Doesn’t it seem that everything that happens to us either follows us home or meets us at the door? Our homes are a depository of life’s constant happenings – happy, sad, epic, and the mundane, who knew we could talk this much about toilet paper? These last couple of months, if anything, has proven that. We are all trying to find the balance of being informed and learning when to turn the news off.
Our homes are memory banks of our lives. At our front doors there have been cheery hellos and long goodbyes. Our entryways have been receptacles of hearty hugs and please “Come in!” In the kitchen there has been favorite recipes made and Thursday night chocolate chip cookie baking. At the dining room table there have been prayers for family gatherings, long conversations over coffee and engagement announcements as well. The living room has held discussions of the day’s news and the concerns for tomorrow along with playing board games and cozy family fun in front of the fireplace. The pillows on the couch could summarize dozens of heart to hearts teens had and the quilts piled in the corner basket speak of cold nights and warm conversations. The swing on the back porch holds memories of dreams shared and realized. Yes, our homes are places where everything that happens to us ends up. They are a place we go to for comfort. Home is where we find our footing and reestablish our grounding.
I think we all need A Warm Cup of Comfort along with suggestions to make our homes a refuge from the clamor of the headlines. I’ve found the best place to start with making our homes a sanctuary and bring comfort to our day is through God’s Word and then in the practical and fun. For the next several posts I will share devotions I have prepared especially for you. You will be meeting some new girlfriends - new H & K contributors along with some familiar friends who have generously shared Bible verses that will anchor us, recipes that will comfort, and ways to bring rest and nourishment to our souls.
Bound to Please: Book Readings
I’ve put the kettle on for you so settle down into a comfy chair to enjoy a good book and a warm cup of comfort. For fun I have videoed a book reading for you. Click here to hear me read a devotion from Elisabeth Elliot’s, “Guided by God’s Promises”.
Mixing Bowl: Recipes!
If you are trying to figure out new recipes for yourself and your family, click here for some great recipes. Marissa Flores shares her Crockpot Chicken Chili, Dianna Lakjer gave us her Potato Ham Casserole recipe. Kathy Schelling doled out her Foo Foo Salad recipe, a crowd pleaser for sure! Karen Fallon shares her Birthday Cake Rice Krispie Treats (great for any occasion). And Linda Johnson gave us an easy purchase that say’s comfort to all of us - Rhodes Bake N Serv Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese frosting at Walmart! “These cinnamon rolls are baked straight from your dreams.”
What Brings You Comfort?
We look for big dramatic ways to find relief and calm when His presence and comfort are readily available to us in the still and simple. So many of you reminded me of this by sharing the comfort you receive in the things we hear, see, touch, smell, and taste.
T. J. Seabert shared, "How sweet that God would think to give us our senses to experience the comfort we need and long for especially during these times."
Katy Segura - “Taking a moment to stand outside, take in the fresh air, and listen to the stillness. Or watch the sunset in silence. All these things that can’t get cancelled and ground me in the moment. “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
Natalie Thomson - “An evening in, snuggling with the doggies and playing board games.”
Marney Hamilton. - “All worship and online church.”
Cora Hermans - “Cup of tomato soup, mint tea, cozy scarf and a good book. Ahhhh.”
Rachelle Merrihew - “Daily walk with God, quiet time.”
Linda Thomson - “My personal favorite thing right now is singing part of a worship song with my husband just before we go to bed, it really helps us focus on His faithfulness.”
Scripture to Nourish Your Souls:
Ruthie Beechen - “I love, love, love Psalm 91 right now especially verse 11. “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”
JoAnn Thorsheim - “Commit your ways to the Lord, trust also in Him and He will do it.” Psalm 37:5
Greta Schucker - Proverbs 3:5-6. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Mary Brown shared this quote and scripture, “We do not have a socially distant God.” Psalm 121:5 “The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand.”
Judy Butler - Life wears me down. I become weak, off balance. Too tired to fight back. I just let go. It's then that life pulls me wildly down river. I crave comfort that is found on the quietness of the shore. Be Still, He says. Know that I am God. Ps 46:10. I don't have to wear myself out, fighting for control in life. I need only to remember that comfort is found in Him because He will fight my battles. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Ex 14:14 I find comfort in knowing, I personally know someone who speaks and the wind and waves listen. He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. Mark 4:39
Martha Kuhnle “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation present your requests to God. And the peace of God will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Activities for the Whole Family
When we lived in So. California we always enjoyed the LifeHouse Theater, a wonderful faith-based theater with talented performers. With so many of us at home, practicing responsible social distancing and being self-quarantined “Why not enjoy the family friendly theater productions from LifeHouse Theater? Our YouTube channel will be host to a number of our past productions, with new videos posted daily. Already available for viewing are "Cinderella," "Treasure Island," "Ruth" and "The Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk" with many more to come!
Soul Anchor Breathe Diffuser Bracelet GIVEAWAY!!
My friend and our pastor’s wife, Paige Newman, makes the most wonderful diffuser bracelets and my GIVEAWAY will be for the one pictured, Soul & Light. Just add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the lava bead, breathe and enjoy! Tip from Paige: “You can add a drop of your favorite perfume if you like and if you want it to smell like the beach you could add a drop or two of coconut oil.” I will include one of my favorite essential oils when I send the bracelet out to the winner – tangerine! Just leave a comment at the end of this post to be entered in the drawing. You can find Paige’s products at SoulAnchor.etsy.com.
So remember my kettle is on for you!
Thank you, again, dear Linda! I am so grateful for your blog..."Heart and Keeper of the Home"...and your bring such warmth to our homes...Encouraging Bible scriptures, poems, recipes shared, and simply helping us ladies in this difficult time of Worldly craziness! Jesus loves you and we do too! Janni Cassara. P.S. "Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you" 1Peter 5:7❤🙌
Dear Sharon, "Iron sharpens iron." Thank you Sharon for all the ways you have ministered to so many women over the years, both you and Rick. Still the race is to run and we will "walk side by side" via social media, technology or big hugs when we can!!!
Dear Bonnie, So glad to hear from you. You have always been one to encourage as well. I know the source - Christ in you!
Proverbs 10:20a-21a "The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; The lips of the righteous nourish many...” One of the meanings for "nourish" is: provide with the food or other substances necessary for growth, health, and good condition.
You are one of those friends that nourishes me...your kindness and joy...feeds my soul every time we talk/read what is on your heart. “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.” Proverbs 16:24
Oh so grateful for your continued encouragement and inspiration dear Linda. Keep pressing on and shining His light. We are so blessed by your lovely faithfulness and joy!