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| Our 8-year-old apple tree is beginning to flower. |
I have taken many walks over the property, here at our humble estate. It is restful and encouraging to see all the plants and trees begin to show life after a bitterly cold winter season.
Indoors, I have many chores that must be done at a slow pace. I bake and clean and make things look nice. In order to keep up my strength, I am often walking for up to an hour at a time, on purpose, back and forth in one of the rooms. This helps build up my health and endurance. To pass the time while walking, I read a hymn book, devotional, or write notes about what I hope to accomplish throughout the day. Sometimes one of the grown children will call me on the house phone. Talking to one of them makes the walk much more pleasant and the time goes by quickly.
The weather has gotten cold here in our mountain village with temperatures in the 40's. Our wood pellet stove is humming along with a cozy fire in the next room. As soon as the days warm up, perhaps this week, I will be able to open the windows once again and enjoy the beautiful fresh air in all the rooms of this old house.
I am trying to think about what I need to bake or cook to prepare for another trip. We recently returned from one of our medical trips. The patient received treatment which was painful and unpleasant. They have switched his care away from our local hospital back to the hospital in the next state where they are more equipped to manage his care. A few days ago, new symptoms have developed. After a trip to the emergency room, and a consultation with his doctor, we need to head back to the next state for another medical trip next week. We hope they can make everything better and more comfortable for our patient.
In order to save money, I need to plan our meals better. We need homemade food to avoid the need to stop at restaurants, cafeterias, and stores on our trip. I hope to find a way to make the time away from the hospital, on this journey, happy and enjoyable for the patient. We like to see the scenery and try to take walks in the beautiful countryside. This boosts his spirit and brings encouragement. Then it will be nice to return back home again.
Our calendar is full of school events for some of the grandchildren, including spring concerts. I have also been blessed to do some babysitting for one of the youngest of the children. He is here nearly every Friday and is such a joy to have around. We read stories, play blocks, and enjoy the outdoors at our playground. Baby likes to go on the swings with me. He also loves to observe nature and listen to the birds.
I have been so discouraged lately but things are improving. When I dwell on the problems around me, it is no wonder it results in a downcast frame of mind. All I have to do is focus on what matters and lean on the dear Lord for comfort. All will be well.
Blessings
Mrs. White
From the Archives -
Homemade Lessons from my Aunt - Manners Learned at the Finishing School.
Practical help for the home - Peaceful Living by Rules.
What Many of Us Crave - An Ordinary Life at Home.
- To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -
For happiness and cheer in the kitchen:
Mrs. White's old fashioned cookbook focuses on serving meals and setting the table in a humble home.
"Serving in the Kitchen: Cookbook with Recipes, Advice, and Encouragement for the Christian Home"
152 pages, paperback
10 comments:
I'm so sorry things aren't looking up for your patient. And it probably is still going to be cold in your area this weekend. We pack food for our trips too. Restaurant food feels makes you feel so unhealthy when traveling. I should say it makes one feel greasy, really! We also do it to save time to get our trips finished quickly and just stop for gas and bathroom breaks. Luckily we have found good, clean places to stop, Will pray for your son. andrea
Praying for you and your loved one with medical issues, Mrs. White. Take care!
We have the same sort of weather here, Mrs. White. Spring sure is pokey this year. Sorry to read of the medical problems. Hope the change of hospitals will result in some encouraging answers. Having trouble exercising inside also. It's the longest 45 minutes of the day. I always say if I'd only have one hour to live, I'd start exercising, it would make that hour last forever. Ha!
Hugs
Jane
HUGS AND PRAYERS!
I'm so sorry to hear of your discouragement. I keep you in my prayers, and hope that your next medical appointment will have better results.
It is so very hard when a loved one is not doing well, whether physically or emotionally. This is a struggle that needs self talk reminding ourselves that the Lord is in control. We are reminded that we are not to worry, but to release all anxiety to him. I have had to release my worries over an adult child almost every five minutes at times. After a bit the release becomes almost automatic and the moments of peace stretch out a bit longer. May your trip be safe and may God envelop you in peace beyond our understanding.
May the Lord surround you with a peace beyond understanding.
I will be praying for you and your family, this must be very difficult for you all, but I know the good Lord can send special comforts that you will know are from Him alone. I wish I was close to you there I would give you a hug and help make some things for your journeys.
Baby sounds just so wonderful, what precious, precious times! A little angel there with you.
Hugs and sincere prayers, in Christ's love and care, ~Amelia
I find it encouraging to think of all the hard times and health problems God has brought me through. His love and provision are never ending.
For travel food, I discovered the granola bar recipe at The Frugal Girl (Kristen writes the blog) travels very well. I make ours more healthy by only using whole wheat flour, adding flax meal, reducing or eliminating the brown sugar, and adding extra spices like ginger, etc. It is an extremely flexible recipe that ends up being more like a homemade energy bar - great for breakfast or a snack anytime. My husband will sometimes just eat a few to make up a meal -- with raisins and/or ground nuts, they have protein and iron. For travel, we find they stay fresh (and neater) if we wrap individually in plastic wrap since we won't be refrigerating. Plastic wrap is not my favorite, but far better than having to eat restaurant food. Hope this helps!
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