Ahhhh Choooooo! That’s what I’ve been doing for a while now! Four Kleenex boxes later I am finally back in the saddle again! That cold was a real doozie! Ya know, there’s nothing like having to stay in bed for a few days to give you time to think about things. My head was throbbing too much to be able to read so I did a little channel surfing on T.V. only to conclude there’s not a lot of good ol wholesome programing available anymore, or at least that I could find ( other than the cooking and home improvement shows ). I began to feel so sorry for the generation of kids growing up on violent and sarcastic cartoons, shows about wizards and teenage witches, inappropriate reality shows, not to mention violent video games. I’m afraid America’s kids are missing out on what is good, pure, and wholesome! The Bible says that whatever a man thinks about, so is he and whatever we sow we shall reap…..what kind of harvest will result in planting these kinds of seeds in the minds of young people? Yikes!
I just think our country needs get back to good old fashioned goodness!
What is old fashioned Goodness? Faith in God, love, wholesomeness, respect, kindness, graciousness, honor, manners, values, morals, modesty, hospitality, appreciation, good clean fun, family traditions, Grandma’s old family recipes, courage, citizenship, patriotism, an honest day’s work, Grandpa’s wisdom, doing the right thing, gratitude, contentment, honesty, friendship, gentleness, thoughtfulness, being proper, nurturing, enthusiasm, fresh-from-the-farm nourishment, excellence, positive outlook, hope, purity, beauty, balance, cleanliness, peacefulness, clean humor, gratitude, encouragement, joy, and a whole lot more!
I love the USA, I love the virtues, morals and values that our country was founded upon. But if we are not careful to preserve goodness, it is likely to evaporate.
While I’m so very thankful for living in an age with such amazing technology, if we are not careful that too can distract us and cause us to forget the good old fashioned ways of living life …
Like when; folks would look at you in the eyes and say how-do-you-do instead of looking down at their cell phone …and when the door was held open as a courtesy with a nod, a smile, and a “good mornin’! “….when neighbors waved hello and actually knew your name….when milk , cookies and a listening ear were waiting for the kids when they came home from school…when the family would pile into the car to go for a drive in the country and stop to enjoy an ice-cream cone…when neighbors would gather to help another neighbor in need…appreciating the simple things like when the first rose of springtime would appear bringing great delight in the sheer beauty of it while breathing in it’s exquisite sweetness, thanking God for such a gift…when mom would sit on the front porch steps to watch the kids play catch with dad outdoors in the warm sunshine…when kids were taught manners, to be diligent and to tell the truth…when parents tucked their kids in bed with a story, kisses and prayers… when women realized the high calling of caring for her home, and nurturing her children with joy, giving them a sense of belonging and safety, raising them to be honorable…when families went to church together on Sundays and read the Good Book together throughout the week…when the call rang out “time for dinner!” the family would gather with grateful hearts for a hot meal ’round the old farm table, uninterrupted by texts and tweets.
These are the things that will make our families thrive not just survive. It’s old fashioned goodness that will build strong families and then in turn, build a strong country….without such no nation is secure.
Gals, we’ve got to Circle the Wagons and come together to preserve the goodness of the good old days before it fades away like a neglected family heirloom photo gathering dust up in the attic! Yes-siree Bob, we’ve got to engage that survival strategy of the Old West, rally together to guard and protect Old Fashioned Goodness on the homefront, for the sake of our families and our country! The America that we know and love needs to make a comeback! Come on Sugar Pies, if we round-up together I know we can make a difference!
Gals, I just know there are so many of you out there that feel the same way. That’s why I think we are so drawn to vintage things and the whole farmgirl-farmhouse way of life. It reminds us of a simpler time. It’s about learning to be resourceful. It causes us to reflect on God’s faithfullness. It’s comforting and it encourages us to comfort others. The farm-girl kind of life is filled with simple joys, a deep down contentment, thankfulness to the Lord and of course good old fashioned goodness.
“I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done.” Psalm 143:5
We need to be intentional about preserving this goodness. We are all so busy and our lives can sometimes feel complicated and overwhelming…that’s all the more reason why we need to gather up this goodness and bring it on home. This coming new year. We have a fresh start. So no matter what the difficulties of the past year has been, y’all need to pull yourself up by your own adorable cowgirl bootstraps!
Y’all need to get back up on that horse again! Atta girl…you can do it!
Don’t let the bumps in the road derail your dreams….dreams for a life filled to overflowing with sweet goodness! So come on y’all… with a nod to the past and an eye to the future I’m gonna share with you a few old fashioned ways to put a song in your heart and a spring in your step so you can bless your home, your family, your country! Grab your cute wicker basket and gather some goodness!
“Arise (from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you–rise to a new life!) Shine (be radiant with the Glory of the Lord) for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!” Isaiah 60:1
If we want to enjoy a harvest of Old Fashioned Goodness then we must plant it ! Start by planting this verse in your heart:
“Whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly (proper), whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things (fix your minds on them) .” Philippians 4:8
You know, this scripture is not an option. It doesn’t say “if you feel like it…think on these things…”. It is meant to help guard our hearts from things that will cause us stress and unrest. To protect us from bitterness, anger and sadness taking root. The more we think about something the bigger it gets and these kinds of emotions have been proven to cause all kinds of sickness. Thinking about things that cause you to be upset is time badly spent.
Change the way you think and you’ll change the way you feel!
So honey’s start counting them blessin’s!
Say out loud in your most adorable southern accent (and mean it from your heart) ” I do declare! ‘As for ME and MY HOUSE we shall serve the LORD!” . Amen sista! The goodness starts here.
Next to the Lord, make your family your top priority! Let them know you cherish them, be their cheerleader, bless them, nurture them, spend time with them, listen to them, pray for them.
Fill up on the Living Water, (the Word of God), the only thing that will quench our thirsty soul. Drink it everyday, it’s delicious!
Bring beauty into your home! Whether it’s flowers from your garden or from the grocery store, brighten the corner where you are!
Smile more! “Your smile is the front porch of your heart.” It’s also a mood lifter for everyone around including yourself!
Find an old family recipe and make it, then share the yumminess and the story behind it with those you love.
Say Grace at dinnertime. This is a wonderful time to teach children to be thankful for God’s faithfulness.
Come Springtime, plant some tomatoes and basil. It never fails to thrill me to see the abundance of tomatoes grown from a tiny seedling! And eating a homegrown tomato warmed from the sun is pure sweet goodness.
Fill your heart and home with music ( instead of the noise from the T.V.). I love the sounds of the 1940’s, bluegrass, southern gospel, and classical. Humming a happy little tune while you work will put a spring in your step and a twinkle in your eye.
Learn, live and teach the Golden Rule. “Do for others what you would have them do for you!” Draw names out of a bowl and have your kids do a good deed each week for a member of the family. Planting good-deed-seeds will grow thoughtfulness in your home.
Have a meal around the table as often as you can. Did you know that the statistics show that the benefits of the family meal are that kids are less likely to use drugs, smoke cigarrettes, drink alchohol, and they are more likely to make better grades, eat healthier, and feel a sense of belonging.
Get the family involved in preparing the meal, and setting the table. Create a homey atmosphere, light a candle and put on soft music.
Make it a rule to keep the converstion pleasant and gracious. Dinnertime should be about nourishment, comfort and support. My dear friend Catiena told me about the High-Low game they play in her home….everyone shares their High’s and low’s of the day. That’s one great way of staying in tune with your kids thoughts and feelings. Oh yes, and make sure all electronics are NOT part of the family mealtime.
