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My first son graduates tonight. The poem says the rest... ♥ And no one told me And no one told me how lonely they would be, those nights of nursing, soothing, rocking my newborn son. How back-bent and wearying, as I nodded, nodded, fed him to sleep. How those numbing nights could make me love him more than before. And no one told me how my smile lines would form, Those days of cuddling, teaching, nurturing my growing son. How heaven-sent and freeing, as I walked, walked his hand in mine. How days collecting special sticks could thrill me as they did him. And no one told me how fast the day would come, these days of cheering, watching, releasing my now grown son. How heart-sore and dizzying as I opened, opened my fist-tight hand. How I’d never stop looking for the smile he’d give me, My son, the man. © Avonlea Q Krueger Happy Little Sigh ♥ . . . #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #boymom #lettinggo #youllalwaysbemybaby #mothersofboys #raisingarrows #homeschooler #homeschoolfamily #homeschoolmom #poetry #poetsofig #poetsofinstagram #classof2024 #mothersofsons #homemaking #homemaker #authoravonleaqkrueger #sahm #proverbs31woman #glamiscastle #scotland #motherhood #hiohomeschoolmoms #momlife #senior

📖 Laura: The life of Laura Ingalls Wilder By: Donald Zochert From a little house set deep in the Big Woods of Wisconsin, across Indian territory and into the Dakotas, Laura's family moved westward right along the frontier. Their true-life saga, beloved by countless millions of TV viewers and readers of the bestselling Little House books, is one of spirit and devotion in the face of bitter-cold winters, wilderness trails, and heartbreaking personal tragedy. Here, for the first time, and drawing on her own unpublished memoirs is the endlessly fascinating full account of Laura's life -- from her earliest years through her enduring marriage to Almanzo Wilder, the "farmer boy" of her stories. Have you read it??? Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #lauraingallswilder #donaldzochert #lauraingalls #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #vintagebooks #homemaking #homemakingtips

📖 Marmee. Even her name brings a smile. Almost saintly, isn't she? What a surprise when she says to Jo, “I’ve been angry almost every day of my life.” Marmee angry? We can hardly believe. And yet she admits, "We all have our temptations . . . and it often takes us our lives to conquer them. You think your temper is the worst in the world; mine used to be just like it." So Marmee has her faults, too. But she says to Jo, not that everyone gets angry, so take out your anger any little way you please. But, we may get angry and yet not explode. Get angry and not hurt others. Get angry and remain calm. All this, even when it does not come so natural-like to us. But it takes practice. "I've been trying to cure it for forty years, and have only succeeded in controlling it . . . try with heart and soul to master this quick temper before it brings you greater sorrow and regret." Marmee does not pretend to be perfect, even though her daughters might think her almost so! I am sure that had she lost her temper again, Marmee would have been quick to apologize. She admits her failings, and yet gives her girls hope that with practice, and patience, and God's help, we can change and become more like the Lord. She also does not lose her patience when her girls make mistakes. This might be most convicting of all! A spilled glass jar of honey, dropped oozing and shattered on the floor. A room left disheveled. A cheeky reply. How easy it is to respond to our children's failings and sin with our own frustrations instead of gentle guidance. How can we seek to be more like Marmee? Do we admit our failings to our children when we are wrong? When they are wrong, do we explode? Or do we seek to gently guide them in the right way? Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #marmee #littlewomen #louisamayalcott #womenofliterature #motherofliterature #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #proverbs31 #bookaesthetic #proverbs31woman #anneofgreengables #avonlea #housewife #homemaker #homeschoolmom #hiphomeschoolmoms #sahm #homemaking #homestead #bookworm #bookish #bookstagram #mothersday #happymothersday #momofig #cleanreads #books

📖 A LESSON FROM MARMEE . . . "�I have a better friend, even than Father, to comfort and sustain me. My child, the troubles and temptations of your life are beginning and may be many, but you can overcome and outlive them all if you learn to feel the strength and tenderness of your Heavenly Father as you do that of your earthly one. The more you love and trust Him, the nearer you will feel to Him, and the less you will depend on human power and wisdom. His love and care never tire or change, can never be taken from you, but may become the source of lifelong peace, happiness, and strength. Believe this heartily, and go to God with all your little cares, and hopes, and sins, and sorrows, as freely and confidingly as you come to your mother.” If you find yourself worrying today, recall the only thing that truly matters cannot be taken from you--your eternal home with your Heavenly Father. Join me for lessons from bookish moms... 📖 Devotional 📖 Ambience video 📖 Movie + where to watch 📖 Book recommendation + MORE FREE! LINK IN BIO ⬆️ Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #marmee #littlewomen #louisamayalcott #marchfamily #jomarch #bookaesthetic #oldfashionedliving #traditional #conservative #tradwife #homeschoolmom #homeschoolmum #homeeducation #charlottemason #proverbs31 #proverbs31mom #sahm #bookmood #bookandtea #americanliterature #readtheclassics #perioddrama #costumedrama #sairseronan

📖 Have you seen every film adaptation of Jane Austen's Mansfield Park? Which is your favorite? What makes you prefer one film over another? In this case, I prefer the 1980s version because of its closeness to the book, although I appreciate aspects of the other versions, too! 2007 starring: Billie Piper (Fanny Price) Blake Ritson (Edmund Bertram) Hayley Atwell (Mary Crawford) Joseph Beattie (Henry Crawford) James D’Arcy (Tom Bertram) Michelle Ryan (Maria Bertram) Rory Kinnear (Rushworth) 1999 starring: Frances O’Connor (Fanny Price) Jonny Lee Miller (Edmund Bertram) Embeth Davidtz (Mary Crawford) Alessandro Nivola (Henry Crawford) James Purefoy (Tom Bertram) Victoria Hamilton (Maria Bertram) Hugh Bonneville (Mr. Rushworth) 1983 starring: Sylvestra Le Touzel (Fanny Price) Nicholas Farrell (Edmund Bertram) Jackie Smith-Wood (Mary Crawford) Robert Burbage (Henry Crawford) Christopher Villiers (Tom Bertram) Samantha Bond (Maria Bertram) Jonathan Stephens (Mr. Rushworth) BONUS!!! - A 2003 BBC radio drama starring: Felicity Jones (Fanny Price) Benedict Cumberbatch (Edmund Bertram) Susan Lynch (Mary Crawford) James Callis (Henry Crawford) David Tennant (Tom Bertram) Kate Fleetwood (Maria Bertram) Toby Jones (Rushworth) Tim Pigott-Smith (Sir Thomas Bertram) Julia McKenzie (Mrs. Norris) Amanda Root (Narrator) I'd love to hear your favorites! Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #mansfieldpark #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #janeausten #perioddrama #perioddramas #fannyprice #homemaking #homemaker #booktofilm #booktofilmadaptation

📖 WHY READ Northanger Abbey By: Jane Austen??? A different kind of Austen hero. Unlike the the reserved Mr. Darcy, the brooding Colonal Brandon, the good-hearted Captain Wentworth, or even the sympathetic Mr. Knightley, Mr. Tilney is friendly, laid-back, girl-friendly (he knows all about muslin and gowns!), witty, charming, and kind--although we find he is strong when he needs to be. But don't take my word for it, if you haven't read the book, DO! Or try the audiobook. I loved the version by Sister Cee on YouTube. Northanger Abbey tells the story of a young girl, Catherine Morland who leaves her sheltered, rural home to enter the busy, sophisticated world of Bath in the late 1790s. Austen observes with insight and humour the interaction between Catherine and the various characters whom she meets there, and tracks her growing understanding of the world about her. In this, her first full-length novel, Austen also fixes her sharp, ironic gaze on other kinds of contemporary novel, especially the Gothic school made famous by Ann Radcliffe. Catherine's reading becomes intertwined with her social and romantic adventures, adding to the uncertainties and embarrassments she must undergo before finding happiness. Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #happylittlesigh #janeausten #northangerabbey #penguinclassics #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #mrtilney #henrytilney #catherinemorland #bookaesthetic #bookaesthetics #bookasthetic #bookish #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #womanauthor #womanauthors #femaleauthors #proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #sahm #homemaker #homemaking #booksandtea #bookshelf #myread #sistercee #audiobook #audiobooknarrator #britlit

♥ Catherine Morland--heroine of Jane Austen's novel, Northanger Abbey. Eldest daughter, lover of long walks, and reader of gothic novels. Novels which don't get her into much trouble when at home with her family in the countryside--but which get her into deep trouble once she travels with family friends to Bath. Here, in new surroundings, her imagination is fueled by the inappropriate content of her reading material and the influence of bad companions. Eventually, she finds herself battling with thoughts she is ashamed of, dreams she is even more ashamed of, and ends up making assumptions that cause a rift between her and Henry, the man she is falling in love with. She has gotten so caught up in the ideas of these gothic novels, that she goes so far as to imagine Henry's father must have killed his mother, an idea that angers Henry and drives him from the house. What we read (and what we watch on TV or view on social media) matters. What we consume influences not only our thought life, but also shapes our choices and character. If a romantic movie, book, or social media feed gives you unrealistic ideas about your husband, makes you ungrateful for your home or wardrobe, creates envy for someone else's life, or causes you to sin in any way, put it down or turn it off. This doesn't mean we can't learn from the things we read or watch--maybe the feelings of dissatisfaction with our marriage or home will inspire us to start working on something that needs our attention--but we must be wise. Thankfully, Catherine learns that "it is possible to read too many novels" and does a lot of growing up! In the end of the 2007 adaptation, we see her burning the book that put so many harmful ideas into her head. I hope we can grow in discernment with the media we consume, too. "Fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable." -Philippians 4:8 GNT� Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #happylittlesigh #homemaking #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #northangerabbey #janeausten #catheringmorland #proverbs31 #sahm #Homemaker #proverbs31woman #bookaesthetic

❤️ Words that benefit. How often do we choose what we say based on this? Sitting beside my husband in the dark on our way home from dinner out, our conversation turned to a situation involving people we both knew. I had felt let down by someone's behavior and wanted very much to blurt out their failures. My lips parted. How good it would feel to share in our mutual disapproval of that someone. How good to show my husband why he should think less of them. But why? What would it benefit either of us to dwell on the failings of another? I closed my lips again. Pressed them together. Held those words in. The urge would pass, I knew, if I held them in long enough. It did pass. And now I cannot even remember what that thing was about that other person that irritated me so much. I'm so glad. On that night, I kept my husband's thoughts from sinking low. I kept him from thinking negatively about another person--negative thoughts which would have benefited no one... In Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen, Elinor is the sister that embodies sense. It is she--not her emotions--that governs her spirit. She also governs her tongue. Even when her heart is broken at the discovery that Edward, the man she loves, is secretly engaged to the artful Lucy Steele, she keeps her emotions--and her words--in check. It would have been natural for her to share her dislike of Lucy with her mother or sister, Marianne. After all, Lucy intentionally seeks out Elinor's confidence in an attempt to keep her from Edward... Continues in comments ⬇️ Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #senseandsensability #janeausten #elinordashwood #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #homemaking #bookasthetics #bookshelf #bookish #authoravonleaqkrueger #bookasthetic #homemaker #ephesians #homstead #proverbs31woman

Have you seen EVERY adaptation of Emma? Which was your favorite and why? 1. Emma 2020 Anya Taylor-Joy (Emma Woodhouse) Johnny Flynn (George Knightley) 2. Emma 2009 Romola Garai (Emma Woodhouse) Jonny Lee Miller (Mr. Knightley) 3. Emma 1996 Kate Beckinsale (Emma Woodhouse) Mark Strong (Mr. Knightley) 4. Emma 1996 Gwyneth Paltrow (Emma Woodhouse) Jeremy Northam (Mr. Knightley) 5. Emma 1972 Doran Godwin (Emma Woodhouse) John Carson (Mr. Knightley) Share your favorite adaptation below! Join me for 📖 AUSTEN APRIL! 📖 A month of ambience videos, devotionals, movie adaptations, audio books, fun regency era facts and all things based on Pride and Prejudice and Jane Austen's other fabulous works. Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #Emma #janeausten #janeaustensemma #booktomovie #booktomovieadaptation #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #lessonsfromliterature #homemaking #homemaker #homestead #homemakingtips #homeschoolmom #sahm #housewife #proverbs31 #homeschooling #homeschoolfam #morningtips #morningdevos #bookstagram #emmawoodhouse #mrknightley #johnnyflynn #perioddramas

