Sunday, December 16, 2012

Mothering Up


For the last 6 months or so, I have been revisiting my priorities.  In the midst of a busy, happy life, I have felt the consistent nudging of my heart moving me in a different direction.  It has been little things - a four year old nestled at my elbow waiting for me to finish sewing to read to him or play a rousing game of Candyland, a 17 year old man wanting to know what the Bible says about tattoos and body piercings, a 13 year old girl who confesses that she is afraid she won't be able to pull the trigger on her first deer but is ready to preserver after a prayer for protection and boldness.  And it is not just my children that need a mother - my husband needs a wife.  Sir Knight's days are long and his burdens many.  He relies on a smiling face and a warm welcome when he returns from slaying the dragons.  A cup of tea and a listening ear are essential to his well being.  When dragons are threatening to overwhelm my Knight, an encouraging word and the knowledge that I have his back and that I believe in him are what carries him forward in battle.

By nature, I am a go getter.  I tackle whatever task is before me with vigor.  Truth be told, I may even be an over-achiever.  Because of that tendency, I have to stop from time to time and reevaluate my life.  I have to get back to basics and remember what is really important.  I fill my life with "good" things but every once in a while I have to remind myself to get back to what is "best".

In the past 4 years I have started this blog, written a book, almost completed another book, written articles too numerous to mention and started a business.  This, on top of being a wife, a mother, homeschooling, making nearly everything from scratch and living off the grid.  I am failing.  Although I enjoy all that I do, and they are all "good" things, they are not all the "best" things.  My first priorities HAVE to be my husband and my children.  It is time for me to "Mother Up".

As my children have gotten older, I have noticed that they need me more than ever.  When they were little, they needed guidance and discipline.  They needed stories and snuggling and playing outside.  As they have grown, their needs have changed.  Once, they took every bible story at face value, now they want to know how God's word correlates to the reality of living life.  They want to know how the Old Testament corresponds with the New Testament.  They want to know HOW to control their temper when someone says something unkind or untrue.  They want to know why people live the way they do, why governments run the way they do and why people think the way they do.  They want to know how to choose a mate, what God says about how they should dress and why they still have to struggle with doing the right thing even when they know what the right thing is.  My children want to know about life.  And I am their teacher.

I have come to the conclusion that my job as wife and mother trumps all other jobs.  If I do not encourage and love my husband, someone else will.  If I do not teach my children, correct my children, guide my children, someone else will.  And their lives, both here and in eternity, will bear the fruit of my choices today.

Families are failing.  Fathers have been dethroned.  Children have been cast to the wolves.  Mothers are gone.  Our nation is sobbing, in sackcloth and ashes.  Our clothes have been rent and ashes cover our heads.

The answers we seek are not in more laws and tighter security.  The answers we seek are in God's plan for the family.  We need fathers.  We need mothers.  Our children are OUR responsibility.  WE need to raise them, to guide them, to teach them.  Women - your husbands NEED you - your children NEED you.  They don't need your money - they need YOU!  They need your wisdom, they need your example, they need your ear.  They need you to listen, to counsel, to know them.  They need you to believe in them, to champion them, to guide them and to disciple them.  Your boss doesn't NEED you - you are replaceable to him - NOT to your children.

I am a wife.  I am a mother.  That is purpose of my heart.  My God needs me to change the world - through my husband and my children.  I will head the call.

At this moment, I have shut down my business website.  Technically, it is still online, however there is no way to place an order.  Maid Elizabeth and I are in the process of finishing up our last few orders.  We will make decisions regarding the business in the new year.  Sir Knight and I are discussing the future of this blog.  We're not sure - I'll keep you posted.  We are circling the wagons.  We are preparing to defend this precious gift of our family with our lives.

To all of you women - it is time.  Be a wife.  Be a mother.  This IS your calling.  The time has come to gird your strength and "Mother Up".  Your family is everything!

*Sidenote -  Master Hand Grenade does NOT want a tattoo or a body piercing!  He just wanted to know what God's word said about them.  He was having a hard time understanding why they are so prevalent in society today!

