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Katie T’s Cottage Home Fun Fact #29

Fun fact time! This is a new section I’m including on my blog posts so my readers can get to know me on a personal level!

So, for my 29th fun fact, I want to share that I am going camping this weekend! 

Every year, my family has a campout at my parent’s house. Between swimming in the lake across the street, eating good food, and seeing family and friends! We always have a great time!

So now, let’s jump into how to use a lemon for zero waste in the kitchen!

Lemon Juice for Baking and Cooking

There are so many recipes that call for lemon juice! Besides the traditional lemon blueberry muffins, like the ones I made, there are countless recipes to add lemon juice to!

This has everything to do with food science. Adding lemon, an acidic food, enhances the flavors of the dish. 

This is true for cooking with fish, condiments such as mayo, or tenderizing meats such as chicken. Building on that, adding lemon juice to a marinade is a great way to tenderize meat.

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Lemon juice, like vinegar, is an acid that helps break down the meat protein fibers. Just be mindful of the other ingredients you mix with the marinade.

If it’s dairy-based, adding an acid will curdle the cream. 

Another thing to keep in mind if you are water bath canning is that lemon juice is often used in recipes to prevent bacterial growth that causes botulism.

This is because water bath (vs. pressure canning) requires a specific pH to do it safely. Also note that in this case, it is recommended to use bottled lemon juice from the store.

Each bottle has a standard acidity level, and when it comes to canning, you want to be precise to be sure you aren’t allowing the food to grow any unwanted bacteria.

Lemon Simple Syrup

The second thing you can do with lemon peels for zero waste in the kitchen is to boil them in water and sugar to make simple syrup!

This can be stored in the refrigerator or frozen to make drinks down the road.

I enjoy adding simple syrup to my cocktails, but you can also make regular lemonade. 

As far as a recipe goes, all you need is:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup of water
• About 3-4 lemon peels cut into small pieces

Bring all ingredients to a boil and let it simmer on medium-low heat for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it steep for an additional 30 min.

Once steeping is complete, you can strain the liquid from the peels. But don’t throw them away (see next section for how to use them!!) 

I’ve also used this process to make orange and lavender simple syrup (separately, of course).

So if you feel like experimenting, think 1 part water and 1 part sugar and add the produce of choice. Simmer, then let steep. And bam, you have a simple syrup!!

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Lemon Peel Candies

Next up on using lemons for zero waste in the kitchen is candy the peels! Yes, that’s right, you heard me! And this is the next step after making the simple syrup.

They taste like gummy worms if you ask me!

Instructions are as follows.

Once you’ve removed the peels from the liquid, set aside to dry. You may need to take a napkin and pat it. The big part here is to make sure they are dry so the sugar doesn’t get them soggy.

So, once the peels are dry, add them to a bowl of sugar and toss them around with a fork. Once completely coated with sugar, set aside.

You have just made yourself lemon peel candies! 

A couple of things to note here. Before making the simple syrup, try to cut off the white parts of the peel.

It doesn’t make a huge difference in taste but does leave a slightly bitter taste in the gummies. If you skip this step, don’t worry. I have done so with oranges, and I find it doesn’t make a huge difference.

Also, when you coat the peels with sugar, I’d let them sit out for a bit.

If the peels don’t get soggy by the sugar, then you must be a natural because I can’t seem to get mine to dry enough the first time around.

The solution, if this happens to you, is to dry your lemon peels again and repeat the process. 

Freshly Squeezed Lemonade

Next up on how to use lemons for zero waste in the kitchen is to freshly squeeze the lemons to make lemonade! 

I find the most efficient way to make lemonade is to put about half a peeled lemon with about 4 cups of water in a blender (add some other fruit, like strawberries, at this time if you want to add flavor). 

Once completely blended, strain it into a pitcher using a cheesecloth. I usually place my cheesecloth over a small strainer and pour the liquid.

Once it’s poured, I pick up the cheesecloth by the edges and apply pressure to separate the liquid from the pulp. 

At this point, you can add sugar and additional water to match your liking. I’ve also added honey as a sugar replacement for a more nutritious drink! 

The nice thing about adding strawberries to the lemonade is it’s a natural sweetener. Plus, the frothy top makes the drink taste fresh!

Lemon Zest

The fifth use of lemons for zero waste in the kitchen is to use it for lemon zest! 

This is perfect to top dishes with, like my blueberry muffins. You can also add them to salad dressings or cooked dishes. 

I’ve also added lemon zest to homemade soap bars before. There are conflicting opinions due to the nature of the fruit zest and spoiling the soap. I didn’t seem to have a problem when I did it, however, if you’re making soap and it’s hot and humid weather, I can see how that may increase the chances of the soap going bad.

I plan on making a soap post soon and will update this section with a link.

In it, I’ll experiment and see if I can dehydrate the zest to create a better alternative. In the meantime, check out my post on the 7 items to include in your vanity bathroom tray. In it I make a homemade liquid soap!

Lemon Peel Cleaner

The 6th use of lemons for zero waste in the kitchen is to make a cleaner with them! This is such a simple process!

All you need is vinegar, water, and lemon peels!

I don’t like my vinegar solution to smell like vinegar (I know it sounds silly), so I mixed 1 part water and 1 part vinegar with the lemon peels and let it sit for a couple of weeks. After it sat, I strained the lemon peels from the liquid and topped it with more water. 

Just don’t do what I did and stuff the lemon peels in a glass bottle like this! I then had to remove the peels from the bottle, which was a slight pain. 

So, if you do it, put it in a bottle that you can easily strain the water out of after. 

And also, as promised, here is a link to a free vinegar solution label! I printed mine on waterproof adhesive paper. It still looks good a couple of years later! 

Dried Lemon Peels and Powder

The last use of lemons for zero waste in the kitchen is to dry them for later use! 

I dehydrated the remaining parts of my strawberry lemonade that I made earlier and then blended it to make a powder. I wanted to see if I could reconstitute it to make a lemonade powder, and let’s just say that it did not taste well at all! 

In hindsight, it makes sense. You remove the pulp, dry it to make a powder, only to reconstitute it in water, and now you have pulp water.

Whomp.

But I’m not going to give up on it! I’m thinking I can add it to vanilla ice cream, but I’d love to hear your thoughts on what I should test it with! Drop it in the comments!

But, you can dehydrate lemon peels and put them in hot water to make lemon tea! 

Lately, I’ve been making lemon lavender tea with a latte twist. All you need is:

• Dried lemon peels
• Dried lavender buds
• 1 tsp of burdock root
• Splash of vanilla extract
• 1 tsp of honey
• About a ¼ cup of milk

Let the lemon, lavender, and burdock roots steep in hot water. Then add the milk, vanilla, and honey and blend it with an immersion blender until the milk has become frothy (definitely do this step in a larger container so you don’t spill everywhere).

Then pour the tea into your mug, and voila! You have a beautifully crafted lemon lavender tea with a latte twist! Top with lavender buds as seen fit.

Zero Waste in the Kitchen: 7 Clever Ways to Use Extra Lemons for Sustainable Living

There you have it! The 7 uses of lemons for zero waste in the kitchen! I hope you’ve enjoyed this post! Don’t forget to comment below and share this post with others! 

Love,

Katie

The post Zero Waste in the Kitchen: 7 Clever Ways to Use Extra Lemons for Sustainable Living first appeared on Katie T's Home.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.

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Updated January 14, 2025

I also ask that you please leave your thoughts in the comment section below. I’m always trying to produce helpful content for my readers, and without knowing what you think, it’s hard to know what you find helpful/not helpful. So please leave your thoughts below!!

Katie T’s Farmhouse Home Fun Fact #17

Fun fact time! This is a new section I’m including on my blog posts so my readers can get to know me on a personal level!

So, for my 17th fun fact, I want to share that my go-to alcoholic beverage is wine!

Preferably cabernet or merlot, but now and again, a sweet wine like sangria is the perfect way to end a sunny summer day. 

Creating a Budget That Works for You

When creating a budget that works for you, it’s essential to start by understanding your financial goals and priorities. 

Look at your income and expenses, and identify areas where you can cut back or eliminate unnecessary spending. 

By setting clear goals and tracking your expenses, you’ll be able to create a budget that aligns with your values and helps you achieve financial freedom. 

In this article, I go into more detail on how to save money. It explores budgeting tips and strategies to help organize your finances. 

Unnecessary Subscriptions to Cut Out

One area where you can cut unnecessary spending is by evaluating your current subscriptions. 

Take a close look at the services you are subscribed to, such as streaming platforms, gym memberships, magazine subscriptions, and other recurring expenses. 

Note that some health insurance companies may reimburse investments such as gym memberships up to a certain amount, so this type of subscription is a case-by-case circumstance. 

Then, ask yourself if you are truly getting value from each subscription and if it aligns with your financial goals. 

Consider cutting out any subscriptions you rarely use or can live without to free up more money in your budget. My biggest recommendation is cutting out cable and music subscriptions.

Cable and music subscriptions take the seat for the first two things to cut out to embrace frugal living for a few reasons. 

