Howdy-do darlin’s! Well it’s been a busy start to the new year! I had a wonderful holiday season with all 4 of my kids, their spouses and babies! I was so thrilled they all came home for Christmas! There was lots of food, fun, games and laughter! We made some wonderful memories that will keep my heart warm for years to come! It was like old times sitting around the supper table every night! Every once in a while I would sit back and just watch as my family ate, talked and laughed…treasuring every moment.
My son J.J. and his adorable wife Tiffany, who came out from California, left the day after Christmas and then I had a second wave of company arrive that same day… my brother and sister-in-law from New York. That evening, after we got back from picking them up at the airport my daughter Summer had an allergic reaction to something so we had to take her to the ER around midnight. (She’s fine now) Then a few days later I had to take my hubby to the ER in the middle of the night. We got back home at 4 in the morning. It turned out to be a bad case of the flu…I’m so glad it wasn’t Pneumonia. (Thankfully, he’s all better now too!). Whew!
Once our company left I had a mountain of laundry, an empty cupboard (like Old Mother Hubbard!) and of course all of my Christmas decorations waiting to be put away… not to mention my little shop at Spring Creek Antique mall that needed attention. Eeeeeek! Boy did I have a lot of work to do!
![front porch[1]](http://www.sugarpiefarmhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/DSC07485.jpg)
I usually take the days after Christmas and just before January 1st to sit down and reflect the past year and to plan out my new goals, which, by the way, I LOVE to do! But with all of the merriment of company, frequent trips to the ER and taking care of hubby, there just wasn’t time. Then with the above mentioned and monumental task of bringing order back into my home (which I had to tackle first) I felt like I was so far behind with my fresh start to the New Year. But sometimes things just happen and we have to be flexible! No sense in fretting! It’s doesn’t help anyway! In fact it makes things worse! So I just decided that it was a great idea to use the whole month of January to pray and plan for the upcoming year. That made me feel so much better! Now I don’t feel like I’m “late for a very important date!” like the rabbit in Alice in Wonderland! The good news is while I was doing laundry, driving to the market and putting away all of the glitter and garlands, I listened to some podcasts with such great content about goal setting that I truly believe is going to help me become more productive this year! And I’m so excited! (I ‘ll share the links to these podcasts below!)
Like clockwork, a word seems to always pop in my head around this time that becomes my theme for the New Year. My word this year is “Simplify”. Plain and simple. I truly want to pare down, (and I mean way down), any excess stuff. I want to clear out all that extra clutter from my closets and cupboards that requires time consuming maintenance (which can be very distracting) so that I can focus more on cultivating and savoring a simpler life, full of vintage values, and old-fashioned goodness. I want to bring the simple goodness of the Mayberry kind of life back! Serving up homemade pie that’s been cooling on the window sill AND southern hospitality that’s fresh-as-a-daisy-in-a-mason-jar while whistling-a-happy-tune kind of life! I want to preserve the best from the past in every aspect of my life. And I want to have more time to share these joy-FULL, nod-to-Mayberry, down-home ideas, recipes and thoughts with YOU!
So in order for me to simplify and bring back the sweet goodness of that “Mayberry” kind of life, I had to set goals for myself. Here’s my plan:
1. In order for us to achieve our goals we must write them down. This will clarify what we want. When we write down our goals we determine our destination…our desired end result. It becomes our roadmap. This “roadmap” helps us get to where we want to go. What’s a gal to do if she has a dream but it just keeps swirling ’round and ’round in her pretty little head, and it never comes true? She needs to get it down on paper. And then little by little start taking those baby-steps to making that dream a reality!
2. Ask yourself “why is this goal important?”. (“You need to answer the “why” or you’ll lose your way…your motivation”). Ask yourself what do I have to gain if I achieve my goal? What do I have to lose if I don’t?
Take our home for instance. We all want a happy, clean, sparkling, nurturing home that smells good, feels cozy and joyful, where nutritious meals are served and where our family loves to be, right? Why? Because we want to provide a healthful place where our family feels loved, blessed, cared for, and comforted in their body, mind and emotions.
What do we have to gain if we achieve this goal? We’ll have a happy, clean, sparkling, nurturing home that feels cozy and smells good (from the yummy meals prepared) which will be a blessing and a comfort to our family! Where happy memories of HOME will be made! That’s a lot to gain!!
What do we have to lose? Well, if we neglect to tidy our nest, letting clutter rule the roost, are careless to provide nutritious meals for our family, have no interest in creating happy memories with our loved ones (including our grand-littles) then what we end up with is a sad, messy, stale, gloomy, and perhaps even, angry environment. We lose out on the best for our family. Oh no! We don’t want that! No-sir-ee!
