Tips for Hanging Out Your Laundry: Picking a Clothespin Bag

I have been working on a series of tips for hanging out your laundry. You can click back for basic tips and tips on picking clothespins. Today, I want to focus on picking a clothespin bag. 

The debate is out there to leave clothespins on the line of to take them off. Personally, I bring my clothespins in every time. Maybe it is the look of a clean clothesline, or it is because I don't want to buy clothespins every year, but more likely it is because my mom brought in her clothespins.

Growing up, my mom always just sewed a bag that she put on the ground. Always worked great.

When I got clothespins from my grandma, I inherited a vintage bag similar to this clothespin bag.

I love that I can hang it on the clothesline. Although, I would probably get better exercise bending over to get clothespins. 

One of these days, my bag will probably fall apart. I think there is a limit on how many years the bag will last. When that happens I will look into buying one of these clothespin bags or I will try to make one like one of these below. The links under the picture will take you to the tutorial of how to make the bag. 

Make it From Scratch

Like a Pretty Petunia

Or start searching pinterest, there are lots of good ideas floating around out there.

Do you bring in your clothespins or leave them on the line?

Linking to Homestead Barn Hop.

Goals: Week of August 19th

source

This past week was one of those weeks that I stayed pretty busy, but not necessarily with what I was planning on doing. 

My mom got me some produce on Monday. Super excited about what all she got me, but it took time to can and freeze the produce for this winter. We will eat better this winter because of my work this week. Exciting! 

On the flip side, I didn't get as much done that I had on my goals list. 

Last week's goals:

1. Go on a walk

2. Wash windows

3. Make bathroom curtain

4. Finish Patterns- super close. Just need to make a pdf

5. Can Roasted Red Pepper Spread

6. Clean out and organize guest bedroom- worked on this. My husband got home and didn't notice a difference. Bummer!

Before

After

7. Finish book- I have 4 chapters left.

8. Blog two times- I blogged once, you can see that here.

This week's goals: 

Home Goals:

1. Start using a cleaning schedule
2. Organize guest room
3. Make bathroom curtain
4. Can pizza sauce

Personal Goals:

1. Go on a walk
2. Write 2 letters to friends
3. List things to sell 

Blog Goals:

1. Finish patterns
2. Finish reading book and do 2 book reviews

Do you can or freeze anything that you will be able to enjoy this winter?

Will All the Ladies Please Stand?

When ladies dream of the man that they want to marry one day, they dream of a man who is a gentleman. I know we have different ways that we think being a gentleman should play out, such as holding the door, walking on the road side of the sidewalk, pulling out the chair the the lady. Some of those ideas might be important to some girls, and some would just make girls laugh. I think we all agree we want a guy to be a gentleman. Are you with me on that?

Yes, this was on my dream list. I didn't want them just to be a gentleman to me, but I wanted them to be a gentleman to those around me. And yes, I married a gentleman.

I remember going over to my inlaw's house wet, because we had not used an umbrella. My FIL looked at then my boyfriend and told him that chivalry is not dead. My husband was trained to be a gentleman!

Back in the days that I traveled on Encounter, I remember being in Logansport, Indiana, (why I remember where I was I don't know) when a team guy went to open the door for me. I told him that I was fully capable of opening the door for myself. He looked at me and told me that his mom taught him to be a gentleman. I remember looking at him and saying something like, I have muscles, I can open the door.

Fast forward a few months. My parents came to visit me at camp and we made a trip to Hershey, Pensylvania. I can smell it now! Yes, they have crockpots of chocolate on their factory tour that they fan towards you. Anyways, I held the door for my mom to walk into Hersheys. My dad walked up behind me and took the door from me and I walked through.

Why did I respond differently in the two different situations. I wish I knew. One thing I know, is that I needed to learn to be a lady. I saw this the picture the other day on pinterest.

source

Yes, I am not naturally a lady. I think the feminist movement has encroached on those of us that are not feminists. I know I can hold a door by myself, but I also need to be willing to let a guy hold it for me.

If I want a guy to be a gentleman, I need to first be a lady.

Can you think of any areas that you fail to be a lady?

How are you training your child to be a lady or a gentleman? I would love to hear what you are intentionally doing to train them!

The Evolution of the Swimsuit

This video about the evolution of the swimsuit has been floating around facebook. I didn't watch the video right away. After the link popped up several times, I decided to see what all the hoopla was about.

My husband and I watched this video and thought the point of modesty was very well brought out. I personally don't want a guy looking at me as an object.