For cable, other streaming platforms are cheaper, like Netflix. Some of you may disagree with the music subscription, but hear me out. 

Saving money is a mindset. I discuss this in more detail in my article on the 10 realistic money-saving tips and techniques, but the main point is if you have the option of spending more money on something, more often than not you’re spending money on the convenience. 

Depending on your specific situation, you need to be honest with yourself and ask if spending the extra money on this convenience of not having to hear a few ads is worth the cost. 

It’s not necessarily about the low cost of the $11 expense each month, but rather the recognition that something has to give. The forward-thinking that you could have saved an extra $1k by the end of the year if you cut out 8 $11 unnecessary expenses each month.  

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Replacing Disposable Items with Sustainable Alternatives

When considering ways to embrace frugal living, it’s essential to look at the items you use every day that may contribute to unnecessary spending and environmental waste. 

One effective strategy is to replace disposable items with sustainable alternatives. 

For example, instead of buying single-use plastic water bottles, invest in a reusable water bottle that you can refill throughout the day. This saves you money in the long run while reducing your carbon footprint by cutting down on plastic waste. Not to add, the negative side effects of exposure to plastic in general.

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Similarly, you can swap out plastic bags and plastic wrap with beeswax wrap, and glass containers. I will say I keep some on hand with these three just in case, but I will use the alternatives if possible. 

Another item to stop buying to embrace frugal living is dryer sheets. Wool dryer balls are a great alternative to use instead. 

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And as far as beauty goes, I never buy makeup remover/pads or disposable razors anymore. Instead, I use these reusable makeup cloths and a metal razor with replaceable razor blades. 

Quality vs Quantity

When embracing frugal living, it’s important to consider the concept of quality versus quantity in your purchasing decisions. Opting for high-quality, durable items may initially cost more but can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent replacements. 

Investing in well-made, long-lasting products can also bring you greater satisfaction and value over time compared to cheaper, lower-quality alternatives.

However, you don’t always need to opt for quality. For example, I can honestly say I don’t use my iron a lot. Knowing this, I chose the cheaper iron to save money because I’m not looking for the quality. 

This same concept applies to brand-name items. The only time a brand is worth the investment is if they are associated with quality. For example, I’d say a few brand names worth the investment because they are considered quality brands are KitchenAid, Makita, Toyota, Shark, and Whirlpool to name a few.

If the brand itself is purely luxury, it’s not worth it. 

We live in a world where status holds an unfortunate amount of weight. Brands like clothing, accessories, makeup, shoes, cars, etc., will market their products as luxury items and charge much more than a similar item with equal benefits. 

If you ask me, the people who lose are the people who fall for the trap. Status can’t be bought. It’s earned. And although you may feel bougie walking around with a Stanley insulated tumbler, it means nothing if you don’t have the money to show for it because you spent it on the name.

Mindful Spending on Essential Items

When managing your budget effectively, it’s essential to practice mindful spending on essential items. 

Think about items that are crucial for your daily life and well-being, vs the items that are purely extra.

For example, air fresheners, Febreeze, perfume, and excessive makeup products are extras in my book. 

And words of wisdom to the people who love the extra smelly things in their home: you probably have at least a handful of people in your life who strongly dislike the fact that you use perfumes/smelly things. 

The reason for this is that you probably don’t realize how strong the smell is because you’ve gone “nose-blind” from it. 

And from personal experience, there are people in my life that I get slight headaches from being around because they smell like artificial scents. 

So do all of us scent-aware individuals who don’t have a nice way of telling you that you smell too strong a favor and tone it down. Please. 

Embrace Frugal Living and Say Goodbye to These 14 Money-Wasting Items: Budget Tips for Beginners

By being mindful of your spending habits and focusing on the quality of essential items, you can make the most out of every purchase and maximize the value you receive. 

This shift in mindset can not only help you save money but also lead to a greater sense of satisfaction and contentment with your purchases. 

In conclusion, by ditching these 14 money-wasting items and embracing frugal living, you’re setting yourself up for success! Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for updates and related content like this! 

The post Embrace Frugal Living and Say Goodbye to These 14 Money-Wasting Items first appeared on Katie T's Home.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.

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Please leave your thoughts in the comment section below. I’m always trying to produce helpful content for my readers, and without knowing what you think, it’s hard to know what you find helpful/not helpful. So please leave your thoughts below!!  

Katie T’s Cottage Home Fun Fact #43

For my 43rd fun fact, I want to share that I have a new love for canning!

There is something so validating about opening up a jar of sauce or whatever canned good, knowing it’s made with quality ingredients while being something I contributed to our household. 

Children are a Gift from God

As a Christian homemaker preparing for motherhood, it’s probably no surprise that children are one of the greatest gifts from God.

There is a reason the bible says that children are a reward, a blessing from God.

We, as Christians, are even told to be childlike. Matthew 18: 1-5 warns us that the greatness of heaven is not measured by rank or power but by childlikeness. God wants us to trust Him as our Father. Earthly success means nothing in God’s kingdom. 

And how great is it that God can abundantly bless us with His greatest gift, and in doing so, a parent is submerged into the dynamic of what it’s like to see things through the lens of God? What it’s like to be a parent with a special love for their children. Similar to the unconditional love God has for us.

Preparing Before Pregnancy

While the cliche of never being fully prepared for parenthood holds true, that doesn’t mean you can’t try your best. 

Personally, I think if you start preparing for motherhood when you get the exciting confirmation of pregnancy, you are not allowing yourself ample time to prepare to the best of your ability.

Similar to getting married. You shouldn’t have those important marriage discussions after you’re engaged. Likely, you would have had those discussions before the proposal, all to determine if your partner is equally yoked. 

And I’m sure many of you may be preparing without realizing it. 

For me, preparing for motherhood looks like personal growth. Trying to become the best version of myself. Asking myself what qualities I can work on today while life is “consistent” to help better the mother I’ll become down the road.

For example, I cannot expect to be the type of mother who reads bedtime stories to my children if I can’t even get in the routine of reading myself. While it’s not impossible to develop that habit when the time comes, it’s certainly unlikely.

In addition, what conversations can I have with my husband about how we will raise our children? What decisions do we need to make today to help give us the best physical, emotional, and spiritual health for when that day eventually comes?

It’s easier if you are around others who have children. You get to witness those who are close to you as parents and ask yourself what qualities you admire and want to obtain in your motherhood role.

Just be mindful that not every quality you see in other parents is a good fit for your situation. This is especially true when bombarded with content from social media, which leads me to the next section. 

Taking Social Media for What It Is

Social media can be a powerful yet destructive tool. That’s why Victoria, creator of Thyme and Tenderness, has advice on navigating social media when preparing for motherhood.

Victoria is a 30-year-old mom of 1. She’s been married for 8 years and resides in southern Maryland. She is passionate about homemaking and has been sharing content and inspiring others since 2018. 

Victoria Says:

“They say that becoming a mother is the most “natural” experience to go through, and although that may be true for some, it isn’t for others. When I became a mother, there were many things that felt effortless, but there were also many things that I had no idea about. 

I also found that there’s so much “noise” out there when it comes to being a mother. So many have opinions about what makes or doesn’t make a good mother. Not to mention all the information, videos, and stories we have to weed through when it comes to infant and child care.

When someone is trying to learn what to do as their new role as a parent, they might become paralyzed with confusion over all the abundance of information. 

My advice to any new mother is to mute all of that “extra” noise.

You don’t need strangers on the internet to tell you what to do. Limit who you’re getting information from. Choose only a handful of older, wiser, trusted individuals to be your counselors. Ideally, your own mother can help be your guide or even your grandmother. But sometimes that isn’t always possible. In that case, a trusted female friend with experience with motherhood would be your best ally. 

Social media is a wonderful tool to learn new things. It’s where many go for parenting advice. But, social media can be a two edged sword. On one hand, it can be very helpful, but on the other hand, it can be harmful. For every good piece of advice, there are 3 bad pieces of advice out there.

The best way to sort it all is to ask yourself the following questions: 

-Is this in harmony with the basics of what I know?

-Does this sound too good to be true?

-Is this overly sensational?

-What do the comments or feedback on the post have to say?

Asking yourself those questions while reading or learning on social media can help you sort out what is good advice from the bad. The more information you gather, the easier it is to make an informed decision when learning what to do in your motherhood responsibilities.” 

With almost any information, we need to take a step back and analyze if it applies to our lives. 

Not only are there lots of voices, but everyone’s circumstances are different. What might work for the vast majority may not work for you for one reason or another.

Don’t be afraid to do what’s best for your situation.

The Relationship With Your Husband

Preparing for motherhood is more than analyzing who you want to become as a mother. Another key component is the relationship with your husband and how the addition of a child may impact those dynamics. 

That’s why Grace is going to walk us through what we need to know about our marriage with the addition of a little one.

Grace is a dedicated Christian homemaker, wife & mother who believes in the transformative power of nurturing a home. She enjoys exploring and learning all there is to know about gardening/homesteading, creating culinary delights, and loves sharing traditional living content online via @thatjoyfilledhome. 