So you see darlin’, writing down what we want and why we want it makes so much sense! On those days went we don’t feel like doing laundry, cooking dinner or cleaning the toilet we need to go review our “why” to this goal. We need to remind ourselves what we have to gain and what we have to lose. Reading the rewards and the consequences again will give us the motivation to help us pull up our cute, cowgirl bootstraps to get the job done! Can I get a YEE HAW?
Here’s the thing…we have to change our mindset especially if we have a tendency to procrastinate…and that would be me! Somewhere I heard this statement “If you want to be…DO!” In other words, if you want to BE something then you have to DO something about it. For example, if you want to be strong and healthy, then you have to eat healthy foods, exercise and drink plenty of water. If you don’t, then you won’t be healthy. Or, if you want to be organized then you have to clear out the clutter, and put things in the proper place. If you don’t, then your house may look and smell like a pig-pen (oink-oink!). If you want to be the best pie baker ev-ah, then you need to research recipes, techniques and practice making pies. It’s a pretty simple concept really. We must DO whatever it is that will help us BE the person we want to be. It’s our choice!
So, here’s what I did: I got a cute binder and wrote down 10 categories…one category per page… and then made a list of a few goals under each category title:
1. Bless The Lord (My spiritual goals): My relationship with Jesus comes first. I’m getting up early to spend time with the Lord, read His word, pray, and write in my journal. “Seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, then all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
2. Fit-As-A-Fiddle (My physical goals): I made a list of specific things I MUST do every day to stay healthy. This also includes ways to stay emotionally healthy by writing down what I’m thankful for daily.
3. Home Folks (my family goals): I made a list of specific things I can to do bless my family, including praying for them every day.
4. Good Mornin’ (my morning routine): I made a list of everything I MUST do every morning such as, get up early to have my devotions, drink water, write in my journal, exercise, make bed, listen to an inspirational podcast or audio book while getting dressed, eat breakfast, take vitamins, etc.
5. Home Sweet Home (my daily household chores): I made a list of my daily routine for keeping my house clean ‘n’ smelling good and creating a happy home atmosphere.
6. I’m Fixin’ To: This is my simplify /get clutter-free goal page. I made a list of each room, closet and cupboard that I need to clean out. I made an appointment on my calendar for the days I’ll be working on these projects. One by one I’ll be checking them off! Yaw Hooooo!
7. Mayberry Goodness: I made a list of 15 things I can do to bring a little Mayberry back like; make homemade jam to share with friends, keep a good attitude, write something I’m thankful for every day, hum a happy tune throughout my day, be as-sweet-as-sweet-tea to my family and folks I meet, have a servants heart like Aunt Bee, keep on the look-out to help someone in need, live the Golden Rule, go for drives down country roads, sit on the front porch with my hubby, wave at the neighbors, watch an episode of Mayberry with my family every night…and a few more!
8. Sugar Pie Farmhouse: I’ve begun an idea notebook for blog post ideas as well as projects to work on for the 2014 (with deadlines for completion) to bring SWEET, WONDERFUL, YOU, the best content I can give ya!
9. Farm Fresh Dreams: This is where I listed the things I’m dreaming of for the future like raising chickens (in a really cute chicken coop,) building a white farmhouse etc.
10. Nighty Night: This is my nightly routine. I review my schedule for the next day, and then prepare whatever I can to make the day go smoother. I do these things before going to bed to insure a sweet nights sleep.
Life is short and I don’t want to waste a minute of it! I want to fulfill the destiny that the Lord has designed for me on this earth! I know you want that too! 
Thank you so much for stopping by for some Farm Fresh New Year Pie! I hope my thoughts today give you just the nudge you need to create the life you’re dreaming of! As always, I pray for each one of you! As I read your gracious comments I speak your name out loud and say a prayer for you! God knows your needs and loves you more than you could ever know!
I would love for you to share a goal you’d like to reach this year
or any goal setting tips that have worked for you!
God bless your darlin’ heart!
I’ll see you soon if the Good Lord’s willin’ and the creek don’t rise!
Sugar and hugs,
Aunt Ruthie
FOR MORE TIPS ON CREATING A COZY, MAYBERRY INSPIRED LIFE READ THESE POSTS:
HOW TO MAKE A MORE FRUITFUL YEAR
MY FARMHOUSE FAVORITES FOR DOWNHOME GOODNESS
5 SIMPLE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO MAKE HOME SWEETER
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Hi! I always enjoy your post but this one spoke to me more than any other has in some time. I’m nearing to 50 yard line so to speak and I really feel like it’s time to make somethings happen! I appreciate you taking the time to inspire and share some of your goals and how to set them and keep them. God bless and I’m praying for you too!