“One of the simplest and most effective ways for parents to be engaged in their teens’ lives is by having frequent family dinners,” says Joseph Califano Jr., chairman and president of The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA).
I’m going to Church where the sweet bells call
to ask our Heavenly Father to bless us all.
Go to church as a family on Sundays and spend time in prayer and reading God’s Word. Do you know spending time with God is like having a beauty treatment? Just read this verse and see what I mean!
“God wraps you in goodness–beauty eternal. He renews your youth –you’re always young in His presence.” Psalm 103:5 The Message
The more you spend time with God and get to know Him, the more of His goodness will rub off on you…and that’s a beautiful thing.
Read Psalm 139 to find out how God is always watching over you, He loves you so much He just can’t take His eyes off of you!
Have a family fun night or a family fun day… that’s how the warmest memories are made! Popcorn and a movie….playing board games…baking cookies…going for a walk….just ask your kids what they would love to do, then make it a weekly time they can count on for family fun.
Teach your kids the Ten commandments ( Exodus 20) , The Lord’s Prayer ( Matthew 6:9-13) and the 23rd Psalm. Planting these seeds will give your children a lifetime of strength, wisdom and comfort. I can’t think of a better gift.
Fill up with lots of old fashioned goodness by watching The Waltons family! If you can’t find them on TV you can purchase the series from Amazon..click here!
Have a slice of Mayberry pie everyday!! By watching the ever lovable Andy Griffith show with Aunt Bee, Opie and Barney! We watch an episode every night! This is one way to keep the good ol days alive! You can also get the series from Amazon click here!
Ahh yes! The ever wonderful Little House On The Prairie! (Also available on Amazon…click here.)
Tuck your kids in bed each night with lots of sweet things to say about them…like “if I could pick from all the kids in all the world, I would pick you!!” Pray for them and let them have a turn to thank God for their blessings.
Find a fun apron to wear with your pearls….it’s makes homemaking that much more fun!
And to America’s rescue…. Franklin Springs Family Media has so many wonderful resources for the family!They have excellent films that will inspire and encourage your family to live a life of honor and goodness. If you go to their web site you can watch little samples of their wonderful films.
“Franklin Springs is focused squarely on producing original films that provide a picture of the exciting reformation that’s happening in families across the country – fathers serving and loving their families, mothers embracing the high calling of raising children, and children enjoying the adventure of growing up in a family seeking God’s best for their home. ” ~Franklin Springs Mission Statement
The Homestead Blessings Series featuring the West Ladies is one of my personal favorites from Franklin Springs! They have a couple new DVD’s out that I can’t wait to get! The Art Of Cooking and The Art Of Dairy Delights. This sweet family lives on a farm in Tennessee and they share their farm-girl life from the kitchen to the garden. Talk about old fashioned goodness!
“The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.” Psalm 33:5
Lastly, I would like to share the lyrics to an endearing new country song by Craig Morgan titled:
Sweet Old Fashion Goodness
Wind chimes in a weeping willow
Biscuits light as feather pillows
At Mama’s house
Sunday morning kids a squirming
Thank the preacher for the sermon
As your walking out
Sweet old fashion goodness
Old man comes out and pumps your gas
Tells a joke while he cleans your glass
And says thank you friend
Grab a cup of sugar from your neighbor
Honor roll made the morning paper
Cut it out again
Sweet old fashion goodness
Chorus:
We don’t need no bureaucrats
No scientists or diplomats
To help us figure out what this world needs
Just sweet old fashion goodness
He says have you met my young bride
We got married back in ’49
She ain’t changed at all
There’s a nervous boy on the front porch waiting
While the daddy of the girl he’s been dating
Lays down the law
Thank you Sugar Pies for stopping by for some down-home Goodness Pie!
Please share your thoughts and ideas on how we can preserve the goodness of the good old days.
Bless your family, make home sweet!
Aunt Ruthie!
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Big Amen to that sweet sister, it is about time we as a country get back to being a Godly nation and be on our knees in prayer. Thank you for being so sweet and kind, I do declare you are a huckleberry sweet do, God Bless Ranching Momma
Oh my what a wonderful post, you have lifted my spirits indeed! God is good and until we all realize this I fear our nation will go under for sure. I believe if we implement some of that old fashioned goodness you talked about we can do it though together. It does start at home, I believe that is the most important role. Often homemaking is not given the proper respect it deserves. Thank you for making me realize just how important it is! I look forward to more posts. Glad your family will be closer to you, what a blessing and you’re feeling better.
Carey
Thank you again for your encouragement! You have such a winsome way with your sweet message…God bless your home!
Kathy
Thank you so much Aunt Ruthie for posting this! I waited for what seemed like forever for this post and it was well worth it! I love your inspiring words and your sweet way to put some pep in my step, you are a blessing to me.
OH this post has been so worth the wait Aunt Ruthie! You have no idea how much encouragement my sister and I recieve from you! Thank you so much for all the thoughtful ideas on how to take better care of our homes and families. You have inspired me so much! My sweet family thanks you!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this post. You said exactly how I have felt for a long time! I have always made sure that we eat our meals as a family. It has kept us so much closer. Also, even though my daughters are teens now, we still say our nightly prayers together and take time to talk before bed. I have found that by keeping this ritual from the time they were toddlers, we do not fail now at communicating with each other. God Bless!
Amen!! Such a refreshing post. I was just thinking about you and wondering when you would write another post. :)
It is so important to fill our minds with good wholesome things. Don’t forget about reading good wholesome books like the Little House stories (so much better than the tv show, though I do enjoy that too ocassionally), Louisa May Alcott, etc… Also I have several cds of children singing scripture songs – another great way to hide God’s word in children’s hearts. I can’t wait to have children of my own to enjoy them with!
If only every homemaker focused on such wonderful things. I am truly worried about the world in which my children are growing up in and work overtime to keep the home fires burning and the love flowing abundantly.
I’ll share a little thing that I do to help keep out focus where it needs to be in our home…. I took scrapbook paper, printed off scriptures that are uplifting and encouraging, cut them out and laminated them to post throughout our home. I have them on mirrors, the refridgerator, on the entertainment center, the doors….just tidbits to keep us focused on the day. “Do not provoke a child to anger” “This is the day the lord has made” “Rejoice in the Lord always….” “Do not worry about tomorrow” “The fruits of the spirit are…”….. these little scaps of paper lift the whole family and build them up. They are a great way to focus on the good, the pure and think on these things.
Thank you for the encouragement,
Jen
*** My website didn’t type in correctly above, so it won’t take you to the correct link. The correct on is…..
http://fiddledeedee-jen.blogspot.com/
Thanks for the wonderful post Aunt Ruthie. You are such a breath of fresh air.
I have only one suggestion and it has been mentioned before, and it is to turn off the TV and start living again.
I always get so excited the moment I see one of your posts pop to the top of my blog roll because I can count on it being chock full of encouragement and good reminders. I so need those good reminders too! Sometimes I get so bogged down with homeschooling and being with a child 24-7 that I forget to be thankful for the fact that I’m building such a significant relationship with EACH one of my kids. I get so overwhelmed sometimes that I forget what it’s all about! Isn’t that crazy? I should remember every second of the day. But I’m getting better… The one thing we’ve done is just cancel out cable altogether. My man loves TV and he felt like we needed to get rid of it for his sake, so he could spend that time with our kids in the evenings without half an ear turned toward them. I thank God for giving me a man with such a sweet sensitivity, too!
As always, I read your words and feel like we just sat out on a front porch with glasses of iced lemonade together! I feel more prepared to just go out there and “do this thing!”
Thanks Aunt Ruthie!
Sasha
Thank you Cuz’– I needed that. Blessings to you.
