The Hope Chest

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-167798792011-11-30T11:52:58.413-05:00The Hope Chest~ Not because I am desperate for a husband, but because I believe it is God's will that all women be educated to be excellent wives and mothers.~hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.comBlogger2771100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-4858142874342732812011-11-30T11:52:00.000-05:002011-11-30T11:52:58.419-05:00Have you updated your bookmarks/favorites?

http://www.hopechestprinciple.com If you have a blog you can also grab a button (scroll to the bottom of the page). I surely would appreciate it! :-)

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-30200851056995163222011-11-09T09:44:00.000-05:002011-11-09T09:44:24.527-05:00Website Problems

The Hope Chest website is down, along with one of my other sites. Webhost issues. I hope they get it fixed soon!

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-40747590719876768502011-11-07T11:45:00.000-05:002011-11-07T11:45:17.705-05:00Come to the Party

One online launch party going on now! Be sure to drop by every day and pick up your door prize. See you there! ~ Hopeful

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-22800980828101448222011-11-03T18:37:00.000-04:002011-11-03T18:37:48.130-04:00You're Invited!

Okay, folks--the new website is live. You're invited to an online launch party celebrating the new website, The Hope Chest (www.hopechestprinciple.com). The Hope Chest provides encouragement, connection, and resources for unmarried women and girls who want to prepare themselves to be excellent wives and mothers. It also provides resources for parents preparing their daughters. The Hope

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-32895388653662843942011-10-25T19:59:00.000-04:002011-10-25T19:59:10.508-04:00Update On the New Website

It's almost done! I hope to launch it in early November.

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-11409299208839349442011-10-20T15:45:00.000-04:002011-10-20T15:45:32.117-04:00Changes Coming . . .

I haven't posted for several months, as you can see. That's partly because I have been busy but also because I see that this blog has reached the end of it's useful life. I started it as a personal blog before I knew I would be starting Keeping Home. Now that I have a website with a blog that is as much of a personal blog as I need, I don't need this one. Also, for some time, I have wanted to do

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-79443184497571331372011-07-19T06:09:00.001-04:002011-07-19T06:09:00.510-04:00Tuesday's Tip: Housekeeping

If you live in a well kept home, pay attention. If you don't live in a well kept home, pay attention. Both are very educational.

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-63876323542986577712011-07-12T06:02:00.001-04:002011-07-12T06:02:00.926-04:00Tuesday's Tip: Hope Chests

Some arts and crafts you or your family could use to produce goods for your hope chest: p { margin-bottom: 0.08in; } Gardening (saved seeds, dried herbs, garden designs, for example) Cooking (recipe development) Tatting Hardanger embroidery Punchneedle embroidery

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-91096814421206113522011-07-07T06:14:00.001-04:002011-07-07T06:14:00.639-04:00Thursday's Thought: Marriage/Relationships

Mr. Right probably has high standards too.

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-65145218218952649052011-07-05T06:57:00.003-04:002011-07-05T06:57:00.131-04:00Tuesday's Tip: Learning to Cook

Plan meals first, then learn recipes/foods to go with them. We eat in meals, right? So we need to learn to cook meals, not just individual foods!

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-22233979458989472922011-06-30T11:00:00.001-04:002011-06-30T11:00:00.903-04:00Thursday's Thought: Home, Sweet Home

Home is never sweet unless the people in it are sweet.

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-47698383435950763762011-06-28T11:08:00.000-04:002011-06-28T11:08:01.036-04:00Tueday's Tip: Hope Chests

Some arts and crafts you or your family could use to produce goods for your hope chest: Hand embroidery Machine embroidery Needlepoint Counted cross stitch Smocking (type of embroidery)

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-38308040714936207442011-06-28T06:12:00.000-04:002011-06-28T08:07:26.420-04:00Tuesday's Tip: Hope Chests

Some arts and crafts you or your family could use to produce goods for your hope chest: Rug hooking Rug braiding Other rug-making techniques Metal working Basketry

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-49605087818201435102011-06-23T10:59:00.003-04:002011-06-23T10:59:01.028-04:00Thursday's Thought: Contentment

Contentment enjoys what it has and gratefully accepts what is given to it.

