According to gardening experts, the difference between an attractive plant and one that is floursing is dependent to a bit of early season pruning. Often called heading back or pinching, pruning a budding plant before it blooms can increase flower growth by making the plant produce more branches. Budding plants can be cut back multiple times during the growing season or pruned again after blooming to encourage a new flush of flowers.
Read MoreMaking A House A Home
GETTING BACK ON TRACK
A new year stretches before you with the opportunity filled with the potential to deepen your relationship with your heavenly Father and to increase your ability to fulfill the special plan He has just for you! You are more likely to fulfill that plan if you are spiritually and physically fit. How are you beginning the new year? Are you approaching it with a solid understanding of the nutritional requirements necessary for spiritual and physical vitality or are you randomly starting it without a deliberate dietary plan?
Read MoreCREATING A SPIRITUAL HEALTH SPA IN YOUR HOME
When I lived in Southern California I enjoyed visiting a lusciously landscaped outdoor health spa. I only visited it in the summer when the plants were at their peak of their beauty and the gentle sunshine created the perfect climatic conditions. I always returned home refreshed and revitalized. Though I recall with joy those few leisurely days they were an exception to my normal lifestyle. Knowing how refreshed I returned from the spa days I seek to daily revitalize myself in my home by creating a spiritual health spa. It is simple and low budget!
Read MoreIS YOUR HOME PROPELLED BY ADRENALIN OR SPIRITUAL VITALITY?
Does adrenalin or spiritual vitality propel your household management?Do you plan your tasks so they can be done “decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40) or do you rely on adrenalin to motivate your attention to them?
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OF RODENTS AND RESTING
The neighborhood cat came for her usual visit on the evening my friend and I returned from a brief San Diego vacation. As she bounded through the front door, rather than making her normal fast trip to the kitchen, she paused at the tea cart, placed both front paws on the serving tray, and began to gently bat the lace runner. Unusual behavior, I mused, until I realized that the lace was moving. The cat had discovered that a mouse was hiding on the tray. It had managed to sneak into the house as we were unloading luggage.
Read MoreIS FORGIVENESS PRACTICED IN YOUR HOME?
Aunt Joan isn’t attending the family reunion this summer because last year she was offended by a remark John made about her “famous deviled eggs.” After moving to her son-in-law and daughter’s home and funding the construction of her own granny flat Ellen moved out four years later. The root cause of both scenarios? The failure to grant the principle of unending forgiveness taught in Matthew 18:21-35 and Luke 17:3-4.
Read MoreSAVOR THE SEASON OF LOVE BY CHOOSING TO DETONATE DISCOURAGEMENT
February ushers in the commencement of the holiday season focused on expressing love. Billed as the “season of love” the days spanning February 1 to February 14 can be delightful or disappointing.Statistics suggest that when disappointment settles in Satan’s fiery dart of discouragement embeds itself in our hearts.Choosing to detonate discouragement during the “season for love” poises us for a Christ-centered celebration!
Read MoreTHE CORNERSTONE OF A HAPPY HOME . . . A GENTLE AND QUIET SPIRIT
A recurring question that the women I talk with have is, “What is the most important ingredient for a happy home?” I am amazed that they anticipate a deep theological or intricate management strategy to come forth from my lips. However, my response is generally something like, “the key ingredient, regardless of your marital status to a happy home, is found in 1 Peter 3:4—we are to do whatever is necessary to cultivate ‘the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.’” Gentle is actually ‘meek or humble’ and quiet describes the character of her action and reaction of her husband and life in general. Such is precious not only to her husband, but also to God.”(1) Extensive bible or management strategy study may yield solid facts. However, the information gleaned is only cold, hard facts if a “gentle and quiet spirit” is not the cornerstone of their application.
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NEEDED . . . NUTRIENTS FOR MULTI-TASKING
A new year is upon you filled with numerous opportunities to deepen your relationship with your heavenly Father and to increase your ability to fulfill the special plan He has just for you! You have a better opportunity to fulfill that plan if you are spiritually and physically fit. How are you beginning your this new year—are you approaching it with a solid understanding of the nutritional requirements necessary for spiritual and physical vitality or are you randomly starting it without a deliberate dietary plan?
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