I can’t believe I’m the first commenter! I’ve actually never left a comment before. You have influenced my life in bigger ways than what I can share here. I’ve been following you since the beginning. I guess I just wanted to say that God has used you in my life and I am thankful for your blog.
-Courtney
Finish my book! At age 42 I’m still “scared” of the sound of my own voice/opinions and it takes courage to really be myself. My dream is to write books and I’m close to finishing my first. Even if it’s never published, I will have conquered that mountain.
One of my goals this year is to memorize one Scripture verse a month. It doesn’t sound like a lot but this time next year I will know 12 more verses than I do right now! What we meditate on will be the first thing that comes to our minds when we are happy, sad, fearful, worried or thankful. I want God’s words to be the first thing I think of! I am going to start a memory club with the jr. high girls I lead at church and am super excited to see what God is going to do!
Thank you so much for such a beautiful and inspiring post! It has touched my heart and now I will sing! I always look forward to what you have to say, and of course, to see your beautiful farmy home! You have been an amazing inspiration to me. I want to be a better person, have a closer walk with Jesus, take better care of my home… So thank you Aunt Ruthie! Thank you so very much! Many blessings to you and your family!
This is such a cute,sweet,down home post. I love it. Thanks for all you do
I set some goals the beginning of the year and here it is already the the 13th of January and I haven’t even started any of them. Maybe I should set a goal of not procrastinating? Your blog always inspires me so just maybe I will get busy and do something. Thank you for being you and blessing us with your ideas. You are in my prayers, also, and your wonderful family.
So happy to see this new post. I’ve been waiting all year *wink,wink. First of all, I’m so happy that all the ER visits turned out to be okay. You definitely had a busy holiday season. Every year I think okay I’m ready then everything passes by in a flurried hurry and I can’t remember that the season even began. I also like to sit back in the middle of the excitement and watch everyone around. When you do that it’s like you hold on to a little bit of that moment. I’m completely with you on the goals. I’m going to get me a notebook this year and do some writing!! This is such a wonderful post and I will probably refer to it for awhile until I get my goals oriented and my notebook set. (I’m always reading on an old post or some post anyway for the inspiration and just to be visiting the farmhouse) Thank you so much for your time and inspiration!!!
I think one of my goals is just laugh more. I want to be happy and joyful for my family.
Love, love, love this post, Aunt Ruthie! There is something about January that just cries out to get us to declutter and make goals. I love that you’re not letting it bother you that Jan. 1 is past. Today I came across a recipe for New Year’s bread (Vasilopita) that I decided I’m going to make anyway, even though New Year’s is officially over :) I like to write down my goals for the month (rather than the year). And like you, I try to touch on different categories. For the home: clean out my closet two times, 30 minutes each time. (Done! Turns out I no longer need my gymnastics leotards ;) ). Read two books off my very own bookshelves instead of getting sidetracked by all the library books. (Almost done!) etc. I like the freedom of shorter term goals because it lets me change my mind and change focus as the year wears on. Might not work for everyone, but it works for me. As always, I’m looking forward to keeping up with what you and your family are doing in 2014. Happy New Year!
I love the promise in Hebrews that says “He rewards those who earnestly seek Him” so it is my goal this year to learn to EARNESTLY seek Him and what that looks like….Seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God, ie. spend time alone with Him every morning. Then throughout the day, fill my mind with GOOD things, GOOD thoughts, etc. I want to be rewarded by Him, the Promise Keeper. He gives the best rewards of all!
Wow!!! What a terrific blog, Ruthie. I am a Mayberry freak and have been for over 20 years. I try to live my life in the simplicity of Mayberry here on our little farm. We even have some chickens, and old donkey named Thelma Lou (after Barney’s Thelma Lou), and a front porch swing. :) Thanks for sharing your goals for the new year…I will be writing mine down, too.
Lord bless you and your’s in the new year, and as Andy would say, “Be Somebody!”.
Love,
Julie
PS-Thank you so much for the prayers!! I am saying one for you right now. :)
P.S. I already posted but forgot to leave my goal this year. I simply want to be a better person a better ME. Trying to really reach for being that Proverbs 31 woman and be a better mother, too. I want to inspire others to simply live and live simply. I hope that makes sense. I’m also working on not being so insecure with myself that is probably my biggest negative characteristic. I can do all things though…through Christ!!!! Thank you for your inspirational posts I love them so much!!!
