At Home During Stressful Times (4)

Hello Everyone,

At the request of some of my readers and listeners, I have created some videos dealing with the problem of sudden stress in the family.  While I cannot know personally about every person's family situation, I tried to cover some of the basic things. I learned a lot from Barbara Johnson's book, "Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy," and other things from long conversations with a friend who went through some unbelievable upheaval in her life.

In this episode of Homemaking Radio (broadcasts designed to listen while you work or walk) I shared the common practice of a care package for someone in distress, or for yourself,  and suggested using interesting containers. 

Today  I listed a number of things that might be done which will be time well spent while you worry about the whole wide world ;-)

Please enjoy your walking or your working at home while you listen to Homemaking Radio today:

Because I might not get around to sending all these links on emails, I am posting them here for those who are interested.  

Whether you believe any of it, its important as homeschoolers to know what the other views of something are.

I am sure everyone knows how to paste the links into the browser. 

Here are some political links that give another side to the media spin on everything. Also, reading the comments beneath the videos are extremely helpful and can give you some essential laughter.

These people are not all of the faith, so don't expect perfect grammar ;-) and always listen for yourself first. Not all these reporters are of the Faith, but keep in mind that even less are the mainstream media reporters. 

A young man that studied himself out of the media narratives and has seen what is really going on 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKetfPkhLew 

or

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKetfPkhLew&t=179s 

This is a broadcast only, so you can do something in your house or walk, for half an hour:

https://rumble.com/vwdfl5-ep-2717b-ukraine-first-taiwan-second-stage-is-set-watch-what-happens-next.html  

You can subscribe to this report and have it in your email for a daily broadcast: 

https://rumble.com/c/X22Report   

Here is one that compares what the mainstream media compared to other sources:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBcexIa0DTw 

I wonder what this stage makeup is for:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbxDM8iGLGc

This Canadian Girl posts some very interesting shorts that make you see what's  what, and be sure to read the comments.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoa2qcw5o6pxgOm0LZXzz5A/community?lb=UgkxQEO8FmkRppJQp1vRdPI8H2Wjix0ioGtC

This one is quite funny, but the comments are even more comedic. It illustrates what I said a few broadcasts ago about the way people don't answer a question anymore, and no one says yay or nay. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BywXmxHdTBc&t=4s 

This is one to read: http://mileswmathis.com/minime2.pdf 

Again, keep in mind that these reporters are not all of The Faith, and will have some objectionable remarks, but the major news media is worse as far as their lying and their connections with the same money that supports the compromised politicians — on both sides of the aisle.

  

Home Life During Upheaval (3)

Hello Everyone,

At the request of some of my readers and listeners, I have created some videos dealing with the problem of sudden stress in the family.  While I cannot know personally about every person's family situation, I tried to cover some of the basic things. I learned a lot from Barbara Johnson's book, "Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy," and other things from long conversations with a friend who went through some unbelievable upheaval in her life.

This is a continuation of my discussion about home and family crisis. Today I said it was important to write down everything on your calendar so that you don't miss important family events. Sometimes a shock can cause you to be so stunned that you forget about the other things that need attention.

I was able to see a reflection of my "Pemberly" in the puddle today, which makes me feel so special, even though its just The Manse.

I read the introduction to Tea With Jane Austen by Pen Vogler.

To end on comforting note, I also read part of the introduction to Wives and Daughters (Elizabeth Gaskell) by a publisher.

I wanted you to see this video about the importance of relieving stress. He tells the harm it can do your body and how to treat it. You can order Lemon Balm tea online. The video will only take 5 minutes of your valuable time.

This might benefit you today so I hope you will try to go about your routine while you listen. Even if you have never had any serious upheaval in your family, these problems are well known in the Bible (which I bring out) and throughout history.