61 comments:

  1. I understand your decisions, but hope you will keep the blog up, at least for the archives. I, too, have often felt as though I were "failing" and need to reprioritize my life. It's hard to choose between "good" and "best," but it's necessary for a contented life.

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  2. As a newbie to your blog, I have learned quite a bit over the last few months. I understand needing to be the best parent you can be however I would love if you continue with your blog. I love your canning tips and recipes.

    Thanks for taking time out of your busy life!

    Catherine-Phoenix, Arizona

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  3. I understand what you are saying but I'm here to beg, that even if you stop writing, please do not wipe the blog from the face of the internet. I am slowly making my way through your archives and learning so much. As a new wife and soon to be mother, I am learning how to get my family where they need to be... and how to do this at the guidance of my husband. You have given us such knowledge... and I think your archives hold so much more for me to learn. You are a Godly inspiration, and I appreciate that.

    I hope you and your husband find what you are seeking and continue to raise your children for God, and God alone.

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  4. Dear one - Bravo, Enola!!! One of the biggest lies satan perpetuated through the outdated "feminist" movement of old....that has now gone rogue - way beyond anything this world can comprehend or even should, is that women can do it all. Well, we can't, nor should we.

    But hold on a minute, Enola!! Don't go overboard just yet!! How can you weed out some of the things in your life - maybe not all - and still have something of your own?? That'd Ok to do, too.

    He created us in a very special way to nurture and tend to those we love. When we try to cram in more hours than our day and family can handle things start falling apart. We don't, then, do anything worthy of any of it. We become frazzled, and often it tells on attitudes, anger, resentment and a host of other strange behaviors. We find that nothing really gets done because we've put too much on our proverbial job plate.

    It's OK to do other things, especially if we can teach our children things that they would not otherwise know like starting a business or writing skills that goes along with schooling. They can participate in helping with the job.

    Maybe one is a math whiz and can learn accounting by "keeping the books" - with supervision. Another has the gift of a writer and can help with the blog or in teaching others perhaps their own age of the skills they have and learning to pass along. All the while they are learning new things. Yet you are doing these things, working together.

    We still do have to teach them skills they can use in a world gone mad. A good way to teach Godly, honesty, integrity and truthful ways to do business in this ruthless, corrupt world.

    I had my young grandsons helping me in my internet business for about 5 years. While doing the packaging, figuring and helping me with delivering they learned math skills and dealing with my customers; it gave me the opportunity to teach them Godly ways of running a business like what an employer requires by getting there on time even early; Godly ways of dealing with obstinant personalities - like never repaying evil with evil but with good, teaching good work ethics in world where very few learn and very few teach good work habits of honesty, being reliable and responsible. Taking on any job the boss requires with a Godly attitude - even if it just sweeping floors or cleaning toilets - it is God who put them there and they are to do it with joy and appreciation for this job. What better place to learn those skills than from a Godly parent?

    Also teaching them that before they are working for their employer, they are working for God. So if they do their work to please God they will please their employer. Both boys - one now early 20's the other pre-20's have jobs, have passed their probation period, have health insurance and have been promote and gotten a raise in pay.

    God created us to care for each other and our family. Other things come as we can after that. And yes, giving ourselves a "heart check" and assessment of our lives once in awhile - often -!! is necessary. All the while we are teaching our children to live in a far different world than we grew up in so they will not flounder when they "leave the nest" as they may not always want to follow our ways. But they may come back to them later on.
    God's best to you and yours Enola.
    Pat

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  5. Enola, only you can know what is needed for your family. If the time has come for you to go offline, then know that we have benefitted greatly from what you have posted here. Go with God, & our thanks for your help. - M

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  6. Congratulations on making a tough decision. Many years ago now, I gave up a career I loved for similar reasons. Though I was good at my job, I knew that others could do it, whereas only I could be my son's mom and my husband's wife. Now, about 20 years later, I have a son anyone would be proud of, and a happy marriage of 36 years. Though I have only read your blog for a few months, I can tell you are a strong and wise woman. I am sure that you have taken everything necessary into account in reachng this conclusion, and that you and your family will prosper. God's blessings on you all.

