March 2026 – of windowsills and breezy hills

What better time to celebrate new life than Easter? The power in Jesus’ resurrection is proof He’s living and real! No other religion could do the miracle of raising the dead to life and then living forever! Every spring, new life unfolds all around us, little reminders of His resurrection!

I had quite a number of new subscribers since my last post. In regards to that, I belatedly updated a couple things on my About page. One of which was a new link to the book of my cancer story. My apologies to those who may have clicked and saw it was outdated. Welcome, and thank you for being here! It’s my prayer that you will find content that encourages and blesses your life.

Ahhh Springtime! It thrills my heart how the sun waits to say goodnight for a couple hours longer, begging us to stay outside. Chirpy birds, greening grass and budding trees, who could say there is no God?!

Let’s chat about our kitchen tables. Obviously it’s a place for nourishing meals and interaction with families and friends. But aside from meals, what does our table look like? A flat, central surface will attract clutter sure as pies attract flies. And it’s ok. We need a place to put things. But who enjoys a constant disarray, where it needs cleared before every meal? If you don’t know where to start cleaning up, just clear the table. A clean kitchen table with a pretty centerpiece can give you courage when the rest of your house is crumbling. Daily resetting/clearing this surface will help combat the piles that (almost) magically appear.

I had fun playing around with a variety of centerpieces and shooting photos, to hopefully give you some inspiration. I know how fun it is to see other’s ideas, so feel free to send me your own inspirations! There’s countless options and ideas one could use for a nod to the season. With Easter coming up this weekend, why not celebrate with a beautiful bouquet for your table? Here are a few ideas:

Obviously any spring blooms are a win! Daffodils, tulips or lilies all speak Spring/ Easter. But the arrangement of colors and type of vase or vessel you put them in can make a huge difference in the appearance. Take a look at these centerpieces.

A glass vase or jar is classic, but I’ve learned, if you avoid clear ones, you won’t see the yucky looking water that happens after a couple days. Using a watering can as a vase lends to spring, though I will say it wasn’t exactly my style. I think a cuter watering can would make a difference, but this is what I use for watering my houseplants. If vintage tea cups are your style, that would make a cute vase as well, paired with a small stack of old books. Adding candles always adds coziness, but I don’t use them as much in spring or summer.

Scattering a variety of mini vases with singular blooms down the center of the table gives a unique twist. I’ll admit, I didn’t like my try at this, but it gives you the idea. I liked the mini vases on the wooden tray better. I loved the pottery with baby’s breath and white bird. It’s neutral, easy on the eyes and gives peaceful vibes. The pottery with tulips also struck me. Mini fresh plants grouped on a wooden cutting board or tray is also pretty, though it nods more to summer, in my opinion. Adding in small birds or real looking bird eggs in a nest is also cute! I stay away from bunnies and colored eggs because it has nothing to do with the true meaning of Easter.

A variety of table cloths or runners totally change things up. I don’t use tablecloths anymore except for company. Its cozy, but it feels a mite stuffy for me. The plaid runner is the only one I have, which I use occasionally. But I think that’s why I didn’t like a couple of the centerpieces because the runner didn’t jibe and looked too busy. An earth toned runner might look better with my brown vases.

This option here was my favorite which I kept on the table.

I had loaned out some vases for an event last week, and my friend graciously said I could keep the flowers that were in them. So that’s what I used in these pictures.

We are probably behind many of you in our growing season and don’t have any blooms yet. We moved from southern Indiana to Nebraska 8 years ago. Every spring I think longingly of the large patch of daffodils we left behind at our place there. They grew along the field, offspring of an old homestead. I could pick to my heart’s content, scattering bouquets through the house. Here’s a picture of Josie and me in that patch.

Shop your house, for trays, baskets, pitchers, pottery, or wooden bowls or cutting boards. (yes your house. You don’t need to go visit the store.) You can create a fresh look by pulling something out that you hadn’t used in a long while. A bowl with fresh lemons or red apples looks cheerful. Greenery and sprigs or apple/cherry blossoms stuck in pottery is lovely! I still remember one spring I was so ‘hungry’ for freshness in my house, I cut a bunch of greening sprigs along the edge of the woods and stuck it in jars, with decorative rocks in the bottom. When my husband came home, he laughed and says ”that’s weeds!” Weeds or not, it was pretty to me!