I was thinking about this video this afternoon and I became very thankful about the fact that my mother made me be modest. You know those swimsuits like the one in this picture. 

Ya, she never let me get one. I did not like this idea because I wanted one back in the 80s when they were way cool  :)

But my mom wanted me to learn how to be modest. Wasn't thankful for this fact then, but I am now. I have a mom who cares about my future and what others will think about me. 

After watching this video, has your thinking been changed at all about modesty or swimsuits?

God's Preparation of a Stubborn Heart

source

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Ps 37:23

I am thankful that God doesn't just throw me into a situation and say here is what I have for you to do, now go do it. He slowly (in my case, a lot of times, it is super slow) prepares my heart for the things that He would have me to do.

When I was a senior in high school if you would have asked me what I would be doing with my life in five or ten years, I would have told you that I would be married and have kids. How wrong was I :) And you know what, that is ok!

In college, I had a family that I called my family away from home. They were preparation for my future. In my family, my dad is older than my mom. My brother is older than his wife. That was just how things went because that is how my family did things. And family is always right, right?!

My family away from home the wife was older than her husband. Out of their five kids, four of the wives were older than their husbands. Little did I know that this was preparation for a change in my thinking!

God also had another preparation in store. I also had a roommate in college who was a nursing major. The year after she was my roommate, she started dating another nursing major guy. They went on to get married. I spend a lot of time with them and this helped me get rid of any stereotype about male nurses. Or probably more so, worrying what others would think of male nurses. They also got me ready for hearing nursing stories at the dinner table!

God's preparation in my heart allowed me to be ready when God brought along the guy that He would have me to marry. It pays to wait on what God has in store for me! God directed my steps in the way that He knew that He needed to in order for me to willingly accept His path. And the outcome could not be any better!

Looking back, can you see any way that God has prepared you for the steps that He would have you to take?

A Man of Influence: Proverbs 31:23

Proverbs 31:23 "Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land."

source

What a great opportunity we have to help our husbands to be know as great!

Susannah Spurgeon  (pictured above) provides us a wonderful example of making her husband known. Her husband Charles came home one night feeling like he had been gone from home too much. He came in to hear his wife upstairs praying for all of their children by name as she was putting them to sleep. He knew, at that point, that his children were well taken care of and that he could return to the work that God had called him to. 

Any man that is successful has a woman at home that is allowing him to be successful. I really like Proverbs 12:3 which says  ^"A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband." 

I think that a huge part of what makes a husband to be looked upon well is to have a wife who is always saying good things about her husband. Aren't these important things easier said than done...although, I still think my husband is perfect :)

How does Elizabeth George weigh in on this?

1. Praise him
2. Encourage him- these first two make me think about making sure that my husband knows that I appreciate him  and that those around him know that I appreciate him. 
3. Take care of your marriage
4. Take care of your family
5. Take care of your home
6. Take care of your finances- I really like the quote that goes something like, make your husband sad to leave you and happy to come home to you. If things aren't in order at home, then your husband is not going to want to come home. I need to be providing an atmosphere that my husband wants to come home to. I have learned that my husband likes the dishes to be done! 
7. Let him go- I don't like this one. I tend to be a time person and want my husband around. If he is doing the work of the Lord, I need to be willing to spare him for what God is calling him to do. 
8. Support his dreams- Find out what his dreams are and work on meeting them with him. This is something that I will be continuously working on. 
9. Realize that our behavior is a reflection on him- Just like a child's behavior is a reflection of parents, my behavior is a reflection of my husband. What kind of image am I reflecting on my husband?

Do you have any advice of things I can do as a wife to make my husband be more of a man of influence?

You can find the previous posts here:

Proverbs 31:22- A Tapestry of Beauty

Proverbs 31:21- A Double Blessing

Proverbs 31:20- A Helping Hand

Proverbs 31:19- A Little Night Work

Proverbs 31:18- A Taste of Success

Proverbs 31:17- An Eager Attitude

Proverbs 31:16- A Field of Dreams

Proverbs 31:15- A Pattern for the Household

Proverbs 31:14- An Enterprising Spirit

Proverbs 31:13- A Fountain of Joy
Proverbs 31:12- A Spring of Goodness

Proverbs 31:11b- An Unfailing Prize

Proverbs 31:11a- A Solid Rock

Proverbs 31:10b- A Sparkling Jewel
Proverbs 31:10a- A Rare Treasure

Join us for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!