I agree with every word you wrote. I am concerned about the future of the younger generation myself. I know that I have a daughter who has many children and they got rid of their TVs several years ago and the kids read for pleasure and knowledge. They are so much better off for it. Yes, always put your family first after God. You certainly have your priorities straight. Congrats to your family for having such a blessed family home to come to.
There are some days when it just seems as though the world around us is spinning out of control. We all need to be reminded of the importance of a strong faith and loving family.
Thank you for your posting today. You are such a positive role model!
Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo
OK…ARE YOU SURE I DIDN’T WRITE THIS POST?! BECAUSE I SO AGREE WITH EVERY SINGLE WORD OF IT. I HATE ALL THE HARRY POTTER AND VAMPIRE STUFF AND I’M BLOWN AWAY WITH THE MOTHERS WHO ARE GAA GAA OVER IT ALL! MY HEART FEELS SO SAD ABOUT HOW THINGS ARE GOING IN THIS WORLD, SO MANY CHILDREN BEING RAISED BY DAY CARES INSTEAD OF THE PARENTS WHO BROUGHT THEM INTO THE WORLD! I COULD GO ON AND ON BUT YOU HAVE SAID IT HERE. I WISH YOU WOULD COME VISIT…WE HAVE MUCH IN COMMON. TAKE CARE..AND STAY WELL NOW~
I’m so sorry you’ve been sick! I certainly hope that you are on the mend now.
This is a great post for these times we are livin’ in. My beloved and I were just talking about the “state of the union”, and wondering where we are headed.! We pray for our nation every day. We still have a little birdie in the nest with us, too. We try to limit what comes into our homes through the media and electronic stuff as best we can.
Mayberry is a favorite here, too! We live about an hour away from the town that the show was based on. (Pilot Mountain).
Thank you for the time you put into such inspiring, uplifting posts, Aunt Ruthie! I’ll be praying for you and your sweet family. (I know you’re getting excited about your other baby girl moving home soon!!)
Blessings and hugs,
Karen
Amen, Sister! All of this is so true and exactly why we decided 9 1/2 years ago that I’d stay home with the children and we started homeschooling. a couple of years ago, too.
Thank you so much for keeping old fashioned values around – I look forward to every post.
Glad you’re feeling better – have a great day.
HI Aunt Ruthie
I love your blog and find your words of encouragement well needed. I have two boys aged 16 and 12 . We have had a terrible year with our oldest son. He left school with good results, went to college but had his place revoked because of a lack of effort, lateness etc. He has lost all respect for us and our home – I honestly feel that I have lost him – how can I get my son back? is it too late?
I just want us all to be a big happy family but feel that I am chasing something thats impossible. Please help.
I agree !
It takes courage to stand up and to do what is right , when society is faltering in it’s morals and standards and values.
But , if each one of us commits our lives to our Father in Heaven, and we stand for truth and righteousness, what a difference we would see and feel in our homes, communities, and in our nation. It’s all about choice and consequence.
NOW is the time to start making the best choices!
Good morning Ruthann :)
This post was wonderful! I strive to have old fashioned goodness in our home every single day. I cook for my family at least 5 days a week (With the kids being in sports, sometimes it’s difficult on the weekends) and we eat dinner together at the table, because I think that it’s one of the most important things a family can do.
We’ve started watching more of the History channel, TVLand and TMC these days and I’ve always found that listening to the music of the 1940s just makes me feel better and definitely puts a spring in my step.
Game night is something that we just started doing again (Nothing like laughter to bring a family closer together).
Oh and I’m starting a vegetable garden this year for the first time, so wish me luck :)
Thank you, thank you for this post and I’m glad you’re feeling better!
xo,
rue
Another great and inspiration post Auntie Ruth. Love how you always bring all these points together. Your post is “right on”. If only all people felt this way, we would be living in a better country.
Hope you have a blessed day.
Love,
Cindy
what a great post to read while i am standing her making peach/blackberry pies from last julys peaches!
Ruthie, it’s so good to have you back!
Wonderful, powerhouse of a post, too, even if all the pics wouldn’t load. It’s
about the words and the meaning behind them. We need strong messages and encouragements
in today’s world. Thank you for all you do!
LOVE the pic of you and yor apron!! Is it a fitted apron??? I need to find a pattern for that! Love your post you make really htink about what I am doing for my family!! Thank you so much!
Where can I get that apron??
Thank you so much, Ruthie, for this message. I have been thinking the very same things and couldn’t have expressed it better. God bless you as you continue to raise Him up to the world through this blog/website…and may we all do the same, however that looks in our own lives. Turn off the TV, turn on some praise music, and sing to Him and thank Him for His Glory! Amen, sisters??
LOVE IT!! I love it all! This sums up the way I want my home to be and things I live by. My husband loves our home and I hope when I have kids our home will be like this!!! KEEP IT UP SISTAS!!!
Oh Aunt Ruthie, you are such an inspiration to me. I’m a mother of three little boys and by the end of the day when my patience begins to run thin my husband will say, “What would Aunt Ruthie do?” lol (he knows I just love ya!) Anyway, it reminds me of all your advise to cherish our families and keep our homes filled with the spirit. Thank you so much, I look forward to each post.
What a beautiful post! You have a wonderful way of putting your thoughts and feelings into words. I agree with everything you said! Blessings!
…and all God’s sistas said “Amen”.
Wow! I love this! You have truly lifted my heart today!! This would be an amazing thing if everyone would go back to the good ole old fashion home values. Thanks for the inspiring post! I’m passing it on to everyone I know!
This brought tears to my eyes! So true and worded so wonderfully. I love your site….your thoughts and words are like a fresh cup of coffee. Just what a body needs first thing in the morning.
Hello. Your article is me! Have you been spying on me? We purchased a new home in 1999 and decided to get back to the basics. WE did not carry our cable and cut the internet at the time. We took TV’s out of all bedrooms. We heat our 2 story home with a woodstove and cook from scratch. I make our butter and bake often. Use chickens for fresh eggs and love them. We have our meals together and eat them at the set diningroom table. We play board games and the kids love it. They have grown into healthy persons that are not damaged. We do have a game system but it’s in the family room along with the TV for Movie’s that are hand selected. How ever long you read is how long you get to play a game. You know what it works. Life as a family is grand and when others come they do not want to leave. They say that it’s so calm and serene like stepping back in time. I have all of the movie series that you have talked about on here “The Waltons and Little House on the PRarie and some of the Tammy movies. next on my list in Ma and Pa Kettle when I can get it. You are so right it is time LADIES to take back over our homes! We have been away too long!! Thanks for bringing this up.
Amen~
That was a great post!
We live our life that way in our home!
I did love the idea of having the kiddos (I have 6 so far) draw names for doing good deeds for each other through out the week!
Blessings and Love,
Georgainn
Oh, Ruthie. You have physically and put my heart into words and pictures. I am practically in tears right now because what you have written is exactly my heart for my family and those that I love, but have never been able to quite put it into words. My husband thinks I’m crazy. :) He is a worship pastor and our family is so, so busy. I just want to thank you for sharing this. I am going to copy and paste this blog entry and put in my house somewhere! I want this so badly for my family. Will you be my mentor? Ha ha! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
“Standing Ovation”! You are so very right about getting back to Old Fashioned Goodness. We are all craving it for a good reason! Trying to raise a family in a fast paced, electronic crazed world can be overwhelming, it seems like we are going against the grain sometimes. I try to recreate some of the great memories I had as a child for my children…like iceskating, baking, playing games, learning how to sew, blowing bubbles, running through a sprinkler or jumping in the lake! We watch more educational channels in our home like TLC, The History channel, cooking network etc. Dinner is eaten at the table almost every night of the week (on the kids sports nights the dinners are less elborate) with the TV and phones OFF! Where in the world has God been misplaced in our country, amen to that sister! It also seems to me that assumptions, gossip and judgement comes too quickly between one another these days, the world lacks true compassion anymore! Have you seen some of those trash magazines online at the grocery store?