       

Times of Trials in the Home (2)

Hello Everyone,

At the request of some of my readers and listeners, I have created some videos dealing with the problem of sudden stress in the family.  While I cannot know personally about every person's family situation, I tried to cover some of the basic things. I learned a lot from Barbara Johnson's book, "Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy," and other things from long conversations with a friend who went through some unbelievable upheaval in her life.

Today I continued the subject I brought up in the previous post, regarding trials at home. Anything worth standing for will bring resistance and try your faith.

\\\\

Use trauma as a step to improving your people skills and increasing your faith. Improve yourself in some way, and come out of the difficulties with more confidence.

I read the following scriptures:

Weeping may tarry for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

Psalm 30:5

Though He slay me, yet will I trust him.

Job 13:15.

I spoke of the importance of building one another up and thanking each family member for being so supportive and dependable.

Here is today's episode of Homemaking radio:

             

Home Life During Trauma (1)

Hello Everyone,

At the request of some of my readers and listeners, I have created some videos dealing with the problem of sudden stress in the family.  While I cannot know personally about every person's family situation, I tried to cover some of the basic things. I learned a lot from Barbara Johnson's book, "Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy," and other things from long conversations with a friend who went through some unbelievable upheaval in her life.

When the homemaker is traumatized by sudden change, bad news, upheaval, or family problems, it can cause a type of shock to mind and body.  It is a challenge to keep stability in the home and keep the family reassured.

In this broadcast I've tried to cover a few things that a lady at home might be unexpectedly confronted by, and provide some things to do which may help.

I read a page from The Anne of Green Gables Treasury

Around the Manse Today:

The scriptures I read today:

Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7

Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness...that they may come to their senses..."

2 Timothy 2:23-26

You therefore...take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But, grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

2 Peter3:17-18

My brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.

James 5:19-20

If you are unable to comment , you may send your comment to me via email: ladylydiaspeaks@comcast.net and I will post it for you. Please indicate if it is just a personal message to me and not for publication.

Here is today's broadcast.

Establish the Home

Establish is a word we find several times in scripture, It means to strengthen the weak, fix things that are wavering,  and confirm the truth of something. It means grounded, firm and confirmed.

The life of the homemaker certainly is a challenge and there will be some ups and downs, but if you don't waver from it, those interruptions won't deter you from your place in life, because your spiritual roots go deep enough that you can keep your stability and keep growing in knowledge and truth.

The scriptures I read were:

Consider the path of your feet, and all your ways will be established.  Proverbs 4:26

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3

that you, being rooted and established  in love,  may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth of God's love. Ephesians 3:17-18

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7

I also did a little review if the movie “Love Comes Softly” and will add here a caution: Always watch a movie first, before allowing children to see it. 

Please be established in your work and your activities at home, or your walk, while you listen.

  

Without Leaving Home

In this episode I talked about the fact that many things we are accustomed to going "somewhere else" to attend or shop, learn, etc. have become more difficult to access, can be done at home. I called it "Places to Go Without Leaving Home," which consist of the following list, give or take your own needs:

Your Spa

The Chapel

The Gym or Fitness/ Physical Therapy Session

Butler Responsibilities

Home Interior and Garden Learning

Music and Singing

Correspondence,

The Library

and much more.

Also, I read Jeremiah 6:16

Stand by the roads and look, and ask for the ancient paths,

 where the good way is,

 and walk in it,

 and there you will find rest for your souls.

Is not this the solution for the upheaval we may feel, even in the protection of our own homes---to look at how things were done in the past. I mentioned this when I was encouraging you to pick things from "the old days" to emulate. We can still have things that have been observed since the beginning of time:  morning prayers, singing, quiet time, reading, friendship, and many "cottage core" things that bring us rest and peace. 

Another subject I addressed is how  self control, emphasized in the scriptures,  can result in confidence, happiness and a sense of well-being.

For you sewists:

Please enjoy your work or your walk while you listen today.