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  7. You do what is BEST dear sister. If you let the blog go, you would be missed. Thank you.

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  8. Thank you for everything, Enola and family. I have learned so much reading your posts. I am grateful for all you have shared, all you have given, and wish you the best in whatever you choose for your future.

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  9. I absoutly love what you hae said. I agree entirely. I am not sure what religion you are or what you believe, but, I belong to a a church we we have a Proclimation To the World. It states simular and same things. I homeschool, homestead, support hubby. I love what you have said. Thanks for putting it out there for others to hear.
    Melissa

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  10. Enola,

    (captaincrunch)


    I had to think about what you wrote for awhile so I could come up with a proper response.
    On running your business, I would actually reconsider, but do a "dramatic scaledown" in operations. Maybe fill only five orders a month. In time of need, you can increase production and keep a small but steady money stream coming in. Maybe outsource most production to nieghbors and freinds who want to make some extra income and handle shipping and order processing yourself in a scaled back system.
    On your blog, oh' boy thats a doozy. We need your leadership. You have become a "lighthouse or a becon" to guide us to safe harbor. I have been doing some extensive blog surfing and I found some blogs bordering on extreamism to some blogs of off the gridders worshipping 'Gaia" and building a "Stonehenge" of solar panels around their teepee so they can power thier Iphones.

    Enola, one idea I thought of is scaling your blog back to once a week like the "Old Remus and the Woodpile Report" (I think Remus updates his blog every Wensday)
    Remus has an excellant blog that is lengthy but informative and entertaining.

    Enola, for myself I kinda hold a leadership position within my nieghborhood as you know. I still have my doubts, misgivings and insecurities and at times and you and Sir Knight have helped me find my way. No man is an island as I have heard countless times before. The greatest leaders in history Im sure had thier doubts. No resonable person would not feel this way at some point in thier lives.
    I know you want more time to focus on your family. That is the most important thing in the world, but you have also grown something special with this blog. Maybe someone upstairs wants you to help others as well as your family and this blog is it. I ask you to Pray on it, talk to your family and do some soul searching.

    Oh' yeah, on your son asking about "tatoo's and peircings" in the Bible. Tell him that "fashion models get tatoo's, real men get Scars"

    So far I have had 48 staples and 16 stiches from four surgery's. I was an adrenaline junkie and I have been shot at, beat up, ran over by motorcyles, bucked from a bronco (in Texas of course) the only things I ain't crashed yet are an airplane an snowmachine.

    I made it through military service with no Tatoo's just becouse I wanted to be different (got a mess of scars instead)



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  11. Dear Enola,
    I've loved reading your blog - but it's true - your family comes first. And I too, could spend my time a little more usefully (is that a word?) than reading blogs all day. So enjoy them in this time of your life.
    Kind Regards - Nancy

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  12. This truly came from your heart, Enola, and thank you for a good wake up call!

    As for your 17 year old son who wants a tattoo - And you can tell this boy we said so!!!!! Since we here all feel like family anyway we can remind your son that his body/heart/soul belongs to His Creator, made in His image and is God's temple and we are to tend to it until He returns.
    We can also let this young man know that Jesus Christ did not have a tattoo. And if NOT having a tattoo is good enough for Jesus, it's good enough for him!!! Smiling, smiling, smiling......

    Boy oh boy, we parents so have a task bringing up the next genenration. Yet, he will be a young man who can be a shining Light into a very dark world. You are a great mom, Enola, with tremendous insight and you give us all food for great thought that few people can anymore.

    Please remember that you, too, are a very bright Godly light in this dark world and are an example to your children, too. Let them help in as many ways as they can, even some tasks that are a little harder for them for their age. This teaches them to grow and stretch and offers us parents the opportunity for offering good "Atta boy's (and girls).