I picked up the first 2 seasons of the Waltons over the summer and blogged about it on my blog, I will have to expose my children to Mayberry too, lol. My famly loves the shows, they are so wholesome and it brings back some wonderful memories for me! Thank you again for such an inspiring post, Glad to hear you are up and running again, God Bless you and the positive words and values you cultivate here!
Thank you! What a great dose of encouragement that was! Ahhh! I feel refreshed and revitalized and ready! A dear sister in the Lord and I have been discussing this and feeling a bit blue because of the opposition we’ve been facing, and feeling a bit alone in our quest to reach out to others young moms with this message. You’ve expressed it so well, I’m passing the link on to everyone on my list! God bless you! Glad you are recovering well and are back in the saddle! {HUGS}
p.s. I miss living in the south.
Hi Aunt Ruthie! Oh does this post do my heart good! I have to agree with everything you say today! I hate not being as informed on current events as I should be, but I just can NOT bring myself to watch the news on a daily basis anymore! I live in the city, and it is frightening the things I hear, very near to, if not right where I live, sometimes!.. And I DO ask myself what is this world coming to?!.. And I brought my KIDS into this world!!… I liked your reference to Isaiah, and it reminds me of that Sunday School song I still love to sing.. “This little light of mine.. I’m gonna let it shine!” LOVE the song you shared at the end! It is the first time I’ve ever heard it, so I just might post the Youtube video myself for one of my own sing-along sunday posts.. and I won’t forget to tell them who sent me to it! Thank you for sharing it! It’s always a pleasure and inspiration visiting with you! ~tina
So glad to see Sugar Pie back, thanks for putting into words what I have in my mind!
I finally got my dose of Aunt Ruthie and boy am I glad I stooped by today! I love how encouraging you are! Everytime I read one of your blog entries, I want to print it out and put it on the fridge!
In our family we have family movie night once a week and I hope this tradition continues the older they get. Maybe they can invite ther friends to join us! We also try to eat dinner together every night. Recently I fixed the table up and set out dishes and wine glasses for everyone and every night we have dinner, the kids seem to really appreciate the fact that everything is set so nicely. We even drink Wine (apple or grape juice) in our wine glasses. My daughter actually asked to be excused from the table for the first time ever. This is just proof of how making something that could be so mundane, a little special ,can make such a difference. Thanks for your encouragement!Tammy
Thanks Aunt Ruthie! Just when I think I am the last woman on earth who stays at home and takes tender lovin’ care of her home and family, then you send another one of your posts my way. It refreshes me and restores my dedication to the job at hand. You are right that we need to stick to old-fashioned goodness, but if it weren’t or the internet and blogs like yours, I think many of us would give up for lack of support in our calling because sometimes it feels like we are few and far between!
This Post really hits home with me!
First let me say that I totally agree with you about the tv & movies children. And as a matter of fact, a friend and I just had this conversation at lunch yesterday. My 3 year old came up with three not so “happy” word, and I couldn’t figure out where he picked them up because we do not say “idiot, stupid, shut up” in our household. Come to find out it was in The Monsters movie. Why do they feel the need to put things like that in a cute movie??? Really not sure.
Anyway, have a very blessed day, and I really enjoyed this post!!!!
-amy
What a fabulous post! I loved it! I agree with every word. Thank you so much for your practical suggestions! Your practical, down home way of helping us to encourage that old-fashioned goodness into our homes makes a difference! You are such an inspiration, Aunt Ruthie. I find that I when I listen to music from the 1920’s-40’s, it cheers me up immeasureably! I listen to it all day at work. I also like to have dinner around the table. Even on some nights when it is take-out because right now, I work outside the home. It’s so important. You are such a great role model, Aunt Ruthie. God bless you!
P.S. I had that nasty cold as well and I’m on the mend, too. Thank God for Kleenex with Lotion tissues! :)
oh my goodness! you just gave us more rich food in one posting than i have given in three months!
a hearty amen and hallelujah!
Thanks Ruthie. I agree with you and share many of your thoughts and concerns about our nation, families, children. God and Christian homes are the “cement” of our country to make it wholesome and a great place to live and bring up our children. I admire the Farm workers and families, the small town living based on all the attributes you posted and talked about. So, we must all shine and put ourselves out there to be examples to others by our wholesome lives we live. People do notice and it may influence their life too. So much more we could say and talk about. Where is that cup of coffee and kitchen table where we can sit and “chat”. You are a “peach” and an encouragement. Let’s all be good Sistas and stand together for all things good and keep God in our hearts. Bye for now, Linda
Oh my goodness, Aunt Ruthie . . . you are singing my song! I so want to re-establish the values of yesterday. If fact, that is my “mantra” and what started the name Past Blessings (which is an antiques business). My tag line is “Remembering when people loved God, loved their families and loved life.”
We are trying to regain ground lost with our three teenaged boys. When we allowed them to get texting, we were niave . . . I didn’t realize the power of it. Now, I see our two oldest addicted and totally trying to shut us out and my heart is breaking. We are doing what we can to take this ground back, but it is hard once you have given them this ground. For those parents not to this place yet, don’t give in to this in the first place. But I know living in regrets is not of God. We have repented our mistakes and failures and now we trust in God to stand in the gap for our shortcomings, believing He will bring it around. But we are taking stands on some issues regarding texting and ipods and so we know rocky ground is in our immediate future, but we trust God for the outcome, because He will never leave us or foresake us. Thank you for the encouragement today . . . your timing for us with perfect . . . and, I believe, God ordained. My eyes are filled with tears of gratitude as I write this . . . you have truly blessed and encouraged me (and my husband whom I read this to) today. Thank you so much!
Hugs and blessings,
Brenda
Good, good word{s}! I couldn’t agree more! Thanks for the challenge and encouragement!!!
Enjoyed this post very much. I tried to do all these things with my kids and I hope that they will remember how good it was and pass it all down to their children. It is scary to think of the kind of world our grandkids might live in. I pray for them now. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Wowowow I love this post! Brought tears to my eyes because it’s SO true. Thanks for taking me back to appreciate the upbringing I was fortunate enough to have.
Amen amen! Everything you said is so true.. the very reason we started homeschooling our children, got chickens, planted a garden in springtime, bake our bread and most importantly limit our kids’ electronic time to one hour a day. Family time is so important and so much of it is being stolen from us in mindless persuits. We need to pray together more, study His word together, and just be together more getting back to the basics of a fufilling, wholesome life. Thanks so much for such a meaningful post!
Dear RuthAnn,
What a wonderful post…and oh so true!
Blessings!
~Nadine
WOW!! Thank you so much for this wonderful post! It was heart warming and reaffirming for me.
AMEN !!!
Nothing else to say to such a wonderful post really.
S x
Bless you for honoring God in every single post. Your life and your blog are a beautiful reflection of His love, presented in the most delicious way! Thanks for letting your sweet voice sing out His truth. Inspiring others to do the same. Remember, it only takes a spark to get a fire going!
I thank God for you, sweet sister. I also thank Him, in advance, for the reconciliation He is bringing to us. May He remind us daily of His power and help us to turn our worries, fears and concerns into prayers.
Big hug!