Grace Says:

“Children are life changing in the best way possible. When a baby is born it transforms a woman from maiden to mother, and quickly our lives are consumed with this new little bundle of joy, especially in the early years when all their needs come from mom. However, it is easy for this to strain a marriage.

My best advice is to always put your marriage as a priority above children.

I know that seems counterintuitive, and I’m not saying neglect your children. I am saying that your marriage will last far past when your children grow up and leave the nest.

Your marriage is also the worldview you are giving your children of what marriage looks like. You can choose to give them a picture of covering offenses in love, being quick to forgive, loving each other when the other is being unlovable, or you can give them an image of bitterness, resentment, keeping score, and being contentious.

The health of your marriage impacts future generations, and it needs to be tended to. Be intentional to make time for each other, go on dates, listen intently to what the other is saying, don’t neglect the marriage bed, and set healthy boundaries.  Remember you are a team.“

I feel like this concept is not discussed nearly enough. 

It might seem contradictory to God’s teaching, but the church recognizes this to be true. I remember during my marriage prep pre-cana classes, they told my husband and I, that we, as a couple, should prioritize each other above our children. 

In that way, preparing for motherhood means working on your relationship with your husband. Use this time to build a strong foundation so that, when the time comes, you and your spouse will be solid. 

Preparing for Motherhood as a Christian Homemaker: Future Mom Advice from the Experts

There you have it! Why preparing for motherhood should not just be limited to the duration of pregnancy and some helpful tips and advice from experienced mothers! Comment below if you have anything to add regarding your motherhood prep journey! Until next time!

Love,

Katie

The post Preparing for Motherhood as a Christian Homemaker: Future Mom Advice from the Pros first appeared on Katie T's Home.

Also, check out my grocery shopping digital downloads for an organized mealtime routine! So, without further ado, let’s jump right in!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

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I also ask that you please leave your thoughts in the comment section below. I’m always trying to produce helpful content for my readers, and without knowing what you think, it’s hard to know what you find helpful/not helpful. So please leave your thoughts below!!  

Katie T’s Cottage Home Fun Fact #37

For my 37th fun fact, I want to share that I am looking forward to the fall season that is approaching!

I live in New England, so I see all the pretty leaves changing!

5 Dimensions of Health

When most people think of health, they think of exercise and eating healthily. While this is important, it’s only a fraction of what it means to be healthy.

In addition to physical health, there are 4 other categories of health. These categories include mental, emotional, social, and spiritual.

Many typical health-promoting content creators focus on the physical health end of the spectrum.

While this isn’t bad in itself, it is missing the other four pieces of the puzzle. Without the other pieces, you don’t have a full healthy lifestyle.

With that said, today I will discuss some of the things I take issue with regarding some health-promoting content and what a realistic goal should look like. 

Getting Up at the Crack of Dawn

So, the first healthy lifestyle habits that I want to discuss revolve around the time you wake up. 

So often, I see content creators with the “what my morning looks like” trend, and they start with an early morning at 4:30-5:30. While some content creators are honest, I have doubts about some.

As a result, it’s so easy for the rest of us to feel lazy or less than because we are not waking up super early. 

Now listen, if that’s when your biological clock wakes you up, then that’s great! I have no issues with that. 

My point is everyone is different and in a different season of life. I think anywhere between 6 am and 8 am is a perfectly healthy time to wake up naturally. 

So not only does this unrealistic goal set high expectations for ourselves, but if you’re struggling to get up before 8 you’re fed tips and tricks on how to wake up early.

In some situations, these can be helpful, but I find it’s covering up the heart of the matter.

My morning routine and waking up have drastically shifted over the last 10 years. The times in life when I struggled the most to get up were usually because of external factors going on in life. 

On the contrary, the times when I find it easier to wake up are the periods in life when I am at peace with where I am. 

These “tips and tricks” distract our attention from the root cause of why it’s a struggle to get out of bed.

I know this may not be the case for all, but I’m sure plenty of you can relate to the idea that getting up may not be easy because of external factors. These external factors consume your emotional, mental, and even social well-being. So it’s no wonder you can’t wake up early.

So, my recommendation for those struggling to naturally get up early in the morning is to stop putting pressure on yourselves and start addressing the situations in life that are holding you back. 

And it could be as simple as getting more physical activity into your day. Other times, it may look like diving into the depths of your emotions and doing the hard work of healing.

It’s not easy and will take time. But the outcome will be completely worth it. 

The Problem with Routines

Next up on the list of healthy lifestyle habits for a down-to-earth catholic housewife is to discuss routines.

A routine by itself is a good thing. However, too much of a good thing is not a good thing. But before I discuss why that is, I want to mention that some routines are completely unnecessary.

Let’s take, for example, a classic skincare routine. 

If you’re eating healthy, exercising, and monitoring things like the shampoo you use, and external factors like housing and allergens, then your skin should be healthy by itself. 

Sure, you may need to moisturize after a shower or rinse your face when you first wake up, but after that, everything else is extra. Now, I know everyone has different skin types, which impacts the need to use additional products. 

However, I wholeheartedly believe that if your skin is acting up, it’s your body’s way of telling you something is off. If you’re using all of these products on your skin to make it glow, you could be missing the signals your body is trying to tell you. 

Not only that, but you’re spending time and money in doing so. As a result, this is taking time from your day to tend to other matters while ignoring the signals your body is trying to tell you. 

So, now that that’s established, I want to reiterate that routines are a good thing when done correctly. 

Having structure helps to stay organized and know what you need to accomplish.

But when there’s too much emphasis on structure, you risk missing the bigger picture.

For example, in my college years, I took between 5-7 classes in a semester, worked 20 hours a week, exercised almost daily, made time for family and friends, and managed to get straight A’s for most of college.  

The thing is, I was always so stressed, especially when I was falling behind because my whole life revolved around a scheduled routine. This hindered my ability to have a healthy emotional life.

So, make sure to make room for the “unstructured” parts of life, away from having a routine.

Just like a child needs unstructured play time, we need unstructured moments to step away and live in the moment. 

This is also where your spiritual health can influence your life. Ask God what he is calling you to do. If your focus is just on the next task at hand, you’ll miss the small nudge from Him.

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Eating Healthy

The next healthy lifestyle habits I want to share revolve around eating healthy. 

When I see content like “what I eat in a day,” I feel like it can be slightly misleading. While yes, I’m sure plenty of content creators eat super healthy, as they describe in their content, it doesn’t just stop there. 

My issue comes from the content creators Promoting their healthy choices, who are probably filming what they Ate on a Monday after the regret from the weekend diet is sinking in.

And I can’t even say what they are doing is entirely bad, but what happens is again, people have an unrealistic expectation set for themselves because they see all of these healthy eating posts. 

Also, keep in mind, that some content creators who eat super healthy are doing it because it is part of their job as content creators. The other factor is that healthy food (especially take-out food) might be more readily available in other places of the world. 

Here in the US, we have to worry about so many preservatives, additives, and dyes, to name a few, never mind the type of food we are eating. 

That’s why my personal goal is to make more food from scratch, but even that can be unrealistic. Short of eating the same few types of food every day, I can’t do it all. 

And the thing is, everyone’s “diet” will look a little different because everyone is different. 

You got the vegetarians and vegans in the world who feel completely fine with a diet of beans and pea pods, and I’m over here eating homemade beef jerky for breakfast because my body is craving protein. 

And I’d argue that’s part of what it means to be healthy. To listen to your body and what it’s craving. Now, just because you’re craving chips doesn’t necessarily mean that’s the food of choice, but rather that you’re probably dehydrated. But you get the idea.

Two documentaries that go into more detail on this notion are “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones” and “Hack Your Health: The Secrets of Your Gut”. These documentaries are super detailed about the different fundamentals of health and how to achieve it. Especially the video on gut health, which focuses on your everyday diet and food consumption. 

So, yes eat your fruits and veggies, get protein, drink water, and incorporate healthy carbs. It’s not complicated. Do the best you can do while still allowing yourself to splurge now and again. 

Get Your Priorities in Order

I believe prioritizing is vital for those looking to create healthy lifestyle habits. 

I won’t go into too much detail on how to prioritize as a homemaker because I have a full guide on how to prioritize below. The key is to make sure you prioritize your overall health. Not just “you”.

Prioritize your relationship with God (spiritual health). Prioritize your love language in your daily routine. Prioritize the things that bring you purpose. 

Don’t just prioritize your “to-do” list. This will set you up for only being productive through the lens of society, and as Christians, we are called to prioritize God as number one. Everything else will fall into place.

Also, prioritize your mental health. Don’t be afraid to take on a new challenge or set time aside to learn a new skill that interests you. 

Life itself is a voyage of lessons, so by default, we are constantly learning.

But when’s the last time you made time to learn something that interests you, all in the name of health? It’s easier to picture health in a way that is associated with exercising, but the mind also craves a challenge, just like our bodies crave the physical challenge of exercise. 