    Children are resilient and as their teachers we, too, have to grow with each passing age as they grow. You and your family are a beacon of hope to so many. I pray for God's best Holy Spirit wisdom and thank you for your gift of deeper, refreshing thought and consideration, instead of dumbed down, mind-numbing malarkey so prevalent today. As it seems it's time to change direction, scale back and spend more time and love and hugs with your beloved ones - we truly pray God's hand of watchcare, growing stronger in Him and with each other in His great love.
    Pat

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    1. Dear Pat;

      After re-reading my post, I can see why you thought Master Hand Grenade wanted a tattoo - but, by the grace of God, that is not why he wanted to know what God's word said - it is because he sees so many Christians with body "art", living lifestyles that he doesn't think match up to scripture, that he wanted to know what God thought. He is a human man, but he has a heart for his Father. He wants to please Him. Truth be told, he doesn't believe in ANY body modifications! He thinks deodorant should be classified as a "body modification" and that it is going a little overboard! Thank you for your words of encouragement.

      Enola

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    2. Bless your heart Enola. I tend to read things too fast through sometimes.

      Body modification - What a great concept! This very clear thinking, brilliant young man has a great sense of humor. And he is very easily right about the body mod as deodorants are loaded with toxic chemicals. So much stuff today even changes our God-given DNA! Flu shots, aluminum laced deodorant, fluoride loaded water!I could go on ad nauseum but it's too troubling what is happening.

      Dear Enola we all here love all of you. Hey tell him a great deodorant is just plain ol' baking soda lightly rubbed under the pits. It really does the trick for NO B.O. And no chemicals. So, hence, no body modification oozing through the skin.
      Pat

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    3. Enola,

      (captaincrunch)


      Master Hand Grenade has the right idea, deodorant stinks. Down here in the 90 percent humidity of South Texas, Deodorant does not really work down here, just fresh clothes and lots of showers.

      If everything collapses and U.N. Troops invade Texas, we will just stink them right out of our state.

      You had me going on the Tattoo thing too. I believe in individualism and I am not part of a collective. I choose not to have any tattoo's because it became a fad. At one time I chose to wear dog tags and a uniform. Then I realized how important individualism is and how special freedom is. I got out when my tour was up with a different frame of mind.

      When an individual goes against the collective, the individual "can and will" face ridicule from the collective. Its a hard road to travel, kinda reminds me of a famous poem by Robert Frost "The road less traveled"

      Maybe have Master Hand Grenade read that poem, it may help him understand.

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  13. Do what the Holy Spirit leads; that is what you should do. Your husband and you will figure out what He wants; only don't forget what God has already shown you.

    Likely there will be a time when blogging will not be a good idea; don't know when that is but God does.

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  14. I love your blog, you have an amazing way with words. Your faith, your strength and your love for your family have truly been an inspiration to me and I would like to thank you! It has answered many of the questions I have been struggling with as a wife, mother and as a woman. Your recipes have also been really helpful as I have been trying to make everything from scratch (except for cheese, I am planning to experiment with that in the new year!) We have loved every recipe of yours we have tried!
    We have made a big lifestyle change this summer, going from the city with a steady paying job, and moved to the country, to be close to family, be more self reliant and start a home business. It`s been challenging but so rewarding and we have never been closer as a family or happier!! I hope you keep the blog up, it has helped me countless times and I am sure it has helped many others.
    Thanks again!
    Marie

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  15. I really enjoy your blog, your wonderful ideas and fabulous recipes! Cara

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  16. I applaud your restraint and determination to focus on best rather than good; but I must say how much I appreciate the perspective, wisdom, and practical advice I have gleaned from you. I am far enough "out" to not have any neighbors so I had my coffee with you each morning there was something new. I have shared you with many non-prepping and non-Christian folks as a gentle way of opening their eyes, even shared you with my adult daughters and daughter in law as a gentle nudge to improve their parenting attitudes. Geography aside, we might have been friends, and I will miss you very much. Go in peace dear sister. Your absence will be mourned.