Amen…and God Bless you Aunt Ruthie…..you are such a sweet breath of fresh home goodness…..I totally agree with you and that is how I try and live my life….
Thank you for your sweet words of old fashioned goodness…May
God Bless you and your wonderful family…glad to hear you are feeling better…
Sweet Blessings….
Tonja
Dearest Ruthann,
Sorry you’ve been ill. Not fun.
Though you were ill…you have had time to think and turned out a wonderful and Godly post. Your down time has been used for good.
I have enjoyed reading your post and think you are right on track with goodness and presenting a better perspective towards the ugly options within todays ugly happenings.
So very healing to read your sweet blog.
I have found in blogland others that desire Godly living and heavenly homes AND I have found others sticking their tongues out with alcoholic drink in hand and no fronts on their blouses.
Shine on sista’!
I cheer you on and desire that more women and men walk uprightly before God. I know first hand that I am to cheer on those sweet little gals that desire to be homemakers, wives and mommas with words of encouragement and praise. Also Grammas!!!
God richly bless you. Plez keep writing and getting this godly message out to a hurting world full of hurting people as well as to other Christians that need nurturing and much needed PRAISE.
Deanna
Love this!! I oversee the MOPS groups in Middle TN and with your permission would love to send this out in a numbered format to all the moms out here. Please let me know. We have to reach the moms of this generation. Mom’s that don’t know how to mother. For some of those its because they didn’t have one and for some a bad example of one. We all need to be Mothers that instill these seeds into our children. Thank you for writing such a beautiful post!
I’m a high school librarian and I see daily firsthand the effects of the declining values and family time. I love my job but it is disheartening to think about our nation’s future. Thank you for the wonderful post. You are always uplifting.
Amen!!! Thank you Ruthie for another uplifting post! I always enjoy them and walk away thinking of the ways I can better serve my dear husband and three boys. We make a point to tell our three boys (ages 16, 10 and 5)that they are our blessings from God and that He has a special plan for each of them. We recently found a book “The One Year Book of Devotions For Boys” at a Christian used bookstore. Our middle son reads the devotion and we all discuss the story and there is a Bible verse to memorize. It’s working out well.
Thanks again for all the wonderful reminders of a simpler and better way of living!
Glad you are feeling better:~D
I always look forward to your posts and this was fantastic! I have definitely gotten inspiration from you…now if I could just bake a pie I’d be set! ;) I visit your website several times a day as the intro song has become my 6 mo old son’s favorite song!
Thanks so much for this inspiring post! I couldn’t agree more and now I’m even more determined to be purposeful in instilling those good old fashioned simple values into my children.
What a blessing this post has been to me today! I’ve been feeling so discouraged lately, and this has practically lifted me up through the roof!
I couldn’t agree more with you, Aunt Ruthie. :)
Thanks for turning around my outlook- I really needed it.
A good reminder for all of us. We can positively influence our kids towards goodness and godliness inspite of what goes on around us.
The Bible is full of stories where God’s people had to live in an ungodly world and maintain His standards. They had to make the same choices we make today. Do we bend to the standards around us or set our sights higher on His calling for our lives? It’s a daily choice isn’t it?
I can’t control the world, but I CAN influence my own family for God.
Thank you for your wonderful, encouraging words. This is the kind of life our family tries to live. If people would get back to the basics…God’s wonderful Word and live the way God wants us too, everyone would be so much happier and this earth would be a wonderful place to live.
My goodness Aunt Ruthie, this is so wonderful! Thank you for this beautiful post. I just love everything you wrote and I agree with you in every way. You have put so much love and thought into this post as you do every post. I’m sure it will be a blessing to many moms who need encouragement. I hope you are feeling better. God Bless You! xoxoDesi Anne
We call our High/Low discussions ‘roses and thorns’ in my classroom. I think it is important for kids to know that we all have good and bad days and that we can encourage each other no matter what.
Great post!!!!
I agree with you, and I plan on raising my children the old-fashioned way.
On the other hand, there were things that weren’t great at all in ‘the good old days;’ racism and sexism to name two. I’m glad I can vote, and I’m glad a woman and a black man have as good a chance of being the president as a white man does.
So as much as I value the many good things of the past, I also value the progress this nation has made.
xo country girl
Yes, yes and yes! Such a good, all-encompassing post! Thank you~ I am certain that the Lord is using you to encourage many many families to value what matters most!
AMEN, AMEN, AMEN!!! Thank you so much for sharing this important message! I was just thinking the other day about the good ole reruns of Leave it to Beaver or Father Knows Best or Andy Griffith…how these programs always had a moral. How they taught children and parents to be better people. Then I began to think about all the awful messages that TV programs are sending these days. Our children have attitude problems…just like those children on the programs they watch. Those little sweet sponges are soaking up the wrong message. It’s so sad…You are right it’s up to us to make a difference!! This was a wonderful post and a great reminder!
God Bless
Dear Aunt Ruthie,
I love this post! I stay home for my family because I want to and think it is the best thing to do to get back to the old-fashioned days. My one and only baby (now 11 years old) needs me and so does my husband and our beloved cat and puppy. What makes a home is the people and pets in it.
You always provide us so much encouragement. Thank you so much.
You are a beautiful person inside and out.
Another great show for kids to watch is “I Love Lucy.” My daughter received the entire series for Christmas and my mom, husband, daughter and I have been watching and laughing together. What a great show. Love the time, the clothes, the way Lucy and Ethel always call each other “Honey.”
Sincerely,
Patti H.
Livonia, MI
Aunt Ruthie,
I just have to say that I’m so thankful for your words of wisdom and caution to circle the wagons. I say this as I type and listen to my 3-year old daughter watching “Wow, wow, Wubzy” cartoon. It’s relatively harmless, teaching kids to be resourceful, but wouldn’t it be much better if I taught her to be resourceful instead of a cartoon? :)
So I thank you for your food for thought as I re-engage myself to my children this year.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write and put together this post. It was just what I sorely needed.
Your blog just totally makes me HAPPY!!! I always sense such a peace and comfort just visiting online for only a moment. I always leave wanting more and more. I can’t imagine how awesome it would be in person!!! You are such an encouragement to me. I think I have to be your long lost daughter! Are you sure there isn’t another one out there somewhere?! :):) You really are a treasure. Thank you so much for sharing your heart with us in every post. You have truly blessed my heart today and everyday I visit.
I couldn’t agree more! There is so much negativity and violence on television these days. I love watching Andy Griffith reruns on TV Land at night. We also get the Family Network here, which has some old shows on it. Thanks for letting me know about Franklin Springs Family Media. I have bookmarked the page.
Family time is so important. Even though we only have a daughter left at home, we have dinner together nearly every night by candlelight, followed by a short family devotional afterward. My husband chooses a scripture reading from the Bible, and we discuss how we can apply it to our everyday lives.
Thank you for inspiring me with your wonderful blog! It’s a wonderful place to visit and feel encouraged!
Jane
I agree we need to foster goodness in our lives and families – but, I prefer to think of goodness as timeless rather than old-fashioned!
Yes, yes, yes…we need to foster goodness in our lives and families – but I prefer to think of goodness as timeless rather than old-fashioned:)
You nailed it, Ruthie!!! I have been having the same thoughts up here in Canada. We as moms have to help preserve that which is right in the eyes of the Lord … especially within our own families. Preach on!
FABULOUS! You really out did yourself this time. What fantastic reading. I feel rejuvinated. You are a talented mama. God gave you the gift of “sharing”.
Ruthie…always get excited to see a new post from you; don’t know if you realize the enormous affect you have on us who visit your blog…I am so thankful I found it. Glad you are on the mend from your flu.
