As the name of my blog indicates, I spend a lot of time thinking about home. Of course, my Heavenly Home is the one that is eternal, so that’s where I need to lay up my treasures, and that’s the one I’m striving for. But in the meantime, I have been given this tiny piece of the here-and-now—this home on the edge of town, this family, this neighborhood—in which to serve Him. And, though this is in the earthly realm, I want the things that happen here to be investments in the Heavenly realm.




Monday, April 23, 2018

Monday Musings




I have a few more thoughts to share in my series on aging, but those will wait. Instead, this Monday I'd like to have a little chat with you. It's been a while. 

About this time last year, I wrote this: 

Life is so full at this stage of the game. When I was a young mom, I thought that life would get simpler as my babies and toddlers grew up, and in some ways it has. But each season of life has its own kind of busyness and its own limitations. So here I am, homeschooling a high schooler, grandmother of ten, coordinator of house projects, hostess, blogger, daughter, wife. Yes, life is full. 

I could say it all again. Life is full. It might even be fuller. (Is that a word? ~smile~) 




On Saturday, we girls went to a barn sale and came home with a few treasures. My favorite find was this folk art wall cabinet. I hope it's not "Kountry-with-a-K" (the girls' name for 80's country), but even if it is, I love it. (Buy what you love, right?) And I think it gives the kitchen a needed bit of color. 





While we were out gallivanting, Ron was hard at work in the kitchen. He made some changes around the window above the kitchen sink and installed some recessed lights. A few weeks ago, he put in a range hood. New counter tops and sink are on the horizon now. (Hopefully in May. Possibly in the summer. Exciting!) Then we'll paint the cabinets on the north wall and that will complete that side of the room. I'll show you some "befores" and "afters" when the painting is done. (It is so hard to take good pictures around a window. I'll do my best.) 






Kati was hosting a game party on Sunday evening, so Ron and I took the afternoon and evening to have a date! Middle-age dates include coffee, plant shopping, looking at kitchen sinks, a steak dinner, more plant shopping, more coffee, and lots of conversation about big things and little things. (I like middle-age dates!)





Last week brought several opportunities to gather with friends. Life is busy, but when these opportunities arise, I try to make time. Of course, I am older and do not have little ones who depend on me, so my time is more flexible. When my children were young, my gatherings were often with moms and their children, or occasionally an evening outing when Ron was home for the children. But friendships change as our life circumstances change.

The crux of the matter is that people matter! And I am not being entirely altruistic here. I am needy. I thrive on the interaction and encouragement and fellowship of my friends.

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Galations 6:2

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. 
Romans 12: 10-13

Therefore, comfort one another and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
I Thessalonians 5:11


"Back door friends are best."



We are approaching the end of another school year.

Every year is different. Because every child is different and every year's circumstances are different and, honestly, even though all of my children have had the same teacher (me!), I am different and our family dynamics are different from year to year.

So, yes. This year has been different from any other year. Maybe I'll write a long, rambling post about Bekah's junior year (not now; this post has rambled enough!) or maybe not. But I can assure you that music had been an important part!

Tonight, Pineapple House is the setting for Bekah's second piano recital as a teacher! She has five students now: her nieces Eve and Nora, her nephew Peter and two others. Our living room/dining room will be full and our hearts will be full as we share in their beautiful music! Excitement is high!





Today marks two years since we moved into Pineapple House! (How can it have been that long already?) Sometimes, I marvel that we are not at The Farmhouse. I always thought that we'd be there for the rest of our lives. But we're not, and it is good for so many reasons! We continue to be grateful for this wonderful home, the Lord's provision for our family! 



I am delighted that you stopped by for a visit here at Thinking About Home! How do you feel about friendship? Do you have a friend who encourages you in your walk with the Lord? Do you think it's important to be that friend?


29 comments:

  1. I am smiling to think of your home filled with music tonight.

    I do like the primitive cupboard...no klunker there. ☺️

    Friends...love them! Must. make. playdate.

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    1. Love to know that you were smiling at the music! It was a splendid evening. I was so proud of the piano players, and so proud of their teacher! :)

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  2. How wonderful to hold the recital in the Pineapple House! Congratulations to Bekah and the students who I'm sure have worked very hard.
    The darling folk art cabinet looks right at home in your kitchen. I can see why you love it.
    Yes, I do have a very special friend that surrounds me with the love of the Lord. I hope he would say the same of me. ♥












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    1. He is a wonderful friend who surrounds you with the love of the Lord!

      The recital was lovely and all of the students played so well!

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  3. What a good post! Middle aged dates are great! So much good stuff going on at the Pineapple House!

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    1. Thank you, Deanna! Sometimes you just need to chat, you know? :)

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  4. Life is all about change and growth and nothing ever stays the same. That’s the way it is and you have embraced and welcomed the changes. I’m so happy for your home that was filled with music and life tonight. You have such an amazing life and I love reading about it! Thank you for sharing it with us!

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    1. You are so right, Linda! Nothing ever stays the same. The only way to live is to just keep accepting and adapting.

      I am very blessed, friend! Not that there aren't hard things, but He is faithful!