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  17. Hi Enola

    I'll miss your blog if you give it up. But, I'll understand. The needs of your family (and your needs also) come first and they change with time. My late wife started a businees as was quite successful in it after the youngest of our 5 kids got into high school. The, a few years later she gave up the business because she wanted to go back and finish college. She did that and then went to work as an unpaid volunteer worker in a local historical museum and became active in the affairs of California Cherokee indian organization. She continued in her museum activities even after a debilitating stroke and up to a few days before she died. She was a constant inspiration to her family and all others who knew her just as you are an inspiration to you family and all the folks who follow your blog. Vaja con Dios.

    Hangtown Frank

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  18. Enola,

    You and your family have been a blessing to me and mine for quite some time. This post, without a doubt, has some of the most profound wisdom, this side of the Bible, that I have read in quite some time. The world as a whole could use this one post to be read, out loud, in every establishment, in every home, and shouted from the rooftops.

    In whatever you and your family decide to do, it will be the right thing, as your wisdom comes from a Higher Power, and with prayer and family involvement, it will be the right thing.

    Kudos and prayers.

    Jay

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  19. Enola, You will make the correct decision of that I am sure. I missed most of my sons growing up working 60 hour weeks to bring home the money that I thought was my job. Way to late I realized that money was not my most important product my son was. In spite of all my failures he managed to turn out OK but I and he both missed out on a lot. I just want you to know that your blog has been an inspiration to me and I am sure many others. What ever you decide I will support you. HUGS (I think you needed that)

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  20. I'll miss you, but you have to do whatever is right for you.

    By the way, the person you see going methodically through everything from the beginning? That's me, making sure I have everything I want backed up. Oh, wait. I might as well just save it all! I love your writing.

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  21. I can relate. My blog (such as it is) had to take a back seat to life. It's getting to the point where the TV and internet are going to be on the chopping block, and not just because of finances. They are a drain on the mind and on relationships, and take time away from getting our collective act together. Circling the wagons.

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    1. Amen. I, like so many others I talk to or hear about, have "come to the end of the Internet". There are so many good, helpful, and encouraging blogs, but really, I spend too much time on them and not enough time on my family sometimes. I do the things that are required, but I need to do MORE for them.

      The bloggers themselves cannot have enough hours in a day to all they need to get done. Good for you for recognizing this, Enola. Godspeed and a healthy, happy 2013 in spite of everything that will be happening out there in the "world".

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  22. I understand where you are coming from and completely support whatever you feel led to do.
    But personally I hope that, in those moments when the pressure of all you "have to" do is less, you will be able from time to time to share your thoughts with your audience, like sharing a cup of tea with your neighbors.
    Your thoughts are very helpful and inspiring.

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  23. I applaud you on your choice to put the Lord first in your life and in the lives of your family. Would that more mothers were like you. I remember a line from one of Robert Heinlein's books (I don't recommend a good number of his works that I read in a former life including the one this line is in, but this stuck with me). Something along the lines of "He traveled for two days into the wilderness, sat down under a tree, and took out his soul and looked at it." It's good for us to take out our souls and look at them in the light of God's Word like you have on a regular basis. Even if you stop adding to your blog, please leave the archives intact for us. The world would be a wiser, brighter place for it.

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  24. I just found you blog today. I do hope if you stop blogging you will leave it up for a time. There are not enough hours in the day for me to read it all. I totally understand about priorities. I am getting started late in life due to that very fact. My boys came first. So now I am trying to live a dream.

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  25. But I was going to order more from you! Just been too busy myself...,
    And yours is one of my must read blogs. I wish you would reconsider and give us a warning, ie "after December 31 I will be closing down my business.... I really wanted a concealed holder. Please post if you can take any orders before you close up.. thanks. (And consider posting when you have the time. Your posts are so worth reading.

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  26. I'm sure that writing a blog can often feel 'one sided' at times (you doing all the 'giving') so this is my opportunity to try and give back (small by comparison) some encouragement in as much as you have given to me.

    "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

    Since I found your blog (in Sept) you have been a constant source of inspiration for me as a wife and mother. You are a God Fearing Woman whom I admire. I not only see you as a "Proverbs Woman", but a "Titus Woman" as well. You keep bringing me back to the word. Where I need to be.