Proverbs 31:22- A Tapestry of Beauty

She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Proverbs 31:22

source

In this verse, we get the first look at the woman who is beautiful in God's eyes. 

The verse starts off by talking about her home and how she makes it look good. I never have claimed to be a big fan of the home decorating arena. Sometimes though it is the little things that matter. Getting rid of clutter. Cleaning the floors.

I like the example in this book about how Noah's wife made a home in an ark. Eve called a garden home. So no matter what you call a house, you can make it a home!

Then the Proverbs 31 woman went on to take care of herself. After she took care of her family and the home, she dressed herself in silk and purple. She knew that she was representing her husband and she wanted to represent him well. I know I have said this before, but this is something that I need to work on. Jeans and a t-shirt don't have to be my life! Stink!

I really like the beauty check that Elizabeth has this week

Check #1- Pretend you're a visitor.

Walk into your home like it is the first time that you have been there. What do you notice. What would you change? Such an eye opening experience.

Check #2- Plan several home improvements.

These don't have to be major or cost any money. Scrub stains on your floor. Pick up clutter. Organize a closet. The little things can make a huge difference!

Check #3- Pass it by your husband.

If you want to spend money on the house. Run it by your husband. If he says it needs to wait, patiently wait

Check #4- Put in some overtime.

Be willing to put in some extra work to make your house look great. Nothing good comes from being lazy. This one is something that I need to work on!

You can find the previous posts here:

Proverbs 31:21- A Double Blessing

Proverbs 31:20- A Helping Hand

Proverbs 31:19- A Little Night Work

Proverbs 31:18- A Taste of Success

Proverbs 31:17- An Eager Attitude

Proverbs 31:16- A Field of Dreams

Proverbs 31:15- A Pattern for the Household

Proverbs 31:14- An Enterprising Spirit

Proverbs 31:13- A Fountain of Joy
Proverbs 31:12- A Spring of Goodness

Proverbs 31:11b- An Unfailing Prize

Proverbs 31:11a- A Solid Rock

Proverbs 31:10b- A Sparkling Jewel
Proverbs 31:10a- A Rare Treasure

A Double Blessing

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. Proverbs 31:21

Who will be the first to guess what this verse was the inspiration for? 

source

The Proverbs 31 lady is a prepared lady who looks forward to what her family needs for the winter and gets those things ready for them. She doesn't just do an ok job at what she makes them, but she makes them the best. 

Scarlet clothing. Ever think about how that would set her family apart? Also, the work that would go behind the color? Have you ever tried to dye something red? Think that pink is the color I get! She had to double dye these garments in order to get the right color. 

She was prepared for the future not matter what the future may hold. Am I preparing for the future? Am I providing the best for those around me so that they are prepared for the future. 

Elizabeth George's How-To's of Beauty:

1. Determine future needs- She suggests laying out a year calendar and plan on things that you need to do. Things around the house. Things for your family. Know what is coming up and don't let these issues be a surprise.
2. Prepare for emergencies- This became a little more real for me when we didn't have electricity for five days, thankfully it wasn't during the winter. Do you have the items that you will need based on the natural disasters that you might face in your area?
3. Care for clothing- Make sure that the clothes in the house are ready to be worn. I learned the other day how to iron pants...by my husband. Something I need to work on! Make sure your laundry is done and that the clothes that are in the house are ready to be worn.
4. Consider quality- The people in the Proverbs 31 woman's house didn't have a lot of clothes, but what they did have was quality. We don't really need a ton of clothes, but what we have needs to be take care of.
5. Consider comfort- This is where the title of a double blessing comes in. The families coats were warm and beautiful. No reason to be beautiful if you can't move in your clothes!
6. Consider beauty- She made sure that her families clothes were beautiful, but not over the top. This makes me think of how we should dress one step above those who are going to be at an event. This is a struggle for me sometimes as I love my jeans and t-shirt!

What do you need to work on to plan for the future of your family?

You can find the previous posts here:

Proverbs 31:20- A Helping Hand

Proverbs 31:19- A Little Night Work

Proverbs 31:18- A Taste of Success

Proverbs 31:17- An Eager Attitude

Proverbs 31:16- A Field of Dreams

Proverbs 31:15- A Pattern for the Household

Proverbs 31:14- An Enterprising Spirit

Proverbs 31:13- A Fountain of Joy
Proverbs 31:12- A Spring of Goodness

Proverbs 31:11b- An Unfailing Prize

Proverbs 31:11a- A Solid Rock

Proverbs 31:10b- A Sparkling Jewel
Proverbs 31:10a- A Rare Treasure

A Helping Hand

"She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy." 