WHY READ 📖 Emma By: Jane Austen ? It's Austen's funniest work! From the prattling Miss Bates, to the ridiculous Mrs. Elton, to the comedies of errors that occur from all Emma's ill-fated match-making, this book has plenty to chuckle over along with the romance. Confession: Until recently, I had only ever watched various film adaptations of Emma. I had always considered either Sense & Sensibility or Pride & Prejudice to be my favorite Austen stories (and they were the only two I had actually read). But after having listened to the audio book of Emma, I felt that it should move to the number two spot above Sense & Sensibility, and that it even rivaled P&P! Along with being romantic, witty, and cleverly written, I believe this is Austen's funniest book. Austen's development of the characters in Emma, and all the twists of turns of plot and emotion are absolutely brilliant. I love Emma's cozy world of Hartflield, and how we journey with her in both self-discovery and in finding her true love. Never read Emma? Here's Amazon's description . . . "Jane Austen teased readers with the idea of a 'heroine whom no one but myself will much like', but Emma is irresistible. 'Handsome, clever, and rich', Emma is also an 'imaginist', 'on fire with speculation and foresight'. She sees the signs of romance all around her, but thinks she will never be married. Her matchmaking maps out relationships that Jane Austen ironically tweaks into a clearer perspective. Judgement and imagination are matched in games the reader too can enjoy, and the end is a triumph of understanding." Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #emma #janeausten #mrknightley #prideandprejudice #senseandsensibility #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #homemaking #homemaker #homestead #sahm #housewife #bookstagram #readtheclassics #britlit #booksandtea #bookstagrammer #cleanread #romantic #finechina #oldfashioned #oldfashionedlife #theoldways #booknerd #bookish

📖 I was twenty-one. American. And it showed. I cringe, to think how I must have appeared to the posh family of the university friend I was visiting in Kent, England. I didn't ride horses, or know a thing about cricket, and I caught the look of disdain when I explained what my parents did for a living (we didn't even know if we were in line for the throne, after all, when they knew they were 75th). It sounds preposterous, but I've felt it here in America, too. I’ve felt it here, standing in a church. The belittlement from another woman—a mama like me—as she looked me up and down to see what I was wearing, or kept one eye over my shoulder as we spoke, in case someone cooler came along. It’s not only in Jane Austen’s England that people treat others better if they think they’ll help them in their climb up the social ladder. And it’s not hard to think how Elizabeth must have felt, when in his marriage proposal Mr. Darcy brought up her low family connections. No wonder he was refused (though he tried to explain himself in his letter)! Sometimes, in remembering my own experiences, I feel a wave of doubt over my own self-worth. But mostly I feel sad for those who have given into prejudice. Oh, what richness of friendship they have missed by choosing only to associate with the rich, young, and popular! Some of my sweetest friendships have been with the elderly, or those who might at first glance seem unstylish, boring, or uncool. As Elizabeth learned, you can't judge someone at first glance (she did marry Darcy in the end, after all!). "show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory." -James 2:1 ESV "Dear Lord, help me never be the cause of another woman doubting her self worth. Help me love everyone as you love them, and remember that sometimes the sweetest and wisest friends appear in the most unexpected places. Amen." Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . #mrdarcy #elizabethbennet #prideandprejudice #janeausten #janeaustenquotes #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #momdevotional #proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #sahm #homemaking #homemaker #booklover #booksandtea #bookstagram #book

Let me hear Thy lovingkindness in the morning; For I trust in Thee. Teach me the way in which I should walk; For to Thee I lift up my soul. - Psalm 143:8 Learn to love mornings ☀️ & grow in faith . . . Bookish Devotionals for Busy Moms 📖 Link in bio FREE ⬆️ Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ❤ . . . #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #morningdevotional #morningdevo #proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #sahm #housewife #homemaker #homemaking #homeaschoolmum #homeschool #homestead #firstlight #homeschoolmom #homeschooling #hiphomeschoolmoms #raisingboys #biblicalwomanhood #biblicalfemininity #homemakingtips #morningtips

📖 O Pioneers! By: Willa Cather The first of Cather’s renowned prairie novels, O Pioneers! established a new voice in American literature—turning the stories of ordinary Midwesterners and immigrants into authentic literary characters. O Pioneers! was Willa Cather’s first great novel, and to many it remains her unchallenged masterpiece. No other work of fiction so faithfully conveys both the sharp physical realities and the mythic sweep of the transformation of the American frontier—and the transformation of the people who settled it. Cather’s heroine is Alexandra Bergson, who arrives on the wind-blasted prairie of Hanover, Nebraska, as a girl and grows up to make it a prosperous farm. But this archetypal success story is darkened by loss, and Alexandra’s devotion to the land may come at the cost of love itself. Sophisticated yet pastoral O Pioneers! is a work in which triumph is inextricably enmeshed with tragedy, a story of people who do not claim a land so much as they submit to it and, in the process, become greater than they were. The title is a reference to a poem by Walt Whitman entitled "Pioneers! O Pioneers!" from Leaves of Grass. * Willa Cather was not afraid to show the tragedies that faced Americans as settlers and humans. While there are also love stories woven throughout, the love that shines brightest seems to be the love of the land. Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #willacather #opioneers #americanfiction #pioneers #americanpioneers #americanwomenauthors #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #hallmark #hallmarkmovies #homestead #homesteading #homesteader #homemaking #homemaker #sahm #farmer #farmerswife #oklahoma

Learn to love mornings ☀️ & Grow in faith . . . Bookish Devotionals for Busy Moms 📖 Link in bio - FREE ⬆️ Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #chspurgeon #spurgeonquotes #spurgeonquote #charleshaddonspurgeon #authoravonleaqkrueger #morningdevotional #morningdevo #momdevo #homeschoolmom #homeschoolfamilylife #proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #morningquiettime #morningtips #homeschoolmum #homeschoolmom

♥ NOTES ON HOMEMAKING - "Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.'" -Proverbs 31:28-29 We've been looking at a heavy topic lately! Womanhood. The home. Our calling . . . Today, let's think of the homes--whether our own as we grew up, our grandparents', or the home of a friend--that felt most home-y. That have left us with a lingering sense of peace, and love, and nurturing. A sense that seemed to come not just from the hugs we received, but from the very porches we sat on, the cookies we ate, the mugs of tea pressed into our hands. Was this a home where a woman was present? Whether she was a godly woman or not, what did this woman do to convey that sense of love, nurturing, and peace? Did she put care into making her home feel cozy and inviting (whether is was especially clean and stylish or not). Did she feed you a special meal? Make sure you were warm and comfortable? Did she look into your eyes and listen when you talked? Mrs. Cleaver from the 1950s-60s TV show, Leave it to Beaver, is one of the best-loved American TV moms. Why is that? I have read criticism about the show being too picture-perfect, or how mother June Cleaver puts unrealistic expectations on women with all her cookie making and vacuuming in high heels. We talked before about the dangers of idolizing a particular time in history, when we know that every era had its problems. But what I see when I watch this show is a mom who was there. Who was there to feel foreheads to check for a fever, to ensure that homework was done, to give instructions in good manners, to make the home clean and comfortable, to listen to her sons' deepest joys and fears about their days, to feed her family a healthy, delightful meal, to give snacks to her sons and their friends... CONT IN COMMENTS ⤵ HAPPY LITTLE SIGH HOMEMAKING INSPIRATION FROM LITERATURE ♥ #junecleaver #leaveittobeaver #homemaking #homemaker #homemakingtips #homestead #sahm #housewife #bluecollarwife #proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #homeschoolmom #biblicalfemininity #feminine #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #tradwife #homeschooler #homeschoolmom #home

♥ NOTES ON FEMININITY - "Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it." -Matthew 10:39 NIV If women's role in the home is so vital to the Great Commission, and so important to the spiritual health of the family, then we have to understand that Satan and his workers of evil are going to try hard to prevent and undo that good work. They will lie to and distract women with everything they've got! For over a hundred years, feminism has been working its way into every corner of society (what we hear, read, watch, learn) so that we can have unbiblical views about womanhood without even realizing it. I, too, am still trying to untangle truth from lies. It is difficult, when the message that rings the loudest is that in order for a woman to be her fullest, best self, she needs to do it out there. Out in the world, giving her all to some company, or making as much money as possible, or finding fame. She needs to put herself first, and follow her heart. Not only that, but if she chooses to make child-raising and homemaking her full time career, she's wasting her life. She should act a little ashamed when she admits that she's a homemaker or housewife. She should see that going to college was a waste of time and money. Some women feel pressured, and may say something like, "Well, I am planning to go back to work once the children are older," as if she will be getting back to the important stuff then. But let's go back . . . CONTINUED IN COMMENTS ⬇️ Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #thewaltons #feminism #femininity #homemaking #homemaker #homemakingtips #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #sahm #stayathomemom #homeschoolmom #homeschoolmum #housewife #proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #vintage #tradwife #homeschooler #raisingarrows #thegreatcommision #biblicalfemininity #

♥ NOTES ON PERSPECTIVE - Oh, Anne! Anne with an "e." What a knack she had for imagining things to be different from how the average person viewed them. The Avenue became to her "The White Way of Delight." Barry's Pond became "The Lake of Shining Waters." A spot in the woods became "Violet Vale." True, at times she let that wild imagination of hers create dramas and tragedies where there were none. Her red hair was seen as the greatest curst a person could receive, and Gilbert Blythe, who dared to call her "carrots," was turned into the greatest villain. But usually it was through rose-colored glasses that she saw the world. I think we would do well to do more of the same. Oh, not to stuff down issues that need attending and pretend they're not there. Not to lie to ourselves or others about the importance of our responsibilities, or the gravity of a situation. Not to be irresponsible, or to make light of sin. But to look for the goodness and beauty that is all around us and that we so often miss. How often are we are too preoccupied with the "problems" in a situation that we miss the blessings? Why not, instead of complaining about the cold, let ourselves feel in awe of the beauty of the sun shining through snow-laden trees? Why not, instead of feeling grumpy about all the housework we have to do, imagine ourselves as a 1950's housewife or Victorian mother, and throw ourselves into that role?  CONTINUED IN COMMENTS ⬇️ Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #anneofgreengables #aogg #lmmontgomery #lucymaudmontgomery #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #morningtips #proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #tradwife #sahm #femininity #homemaking #homemakingtips #homemaker #homeschoolmom #homeschoolmum #homeschoollife

Yesterday we had sunshine, but today is grey. Sometimes our moods and outlook can mirror the sky. In the cold and grey, our hearts can feel cold and our spirits dampened. We can have less motivation, less hope for the future. Mornings this time of year can be particularly hard. Cold.🥶. Dark. 🌑 Getting out of bed can be the worst time of day. It's easy to convince ourselves that another hour in bed won't hurt. Maybe it's just what we need. Or maybe we'll regret it later that afternoon when we realize we don't have enough time for what we wanted to do that day because of the extra time in bed. It's a balance, I have found, between gracing ourselves and pushing ourselves to stick to a routine even when we don't feel like it. I used to dread the late winter months. Used to hate early mornings. That has changed. I have learned to savor. I have learned to look for and rejoice in the smallest twinkle of light. I have learned that God's light shines brightest when we are sitting in the dark. Want to learn to love mornings? Want to find a candle🕯️ waiting in the dark? Join me . . . Bookish Devotionals for Busy Moms 📖 Link in bio FREE ⬆️ Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #tseliot #morning #morningtips #homeschoolmom #homeschoolhouse #homeschoolmum #homeschooling #homeschoolfam #sahm #proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #avonleaqkrueger #happylittlesigh #authoravonleaqkrueger #homemaker #homemaking #homemakingtips #home #biblicalfemininity #homeschoolfamilylife #homestead #jesusisthelightoftheworld #housewife

