Tour of the Living Room

This is our living room, we painted it a sagey green. The furniture is the furniture I got off of craigs list.

This is the TV armoire, we bought this years ago. It is an Attic Heirlooms piece by Broyhill.

This is the very large fireplace. One thing is for sure, there is a lot of space to fill up:)

This is a boudoir doll. They were popular from the early 1920's until the early 1950's. They were made for ladies not children. You would just sit them on your bed or in a chair.

This is Uncle Remus from Song of the South and Hattie from Gone with the Wind. Two of my favorite movies. They are Tom Clark Creations. (actually they are my Moms) LOL I am just borrowing them.

This is a very old basket. I got it at Renningers in Mount Dora. The bears are left over from when I used to collect them.

You have all seen this before.... but it is part of the living room.

Blessings,

Amy Jo



God Would Not Rub So Hard

God would not rub so hard if it were not to fetch out the dirt that is ingrained  in our natures.  God loves purity so well He had rather see a hole than a spot in His child's garments.---William Gurnall

Until We Meet Again,

Amy Jo

Taking Care of Business

Today was beautiful due to the hurricane off shore here in Florida. We had wind blowing and a mix of rain and sun all day. It got me thinking about fall. I have been really busy these past few days, cleaning my son's room. Him and I went through toys and clothes,  you name it and we went through it. Seven garbage bags later and his room is finally presentable.  I like to do a fall, get ready for the school year cleaning. It gives us a fresh start and lets me see where we are and what we need. The above planner is one I try to find every year. It is very simple. I like simple. I don't have ten binders and seventeen lists going at all times.(exaggeration) You can buy these at Staples.

On the left it has a place to write down your grocery list and on the right it has a menu planner sheet. In between you can write all of your engagements down.  I find that if I use something simple, I will stick with it. It reminds me of all I need to do and also that dinner needs to be thawed or put in the oven.  Although we school year round, it is  very relaxed in the summer . But in the fall we get down to business.  :)

Until We Meet Again,

Amy Jo

Are You Prepared?

Mathew 24:6--8
"And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. "

I don't know how most of you are feeling about how things are going in our world today, but I can't help but think of Jesus'  words in Mathew.  It seems every time I turn on the Internet news, more of the scriptures are fulfilled. Today there was a very rare earthquake on the eastern seaboard. There are wars all over the world, some we are involved in. Most country's are in financial trouble. It is scary!

But what does Jesus say to us "See that you are not troubled." I love those words! I often find myself worrying over things that I should not worry over. One thing that my husband and I have tried to do is be prepared. Be prepared for what?  you may ask. Be prepared for anything. A natural disaster, such as a hurricane or tornado. Maybe an earthquake. Or what if your husband looses his job and he can't find another one right away? It only makes since to be prepared.

When you first start thinking of being prepared, it may seem daunting, but don't give up before you start. Take it in baby steps. First things first. Start with having three days worth of food and water in your home at all times. That would be three days worth of cereal for breakfast, maybe you could buy powdered milk in case you can't get fresh milk. Buy three days worth of soup and crackers for lunch or have peanut butter and jelly on hand. Dinners, you know what your family will eat, make  things they like and you could prepare in a bad situation. Maybe without electricity. Have a hand powered can opener. Batteries, Flashlights, candles, matches. You will need a first aid kit just in case you could not get medical attention, when you need it.

If you have a little one never be without diapers and formula, if you do not breast feed. For some this may sound expensive. But if you commit to buying one extra thing a week, it will not take long and you will be at least somewhat prepared.

God does not give us a spirit of fear but a sound mind. We must think about the very real possibility that one of these situations could happen to us. Or maybe to one of our family members or friends, then we would be in the position to bless them. Helping with the essentials they need. There is a lot of information out there on being prepared. Some are extreme. I am not saying to be extreme, just wise. If you would like to really learn more you can look online for books and materials on the subject. Pray about it, ponder it, and for heavens sake get busy!:)

Until We Meet Again,

Amy Jo

Measuring Ourselves By Ourselves

We might as well face it: the whole level of spirituality among us is low. We have measured ourselves by ourselves until the incentive to seek higher plateaus in the things of the Spirit is all but gone....(We) have imitated the world, sought popular favor, manufactured delights to subsitute for the joy of the Lord and produced a cheap and synthetic power to substitute for the power of the Holy Ghost.  --- A.W. Tozer

Until We Meet Again,

Amy Jo

Esteeming Others Higher

We live in such a fast paced world today don't we?

Not only is it fast paced, it is  a very self centered society we are in. Not much thought is given to others and their needs.  But if you are a Christian that should not be so....

Phillipians 2:3-4

"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition, or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out  not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others."

