling with EMPTY NEST SYNDROME!!! AND coping with the AFTER EFFECTS OF MY HUSBANDS STROKE. Both of which collided in my life at the same time. Thanks for taking the time to do this giveaway!~TJ
I would love to be able to spend the summer soaking up the time with my children instead of working.
Aunt Ruthie,
I have to say that my biggest struggle is BEING PRESENT. I get so busy doing, and time passes so quickly. My kids are growing so fast, and I want to savor every moment, and make MEMORIES they will cherish when they are grown and have families of their own.
Thank you so much for your encouraging posts! I can feel how truly sincere you are in wanting everyone to be their best, and be grateful, gracious, and blessed.
Thank you :)
Hi Ruthie!
As always, great post. Thank you for sharing part of your life with us! Happy Wednesday. xo
Howdy do Aunt Ruthie! :) Such a coincidence, I saw Watermelon tea for the first time last month at Rosa’s cafe in Temecula! Of course I had to give it a try. ;)
All of your posts are helpful and encouraging! Reading your blog is like getting a big hug from an old friend… Just a big ol’ heap of comfort. Your time and efforts in writing your posts are sincerely appreciated and highly valued. xo
I think like so many others have mentioned, I struggle with wanting to “do it all” and do it all well… And there just are not enough hours in the days to tackle the never-ending to-do list, let alone all of the fun extras that you want to do. I’m constantly reminding myself that this is my season for simplicity and survival. Haha! And that these years with small children and babies will pass all too quickly. (Not that they are easy or for the faint of heart, ha!) I’d love to hear more about balance and daily routines/time management and all of your parenting wisdom. :)
I really do find so much value in your posts… Always a treat to have a new one to read. It’s such a breath of fresh air and much appreciated words of encouragement on (often) frazzled days. :) Lots of love, Melissa
The thing I struggle with the most is balance. I tend to over-schedule and I don’t want my family to suffer because we’re too busy. But, everyone wants to participate in lots of activities. I want to get better at knowing where to draw the line.
Love, love, love your beautiful blog!
I just read this post, so I missed the giveaway deadline, but I’ll answer anyways. :)
My greatest frustration in life thus far has been struggling with infertility. I just received some test results yesterday that are suggesting PCOS (ovary cysts) and Hashimoto’s Disease (thyroid). It’s a bit of a relief to start getting some answers so I know what’s wrong and can see where to go from here, but there’s a good chance that I may never be able to give my husband a child, and that’s a pain that I never knew I could feel. We own a farm and it feels empty without raising the next generation of farmers.
God has a plan for us and I don’t know exactly what it is right now, but maybe going through this tough time just means that something wonderful is waiting for us in the future.
I know I missed your deadline for the drawing but I still wanted to comment and just let you know that you are an inspiration to me and I love reading your blog. I have only been married 4 years and I have a 5 month old baby. (I’m a new stay at home mom). Sometimes I don’t even realize what my struggle is but your blog encourages me to be a better homemaker and a better christian. So I just wanted to say “Thank you” for taking the time to write your blog posts!
Valerie from Idaho
The thing I struggle with the most, is slowing down enough to enjoy being a home maker. Between my part time work, children, church & home, I find I have no time to enjoy my home. It’s always hurry, hurry, hurry. I enjoy baking, I don’t mind cleaning, I love being in my home. I feel though, that I am rushing from a chore, to an outing, to shopping, to serving dinner, to cleaning, to story time etc. I know god is putting this to the front of my mind for a reason. I would love some solutions to help me slow down. xx
Hi Aunt Ruthie, Still lovin your sweet blog. It was one of the FIRST blogs I followed. After 36 years of marriage, babies and now grandbabies, I have “family” issues to resolve. This time with “IN-LAWS”. Why, oh why, can’t everyone get along? I am soooo happy I have the Lord on my side and He helps me daily to try to resolve family problems. Keep up the blogin and loving! PS I would l LOVE to win the give away. From one grandmama to another, Nina Pattie
Oh my! Several things you probably have never experienced. Basically things I can’t control: An adult daughter who is married with children who refuses to speak with me after 3 years and won’t tell me why…..An angry ex-husband…..And a son with Down Syndrome who lives in a group home. His Dad placed him there against my strong wishes against it. A fallen world to say the least! I love your post and your sweet positive attitude!!!
Thanks for sharing upbeat, beautiful verses. The photos are so important too; just a bit of beauty on a rough day. I really appreciated your thanksgiving and new year posts. There was one verse you shared in both that helped me… Do not become tired of doing good…
I have 3 littles and am pregnant. So we will fill in the stresses and challenges part there! ;)
I do need to make home more beautiful, and love on my little ones.thank you for the loving ones husband post. Please keep the older posts accessable. :)
I discovered you just after my littles left the nest and the last of my three had left me spent and a little broken. I knew I was in my rebuilding years and you were a breath of fresh air! A few more years down the road and all three (including my third) are flying high and doing well. I love that you are propping up the at home mom or mom that is working and feels she is not doing enough. America needs to let mom focus more on what is really needed at home. If she must or chooses to work, she needs the support of sisters alike. Don’t chase the material things but focus on the building blocks. Build a rock foundation and the rewards will be worth it! Love your rock solid uplifting blog! And honestly, I do not follow many. Keep up the good work. America’s women need you!
I haven’t seen Sugarpie Farmhouse on lately. Have I just missed it or are you no longer putting it on. I enjoyed it and it kept me in touch.
I hate mouse ‘invaders’ as much as the next person. However, glue traps are a cruel, slow death. Please use another product. I found a mouse attached to one in a rental vacation property = still struggling. I called a local vet – who thought I was nuts! – and took the mouse in for a easier way out. The vet called me later to ask if I wanted the critter back – they had a way to remove them from the board safely! The critter was shy a few fur pieces and a bit tired. No, I let them take care of showing him to the door to the wilds.