♥ NOTES ON HOMEMAKING - The Great Commission was given to all Christ followers. To men. And to women. When the Apostle Paul said that women should be "managers of their households" (Titus 2:5 BSB), he did not mean that we should be always shut up there, just making things pretty and cooking for a bit of comfort for the menfolk when they come home from their important work. Because A. being a manager of your household does not mean you will always be in your household. We can see from the Proverbs 31 Woman that she was sometimes out managing her business, helping the poor, and researching and purchasing food and items for the running of her household. Many people and systems were under her management, care, and influence. And also B. I believe we far, far underestimate the importance of being a home-maker. The importance of creating that refuge of warmth, beauty, nourishment, and education for our family and any guests who pass through our doors. Not only that, but our home in our base, our stronghold as we take part in the Great Commission.  "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." -Matthew 28:19 BSB CONTINUED IN COMMENTS ⬇️ . . . #homeaschoolmum #homestead #littlewomen #shakespeare #happylittlesigh #homemaking #homemaker #keepersofthehome #keepersathome #raisingarrows #homemakingtips #proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #thegreatcommision #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleqkrueger #homeschoollife #homrschoolmom #homeschoolfam #homeschool #sahm #housewife #homesweethome

♥ NOTES ON JANUARY- For years, I saw January and February as virtual prison sentences. I just couldn't stand the cold, dark days. I remember looking at photos of palm trees on a tropical beach, a little ache in my heart, as I counted the days till spring. All that has changed over the past few years. I made it my goal to learn to love early mornings (which I also used to loathe). As I worked on transforming my mental block toward the wee hours of the day, and began to enjoy them, I found myself discovering a particular kind of magic about these dark winter months. There is something special about rising in the dark--if you make it so. If you light a candle, and wear your thickest robe, and pour a hot drink. If you bask in the glow of the goodness of these things, and savor them, and use this time to pray. If you see the possibilities and wonder at being given a fresh start, a fresh year. If during the day, you look for the beauty of this season--for red cardinals in the snow, for the form of bare branches, for the sparkles found in icicles. “As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease." – Gen 8:22 Every Monday, I share a beautiful offering through Happy Little Sigh's Bookish Devotionals for Busy Moms - An ambience video to capture the beauty of the season (or some other beautiful place). A quote. A thought on God's word. A film you can look forward to. And off and on, a piece of music or other extra to light your way. Stay cozy! May your 2024 be blessed! "Dear Lord, thank you for another year of life. Thank you for the beauty you have crafted into every season. Help me to see the beauty, even on gloomy days. And help me use this year for beautiful things. Amen." Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #homemakingtips #raisingarrows #keepersofthehome #homemaking #homemaker #booksandtea #bookandtea #bookstagram #bookstagramauthor #christianfiction #christianhistoricalfiction #christianreader #christianwriter #bookish #booknerd #learntolovemornings #morningtips #winter #toeverythingthereisaseason #proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #grow

❤️ NOTES ON FEMININITY "He created them male and female and blessed them. And he named them “Mankind” when they were created." -Genesis 5:2 NIV The "Creation Mandate" given to the first people, Adam and Eve, was to subdue and fill and the earth (Genesis 1:28). God had first created Adam, but it was clear Adam could not fulfill this mandate on his own. He needed a woman, Eve, the wife God created for him. They would carry out God's directive--together. Neither one of them could do it without the other. Eve was not an afterthought, but essential to both the subduing and the filling of the earth. Another important thing to note is that God created two distinct beings--one male, and one female--who, together, were called mankind or human. The two were not interchangeable, either in their physical bodies or in the job they had to do. Each played their unique, important part. This was God's plan for humanity. Our identities, which includes our gender, is a sacred thing. We're created in the image of God. That has not changed today, though a small percentage of society is working hard to convince the rest of us that the terms "man" and "woman" are fluid. That being a woman is more a state of mind, a feeling, or a way of looking and acting. Sadly, in many cases they are succeeding, and people who need help dealing with trauma and confusion are instead further confused and encouraged to make life-altering changes, even going so far as to have healthy body parts surgically removed in an attempt to be their "true" selves and finally be at "peace" as the other gender.... Continued in comments ⬇️ Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #happylittlesigh #gkchesterton #bookstagram #cslewis #jrrtolkien #bookstagramer #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #biblicalfemininity #biblicalwomanhood #proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #momdevo #christianreader #christianwriter #christianfictionwriter #bookstagramauthor #homemaking #homemaker #homemakingtips #homestead #tradwife #1950shousewife #biblicalwomanhood #bookandtea

What is your favorite food scene in fiction? Why do you think feasts, picnics, teas, dinner parties, and breakfasts stick in our minds like they do? What does this tell us about the importance of the meals we make our families? Share your thoughts below! ⤵ Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ❤ . . . #prideandprejudice #thewindinthewillows #anneofgreengables #Emma #janeaustensemma #littlehouseontheprairie #littlehouseinthebigwoods #mrcollins #thehobbit #jrrtolkien #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #Homestead #homemaking #homemaker #homemakingtips #homesweethome #homeschoolmom #proverbs31 #titus2woman #proverbs31woman #morningdevos #1950shousewife #sahm #housewife #greatestcareer

♥ NOTES ON THE NEW YEAR - If you have chosen a Word of the Year (see last post) to help you focus in your walk with God in 2023, why not choose a verse to go with it? A VERSE of the year. You could use a Bible concordance to search your word and choose a verse that corresponds to it, or find one that encourages and helps you focus your mind on an area where you feel convicted or want to grow. The above verse has been my running "verse of the year" for a few years, now. It's a prayer I often say in the morning, whisper under my breath during the day, or say right before I go to sleep. Your verse might be concerning your children, spouse, gentleness, prayer, or any other area you feel God leading you to grow in your faith. Write your verse on a sticky note where you'll see it often, and in your morning prayer journal. You could even get a cute frame for it.! It's not simply the words, but the heart behind it that God hears and cares about. How do you think focusing on one area for an entire year might help you grow? "Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths." - Psalm 25:4 "Dear Lord, I want to grow in my walk with you. Please show me where I need to grow, and help me. Amen." Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #annebronte #thetenantofwildfellhall #perioddrama #britishperioddramas #perioddramafan #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #momdevo #devotional #sahm #christianhistoricalfiction #christianreader #christianwriter #bookstagramauthor #bookstagram #cleanromance #wordoftheyear #verseoftheyear #homemaker #homemaking #homemakingtips #homeschoolfam #hokeschoolhouse #homeschoolmum #homeschool #bronte #homeachoolmom #homeschoolmum #housewife #proverbs31

♥ NOTES ON THE NEW YEAR "Now, you women, hear the word of the LORD; open your ears to the words of his mouth." -Jeremiah 9:20 The last few years have brought us the trend of choosing a "word of the year." A word meant to inspire us when we think of it, and that represents what direction we want our life to go over the next twelve months. People choose words like balance, shine, brave, or whole. Having a particular word posted around your home might help, if it encourages you to make choices that help your life go in the direction you think it should. But what if we chose a word that was taken from God's Word. A word that represents an area where we feel God urging us to surrender more deeply and grow in our relationship with Him. A word like "Rejoice," reminding us to give thanks for our salvation and our many daily blessings. Or "Grace," reminding us both of God's grace to us, and the grace we should show others. Or "Pray," reminding us to turn our thoughts to God instead of letting them be consumed by worries or temptations. What could be your word of the year? Jot down a few in your journal. Pray over them, asking the Lord where He wants you to grow. “Dear Lord, thank You for another year of life. I truly want to live this year for You. Show me where I need to grow in obedience to Your Word and a closer walk with You. Amen.”     HAPPY LITTLE SIGH HOMEMAKING INSPIRATION FROM LITERATURE ♥ . . . #TSELIOT #happylttlesigh #wordoftheyear #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #homemaker #homemaking #homestead #raisingarrows #keepersofthehome #keepersathome #homemakingtips #sahm #stayathomemom #motherhood #verseoftheyear #homeschoolmummy #homeschoolmum #homeschoolmom #christianauthor #christianwriter #christianfiction #christianreader #bookstagram #bookstagramauthor #proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #biblicalfemininity

♥ NEW YEAR THOUGHTS... What were your deepest regrets from last year? What are your hopes for the one just beginning? How do you plan to make these changes happen? Let me just say, nothing is so lifechanging as a deeper understanding of and obedience to the Word of God! God's Word gets to the heart of the issue, the true reasons behind so many of our broken relationships, addictions, bad habits, poor time use, and more! If a relationship or situation in our lives isn't working well, God has something to say that will help us through and improve it! I have seen this so well in my own life. The biggest change I have seen from more time spent in God's word, and determination to surrender to Him no matter what, is a healthier thought life. I don't seem to struggle with the same temptations and discouragements that I used to! And we know that our thoughts lead to our words, which lead to our actions, which makes us what we are. I encourage you to make time with the Lord your highest priority this year! Cling to Him. Patiently work through the areas that need changing, which God will reveal to you through his Word. And as God reveals to us more of our own sin, He reveals Himself to be ever more beautiful and worthy in our sight "And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest." -Luke 8:15 NLT “Dear Lord, thank You for Your Word, which has such power to transform lives! Please help me make time with You a priority this year! Amen.”     Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #elizabethgaskell #northandsouth #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #homestead #homemaker #homemakingtips #sahm #tradwife #perioddramas #britishperioddramas #bookstagram #christianauthor #christianreader #proverbs31woman #proverbs31 #christianfiction #homeschoolmom #homeschoolhouse #charlotemasonhomeschool #biblicalfemininity #biblicalwomanhood #morningquiettime #morningdevotional #morningtips

How are you feeling about the New Year? Excited, with many ideas and plans for things you want to get done? Fearful, with many worries about money, or loved ones? Or perhaps you're feeling rather indifferent, with a mix of doubt and hope that this year will be any different than the others in the ways you'd like. If we're hopeful and excited, we may be setting some worth goals for the New Year with regards to our health, our homemaking, our marriage, our parenting, our work, or our friendships. All of these things can improve our lives and the lives of those within our circle of influence. We might also resolve to be more consistent with our Bible reading and prayer. But let's remember what God is most interested in--not the outward appearance, but our hearts. Have we resolved not just to read about God, or even to know God, but to please God with our thoughts and actions? Are we really trying to live for Him? If we're feeling fearful or indifferent, we should ask ourselves if we can say, "Thus far the LORD has helped us.” (1 Samuel 7:12). Has God been with us, keeping, guiding, and providing for us so far in our lives? If the answer is yes, which I believe it is, then we can know with certainty that He will continue to do the same this coming year and beyond. The Psalmist says to God, "You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me." (Psalm 139:5). God has one hand in front of us and one hand behind us. His hand is over us. And we will not be consumed (Lam 3:22). Even in death, we will not be consumed. So be at peace. You are going into a new year . . . and the God of the Universe is going with you! Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #lamentations #happylittlesigh #homemakinginspiration #newyear #newyeargoals #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #sahm #homemaker #homemaking #tradwife #housewife #homemakingtips #homeschoolmom #homeschoolhouse #proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #biblicalfemininity #bookstagram #christianwriter #gkchesterton #gkchestertonquote

🎬 DID YOU KNOW THAT MY BOOK, THE HOUSE ON CHERRY STREET 🍒 IS SET DURING WWII AT CHRISTMAS TIME? GET READY FOR A WEEK OF WWII CHRISTMAS FILMS!!! MOVIE PICK 6 /7 - MOLLY: AN AMERICAN GIRL ON THE HOME FRONT (2006) 1 hr 25 mins Rated - NR Molly is a girl living in the year 1943 and WWII has brought many changes to Molly's life. An English girl comes to live Molly's family to escape the bombings. They slowly become good friends. Based on several of the "Molly; An American Girl" books, this story is set in 1943 in the fictional town of Jefferson, Illinois during World War II. Molly McIntire and her family are learning to cope with the changes the war has brought to their close-knit family. Molly misses her father who went overseas to care for the wounded soldiers. Watch FREE on YouTube Rent - AppleTV, Vudu, Google, Amazon, YouTube Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #anamericangirl #americangirldoll #mollyanamericangirl #thepleasantcompany #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #lifeonthehomefront #wwllchristmasmovie #ww2movie #sahm #raisingarrows #keepersofthehome #tradwife #homemaker #homemaking #housewife #christianreader #christianwriter #bookstagramchristmas #bookstagram #mollyringwald

