Homemaking Update: August 2020
Blogging has really changed a lot over the years. I used to write a blog post several times a week if not daily. Years ago a blog post was nothing fancy; it was just an online record of what you were up to or what you were thinking about.
As things have become more and more complicated in the world of online content creation, I thought it would be a breath of fresh air just to write an old fashioned blog post with a life update.
So here I go with an update about what I did in August:
Continued working in my garden.
I've been bringing in several varieties of beans each day, along with some cherry tomatoes that are still producing. I also cleaned out plants that were finished and replanted some fall crops.
I finished 3 books in August:
1. Elizabeth Prentiss: More Love to Thee
| I was afraid the biographer was going to insert her own theological opinions into the book, but in the end I was pretty pleased with how well she stuck to only the factual elements of Elizabeth Prentiss' life. The book was put together in a very logical and concise order, giving a good overview of Elizabeth's life, including family, friendships, struggles she faced as a mother, uncertainty of the future, and her spiritual ponderings. Though she lived many years ago, her life was not terribly different from any woman's today – we all find joy and sorrow, delight and frustration in many of the same things. For that reason I found it a fascinating read. |
I've seen this book recommended several places, so since I happen to be in the process of updating my living room I took a quick skim through the book. I resonated with everything this author said, and learned a couple tips along the way.
Favorite quotes:
“I like pretty things, but not so much that they're allowed to make my life more complicated.”
“You're not a Stuff Manager, you're a Home Curator.”
I read this book using the Scribd app on my phone. I did a free Scribd trial three years ago, and I have kept my subscription ever since. It is one of the very few “extras” I splurge on, and it is worth every penny! Nearly every book I see recommended is on there, and I can read anything I desire without cluttering my home with more books. (Use my link here for a free 60 day trial. Normally the free trial is only 30 days, but you get an extra month using my link. Cancelling is super easy if you decide it's not for you.)
3. Unseen: The Gift of Being Hidden in a World that Loves to Be Noticed
“I just finished this book, and I want to turn right back around and read it again! This book pointed my thoughts to my Father so persistently. There is nothing so fulfilling, so life-giving as to “waste time” with Him.”
Favorite quotes:
“Too often we settle for lesser things. It seems easier to get a like online than it does to get quiet before God, to seek His face and listen for His whispers.”
“There are two stories in every person – the visible story and the invisible story.”
“The moments that the world doesn't witness are always his to see.”
“Hiddenness is God's way of helping us with this holy detachment, slowly releasing our clutch on the things of the earth which we were never intended to grip.”
I listened to the audio version of this book using my Scribd app. (Use this link for a 60 day free trial.)
If you prefer a hard copy, Book Outlet currently has this book for less than half what it costs on Amazon. You'll just have to check; it's always hit or miss what Book Outlet has in stock. (Create your account using this link and you'll get a credit for $10 off your first order of $25+.)
Here's a fantastic article I read and shared to Facebook recently:
A Letter to Wives Who Are Wondering: Is it Abuse?
I have a heart for women who are hurting in their marriage, whether that is because of misunderstandings and miscommunication or because of abuse or betrayal. If you need additional resources, feel free to reach out to me in an email (imperfecthomemaker@gmail.com.)
Meat and produce delivered to my door:
I continued to receive produce boxes from Misfits Market (although I reduced the frequency at which I received them since I was also bringing in produce from the garden.) If you haven't seen my thorough review of Misfits Market produce boxes, you can read it here.
I also got another huge box of grassfed/pasture raised meat from ButcherBox. I wrote a step by step plan here for how to get the best deal on a ButcherBox subscription.
What God has been teaching me this month:
A common theme has emerged this month in my personal Bible study, during worship with other believers, and through things I read and listen to. The theme has been to trust God to write the story of my days. Even when I do not understand the big picture, I can trust that He does, and that He is working all things together for good.
So when we lose our only (expensive) key to the van, I can trust that he knows why it disappeared into thin air and why we needed to purchase another.
When our washing machine breaks and the easy fix my husband thought it would be turns out not to be so easy, I can trust God even when it feels like we're wasting a lot of time and money.
God's ways won't always make sense to me because I don't know the bigger story. Faith is being okay with not knowing. It's being satisfied with knowing that God knows what He's doing.
And now looking forward to September, here are a few of the things I hope to accomplish:
Drinking more water
I feel I have been chronically dehydrated lately, and I really want to focus on getting in a good 64 oz. of water each day to see if it improves my energy and focus.
Trying a new clothing subscription
I have used StitchFix for several years, and still like it a lot. Now I'm trying a new service called Wantable. I really enjoy having clothing that helps me feel put together, and using a styling service saves me a lot of time shopping. I thought maybe with trying something besides StitchFix it might add to the variety of my wardrobe a bit. (Want to give it a try? Here's my referral link.)
Plan to Read:
Is it Abuse? by Darby Strickland.
As a domestic abuse advocate, I am always previewing books that I think will be helpful for both victims and for those who want to help a friend or loved one who may be a victim. You can pre-order a copy of this book here.
(Get a $5 off coupon if you go through this link first..)
I'm hoping to do a little freezer cooking this month.
I've been putting all my extra time and energy into the garden this summer, so I'm excited to get back into freezer cooking a bit.
Sourdough starter?
This one is a maybe. It's something I've been wanting to do for a long time, but there are only so many hours in the day. I'm hoping I can fit this in!
Well that was fun! If you want to see even more, you can follow me on Instagram. Thanks for following along!