Count Your Blessings… And Friends

When you think about most of the content for healthy lifestyle habits, it accounts for a single person, i.e. drinking water, exercising, getting good sleep, etc. All those things are good, but it’s missing pieces for an overall healthy lifestyle.

Focus on spending time with good people.

We become the people we surround ourselves with. So, if you are spending time with people who are content in their misery, they will bring you down with them.

Instead, focus on the good people in your life and make room for them. We are social beings, and while some have an easier time socializing, everyone needs to make time for the good people in life.

Sometimes it’s difficult to prioritize building strong and healthy relationships with good people when life is filled with responsibilities, commitments, and everything in between. Don’t let those things hold you back from creating a life worth living.

Healthy Lifestyle Habits for a Down-to-Earth Catholic Housewife

So there you have it! Some down-to-earth healthy lifestyle habits for a Christian housewife. Let me know in the comments if you feel validated with any of these or if you disagree. As always, I’m so happy that you are hear, and don’t forget to follow for more! Until next time!

Love,

Katie

The post Healthy Lifestyle Habits for a Down-to-Earth Catholic Housewife first appeared on Katie T's Home.

Also, be sure to check out my feminine rosary digital download templates! So, without further ado, let’s jump in! 

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

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I also ask that you please leave your thoughts in the comment section below. I’m always trying to produce helpful content for my readers, and without knowing what you think, it’s hard to know what you find helpful/not helpful. So please leave your thoughts below!!  

Katie T’s Cottage Home Fun Fact #35

For my 35th fun fact, I want to share that I love going to the ocean! Swimming in a lake or pool is also fun, but there is something so exciting and relaxing about taking a trip to the beach and spending the day. 

Society Views

Before I explain submitting to your husband and how to do so, I want to discuss why society reacts negatively towards it. 

Unsurprisingly, it starts with the feminist movement. What was once advocating for equality has now turned into a campaign to promote the idea of being a strong and independent woman. 

If you want my opinion, there is no such thing as a Christian feminist because both parties contradict one another.

If we are really “independent” strong women, where does God fit into all of that?

We are all dependent on God and God alone. The idea that we can be an “independent” woman is the apple of the tree.

It’s an enticing campaign wrapped up in a bow, telling you that you can do everything by yourself because, after all, you’re independent and don’t need a man.   

This is such a slap to the face to God because he doesn’t have to give us anything. He doesn’t have to give us our husbands, kids, jobs, friends, blessings, and free will. But he wants to gift us these blessings. Having the attitude that we are independent would be like a toddler thinking that they don’t need their parents and can do it themselves. 

And I know there is a spectrum regarding this way of thinking. To be clear, I’m not trying to attack the woman out there who simply wants to be treated fairly and with dignity. I hope that’s something every human wants.

I’m talking about the feminists who are in your face about their beliefs and push them on the rest of society who go out of their way to victimize men in the same way they are claiming to be victimized.

So, of course, with the idea that we are supposed to be independent, hearing the passage “Likewise you wives, be submissive to your husbands” (1 Peter 3:1) may raise a couple of eyebrows minimally. But this is looking at scripture through a feminist lens and, by default, makes people feel like the Church is bigoted or toxic. 

The sad reality is this passage is completely taken out of context. It’s no different than hearing a fraction of a conversation and missing the vital conditions of the matter. 

What Does Submission Actually Mean?

Well, submitting to your husband means that you support your husband’s mission. Submission is placing yourself under the overarching mission of another person. Sub-mission. 

The sad reality is that people dismiss the part that comes after Ephesians 22 because they biasly take wives being submissive out of context. People miss the: 

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. Even so husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no man ever hates his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, as Christ does the church,  because we are members of his body. “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This is a great mystery, and I mean in reference to Christ and the church; however, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. Ephesians 5:25-33

So, in essence, we are told to support our husband’s mission, and the apostle Paul clearly outlines what our husband’s mission should be. It should be to love us, their wives, as Christ loved and gave himself up for his church. 

Jesus came to earth to lead us to God. He didn’t do this by ruling the nation or becoming a tyrant King. He did it by serving. He did it by laying down his life so that we, his church, may have the chance to live eternally with God the Father. 

If it’s expected of men to lead and love us like Jesus loves his church, then it means that we are the priority of our husbands. Even if it means they are sacrificing their own lives to save ours.  That’s true love. Shouldn’t we want to stand behind this? 

Ironically, being submissive is portrayed as being a doormat, but if anything, it guarantees us a life of receiving love. 

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What Does Submitting to Our Husbands Look Like?

To be clear, I am not advocating for women to be taken advantage of. Implementing submission in your relationship is where it gets tricky because the model given in the bible of what it means to be submissive doesn’t account for brokenness.

We are all broken, and the sad reality is some people simply do not have a healthy way of managing their brokenness. That can make it incredibly hard for the people who want to do right, and it can lead to enabling, which is a separate issue of its own. 

This is why it’s crucial to be equally yoked. If your husband’s mission in life is not in line with yours, then submitting to him will contradict your biblical role.

If your husband’s mission is to serve himself, then submitting to him will only feed his ego because he’s not in the right frame of mind. If you believe this to be your situation, the best thing you can do is pray and seek support from those experienced with knowing how to handle such situations.

But if you are equally yoked, then being submissive is supporting your husband’s mission. 

I’d say the mission across the board is to make it to heaven. To do what we can in this life for an eternal abundance with God. As wives, we are held accountable to support and do what we can to get ourselves and our husbands to heaven.

If you want inspiration on how to do this, I have 3 tips on what you can do today to help your husband get to heaven. 

Likewise, our husband’s goal is similar.

But here’s the catch. We are all unique in personality, gifts, experiences, and how we each fit together as a couple. 

So there isn’t a “one size fits all” in the sense that I recommend you do XYZ. Because it’s not about being the best homemaker who gets up early, does the laundry, and makes all the meals from scratch. It’s not about that at all. 

Rather, your husband’s goal is to serve you, which may take the form of being a provider financially for the family and allowing you to stay home and work on your relationship with God, raise kids, and/or make your house a home. 

As a result of this service, it’s your responsibility to support him. So, while yes, it can take the form of doing the laundry, cooking meals, budgeting finances, and running errands, it doesn’t always have to be. 

I would even say your objective is encouraging him to be the best version of himself. If that means he struggles with overeating, spending, vanity, or laziness, part of submitting to him is helping him through these struggles, however, that may look.

Does Being Submissive Mean We Are Unequal?

If you’re merely looking at submitting to your husband from the perspective of who has the authority then, yes. I guess it would mean that we are “unequal”. 

But I believe this frame of mind to be looking at it the wrong way. It would be like saying the best player on the team is the one who has scored the most goals. While yes, that player is important and can win the game, the defensive players keep the team from losing.

Just like the trinity, the foundation of Christianity, the father is the head, and Jesus is the son, yet both, including the holy spirit, are one. 

Each persons in the trinity, father, son, and holy spirit, have a different role but are united as one Godhead. So, we, as Christian women, don’t have less authority than our husbands, rather we are united as one with different roles.

Submitting to Your Husband as a Christian Wife: How Submission is Misunderstood

There you have it! Submitting to your husband as an act of love and what it means. I hope you have found this post helpful, and I look forward to seeing you next time!

The post Submitting to Your Husband as a Christian Wife: How Submission is Misunderstood first appeared on Katie T's Home.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.

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But before I jump into the number one goal of a Christ-centered wife, I want to be transparent that I am not a professional in the relationship or religious fields. I’m simply a wife who loves God with all my heart, and if there is a way I can share what has worked for me, then I am going to do it! 

I also want to mention that my prayers are with all of you. And for those in marriages that are struggling, I pray that you can navigate through the hardships because what you’re going through is not easy. 

I also ask that you please leave your thoughts in the comment section below. I’m always trying to produce helpful content for my readers, and without knowing what you think, it’s hard to know what you find helpful/not helpful. So please leave your thoughts below!!  

Katie T’s Farmhouse Home Fun Fact #22

Fun fact time! This is a new section I’m including on my blog posts so my readers can get to know me on a personal level!

So, for my 22nd fun fact, I want to share that I often have vivid dreams. 

Sometimes the dreams are realistic enough that I have to ask if that situation happened. And other times it’s the complete opposite where anything and everything that could happen does. 

So without further ado, let’s jump into my Christ-centered wife advice and the number one goal you should be pursuing! 

What is a Christ-Centered Wife?

So, what is a Christ-centered wife? Well, to simply put, it’s a wife who puts God first. 

Think of it like a triangle. God is at the top of the triangle, and you and your husband are on the other points. 

The closer you both move to God, the closer you become to one another. 

That’s why it’s so important to be equally yoked with your husband. Because if one spouse has different ideas and opinions on the faith life, it makes it harder to move in the same direction as one. 

The Importance of Prioritizing Your Spouse’s Spiritual Journey

To fully understand what it means to be a Christ-centered wife, it is crucial to recognize the significance of prioritizing your spouse’s spiritual journey. Just as we strive to grow and deepen our relationship with Christ, it is equally important to support our husbands in their faith journey.