🦪 My Christmas Miracle - Some of you have heard the story--my long and continuing story--of losing valuable pieces of jewelry. One Christmas John gave me a set of three earrings that came in a jewelry box. Pearls, diamonds, and silver studs. After opening them, I immediately put on the silver studs. I never saw the diamonds or pearls again. I can only think that the box containing the earrings was thrown away with the Christmas paper. John eventually replaced both, and I promptly left the diamonds on the bedside table at a hotel. John replaced those . . . with a set of cubic zirconium! I still had the replacement pearls, and John had gotten me a pearl and diamond necklace to go with them. Then a few summers ago we stayed at my favorite cabin in Northern Michigan--rustic place beside a creek, with complimentary kayaks. Not wanting the necklace to tangle, I hung it from the cabin bedroom door. It wasn't till we were halfway home that I remembered doing that. I called the cabin office to ask about my necklace, but was told it had not been found. I have spent the last few years grieving over my carelessness, and about my now negative feelings toward my once favorite vacation spot, convinced that either the maid or the next occupants had taken my pearl and diamond necklace. ❤️ Continued in comments ⬇️ Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleakrueger #christmasmiracle #homemaking #homemaker #homestead #sahm #housewife #proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #raisingarrows #homemakingtips #keepersofthehome #homeschoolmom #homeschoolfam #homeschoolhouse #homeschool #homeschooling #pearlofgreatestprice

Yes, I believe it. 100%. I could not distract my children with candy canes and Christmas cookies. With twinkly lights on the tree. With new LEGO and fleeces, and all the tiny things I'll stuff into their stockings. No, I could not distract them as though this is all there is to live for. As if life is trinkets and plastic and fun and nothing. And I would not distract them if I could not point to more. If I could not tell them why, oh, why this is such a wonderful, wonderful time of the year! Because our God who keeps this old world spinning--that God!--cared enough to humble himself to become a baby. A baby, not a man. A baby in a stable, not a palace. A baby who would one day die in place of us. And why? Because He loves us. Each of us. So much. And that is more wonderful than words can express. And more than enough reason for this wonderful season. Happy Little Sigh Finding beauty in the everyday ❤ . . . . . #avonleaqkrueger #happylittlesigh #findingbeautyintheeveryday #jesusisthereasonfortheseason #keepchristinchristmas #advent

You made it! Another Christmas. Gifts were bought and wrapped, stockings were stuffed, bathrooms were cleaned, pictures were taken, food was prepared . . . Now take "the day after" to soak up the goodness, the blessings, the meaning of it all (and may that involve a book, hot drink, and cookies). Do you have a favorite holiday read? Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #jankaron #shepherdsabiding #mitford #athomeinmitford #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #christmasread #sahm #homemaker #homemaking #proverbs31woman #proverbs31 #tradwife

🎬 DID YOU KNOW THAT MY BOOK, THE HOUSE ON CHERRY STREET 🍒 IS SET DURING WWII AT CHRISTMAS TIME? GET READY FOR A WEEK OF WWII CHRISTMAS FILMS!!! MOVIE PICK 5 /7 - MY CHRISTMAS SOLDIER (2006) 37 mins Rated - G It's Christmas Eve in 1943; in a small Georgia town two young children await their father's return at the local train station as the adults around them whisper about the unspeakable atrocities committed by Axis forces. Eleven year-old Gordy (Aiden Rogers) and his sister Priscilla (Emily Jordan) can't quite make sense of the propaganda posters and hushed conversations, yet a profound sense of sadness and fear swells somewhere deep within both children. Later, when a train transporting German POWs pulls in to the station, Gordy manages to overcome his fear and tenuously approaches the prison car. There, he connects with a young German soldier named Hans (Silvio Busch). Gordy and Hans each face uncertain futures, but together on this crisp December evening they will both come to a common understanding about Peace on Earth and Goodwill Towards Men though the traditional Christmas song "Silent Night" Where to watch FREE on YouTube HAPPY LITTLE SIGH HOMEMAKING INSPIRATION FROM LITERATURE ♥ . . . #WW2 #WWII #WW2MOVIE #VINTAGECHRISTMASFILM #HAPPYLITTLESIGH #THEHOUSEONCHERRYSTREET #AVONLEAQKRUEGER

🎬 DID YOU KNOW THAT MY BOOK, THE HOUSE ON CHERRY STREET 🍒 IS SET AT CHRISTMAS TIME? GET READY FOR A WEEK OF WWII CHRISTMAS FILMS!!! MOVIE PICK 4/7 - IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946) 2 hours 10 mins Rated - PG George Bailey has so many problems he is thinking about ending it all - and it's Christmas! As the angels discuss George, we see his life in flashback. As George is about to jump from a bridge, he ends up rescuing his guardian angel, Clarence - who then shows George what his town would have looked like if it hadn't been for all his good deeds over the years--in other words, he lets him experience what the world would be like if he'd never been born. A powerful film, and in my opinion, one of the best ever made. Did you remember that WWII features in the film? Remember George's brother Harry was a war hero who saved many US servicemen. Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #itsawonderfullife # #jimmystewart #happylittlesigh #wwllmovies #ww2movies #christmasmovies #vintagechristmasmovie #avonleaqkrueger #homemaking #homeschoolmom #homeschool #homemaker

We're willing to look at the manger. We're willing to look at the cross. But are we willing to look at ourselves? This time of year is so busy! Baking, and crafting, and shopping, and recitals, and concerts. Gifts to wrap, cards to write--and let's not forget the normal cooking, cleaning, and homeschooling (that we might or might not have been doing this month 😂) that needs to get done. We can be so focused on our list, on making Christmas Day "magical" that we overlook not just the meaning of the season, but the reality of our personal need for Jesus' coming. We overlook our own sin. The grudge we're holding. The snappy way we've been speaking to others. The anxiety we're not letting go of. The pride we've let creep in. It's good to think on God's strength . . . but sometimes we need to remember His gentleness and humility. Coming to earth wasn't easy. Dying on the cross wasn't easy. But Christ followed the will of the Father. He humbled--not exalted--Himself for our sake. And can't we strive to do that, too? Can't we humble ourselves, and consider the needs of others? Can't we give a gentle answer, even when someone else says something thoughtless or unjust? It's hard, when we're tired, and overrun, and when we feel we are in the right. But do we really want to hold onto the sin for which Jesus died? "Dear Lord, I have sooo much to do right now. It's easy to ignore the way I have been treating others in my rush to get everything done. Help me be like you--humble and kind. Help me rest in Your love and give my burdens to You. Amen." *lyrics from Once in Royal David's City Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #onceinroyaldavidscity #christmashymn #christmascarol #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #homemaker #homemaking #keepersofthehome #jesusisthereasonfortheseason

🌲 Louisa May Alcott must have loved Christmas! Little Women begins with talk of Christmas, and she gave us this story collection too. In the first, Patty is happy when the Murray family chooses her from the orphanage, even when she finds that all they want is a servant, but at Christmas the family's Aunt Jane helps them realize what she really means to them, in a story originally donated to a "magazine" produced at home by four young girls. The Quiet Little Woman By: Louisa May Alcott 📖 Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #christmasbook #christmasread #louisamayalcott #thequietlittlewoman #littlewomen #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #americanfiction

🎬 DID YOU KNOW THAT MY BOOK, THE HOUSE ON CHERRY STREET 🍒 IS SET AT CHRISTMAS TIME? GET READY FOR A WEEK OF WWII CHRISTMAS FILMS!!! MOVIE PICK 3/7 - White Christmas (1954) 2 hours Rated - TVG Singers Bob Wallace (Bing Crosby) and Phil Davis (Danny Kaye) join sister act Betty (Rosemary Clooney) and Judy Haynes (Vera-Ellen) to perform a Christmas show in rural Vermont. There, they run into Gen. Waverly (Dean Jagger), the boys' commander in World War II, who, they learn, is having financial difficulties; his quaint country inn is failing. So what's the foursome to do but plan a yuletide miracle: a fun-filled musical extravaganza that's sure to put Waverly and his business in the black! Stream - Netflix Rent - Microsoft, Amazon, Google, AppleTV, YouTube, Google Play, Vudu, Redbox, DirectTV Buy - Amazon, Google, AppleTV, YouTube, Google Play, Redbox, Microsoft, Vudu, DirectTV #wwllchristmas #happylittlesigh #whitechristmas #bingcrosby #dannykaye #avonleaqkrueger #vintagechristmasmovie

🌲There isn't much color to the world, this time of year. Not here in the Midwestern USA. Corn fields have been cut down to rows of flat brown numbs. Trees are bare and brown. The sky is a thick dryer lint grey. Animals that usually scurry and frolic are tucked away in their holes. We don't see a lot of life. Put yourself out there for a moment, crossing one of those barren corn fields on foot. Imagine it's twilight, and a cold wind sweeps through. How cold and bleak it would be! But imagine you see a barn and a farmhouse ahead, with windows glowing bright. You finally reach it, your fingers and nose numb. Before going to the door, you pause a minute to survey the scene inside. There is a Christmas tree--green, and lit with Christmas lights. A fire leaps in the hearth. A family sits around it, drinking hot chocolate and eating popcorn. They are laughing and speaking with each other. Wouldn't you like to go in? Wouldn't you like to leave the cold and grey of the world outside and be a part of that scene? Jesus offers us just that. He offers to "Dispel the shadows of the night and turn our darkness into light" (O Come, O Come, Emmanuel). When we put our trust in Him, we step out of the cold and into the warmth of His salvation and love. The vibrant color of the evergreen plants we use as Christmas trees, garlands, and wreaths remind us of the eternal life we find in Christ. When we put our trust in Him and become His children, He gives us the gift of becoming "evergreen." “And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, �and this life is in his Son.” – 1 John 5:11 NLT CONTINUED IN COMMENTS ⤵ Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #thehollyandtheivy #christmascarols #anneofgreengables #anneofgreengableschristmas #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #englishcarols #englishchristmas #englishchristmastraditions #keepchchristinchristmas #kingscollegechoir #kingscollegecambridge #lucymaudmontgomery #annefan #anneofgg #kindredpspirits #andoldfashionedchristmas #homemaking #homemaker #homestead #traditionalchristmas #traditionalchristmasdecor #christmashymns #homeschoolchristmas #sahm #tradwife #housewife

🌲 Books make the perfect personal gift! Or treat yourself to a Christmas read (YES, the 1941 portion is set at Christmas time!) KINDLE • PAPERBACK • AUDIBLE (sale!) Back cover reads... Michigan, 1941 - Grace, daughter of a wealthy furniture baron, can have anything she wants—except her one true love. Scotland, 2014 - Charlotte has big plans for her summer—when a surprise letter from America changes everything.... Grace – Grace’s life is dictated by society and her father’s wishes, right down to the man she’ll marry. So when she falls for Georg, she must keep their love secret—all while keeping up the pretense of going steady with another man. As America is forced into WWII, Grace must fight for all she holds dear. Who is following her and Georg? Grace’s intended, or someone with more sinister plans? Grace thinks she knows who’s to blame, but as events unfold, she realizes all was not as it seemed.... Charlotte – When an out-of-the-blue plane ticket to America arrives, Charlotte decides to use it, even if this means putting wedding planning and the purchase of her dream bed and breakfast on hold. But her trip becomes a solitary stay in a crumbling mansion and a puzzle at every turn. Thankfully, her life back in Scotland is falling nicely into place—or is it? Meanwhile, missing documents leave her confounded. Will the house give up its secrets at last? Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #thehouseoncherrystreet #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #christmasread #christmasbook #bookstagram #myread #homeschoolmom #homemaker #homemaking #homeschoolmom #christianfiction #closeddoorromance #cleanread #ww2fiction # #wwllfiction #bookandtea #mybookshelf #christianfiction #christianreader

🔔A CROSS AT CHRISTMAS - One thing you rarely see on a Christmas card or decoration is a cross. We don't think of crosses at this time of year. We think of the manger--the coming. A baby born, not a man breathing his last. A baby, in a manger, with animals all around, and a shining star to lead the way. We think of shepherds, and angels, and wise men with glittering gifts. And we're right to speak about, and think about, and celebrate these things. They are wonderous. They are special. They are the beginnings of the only hope we have on earth. But if we acknowledge Jesus' coming, we must also acknowledge the why of His coming. He put on skin and came to live among us not simply to understand us better, or to show us a better way of life. But He came to give us life. The eternal God was born for the first time so that we might be born a second time. And it is this second birth that means everything. But what does it mean? It means we have acknowledged that we are sinners. Acknowledged that we are far from God and have no means to reach Him on our own. It means we have asked His forgiveness, and asked Him to save us from our sins. It means we know He came as a baby in Bethlehem. It means we know He also died. For us. For me. For you. And in that true believing, another miracle happens, and He makes us new. We are born that second time as people who love God and desire to live for Him. I hope you know Him! I hope you have experienced that second birth. I hope you take time to marvel at the wonder of it all this Christmas, and that even as you smile at the sight of the manger, you will rejoice inwardly, thinking of the cross. “She will give birth to a Son; and you shall name Him Jesus, �for He will save His people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:21 NASB "Dear Lord, thank you for the manger. Thank you for the cross. Amen." Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #henrywadsworthlongfellow #iheardthebells #iheardthebellsmovie #longfellow #iheardthebellsonchristmasday #homemaker #homemaking #sahm #keepersofthehome #proverbs31 #titus2 #americanpoet #thetruemeaningofchristmas #momdevotional