    Titus 2: 2-11 (NIV)
    Doing Good for the Sake of the Gospel
    3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
    6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
    9 Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, 10 and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.
    11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
    15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

    I know it isn't always easy, but God calls us as women to uplift and encourage one another in Christ so THAT WE CAN continue to support our husband’s and families. Because of your blog... I feel less alone in my thinking of where we are in these trying times. I understand that we all go through seasons in our lives, and everyone handles those changes differently.

    John 4:13-17 (NIV)
    Do Not Boast About Tomorrow
    13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will[g] go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” 16 But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.
    17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

    If you choose to leave blogging "forever" ... I WILL CRY AND MOURN MY LOSS of our 'virtual friendship' (wow... that really sounds hokie... but that's just how I feel.) but know you will be “out there somewhere” following Gods will in your life. If all else (after waiting on the Lord)... I can only hope & pray that you could possibly keep your blog as a "fun thing to do when you feel inspired” (maybe a couple times a year or the like) and not have it be a burden or a "have to" in your life. We as readers would totally understand!

    I still hope to meet you someday and shake your hand... and give you a big hug! (I'm a hug person from the south!) I will continue to pray for you and your family and for the decisions you have before you.

    Love & God Bless,
    DM

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  27. @Crustyrusty: "Circling the Wagon"
    Enough chatter while we sit traveling on the buckboards of life. The enemy is approaching... it's time to round'em up!

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  28. I so understnad what you are saying. The other day I attended a business dinner with my Husband, in which I knew no one, but I supported my husband. Sitting and eating someone asked me what I did for a living, I said I was a Mother. Heads turned, conversations changed, I felt alone, BUT I did speak up on the importance that I was a mom and raising my kids and homeschooling one of them. I find we are a dieing breed but we are OUR kids future and just sharing our profession with others, I know some of those women at that table wished they could be home with their kids. How much better are our children when Mom is at home and God is our guidance. Thank you for your thoughts, I am not alone :)

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  29. Enola,

    I feel as if I know you, love your blog and your book. I will pray that you and your husband make the best decision for your family after prayerful consideration. He will give you the wisdom you need to know what is best for your family. Whether it be a temporary sabatical (sp??) such as Granny Miller took, or a permananent end to your blog, I will respect your decision and miss you if that is the route you take. Many prayers for a wonderful, talented lady and her most dear family!

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  30. Thank you so much-I don't comment, but this blog means so much to me!

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  31. I can understand and respect your decision. I hope you will leave your blog online even if you no longer write for it.For someone who grew up without the type of guidance you provide your family,you have been a guide to helping me to become a better person,who makes better choices.It would be a shame if this blog was no longer there to help other people, the way you have helped me.Thank you for all you have done.May you and your family have many years of happiness together.

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  32. i understand fully about visiting the basics and often...and i understand how hard it is to raise a family, be a good wife and mother, and all the other things that go into it all...if you quit the blog i will miss you very much and so will many of my friends that i share you with..but, if you should decide to go, then may God shower you with blessings each and every day.

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  33. Please at least keep the archives up! I would be so sad if I lost all your recipes!!! And there is so much good info even in what you already wrote!

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  34. I hope you don't shut down your blog as I look so forward to it. However I do understand your priorities and respect and admire you for choosing the best thing for your family. Blessings!

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  35. I'm glad your son is not interested in getting tattooed.Here is what the bible has to say.
    Leviticus 19:28
    You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the LORD.

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  36. I am having the same battle here! We are stretched and I need to focus on my family, getting my home in better order, and cooking more food from scratch. I am struggling to keep groceries in the house. I need to keep putting stuff on ebay because we need the money, but I really need to be just focusing on our home. So I can really relate!!

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  37. Enola,
    God bless you as you make the hard choices to do what is right for your family and yourself. I personally will miss your writing, recipes and encouragement that I have enjoyed on your blog. And I just recommended your Naturally Concealed to a friend!! Oh well, maybe I can figure out how to copy mine. I wish you nothing but the best. We all need to put our priorities in order. I applaud your decision, but I, like many others here, hope you will leave your blog up so we can search and read your archives.

