First of all, I am making/doing things myself because it was more economical while I am at home. Also, it is kind of fun, and gives me a sense of contribution and control.
Secondly, it takes some practice, and I find it's not always worth it. For instance, I did not like the version of homemade dishwasher soap I made last summer; it left my dishes quite filmy. Then I did a little more scouting and found that using the same detergent with half a cup or so of vinegar in the bottom of the washer left my dishes as clean as regular detergent, and I think it's cheaper (I admit I have not totally costed this out). Also, I made some homemade carpet cleaner but the consistency was like toothpaste, and whatever good it may have done, I still had the problem equivalent to having to dissolve toothpaste out of my carpet. So I'd rather buy Resolve, which I pretty much love.
My toddler son is currently banging on his bedroom door, resisting taking a nap, so I will at least temporarily put this subject on hold...
And we're back! He went to sleep pretty quickly but I got absorbed in some other things. I checked out a few friends' blogs, tried to snooze a headache away, and got some yogurt going.
Meanwhile, I've been thinking a lot about things that are important in life. My friend Kate pointed out in her blog that she's learned that life can go on without being blogged, and that it's more important to "life life alongside those I love." So wise - I couldn't agree more. So much of what's important doesn't, and shouldn't, end up on a page or a screen. Blogging can actually take away from life; from time spent with those significant others God has put in your life.
The most significant other, of course, is God. I was just re-reading a Bible lesson on the subject of being a teacher, in which the writer urged those who minister to be diligent to maintain one's private relationship to the Lord. I underlined this zinger: "God will never call you to sacrifice your intimacy with Him on the altar of ministry." I groan because I know I've done that before... and why? For attention? For immediate gratification?
It caused me to think about why I try to do the things I try to do around the house, online, in the world, et cetera. There are so many things to get involved with. I jotted down a few lines that remind me to keep my hobbies and pursuits in priority perspective.
How readily I judge myself
By standards that weren't made by You
How quickly I am weighed and wanting
Of all the things that could take my time
Of all the things that could fill my mind
Of all things that could charm me more
You're the one I'm looking for
How quickly I think I need more
Thank you Lord, for humbling.
You were always everything.
Of all the many accidents
Cares of dollars and of cents
In all the good I could explore
You're the One I'm reaching for
So, in short, more important than being able to make my own pudding or whatever, is my relationship with the Lord. I am glad to find this Mary part of me waking up along with the new Martha. It really is quite a refreshing balance.
Okay, the next two pictures fall in between "I am Mary" and "I am Martha" on the blogger identity spectrum, which is just fine.
The first is more Mary; it is what I did with the mess I made yesterday trying to make icing granulated sugar (it doesn't work). I tried to use the resulting creamed sugar and fat to make no-bakes, because I was too tired to properly bake or clean up again. They look good, right?
They're okay. The trouble is the granulated sugar is really grainy on account of I didn't heat anything up on account of I did this totally backwards. Whatevs; the kids will eat them and so will I.
I wonder now if I can take another little nap... everyone else in the house is snoozing...
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