For those who want to know more about the video I mentioned, it is called Monopoly 

Health, Poem, Living Your Beliefs

Hello and Welcome to Homemaking Radio. 

In this episode. I shared how to make an easy spencer jacket simply by folding part of a jacket or cardigan under.

Leaving the back of the jacket as is, gives the garment a Regency shape:

A dress is one-piece and makes a more authentic look.

Turn the collar up and there you have an Austen-ish costume that can be comfortably worn at home.

Here is the dress with the teacup I shared:

The car wall-hanging seen at the top was made by Marina watercolorist teacher at Artworthy Life.

I thought about you while strolling about today

In this episode I read the poem:

The Bravest battle that ever was fought

by Joaquin Miller

• The bravest battle that ever was fought!
  Shall I tell you where and when?
  On the maps of the world you will find it not;
  'Twas fought by the mothers of men.

  Nay not with the cannon of battle-shot,
  With a sword or noble pen;
  Nay, not with eloquent words or thought
  From mouth of wonderful men!

  But deep in a walled-up woman's heart -
  Of a woman that would not yield,
  But bravely, silently bore her part -
  Lo, there is the battlefield!

  No marshalling troops, no bivouac* song,
  No banner to gleam and wave;
  But oh! those battles, they last so long -
  From babyhood to the grave.

  Yet, faithful still as a bridge of stars,
  She fights in her walled-up town -
  Fights on and on in her endless wars,
  Then silent, unseen, goes down.

  Oh, ye with banners and battle-shot,
  And soldiers to shout and praise!
  I tell you the kingliest victories fought
  Were fought in those silent ways.

  O spotless woman in a world of shame,
  With splendid and silent scorn,
  Go back to God as white as you came -
  The Kingliest warrior born!

• *bivouac - a soldier's tent or a place to camp without a tent

I also talked about living your beliefs by diligently attending to making the home a safe, comfortable and beautiful place. Spiritual values like goodness, thoughtfulness and good judgement can be applied in so doing.

To emphasize this, I read James 4:14-26 ---Show your faith by the things you do.  This is easy to do when you are out on a church mission, but much more needed in the home.

Please enjoy your work while you listen to the broadcast.

                 

Routines Can Provide a Support Structure

Getting into a routine can provide emotional stability. During uncertain  times in your life, those routines will give you a support structure.

Dressing up before approaching the responsibilities of the day is a very courteous thing to do. To yourself it gives the message of self-dignity. and to others, your good appearance shows respect.

I quoted Psalm 116:12 "What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits to me?" to show how looking our best is one thing we can do at home to acknowledge our great God.

People who do best in difficult times have developed the qualities of humor, prayer, good health habits including exercise, creativity, resourcefulness. and music.

The word spelled "s-t-r-a-i-t" is used in Matthew7:13-14.

I explained the difference between the Bible references to "strait" and "straight, words that sound alike but are spelled differently with different meanings. You can read more about it here. and here.  

If you were taking a class with me, my assignment for you would be to sing this song each night before you retire:

I read the following paragraph from The Art of Penmanship by Michael R. Sull:

One Day At A Time

Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense. This day is all that is good and fair. It is too dear, with its hopes and invitations, to waste a moment on all the yesterdays that have come before.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

You can learn many things from this paragraph  when you are teaching yourself or others.

This is only a part of the things in the broadcast, so please be sure and listen, while you get something done at home. I designed this program to accommodate busy people who cannot stop and watch something.

Things in Order Can Aid in Clear Thinking

Hello all you wonderful home keepers (and those that plan to be).  I am down to four days between broadcasts, so I am narrowing the time-gap.

Today I cautioned about getting too caught up in home business or ministry. The home itself is a business and a ministry.

I also read about the importance of fresh, free-flowing air outside of the house,  and how it improves the mind and mood.  We knew about this decades ago when our parents insisted on being outside at regular intervals throughout the day.

A way to subscribe to these posts will be on my YouTube channel.