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  38. Dear Enola,

    Thank you for you have done for so many of us who faithfully read your blog. I can't tell you how many times I was wondering what was going on in my marriage and you would post a blog entry that laid bare the truth to me. No one had ever put the Bible into perspective for me before you did it. It's not just a book to read for fun, it is a prescription for life and I learned that from you. THANK YOU. MY HUSBAND THANKS YOU EVEN MORE!

    I homeschool and am my husband's wife, making a home for him and our youngest (only one left at home) son. Life is very busy. Usually when I'm exhausted from standing, running, gardening, teaching, I sit down to chat with you. You tell it like it is and I get up and go back to work, renewed and refreshed. I will miss you if you quit blogging, but I understand completely, as I have often wondered if I was just lazy or you were superwoman, and I kept asking myself how you were able to do it all and do it so well. It has probably taken a toll on you.

    Again, thank you for being there for so many of us. Please leave your blog up for awhile (if you quit, that is) so it and you will continue to inspire and teach.

    sidetracksusie

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  39. Your blog has been such a spiritual encouragement to me as I live my life as a wife, mother, and pastor's wife in our little community. If you leave the blogosphere, I will miss you. I have also enjoyed your snippets of daily life and recipes. But you must do what is best for your family. Go with God.

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  40. Enola,
    I didn't realize how much I looked forward to your blog until hearing that it may be at an end. At the risk of being completely selfish - we NEED you. I don't think you realize what a beacon, what an inspiration you are. You are so fierce and hardworking and yet utterly a lady. Thank you for all the work you've done on this blog, and for helping me to improve as a woman through your stellar example. God bless all of you!

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  41. PLEASE finish your cookbook!
    thanks.
    deb harvey
    !

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  42. Enola,
    If you leave us I will understand...thank you for many, many thoughtful and uplifting posts.
    I love the art you used for this post. Please tell me who the artist is and/or where I might find it to purchase so I can hang it on a wall in my home.

    Thank you!
    Jan

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  43. I understand that your family comes first - but remember that we love you as family also. I love your blog, I love your insight. We will all miss you if you leave the blog world.

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  44. Thank you, Enola, for your blog. I am a long time reader and NON-commenter. Just wanted to say that I agree/empathize (going through same considerations but no blog). Thanks be to God, the Biblical principles in this are clear. We'll miss you if He leads you to stop, but are grateful for what we've had. If it doesn't compromise OP SEC, I, too, hope you leave the archives up. Please know that you and your family have been, and will continue to be on our family prayer list, though we don't know you in person. Family-in-Christ is family-in-Christ, whether personally known or not! :-)
    MamaKaty

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  45. I think I can answer the tattoo and piercings question-it's a trend, nothing more. It will peak, fade, disappear, and be something those in the future will laugh at, like so many other trends that have came and gone. Deodorant as body modification? I can understand that, especially someone who smells like they got dunked in the stuff-no, it ain't gonna attract supermodels, sorry. It might rust stainless steel..
    How you deal with life is really left up to you-family is first, all else takes a backseat. Back up, look at the big picture, and do what seems best. There are times I feel like I'm in a spacecraft about to enter the atmosphere, and I wonder if I have the angle correct or not....

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  46. my gal and I drop in every wee while. Love your recipies and will be making chocolate drop cookies again for the wknd.

    Want to thank you and yours for all the great efforts keeping up this blog.

    You would/will be missed and remembered.

    Best Regards

    Brian & Michele

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  47. I would very much miss your emails. You and Jackie Clay are at the top of this 60 yo man's reading list. I've used quotes and examples taken from your writings to help explain faith and family.

    I understand if you feel led another direction. Prayers out for you and your family.

    WolfBrother

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  48. Something changed for you, a few months ago. If I went back through your posts, I could pinpoint the change.......... A sudden realization? A feeling of threat and danger maybe, and the tone of your posts became different.......... Cautious... more reserved.... careful.
    The time we have been given, needs to be used wisely. Re evaluation is necessary every so often. You have faced a lot of challenges and managed them with strength and creativity. Trust the instincts God has given you as you continue to seek his direction. When you have done all that you can do, then stand.
    Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world!
    Cindy

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  49. Just want to add my few words and tell you how much I love your blog. You have provided insights that have been very helpful to me and I have read books on your recommendation that have affected my life. Pls consider that you have a voice that is unique and is important to some people. I will miss you if you find you are led to discontinue Paratus Familia.