"And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." -Genesis 3:15 NIV In His birth🎄, life 🕊️, death ✝️ , and resurrection🌅, Jesus fulfilled more than 300 prophesies, foretold thousands of years before He was born. The chance that one person could fulfill even just the 48 specific Messianic prophesies alone (there are over 300 others he fulfilled about the Messiah), which Jesus did indeed fulfill, would be a chance of 1 in 10 followed by 157 zeros! That seems like pretty small odds to me. And yet He did it! In the lead up to Christmas, let's look at just a few of these together, preparing our hearts for the celebration of His coming. Let's first look all the way back to the fall, when Adam & Even first brought sin into the world. God said to the snake, "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." Eve's offspring became all people, and Satan has indeed brought great pain to the human race. But not one of us has the power to be the "he" that would crush Satan's head--that could only be Jesus. It says in 1 John 3:8 "the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work." How wonderful that God always had a plan to rescue His children. How blessed we are to have knowledge of this salvation plan and be able to accept His love! And how comforting to know that God will one day fulfill His plan to stop Satan and his evil works forever. "Dear Lord, thank you for not leaving us helpless and at the mercy of the devil. You always had a plan for our rescue, and You took care of it Yourself--by coming to earth and dying on the cross for our sins. Thank you, Jesus for coming. Amen." 📖 Bookish Devotionals for Busy Moms Link FREE in bio ⬆️ Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥️ . . . #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #littlewomen #littlewomenchristmas #louisamayalcott #prophesy #prophesiesofjesus #prophetsforetoldhim #oldfashionedchristmas #homeschool #proverbs31 #homemaker #sahm #motherculture #homeschoolfam

🎬 Movie Pick - The Homecoming, A Christmas Story (1971) 1 hours 40 minutes Rated - PG 🌲 It's Christmas Eve, early 1930s on Walton's Mountain. As the family prepares for the holiday, they anxiously await Pa's return home from his job in the city some 50 miles away. He is late, and Ma and the grandparents hear on the radio a report of a bus accident that worries them. Oldest son John-Boy must step up to help grandfather cut down a Christmas tree, and upon learning the concern about Daddy sets out to find him. *Fun Fact - This movie came BEFORE the popular Walton's TV series. The children and the grandmother are the only ones who carried on from the film to the show. Where to watch... Stream - Roku, YouTube (stream FREE) Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #thewaltons #christmasmovie #oldchristmasmovie #vintagechristmas #vintagechristmasmovie #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #homemaking #homemaker #housewife #homesteadchristmas #homeschoolmom #homeschoolchristmas #bookstagram #bookstagramchristmas #oldfashioned #simpleliving

📖 Book suggestion - 🎄A Very Bavarian Christmas by @katie_m_reid Holly Noel Brigham is trapped back in her hometown of Bavarian Falls personalizing ornaments at Neumann's, the famous mile-long Christmas store--and she doesn't even like Christmas . . . Problems, not presents, are stacking up for Holly. She’s in her thirties, still single, and sleeping in her childhood bedroom due to a failed start-up in the city. Holly needs a turn of heart in order to unlock what’s next. The only guy showing any interest in her is quirky Frank, who keeps her laughing but makes her feel boxed in. Then there’s handsome Nik, who has a shady past but takes her ambitions seriously. As Holly works through fractured relationships and embarrassing misunderstandings, she stumbles upon love in the Bavarian-themed town from which she tried to distance herself. "If you’re looking for a holiday-themed read that will warm your heart but also make you think, this is the perfect pick! The storyline and characters draw you in from the get-go and you’ll find yourself relating to their struggles and cheering for their victories." —CRYSTAL PAINE, New York Times bestselling author, podcaster, and founder of MoneySavingMom.com 🎄You know you need a Christmas read!!! 📖 Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥️ . . . #katie_m_reid #christmasread #christianfiction #christmasbook #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #christianauthorsofig #christianfictionreview #averybavarianchristmas #homeschoolmom #amreading #nowreading #myread #mybook #homeschool #homeschooler #motherculture #proverbs31woman #moneysavingmom #themoneysavingmom #homeschooled #homemaker #homemaking #booksandtea #proverbs31womam #homeschoolfam #hiphomeschoolmoms #homeeducation #momschool #momlife

We sat amidst dusty green and red plastic totes full of Christmas décor that had been hauled up from the basement. A couple of us tried to untangle lights that were put away badly last Christmas, while my husband tried to find the broken bulb on one of the strands. The lights are always the least fun part of decorating, but we'd had eggnog, and I'd put on a Christmas ambience on the TV, so spirits were still bright. "What's your favorite part of Christmas?" I asked. I got various answers about presents, and time with family. Then my youngest (my budding poet), said, "It just gives you that feeling." That feeling. We can get it at Christmas, though we usually also recognize that our hearts have grown dull. We have heard "The Christmas Story" so many times. Seen too many blow up nativities in front yards. Heard those carols about the manger blasted from raspy speakers at department stores ad nauseum. And so we forget. We forget how blessed we are to been born in a time in history where we do not just look forward to the coming of the Savior, but we can read about it, and read about Him! We can know Him, and know about his birth, suffering, and resurrection that happened on our behalf, because He loves us. The prophets, and those they prophesied to, could only marvel and wonder at what was to come. But we can read, and we can know with certainty about our eternity. This Christmas, make time to study, and marvel, and rejoice at the Good News. Why should you not? "Even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen." "And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen." – 1 Peter 1:8-12 Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #christinarossetti #christmascarol #christmashymn #jesusisthereasonfortheseason #keepchristinchristmas #christmasangel #christianmum #christianmom #homeschoolfam #homeschoolmum #homeschoolmom #proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #biblicalfemininity #biblicalwomanhood #homeschooler #homeschoolfamily #homemaker #homemaking #homestead

🎬 Movie Pick! An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving 🦃 - A recently widowed woman struggles to feed her three children. The eldest daughter, an aspiring writer, contacts her wealthy and estranged grandmother in a bid to reunite the family. However, conflict ensues when the stern grandmother arrives to meet them for the first time. Based on a short story by Little Women author, Louisa May Alcott. 1 hr 28 mins, Rated - TVPG *Where to watch - Stream FREE on YouTube Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #happylittlesigh #anoldfashionedthanksgiving #louisamayalcott #littlewomen #Homemaking #homemaker #authoravonleaqkrueger #avonleaqkrueger #homestead #americanthanksgiving #Proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #biblicalfemininity #Perioddrama #perioddramafan #bookstagram #cleanfiction #familyfilm #bookshelf #Homeschoolfam

📖 Theology of Home Want a little inspiration for your homemaking? While this book isn't a guide for making sourdough, raising chickens, or cleaning routines, it could be an inspiration for all of those things, and more. It digs down to the *reason* why we homemakers do what we do. It examines the source--our Creator--and the great place home has in reaching the world with God's light. The beautiful illustrations provide much scope for the imagination, and calls us to create homes of beauty, warmth, truth, and light. While this book is from a Catholic Christian perspective, I would (as a Protestant Christian) replace *the church* with *the Bible,* it is definitely a book that will bless you no matter what your denomination. Amazon Description: Home. It is an elegant word, at once both simple and far-reaching. Home is a place to live in and feel comfortable, but it is much more than that. Home is where we are nurtured, where we live, and where we love. The language of Home is universal. It is where we find the eternal in the everyday. But the Home has been neglected. To millions of women today, there is nothing worse than being a “homemaker.” If only they knew the supreme value (and reward) of giving loved ones a place to call Home.     Written by two wives and mothers, Theology of Home is a simple guide to help reorient all of us toward our true home, allowing us to think purposefully about how to make our own homes on earth better equipped to get all those living in them to the Father’s house. Featuring more than 100 beautiful (and inspiring) photographs from homes around the country, profound words from the saints and other literary figures, and in-depth commentary on the theological and spiritual underpinnings of our love for Home, Theology of Home offers readers a tour of both the Home and the human heart. Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . #theologyofhome #bookstagram #avonleaqkrueger #happylittlesigh #authoravonleaqkrueger #homemaker #homemaking #homstead #sahm #housewife #tradwife #proverbs31woman #proverbs31 #biblicalfemininity #biblicalwomanhood #keepersofthehome #keepersathome #homeschool #homeschoolmom #catholicmom

📚 As a reader (or writer!) how clear do characters' faces need to be in your mind? ° Are you happy with a vague image, or do you have to put down your book until their face is clear? ° Do you imagine them to look like someone you know (either famous or real life) or make up their face in your mind? ° Do you like having something to go by (such as a face on the cover) or do you prefer to make the character up yourself? If I *had* to choose famous someones to portray German immigrant Georg Himmel, American handyman Matthew DeLuca, and Scottish banker Andrew Fraser, in my split time WWII/Present Day novel, The House on Cherry Street 🍒 these would be my pick! Julian Sands (Georg) Joe Lando (Matthew) Matthew Goode (Andrew) *did you know... Georg's last name Himmel means "heaven" in German, and Matthew's last name De Luca is Italian for "of the light" If you read the book, did you picture the characters to look anything like this? Looking forward to seeing your answers ⬇️ Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #mattgewgoode #joelando #juliansands #drquinnmedicinewoman #drquinn #bookstagram #bookcover #bookhero #liiteraryhero #bookstagrammer #author #christianauthor #christianreader #momblogger #momauthor #thehouseoncherrystreet #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #myread #cleanromance #closeddoor #closeddoorromance #homeschoolmom #homemaker #ww2fiction #wwllfiction #ww2romance #heygr #grandrapidshistory #homemaking

If you haven’t read this romantic WWII page-turner, you should! I stayed up late to finish it. #avonleaqkrueger #thehouseoncherrystreet

💥 WIN! 💥 For all my lovely readers... Thank you for all the feedback you've given me on The House on Cherry Street 🍒 I have to admit I liked hearing that it's my fault that you lost some sleep finishing this book! As a thank you, I'm sending one reader a vintage Scottish tea towel featuring properties of The National Trust for Scotland and a box of Scottish Walker's shortbread. Just add the tea and you have the perfect tea time. Towel would also be gorgeous framed! What do you have to do? Simply snap a photo of your copy of The House on Cherry Street along with the TWO hashtags #avonleaqkrueger and #thehouseoncherrystreet Add a short review/sentence on why you liked the book IF you choose. Comment done ✅ below and I'll enter you into the drawing. Contest ends November 17. *Lower 48 States only. Winner must be willing to provide postal address. Good luck! Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #authoravonkeaqkrueger #bookstagram #nationaltrust #nationaltrustforscotland #christianauthor #christianwriter #christianreader #bookcontest #bookcompetition #walkersshortbread #scotland #teatowel #booksandtea #bookreview #arc #winbooks #christianauthorsofig #cleanread #homemaker #homemaking #sahm #bookworm #teatime #homeschoolmom

♥ NOTES ON A VERY SPECIAL MINISTER, WHO WAS INVITED TO DINE WITH THE QUEEN - I have stories yet untold. I suppose I wasn't sure if they were mine to tell. But some stories deserve to be told, and some people deserve to have their story told, though they cannot tell it themselves . . . In the far north of Scotland is a castle. A small, elegant, brownish-pink castle--a stone's throw from the sea, yet bordered by attractive gardens, with sheep-grazed pastures and woodlands beyond. It is called the Castle of Mey, and belonged to the late Queen Mother. Not the Queen who passed away one year agone, but her mother, HM Elizabeth The Queen Mother. She purchased the ramshackle castle in 1952, and set about restoring both castle and grounds. It became her summer home (with another visit every October). Here, she enjoyed the natural beauties of Scotland, and here she entertained guests. I couldn't tell you much about those guests--apart from one. About one couple's visits to The Castle of Mey, I know quite a lot. I know, because they told me themselves. The Minister of the Caithness Parish, the area of Scotland where the castle in situated, was for a time one Reverend Alex Muir. To you, just a name, to me a thousand memories--most of which occurred at a modest house in the small Scottish city of Inverness. Again, just a house, just number 14, to me so much more . . . *This remarkable true tale is continued at happylittlesigh.com in bio ⬆ Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #baysofharris #castleofmey #thequeenmother #theroyalfamily #reverendalexmuir #caithness #scotland #scottishmusic #proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #forallthesaints #homemaker #homemaking #homestead #homeschoolmum #homeschoolmom #sahm #tradwife #stayathomemom #theroyalfamily #hrhelizabethii #keepersathome #keepersofthehome #hiphomeschoolmoms #homeed #homeeducation