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-18619236970719220702011-06-21T11:05:00.002-04:002011-06-23T11:30:24.937-04:00Tuesday's Tip: Hope Chests

Some arts and crafts you or your family could use to produce goods for your hope chest: Knitting Crocheting Sewing Quilting Woodworking

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-42620830119912182202011-06-16T10:57:00.001-04:002011-06-16T10:57:00.146-04:00Thursday's Thought: Marriage

The most important key to success in unselfishness. The most significant reason for failure is selfishness.

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-26595346845081703562011-06-14T11:02:00.000-04:002011-06-14T11:02:00.537-04:00Tuesday's Tip: Organization

Store things in logical places—near where you will use them, for example.

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-32814897518852275622011-06-09T10:55:00.000-04:002011-06-09T10:55:00.603-04:00Thursday's Thought: Modesty

Modesty is an attitude. It just has a tendency to express itself in the way you dress.

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-48550332138360743142011-06-07T10:49:00.001-04:002011-06-07T10:49:00.391-04:00Tuesday's Tip

Haste makes messes. P.S. Yes, I learned that by experience.

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-71289505049740065632011-06-02T10:53:00.001-04:002011-06-02T10:53:00.680-04:00Thursday's Thought: Relationships

Seek to understand other people with the same intensity with which you desire to be understood.

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-23530098162037939912011-05-31T08:16:00.001-04:002011-05-31T08:16:00.474-04:00Tuesday's Tip: Prioritize

Prioritize your goals or areas of study/preparation so that you don't always focus on what is easiest or the most fun.

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-31582526414705777292011-05-26T09:11:00.001-04:002011-05-26T09:11:00.332-04:00Thursday's Thought: Marriage

Since God invented marriage, he probably knows more about it than anyone else does.

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-16959046630355139642011-05-24T08:14:00.001-04:002011-05-24T08:14:00.163-04:00Tuesday's Tip: Hope Chests

If you're preparing a hope chest, remember that your husband may not have the same tastes you do. Be considerate, especially with things he would use or see often, and refrain from buying or making everything ahead of time.

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-57547246161903357922011-05-20T17:05:00.000-04:002011-05-20T17:05:59.501-04:00Sale at Keeping Home

Special order sale going on now.

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-82700858374694781702011-05-19T09:10:00.001-04:002011-05-19T09:10:00.132-04:00Thursdays Thought: Womanhood

What you are is more important than what you know.

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-36999337613098527412011-05-17T08:11:00.001-04:002011-05-17T08:11:00.670-04:00Tuesday's Tip: Children

Church is a great place to observe children and parents, and the interaction between them. Observation is a great way to learn about children (especially for those of us who aren't surrounded by children). Just be careful not to stare! :-)

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-20792140308051662452011-05-12T09:08:00.003-04:002011-05-20T09:18:40.948-04:00Thursday's Thought: Character

The way people around you behave is not really a good measure of how people should behave.

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-89731468173736051712011-05-11T08:25:00.000-04:002011-05-11T08:25:00.297-04:00Wordless Wednesday: A Very Wild Tulip

Grown by my aunt.

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-1883914833816235692011-05-10T08:10:00.001-04:002011-05-10T08:10:00.235-04:00Tuesday's Tip: Work

Be productive and efficient--not just busy.

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-48836276354681390152011-05-05T09:05:00.001-04:002011-05-05T09:05:01.047-04:00Thursday's Thought: Experience

When it comes to learning how to do something there is really no substitute for just doing it.

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-30516446495396083612011-05-04T09:56:00.001-04:002011-05-04T09:56:00.344-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Apple Blossoms

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-44319742953698216822011-05-03T18:51:00.000-04:002011-05-03T18:51:55.839-04:00Tuesday's Tip: Beauty

Your attitude, whether you like it or not, effects the way you look.

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-64323496880582261252011-05-03T16:03:00.000-04:002011-05-03T16:03:27.095-04:00Thanks, Mom!

With Mother's Day coming soon, I thought it would be a good opportunity to say (although actually, I say it more often than that ~ just not in public) that I am very thankful my mother chose to willingly be a stay-at-home-mom. It was worth it. I'm sure she knows that, but even if she didn't know it, I would. Definitely worth it. Highly recommended!

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-16934058803957717522011-04-20T12:25:00.000-04:002011-04-20T12:25:59.349-04:00Wordless Wednesday

When you start wandering around with a camera looking for interesting stuff to take pictures of, you see things you never saw before and never imagined!

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-54051799588809275522011-01-13T12:42:00.000-05:002011-01-13T12:42:13.632-05:00Learning and Growing resources updated

As you may have noticed, the learning and growing resources have been updated. You can visit the index here. Are there any categories you'd like to see? Leave me a comment!