Good old fashioned goodness/values….where have they gone?! Many of the things you’ve written I’ve thought about a lot in the past couple of years (I’m abt to turn 57). I look at the houses where no one is home during the day…..rarely see kids playing outside much during the week….in the large percentage of cases, daycares are raising todays kids. Most moms today have to work (my own daughters included)
We definitely need to break from all the electronics…..a lot of todays children dont know how to “just be” and entertain themselves…they cant handle “quiet” without a lot of noise and/or activity.
I have been in a phase of late of watching some of the old re-runs on tv and I’ve gone out and purchased some dvd’s….the Waltons in particular….watching it just makes me want to turn back time….
Another fav is Road to Avonlea, Anne of Green Gables…. Those were great times….I feel sad for todays families that havent been able to experience the simple things in life.
I salute those of you who are making changes in your lives..simplifying!
Ruthie….you are blessing to us all!
Love. Love, Love your website! My sister and I always enjoy reading it. You inspire us so much and truely bring us back to our roots. We are preachers daughters raised in a small farming community. Our mother passed away 13 years ago, but we strive hard to pass on the Godly family values and traditions to our children that she instilled in us. Thanks for reminding us of in your blog that it’s not that hard to pass on goodness if we tend to the simple things in life. What a wonderful reminder and encouragement to get back to the basics.
Blessings to you!
I so appreciated the words of wisdom. As a single working parent, who yearns to be at home taking care of my family full time, instead of working full time and working the home part time, and never seeming to have enough time and patience, it gave me some much needed encouragement.
Hello Darling Ruthann!
This is going down as one of my “many” favorite posts by you! Such words of wisdom and I mirror what you are saying! When when had our children at home we had a special night every Monday called Family Home Evening. We read the scriptures, had a small uplifting lesson, played games and always had a dessert! It started the week off with “goodness”! We ALWAYS ate together! Now that our babes are all grown up with families of their own, we have them all come over once a month after church for a family dinner! Something we all look forward to.
Thank you Ruthie for your inspiration and sharing your love for the Lord, family and friends! You fill my heart with gladness! I miss the days when I was growing up but I know I can now provide those memories for my children and grandchildren!
Now off to put my favorite arpn on to make ANOTHER Buttermilk Pie! ***Have you ever heard the song “Ole Buttermilk Sky”by Hoagy Carmichael? I LOVE that song and it always makes my day! It is on my Playlist.
Love you Ruthann!
Maryjane Lee
xox
Yes mam! Me and my house, we will serve The Lord. Thank you for this wonderful clarion call to us all. We women “birth” prayers, revivals, a call to proclaim things as they should be in The Lord…
Thank you and God Bless!
Thanks so much for your post! It is something that needs to be said over and over again and reinforced at home. We do need to be on our knees and prayin’ together for the strength and guidance to stand strong. We also need to send Hollywood a strong message by not supporting alot of the things they put out in movies and television. “We the people” can send a message that is clear by what we say and do that honors God, and by what we do or do not support. Thanks again and I love your blog and check here weekly to see what you have posted. Bless you!
AMEN, Sista!!!! :-) You’re dead on!!
I think you should have written the State of The Union Address!! :-)
Oh I just love ya! I just read your precious comment back to me and it meant so much! You are a darling!! So glad I’m one of your Sugar Pies too!! :)
Sasha
I agree with you 100%.I miss those days.I am trying to recreate them at home.Things were so much better when families mattered more.I always enjoy your posts. Glad you are feeling better.You were missed. Marylouise
Ruthie, something I did in our home while raising our children was to keep music, beautiful music on at all times. Christian radio was usually on in the kitchen. This was the gateway into our home, my families haven. I couldn’t control what was going on outside the house, but inside was our safe place! I controlled the airwaves. Some of the neighborhood kids even picked up tunes and “lyrics” they didn’t realize they were singing scripture!
Any babies were swung around to the PBS station that played Big Band and Swing! Thanks for the good memories!
Yup, keep a song in your heart!
Aunt Ruthie,
As a replanted SW Missouri gal, (I grew up in Springfield) I want you to know how much I love your blog! I appreciate your encouraging words as well as gentle reminders of what “home” should feel like! Thanks for being that Titus 2 woman, my sister!
What a timely and wonderful message. Thank you for taking the time and effort to write it.
If only America would turn back to her roots and in spite of what the media says…those roots are Jesus Christ Himself!
And within Him there is room for all.
God bless your efforts. Keep fighting the “good fight” while it’s still day!
Ruthann: Thank you SO much for this post. I really needed it today. You are ALWAYS an inspiration to me. Glad you are feeling better and hope that all of your family is well also. Thank you again!
Wow! This was the most uplifting, inspirational thing I’ve read in a long time and just the word I needed to hear right now. Thank you for letting God use you.
What a great post! I loved everything you said! You have so many followers… great to get that message out to so many. May God bless you as you minister with your business.
I couldn’t agree more with everything you said…….I worry so for my little grandchildren………it is definately a jungle out there…..I just hope my children and grandchildren can be a shining light for others…..and that they WILL choose the right when the choice is placed before them……and I keep a constant prayer in my ♥…..I love your blog!
Thank you Aunt Ruthie for giving me some food for thought. ( as always) I agree with you whole heartedly that the youth of today are missing so much. My little ones are grown now but I still feel that my husband and I still have some influence and set the tone for them in so many ways. We live in a time when you really do have to live intentionally. We not only have to live life on purpose, but we must know exactly what it is we believe in order to live on purpose.
Aiming to keep life simple
Tammy
Your words and encouragement are SPOT on, my friend!
Thanks for your ‘back to basics’ suggestions. I am so with you on everything. My parents recently bought the full collection of little house and the waltons due to lack of evening progrm choices. Instead, they started the tradition of watching an episode or two in the evening together. One might also be able to find some of those programs on Hulu…
A few of my favorite programs that I remember being decent and family friendly from my childhood were The Cosby Show and Growing Pains. ;)
Refreshing and lovely – thank you for your leadership and encouragement to keep going and not give in. He is worthy oh so worthy to be praised.
Oh my word! I just cannot tell you how much I love your blog. Thank you, thank you, thank you for saying exactly what so many of us think and believe! I am a 31 year old stay at home mom with two sweet babies, and I just cannot agree with you more on EVERYTHING. Keep sayin what you’re sayin, sister! It’s so true! :) Philippians 4:8—love that verse.
Oh, thank you SO much!! This is just what I needed to read right now. Your whole site is so uplifting. It’s wonderful to come to the realization that there are many people who feel this very same way. People often make fun of June Cleaver and Donna Reed…but they’re my idols. Our world needs them!
Aunt Ruthie, you’re words were priceless to me today. Just wanted to let you in on one of the fun things we do as a family. We play hide and go seek, any age its still fun. I try to think of things my parents and grandparents would have played. They didnt have video games, cell phone, etc. Give each kid a flashlight to play in the dark or even team a kid with adult and play outside( oh, that makes me ache for summer!). Its funny, the simplest things are the things kids dont get tired of, like the newest toy that after a week just sits around. I would love to hear more things you did with your children. Thanks for all your encouragement!
Your posts are so uplifting and needed in this ever-darkening world. Praise the Lord we can still make our homes a safe haven for our family, but unfortunately we no longer have a safe haven in this fallen and sinful world… Not until He comes back to rule and reign! And that’s a promise we can depend on!
John 14:2-3 “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” 3. “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
God bless you and your wonderful family!
Amen! Well said Friend! What a timely and lovely post.
Can I just say a big ol’ huge \THANK YOU!!!\ for this post! Amen Sister!! I am SO jumpin’ on this bandwagon with ya!
