Simple Homemaking for Christian Women - Proverbs 31 Woman, Homemaker, Hygge, SAHM, Decluttering

Simple Homemaking for Christian Women - Proverbs 31 Woman, Homemaker, Hygge, SAHM, Decluttering

By Cindy Jones Chatham - BA Home Economics, Married 40+ years, Mother of 8, Veteran Homeschooler 30 yearsHealth & FitnessMental HealthReligion & SpiritualityChristianityLeisureHome & Garden
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Simple Homemaking for Christian Women - Proverbs 31 Woman, Homemaker, Hygge, SAHM, Decluttering episodes

  • 16 // Enough Procrastination Already! Get Moving on That Decluttering with These 3 Easy Hacks

    Have you ever taken a dress out of your closet, say to wear during a new summer season, only to put it on and it's, oh, much tighter than you had remembered?

    What happened there? 

    Did the dress shrink? You couldn't have gained weight--could you? You liked it better when it flowed a bit around your shape. You were comfortable in it, and you enjoyed wearing it.

    Well, today we're going to talk about how to put your house on a diet--how to get it back to that feeling of your home flowing about you a bit. You want to once again be comfortable in it, and you want to enjoy being there.

    If you can relate, then this episode is for you!

    • We're talking about the problem of procrastination and decluttering and how to have a simple formula to get to fewer things and more comfort in your home. 
    •  

      • If you've been mad at yourself because you keep putting off going through a pile of "things", you may be wondering about a simple way to make some initial decisions.
      •  

        • We are made in God's image and we have been given the ability to create order and beauty out of chaos. We'll explore that today so you will more easily be able to decide what to keep in your home.
        •  

          •  You'll learn how to ask yourself 3 questions--only three--to get a jumpstart on deciding which items no longer serve you well. These questions ae easy-peasy, and we ask them without judgment or criticism.
          •  

            • Whether you are a SAHM with young children, or a seasoned grandmother, this episode will encourage you to get up and get started SOMEWHERE  so that you can see immediate results.
            •  

              • If you're struggling with self-condemnation, the feeling of never "being enough", and are simply tired of seeing disorder in your home, you don't have to figure it all out on your own.
              •  

                Welcome in, sister.

                 

                 RESOURCES

                 Scripture:

                     Genesis 1:27. So God created man, in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

                      Colossians 2:10. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.

                       I Corinthians 2:16. For "who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him." But we have the mind of Christ.

                 

                If you like this episode, you may also like:


                Episode 5 // 4 Tips to Finally Gain Visual Peace in Your Home Without Decluttering

                https://cindyjoneschatham.podbean.com/e/05-4-tips-to-finally-gain-visual-peace-in-your-home-without-decluttering/

                 

                Episode 11 // Step by Step Tutorial on How to Clear the Clutter on the Floor So Your Family Can Walk Safely

                https://cindyjoneschatham.podbean.com/e/11-step-by-step-tutorial-on-how-to-clear-the-clutter-on-the-floor-so-your-family-can-walk-safely/

                 

                 

                CONNECT

                If you have benefited from this episode, I invite you to share it with someone else who many enjoy "Simple Homemaking for Christian Women". And, if you'll leave me a review on Apple Podcasts, I'll know better how to serve you.

                 

                 

                20 min
              • 15 // Why You Can't "Get On Top of Things" as a SAHM and How to Change Your Mindset to Turn Things Around

                Have you ever looked around at all there was to do and shaken a finger at yourself and said, "You've GOT to get on top of things!"

                Have you ever looked at your to-do list that had 12 things on it for the day--or 26!--and tried to hype yourself up, saying, "Yep! I can get all those done today!" only to look at your list at day's end and see that you have checked off exactly 3 things, and you let out a silent, "I knew it! I knew I wouldn't get it all done again!"

                And have you EVER berated yourself because you have seen all that is around you that is your responsibility to do and simply sat down and watched a movie?

                If you have, then let's talk, my sister. Do I have a story for you!

                 

                In this episode I'll share:

                • 1 fun story about a Ferris wheel
                • 2 questions to ask yourself
                • 3 sources of nagging
                • 4 possible answers to the question, "Why can't I get of top of things?"
                • the practice of "tucking in"
                •  

                  RESOURCES

                  Benjamin Franklin: "Anyone who stops learning is old, whether 20 or 80. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young."

                   

                  Psalm 91:1-5

                  1 He that dweller in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

                  2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God: in him will I trust.

