Peace at Home

Life can be so hectic and stressful.  I have not worked outside the home in several years, but partake in the every day facets of home keeping.  It keeps me quite busy, but once in a blue moon, I actually get all the work done and have one precious day that I do not have to leave the house.   These are the most peaceful times. 

I love being with my family and being needed and useful.  I love my life.  The blessings God gives are endless.  I'm thankful for all of them, and also for the precious times of peace.  We all need to find ways to have a little peace every day.  When you can have an entire day of peace, it's a rare gift, an amazing blessing.  Use it wisely, but most of all, enjoy it. 

Wishing you all the blessings of peace at home.

Backyard Birding

Blue Grosbeak

My days are almost always busy.  I make sure the work is done before I do other things for enjoyment.  Bird watching is one of those things.  I love watching the birds and listening to their songs.  This time of the year is a great time to see different birds in your area.  They migrate all over the country and stay in different areas until time to return to their native homes.

Orchard Oriole

We have seen so many wonderful birds lately.  Some return every year.  Some will stay util it turns cold.  And at that time, even more new birds will come and go.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

 Great-crested Flycatcher

We also have lots of wonderful birds that are here year round.   Bird watching is so relaxing and is one of my favorite stress relievers.

Eastern Bluebird

 Purple Finches

 Brown-headed Nuthatch

Mourning Dove

Eastern Phoebes

American Goldfinch

Carolina Chickadee

There are so many!  I could post bird photos all day and still have lots left over.  Seeing them in person makes me happy.   All the birds shown here were seen in my own back yard.   And many, many more.  

If you have never thought about bird watching, give it a try.  I bet you will be hooked!   It's a fun activity for kids too and teaches them to listen, to be quiet and still, to move slowly and talk softly, among other things.  

Being in nature is good and one of God's amazing blessings.

My Quest for Simplicity

As I get older, the desire to simplify my world has come into focus.  This not only means being more frugal, but also reducing clutter, and taking time to smell the roses.

Life is short!   As you begin to get older & loved ones begin to pass on, this simple truth will become crystal clear.    Do not waste another day waiting for life to turn out like you want.   Start working towards your goals and make it happen.

Simplifying your life should also include your body & soul.   Avoid drama & negativity.   Strive for happiness.   Be supportive.   Agree to disagree.   Never go to bed angry.   Be just.   Be honest.   Be true to yourself.   Be encouraging.   Be thankful.   Forgive.   Love.    Doing these things will help remove the clutter from your heart & mind.   For what good is a clutter-free home if your heart & head is full of disappointment & anger?

My main message is to be willing to work for what you want.    Edit the things that need to be changed or removed from your life.   This requires frequent monitoring to stay on course.   The good news is, there are no penalties if you make a mistake.    Try to have a good attitude in spite of circumstances.

I have several goals that I’m currently working on:   saving money, de-cluttering & organizing our home, paying off debt, making more time to spend with family, de-stressing , relaxing & enjoying everything life has to offer.

I believe the rewards of a simple life are well worth the effort.