So the question becomes, what is the ultimate goal as a Christ-centered wife for our relationship with our husband? Simple. To help him get to heaven.  

Really, as children of God, we should strive to help everyone get to heaven, but I’d say it is especially important to pursue this goal for your spouse. 

If you got married by a priest, you and your husband entered into a covenant ordained by God and took an oath to love one another unconditionally for the rest of your life.

And the greatest example of unconditional love is the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. His death served justice for the sins of the world so that we could have a chance to enter heaven. 

So, to have a Christ-centered relationship, we as individuals must imitate Jesus and do what we can to help others get into heaven. There are many ways to do this, which I discuss in the section below. 

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Practical Tips for Helping Your Husband Get To Heaven

Understanding the importance of prioritizing our spouse’s spiritual journey sets the stage for encouraging a God-centered relationship. 

First and foremost, communication plays a vital role in cultivating a God-centered relationship. 

Openly discussing our spiritual beliefs, desires, and aspirations with our spouse allows us to better understand each other’s faith journeys. 

By regularly engaging in conversations about our walk with God, we can offer support, encouragement, and guidance as we navigate our paths together.

Actively seeking spiritual growth alongside our spouse is another important aspect of a God-centered relationship. 

This can involve attending mass, praying together, and setting aside time for devotionals as a couple. But don’t let it stop there. Pray for him on your own time as well. We are all called to pray the rosary, so why not do it with your husband and his entry into heaven in mind?

Practicing forgiveness and grace is also essential in cultivating a God-centered relationship. Fr. Mike Schmitz does an excellent job of explaining the steps to forgive and the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation.

As imperfect beings, we are bound to make mistakes and fall short of the ideals we strive for. By extending forgiveness to our spouse and ourselves, we create a space where healing and growth can occur. 

Additionally, offering grace allows us to see past our partner’s flaws and focus on how God unconditionally loves each of us.

Christ-Centered Wife Advice: The Ultimate Goal You Should Be Pursuing in Your Relationship

Being a Christ-centered wife means seeking the ultimate goal of helping your spouse reach heaven should be a top priority. Throughout this article, we have explored what it means to prioritize your spouse’s spiritual journey and how to cultivate a God-centered relationship.

Don’t forget to follow Katie T’s Home on Pinterest for more related content like this, and comment below on what you think!

The post Christ-Centered Wife Advice: The Ultimate Goal to Pursue first appeared on Katie T's Home.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.

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I also ask that you please leave your thoughts in the comment section below. I’m always trying to produce helpful content for my readers, and without knowing what you think, it’s hard to know what you find helpful/not helpful. So please leave your thoughts below!!

Katie T’s Farmhouse Home Fun Fact #18

Fun fact time! This is a new section I’m including on my blog posts so my readers can get to know me on a personal level!

So, for my 18th fun fact, I want to share that I shop for organic over conventional.

Not for all foods, due to availability and price, but if I can help it, I will lean towards organic any day!

The Proper Tools for a Solid Prayer Life

To start this post, I want to share the importance of having a solid prayer life for the feminine Christian homemaker.

Having a quality prayer life is the foundation of everything else in life. 

We can do nothing without God. But yet, it’s so easy to fall into the trap of believing that we are fully self-sufficient. 

To avoid this type of self-centered ideal, it’s important to recognize and appreciate all that God has done for us and continues to do for us. 

The way to do this is to have an active prayer life. Preferably in the morning, as it nourishes your mind and soul for what the day brings. 

I discuss 3 ways to invite God into your morning routine above, but I like to start with a daily reading from Sarah Young’s book Jesus Calling. This sets the tone and inspires me to walk with God for the rest of the day. 

Quality Cookware for Nourishing Meals

A feminine Christian woman also understands the importance of utilizing quality cookware for nourishing meals. 

By investing in the proper tools for cooking and baking, she can create meals that bring her family together and strengthen the bond they share. 

Cooking with quality cookware ensures that meals are prepared with precision and care while enhancing the overall dining experience for everyone at the table.

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Some examples of quality cookware include opting for glass over plastic, stainless steel pans over non-stick, or ceramic over aluminum bakeware.

To take it a step further, a grain mill is an ideal kitchen tool that enables you to make your flour at home. You’ll find that traditional flour at the store removes nutrients and adds preservatives to give it a longer shelf life. 

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You’ll also need jars for storage purposes. The more you move along in the homemaking journey, the more you’ll realize that the premade food in stores is filled with unnecessary ingredients. 

Making meals and prepping food allows you to have control of the food you put in your body. This means you’ll need jars to store food, whether it’s for chicken broth, spices, condiments, snacks, etc. 

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Eco-Friendly Cleaning Supplies for a Healthy Home

The 3rd out of the 7 homemaking essentials a feminine Christian woman should have is adequate cleaning supplies.

Eco-friendly cleaning supplies tend to be natural and suitable for a healthy home environment. 

This means opting for natural soups or making them on your own. It also means investing in the quality tools that will get the job done, like a high-rated vacuum cleaner. 

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In addition, the quality of the air you breathe is an important focus. While plants provide a decorative element, many of them clean the air we breathe. 

New Meaning to the Slow Living Aesthetic

Transitioning to a new meaning to the slow living aesthetic emphasizes the importance of intentional choices and sustainable practices in every aspect of homemaking. 

This approach encourages the feminine Christian woman to focus on quality over quantity, mindfulness over busyness, and simplicity over excess. 

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By embracing slow living, she can create a peaceful and harmonious home environment that reflects her values and beliefs. 

Having the proper areas in the home for this intentional way of living is an extension of deliberately choosing this type of lifestyle. 

This means having an area like a cozy reading nook with a comfy accent chair can make or break how a feminine woman cultivates a slower pace of life. 

Organizational Tools for a Clutter-Free Space

Embracing the 7 homemaking essentials means that organizational tools are a must.

Whether you choose bins, furniture with additional storage, or even incorporating a label system, being organized will help maintain order within the home. 

Implementing storage solutions, decluttering methods, and effective organization systems creates a serene environment that promotes mindfulness and simplicity. 

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These tools streamline your daily tasks while cultivating a sense of calm and order in your home, allowing you to focus on what truly matters.

Materializing the Concept of Living Within Your Means

To materialize the concept of living within your means, it is important to approach homemaking with a mindset of intentionality and purpose. 

This means being mindful of your purchases, prioritizing quality over quantity, and making thoughtful decisions about what you bring into your home. 

A good way to materialize living within your means may mean creating a budget and tracking your expenses.

I like to use Wallet, which I discuss more in-depth in the article above. 

By focusing on what truly adds value to your life and reducing unnecessary expenses, you can create a living space that reflects your values and beliefs as a feminine Christian woman. 

Less is More when Needing to be Flexible

In our fast-paced world, flexibility is crucial when it comes to homemaking. 

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Unexpected events, changes in schedules, and shifting priorities can all disrupt our carefully planned routines. 

That’s why adopting a “less is more” mindset can help you stay agile and adaptable. 

This also means that staying organized and having a tangible schedule will help avoid any overlap in planning and scheduling. Calendars and planners are a great way to stay organized in this way. 

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7 Homemaking Essentials for the Feminine Christian Woman

Incorporating these 7 homemaking essentials and tools into your daily routine will not only elevate your home but also cultivate a sense of peace and joy in your life. 

As you create a space that reflects your values and brings you closer to God, remember that simplicity and intentionality are key. So, why wait? Start implementing these essentials today and watch as your home transforms with the faith and femininity you bring to the table.

Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for more content like this!

The post 7 Homemaking Essentials for the Feminine Christian Woman first appeared on Katie T's Home.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.

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I also ask that you please leave your thoughts in the comment section below. I’m always trying to produce helpful content for my readers, and without knowing what you think, it’s hard to know what you find helpful/not helpful. So please leave your thoughts below!!  

Katie T’s Farmhouse Home Fun Fact #13

Fun fact time! This is a new section I’m including on my blog posts so my readers can get to know me on a personal level!

So, for my 13th fun fact, I want to share I met my husband at church. Our families grew up knowing each other, and through that, a connection was made. 

I guess my intuition was spot on because a half hour before the introduction, I looked at Vinny (whom I’d never talked to before) from across the church, playing his guitar in the Life Teen band, and thought to myself, “If I ever have kids with that man, they’ll be doomed with red faces”. To give context, my face gets red so easily, and at the time of this thought, his was super red! I guess time will tell with our future kids!!

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Set Aside Dedicated Time

To truly invite God into your morning routine, it’s crucial to set aside dedicated time to spend with Him. Amidst the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives, it’s easy for our prayer life to take a backseat.

In full honesty, my morning routine before this Advent was not as deeply routed in my spiritual life as I wanted. I found myself falling into the temptations of scrolling through social media, checking emails, or anything far from prioritizing God first thing in the morning. 