                  3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

                  4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

                  5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flight by day.

                   

                  Simple Homemaking Episode on Laundry

                  https://cindyjoneschatham.podbean.com/e/08-overwhelmed-with-a-mountain-of-laundry-4-homemaking-tips-to-move-the-mountain-every-single-week/

                   

                  CONNECT

                  If you have enjoyed this episode, I invite you to share it with a friend who also may benefit from "Simple Homemaking for Christian Women". And, if you'll leave me a review in Apple Podcasts, I'll know how to better serve you.

                   

                  23 min
                • 14 // Dreaming of Some Cozy Hygge? How Decluttering and Minimizing Aren't Helping You and What to Do Instead

                  Are you tired of the topic of decluttering? Of the whole of society, it seems, pressing into you the idea of getting rid of things?

                  Are you weary of even the suggestion of becoming a minimalist, even though you are aware you have far too many things?

                  And are you really wanting a simple, cozy home that you can enjoy all by yourself and, occasionally, with others?

                  If so, this this episode is for you, my friend. Come inland let's dream of some cozy hygge.

                   

                  In this episode, I share:

                  • a written description of hygge
                  • 1 real-life example of hygge
                  • 2 things hygge is not
                  • 3 areas where you can find hygge
                  • how to cultivate hygge in your own life
                  • one phrase that sums up how to creat hygge personally
                  •  

                    RESOURCES

                    Victoria magazine: victoriamag.com

                    At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon. (This is the first book in the series.)

                    Scripture:

                         Proverbs 3: 5-6

                              5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own          understanding.

                              6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

                     

                          Psalm 118:29

                                  O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

                     

                    CONNECT

                    If you enjoyed this episode, I invite you to share it with someone else who would benefit from "Simple Homemaking for Christian Women". And if you leave a review on Apple Podcasts, I will know better how to serve you.

                     

                     

                     

                    20 min
                  • 13 // Trouble Finding Important Documents? The Number 1 Way for the Homemaker to Keep Them In Order and Easily Accessible

                    Have you ever needed an important document--say a birth certificate or a social security card--and not been able to put your hands on it immediately?

                    Have you ever forgotten to return an important document to its file folder and then not known where it was? 

                    And, have you ever blamed yourself royally for misplacing yet another important piece of paper? 

                    If you have, my friend, then this episode is for you!

                     

                    Today I'm sharing with you the #1 way for the homemaker to keep important documents in order and easily accessible. 

                     

                    You'll hear about:

                    • The Notebook System
                    • 3 reasons why The Notebook System works
                    • a Ready! Set! Go! approach of putting important documents in order
                    • places to keep the Black Notebook accessible
                    • 6 directions to use the Black Notebook
                    •  

                      SUPPLIES FOR THE NOTEBOOK SYSTEM

                      • 1. One 1 1/2" or 2" three-ring binder/notebook, depending on the size of your family, preferably black
                      • 2. 1 box of plastic sleeves
                      • 3. 1 or 2 sets of notebook dividers, depending on the size of your family
                      • 4. A few blank pieces of copy paper
                      • 5. Blue or black pen
                      • 6. Black permanent marker
                      • 7. White Label, or white paper and tape
                      • 8. Important documents
                      •  

                        CONNECT

                        If you have found value in this episode, I invite you to share it with someone else who may benefit from "Simple Homemaking for Christian Women". And, if you leave me a review in Apple Podcasts, I'll know how to serve you better. 

                         

                        18 min
                      • 12 // 5 Truths About the Proverbs 31 Woman and Why Trying Harder Doesn't Equal Greater Faith

                        Have you ever thought that you were a far cry from the famous Proverbs 31 Woman?

                        Have you ever read that famous chapter and told yourself you weren't going to eat the bread of idleness and you were going to consider a field and buy it--and then were disappointed in yourself because you didn't follow through?

                        Have you seriously considered how the Proverbs 31 Woman did all those things in managing her home when you can barely get through the day doing laundry and running after children?

                        Haven't. We. All. :)

                         

                        Today, I'm sharing with you 5 Truths About the Proverbs 31 Woman and Why Trying Harder Doesn't Equal Greater Faith.