      Thanks for stopping by tonight. Heading your way now . . .

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  5. It is always inspiring to visit you Cheryl. To see your lovely home and read about and see your great family events. Tonight's recital will be fun for all. I was in one or two piano recitals as a young girl and was very nervous!

    I love the country piece you found, whether it's 80's or not, it fits so well with your style and decor.

    Hard to believe you've been in Pineapple House for two years now. Ron has done a great job on so many projects.

    Keep enjoying your 'dates'.

    Friendships are priceless.

    Have a lovely week ~ FlowerLady

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    1. Thanks for sharing all of your kind words, Lorraine! The recital was lovely; the students all did such a wonderful job and I was so proud of the teacher too!

      It's crazy how quickly two years can go by . . .

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  6. I so agree about friendships. Since we have moved multiple times, I have not had an "anchor friend" (as I would call it). I have looked for the common bond and reached out to make friends wherever I find myself. Sometimes I'm wistful for that lifelong friend...to b around someone who has known me at every stage of life. But mostly, I find myself in a sort of awe at the multiple relationships that I have enjoyed -- many of which I've resumed in a different way thanks to technology.

    I like the cohesiveness of your decorating style. The country piece DOES fit right it, it seems to me.

    May Pineapple House continue to evolve and function as a place of great fellowship, offering stability, hope and joy to family, friends, and all others who enter. ♥

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    1. I would guess that living in multiple places would create a challenge to lasting friendships. Like you say though, technology makes connections possible in today's world that would not have been possible a few years ago.

      Thank you for that house blessing! That is my prayer too!

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  7. Your little cupboard is so attractive, I like Folk Art. I'm sure the recital was a joy.Can't believe that it is 2 years since you moved in, how quickly time goes.

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    1. I am drawn to folk art! I had picked up a basket I liked at the sale, but on my way to pay I saw the little cupboard and there was no decision to be made. :)

      It is amazing, isn't it . . . how time speeds by?

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  8. Cute little art! It would be a great challenge to shift things from one place to another. Time moves out so fast:)

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    1. Thank you, Weekend-Windup! If the phrase "shifting things" refers to moving, I wholeheartedly agree. It is hard! I would love to think that we will never move again. (Even so, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that." James 4:15)

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  9. Love the little cupboard and it looks great in your kitchen. You have a good eye. I agree with you on friendship, and so important that we build into each other's life by encouragement, prayer, and being there for each other. To me friends are the great value in life, not material things. I feel so blessed to still be close and in touch with my very first friend--when we were newborns in the church nursery!

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    1. Thank you, Dotsie!

      That is a great story and a certainly a blessing . . . to have a lifelong (literally) friend!

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  10. Love the little cupboard and soon that kitchen will be just the way you want it. That's exciting. Sounds like your house is ready to be filled with beautiful music, too. Yes, I do think it's important to have that friend and to be that friend, too. Happy week to you!

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    1. We are taking "baby steps" in the kitchen, but I am okay with that. Gone are the days when I wanted to do All the Things at once. These days, I want all projects to be cleaned up by the end of the day. :)

      A happy week to you too! I have been thinking about you and all of your changes!

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  11. Two years goes by in a flash! Your home is pretty and welcoming. How exciting to have a piano recital with your daughter as the teacher. Friends are important, and middle-age dates, too! Yours sounds much like ours!

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    1. Thank you, Lorrie! It was so enjoyable! (I was referring to the piano recital, but it could also reply to the gatherings with friends and the middle-age date!) :)

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  12. Cheryl, every time I see photos of your cozy home, I just want to curl up in a corner and take it all in...and what a wonderful setting for a recital. Your newly acquired "kountry kabinet" (LOL) is adorable! Whether it begins with a "k" or a "c", it look perfect in your kitchen. It really is hard to believe how time goes by so much more quickly than when we were younger...I can hardly believe it has been two years already. I do agree, friendship is truly a wonderful gift from God...it is just as important to be a great one as it is to have a great one.

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    1. Debby, if you ever come to Maryland, you must come by and cozy up! We'd find much to talk about, don't you think? Haha . . . love your name for the cabinet! :D

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  13. Oh Cheryl, I love the folk art cabinet. It's perfect in your kitchen! The recital at Pineapple House sounds just wonderful. You have made that place into such a cozy and welcoming home. Friends are so important and enrich our lives. I only wish that I can be that friend that makes life full. Can't wait to see your before and after kitchen shots. I'm still waiting for a few finishing touches on mine as well.

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    1. Thank you for your kind words, Rosella! The kitchen updates are moving slowly. There is just never enough time! But slow is okay with me these days. :) I'm looking forward to seeing your finished product too!

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  14. pineapple house!!! too cute! :D happy two years! and you're a grandmother of 10?! that's AMAZING.

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    1. Thanks so much! :)
      Sometimes, we are amazed that we are old enough to have ten grandchildren (time gets away from you!), but oh, the delight!

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  15. I love middle aged dates too! We had one last night. It involved bird watching, knitting and fishing. 😁

    I can't believe it's been two years since you have moved! We need to get together soon . I will email you.

    Love, Heather

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