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-47280481308777138512011-01-13T12:35:00.000-05:002011-01-13T12:35:11.479-05:00Learning and Growing: Hope Chest Stuff

Anything related to hope chests. Learning AND resources. This post/re-post is a resource list designed to aid in the education of women in homemaking and womanhood lines, particularly in keeping with the purpose of The Hope Chest. You can always find all of my resource lists in the sidebar. I don't necessarily endorse these sites in their entirety. In fact, some of them I may not endorse at

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-49703873252783393892011-01-13T12:33:00.002-05:002011-01-13T12:33:59.257-05:00Learning and Growing: Babies (and so forth)

This post/re-post is a resource list designed to aid in the education of women in homemaking and womanhood lines, particularly in keeping with the purpose of The Hope Chest. You can always find all of my resource lists in the sidebar. I don't necessarily endorse these sites in their entirety. In fact, some of them I may not endorse at all! They are here because I believe they are useful for

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-15764692128161336442011-01-13T12:32:00.002-05:002011-01-13T12:32:59.207-05:00Learning and Growing: Cake Baking and Decorating

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-72981204273935121932011-01-13T12:25:00.000-05:002011-01-13T12:25:44.587-05:00Clothing the Family ~ Inspiration and Learning About Girls' Clothing

Good places for just viewing styles of clothing for girls. Good for helping you figure out what types of clothing you would approve of your daughters wearing and possibly what types of things you'd like to learn to make. Also, if you're still in girlhood, these might be just as helpful as the women's list(s)! This is for all ages of girls. This post/re-post is a resource list designed to aid

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-77755898236786567102011-01-13T12:23:00.000-05:002011-01-13T12:23:35.051-05:00Clothing the Family ~ Inspiration and Learning About Boys' Clothing

Good places for just viewing styles of clothing for boys. Good for helping you figure out what types of clothing you would approve of your sons wearing and possibly what types of things you'd like to learn to make. This is for all ages of boys. This post/re-post is a resource list designed to aid in the education of women in homemaking and womanhood lines, particularly in keeping with the

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-35248175964894664972011-01-13T12:21:00.000-05:002011-01-13T12:21:52.053-05:00Clothing the Family ~ Resources for Learning About Men's Clothing

Resources for learning about men's clothing. This post/re-post is a resource list designed to aid in the education of women in homemaking and womanhood lines, particularly in keeping with the purpose of The Hope Chest. You can always find all of my resource lists in the sidebar. I don't necessarily endorse these sites in their entirety. In fact, some of them I may not endorse at all! They are

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-69795614536259472852011-01-13T12:15:00.000-05:002011-01-13T12:31:04.386-05:00Learning and Growing: Clothing the Family

TThis post/re-post is a resource list designed to aid in the education of women in homemaking and womanhood lines, particularly in keeping with the purpose of The Hope Chest. You can always find all of my resource lists in the sidebar. I don't necessarily endorse these sites in their entirety. In fact, some of them I may not endorse at all! They are here because I believe they are useful for

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-62475997468298623092011-01-13T12:10:00.000-05:002011-01-13T12:20:08.724-05:00Clothing the Family ~ Inspiration and Learning for Women/About Women's Clothing

Good places for just viewing styles of clothing for women (good for helping you figure out what you like and don't like, will wear and won't wear). These are sites I have found helpful in my study. This post/re-post is a resource list designed to aid in the education of women in homemaking and womanhood lines, particularly in keeping with the purpose of The Hope Chest. You can always find all of

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-29025318881872359862011-01-13T12:08:00.000-05:002011-01-13T12:04:19.418-05:00Learning and Growing: Sewing

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-26469449742542561532011-01-13T12:07:00.000-05:002011-01-13T12:02:53.359-05:00Learning and Growing: Curriculum, Classes, and Clubs

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-83905588875067914722011-01-13T12:06:00.000-05:002011-01-13T12:00:53.742-05:00Learning and Growing: Cooking and Baking

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-78412536060176637602011-01-13T12:05:00.000-05:002011-01-13T11:59:21.007-05:00Learning and Growing: Health

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-59213685897467176942010-12-12T20:03:00.000-05:002010-12-12T20:03:17.832-05:00A Christmas Giveaway