Proverbs 31:20

source

We have seen this far along how this lady is very industrious. She provides well for her family and for those in her household. It is almost like God is saying yes work and work hard, but sometimes you need to stop and take a look outside of your self and give to those around you who are hurting. 

I am going to jump straight to what Elizabeth lists this week for us to do. I think that these are good tips on ways that we can look outside of our home. 

How-to's of Beauty

1. Begin at home- She talks about a lady who frequently fed meals to hobos and also gave them the gospel of John. She was willing to show those inside of her home that giving to others was important. I can only imagine what kind of things her kids decided to do when they go on their own!
2. Give regularly to you home church- Find a ministry of your church that you can get involved in, either by doing or giving. If you are not able to find something inside your church that you can support, than think about what you can start up. Be a visionary.
3. Keep your ear to the ground- Many times those who are truly in need are not going to come directly to you asking you for what they need. Yes, people will come, but usually they are just looking for a free handout- I know this is a generalization. Listen for things that people say, or just find someone and decide that you are going to bless them. God lays things on people's hearts for a reason. 
4. Support a worthy organization or person- Find something outside of your church that you are passionate about. Scott has become interested in Medical Missions. I am able to get some stuff free with coupons that they can use. Great use for that stuff!
5. Pray about a personal project- Not sure how you can get involved. Pray. Can't give or go, pray about what God would have you to do. I am pretty sure if you are willing to do something for God, then He will give you something to do!
6. Err on the side of generosity- Be willing to give, even if it does not make sense to you. Give and give abundantly.
7. Live out love- What kind of love are those around you seeing in you? Make sure that God's love is flowing through you in such ways that others can see it. 

I would love to hear about some practical ways that you have either been able to help out others or that you have heard of people helping others. Leave these ideas in the comments. Maybe they will inspire the rest of us :)

You can find the previous posts here:

Proverbs 31:19- A Little Night Work

Proverbs 31:18- A Taste of Success

Proverbs 31:17- An Eager Attitude

Proverbs 31:16- A Field of Dreams

Proverbs 31:15- A Pattern for the Household

Proverbs 31:14- An Enterprising Spirit

Proverbs 31:13- A Fountain of Joy
Proverbs 31:12- A Spring of Goodness

Proverbs 31:11b- An Unfailing Prize

Proverbs 31:11a- A Solid Rock

Proverbs 31:10b- A Sparkling Jewel
Proverbs 31:10a- A Rare Treasure

A Little Night Work

"She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle."

Proverbs 31:19

source

Elizabeth George explains to us, that the Proverbs 31 woman takes the time in to evening to be profitable. The sun starts to go down for the night and what do we do? Do we turn in for the night or do we redeem that time?

The job that she chooses to do in the evenings does not take a whole lot of brain work, but does take time that is needed to perform her more creative tasks.

Part of me wants to rebel against this idea. We do need to sit down and relax at times and not be on the go all the time. At the same time, I think we do waste more of our time than we should. At least me personally...facebook, pinterest...

I like the idea that she has a file of things that she does at night, such as going through magazines, sifting through piles, paying bills. Things that she can do while enjoying time with the family, but at the same time being with them.

I want to learn how to knit in order to be able to occupy my hands without a lot of thought. Mainly, so that I might be able to stay awake while watching tv!

How-to's of Beauty

1. Evaluate your evenings- think about what you usually do in your evenings. What can you do to make them a little more God-honoring.
2. Plan your evening-  Plan for things that you can accomplish in the evenings. Have a plan, but don't forget to work it!
3. Prepare your evenings- Get out the supplies for what you need to work on. That way when you sit down, you have something to do and not just waste the time.
4. Use your evenings- You must actually get to work. No use in planning if you aren't going to do!
5. Use your mind in the evenings- The Proverbs 31 woman was probably dreaming about what she could do with her wool while she was making it. Allow yourself to dream!

I would love for you to plan out an evening and then come back and comment on something that you have gotten done! Redeem the time!