This is exactly what I needed to hear and encourage me. I want to bring “sweet gentleness” to my family. Being a homeschooling mom of 3 beautiful girls, I want my home to be a sweet place for them. I want to be gentle when I respond to them (even when I am tired). Your blog feels me with a hope that I CAN accomplish this and be that kind of mama for my girls and a good wife to my man. Thank you—I can not wait to get up in the morning, make myself a cup of coffee, open my Bible, and pray for guidance. AND then write out my goals for 2014. Bless you, Aunt Ruthie!
I love this post!!!!! Thank you so much for it. A goal I have this year is to accomplish the 52 week money savings plan. To make sure I have more incentive to stick with it, I challenged my husband to do it also and whoever doesn’t get the ending amount saved has to give whatever they did save to the one who did save the amount. We aren’t the best at saving so this is big.
I pray you have a very blessed new year and success with your goals.
This post encouraged me so much! I was also feeling more than just a little behind this January. We had broken appliances, lots of company and a nasty flu that just swamped me. Thanks for the inspiration to dig out and make some fun new goals for the new year (like completing an adoption!). Blessings for a wonderful new year for you and your family.
Hugs,
Courtney
Love this post. I hope you are planning lots of posts this year because I just love reading them. My main goals this year are to eat healthier and organize my house. I plan on tackling 1 organizational project a month (unless its a really big project). I am also planning on adding more vegetables to each meal.
Thank YOU for the encouraging post! It always helps to be reminded of positive ways to set goals and to write down our objectives and plans to achieve our goals! Your goal for this new year sounds a lot like mine! My word is “Simplify” as well. I have already created my
“40 Bags in 40 Days” list of areas in my house to de-clutter (it is taking me a little longer than 40 days, but that is okay!) I want to decrease the chaos in my home and simplifying seems to be the best way to do that. Also, I am working on reading the bible this year. I have never sat down and read it all the way through. I have purchased several little notebooks and calendars to keep track of my goals/plans this year too. I need to stay organized! Praying you continue to have a productive January. God bless!!
All very good ideas…thanks for the inspiration. Now I need to go make a few more lists. ; )
Looking forward to more motivating inspiration, Aunt Ruthie!
My goals include living within our means this year, shopping less at Wal-mart and more at local hometown (Mayberry type) stores or better yet just make do, make progress in my knitting skills, enjoy each day to the fullest and with the Lord’s help, try to set an example for my children of what love of home, famliy, and country looks like (something I took granted growing up). I also have to say that I have just begun this last year to spend a disciplined, set time w/ the Lord everyday and it has turned my life around….this after being a Christian since childhood. So I highly recommend your #1.” Bless the Lord” goal for those who have not tried it :-) You’ll be amazed at the difference in your day.
Thank you again, Aunt Ruthie! And Happy New Year!
~deb
What a nice and inspiring post! I have never, ever set goals or made resolutions. This is my first year to actually write goals down on paper! Otherwise, I don’t think I have a chance to accomplish or even remember them! I began simplifying over the last year and plan to continue this. I want less stress over just maintaining items I don’t want or need. My word this year is “grace.” My, has the Lord offered me so much GRACE, how can I not extend it to others? BTW- what planner did you decide to use???
Mornin’ Ruth,
I too enjoy Michael Hyatt’s This is Your Life Podcast. I like the labels or how you titled each page of your goal journal. Clever! I made my list of goals and my #1 focus this year is getting the paper out of the house. I mean as much paper as possible. I can’t believe how much room paper items take up in our home. I have way too many books and magazines and then there are receipts, mail, on and on. If it is paper, it jolly well better have a specific place for it in my home or I need to look at getting it out. Thank you for your beautiful blog,
Nancy in Grand Rapids, MI
Hi Aunt Ruthie – and a very Happy and healthy 2014 to you and your family. Sounds like you had a house full for the holidays – and your heart was full too! I too felt the need to Simplify. That is actually my word for 2014. My action item was to find a system that I could use DAILY to help me accomplish my goal. Enter…my new Simplified Planner! I decided to support a small business (Emily Ley paper, check out her darlin items!) and I ordered her Simplified Planner. It is SO GREAT – worth every penny. Instead of “resolutions”, it has “Memories I want to Make this Year”! Don’t you just love that? I cut out pictures that inspired me and pasted them in there right where I can see them. I made my list of memories for the year. Each day has wonderful quotes, a space for daily to-dos, notes, and dinner. On Saturday/Sundays, you have a place to list a happy memory from the week that you don’t want to forget. Already I feel more organized! And it is a beautiful design. If any of your readers are looking foe one, check her website out.