But, I decided to prioritize Him by changing my morning routine this Advent season. I was inspired by my family giving up tech (not entirely, but social media, video games, etc.) and offering it up to God this Advent season (similar to giving something up for lent). 

Now, as a blogger with a social media presence via Pinterest and Instagram, giving up tech in this way is not exactly ideal in my life. However, I found myself unintentionally prioritizing it over my relationship with God, and I wanted that to change.

So, instead of giving it up, I decided that I could not move forward with my day or even look at my phone in the morning until I said my prayers. And so far, it’s worth it, and I hope I can continue to prioritize God this way after Advent is over. 

So, when setting aside dedicated time, ask yourself, what is it in your life that is holding you back from prioritizing God? This will help you determine what aspects of your life need God the most. 

This deliberate act of choosing God over the earthly temptations of this world demonstrates your sincere desire to invite Him into every aspect of your life.

Start with Prayer and Scripture

Starting your dedicated time with prayer and scripture sets the stage for a meaningful and purposeful connection with God. Prayer opens up a direct line of communication, allowing you to express gratitude, seek guidance, and share your deepest desires and concerns. It is a conversation between you and God, a moment of vulnerability and faith that strengthens your relationship with Him.

Depending on life circumstances, there are prayers or routines that I gravitate towards more than others. But overall, there are 3 main prayers/routines that I can say I feel closest to God.

Jesus is Calling

The first thing I do to set the tone of my morning prayers is read the daily devotional from Jesus’s Calling. This is a great way to ease into the prayers I discuss later on and feel a sense of purpose and peace. 

The Prayer Process

The second is praying to God using the prayer process created by Matthew Kelly. This prayer process has helped guide my prayers and give them the structure they need. All while still being able to come to God with what’s in my heart. 

Matthew Kelly has many books and has inspired me to deepen my relationship with God. He wrote a book called Resisting Happiness. This is a must-read for those looking to pursue God in their day-to-day lives. This book has a special place in my heart, as it was the book that changed my life when I was at my lowest. 

The Rosary

The third prayer is the Rosary. I pray the rosary twice a week, and on the days that I do, I feel at peace. Some of you may be sighing because the rosary does take some time to pray. 

I guess my challenge for you would be to start small and don’t feel like you have to be perfect. But rather recognize that you are reading this blog because you want to deepen your faith in God. The calling for you is there. Give the rosary a try. Pray it early in the morning one day out of the week for a month. 

After the month is over, you can decide if praying the rosary is helping you strengthen your relationship with God. If it is, I challenge you to keep going on that journey, and if it isn’t, then perhaps find other ways to prioritize God in your morning routine. 

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Bonus Tip on Inviting God into Your Morning

A bonus prayer, or rather routine, is going to a local church’s adoration. Now okay, this might not be a morning routine for most simply because you are bound by when your church offers adoration. 

However, visiting the Blessed Sacrament has been the BIGGEST influence on my relationship with God, so I felt it was worth mentioning here. I try to go to adoration once a week and it’s such a beautiful experience. 

For those who don’t know what adoration is, it’s a time when a Catholic church allows you to visit the Holy Eucharist. The Holy Eucharist sits in a monstrance on the altar for everyone to see.

This quiet time has allowed me to bring my prayers and intentions, knowing that God is fully present in that moment. Again, I can’t begin to explain how beautiful this experience is. You will just have to check it out yourself! 

Talk with God

Just as we communicate with our loved ones, talking with God allows us to express our thoughts, emotions, and desires. It is a chance to share our joys, fears, and challenges with the One who knows us intimately. Through this intimate conversation, we can gain clarity, find peace, and receive guidance.

In our fast-paced lives, we often forget the importance of truly listening. But in our conversations with God, it is crucial to be still and attentive. By quieting our minds and opening our hearts, we create space for God’s voice to be heard. This is where true transformation can occur.

So after (or perhaps even during) your daily prayers, I challenge you to talk with God like you would a loving father. Because that’s what He is.  

Talk with Him about what your heart is attached to in this world. One of the easiest ways to determine what our heart is attached to is by noticing what distracts us during our prayers.

Fr. Michael Schmitz discusses this and how distractions during our prayers often reveal what our hearts are attached to. 

So if you are distracted during prayer or even have ongoing thoughts that keep resurfacing, bring them to God. Talk with him about why these situations hold space in your heart. 

Invite God into your Morning Routine with these 3 Tips

Incorporating faith into your morning routine can have a profound impact on your relationship with God and the overall trajectory of your day. Slowly but surely, setting aside dedicated time in the mornings will allow for a peaceful and purposeful experience.

As you invite God into your morning routine with these 3 tips don’t forget that it may not be an overnight process. God loves you and is waiting for you to answer his calling. And I’d say the fact that you are here and reading this tells me that you are on the right path to answering that call.

The post Invite God into your Morning Routine with these 3 Tips first appeared on Katie T's Home.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.

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Katie T’s Farmhouse Home Fun Fact #5

Before I jump into how to answer the call for a slow living lifestyle, I want to mention a fun fact about myself! This is a new section I’m including on my blog posts so my readers can get to know me on a personal level!

So, for my fifth fun fact, I want to share that I am, unfortunately, a plant killer.

I love having house plants, and, I feel like I’m getting better, but somehow I always manage to kill them. I think I overwater them, but hey who knows? Do any of you green thumb people have any tips? Would love to hear them in the comments!

What is Slow Living?

The slow living lifestyle, as the name suggests, is all about embracing a slower and more deliberate approach to life. It’s about intentionally pushing back against the fast pace of modern living, creating space for ourselves to breathe, and finding solace in simplicity. 

In a society that constantly demands our attention and values productivity above all else, the idea of slowing down may seem counterintuitive. 

However, at its core, slow living is not about doing less, but rather about doing things with greater intention and mindfulness. It’s about savoring the present moment, instead of constantly chasing after the next thing on our to-do lists.

By prioritizing slow living, we permit ourselves to unplug from the constant noise and distractions that surround us. 

We carve out time for activities that bring us joy and fulfillment, whether that’s reading a book, taking a leisurely walk in nature, or enjoying a home-cooked meal with loved ones. Slow living is about savoring these simple pleasures and finding contentment in the here and now.

Slow living also emphasizes the importance of self-care and self-reflection. It encourages us to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of daily life and evaluate what truly matters to us. 

By practicing mindfulness and being fully present in each moment, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our values. This self-awareness allows us to make deliberate choices that align with our authentic selves, rather than mindlessly following the expectations and trends set by society.

Ultimately, slow living is a mindset and a conscious choice to create a more meaningful and fulfilling life. It’s about reclaiming our time, our energy, and our sense of self in a world that often feels overwhelming.

The Role of Homemaking as a Christian Wife

One aspect of slow living that holds particular significance for Christian wives is the role of homemaking. In today’s fast-paced world, where the expectations and demands on women can feel overwhelming, homemaking provides a sanctuary—a place where the slow living philosophy can truly thrive. 

It allows Christian wives to cultivate an environment of peace, order, and warmth within their homes.

Homemaking as a Christian wife goes beyond mere housekeeping; it is about intentionally creating a nurturing and welcoming space that reflects a woman’s faith and values. 

It involves not just the physical act of cleaning and organizing, but also the emotional and spiritual care of those within the home. It means prioritizing the well-being of family members, fostering a sense of connectedness and love, and incorporating biblical principles into daily life.

See, when a Christian wife embraces slow living within her homemaking, she recognizes that it is not just about the outward appearance of her home, but also about the inward transformation that occurs within herself and her family. 

Some of you may be wondering what homemaking as a Christian wife looks like and how to use it to slow down.

I guess the three main ways I use my role as a homemaker to answer the call of a slow living lifestyle are following God, prioritizing, and being intentional.

I choose to follow God, and by doing so, it nourishes the relationship I have with my husband, family, friends, and everyone in between. The two main ways I build my relationship with Him include inviting Him into my morning routine and spending time in eucharistic adoration. 

Prioritizing is another way to answer the call to a slow living lifestyle. 

I dive into this concept more in the section below, but for one example, my husband and I decided to incorporate no-tech Tuesdays. By prioritizing our time and taking technology out of the equation, we get to spend more time with one another. 

And I think for couples this is so important. Just because you live under the same roof, doesn’t mean you are spending quality time with one another. 

When you think the average human works a 9-5 and then 5-bedtime is spent driving home from work, getting chores done, attending to kids, exercising or doing other hobbies, cooking and eating, and, then the infamous technology black hole, it doesn’t leave couples with much time to spend with each other. 

Yesterday was the first day we attempted to avoid tech, and I must say, something very unexpected and interesting occurred afterward.

Traditionally, my husband snores. And most of the time I can’t stand it! Like I think I have high-functioning misophonia (a disorder when certain sounds like chewing, breathing, tapping, or snoring can cause a triggering response). 

But what’s interesting is after our first no-tech Tuesday, my husband’s snoring didn’t bother me as much. I was able to fall asleep regardless of his snoring. So, was it a coincidence? I guess we’ll see in the weeks to come! 