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  50. Dear Enola,

    I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for opening the door to your life and family to all of us with your blog. I have been an avid reader since I stumbled upon your blog about a year ago, and must admit I will miss your blog terribly. I respect and honor your decision to do what you feel is right by your family, and know you must put your family first, only after God. If this is where He leads you, then go, with our thanks and blessings, and know you have been an inspiration for many women!

    You have taught me so much, about family, faith, being a wife and mother, homeschooling, homesteading, wood stove cooking and being a woman with a brave, pioneering soul, in an age where these things are rare and common sense is not so common. You have been a true inspiration to me, and I find your insights invaluable. If you choose to leave us, please leave your archives up for us to revisit, there is so much knowledge here, I would hate to see it disappear. You have been like a voice in the wilderness.

    Many Thanks and God's Blessings, Denise

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  51. God bless you! I hope that you'll keep the blog up and just post occasionally, though. You are a true resource and encouragement.

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  52. I've been reading your site for 2 years? Three years? Anyway, you are awesome. I hope you can continue to blog occasionally.

    You are right, families are falling apart. I am so happy to see such a great family as yours.

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  53. My first read here and forwarded to me by my very spiritual, thoughtful son. Many words of wisdom here which will take me a while to integrate into my being. Here's hoping you will be around for awhile.

    Family is where it is.

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  54. Enola,

    I've been away helping my ill father, and just now came across this post.
    Please be there for both your husband, and children. Family and life should always take presedence over the computer and blogging. I understand totally why your leaving but must let you know you will be missed. You've taught many to be prepared, live off the grid, and to be self reliant. I look forward to having the opportunity once again read your work, and listen to you on the radio. God Bless You and Your Family.
    Your Friend,
    Sandy Livesay, Oklahoma Transient

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  55. I wept as I read this...God has been saying the exact same things to my heart. We only get one chance to parent, and someday we will answer to a big God about our priorities and how we spent our time as parents.

    I just read the post on repeating yourselves til you're blue in the face to your children. I too, have thought I'm crazy, or my children are, when I repeat the same things forty-six times. The myth in society seems to be, that as soon as our children get out of the "high maintenance" stage, they are easier and easier to raise, gracefully and eagerly taking on the responsibilities of adulthood as they grow. Not so. Sometimes it takes a lot of intensive work. Why is this the least talked about part of parenting, it seems? I too am seeing my children's increased need for ME-not my nose wiping, not my cooking, not my laundering, as much as just ME.

    I agree, though....Please, PLEASE don't take down your blog. I reread things too, point people there all the time. I appreciate your sensitive, tender observations of life and your honesty regarding them. Take time to mother, but leave us with the blessings of sharing the lessons you have learned.

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  56. Thank you Gay household. All of yall have been apart of this blog in one way or another. I know the value of time and guard it fiercly. So much so all I have "schedualed" in my life is family, church and one bible study. That way when life happens in my family I can be "ALL" there not worring about having to cancel something, make umteen phone calls to other people who do not have the time to fit one more thing to try and find a replacement or take up valuable thought space in my head on how to rearrange a full schedual. You and your husband will hear form the LORD, I am confident of that.
    I can go weeks without bloging but your is one of less than a handfull I do go to. I just found out I am a grandma (for the first time!) and I was going to order your labor bucket...if you could give those of us a window of opprotunity to order....boy I would love that. But GOD is above all and if He says that it....well then that is it and it is GOOD!

    Peace and blessings to you and your household
    Debra

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  57. I've learned so much from visiting this website each morning. One concern I've had is your site from an 'OPSEC' point of view. Whatever your decision, I thank you for all your help and pray for God's continued blessings for your WONDERFUL family.
    In Christ and Liberty,
    Montana Guy

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