You can find the previous posts here:

Proverbs 31:18- A Taste of Success

Proverbs 31:17- An Eager Attitude

Proverbs 31:16- A Field of Dreams

Proverbs 31:15- A Pattern for the Household

Proverbs 31:14- An Enterprising Spirit

Proverbs 31:13- A Fountain of Joy
Proverbs 31:12- A Spring of Goodness

Proverbs 31:11b- An Unfailing Prize

Proverbs 31:11a- A Solid Rock

Proverbs 31:10b- A Sparkling Jewel
Proverbs 31:10a- A Rare Treasure

Proverbs 31:17- An Eager Attitude

"She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms." 

Proverbs 31:17

source

How often do we not get things done because we lack motivation, focus, and discipline. Elizabeth focuses on these as she looks at the Proverbs 31 woman.

Man, can these be hard. I am very good at making a list, but not always as good about following through and finishing this list. 

The Proverbs 31 woman knows that her goal is to build her home. Do I keep that goal in the back of my mind? If my mind is not ready to go, then I will never get anything done physically.

Have you ever done a job, not really wanting to do it? Did you get the job done quickly? Probably not! I need to get my mind in gear so that I can complete a job quickly and efficiently.

How-To's of Beauty

Get ready, there are several. If you are anything like me, then they will be a good reminder!

#1 Embrace God's will for you life- This passage in Proverbs 31 gives us a good outline of what the Proverbs 31 woman looks like. Study out her goals and make them yours!

#2 Stay in God's Word- I read this one and think, oh that is easy. How easy is it just to check it off the list and get nothing out of it?

#3 Develop a vision- Look at the big picture and what you are trying to accomplish by doing the little mundane things.

#4 Tap into the why- "The secret of discipline is motivation. When a man (or woman) is sufficiently motivated, discipline will take care of itself."

#5 Pray for an eager attitude- Be thankful for another day to serve and love

#6 Create a schedule- I want to know if any of you have any sort of schedule that works for you for daily and weekly jobs around the house?

#7 Develop a routine- I never thought about this, but the more of a routine that you have, the less that you have to decide in the mornings. Interesting.

#8 Read books on time management- This makes me think of my days on encounter. Very helpful!

#9 Tackle the worst first- Ugh! Very true, but not fun...until that grossness is over.

#10 Play music- Give yourself some energy.

#11 See how quickly you can work- I love a little competition. Even if it is with myself!

#12 Consider yourself- I really like this poem

"You"

All that stands between your goal

And the deeds you hope to do

And the dreams which stir your soul----

Is you!

-Mac-Sim-Ology

You can find the previous posts here.

Proverbs 31:16- A Field of Dreams

Proverbs 31:15- A Pattern for the Household

Proverbs 31:14- An Enterprising Spirit

Proverbs 31:13- A Fountain of Joy
Proverbs 31:12- A Spring of Goodness

Proverbs 31:11b- An Unfailing Prize

Proverbs 31:11a- A Solid Rock

Proverbs 31:10b- A Sparkling Jewel
Proverbs 31:10a- A Rare Treasure

Proverbs 31:16 A Field of Dreams

The title of this make me think of the movie Field of Dreams. "If you build it they will come." My family did make the trek all the way to this corn field. They built it and we came! 

source

Proverbs 31:16

“She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard.”

We are told that this woman considers, acquires, and renovates this land. I love the fact that this lady is a visionary about what is in front of her. Not only does she have a vision, but she follows through on getting it started.

A lady I use to work with said that she starts many businesses in her head, but never does anything with them. She said it saved her money that way!

Sometimes we need to research out those dreams and pursue them! 

Elizabeth’s How-To’s of Beauty

#1 Desire God’s beauty

#2 Devote yourself to God’s goals- Elizabeth quickly points out that this means that family comes first.

I also serve because I want God’s beauty and not because of what I can get from serving. Many times, I try to figure out what I can get in return for what I do. Not always a good thing.

#3 Your husband is paramount

#4 Creativity abounds- find something you love to do for your family. Once you have mastered this, let it grown into something more!

#5 Dare to dream!

#6 Do the work! Behind every success is hard work.

I am not on this earth to build a business. I am on this earth to build a home. I need to make sure that I keep that in perspective. 

What have you been doing for your home recently that you would like to take to the next level?

You can find the previous posts here.

Proverbs 31:15- A Pattern for the Household

Proverbs 31:14- An Enterprising Spirit

Proverbs 31:13- A Fountain of Joy
Proverbs 31:12- A Spring of Goodness

Proverbs 31:11b- An Unfailing Prize

Proverbs 31:11a- A Solid Rock

Proverbs 31:10b- A Sparkling Jewel
Proverbs 31:10a- A Rare Treasure