Sending you hugs from my little corner of the world!
xxxooo Diane xxxooo
Thank you so much for the motivation to get things done. I enjoy your post they help me to remember what is important God family and home.
Good morning Aunt Ruthie!
What a wonderful and encouraging post you just wrote to spur us all on to be organized in 2014! All your lovely photos were so inspiring. I have been goal setting and organizing my home too. My son who is a Marine, came home for Christmas and reorganized his old room putting it in tip top shape. His actions encouraged me to do the same. I guess that’s what being in the Marines will do for you! LOL! One of my goals for this upcoming year is to be more of a pray warrior for my family. We all need pray, don’t we? God bless you in all you do.
Love from Texas~Donna
Hi there, I just have to say that I absolutely adore your blog. From the pictures, recipes, to content, it’s SO refreshing!
So Cute, so encouraging…..Blessings !!!
As always when I see a notification that you’ve posted, I sit down and prepare myself to be blessed! I’ll admit that sometimes looking at your home and lifestyle I am envious (especially as I sit here in the remote desert at our latest duty station) but as you said, if I want to be, I must DO! I love your notebook idea and your encouragements bring tears to my eyes. Thank you so much, you truly are a blessing!
Hi,
I am new to this site. I stumbled on it a couple of weeks ago and I am glad I did. This site is very relaxing and puts a smile on my face when I read these comments. I love the ‘binder’ idea of putting everything on paper. Seems like it would take alot off my mind. Write it down and read about it instead of dwelling on it ! Hopefully I will make some new friend here in the coming year !! God Bless you all!
Love, love, love this post! I am a ‘listen to podcasts while working or exercising’ kind of gal, so thanks for providing a new source for me. And I love learning about productivity and organization. I don’t always successfully finish what I start…but I try. My word for the upcoming year is INTENTIONAL. I want to be more intentional about the things I do and plan, rather than just letting things happen–or not. I’m really bad about flying by the seat of my pants most of the time, and that doesn’t get me optimal results very often. So, I am trying to be more focused and intentional about my quiet time, homemaking, homeschooling, time spent with my family, nutrition/cooking, writing time, and exercising. I want to live life on purpose–rather than by default. And I pray I do better in 2014!
Thanks for the wonderful post and reminders, and may the Lord bless you and yours richly in the upcoming year!
Love and hugs,
Amy
I was thankful to find your blog in December 2011, right after my precious mom had died. At 41, both my parents were gone, it was 2 weeks until Christmas, & I had little motivation to decorate or shop for the holidays, but I knew I couldn’t ruin Christmas for my two small children & wonderful husband. I’ve no idea how I found your blog, but what stuck with me was how you stated the simple message to make a nice home for your family. That’s what I needed to hear, so the next morning, I decorated my home, had my husband finish the shopping, & I wrapped gifts. I baked a little that Christmas too! You just never know how someone you don’t know can have such an impact on your life. I love hearing your wonderful message to make your home the best that it can be, because it truly pays off in dividends! Thanks so much!
A partial internet fast and using a little notebook/calender are the new for 2014 at my house on the ranch. Both of these haven’t ever been done before. So far, both are reaping huge rewards of increased peace and simple hominess. Snuggling in more for read alouds with my littlest rewards and trying to enjoy the daily adventure of my teenage and adult rewards more too. Basically, living full and fully living are my words/goals in one. Thank you for this encouraging, beautiful post full of Love and home. ~ Becky
Thanks for this lovely blog. I enjoyed your goals and your desire
to meet those goals. I want to strive to de-clutter my home even
more and strive more to live simply. We are retired and we need
to focus more on exactly what we want to do with our free time.
Active in our congregation, we stay busy. I do plan to read my
Bible even more and continue my Daily prayer life. Thank you
for inspiring each of us readers of your Blog and for your prayers.
My destiny is Heaven to be with the Lord forever and ever.
My goal this year is to be brave. Be brave to tackle the hard things, be brave to try new things and be brave to face my dreams and take those first steps towards them!!
Have a blessed year and thank you for all your wonderful inspiration!
A Happy New Year sweet Ruthie!!! Your posts bless and encourage! I too am approaching the 50 yard line and am hopeful that 2014 will be a reflection of God’s blessings in a very special way:~D
Your blog is always so good. Today’s was especially encouraging and practical giving us reasons to challenge our thinking and time. Thank you.
a reader from Oregon
Thank you for the encouraging blog and the challenges to help us think and meet our goals for the year.