Your blog is SO refreshing and it blesses me to no end every time I stop in for a visit. But this post REALLY struck a cord with my heart. I think I was ‘born’ with a sense of appreciation for nostalgia and preserving our country’s founding values. Oh what I woudn’t give to see that take flight in our nation once again. I’d trade in all the electronics and conveniences if that’s what it meant. Well…ALMOST all of them! ;o) We are definitely blessed to have the things that we do, but it’s created monsters out of this nation, and frankly I LONG for more of the good ol’ fashioned GOODNESS, morals, values, spirituality, respect, etc… of years gone by. The scripture from Phil. 4:8 has always been a favorite. I memorized it as a young girl in Missionettes and have never forgotten it and the profound message it delivers.
Thanks so much for inviting us in to share a slice of yummy down-home \Goodness Pie\ !!! :)
Blessings and Hugs! <
~ Tanya
THANKYOU SO MUCH!! Aunt Ruthie, what a blessing you truly are, I absolutely loved that post, God Bless you always xxx
Simply-thank you!
You are such a blessing to all mothers across the US. Thank you so much!
AMEN!
What an amazing post! You captured my very thougts. Thank you for the great blog you have that offers hope and encouragement!
Amen to that!
There are a few of us over in good old England too! I find your blog so encouraging and inspiring-please continue and God bless you
amen and amen! I love your “Your smile is the front porch of your heart.” quote. is it yours?
Wow Aunt Ruthie, I am always so blessed to read your posts!! As a mother of two little ones, I am still working out the ‘kinks’ of home-making and mothering and always fill so uplifted and learned after reading your posts!! Your heart is beautifully and your ministry to mothers and home-makers is alive and evident!!
We don’t turn on the tube much at our home either but I do enjoy some wholesome shows for the times we do gather to watch tv. I’m excited to look into Franklin Springs Family Media! Thanks for the suggestion!
And about keeping our thoughts pure, I was quickly reminded of a portion of scripture that’s in-line with your words….
~Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2 Corinthians 10:5
It is all about keeping our thoughts in obedience to Christ! :)
Thank you so much for this post. I really needed it! {{HUGS}}
W hat a lovely exhortation to start the day with. Your blog inspires me! I’m a Christian SAH homeschool Mum from Australia, and enjoy much of the same music and DVD’s you recommend. My hubby is trying to collect ALL of the Little House series!
Bless you- you are a great Titus 2 example to many of us
Claire
Wonderful post…AMEN.
So TRUE…and yes lets get back to that GOOD OLD FASHION GOODNESS…and MAGNIFY the LORD of Glory.
He said…Ask for the OLD paths..wherein is the GOOD WAY!
I surely miss all that home goodness when I had my five home..we sat down to dinner TOGETHER every single night..and you bet I kissed and hugged EACH ONE every night! When they come to visit…adults or not..they STILL get their Kiss and Hug..from MOM.
By the way…my youngest daughter is a RUTHIE…great name!
Blessings to you always..
HOPE ( this name goes with my Breast Cancer Journey! come read the blessings when you can!)
What a cheerful and insirational message you have shared. Thanks for sharing and making my day a great nice!
Life is Good!
Leslie
Give a smile, You will get one in return!
Hey Ruthie, A magnificent read this morning. I love how the Holy Spirit works amongst us. Here in Australia, it is just the same as you have said for your country. At breakfast this morning my husband and I once again commented on some shocking anti social behaviour reported on the news, involving animals, and we were overwhelmed with sadness. Such a current occurence these days as well as all the “rages” that seem to happen if you look the wrong way at someone! My conclusion is, as you suggest, it starts with us gals, in the home, our family and our immediate lives we touch daily. To live and let it be seen that we are putting into practice the Philippians 4.8 verse! Camp in it everyone…..let it penetrate our beings. May God continue to bless you Ruthie and refresh you as you lovingly refresh and encourage us!
My college age son was just telling me that he didn’t understand all the “Best country in the world” “USA Ra Ra”. Then as we talked about it further, we realized he didn’t know the America I grew up in. It was quite an eye opener (and he was homeschooled!).
So very true!!! I loved what you said. There are so many things that we can do to create a wholesome environment for our families. Our children are grown now but I will always remember having our meals at the dining table and the wonderful lively conversations we would have with the kids. It is so very important that we watch what we allow into our homes. Our children are a very precious gift from God entrusted to us. There is so much power in the home. The little things we do on a daily basis have a huge impact on our children and our communities.Blessings, Gretchen
Oh, I just LOVE this warm, cozy, bright, inviting blog I just stumbled across in the wee hours of the morning!!!!! My 5 little ones (all under age 3-twins included!) are all still sleeping, and I with my first cup of coffee and enjoying every morsel of your blog. It’s so “me”! And yet, it’s all “you”! How wonderful to find kindred spirits in this world.
Thank you for making the absence of a good muffin to eat with my coffee barely noticable. I so enjoyed my visit here…i’ll be back!
Warmly,
A Happy American Housewife
from Pennsylvania
;)
I read this post just now, and it is right on time. Thank you!
You have a really fun beautiful little websit/blog here. I will visit again. I love vintage and anything that has to do with yesteryear. You have so many great memories here, as I grew up on those TV shows and movies you have mentioned. Check out my Creative blog called Something Special, I am just getting it going and have a sweet giveaway going on.
I think it’s kind of neat when the Lord reveals things to us when we are sick in bed. I don’t know if it’s just me…I have often wondered if that is because it’s one of the only times He can get in a word edgewise :) It sounds like, from this post, he lit a fire under you for sure! You are right, there is NOTHING good on TV (well…except PBS, but that’s ’cause I’m a biologist). In addition, I am saddened and sickened by the whole “vampire craze”, as you put it. There are so many young women out there who need a mentor (if they don’t have the perfect mama, like mine is, and you remind me of her).
I do so love your posts. Keep up the great work.
My 11 yr old doesn’t understand why I won’t let her read the vampire books that all her friends and their moms are reading. You have to stand firm even if that means being the bad guy sometimes. I think kids do not realize how powerful satan is because of all these types of shows.Thank you for saying what needed to be said.
Thank you for the heart you put into this blog. I am rereading this post after a bad day, to remind myself of who I want to be.
Just wanted to drop in and say howdy and to encourage you to keep up the good work. I love your blog; very uplifting and inspiring.
I just LOVE your blog, it makes me so happy!
Amen, sister! I totally agree, you have listed all the most important things in life. :) ps. the Apple Pie was to die for!! Maybe I AM a baker after all.
xoxo from California, Lidy
Hi Ruthann
Once again, a beautiful post. I often say I am so glad I raised my girls before the internet, cell phones, etc. Our big “discussions” always centered around the TV. I limited their time and the content of course. This was always a problem for them, but now they are the mothers and are very vigilant with their children. It’s wonderful to see!
Now that I am a grandmother, I pray for this next generation. And always encourage my daughters – and spend as much time as I can with my grandchildren in fun, wholesome activities. Hopefully, making lots of memories of grandma love.
Thank you for your encouraging posts. God bless!!
I love, love, love your blog!!! It’s everything I wish mine was and more. I’ll be visiting often!
Susan
It really is lovely to hear all those affirmations about being good!
My family does pretty well, but we must try harder. One little step at a time, I guess!
Wendy xx
Hi,
I love you post. me and my mom come here all the time and reread past post.
But I do have a question, I just started a blog and was looking for old fashion picture and was wondering were you get yours. I do not have printer to scan picture with so I have to use the web. but I do not know were to look.
Britany
Hey!