                         

                        In this episode, you'll hear:

                        • the actual scripture of Proverbs 31 read aloud
                        • the backstory of the words describing the virtuous woman
                        • a new take on the behavior of this famous woman
                        •  

                          • 5 Truths About the Proverbs 31 Woman
                            • Truth #1: The Proverbs 31 Woman founded her life on the fear of the LORD.
                            • Truth #2: The Proverbs 31 Woman was wise and kind.
                            • Truth #3: The Proverbs 31 Woman was clothed with strength and honor.
                            • Truth #4: The Proverbs 31 Woman was not afraid.
                            • Truth #5: The Proverbs 31 Woman worked willingly with her hands.
                            •  

                              • 5 Truths About the Proverbs 31 Woman Personalized for Us 
                                • Truth #1: The foundation of my life is my reverence for the LORD.
                                • Truth #2: Because I have the Spirit in me through Jesus and I ask, I have wisdom and kindness.
                                • Truth #3: Because I have the Spirit in me through Jesus and I choose to be trustworthy, I am clothed with strength and honor.
                                • Truth #4: Because I have the Spirit in me through Jesus, and I have prepared, I am not afraid.
                                • Truth #5: Because I have the Spirit in me through Jesus, and I am thankful, I work willingly with my hands.
                                •  

                                  REFERENCES

                                  Proverbs 31

                                  1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

                                  2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

                                  3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

                                  4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

                                  5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

                                  6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.

                                  7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

                                  8 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.

                                  9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

                                  10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

                                  11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

                                  12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

                                  13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

                                  14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

                                  15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

                                  16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

                                  17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

                                  18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good; her candle goeth not out by night.

                                  19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

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

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

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

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

                                  24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

                                  25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

                                  26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

                                  27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

                                  28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

                                  29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

                                  30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

                                  31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

                                   

                                  I Corinthians 1:24. But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

                                  James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not: and it shall be given him.

                                  Galatians 5:22-23 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance, against such there is no law.

                                  Colossians 3:12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. 

                                  Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them.Are ye not much better than they?

                                   

                                  CONNECT

                                  If you have found value in this episode, I invite you to share it with someone who can also benefit from "Simple Homemaking for Christian Women". And, if you'd like to let me know how I can better serve you, please leave a review in Apple podcasts.

                                   

                                   

                                  22 min
                                • 11 // Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Clear the Clutter on the Floor So Your Family Can Walk Safely

                                  Have you ever tossed something on the floor when you've come in from somewhere and thought "I'll put that away later"?

                                  Have you ever looked around, wondered where to put that stack of papers that's cluttering your desk, and dropped the entire stack on the floor?

                                  Have you ever stumbled over something because you didn't see it--on the floor?

                                  Well, you aren't alone, my friend. Sometimes, the things we do within the walls of our own home aren't always things we are proud of, and today is one of those days where we address something that perhaps not many of us would like to admit: the things we put on the floor.

                                  Nonetheless, come on in. Let's talk.

                                   

                                  References

                                  Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

                                   

                                  Connect

                                  If you've enjoyed today's episode, I invite you to share it with someone else who may benefit from "Simple Homemaking for Christian Women". And, if you'd like to let me know how this episode has applied to you, I invite you to leave me a review on Apple podcasts.

                                  16 min
                                • 10 // 5 Reasons to Stop Comparing Yourself as a SAHM to a Working Mom So You Can Enjoy Your Family Again

                                  Have you ever been in a situation where you see something that someone else had accomplished, and you wished it had been you?

                                  Have you ever seen someone do something successfully that you have been attempting to do for months and haven't been able to do?

                                  Have you ever wanted to do something so badly it brings you to tears, and you feel ashamed that it has had that effect on you?

                                  Well, come on in, sister! This episode is for you.

                                   

                                  Today we deal with comparison, specifically when a stay-at-home mom compares herself and her lifestyle to that of a working mother.

                                   

                                  You'll hear about:

                                  • a woman who was startling frank about the reality of her life
                                  • why comparison is a thief
                                  • 6 areas of comparison between a working mom and a SAHM
                                  • 5 reasons to stop comparing yourself to a working mother
                                  • the scripture passage that shows us how to move forward into the unknown
                                  • We all have areas in our lives where we compare ourselves to someone else. But let's not stay there. Let's address this malady of comparison head on.

                                     

                                    Resources

                                    Proverbs 3:5-6

                                          5  Trust in the LORD with all think heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

                                          6  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

                                     

                                    Connecting with You

                                    If this episode has been helpful, I invite you to share it with someone else who may benefit from "Simple Homemaking for Christian Women". And, if you would like me to know how I can better serve you, I invite you to leave a review at Apple Podcasts.