Love your blog posts. I’ve told several people (sisters, friends, neighbors!) about your site. I love the old fashioned colored pictures and your writing is a hoot….Oh honey! God bless you and yours this year and God Bless the audience of this wonderful site too! Three cheers for God and Homemaking!!!
Thank you so much for all your lovely words that inspire. I don’t know
if you realize just how many people you help
with your soft, cheery
nostalgic approach to life. Thinking of simpler times and
the blessings the Lord has given us brings so much calmness, joy
and peace into my world. God bless you for all you do and all you
help. I love reading your blogs-it cleans out the clutter. I am so glad
I found this site. Thank you again, Aunt Ruthie
Thank you for your sweet, candid and practical advice. I look forward to reading your blog! God bless you!
Hello Dear Aunt Ruthie,
About a year and a half ago a sweet friend of mind told me about Sugar pie Farmhouse Since then i anxiously wait for it to show up in my email. I don’t like to write or leave comments on blogs because I feel as if i might sound silly but this site is different. In my heart i know you will understand if i sound like an old cliche. Auntie Ruthie you are so very special and i just had to let you know that.
I too love the Lord and know that He can use the internet to bring glory to His name and He has done that thru you. You are such an inspiration and i want to thank you so much. One of my goals for this year is to write another book. My first book Heaven at Seven was published a few years ago and now i want to tell others more of the power of God’s awesome love. Sometimes I think people get tired of hearing what He tells me to tell them but then each time i read your words I know that He is the one guiding you and it gives me hope and encouragment. So keep them words of His coming for we love them all!
Donna Eden Vinke
Good afternoon:
Just writing to say that I’ve had some sepcific goals in mind and the main one(loss of weight) i lost 40 pounds in 3 months. It was a necessity for health reasons.
I’m 63, work fulltime @ a military hospital. My 6 children are all grown and due to having had a stroke in my rt eye is when I realized that I was one of the most non-compliant patient that a
physician could have, and that was not acceptable any more. I’m so positive now in any endeavors that I’m facing through it all, it
shall pass! I have the best job there can be I have the opportunity
that was afforded to me to take care of my soldiers who has kept
us all safe! The other thing that has helped me get through it all is:
a special friend who has bring laughter in my life again, and also has helped me rediscover who I am and I’ve found peace and joy.
Thanks,
Cheryl Elizabeth Dimery,LPN
dimeryce@gmail.com
I was just thinking, wouldn’t it be fun to have a Big Chief Tablet to write our goals on! Talk about simple fun! Have a blessed 2014!
I have just one major goal for this year and that is to clear out the clutter. We are moving from a 2300 sq ft house to an 1100 sq ft house. Along with the “clutter” from the house I want to clear out the clutter in my life. Enjoy my kids, grands, hubs and life.
You can get a Yee-Haw out of me for sure! Visual goal setting always helps me when I remember to take advantage of it. Thank you for the good reminder and the links to the podcasts. It will all be new to me and surely very educational.
Love your idea of setting aside this month to do your planning! In the past I’ve done that when a wedding was on the horizon and it helped accomplish a lot (there’s also huge motivation with a wedding a’comin and that is lacking this year). Like you I have the bug to really simplify around the house because I’ve been feeling like possessions are really possessing me instead of the other way around. It has been great fun to think of special people to bless with this and that. And of course the end result will be increased happiness for others and especially those I love at home.
Thank you for the great post and heart warming pictures. Golly, a slice of pie would be tasty about now but I’ll settle for a good cup of tea.
It is like Christmas morning every time I see your new post! I relate to you so much. I love the screen door, the vintage fabric, the pies, the country living and most important your spiritual life. Please never stop sharing your self with us!!
Oh yay!! I have been looking forward to your beginning of the year post! Thank you so much for taking the time to spread your love of home and The Lord. Hugs to you!
I forgot to write my goals down. The main one is to get all my grandkids a quilt made. I have 6 finished and three more to go. And I’am trying to use the fabric I already have, like our grandmothers ‘had’ to do.
I completely agree with writing your goals down.
I too have different areas in my life that I have goals for. I have them set out in my own blog post. Hope you don’t mind me popping my link here for you to have a looksee.