Oh my! What a wonderful uplifting post. I feel so motivated. I will keep this post to refer back to, I, too love the old ways and the old paths. I even keep two chickens and hang my clothes on the line. My children are grown now with children of their own. I am afraid my childrens generation was the last generation to play outside everyday and then come home in the evening to a large family dinner. After dinner, in the summer, they would go back out to play and come home when the street lights came on. We sat on the porch in the evenings and sat around the kitchen table long after meals were finished and talked and laughed.
One thing I am trying to do is teach my grandchildren to garden, pick berries, can vegetables, knit and other of the (almost) lost arts.
Oh, I miss the old days.
I just recently started reading your blogs and I have enjoyed each one of them! Great encouragement! While I was snowed in the past two weekends, I went back to the first blog and read all of them up to this very last one! I feel like I know you and am encouraged by your vivacious spirit! Keep up the great work!
Hi, I’ve been following your blog for some time and this post here just hit home. It’s exactly what is needed right now and should be in homes! And it’s funny/interesting that you mentioned how there might be a relationship between ppl wanting and needing these values and how the farmhouse/country house look is trend! In fact, we are working right now on that very look in my kitchen! heheh. With a home business, a marriage and a 10 month old, yes, I want a simpler way of doing things but also the RIGHT way, God’s way.
thanks for your thoughts!
Incredible post! I’m on a journey to find a simple more rewarding life for my daughter and myself. I love the 10 commandments for Kids. I’m definitely printing a copy for my daughter & giving a copy to her Sunday school teachers!
hey dear! long time no visit!!
i looove this post! it is sooo true! sometimes i feel so alone trying to protect my children from this wicked world! it’s overwhelming at times.. thank you for your words of encouragement.
i’ve moved my blog and trying to redo and rejuvinate what BellaColle’ is all about! back to what’s good and right..hope you’ll stop by! it’s still in the rough stages, but i know this change is going to be for the good.
take care friend and God bless.
~ciao for now…XOXO
So beautifully put! I couldn’t agree more. I love the way you addressed the need for a return to old fashioned values and niceties, provided easy-to-follow solutions, tied it all in with scripture, and with a fabulous vintage picture show to boot! So glad to have found you! Warmest wishes, Jenn
As usual I love you post. I always feel so uplifted to be the best wife and mother I can be. Thank-you.
I only disagree with you on one thing. I think we ARE a God fearing nation, but we have let our leaders and Media get away with far too much. We need to turn off the TV and listen to our hearts more and the evening news less.
I see wonderful God fearing women all over blog land. I think our numbers are far greater than we realize. Traveling all around blog land has truly restored my faith in the people of this country. We are not as we are portrayed on the news and media.
Keep up the great work, and yeah for all of us out there doing all these things in our homes. Let’s make our voice heard from now on. Don’t le the old ways pass on, pass them on to the future!
I, too, loved y our blog. America definitely does need to get back to old fashioned values. We definitely let the media decide how we will run our lives, what movies and tv shows we will see, what we will buy, how sexy to dress, etc.
The only way to keep our homes and hearts pure is to steer away from all this. I am raising my 2 year old great-grandaughter! Yes, you heard me right! I strive everyday to keep her from unwholesome things and to be a light to her. She is learning about Jesus and only watches christian videos. It will get harder as we go along because of others who will influence her.
I’m interested in your daughter, Summer. Does she go to public school or do you home school her? I’d also like a peek into her room someday, if it’s all right with you.
Thanks so much for all the encouragement. You are truly a proverbs 31 woman!
This is the first time I’ve seen this web site! I support your values wholeheartedly and affirm any young family who strives toward creating an environment in their home conducive to these values! My only daughter and her husband have done amazingly well in preserving the values of the family in their young home…no TV (only for playing and using the Wii and Wii Fit and other wholesome dvd’s),. Amazing what that one thing has done to create an environment that encourages games and interaction between the members of the family! They are in seminary (her hubby the student, she following her calling of motherhood to a precious 3 yr old and 13 mo old and mate to her hubby) and well suited to be role models and shepherd a flock of God’s people. I am humbled at their dedication to following just what I’ve read in your web site. Thank you for being on the “front lines” for those of us “on our knees”! Blessings!
I luv luv luv your site!! This is an inspiration to my very soul & Im so impressed by it! Ive shared a few things you have said with the other Navy wives and Im also going to share this site with all I know! I dont know you! But you must have an amazing & beautiful spirit!
God Bless you & thank you for sharing your light!
Spring Stembridge
Imperial Beach Ca
What a great website! But I noticed that NONE of the commentators were male! Made me think that this might be a great place for a wholesome, single guy to look for a wholesome, single gal…. Ever think of doing a little matchmaking here? That’s some of the original Sweet old Fashioned Goodness!
There should be a parallel to this site for the boys!
I love you,, dear girl, so precious!! you deserve the good comments! Yes, I agree with your opinions and feelings, very same as mine,. Thank you for writing these before I do, I would love to have a mother so blessed, but, don;t cry.,. ’cause I will be one blessed mother myself. Okay. ;)
Prayer: Jesus loves and blesses all who are here ever + all the people in our lives and around us, in Jesus’ pure good name, shalom peace & Amen!!! <3 <3 Lots of hearts for all……
AMEN AND AMEN!
I am so with you on this Aunt Ruthie! Back to the basics and bring out country back to us! Hugs, Bobbi Jo
I just read your Blog and everything you put in it is right. We need to get back to the old fashioned way of doing many things. Thannks again.
This was a refreshing and encouraging post, thank you so much for sharing. To be quite honest this is an devotional and I’m going to print it up and put in my Home Management Binder.
Wow! soo true to heart! Our country has lost it’s way in this new age! I agree with everything you stand for and I am building a farmhouse on our farm in Idaho and I will be living every day in this manner! We are to some extent now but setting the scene in our new farmhouse sets the tone!God is everywhere of course and having a grateful heart and loving your family are at the top of the heap! Love your baking center and mantle above your hood! I am having that built for my country kitchen! Yeeeeeehaw,Cindy
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I so dearly love reading your posts. Always so uplifting and interesting. Everything you post is well said. You are truly so much inspiration.
Dear Aunt Ruthie,
Thank you for writing this! What a great reminder of the truly important things in life. We get so busy, so caught up in the schedules, technology, and the less important things. I’m going to be more intentional in remembering and sharing the wonderful memories of my past and making new memories with our sons and their families – without all the present-day “stuff.”
Auntie Ruth–thank you so much for your sweet inspiring posts! In this crazy world it is easy to get caught up and forget exactly what God called each of us homekeepers and moms to be. I love, love, your list of Goodness! Thank you for the sweet reminders! Also, I’ve never heard of Franklin Springs Family Media, so I am off to check them out!
AMEN!! This is so timely. It’s so easy to get discouraged with everything going on in this country. This post was very refreshing & encouraging. I”m sure I will be re-reading it many times.
Thank you!!
Thank you what a wonderful way to start the day!! I will ponder your words all day!!! May God bless you!
Thank you for fun read and wonderful reminders! I just recently found your FB page and I enjoy it very much!
FANTASTIC post!
Thank you, Aunt Ruthie!! Your words of wisdom and inspiration truly help me. Your blog is a great resource and a real joy.
.
love this so much…so much wisdom…I read it over and over…God bless
Well as I read some of these comments it saddens me that this country is is in worse condition than it was 12 years ago as most of these comments were in 2010. I am so Thankful for the God fearing Christians that are still out there in this world. I absolutely love your post and so very Thankful I stumbled across them Tonight. It has done my heart so well. As for me and my House we will serve the Lord Always!!