So, obviously I'm spending most of my time somewhere other than The Hope Chest! I'm sorry about that, as The Hope Chest does have the potential to be useful, but Keeping Home is a worthy cause too. And now about the giveaway. It's . . . on Keeping Home's blog (of course!). Until 12/15 you can enter to win a Christmas instrumental guitar CD. Audio previews included so you can see if you like it

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-50874676127419082882010-11-29T12:19:00.000-05:002010-11-29T12:19:12.012-05:00My Treasuries on Etsy

Maybe you are like I used to be and don't know what a treasury is and don't know what Etsy is. Well, never mind. Just click on the links and find out! Well, I'll give you a hint. Etsy is a place to buy handmade goods (as well as supplies for handmade goods and vintage items) from individual sellers. A treasury is a collection of items, usually with along a theme, put together by a member of Etsy

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-85790051844730865392010-10-28T11:35:00.000-04:002010-10-28T11:35:13.514-04:00I now have an Etsy shop!

If you Etsy, come see me!. :-) http://www.etsy.com/shop/KeepingHome

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-21244756295849209742010-08-11T19:27:00.000-04:002010-08-11T19:27:51.235-04:00Thoughts on Learning and Critical Thinking

Read widely, . . . . but don't believe everything you read. Listen carefully, . . . . but don't believe everything you hear. Look around, . . . . but don't believe everything you see. Think hard, . . . . but don't believe everything you think. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. ~ James 1:5 The

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-34149030836779580012010-07-07T06:35:00.005-04:002010-07-07T06:35:00.415-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Pretty Flowers

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-58225491329448030292010-07-01T07:14:00.003-04:002010-07-01T07:14:00.328-04:00Monthly Theme for July, 2010

This Month's Theme Is . . . Summer!

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-68343690014994549272010-06-30T07:04:00.001-04:002010-06-30T07:04:00.238-04:00Wordless Wednesday: It's Beyond Words, Anyway!

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-8484984812250926762010-06-29T07:00:00.000-04:002010-06-28T19:06:09.562-04:00A good reminder, especially for maidens at home

And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own? ~ Luke 16:12

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-69886631059495269732010-06-28T17:03:00.000-04:002010-06-28T17:03:13.505-04:00Things To Keep In Your Laundry Room

A large trash can or waste basket (well, not one of those huge outdoor things). Laundry room trash is mostly dryer lint, which won't start smelling if you neglect to empty it. Save yourself the trouble of emptying the trash frequently by using a larger trash recepticle. Plenty of extra trash bags. You shouldn't have to fetch them from a distant stash very often. A pair of scissors to snip

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-79403529838814955472010-06-18T19:58:00.000-04:002010-06-18T19:58:41.208-04:00Well, maybe the ironing board cover is more urgent than I thought. . . .

See Challenge: Do Something Laundryish for the background to this post. My ironing board cover does have a hole in it but I can live with that. Yesterday, though, I was cutting out a baby item on it and layed the fabric out over the hole (I usually try to avoid it if I can but sometimes I forget). As I cut around that end of the pattern piece I knew I had to be careful around the hole. I

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-9390672877199601912010-06-17T17:00:00.000-04:002010-06-17T17:00:49.191-04:00Challenge: Do Something Laundryish

Anything. Well, anything outside your normal routine! It might be cleaning (the laundry room), organizing (the laundry room), mending, stain removal, putting up a clothes line, sewing (clothespin bag, ironing board cover, etc.), decorating (the laundry room, of course), reading (about the subject, naturally), making laundry soap, or laundry itself. Or maybe something else I haven't thought of.

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-87182736571400240662010-06-07T17:40:00.000-04:002010-06-07T17:40:28.166-04:00June, 2010 Scripture of the Month

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ~ 1 John 1:9 ~~~~~~~ P.S. Due to unforeseen circumstances I don't think I will be able to post as much as I intended to this month (or even all summer). I hope to get in at least a couple of posts a week, though.

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-42393788798060327862010-06-04T15:02:00.003-04:002010-06-04T15:02:10.671-04:00Do You Sew, Crochet, or Cross Stitch?

Yes? Then check this out! Summer pattern sale at Keeping Home! All sewing patterns, crochet patterns, and cross-stitch charts , including pattern books and booklets, up to 40% off now through June 30, 2010. While supplies last. Sale applies to new and restocked patterns and charts. Please note that because of this sale I will not post a special Hope Chest coupon code for June.