I wasn’t going to have a word for this year because I haven’t really made use of them in the past, then the word Nourish popped into my head one day. Mind, body and soul. So seeing as I am planning for things to happen rather than waiting for them I decided to go ahead with it.
http://beccisdomesticbliss.blogspot.com.au/2014/01/my-goals-for-2014.html
I am committed this year to increase my giving. I also want to de-clutter and get rid of things I know I will not use. I have decided to list 10 items each week on Ebay for sale. Every sale will be donated to our local food kitchen to help feed the homeless and under-employed. As my Granny would say ” Killing two birds with one stone” I also pray daily that God will help each item sell for the best price, so that more can be given.
hi Ruthie (Aunt Ruthie is wonderful but I am old enough to be your aunt)
What joyful, inspirational thoughts you have shared with us today. I am wanting to help my youngest grandchild (who is 11, and just so sweet) to start setting goals. I don’t get to spend much time with her but fill blessed whenever I can. Your outline and examples are touching and helpful for any age. Thank you so much for sharing. Blessings and smiles and prayers to you too, Emilou :-)
Hi again! I’m the gal that built THAT white farmhouse in Idaho on our acreage! Thankful to God for such great blessings! I asked you to e mail me ! I designed my bake center and mantle above my stove in my country kitchen like yours! ILOVE IT! Dreams do come true with great persistence,patience,lots of prayers and planning! Hubby and I will get baby chicks in the spring and a darli coop and start our farm process! yeeeeeHaaaaw! The horse and goats will soon follow as soon as the barn comes! ohhh can you imagine a barn dance!So ,Great Blog as always and we all have to just put one foot in front of the other! Thankful be Cindy
Happy New Year, Aunt Ruthie ! Wow, still hard to believe it could be 2014 … but it is, and it’s here, so yes we need to make the most of it !
I spent most of 2013 just trying to get back to normal, after a serious car accident in 2012. It’s been a long haul, and I certainly never expected to have to learn to walk again, after a shattered leg and ankle and 3 months in a wheelchair, crutches etc.
But I did, and my family and friends helped me through it … and I know faith in the Lord did too and especially when I was in despair. I had to learn to let some things go and how to rely more on others vs doing so much myself.
I look forward to just doing MORE of everything now in 2014 and enjoying every day. I’ve truly realized that every day IS a GIFT and it’s up to us to make the most of it !!
Oh and one other thing! I live 3 minutes from a Mayberry wannabe
Town with the old rexall drug store,barbershop and postage size post office! Its a hoot! The Main Street is lined with old fashioned lamp posts and the old fashion Christmas parade was such a reminder of the simple past of simpler times and I treasure such wonderful small farm towns that are the HEART OF AMERICA!! So,to everyone who reads this, KEEP TIGHT INSIDE THOSE RUBY SLIPPERS and follow your heart and dreams! God BLESS ! Cindy
Thank you for another beautiful post. My goal this year is to get in better shape, get organized and most of all to move back up North. I have been home sick for years, constantly feeling like a part of my heart and soul are missing. I only feel complete when I am back home where I feel I truly belong. I just pray to stay motivated and positive throughout the year.
Thank You! for another good post. I look forward to each one. You have a way touching each of us. Your plans for the new year are things that I want to do also. My husband and I are at the age where we need to downsize and clean out things that have gathered through the years. Sometimes it is hard to turn loose of things that have accumulated or have a sentimental value. But we must. And that’s a way of cleansing our souls of old and look to the future with a clear perspective. Let’s all pray for each other and lift each other up. Thanks again.
I am just so thankful for you!! you truly speak to my heart. I need to work on many of these goals this year. i have been getting side tracked with health problems so I dearly loved reading that you pray for us.
thank you for all you do!
This was the first blog of yours that I’ve read and you caught me at “Simplify”. You put into words everything I’ve been trying to pull together! I had a simple “Simplify” sign painted and just hung it in my kitchen. I’ve been having the same thoughts of paring down room by room and using what I have instead of buying new. I really like the idea of setting goals and need to start practicing that. I’m so glad I found your site. I look forward reading your blogs through the year and hope to bring a little “Mayberry” into our lives, too.
Of all your posts, the New Year’s is the one I look forward to most. I almost choose the word Simplify but changed to” Back” , as in Back to a simpler time, give Back some of the blessings I have been given, Back away from the cookie jar!, exercise for a stronger Back. That word can go a lot of different ways. Back to normal. We unexpectedly lost a 22 year child to meningitis last February and it has been rough year. I am beginning to feel somewhat normal again and while the pain is still there, it’s not as bad and there are more of the happy memories. It helps to know he is with the Lord. I am ready to get my house Back in order with some deep cleaning. Thank you for the nudge. BTW Aunt Bea is a great role model.