Did you know, the giant steps and pillars from chapter 2 of The House on Cherry Street 🍒 are based on a real place in Edinburgh, Scotland? Back cover reads... 📖 Forbidden love in a time of war. The house that kept the secret for generations, until someone comes looking for the truth . . . Michigan, 1941 - Grace, daughter of a wealthy furniture baron, can have anything she wants--except her one true love. Scotland, 2014 - Charlotte has big plans for her summer--when a surprise letter from America changes everything . . . Grace – Grace’s life is dictated by society and her father’s wishes, right down to the man she’ll marry. So when she falls for Georg, she must keep their love secret--all while keeping up the pretense of going steady with another man. As America is forced into WWII, Grace must fight for all she holds dear. Who is following her and Georg? Grace’s intended, or someone with more sinister plans? Grace thinks she knows who’s to blame, but as events unfold, she realizes all was not as it seemed . . . Charlotte – When an out-of-the-blue plane ticket to America arrives, Charlotte decides to use it, even if this means putting wedding planning and the purchase of her dream bed and breakfast on hold. But her trip becomes a solitary stay in a crumbling mansion and a puzzle at every turn. Thankfully, her life back in Scotland is falling nicely into place--or is it? Meanwhile, missing documents leave her confounded. Will the house give up its secrets at last? Leave me a review after purchase, and I will send you two BONUS chapters! Just send me a screenshot of the review along with your email 🤗 Happy Little Sigh ♥ #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #christianauthor #christianreader #cleanromance #cleanread #bookstagram #booklover #WWIIfiction #WWIInovel #WW2romance #heygr #scottishfiction #homeschoolmom #homeschoolhouse #homeschooler #proverbs31woman #sahm #housewife #britlit #proverbs31 #homeschoolmum #homeschooling #ww2 #caltonhill #edinburgh

Who gave me this book and what does it have to do with The Queen? I'll start the tale here. To hear the rest, you must follow the link in my bio ⬆️ "I have stories yet untold. I suppose I wasn’t sure if they were mine to tell. But some stories deserve to be told, and some people deserve to have their story told, though they cannot tell it themselves . . . In the far north of Scotland is a castle. A small, elegant, brownish-pink castle–a stone’s throw from the sea, yet bordered by attractive gardens, with sheep-grazed pastures and woodlands beyond. It is called the Castle of Mey, and belonged to the late Queen Mother. Not the Queen who passed away one year agone, but her mother, HM Elizabeth The Queen Mother. She purchased the ramshackle castle in 1952, and set about restoring both castle and grounds. It became her summer home (with another visit every October). Here, she enjoyed the natural beauties of Scotland, and here she entertained guests. I couldn’t tell you much about those guests–apart from one. About one couple’s visits to The Castle of Mey, I know quite a lot. I know, because they told me themselves. The minister of The Church of Scotland Parish of Canisbay and Keiss, the region of Scotland called Caithness where the castle is situated, was for a time one Reverend Alex Muir, MA BD. To you, just a name, to me a thousand memories–most of which occurred at a modest house in the small Scottish city of Inverness. Again, just a house, just number 14, to me so much more . . . Continued in bio ⬆️ Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #caithness #thecastleofmey #thequeen #thequeenmother #hrhqueenekizabethII #theroyalfamily #canisbay #scotland #baysofharris #reverendalexmuir #alexmuir #homeschoolmum #homemaker #bookstagram #christianreader #christianwriter #homemaking #authoravonleaqkrueger #elizabethbarrettbrowning #poetry #bookshelf #momblogger #sahm #housewife #simpleliving #scottishmusic #scottishhistory #dearfriends

♥ NOTES ON LOVING MORNING ♥ "In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly." -Psalm 5:3 "Rainy days and Mondays always get me down. . . ." The words to a song--have you heard it?--sung by 70s performer Karen Carpenter. I remember hearing it as a child, and thinking that must be the way things were--that rainy days and Mondays were things we were supposed to dislike. I think mornings got lumped into the idea, one that I carried with me for most of my life. I never did think I could learn to lo�ve rainy days, or mornings, or anything that I disliked. They were something, I felt, that we simply had to bear and get through, till the afternoon, or a sunny day, or the weekend came along. But there will always be rainy days. Always be Mondays. Always be mornings--in fact, we have one every day! And what I have learned is that we can indeed learn to love something that we currently see as unpleasant. But it takes work. Takes shifting our thought patterns. Takes tweaking the way we do things. Little by little, we can learn to dread something less, until one day we find that we actually enjoy it. The morning can be such a special time of day. A day where we can be with the Lord, undisturbed. Where we can bring our requests before Him. Where we can fill up with truth. Where we can listen to the still small voice of His leading in our life. Such a morning can change our whole day! It's something not to be missed. Don't love mornings yet? That's okay. You can learn to love them, too. Every Monday, I will share a new tip for learning to love this very special time of day. Learn to love mornings ☀️ & Grow in faith Sign up FREE in bio ⬆️ Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #morningdevos #proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #quiettime #learntovemornings #homemaking #homemaker #tradwife #biblicalfemininity #biblicalwomanhood #christianwriter #christianreader #momblogger #momwriter #aogg #lucymaudmontgomery #anneofgreengables #annefan #anneshirley #godtime #tinewithjesus #homeschoolmum #homeschooler #homeschool #homeschooling

Big fan of split-time novels that weave two time periods and stories into one? Try... • Secrets of a Charmed Life by Susan Meissner is a WWII/present day novel of long-hidden secrets from the says of the London blitz. • The House on Cherry Street by Avonlea Q Krueger (link in bio) 📖 Forbidden love in a time of war. The house that kept the secret for generations, until someone comes looking for the truth . . . Michigan, 1941 - Grace, daughter of a wealthy furniture baron, can have anything she wants--except her one true love. Scotland, 2014 - Charlotte has big plans for her summer--when a surprise letter from America changes everything . . . Grace – Grace’s life is dictated by society and her father’s wishes, right down to the man she’ll marry. So when she falls for Georg, she must keep their love secret--all while keeping up the pretense of going steady with another man. As America is forced into WWII, Grace must fight for all she holds dear. Who is following her and Georg? Grace’s intended, or someone with more sinister plans? Grace thinks she knows who’s to blame, but as events unfold, she realizes all was not as it seemed . . . Charlotte – When an out-of-the-blue plane ticket to America arrives, Charlotte decides to use it, even if this means putting wedding planning and the purchase of her dream bed and breakfast on hold. But her trip becomes a solitary stay in a crumbling mansion and a puzzle at every turn. Thankfully, her life back in Scotland is falling nicely into place--or is it? Meanwhile, missing documents leave her confounded. Will the house give up its secrets at last? Leave me a review after purchase, and I will send you two BONUS chapters! Just send me a screenshot of the review along with your email 🤗 Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ❤ . #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #thehouseoncherrystreet #michiganhistory #grandrapidshistory #splittime #splittinefiction #bookstagram #ww2christianfiction #michiganhistory #homemaker #christianhistoricalfiction #puremichigan #ww2novel #amreading #booksuggestions #booksuggestion #booksandtea #ww2fiction #ww2romance #bookstagrammer #wwll #christianwriter

♥ NOTES FROM SCOTLAND - "So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God." -Romans 4:12 KJB ~ "Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God." -I John 3:21 BSB How blessed I am to have this time in my former home of Scotland. How enchanting this ancient green island. How dear the faces of friends. Even so, life is life, even on vacation. People are imperfect, including myself. We get tired, hungry, emotional. We get caught up in the day to day decisions and interactions. Little things consume and worry and irritate. We waste energy worrying about other people's opinions and actions. But we shouldn't. Certain things are within our control, but most things are not. We can only do what is within our power--what God has given us to do--and the rest we must let go. Are we responsible for others' words and actions? We are not. Yes, we can strive to be a good example. Yes, we can use these opportunities to teach and direct (if it is our children or someone God has put under our care). Yes, we can lift a negative situation by using our words and faces to point to the positive and hope it lifts up everyone's spirits and breathes peace to a situation. Yes, we can be gracious when others are not. But ultimately, we are responsible only for ourselves. For our actions, words, and reactions. When others bring a cloud to the day, we must remember that they are broken and God is working in their lives. Pray for them. Continued in comments ⬇️ Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #georgemacdonald #scottishauthor #christianfiction #bookstagram #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #christianreader #christianwriter #homeschoolmom #homeschoolhouse #homeschooler #homemaking #tradwife #homemaker #homestead #homeschool #scotland #homeschooling #grace #1950shousewife #proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #jesus

♥ NOTES ON THE BEAUTY OF FEMININITY Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name." -Philippians 2:8-9 The more we study Scriptures with a hungry heart, the more we realize how little we know. The more we hunger to know more. The more we find ourselves in awe of our Savior. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all equals. Yet Jesus chose--out of love for us and obedience to God the Father--to surrender Himself to the point of dying for us. A husband and wife are also equal. And in marriage (as we spoke about in an earlier post) women are asked by God to choose to submit themselves to their husbands. But this is not a submission that results in humiliation, but in glory. See the example in the verses above. Jesus was highly exalted. We need to stop being offended at being asked to do what Jesus Himself was asked to do. Jesus was God's love brought to earth. He brought love to life, with His hands and feet. We women are privileged to be asked to be a living picture of Christ's submission with our own submission. Not only that, we are asked to be those hands and feet in the world. To be that love. Women are wired by God to glorify. To beautify. We do so instinctively. We can turn "nothing" in the fridge into a scrumptious meal. We can turn thrift store finds into a cozy, inviting room. Fabric, food, flowers, furniture . . . We long to bring beauty to all around us. Women of every culture have done this since the beginning of time. Not only do we bring beauty, but we bring life. Women are fertility, our bodies able to turn love into an adorable baby, and then able to sustain that child... CONTINUED IN COMMENTS ⬇️ Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ #anneofgreengables #lmmontgomery #femininity #bookstagram #bookstsgrammer #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #classicliterature #homemaker #homemaking #sahm #oldfashioned #tradwide #proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #biblicalwomanhood #biblicalfemininity #awomanscalling #keepersofthehome #simpleliving #books

♥ BOOKISH INSPIRATION FOR HOME Society has had a lot to say recently about the definition of what a woman is. The definition of femininity has gotten quite confusing, too. Along with that, society has lots of ideas about how women should spend their time, or what contribution they should make to society. It can be confusing for us to find the truth through all the films, books, commercials, and even some Christian media that contradicts ideas we grew up with. What is femininity? What and who did God mean for us to be? A lot of women (hand raised here) look back to previous generations, often experienced through period dramas or classic books, and find ourselves longing for those times. Don't they seem so simple and moral to our 21st century, technology-overloaded minds? Personally, I don't think it's wrong to find inspiration for our homemaking from the likes of Ma Ingalls, Marmee March, Marilla Cuthbert, or even more recent vintage moms like June Cleaver. If décor, meals, routines, clothes, or lifestyle choices from those books and eras brings joy to your job as a homemaker, then go for it! Part of our job as homemakers is to bring beauty to the home, whether our inspiration comes from Jane Austen or Hobby Lobby. But let's not forget that although the definition of male and female was not really up for question like today, sin existed in those times just as it does in our world. You only have to open a history book to recall the atrocities committed in throughout history. So while we can find inspiration for our homes from books, to gain a deeper understanding of womanhood, we must begin with the Bible. Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #maingalls #lauraingallswilder #janeausten #littlehouseontheprairie #littlewomen #louisamayalcott #homemaker #homemaking #homestead #biblicalfemininity #sahm #housewife #junecleaver #bookish #bookstagram #bookstagrammom #bookstagrammer #provberbs31 #provebs31woman #homeschoolmom #homeschoolhouse #christianmum #christianwriter #christianauthor #momlife #keepersathome #keepersofthehome