You know this hard teaching is exactly the opposite of what society wants us to believe. If you have T.V. you are bombarded with images and messages that tell you "Your Worth It!" If you are a girl the first thing you are taught in secular schools is how you will throw your family aside and get a "real" job. Becoming an important contributor to society. If you are a boy you will be taught that you don't have to grow up, you can live your life the way you want. If you make a mistake, someone else will pay for it. Women are just like you and you don't have to look out for them or treat them respectfully.  A lot of times boys are taught that girls are sexual objects and that is all. Isn't that such a selfish message? These teachings start  a lot of people on a life long battle with feelings of guilt and worthlessness. 

We are also told that when people get old, they have to go in a nursing home. We couldn't possibly be inconvenienced with the financial burden, not to mention taking away precious time from ourselves. I am not saying there are not legitimate reasons for doing so, but, the majority of us do these things because we esteem ourselves really highly. The comfort and care of another,  not so highly. And we could not be burdened.

Imagine what a beautiful society we would live in if  we followed God's mandate and esteemed others higher than ourselves........ Who knows maybe we wouldn't feel quite so guilty and quite so worthless.... We might be to busy to think about it anyway.

Until We Meet Again,

Amy Jo

Humble Tasks

I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble. The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker.--Helen Keller



One Heart From Breaking

If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching, or cool one pain, Or help
one fainting robin unto his nest again, I shall not live in vain.
--Emily Dickinson



Estate Sale Finds

Today Levi and I got up early and decided to hit some garage sales. We didn't seem to be having any luck at all. We were about to give up when I spotted an estate sale sign. I walked into the house and on the wall was this beautiful oil painting. The lady was about 90 years old and her sister had painted this for her. They only charged $20.00 for it,  I was excited!

I found these two lovely scarves....

These are old curtain tie backs. They are handmade and she said she never did use them.

I bought these for our camper... This stop made it all worth it. Levi got a book and He was happy about that.

Until We Meet Again,

Amy Jo

The Mother At Home, 1920

The mother is the heart of the home. It is she who determines its characteristics and gives it that subtle atmosphere which every sensitive person can feel when they come into the home. It makes no difference whether it be a wealthy or poor home; whether the mother can read or not read. A true love of home transcends schools and circumstances.

It is the spiritual place where she lives, it is the motives which influence her life, that determine her influence and measure her power in moulding the character of her children.

What will place the mother in the highest place in the home is the conviction, on the part of her children that they know she has unselfish love for them, and a desire to do right towards them and others, will always guide her actions. That she may be depended upon for justice and generosity and truth and kindness toward every one. She will love her children with deep devotion and yet not wholly selfishly. Her mother heart can take in the needs of children who are not hers, and devise kind and loving things for them.

What lesson in kindness and care for others is so effective towards children as to see their mother taking thoughtful care of those who need it and whom it is in her power to help? What lesson in every moral and religious truth can effect children as much as the knowledge that their mother in her actions is guided by these high beliefs?

There can be no doubt that the most effective training for children is the training of example. The mother needs to be constantly aware of this truth.

How can the impatient, querulous, faultfinding mother teach patience and kindness and good temper? How can the vain mother teach humility? How can the mother greatly absorbed in keeping up with the pomps and vanities of life, eager for place and show, teach her children the true principles of a happy life? How can the selfish mother teach generosity or kindness, or the discontented mother teach contentment?

And right here is one of the fundamental needs of the mother, the need of being happy in and satisfied with her work in the home.

1 Timothy 6:6 "Godliness with contentment is great gain."

All other ambitions and aims must be last compared to her work there during the period when her children are around her or needing her constant care.

Many a young mother makes this her first mistake. She has been accustomed, maybe, in her life before marriage, to live according to her own plans and purposes. Perhaps she has been devoted to some specific interest which she gave hours of her life. Her work in her home and for her children is  of such ant entirely different nature that it often causes great pain and perplexity.

A large part of the actual work of the home seems to be repairing the ravages of daily life, with no progress toward a definite result.

Children, with all their beautiful and loving ways, are for the first few years of their lives mainly little tyrants, and attending to their material needs fills up the mother's time and exhausts her vitality. Keeping them out of mischief, absorbs so much of her time that she seems to have little left for her Bible reading.

If the mother allows herself to become discouraged at this period of her home work, to look with longing toward the pursuits and opportunities of feministic women, if she underestimates the honor and value of her work, lowly though it may appear, she is in danger of undermining her own happiness, and, consequently, the comfort and happiness of the home.

She should strengthen her heart by remembering that these confining home duties and cares occupy only a passing period of her life.

What if she does not have the uninterrupted time she wishes for accomplishing her own plans for study or reading or practice or social interaction? She is instead learning the joys and sorrows of the mothers in Christ. She is learning to die to self. She is practising an art. Incomparably, the highest of all arts, the moulding of the human character. She must give herself to these duties with an eye single to their right performance, holding a love for and devotion to the work which will make her happy in it. If the mother so loves and honors her work, she will make the atmosphere of the home a happy one under all ordinary circumstances.