                                     

                                    17 min
                                  • 09 // If You're Sick of the Visual Chaos, It's Time to Focus on Your Unique Personality to Create Some Quiet Hygge in the Room

                                    Have you ever looked at one of your rooms--or an area in one of those rooms--and simply turned your head and looked the other way? 

                                    Have you ever mentally "dismissed" that pile of something-or-other in the corner just because you don't want to look at it?

                                    Do you just scan a room and unconsciously drift away from the areas that seem to be in turmoil and out of order?

                                    If you have, then today's episode is just for you.

                                     

                                    Today you'll hear about:

                                    • hygge--what it is and how to achieve it
                                    • 1 trap for homemakers to avoid
                                    • 2 definitions of chaos
                                    • 3 questions to ask yourself 
                                    • how to apply those answers to your own home to create hygge
                                    • We all desire to have our homes comfortable, quiet, and cozy, but often we don't know just what to do to make that happen. Today's episode will start you in the right direction.

                                      Welcome!

                                       

                                      References

                                       

                                      Websters 1828 Dictionary: WebstersDictionary1828.com

                                       

                                      Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

                                       

                                      This Is My Father's World

                                      https://youtu.be/NwqTvmpnKeE?si=Q1rrp-0SrdXAqMZU

                                       

                                      Connect

                                      I invite you to share this episode with someone who would like to know more about Simple Homemaking. And, to help me know more about how I can serve you better, please leave a review on Apple podcasts. 

                                       

                                      21 min
                                    • 08 // Overwhelmed with a Mountain of Laundry? 4 Homemaking Tips to Move the Mountain Every Single Week

                                      Have you ever turned around and wondered where in the world has all that laundry come from?

                                      Have you asked yourself, "How will I ever get all those dirty clothes washed?

                                      Do you get tired of washing, drying, and putting away clothes endlessly or, if you do finish, you get discouraged because, in just a few days, you must do it all over again?

                                      Yep! Me, too. 

                                      However, through the years, I discovered a few tips to help streamline the entire process of gathering, sorting, washing, drying, and putting away all the clothes, sheets, and towels.

                                      Come with me while I share with you:

                                      • a brief history of wash day in America
                                      • 4 tips to simplify "doing the laundry"
                                      • 2 benefits of completing all the laundry in one day
                                      • new ways of thinking about assigning the washing
                                      • a few examples of innovative ways to re-think traditional supplies
                                      • We will all want to wear clean clothes, of course, so we may as well learn to be creative in getting them that way! Instead of being a dreaded chore, "doing the wash" can be one way we serve our families, putting it in the category of "good works that were planned for us before the world began".

                                        Here's to moving that mountain of laundry!

                                         

                                        References:

                                        Thieves Soap by Young Living

                                        The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

                                        Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

                                        Revelation 3:5. He that overcometh the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.

                                         

                                        Next Steps

                                        If this episode encouraged you, please consider sharing it with other Christian women who may benefit from "Simple Homemaking for Christian Women"?

                                        Also, I invite you to leave me a review on Apple Podcasts to let me know how I can better serve you.

                                         

                                        21 min
                                      • 07 // Waking Up Dreading the Day? 3 Unexpected Faith-Based Mindset Shifts for the SAHM Part 2

                                        Have you ever just started to wake up--you know the time when you're coming out of sleep and your eyes aren't even open yet?--and, before you can stop them, the thoughts come rolling in.

                                        "I'm already behind!"

                                        "What am I going to do wrong today?"

                                        "Why can't I get a handle on all this?"

                                         

                                        If you have, this episode is for you.

                                         

                                        Today, I briefly review Part 1 of "3 Unexpected Faith-Based Mindset Shifts for the SAHM":

                                             #1. REALIZE when condemnation hits.

                                             #2. RECOGNIZE that, for the believer, condemnation is from the enemy.

                                             #3. REFUSE to compare yourself.

                                         

                                        You'll also hear about:

                                        • 3 mindset shifts that will help you deal practically with that morning condemnation
                                        • what to think about instead of listening to the whisperings of the enemy
                                        • making definite decisions regarding your thoughts
                                        • a specific script suggesting what to say to the enemy
                                        • thoughts from two men who also have experienced "the morning dread"
                                        • No more, my friends, do we have to wake up dreading the day. Starting right now, leet's move into tomorrow knowing we are loved, equipped, and prepared to face the day the Lord has made for us.

                                           

                                          16 min

                                        About Simple Homemaking for Christian Women - Proverbs 31 Woman, Homemaker, Hygge, SAHM, Decluttering

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