We embraced an unseasonably hot July with renewal and cherished moments in our household. This past month has been a month of nourishing, nurturing, and creating beauty in our home. With encouragement, I invite you to journey alongside my moments as a guide to cultivating your sanctuary of peace and purpose.
A Home That Nourishes
Seasonal Food: A Bounty of Nourishment
In our desire to nourish our bodies and souls, we love the richness of seasonal foods. This year, we were blessed to join a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program run by dear friends. Each week was a treasure chest of vibrant, fresh produce. There's something profoundly satisfying about knowing the source of your food and tasting the sunshine captured in a freshly picked tomato or the earthy goodness of root vegetables.
Our garden became another source of joy, offering its gifts of tomatoes and green beans. Together, these locally grown foods were on our table nightly paired with local pastured meat to give us fulfilling July meals:
- Breakfasts were simple: beef and cheese egg casseroles, fried eggs paired with avocado, and refreshing milk kefir smoothies made with frozen fruit. Occasionally, we indulged in sweet treats crafted from freshly milled flour that my daughter baked.
- Lunches consisted of leftovers, ensuring that our midday meals were convenient, or our favorite chocolate smoothie and a quick sandwich.
- Dinners brought us out on the back deck around the grill, savoring chicken thighs, perfectly seared burgers, and steaks. On busy days, I pulled out the crock pot for delicious roasts slow-cooked in grass-fed butter. Taco nights with mounds of fresh toppings, all complemented by our locally grown harvests, were prepared weekly as a simple, delicious staple meal.
1000 Hours Outside: Embracing Nature's Nourishment
As part of our commitment to nourishment, not just of the body but of the spirit, we spent ample time outdoors. Our goal was to get away from screens and enjoy nature, inspired by the 1000 Hours Outside community. This movement, which encourages families to spend more time in nature, resonated with us, and we set a goal to spend up to 3 hours outside daily. July provided abundant opportunities as we had a cookout with family, a beautiful outdoor tea party studying herbs, a couple hikes with friends through beautiful landscapes and dry riverbeds. We also found the simple joys in our backyard—riding bikes, tending to the garden, and swaying gently in my favorite hammock—left us feeling refreshed and renewed. These routines remind us that nourishment transcends food, nurturing the soul with creation.
A Home That Nurtures
Celebrating Life's Moments: Our Daughter's 12th Birthday
Creating a nurturing home involves cherishing milestones, big and small. Our daughter turned 12 this July, and we crafted a day full of love and laughter. The rare opportunity of having everyone home from work allowed us to enjoy a family lunch at a local restaurant followed by leisurely shopping. The day concluded with a special meal at home, a celebration wrapped in the warmth of family togetherness and gratitude for the gift of our daughter.
Embracing New Rhythms: Our Homeschool Routine
We embarked on a new homeschool year, welcoming back the rhythm and structure it provides. With three school-aged children in Kindergarten, 4th grade, and 6th grade, our chosen curriculum reflects our values and aims to nurture their minds and spirits. Our favorites include All About Reading, All About Spelling, Simply Charlotte Mason's History, Bible, and Geography, Science, and Math-U-See. These resources act as guides, enabling us to foster a love for learning and the pursuit of wisdom within our home. Our homeschool routine is not just about academic education, but also about instilling values, fostering curiosity, and nurturing a love for knowledge.
Opening Our Doors: A Heart of Hospitality
In the spirit of nurturing relationships, we opened our home on Shabbat to friends, celebrating Yahweh's goodness through worship, fellowship, and shared meals. These gatherings are reminders of the importance of community, the joy of shared stories, and the beauty of lives intertwined through divine purpose.
A Home That Creates Beauty
Traditions and Transformations: Camping Adventures
Creating beauty in our home happens through traditions that draw us closer as a family. This July, we ventured outdoors for a camping trip with friends. Camping provides an opportunity to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with nature and each other. It leaves us renewed and encouraged, armed with new memories and a refreshed spirit.
Sabbath Rest: The Cornerstone of Our Week
Sabbath rest is a cornerstone in creating a beautiful home life. Throughout July, we experienced a variety of Sabbaths—some quietly observed at home, others celebrated with larger gatherings, and those shared with intimate friends. Each one offered a unique tapestry of rest, reflection, and fellowship, reinforcing our week with shalom.
Aromatic Serenity: The Beauty of Diffusing
In our endeavors to weave beauty into our daily lives, diffusing essential oils adds an aromatic layer of coziness to our home. My favorite blends this month have included Simplified by Jacob + Kait™ Water Lily™ Essential Oil Blend. The fragrance is so beautiful and refreshing for summertime.
Literary Enrichment: A Culture of Books
Books have a way of capturing beauty and turning it into words on a page. I'm so inspired to read about others' journeys and look for ways to learn continually. This month, my reading list included thought-provoking titles such as "
Hung By the Tongue - a challenge to carefully select the words that we say to ourselves and the people around us. A common theme for my life this year.
Prison to Praise - An excellent life-changing book that brought me to tears and repentance.
Lucy Winchester - Based on the life of Lucy Winchester, a heart-wrenching story of bravery, heartache, and faith.
Your Next Conversation - Wonderful book if you'd love to be challenged on how to handle various conversations while pursuing peace with those around you.
Each book offered its insights and inspirations, providing both beauty and wisdom for the journey.
July has been a tapestry of nourishment, nurturing, and beauty within our home. As I reflect on the moments shared with family, friends, and Yahweh's creation, I am filled with gratitude and purpose. I hope that our journey sparks inspiration in you as you cultivate a home where peace and purpose thrive. May your days ahead be filled with the abundance that nourishes, the warmth that nurtures, and the beauty that transforms.
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Thanks for dropping by today! I hope you found encouragement for building a peaceful home. If you know another mom who might benefit from what you've learned here today, be sure to share this post with her!
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