by Texas Homesteader ~
Relationships require tender loving care to stay strong. RancherMan & I are 25+ years in love, y’all. It makes us smile that so many people (including complete strangers) comment that we must be newlyweds.
But like any relationship, it doesn’t just grow on its own. We take steps to keep it strong, we make sure to find time for each other.
by Texas Homesteader ~
It’s all the rage now: Voluntary Simplicity. I guess like most things, it probably means different things to different people.
Not an EASIER life, but a more simple life. A slowing down. Living more deliberately.
by Texas Homesteader~
I know several people that are struggling financially right now. Some because they went a little overboard with personal purchases I guess. But some are struggling due to circumstances completely unforeseen & out of their control.
Maybe they find themselves with a large unexpected medical bill. Or maybe they’re laid off, either temporarily or permanently. And BOOM! Financial adjustments must be made sooner rather than later.
Of course families are varied and the journey to a more secure financial future will be different based on each family’s circumstances.
by Texas Homesteader ~
Easter celebrations may look a little different this year. But celebrate where you are! Go ahead & let the kids hunt Easter eggs in the back yard, or even in the house like we used to do when the kids were little and rain hampered an outdoors celebration.
Attend your favorite church service online and praise the Lord! Celebrating shouldn’t be a gathering this year, but it certainly can and should still be CELEBRATING!
Gatherings may be canceled, but Easter has certainly not been canceled!
For all my Christian friends – what a glorious day today is.
Happy EASTER.
~TxH~
by Texas Homesteader ~
This Covid-19 thing has people nervous, scared. Their whole world has changed. In our area people had been requested to stay home from work. Some were struggling to home-school their children, necessities were hard to find in the grocery store.
Anxiety is high. So high in fact that there are news reports of children suffering extreme abuse due to the stresses their parents were feeling about all that’s going on.
Child abuse cases are up. Domestic violence cases are up. Stress is high.
So y’all, be sure to recognize your own stress, or stresses experienced by your family members.
Do what you can to bring joy into your life. Get outside when you can and feel sunshine on your face. Putter in the garden. Serve lunch picnic style in your backyard or even your living room floor.
Turn on the music and have dance contests with your kids. Open the windows at home and let in some sunshine. 
Get dressed in the morning, don’t just languish in your pj’s. Play a game together as a family – laughter is the best medicine.
I don’t have all the answers y’all. But I do feel those same stresses of uncertainty just as all of you do, so I understand.
Love & peace to all.
~TxH~
If you’re having trouble finding basics in the store, here are a few helpful links:
In our area earlier this year, shelter-at-home had been ordered for all but essential reasons. Many people were feeling the pressure of being stuck at home for an extended length of time.
If shelter-at-home is ordered in your area, it’s an effort to stem the tide of new infections. If not for yourself, then please, please, PLEASE stay home for the sake of those whom you love!
by Texas Homesteader ~
In my family we have a tradition. It’s one that brings comfort again & again. We each have a small cross that we keep with us.
The ladies in my family keep it in the lipstick pocket of their jeans. When things get tough in life, we can reach into that pocket, feel that cross and know this comfort:
by Texas Homesteader ~
Most mornings RancherMan & I engage in what I consider to be an intense conversation about any number of hot-button social topics.
In the past these topics have included religion, law, politics, elections, etc. (groan…)
Thankfully most of the other’s thoughts are met with an energetic nod and the words “Exactly!”.
So we’re typically on the same page but WHEW! Intensity sometimes reigns at during these conversations!
But a recent topic? Life’s regrets.
by Texas Homesteader ~
Thank you Lord for food to nourish me, a warm bed for rest, and the love of family to warm my heart. From our family to yours – Happy Thanksgiving!
~TxH~