I've been blown away by the feedback for my novel, The House on Cherry Street. So many readers telling me they stayed up all night to finish the book and it made them smile. There are plenty of moments to make you misty-eyed too! Back cover reads... The House on Cherry Street 🍒 by Avonlea Q Krueger On Amazon - Paperback, Kindle, Audible - shop in bio 📖 Forbidden love in a time of war. The house that kept the secret for generations, until someone comes looking for the truth . . . Michigan, 1941 - Grace, daughter of a wealthy furniture baron, can have anything she wants--except her one true love. Scotland, 2014 - Charlotte has big plans for her summer--when a surprise letter from America changes everything . . . Grace – Grace’s life is dictated by society and her father’s wishes, right down to the man she’ll marry. So when she falls for Georg, she must keep their love secret--all while keeping up the pretense of going steady with another man. As America is forced into WWII, Grace must fight for all she holds dear. Who is following her and Georg? Grace’s intended, or someone with more sinister plans? Grace thinks she knows who’s to blame, but as events unfold, she realizes all was not as it seemed . . . Charlotte – When an out-of-the-blue plane ticket to America arrives, Charlotte decides to use it, even if this means putting wedding planning and the purchase of her dream bed and breakfast on hold. But her trip becomes a solitary stay in a crumbling mansion and a puzzle at every turn. Thankfully, her life back in Scotland is falling nicely into place--or is it? Meanwhile, missing documents leave her confounded. Will the house give up its secrets at last? Leave me an Amazon review, and I'll send you two BONUS chapters! Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ❤ . . #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #thehouseoncherrystreet #michiganhistory #grandrapidshistory #splittime #splittimefiction #bookstagram #ww2christianfiction #michiganhistory #homemaker #christianhistoricalfiction #puremichigan #ww2novel #amreading #booksuggestions #amazonkindle #audible #booksuggestion #bookreview

❤ NOTES ON ATTITUDE AT HOME Where does a woman find herself most every day? In the kitchen. Cooking. Wiping the counter. Rushing around shoving things into cupboards or the fridge. Scraping leftovers into the trash. And that was me, just a few weeks back. But instead of doing it with joy, I felt a wave of resentment that I was left to clean up other people's messes. That they were already in bed, or relaxing, and I, who was exhausted by this time of day, was still working. And then I checked myself. Yes, I probably should have ensured the children did their jobs properly before sending them to bed, and that would have made my load lighter. But I had not, and the work needed to be done. I could either complain about it, or I could remember the gift I was giving to my family by creating for them a clean, comfortable home. I knew, too, that my attitude as I did the work was just as (or probably more) important than the work I was doing. God gave women a special calling to care for the sphere of home, and this calling is far more important, expansive, and impactful than we give it credit for or comprehend. It is our station at the battlefront in the call made to all Christians. But why is HOME so important? Join me over the next few days as we dig deeper into our identity and roll as women. “Dear Lord, You created me with care, and have given me an important job. Help me to better understand and carry out my calling with joy, wisdom, and love. Amen.” "A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands." -Proverbs 14:1 NLT Learn to love mornings & grow in faith - Bookish devotionals for busy moms. Link in bio ⬆ FREE Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ❤ . . . #lauraingallswilder #lauraingallswilderquotes #littlehouseontheprairie #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #homemaking #keepersofthehome #keepersathome #homestead #homemaker #sahm #housewife #motherhood #momlife #christianmums #christianmum #americanliterature #americanhistory #ushistory #homeschoolhouse #homeschooling #homeschooler #homeschoolmom #proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #tradwife #traditional #1950shousewife #simpleliving

❤ NOTES ON SAVORING TODAY In the history of all parenthood, was a child's bedtime ever a quick event? Bedtime routine with my youngest son involves giving Eskimo kisses, butterfly kisses, regular kisses, "Krueger kisses," and blowing kisses. This, on top of singing "All the Pretty Little Horses" (except I have to sing bunnies instead of horses) while holding his four favorite stuffed rabbits. Whew. At 7.5 years old, I could easily tell him he's a little old for this, and shorten his bedtime considerably. After all, I'm so weary by that time of day, with a kitchen to finish tidying, and the sofa and a good book calling my name. But isn't he the last of my children who will ever ask for such things? And won't he stop before I know it? I know, because wasn't my oldest son trying my patience with lengthy bedtimes just yesterday? And now we're at the other end, with talk of Senior pictures, and independence, and college. And if I let myself, I could weep over that. And so I go through all the motions with my youngest, knowing it brings him comfort before bed, and knowing that he is my very last "baby," and weary as I am, I need to soak up today. "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." -Psalm 118:24 ESV Bookish devotionals for busy moms Link in bio ⬆ FREE Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ❤ . . . #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #avonleakrueger #boymom #boymomlife #boymombook #raisingsons #raisingarrows #raisingmenofgod #itgoessofast #theygrowsofast #hiphomeschoolmoms #homemaking #keepersofthehome #keepersathome #homemaker #homestead #homeschool #homeschoolmom #trainupachild #trainupachildinthewayheshouldgo #motherhood #motherhoodisablessing #proverbs31 #christianmom #christianmum #christianmums #mothersofsons #boymomsarethebest

Pukka teas are organic, contain plastic-free teabags, and are pretty enough to have on display! Aren't they sweet? Plastic teabags can disrupt our endocrine system. Happy for another lovely option. Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #pukkateas #pukka #booksandtea #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #homemaking #simpleliving #homemaker

♥ NOTES - WHEN LIFE'S NOT GOING TO PLAN “I myself strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men through everything." -Acts 24:16 BSB Finding yourself not exactly where you'd like to be in life? Maybe you're praying for a baby. Maybe you feel frustrated by the number of projects that need done in order to make your house into your dream home. Maybe you're waiting to move to your dream home. And maybe that seems a very long way away. Maybe you or someone in your family is hindered by health issues. Maybe your church doesn't feel like the place you're supposed to be anymore but you don't know where to turn next. Maybe you want time to speed up. Maybe you want it to slow down. And maybe you think that once these things are solved and put into place, then, THEN you will be able to be the homemaker, wife, and mother you should be. Yes THEN you can begin to really be useful for the Lord. In Acts 24, the Apostle Paul also finds himself not where he wanted to be. He sets out on a missionary journey, but an angry mob tries to kill him. He then finds himself imprisoned in Jerusalem, having been accused by some Jews there of false teaching. A group of Jews even promise not to eat anything until Paul is dead. Despite all of this, Paul finds the opportunity to share the Gospel with the crowds. He is taken away, however, by armed guard and handed over to Governor Felix. For two years he is held by Felix, and when Felix moves on, Paul is left in prison. Now under Festus, Paul is questioned again, and is brought before Kind Agrippa and his wife Bernice. Again, Paul uses this as an opportunity to share the Gospel. King Agrippa says, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul replies, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.” (Acts 26) Continued in comments ⬇️ Happy Little Sigh ♥ Homemaking Inspiration from Literature . #ralphwaldoemerson #happylittlesigh #apostlepaul #journeysoftheapostlepaul #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #sahm #stayathomemama #homemaking #homemaker #homeschoolhouse #tradwife #biblicalwoman #hi

❤ NOTES ON MINIMALISM “Then he said, 'Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.'” - Luke 12:15 You couldn't call me a minimalist. I like too much the smell of old books, the atmosphere that life is being lived in this place, and the sweetness of items bringing back precious memories and faces of dear family and friends. Saying that, I have learned a lot by watching videos by minimalists, such as The Minimal Mom. She was able to help me pinpoint some of the vague feelings of dissatisfaction, unease, and frustration that I've felt regarding our stuff. Have I decluttered my house before? Once or twice every year. And maybe that's enough. But I've never felt that I brought our inventory down to the point that it felt freeing, or changed the way we do life as much as I wanted it to. I would donate, throw away, store away, only to find it didn't make much difference after a day or two. I've come to realize some things . . . The problem is often not an organization problem (ie. We need more containers) but an inventory problem (ie. we don't get rid of enough). We keep items we don't use merely because they were a gift, or doubles of something because we might lose one, or craft items our imaginary dream self will get to one of these decades. We make piles of things to sell, piles to give to different friends, piles to donate, but don't actually get them out of the house. What we forget is that all of our things--down to each and every paperclip--represents not just space but time. Time, because each of these items must be managed. Picked up. Cleaned. Moved. Organized. Debated over... Continued in comments ⬇️ Learn to love mornings ☀️ & grow in faith Bookish devotionals for busy moms 📖 Link in bio ⬆️ Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #lauraingallswilder #littlehouseontheprairie #lauraingalls #minimalism #minimalist #proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #homestead #homesteading #homemaker #homemaking #homemakingtips #simpleliving #oldfashionedliving #oldfashionedlife #biblicalfemininity #biblicalwomanhood #homeschoolfam #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #homeschoolfamily #sahm

♥ Notes on Contentment ♥ "Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth." -I Timothy 6:6 NLT What sin was it that caused Adam and Eve to be banished from the Garden of Eden? Eating fruit that God had forbidden them to eat. God gave them such plentiful choice in the garden, so much variety of texture and flavor to choose from! Yet they chose to listen to the Serpent and focus on the one food they could not have. God provided the Israelites manna and quail when they were in the wilderness, but they chose to focus on the cucumbers and leeks that they had when they were slaves in Egypt. And aren't we the same? With all the goodness we have--salvation plus so much more!--we still so often choose to focus on the things we don't have, and let ourselves feel hard done by. And then, as soon as one prayer or want is answered, we turn our focus to the next thing we don't have! William Makepeace Thackeray, author of Vanity Fair, said, "Which of us is happy in this world? Which of us has his desire? or, having it, is satisfied?" In answer, we can look to a story told by 19th century English minister C. H. Spurgeon... “I have heard of some good old woman in a cottage, who had nothing but a piece of bread and a little water, and lifting up her hands, she said, as a blessing, What! all this, and Christ too?” Continued in comments ⬇️ Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #spurgeon #spurgeonquotres #chspurgeon #bethankful #sahm #housewife #homemaker #homemaking #tradwife #1950shousewife #proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #1950s #adamandeve #homemakingtips #atpeace #bookstagram #reformed #awtozer

Stories to warm your heart, make you nod in understanding, and remind you of the extraordinary blessings that come with being a boy mom. Life in the Estrogen-Free Zone is a delightful compilation of laughter, love, and godly advice from moms who proudly navigate the wild terrain of raising boys. In this heartwarming collection, Michelle Rayburn and eighteen other moms of boys come together to share their unique experiences, offering a refreshing perspective on the joys and challenges that, for some, come with being the sole estrogen ambassador in a household full of testosterone. Through amusing anecdotes, relatable tales of mischief, and practical biblical insights, these moms shed light on the rollercoaster ride of boyhood. In the pages, mothers share: 💙Laughter and tears as they recount their hilarious encounters with mud, bugs, and an endless supply of boy energy. 💙Real-life strategies for tackling the messiest situations, teaching life lessons with finesse, and finding the beauty in the chaos. 💙A touch of humor and a wealth of heartfelt wisdom from the vibrant world of boy moms. So thrilled to be part of this inspiring book for moms of boys (I have FOUR!). DM me to order a signed copy! Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ❤ . . . #boymombook #lifeintheestrogenfreezone #avonleaqkrueger #happylittlesigh #authoravonleaqkrueger #boymom #boymomlife #momofboys #boymoms #raisingarrows #raisingmen #raisingmennotboys #raisingmenofgod #homeschoolingboys #homeschoolingsons #homeschoolboys #homeschoolmom #sahm #Homemaker #homemaking #homeschoolfam #homeschoolhouse #bookstagram #bokstagrammer