If you like keeping things like salt and pepper and napkins on the table, consider corralling all those little items in one large tray or basket, along with your pretty centerpiece. It helps tone it down to look like one item instead of 5 little things that tend to clutter.

A resurrection garden would also be a perfect Easter centerpiece. It’s something I’ve wanted to do with my children but have never yet managed it. Every year we make these super simple resurrection rolls which they always love.

And now for a fun springish kind of recipe! This Taco dip is very light and perfect for a Sunday night supper or maybe an outdoor party. It requires some prepping of ingredients which can be done ahead of time. It doesn’t take long to assemble and can be refrigerated for a couple hours. You can also add a layer of canned beans such as chili, black or pinto, for more protein.

We really like the Better Goods brand of chips, particularly the guacamole flavored ones. They’re lightly fried in avocado oil and have cleaner ingredients. Available at Walmart.

As homemakers, we get the privilege of decorating our homes and creating spaces to our likening. (And if you don’t enjoy home decor, its ok! It doesn’t mean your not a good homemaker. Please don’t think I’m trying to tell you to get your act together and pretty up your house.) Much more important than any decor is the ability we have to set the atmosphere in our homes, for peace or tension. We’ve probably all heard the convicting statement “if Momma ain’t happy ain’t nobody happy!” Some days we can barely keep our own boat afloat. Any flailing of youngsters or husbands in the wrong direction flip us over in turbulent waters of hormones. Often, motherhood doesn’t look like photos in parenting magazines. It’s more like running a marathon, exhausted and wondering how we can keep going one more day. And that’s exactly how God teaches us dependence on Him. We can’t keep going without Him to give us strength for one more step! And how grateful I am for God’s mercy and unending love, that’s not based on our performance level. When our children crunch on our last nerve and we messed up again! We ask forgiveness and trust God for better tomorrows.

Love your family! Create moments to celebrate Easter and new life this season!

Our church typically has a week of revival meetings in March, which is happening next week Lord willing.

How can we as moms simplify for a more enjoyable week? Don’t we all know how hectic it can be?! Especially if you have little tykes and school children. And when we get frustrated, the whole family gets disorderd moods. I certainly don’t have this down pat. The week still wears me out from the aspect of going away and getting to bed later every night. But here’s some practical tips for revival survival.

● Stay Home

Not from church, but through the day. Don’t go away more than absolutely necessary. Avoid appointments or other obligations this week if at all possible. If you really need groceries, and don’t already do this, consider doing pick-up. (We’ve done this on a regular basis now for a few years. It saves multitudes of time and energy for this often weary mother.)

Staying home gives more time for keeping the house tidy, your routines in place, naps on schedule, and focusing on preparation for the evening.

● Prepare Simple Suppers

Either cook extra the week before and tuck in the freezer or plan very easy meals that require minimal prep and clean-up. Or plan crockpot meals if that’s your style. Along with this, I’m planning to use paper plates because an offspring of ours capsized on the door of the dishwasher and ruined it the other day. You’re not wasteful if you use paper products even if your dishwasher works. You’re being efficient by simplifying for the necessary Bread of Life.

● Simplify Breakfast And Lunches

This might not apply to you, but when there’s school involved the morning after the night before, its super helpful to have quick breakfasts without much mess! I make it a point to keep at least 2 or 3 breakfast options in the freezer. This school year I have been doing this on a regular basis. This is huge for cutting down on stress for me. We generally have the same thing each week on the designated day. And I definitely want easy options when there’s a busy week!

As for lunches, I’m planning to bake a pizza early in the week for easy packing. Purchase pizza pockets if you’d rather. Or pot pies. Or make wraps. Just be prepared by having a little stash to pull out for simple lunches. Putting forethought into action is key to eliminating frazzled mornings.

● Do The Basics

This is not the week to undergo spring cleaning, major outside work, sewing projects or decluttering closets. I don’t plan anything other than the basics of cooking, laundry and cleaning. If I find time to do a little extra here or there, that’s fine. But it’s perfectly fine to do nothing else except care for your family and yourself! Take the extra time to sip your tea and relax instead of rushing on to another project. Take a nap if you can. Sit and do nothing for 15 minutes. No phone or magazine browsing. No reading. This might sound scary but its an awesome habit to cultivate on a regular basis. Productivity is not our identity. Not to speak of how much more rested our minds and bodies feel when we do this. (A work in progress over here!)