Children who from their earliest memories remember their mother as kind and patient and devoted to their best interests, happy in spending and being spent for them, will inevitable feel the influence.

The many beautiful instances related of great men who have risen from the humblest homes, and of their steadfast devotion to and affection for their faithful though often unlettered mothers, are rich with instruction and encouragement for all mothers.

In every case these mothers will be found to have held their children's love by their unselfish devotion and great love for their children, and the respect they compelled by their elevated moral and religious character.

How beautiful to hear grown children, who are, perhaps, far along the road of life themselves, say in early childhood, and also in mature years, their mothers were their best, their most valued, consoling and helpful counsellors!

Until We Meet Again,

Amy Jo



My Cottage Dining Room

This is our dining room. It is painted a soft green, and it has white Priscilla curtains. I put plastic over the table cloth so it is easy clean up.

The chandelier is one of the cheaper ones that was taken apart painted a shabby pink and crystals and glass were added to the bottom.  This is also a view of the entryway.

Entry hall. This is the last piece I have out of an entire set I used to own that was from the turn of the last century. I sold the other pieces.

This little book shelf I use as a display piece.

More of my little cottages, and some pink milk glass.

This little kitty is a lone salt shaker and the teapot didn't have the lid so it became a flower pot.

A few of my favorite cookbooks.

This little print I picked up at an antique mall. It is so beautiful to me. The father is leading his wife and children in a prayer.  It has Collosians 3:17 on it "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

Lastly is my little shelf, I have various treasures on it.  My Mom bought me most of the salt and pepper shakers, as she is a serious collector of them.  I will share her collection with you some time. My dear friend Heather bought me the little flower basket. It is so cute.

Well I hope you enjoyed your visit to my dining room.....



 

Until We Meet Again,

Amy Jo

Good Willing Goodies

This morning we went to Good Will. I haven't been in quite a while so I was really looking forward to it. I found these two pink shirts. (my favorite color)

This cottage birdhouse, I am putting on my fireplace.

This bunny. I love this bunny, I collect bunnies but they have to really appeal to me, and this one did.

This little child's bowl is Royal Doulton and it is called bunnykins... so sweet!

Levi found this drum practice set....

I found this Holly Hobbie like apron. It is reversible so the other side is yellow check with green pockets. I thought it was cute.

Lastly I found this little girls size 4 dress.... Now you may be wondering what a girl with no little girl size 4 is going to do with this dress... and that is a good question. I don't know.... I wish I had a girls size 4 but I don't. So I got this dress because I was wishing... and now next time someone is around with a child this size I suppose they will get a new dress LOL. Levi and I had so much fun digging around. I just love thrift shopping, for just a pennies on the dollar you can pick up things you need and maybe a few you don't!

Until We Meet Again,

Amy Jo

Daytona Beach

On Thursday my husband and I went for  our annual trip to Daytona Beach. No it isn't a romantic getaway really, we have to go for continuing education courses needed to keep our licenses. (we are septic contractors)

 On Thursday night we met some friends that just happened to be there as well. It was so good to see them and I am sorry I didn't take pictures.

This was our room, it was ocean front and the resort is called the Ocean Walk.

This is the little kitchen, which would have been great if we would  have had our children with us. But for two my husband said it was easier to just eat out. We did have some other friends over for bottled water. LOL That was the only time we sat in those chairs.

The living room, and the sliding door leads out to the balcony...

And to this beautiful view!

At the classes and show they give you tickets at the door for the chance to win several different prizes. My number got called and I won 2 tickets to the 2012 Daytona 500, and not just any tickets these are box tickets. They Cost 169.00 each! Woo Hoo, my husband and son are going to have a blast....  I hope you had a blessed weekend.

Until We Meet Again,

Amy Jo

What Is Home?

A roof to keep out the rain. Four walls to keep out the wind. Floors to keep out the cold. Yes, but home is more than that. It is the laugh of a baby, the song of a mother, the strength of a father. Warmth of loving hearts, light from happy eyes, kindness, loyalty, comradeship. Home is the first school and first church for young ones, where they learn what is right, what is good, and what is kind. Where they go for comfort when they are hurt and sick. Where joy is shared and sorrow eased. Where fathers and mothers are respected and loved. Where children are wanted. Where the simplest food is good enough for kings because it is earned. Where money is not so important as loving-kindness. Where even the teakettle sings from happiness. That is home. God bless it.---Ernestine Schuman-Henk

Heaven's Last Gift To Man

" A good wife is Heaven's last, best gift to man, his angel and minister of graces inumerable, his gem of many virtues; her voice his sweetest music, her smiles his brightest day, her kiss the guardian of his innocence, her arms the pale of his safety, the balm of his health, the sure balsam of his life; her industry his surest wealth, her economy his  safest steward, her lips his faithful counselor, her bosom the softest pillow of his cares, and her prayers the ablest advocate of Heaven's blessing in his head." --J.R. Miller Home-Making

Until We Meet Again,

Amy Jo