Winter Evenings

When I found the picture above on Pintrest I was captivated by the coziness portrayed. The snow and ice on the window frame, the tidy kitchen with supper being lovingly prepared by the lady of the home. You can see a house plant thriving on the other kitchen window sill; warmth, life and love are within the home though snow and cold are surrounding all of the exterior.
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There is something so beautiful and restful about the winter evenings. I watch the clock as I finish up my sewing projects for the day. In the late afternoon I begin my preparations for Adam's return from his day of work. I put all of my sewing away and begin making our dinner. The kitchen is warm and cozy. I light the blue and white oil lamp on our kitchen table, the warmth and glow are welcoming. On the stove top simmers dinner while I set the table.

 Looking out my window I see snow covering the ground, it stands in subtle contrast with the early evening sky. All seems pastel now as the sun, almost sherbet orange in color slowly slips down the horizon of soft gray and dusty lavender. In the distance the tall conifer trees that border our property look dark and shadowy, just beyond the trees I see the outline of an old barn, softened in the evening light.

As I feel the warmth and enjoy the soft beauty of the winter evening from within my kitchen I thank God for the amazing blessings of being a wife and homemaker, I thank Him for my sweet husband, as I see Adam's car coming down the road, and I thank Him for beautiful winter evenings.


"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you." 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Happy New Year!

The past few days I have been reflecting on the past year and wondering what 2014 may hold. This past year has been the most eventful year of my life! From getting married, to leaving the home I had lived in my entire life, to start a new home with my dear Adam. It has been exciting! As I look back over the past year I see God's hand of provision, protection and blessing with more clarity than ever before.

We did not stay up until midnight this year, but I thought back on all the New Year's Eves of my childhood when we did stay up until midnight. My mom would ring our kitchen bell, one of my sisters or I would open the back door and another would open the front door. This tradition may seem strange to most, but those who have read "Anne's House of Dreams" by L.M.Montgomery will know where we got the idea. : ) In the story they would let the old year out the back door and let the new year in the front door, and then ring the new year in. I loved doing this as a youngster! We would then take time to read a scripture, pray and mom would then anoint the front door with oil. She would dedicate the new year, family and home to the LORD. I will always treasure these special memories.

A new year is like a new notebook filled with empty pages to fill with new memories and ideas. Already I am inspired with ideas for new sewing projects for my home and Etsy shop. There are so many things I would like to learn and do in the year ahead. Isn't that an exciting aspect of life? Always something new to learn, new books to read, new recipes to try! : ) Some of my goals for 2014 are to make yogurt (I love yogurt! and have yet to make my own), perfect making lavender soap, further my skills in tatting, perhaps get back into spinning, purchasing some chickens, finish the many projects I began in 2013, have a big vegetable garden, blog more and share tutorials. More importantly I pray that in 2014 I will grow closer to Jesus, memorize more of His Word and be the best wife I can be.

I pray that you all will have a very blessed 2014!!