● Pack Your Diaper Bag

Every morning, check your bag and restock and prepare it for the evening. This is one less thing to do during that time crunch before rushing out the door. It won’t hurt your purse’s feelings to sit neglected for hours until the service.

● Prepare Clothes And Shoes

Especially if you have a row of preschoolers, bathe them in the afternoon before naps. And they really don’t need a bath everyday. Unless they’re a heavy spitter sort of baby or have been in the mud all afternoon. Have their clothes set out or hung aside in the closet. This makes it easier not only for you, but also when Dad or an older sibling is dressing them. And a side note, I may be old fashioned here, but don’t hesitate to hang up and re-wear clothes, for littles or yourself. If they’re not visibly dirty or smelly of course. I mean, we shower, use deodorant, sit in pews in regulated air for an hour and a half. Does every garment really need washed?

● Prepare Yourself Early

I find it helpful to shower late afternoon as well as do my hair. Having myself basically ready well before supper is a huge help. After dishes, it doesn’t take long to slip in my Sunday dress and covering. This sure beats blasting through the shower 15 minutes before its time to leave.

● Children’s Chores

Have the children do their chores as early as possible, to avoid adding to last minute rush. Also, have them wash up lunchbox and supper prep dishes, before supper. This makes clean up afterwards a breeze.

● Give Yourself Margin

A big key to eliminate a stressful week is to give yourself lots of margin. Keep your days relaxed and the unexpected won’t be as quick to trigger high blood pressure episodes.

Aim to have everyone ready to leave 10 minutes prior to departure time. Again, this gives margin for the unexpected. If there’s no unexpected, sit in your chair and congratulate yourself. Honestly, sitting for even 5 minutes before heading to church really does help achieve that calm atmosphere.

● Hosting The Preacher

Typically we have a sign up sheet to have the speaker over for a meal. This takes considerable effort for moms to juggle along with the rest of our responsibilities, but it’s a blessing to share physical food with the one who studies and prepares spiritual food for us every evening. Again- keep it simple! Prepare food the day before hosting to alleviate last minute frazzles. There’s enough to do with adding the finishing touches to the meal. Having the main dishes ready to slide in the oven long before necessary, majorly cuts down on stress. Your fridge will not be offended for hosting a casserole dish or two for an extra 24 hours. Plus, you have time to wash up cooking dishes without being in a tizzy.

My old faithful menu for preachers is taco salad. I think every one of them has always commented how good it was and how nice to have a lighter meal, after all the big meals they are typically served. Although there’s nothing wrong with serving the preacher a hearty meal. Just don’t stress it.

Keeping the house relatively tidy and giving the bathroom a quick ‘wipe swipe’, is likely enough. This is where the beauty of regular cleaning comes in. When you don’t let it get completely awful, you can skimp on the busy days, allowing more time for food prep, unexpected interruptions or other necessities the day of hosting.

● Prepare Your Heart

This should be at the top of the list, but because I was on the practical side of things, it’s listed here. We can’t expect to race through the day, pack our brains to the brim with constant activity, spin through the shower, roar off to church and expect to get revived. More than likely we’ll be nodding to sleep instead of the message. I realize with little ones, our days are still often full and noisy. I’m not talking about that. But be intentional to not plan anything else, so you can find quiet moments. Spend time praying for the speaker, the audience and especially your own heart. Ask God to show you whatever you need. Speaking to myself here. Sit in silence and muse over the previous night’s message. God speaks in a still small voice that we’re likely to miss if we don’t quiet our minds and hearts.

● Give Yourself Grace

These tips are just suggestions. My intention is not to make anyone feel guilty or inadequate for not doing them. You might run on the fly better than I. Things come up or are on the agenda that are unavoidable. And if you’re not able to make it to church on time, give yourself grace there too. God understands. Accidents happen. It’s when it becomes habitual is where the true problem lies.

And incase you wonder, my taco salad is nothing famous. Simply fix taco meat, (I add beans to it) and prep all the fixings. Shredded lettuce, diced or cherry tomatoes, shredded cheese, corn chips or crushed tortilla chips and homemade French dressing. Have the meat warm. Just before sitting down to eat, I mix everything in a large bowl and drizzle with dressing. Toss to combine and serve immediately. This pairs well with a side of biscuits and jam and sweet tea. And yes, I’m partial to Southern vibes!

What are your tips to simplify during a week of meetings? I’d love to know.

Month: March 2026

Chasing Spring Blossoms

Revival Survival