The House on Cherry Street 🍒 by Avonlea Q Krueger On Amazon - Paperback, Kindle, Audible - link in bio 📖 Forbidden love in a time of war. The house that kept the secret for generations, until someone comes looking for the truth . . . Michigan, 1941 - Grace, daughter of a wealthy furniture baron, can have anything she wants--except her one true love. Scotland, 2014 - Charlotte has big plans for her summer--when a surprise letter from America changes everything . . . Grace – Grace’s life is dictated by society and her father’s wishes, right down to the man she’ll marry. So when she falls for Georg, she must keep their love secret--all while keeping up the pretense of going steady with another man. As America is forced into WWII, Grace must fight for all she holds dear. Who is following her and Georg? Grace’s intended, or someone with more sinister plans? Grace thinks she knows who’s to blame, but as events unfold, she realizes all was not as it seemed . . . Charlotte – When an out-of-the-blue plane ticket to America arrives, Charlotte decides to use it, even if this means putting wedding planning and the purchase of her dream bed and breakfast on hold. But her trip becomes a solitary stay in a crumbling mansion and a puzzle at every turn. Thankfully, her life back in Scotland is falling nicely into place--or is it? Meanwhile, missing documents leave her confounded. Will the house give up its secrets at last? Leave me a review after purchase, and I will send you two BONUS chapters! Just send me a screenshot of the review along with your email 🤗 Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ❤ . . #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #thehouseoncherrystreet #michiganhistory #grandrapidshistory #splittime #splittinefiction #bookstagram #ww2christianfiction #michiganhistory #homemaker #christianhistoricalfiction #puremichigan #ww2novel #amreading #booksuggestions #booksuggestion #booksandtea #ww2fiction #ww2romance #bookstagrammer #wwl

“So then, be careful how you walk, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.." -Ephesians 5:15-17 When my oldest son turned nine, I mourned that we were half-way through his childhood. Halfway through the time we were likely guaranteed to have him home. Now he’s 17, and the years left are down to one. One year left for all the “somedays.” One year for all of those things I dreamed and planned we’d do together as a family, as mother and son. One year for all the activities, experiences, books, films, meals, adventures, memories that I thought would be part of his childhood and are still undone. Oh, how easily the hours do slip into months and years. Oh, how easily. And we can never have them back. The month of May was a full-throttle speed toward the end of the school year. Nine months of having no margin in my life for anything has made me step back. Reconsider. Contemplate. I’d been doing a lot of flapping, running around, and pecking (to use the image of our now “teenage” chicks), but for what? Some things are unavoidable parts of being a wife, mum, homemaker—and I long to do them well. I long for my children to leave home with a strong sense of identity and purpose, and a strong sense of loyalty to home. All of my energy and effort is toward that end. All of the books, and meals, and lessons, and memories made are so they can know just how much they are loved—by God, by me. And so I have asked myself—what would I trade, long years hence, to have these hours (or even minutes) back? What would I tell my past self was worth the trade, and what would I tell myself was not? Continued in comments ⬇️ Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . #homemaker #homemaking #happylittlesigh #authoravonleaqkrueger #avonleaqkrueger #makethemostofeveryday #makethemomentscount #boymom #boymomlife #myfirstborn #firstbornson #jimelliot #elizabethelliot #homestead #homeschool #homeschooling #homeschoolhouse #homeschoolmom #raisingmen #raisingarrows #raisingboys #makeeverymomentcount #phoneapp #homeschooling #homeschooled #sahm #housewife

"'The LORD God also said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper." -Genesis 2:18 BSB This verse is one that puts a twist in some women's knickers. "Helper? I can do better than just be a helper! I can do anything a man can do, if not better! Why can't I be in charge?" The mistake here is looking at the word helper and understanding it to mean inferior, which it does not. Being the helper does not mean you are less able than the leader. You just have a different position. Consider the theater. There is only one director. He is in charge. But the director probably does not have the skill to do the stage makeup, paint the backdrops, choreograph the dance scenes, or compose the soundtrack. He may also be a terrible actor! He needs others to step in to fill these roles. Without their talents, the play would be a disaster! So it is in a marriage. The man may be the head of the household--Scripture is very clear about this--but that does not mean His role is more important. Just as a play would be failure with two directors and no actors, so a marriage does better when both the man and woman put their heart into their individual roles. What is worth noting is that God did not command women to be helpers to all men--only to their husbands. Our husband is the leader of our household. We do not have to follow the leadership or be subservient to men in general... Continued in comments ⬇️ Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #happylittlesigh #biblicalfemininity #sahm #housewife #proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #homemaker #homemaking #homestead #homesteading #perioddrama #homeschool #biblicalwomanhood #biblicalfeminity #feminine #1950s #1950selwife #tradwife #biblicalmarriage #homeschoolmom #homeschool #homeschooler #homeschooling #mybestlife #adamandeve #homeschoolfam #homeschoolfamily #homeschooler #homeschooled

“store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. " -Matthew 6:21-21 When it comes to material belongings, I have learned that less is more. Less things to look after means more opportunity to make memories with those we love. More freedom to exist in the present. More time to invest in the eternal. And an eternal perspective is what we need to keep. So much of our difficulty in decluttering, I believe, is rooted in fear. Our FOMO, or fear of missing out, should we suddenly need that item we haven't used in eight years. Fear that by giving away that item, we're giving away the memory attached with it. Fear that the world will get so much worse in the future and we might not have the means to replace that item. We forget, don’t we, that everything we own is not really ours, but God's? We only have it on loan. And isn't it best to be generous when we can, and bless others by letting them have the use of things rather than keep them hoarded in an attic or basement? And doesn’t it stretch our faith to release our surplus, believing God will care for us in the future as He always has done? Saying that, I will never be a true minimalist. The March home, Orchard House, from Little Women, might be my ideal home. I like stacks of books, my boys' seashell collection, and sweet memories brought back by trinkets from the different stages and faces that have made up our life. I also like to be creative, and have options with, say, which bowl to serve my fruit salad in, or which tablecloth to use for a certain event. In my opinion, this is where minimalism can be stifling... Continued in comments ⬇️ Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ #minimalism #minimalist #happylittlesigh #homemaker #sahm #orchardhouse #littlewomen #housewife #homestead #homesteading #home #homemaking #louisamayalcott #summergoals #summerreset #homeschool #homeschoolmom #keepersofthehome #keepersathome #authoravonleaqkrueger #avonleaqkrueger #housewife #hiphomeschoolmoms #homeschooled #proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #biblicalfemininity #books

Taking a road trip or flight this summer? Or need something to keep you occupied while you garden or declutter? Enjoy the beautiful Scottish accent of voice actress Angela Ness reading The House on Cherry Street 🍒 - Available in Audio, Ebook, Paperback. Shop in comments 👇 Back cover reads - 📖 Forbidden love in a time of war. The house that kept the secret for generations, until someone comes looking for the truth . . . Michigan, 1941 - Grace, daughter of a wealthy furniture baron, can have anything she wants--except her one true love. Scotland, 2014 - Charlotte has big plans for her summer--when a surprise letter from America changes everything . . . Grace – Grace’s life is dictated by society and her father’s wishes, right down to the man she’ll marry. So when she falls for Georg, she must keep their love secret--all while keeping up the pretense of going steady with another man. As America is forced into WWII, Grace must fight for all she holds dear. Who is following her and Georg? Grace’s intended, or someone with more sinister plans? Grace thinks she knows who’s to blame, but as events unfold, she realizes all was not as it seemed . . . Charlotte – When an out-of-the-blue plane ticket to America arrives, Charlotte decides to use it, even if this means putting wedding planning and the purchase of her dream bed and breakfast on hold. But her trip becomes a solitary stay in a crumbling mansion and a puzzle at every turn. Thankfully, her life back in Scotland is falling nicely into place--or is it? Meanwhile, missing documents leave her confounded. Will the house give up its secrets at last? Leave me a review after purchase, and I will send you two BONUS chapters! Just send me a screenshot of the review along with your email Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ❤ #happylittlesigh #avonleaqkrueger #authoravonleaqkrueger #thehouseoncherrystreet #michiganhistory #grandrapidshistory #grandrapidsmihistory #grandrapidsmichiganhistory #ww2fiction #wwIIfiction #ww2novel #wwiinovel #ww2romance #wwIIromance #christianhistoricalfiction #christianhistoricalfictionwriters #summerread #audible #homeschool #bookstagram #historicalromance #kindle

One way I'm being more intentional this summer is by trading car trip DVDs for audio dramas or radio theater. A cast of voice actors, sound effects, and music blend to draw you into the story--and this one does it remarkably well. I loved hearing my boys discuss how they pictured each character. It definitely gave them an interest in Dickens! "Escape to another place & time with this full-cast audio dramatization of the Charles Dickens' timeless tale set in 1830's London. This powerful story will not only entertain you, but draw you into the timeless drama of compassion, corruption and redemption as a single orphan changes the lives of everyone around him. Featuring cinema-quality sound, award-winning writers, an original music score, and a stellar cast of some of England's best actors. Radio Theatre isn't just storytelling or a book on tape. It's an audio movie that plays on the biggest screen of all...your imagination! Includes a bonus video documentary featurette with "behind the scenes" footage and stories of real, modern-day "Olivers". Includes close to 6 hours of audio-drama entertainment!" Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #olivertwist #charlesdickens #audiodrama #radiotheater #avonleaqkrueger #happylittlesigh #authoravonleaqkrueger #focusonthefamily #honeysuckkeweeks #sahm #housewife #homemaker #homemaking #proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #homeschool #homeschooling #summerread #britlit #homeschooler #homeschoolmom

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD." -Psalm 33:12 NIV Whether or not we are American, why is it that we really love our nation? So many of the patriotic songs I learned as I child capture images and ideas that bring a swell to my heart and a tear to my eye. Amber wheat fields, purple mountains, giant redwoods. The plains of Texas, the Great Lakes, the smoky mountains, from sea to shining sea. The paintings of artists like Normal Rockwell and stories from the history books mingle with music, and I think with fondness and pride of the Statue of Liberty welcoming the weary and outcast, pioneers going west, cowboys, mountain men, missionaries, teachers, inventors--all those who worked so hard to make the world and our nation into a better home. Then there are my own memories--the sizzle of a campfire roasting a marshmallow, the smell of a piney forest around our summer cabin, kayaking in calm waters, the feeling of waves rushing over bare calves on a Lake Michigan beach. So many of those things say America to me. If you are not American, you could probably make a list of why you so love and appreciate your own country. Every nation has music, food, vistas, and traditions that say "home" to its people. But not every nation can claim to be a refuge for people around the world. A place that represents freedom and opportunity--either for temporal or eternal things. Continued in comments ⬇️ Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature ♥ . . . #happylittlesigh #authoravonleaqkrueger #avonlea #avonleaqkrueger #abrahamlincoln #homemaker #homemaking #bookish #bookstagram #proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #homeschoolmom #americanmom #homeachooler #momdevos #homeschoolhouse #sahm #housewife #homeschooling #homeschoolfam #hiphomeschoolmoms #1950s #1950swife #bookstagram #homeachooling #homeschooler #bigbrickhouse #fictionwritersofig #christianfictionwriter

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." -Psalm 23:1 KJB Picture a small Scottish kirk (church) in Inverness, Scotland. And me, newly married, beside my ginger-headed Scot. And a little red, cloth-bound hymnal in my hands with these verses (words only, no music). Several of the hymns I learned during the eight years I lived in Scotland came to mean a great deal to me. Have encouraged my heart. Lightened my load. Strengthened my resolve to do the right thing and carry on. I share one of them now, with you . . . In Heavenly Love Abiding In heavenly love abiding, no change my heart shall fear. And safe in such confiding, for nothing changes here. The storm may roar without me, my heart may low be laid, But God is round about me, and can I be dismayed? Wherever He may guide me, no want shall turn me back. My Shepherd is beside me, and nothing can I lack. His wisdom ever waking, His sight is never dim. He knows the way He’s taking, and I will walk with Him Green pastures are before me, which yet I have not seen. Bright skies will soon be over me, where darkest clouds have been. My hope I cannot measure, my path to life is free. My Savior has my treasure, and He will walk with me. -Anna L. Waring He knows the way He's taking--so just walk with Him! :book: Unique, immersive literature-inspired devotionals sent right to your inbox.  Sign up FREE in bio :arrow_heading_up:️ Happy Little Sigh Homemaking Inspiration from Literature :heart: . . . #avonleaqkrueger #happylittlesigh #annalwaring #hymns #hymnsofold #womenhymnwriters #heknowsthewayhestaking #homemaking #biblicalfemininity #motherculture #homemaker #homeschool #homeschooling #charlottemason #bloggermom #homeschoolhouse #homeschoolfam #christianfiction #motherhoodjourney #Homesteading #englishhymns #femininity #peace #faith #homeschooler #faithjourney #womenoffaith #traditional