Happy New Year Aunt Ruthie! My goals (in no particular order): live in my Strengths and not my Weaknesses, get organized, get healthy, and not take myself so seriously, be a blessing to my loved ones, get closer to the Lord, start living my dreams and know that I am enough and that I have nothing to lose and everything to gain… Over all, to be the best me that I can be. These are usually my goals throughout the year. Thank you for sharing yours and the how-to guide. I’m going to go check out Michael Hyatt and hopefully learn how to reinforce my goals using some of his tips. Again thank you for always sharing such loving, uplifting, words and ideas. <3
Happy New Year! I look forward to your blog posts so much, they inspire me to be a better homemaker, spouse and mom! I have several of your posts saved as “favorites” and I re-read them when I need inspiration or a pick me up.
I read a series on goal-setting on Money-Saving Mom and sat down and listed 6 priorities in my life, and goals for each one. My priorities are God (developing a better personal relationship with Him), my spouse (ways to be a better partner to him and make our sweet marriage even sweeter), our kids (making sure they know how much they are loved), health (making sure I am taking care of myself), financially (being better stewards of our money) and organization (I too have a desire to pare down and simplify!). I can’t wait for your upcoming posts!
Happy New Year! Thank you for your sweet storys.I just love your vintage look. it reminds me of my Grandmother house.It sure brings back memories.lookinf forward to your up coming post! Cheryl Holloway,Columbus Ohio
Any chance you’d share what you do to stay fit? I soooo need inspiration!!!
Also, what’s a typical day look like for you??
His
Shari
I was introduced to your website by a friend of mine, and I am so glad!! Thank you for your inspiration, I look forward to reading more! God Bless you and family and your readers. In His service, M~
I love love love reading your posts! Thank you so much for all you do to encourage and for praying for us! I pray you have your most blessed year yet!
Once again, thank you for your lovely post! Always so encouraging and inspiring. Be blessed…always
xoxo
Thank you for the inspiring post! I love it!
hello, happy new year. — I just want to say a big thank you for your wonderful blog. — I just feel so good when I read your posts, not only because of your happy homemaking stories but also because you remind me to look to God when I am doing my chores and making things pretty around the house.– its like reading a really fun devotional book for women. — So – thank you!
I absolutely LOVE reading your blog!! Even though I have never actually “heard” you, every time I read a post from you it’s like you’re actually talking to me (in a Southern voice of course, hey, I’m from Georgia( ;) Anyway, I just wanted to let you know how inspiring you are and how much I appreciate you :) By the way, I really miss the music that used to play when I would visit your site. I would keep your site up during the day just to have the music to clean and cook by, LOL. Love ya bunches darlin’! (In my sweet Southern accent too ) ;)
This post was very relevant to me. I seem to have great ideas, but don’t follow up on them. Maybe this year will be the year I take action. Thanks for the motivation.
I love your posts, and have been using your homemade detergent recipe for quite a while. I have my sister in law using it and one of her friends is also a convert.
Hope you attain all of your dreams and goals.
nancyr
Oh Ruthie such great ideas! I always love taking a peek inside your pantry. It is truly dreamy.
Great delivery. Outstanding arguments. Keep up the amazing
work.
i love love love your website its so warm and inviting , i can feel your gracious spirit,,i will be following this ,thank you for all your beautiful work and inspiration,,and thank you for praying for me xoxo
Aunt Ruthie, Love your blog – Can you please tell me where you find your beautiful aprons? I would love to have a couple just like them! I like the double-layer to them. What are they called? Oh I hope that you can help me find them! Thank you! Sharon
Aunt Ruthie, Love your blog – Can you please tell me where you find your beautiful full body aprons? I would love to have a couple just like them! I like the double-layer to them. What are they called? Oh I hope that you can help me find them! Thank you! Sharon
You have inspired me to try switching to glass containers, too. Since my hubby and I carry our lunches to work, we have used plastic containers since we got married. I’ve often been concerned with the heating and reheating of plastic- especially when I make casseroles that contain cheese or any other kind of oil that heats up really hot. Our containers look terrible, too! I’m glad I was able to throw out the worst of them this weekend and I bought some rectangular and round glass containers to take their place.
Thank you for the inspiration. :)
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Love this post! Setting new and exciting goals for myself and my family this year! God is so faithful to speak a word just when when we need it and also when he has already planted seeds in our hearts, he just comfirms it with words from you ,sweet sister! You have surely been an encouragement to me over the last couple of months since I found your blog again! The women in your Bible study are blessed to have the opportunity to glean from the wisdom you share from your heart! I wish that I could attend….but a few states away : ) God bless your New Year!
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