The last homemaking tip to answer the slow living lifestyle call is to be intentional. 

I often find we go through the paces of life without giving it a second thought. But once you start being intentional about what you do and why you do it, you’ll notice a shift. 

A simple example of being intentional is a discovery I made years ago. I was peeling carrots, and then it occurred to me that there wasn’t any benefit to spending the time and energy to do so.

As long as the carrots are washed and scrubbed, which I would have done regardless, there isn’t a difference in taste or texture when I leave the skin on. And the only reason why I started peeling carrots was because that is how I was taught.

Now, in the scheme of things, the time it would have taken me to peel carrots is small compared to everything else that needs to happen in a day, but those moments add up. 

So whenever you do a task, ask yourself why you are doing it. Perhaps if you can’t come up with an answer, it’s time to reconsider the effort it’s taking to accomplish that task. 

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Embracing Simplicity and Minimalism in a Fast-Paced World

Embracing simplicity and minimalism in a fast-paced world is not just about decluttering our physical environments; it’s about decluttering our minds and souls as well. 

In a society that constantly bombards us with distractions and demands our attention at every turn, it can be easy to lose sight of what truly matters.

Simplicity is about removing the excess and focusing on the essentials.

It’s about prioritizing our time and energy on the things that bring us joy and fulfillment, rather than being pulled in a thousand different directions by the demands of our modern world. 

By consciously choosing to live with less, whether it’s material possessions, commitments, or digital clutter, we can free ourselves from the constant busyness and find peace and contentment.

Minimalism, on the other hand, goes beyond just physical decluttering. It’s about cultivating a mindset of intentionality and mindfulness in everything we do. 

By embracing minimalism, we can make deliberate choices about how we spend our time, who we surround ourselves with, and what we allow into our lives. It’s about creating space for the things that truly matter and letting go of the rest.

Now, this doesn’t mean you have to get rid of all your possessions, hyper-focus on the time you spend with a particular person, or do this or that thing.

What it does mean is don’t be afraid to remove the excess. A simple way of looking at it is similar to sharpening a kitchen knife. The normal wear and tear on a knife will leave it dull. So, sharpening it will help restore it to its most effective performance. However, in the sharpening process, bits of metal are removed from the blade to achieve a sharp edge.

The bits of metal that didn’t add any value to the blade are the things or people in your life that are holding you back from being the sharpest you can be. 

Mastering the Art of Organization and Cleaning

By organizing our spaces thoughtfully and keeping them clean, we can ensure that our homes remain peaceful and intentional, reflecting the essence of slow living that we strive for.

The organization plays a vital role in maintaining a slow living lifestyle. When our belongings are scattered and disorganized, it can create a sense of chaos and hinder our ability to immerse ourselves in the present moment. 

On the other hand, when everything has its designated place and is neatly arranged, we can move through our living spaces with ease and efficiency.

I have a full tutorial on 7 organization ideas for the home and how to get rid of the clutter once and for all! 

Cleaning is another essential aspect of mastering the art of organization. Regular cleaning not only keeps our homes hygienic and pleasant to be in, but it also contributes to our overall well-being. 

As we engage in the process of cleaning, we can approach it with mindfulness and intention. Try to look at cleaning as less of a chore and more of an opportunity to create an enjoyable environment.

Finding Peace and Contentment through Slow Living

Finding peace and contentment through slow living is not just about simplifying our physical spaces and decluttering our belongings; it also encompasses our mental and emotional well-being. 

As we consciously embrace the slow living lifestyle, we prioritize self-care and create ample space for mindfulness and introspection. By intentionally disconnecting from the modern world and its constant distractions, we can cultivate inner peace and find a deep sense of contentment within ourselves.

One of the key aspects of finding peace and contentment through slow living is creating time and space for solitude and reflection. In a fast-paced world that constantly demands our attention, it can be challenging to carve out moments of tranquility and stillness. 

However, by intentionally setting aside time each day for quiet contemplation, prayers, or simply being alone with our thoughts, we can develop a deeper understanding of ourselves and recharge our mental batteries. 

I find being alone with your thoughts is harder for some than it is for others.

My husband is one of those people who have a hard time with this. For him, that’s where the anxiety creeps in, and it’s one step away from going down the rabbit hole. 

A simple way around this is to have a sense of objectiveness, like sitting outside on the porch and watching the hummingbirds at the feeder. Something simple and subtle. Time spent in nature is a good way to start. 

Exploring DIY Projects for a Mindful Lifestyle

Engaging in DIY projects can be a meaningful and fulfilling way to enhance our mindful way of living. These projects provide an opportunity for creativity and self-expression, allowing us to express our unique perspectives and individuality.

When we take the time to engage in DIY projects, we are actively participating in creating something tangible. Whether building or renovating furniture, crafting a handmade gift, or growing produce, to name a few examples. 

The act of creating with our own hands brings us a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. It allows us to slow down and focus on the process, rather than rushing to achieve a finished product. In this way, DIY projects become a form of meditation, helping us to cultivate a sense of peace and mindfulness.

Moreover, DIY projects offer a chance to explore our creativity and find joy in the process of making something from scratch. It encourages us to think outside the box, problem-solve, and exercise our imagination. 

Engaging in DIY projects also encourages us to step away from the consumerist mindset that often dominates our modern world. 

Instead of constantly seeking out the latest trends and accumulating more possessions, DIY projects promote a sense of resourcefulness and sustainability. We learn to appreciate the value of repurposing and reusing, as well as knowing the amount of effort it takes to make that particular item. 

Slow Living Lifestyle: How to Answer the Call and Unplug from the Modern World

In a world that constantly demands our attention, the slow living lifestyle offers a much-needed alternative. It is a path towards a more meaningful and fulfilling life—one that allows us to disconnect from the fast-paced modern world and find balance, contentment, and mindfulness in every moment.

By incorporating these principles into our daily routine, we can unplug from the modern world and truly live in the present moment.

The post Slow Living Lifestyle: How to Answer the Call and Unplug from the Modern World first appeared on Katie T's Home.

These principles will guide you toward aligning your dreams with God’s will, setting clear and specific goals, and much more. This article will dive into the fundamentals you need to know before creating your vision board. It will equip you with the tools and insights to craft a life-changing vision. So, are you ready to find your potential, celebrate milestones, and let your faith move mountains in the new year? If so, let’s get started!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.

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Katie T’s Farmhouse Home Fun Fact #2

Before I jump into the 10 fundamentals every Christian woman needs to know before starting their 2024 vision board, I want to mention a fun fact about myself! This is a new section I’m including on my blog posts so my readers can get to know me on a personal level! This is the second one I’ve done so far, and I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below!

So, for my second fun fact, I want to share that my husband and I are foodies!

I am the primary “chef” in the kitchen, but on occasion, he will get inspired and create a masterpiece! 

Recently, I bought a flour mill after researching the benefits of freshly milled flour vs. conventional flour at the store. It’s been a week since I’ve gotten the mill, and I already made focaccia bread and 2 loaves of sliced bread! So far, I’m very happy with the purchase and hope to make more flour-based food products at home for a healthier diet. 

Understanding the Purpose of a Vision Board

Before crafting your vision board for 2024, it’s crucial to understand the purpose behind it. 

A vision board is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a board with images of goals. So let’s say you want to eat healthier this year. A good visual for that goal would be a picture of fruits and vegetables. You would add that picture to the board along with other goals for the year. 

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I’ve also seen people list out their different goals in list format. I believe the visual pictures give more incentive, but that’s just my opinion, and you need to do whatever method works best for you!

The point of creating a vision board is to help give the vision to achieve a goal. The visual image inspires you to achieve wondrous things. Hence the name vision board. 

Aligning Your Dreams with God’s Will

Aligning our dreams with God’s will is not about simply wishing for things to happen or selfishly pursuing our desires. It is about surrendering our plans to God, seeking His guidance, and aligning our hearts with His purposes. When we align our dreams with God’s will, we invite Him to be an active participant in our journey, trusting that He knows what is best for us.

The biggest thing here is trust. Trust in God’s will. Because at the end of the day, God knows what’s best for us. 

So, for example, one of the goals I have for the 2024 vision board I’m creating is to build a house (or at least set the plan in motion). It’s been a dream for a long time and I am SO ready for it to happen. 

God is a loving father and wants to bless his children. Just let that sink in. He WANTS to bless us abundantly.

And sometimes that means that these blessings may not be delivered in the way we visualize. So, this could mean building my dream home may have to wait another year, or may not even happen at all. 

It’s scary to be in these moments and to think that something that’s been on our hearts for a long time may never happen. And that’s where trust in God comes into play. 

Goals that help us become a better version of ourselves are a little different (for example praying more, cutting back on drinking, exercising, etc.), but goals that are subject to interests and personal desires may not be what God has in store for us. 

We need to recognize that even though we may dream and desire it, it might not be for us. And that’s okay.

The beautiful thing is, sometimes we get a glimpse of how things unfolded differently. And more often than not, when I have those “in hindsight” moments, I’m usually pretty happy with how things ended up. 