When I post a video there, it will also appear here. That way, you will see when the blog is updated.

One integral part of good health is getting your beauty rest. This expression dates back to our grandmothers and great grandmothers day, and all it meant is that  early, adequate rest, could produce a healthy, happy looking countenance. 

 

The purpose of this program is to listen while you try to get some things one at home to make it all run more smoothly and comfortably.

 

                

Personal Greatness at Home

Hello lovely homemakers.

You didn't have to wait two weeks. This time it was only five days, so hopefully I can shorten the time between broadcasts.  

We are having very foggy weather.

This frozen web looks like a thread crochet piece.

Today's View:

I read this paragraph from Grammar and Composition I.  I am not sure what grade level it is intended for, but it is about finding "helping verbs." However I used it as an inspirational subject to discuss.

We should always be cheerful. The times may be difficult, but a sad and gloomy countenance will not make them easier. The flower is made by the sunshine; 

it is not made by the clouds. Our hearts can be filled with warmth from the good things around us. We may have troubles, but we should not allow discouragement. No one can be completely free from problems; we should extract courage and fortitude from them. We should look on the bright side of everything, and then we can receive the maximum happiness from each day.

I also talked a little about Proverbs, which means "comparison," or "comparable."

Wisdom is the principle thing; therefore, get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7

From Linda Lichter's book, "Simple Social Graces" (The Benevolence of Manners), I read the following:

While our generation seeks self-esteem, the Victorian culture sought self-restraint.

While most people today would ask, "Am I happy?", Victorians would ask, "Am I a good person?" In the pursuit of happiness, the first right step is to seek that which is good to do, not merely for one's self, but for others.

To spare yourself too much discouragement, restrain yourself from telling people too much of what you know, especially if they "turn and rend you".  I used an important Bible verse for this lesson.

Here is one source of the ancient history I described to you: https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-the-Teutoburg-Forest

Please enjoy your home today while you listen to the broadcast. The video had a few "glitches" in that it stopped temporarily several times, but keep listening and it will straighten out.

Dress Up At Home

Greetings to you lovely homemakers.  I hope the last two weeks have been productive in your home.

We are having fog, and so I thought we should be as thrilled with a foggy day as we are with a sunny one. My mind is plotting out a special fog fiesta or some kind of fog celebration. A few years ago I had fog fashions and fog tea. You can find those by typing them in the search area at the top  left of this blog.

This gentle horse came quietly by my path to greet me as I was taking my Austen walk today.  So sweet!

I thought you might like to see what you got for me last week:  I ordered some comfortable velvet-like cushions for the tea table in the living room, You also might enjoy seeing the colors of the evening view coordinate so beautifully with my aqua/turquoise chair pads and table cloth.

And now for the cream, as Emma would say. Today I talked about:

Dressing for small, simple acts at home such as checking your mail both outside and on your device, answering a card or letter, prayer time, a Jane Austen walk indoors or outdoors, doing the laundry (yes, other people will see you), or cleaning the kitchen. I even feel I am a better listener if I am fully dressed and all fixed up when talking on the phone. It gives me a clearer head for making a list.

I also cautioned everyone about allowing people to "make merchandise" of you when they discover your many talents and skills.

Then, I spoke of the way the outside working world is more confining than the home, that you never can make any progress there, and that the home can accommodate your needs and nurture your talents because there, you are free.

Also, we need to recognize the fruits of uncertainty, little faith, panic and fear may be in hostile reactions to we who are happy at home. Frightened friends believe what they are hearing from the non-believers. I read from First John, chapter four, the following:

 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them.  We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit[a] of truth and the spirit of falsehood.

************

Ladies, the above verses may certainly turn out to be one of the greatest sources of relief, confidence, and personal happiness in this present day of political turmoil.

Exercise your faith beyond your basic belief in Christ, by putting it into practice. Take care of yourself, and pay attention to your responsibility of guarding, guiding and keeping the home.  Your family and your dwelling need you, and no one else will do.

