“Do what you can, with what you have.” ~ Wendy Walker
Hi Reader,
Happy Valentine’s Weekend!
Do you have anything fun planned? I hope it has stopped snowing by now where you live. We have definitley warmed back up so it’s been nice.
It’s strawberry season here in the South. It might be hard to believe if you live in a northern state but strawberries love the cold weather. It goes from February-March. Then we get to pick blueberries in April and then peaches in May. Spring is such a fun time here.
Ok, let’s get back to strawberries. I went picking with my son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter recently. It was so fun. I bought enough to can some strawberry jam. I’m sharing my recipe for Strawberry Vanilla Jam below. I’m working on developing a good strawberry pie recipe. I’ll be sharing it with you if it turns out haha.
Strawberry Vanilla Jam
This jam is filled with the sweet tartness of the strawberries, maple syrup and notes of Madagascar vanilla. So delicious!
Most people think of a boyfriend/girlfriend or a husband/wife when they think about loving someone. But, there’s other people in our life that we can show love to - neighbors, co-workers, friends, kids, family, and even strangers. Here are some ways we can show love to all people + we can’t forget our pets:
1. Be Present
Put down distractions like our phones or tv. Listen without interrupting. Give someone your full attention — it tells them they matter. Have a cup of coffee and a slice of pie just like in the good ‘ole days.
2. Speak Life
Encourage. Affirm. Express gratitude. Simple words like “I appreciate you” or “I’m proud of you” shows people that you really care about them.
3. Serve Willingly
Small acts of service — cooking a meal, helping with a task, running an errand, mowing your neighbors yard — show love in action.
4. Practice Patience
Respond gently instead of reacting quickly. Patience communicates respect and care. I learned patience years ago when we were building our home. Of all things to have a lesson in, right haha.
5. Forgive Freely
Letting go of offenses keeps relationships healthy and softens hearts — including our own. We aren’t called to agree with everyone we come in contact with. If we agree to disagree, it can make our relationships a little easier so we can get along better. Forgiveness comes along way. People go years not speaking to family members. I’ve been there and honestly, half the time we don’t even remember why we stopped talking.
6. Show Physical Affection
A hug, a hand on the shoulder, or a warm smile can comfort deeply. Little small acts of kindness and gestures shows love in the biggest ways.
7. Pray for Them
Praying for someone is a powerful way to love them beyond what they can see.
8. Sacrifice Comfort
Love often means putting someone else’s needs before your own convenience. How cool would it be if we learned to sacrifice our own needs to show love to someone else in need.
I always think of 1 Corinthians 13 which beautifully describes love as patient, kind, not self-seeking, and enduring. John 13:34 also reminds us to love others as Christ loves us. Let’s all try and show someone love that might not expect it. The smallest act could just brighten their day!
Fun Fact
You might like this devotional for yourself or give it to someone as a gift. Actress Jen Lilley wrote it. She is my cousin (a 3rd or 4th cousin but she is my family). You may have seen her in some Hallmark movies or Days of Our Lives some time.
A Quick Treat
Chocolate covered strawberries are so yummy to eat and so easy to make. Here’s how you do it:
Wash and dry your strawberries completely using the method above.
Melt chocolate chips - using either a double boiler method, a saucepan with a glass bowl or you can use a microwave. If using the microwave, go in 30 seconds increments. Stir constantly until melted.
Once the chocolate is all melted, dip your strawberries in the chocolate, leaving the pretty stem on. Allow to dry so the chocolate hardens. Enjoy!
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
My sweet doggies just got groomed. From left to right, Boone (Australian Cattle Dog, almost 15), Duke (Black Lab, 12) and Dakota (German Shorthaired Pointer, almost 2). They are so loved! After this pose, they all got a treat haha!
Reader, as always, tag me over on Instagram @lhsimpleliving. I love seeing all things simple living and any recipes of mine you make.
P.S. I truly appreciate all the shares, likes, comments on my posts and over on Instagram. It keeps me going everyday to show up and share any wisdom that I may have.
So, go grab a cup of coffee or tea and I hope you enjoy the reading today. Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day and weekend! ❤️
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I'm Wendy. A wife, empty-nester mama, homemaker, homebaker, gardener and small-time farmer. I love sharing wisdom and mistakes I've learned along the way. Anyone can garden or homestead, no matter where you live. You just have to start somewhere. As a result, I am a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner so I can help others learn the health benefits of eating real food.
“The real things haven’t changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong.” ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder
Hi, I’m Wendy. I cook from scratch, creating simple nutritious meals. I’ve been grinding my own flour for 14 years and am passionate about telling others about it. Whether it be bagels or sourdough bread, you can do it too. I love sharing my wisdom and encouraging others that they can homestead no matter where you live. It’s a mindset, so just start somewhere friend! As a result, I am a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner so I can help others learn about the health benefits of eating real food. I also share my garden, chickens, and our new “old” farmhouse. Join my simple living community and sign up for my free newsletter!