So, in those moments of being completely out of control over a situation, trust that God knows what he’s doing and will deliver something far greater, even if it doesn’t make sense at the time. 

And to be clear, I’m not saying you can’t bring those dreams and desires to God. He wants us to bring everything to him. He wants to hear it. Simply recognizing that his no to those dreams is in our best interest. 

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Setting Clear and Specific Goals

Setting clear and specific goals is paramount in giving our 2024 vision board a solid foundation for success. Without clear and specific goals, our vision may lack focus and direction. It is essential to define our objectives in a way that is tangible and measurable, allowing us to track our progress and make adjustments along the way.

Vague goals leave room for interpretation and can lead to confusion and frustration. Instead, we should strive to articulate our desires clearly and precisely, leaving no room for ambiguity. Take physical health for example. A vague goal would be to go to the gym more. But if if you never go to the gym and went twice in 2024, you technically met the goal, but probably not in the intended way. 

So, this is where being specific with your goals and making a commitment (let’s say going to the gym once or twice a week) will have a far better impact. 

Additionally, our goals should be actionable and attainable. It is crucial to set goals that we have the ability and resources to achieve. While it is important to dream big, setting unrealistic goals can lead to disappointment and discouragement. By setting attainable goals, we can maintain a sense of motivation and progress as we work towards them.

So in my own life, building a house is pretty unrealistic unless certain life circumstances change. The biggest obstacle is finances. We live in an area where the housing market is incredibly unaffordable with high mortgage rates. I keep seeing predictions that the mortgage rates will drop in 2024, so would this change things? Depending on how low the mortgage rate would drop, quite possibly.

So to set a realistic goal, instead of having my goal be “I’m going to build a house in 2024” it’s going to be “I’m going to prepare to build a house when the moment comes”.

This looks like saving money, creating house plans, knowing my style so I can keep an eye out for materials that may go on sale, and researching and coming up with a plan and list of what a custom home build entails. These goals will help streamline the process when the time comes.

To tie in specific and attainable goals with the faith life, ask yourself if it will bring you closer to God. 

Because at the end of the day, we are on this earth to spread the word and good news. Do your goals help you achieve that? 

Even if it’s a matter of finding a job that allows you to make more money. How will you use this opportunity to benefit and glorify Him?

Incorporating Prayer and Gratitude

Prayer is the bridge between us and God. It is where we engage in a heartfelt conversation, expressing our desires, seeking His guidance, and surrendering our plans to His purpose. Through prayer, we acknowledge our dependence on God and invite His wisdom and guidance to shape our vision and guide our steps.

Gratitude, on the other hand, is the attitude that allows us to appreciate and acknowledge the blessings God has already bestowed upon us. It is a powerful force that shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have and opens our hearts to receive even more of God’s goodness. When we cultivate an attitude of gratitude, we create a fertile ground for miracles to unfold and for mountains to be moved.

This may sound counterintuitive, but even gratitude for the things going wrong can be beneficial. This is a natural phenomenon because it changes our perspective on the situation. 

Embracing the Power of Visualization

Visualization is a powerful tool that allows us to put our minds to it’s fullest potential using imagination. By vividly picturing our goals and desires in our minds, we can activate creativity and propel our goals toward fruition. 

When we visualize our goals, we go beyond simply imagining what we want to achieve. We fully immerse ourselves in the experience, engaging all our senses to bring that desired outcome to life. We envision every detail, from what it looks like to what it feels like, tastes like, sounds like, and even smells like. This level of detail and immersion helps to solidify our goals in our minds and align our thoughts, beliefs, and actions with them.

As Christian women, we can incorporate our faith into our visualization practice. We can seek guidance and ask for God’s help in visualizing our goals and dreams. By surrendering our desires to God and aligning our visions with His will, we can find purpose and clarity. We can trust that He will guide us on the right path and provide the resources, opportunities, and support we need to bring our visions to light.

Taking Action and Stepping into Faith

Taking action is essential because it is the momentum that propels us forward toward our goals. We can spend hours crafting a beautiful 2024 vision board, but if we do not take action, they remain simply dreams on paper. 

It is important to remember that God does not expect us to sit idly by and wait for everything to fall into our laps. He desires us to actively participate in His plans for us. This requires us to step out of our comfort zones, face our fears and doubts, and take bold steps toward the vision that God has laid on our hearts.

Stepping into faith is equally necessary on this journey. As Christian women, we are called to trust in God’s promises and have faith in His ability to guide us. It may be daunting to step into the unknown or face challenges along the way, but when we place our faith in God, we can move forward with confidence. 

Faith enables us to overcome obstacles and persevere when the path seems uncertain. It pushes us to rely on God’s strength rather than our own, reminding us that we are not alone in this journey.

It’s these moments of action and pursuit of our dreams that enable us to become virtuous. Achieving any dream will not be easy. If it was, it wouldn’t be a dream.

Reviewing and Revising Your Vision Board

Reviewing and revising our vision board is an essential step in our journey of faith and transformation as Christian women. Just as we make adjustments in our physical surroundings to reflect our growth and progress, so too must we update our vision boards to align with the ever-evolving path God has set before us.

By regularly reviewing and revising our vision boards, we ensure that they remain a true reflection of our desires, goals, and most importantly, God’s will for our lives.

As we start this process, it’s important to approach it with an open mind and a heart ready to embrace change. Our vision boards are not set in stone; they are dynamic tools that can adapt as we gain clarity and new insights. 

During this review process, it’s helpful to ask ourselves probing questions. Are there any goals or desires that no longer resonate with our current season of life? Possibly new aspirations that have emerged on our journey that we want to incorporate into our vision? Are there any areas where we may need to adjust our focus or set new milestones?

As we answer these questions, we must be open to the possibility that our vision board may look different than what we initially imagined.

This is not a sign of failure or inadequacy but rather a testament to our growth and our willingness to adapt as God leads us.

Our 2024 vision board should reflect our ever-evolving faith journey, serving as a compass that guides us toward the mountains God has set before us.

Now, discernment in this step is key. Every situation is different, but let’s say you just graduated college and are looking for a job. After searching and applying for multiple positions, you’re still out of luck. Does this mean you need to go back to school? Get a job in a different field? Keep searching for the one you hoped to find? 

This is where you’ll need to pray for discernment on the next steps. Until that discernment comes, stay the course and trust that God has a plan for you. 

Once you have reviewed and discerned areas for revision, it’s time to take action. This may involve adding new images, quotes, or affirmations that align with your updated goals and desires.

It may also involve removing or adjusting certain elements that no longer serve a purpose. This process of revising our vision boards allows us to refine our focus, maintain momentum, and stay aligned with God’s will.

Creating a Supportive Community and Relationships

In this fast-paced and often isolating world, having a supportive community can make all the difference. When we surround ourselves with fellow Christian women who understand and embrace our beliefs, we find strength in unity and encouragement in times of doubt or struggle.

A supportive community becomes a safe space where we can openly share our dreams, fears, and challenges, knowing that we will be met with support, understanding, and prayer.

In addition, creating supportive relationships with others is another great way to stay the course and achieve the desired goals in life. For example, my husband and I hold each other accountable to exercise. 

To create a supportive community and relationships, we start by seeking out like-minded individuals who share our beliefs and values. 

This can be done through joining a local church or Christian organization or attending Bible studies or community events. Or even connecting with the people who are already in our lives and fostering those relationships. By actively seeking out and nurturing these connections, we invite a sense of belonging, accountability, and encouragement into our lives.

Staying Focused and Motivated

As a Christian woman, one way that I stay focused is to prioritize Him. 

Life is hard as it is. I find the moments in life that I fail to recognize His presence are the moments that seem x10 harder. But, when I actively pursue God, it’s easier to stay focused on the path ahead with the motivation to do so.

I have another post about how I invite God into my morning routine in just 3 simple steps. These three steps go into more detail than what I can do here with just one section of an already long post!

Celebrating Milestones and God’s Faithfulness

Every Christian woman knows that the path of faith is not always smooth or straightforward. There are difficult moments, times when doubt creeps in, and obstacles that make us question our abilities. That’s why it becomes crucial to pause, reflect, and celebrate the milestones along the way.

When we acknowledge and celebrate the milestones in our journey, we do more than just pat ourselves on the back; we acknowledge God’s faithfulness throughout the process. 

Every step forward, every mountain moved, and every triumph over adversity is a testament to His guidance and grace in our lives. We recognize that our achievements, big or small, are not the results of our efforts but a gift from God.

2024 Vision Board: 10 Fundamentals Every Christian Woman NEEDS to Know Before They Can Move Mountains

As Christian women, it is essential to understand the purpose of a 2024 vision board and align our dreams with God’s will. As we celebrate milestones and witness God’s faithfulness, we can bring our dreams to life in 2024. Remember to trust in God’s plan and embrace the journey and mountains ahead.

The post 2024 Vision Board: 10 Fundamentals Every Christian Woman NEEDS to Know Before They Can Move Mountains first appeared on Katie T's Home.