Also I read from Bryan Koslowski's Jane Austen Diet about the Regency custom of eating their desseret (apple tart) immediately after a meal, rather than waiting until they "were not so full." It kept them from eating too much dessert.

Please enjoy your work at home while you listen to the broadcast today. If the weather is not suitable for being outdoors, try walking inside your house for a body warm-up. Sometimes I get up at an unearthly hour and do not want to disturb anyone in the house, so I go to the farthest room, close the door and walk in a small area, in different directions. You can do this in any small space, even your bathroom, and it is immensely helpful in the mind/body connection.

Create Your Own News

My subjects today:

-If you provide good bread and comfort at home, you have done something great.

-No need for guided imagery when you have the real thing at home.

-Alternatives to media with your subscriptions (video subscriptions that you like)

-Character studies in some old stories (but you can make up your own)

-Staying in your own "Inn"

-Keep a log of your home/house activities

-Keep your character in difficult times.

Please enjoy being home while you listen to the broadcast.

Home, As You Like It

Notes for today's lesson:

If you need help getting focused in the home:

~ Dress Up

~Walk slowly through the house 

~Sweep and pick up 

~Re-enter the house as a guest

~Consider your home as a dignified place

~To prevent the work being mechanical or uninteresting, listen to something as you go.

The skies are more clear now and we are enjoying sunshine part of the day.

I read from the book "Mrs. Dunwoody's Excellent Instructions for Homekeeping" which I received as a gift from one of my listeners. I'm very grateful for this book, since it gives me months and months of new content~ (smile)

I am so blessed by your kind attendance here and look forward to doing a great deal more to aid homemakers in their long days at home.

God Bless You All ,

              

Make Each Day Different When You Work at Home

Today I talked about ways homemakers used to distinguish one day from another, so that there would be some variety during the week.  From keeping journals to getting out a fresh kitchen towel or apron, there were various ways of doing this.

Now that so many wonderful people are home based, and this includes the men, I tried to address the subject of making each day different.

In general, I was talking to my grown grandchildren who are working in home businesses, but I'm sharing it with all of you.

Here is a potential list to consider: 

*A different shirt for each day of the week

*Day of the week food or flavor (This is Friday, so it must be flatbread)

*A different route for your daily stroll: This is Saturday, so let's walk south-west.

*Daily journal entry: what I wore, ate, heard, saw or observed, said, read, made, accomplished, felt.

*Sketch or doodle in your journal for each day of the week.

*Different 5 minute stretch or exercise each day

*Song of the day

*One piece of paper correspondence 

*Scent of the day --as natural as possible.

*Verse of the day

*Follow a cooking video or different recipe

*Create one small thing.

In each of these broadcast I try to stress the importance of dressing more formally for the humblest of  homes, to give the homekeeper/homemaker  a feeling of living in a grand place where you are expecting guest. 

I reviewed the January 1996 Victoria magazine, and mentioned a book called Perfect Preserves by Nora Carey. Recipes using preserved fruits were included in the back of this magazine; one being applesauce walnut fruitcake. (Do a search for the vintage magazine and the recipe).

Also, the scripture I quoted  was from Isaiah 8:12:

"...do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread."

Please enjoy the freedom of being at home while you listen today:

           

Good Caretaker

I hope you all had a happy Christmas season and are enjoying the new year God has given us.

Today I discuss the value of being a good steward (caretaker) of whatever undesirable dwelling you have (perhaps it is temporary) in order to be faithful in a little and chart your course for something better.

One essential for the homemaker is to have a steady, stable, determined attitude and a course to follow, free from fear and discouragement. I used this scripture:

2 Timothy 1:7  

 God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

 I also read the rest of the chapter in The Jane Austen Diet by Bryan Koslowski, "Jane Austen Eats Meat" about the eating customs of the Regency Era.