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-36843303404306835682010-06-02T07:47:00.000-04:002010-06-02T07:47:53.056-04:00This Month's Theme (June, 2010)

The theme for June is . . . Laundering!

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-18527883984683385492010-05-28T15:35:00.002-04:002010-05-28T15:35:13.948-04:00Reality Check: Do You Have a Mother's Heart?

Think about what a mother means to you. What is her heart like? What is so special about her? What was or is so wonderful about your mother as a mother? Or, what wasn't or isn't wonderful about her? What's missing that to you means “mother”? Do YOU have a mother's heart?

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-62729807056549217972010-05-25T21:03:00.000-04:002010-05-25T21:03:04.052-04:00More Gardening Resources ~ Plant Societies

Here are some plant societies I've found. I wish I had time to go visit them all too! Official Site of the American Dahlia Society – Home NAGC - North American Gladiolus Council AIS: American Iris Society website American Peony Society American Daffodil Society

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-31320077359700751992010-05-24T20:44:00.000-04:002010-05-24T20:44:26.735-04:00Gardening Resources: a few selections from my bookmarks

Garden Watchdog: The Garden Watchdog Guide to Gardening by Mail http://www.finegardening.com Bluestone Perennials, Inc Brent and Becky's Bulbs Territorial Seed - Vegetable and Flower Seeds at Territorial Seed Company

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-45655707420672123852010-05-23T17:49:00.000-04:002010-05-23T17:49:17.052-04:00Womanhood Challenge of the Month: May 2010

This month's womanhood challenge is to cultivate yourself. This isn't a contrast to May's Girlhood Challenge to let God garden your heart, it's just a different way of applying to concept of gardening to oneself. Have you ever thought about cultivating yourself? Do you watch how you grow? Do you weed your heart, your mind, your life of things that don't belong in it and choke out the good

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-63846276729229123152010-05-21T18:24:00.000-04:002010-05-21T18:24:30.640-04:00No Time to Write!

I've been "spring flinging" most of the day. No brains to write either. The mess saps my creativity, energy, and focus. Things are much, much better now. I already feel smarter. :-) Well, maybe not, but I do feel more relaxed! See you next week!

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-55899452036831830932010-05-19T17:30:00.000-04:002010-05-19T17:30:20.627-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Wee Little Corn Plant

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-15062549714248203132010-05-18T16:54:00.000-04:002010-05-18T16:54:44.313-04:00Scripture of the Month: May, 2010

And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. ~ Genesis 2:15

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-35497129562773562692010-05-13T18:49:00.000-04:002010-05-13T18:49:19.140-04:00Reality Check: If You Were a Garden

If you were a garden, what kind of garden would you be? Would you be a a welcome, restful retreat? Would you be a colorful cottage garden ~ casual, friendly, and full of surprises? Would you be a formal garden ~ symmetrical, predictable, sophisticated, regal? Would you be sunny, cheerful, and fragrant? Would you be chaotic, a catchall of color and form? Full of weeds, briers, and thistles

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-62298316378685218262010-05-12T16:53:00.000-04:002010-05-12T16:53:05.620-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Country Scene

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-21955796864887747702010-05-11T20:27:00.000-04:002010-05-11T20:27:17.315-04:00What Will You Want to Have Done?

Think about this: if you someday get married and have a home of your own, what would you want to have done before that time? What experience or experiences would you want to have had, for example, in homemaking, caring for the sick, child-care, cooking, sewing, or gardening?

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-86810636721283619882010-05-10T20:24:00.000-04:002010-05-10T20:24:24.555-04:00What Skills Will You Want to Have?

Think about this: if you someday get married and have a home of your own, what would you want to be able to do at that time? What skills would you want to have, for example, in housekeeping, caring for the sick, cooking, sewing, needlework, time management, or gardening?

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-61746234428590222152010-05-06T20:36:00.002-04:002010-05-06T20:36:51.411-04:00What Will You Want to Know?

Think about this: if you someday get married and have a home of your own, what would you want to know at that time? What knowledge would you want to have about, for example, homemaking, health, child-rearing, cooking, sewing, or money management?

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-32511166234385171402010-05-04T15:25:00.000-04:002010-05-04T15:25:43.591-04:00Girlhood Challenge of the Month: May, 2010

Let God garden your heart. Let Him weed out the things He doesn't like. Let Him shine into your heart with His light and love. The challenge this month is to choose to let Him do this and then ask Him to do it. This is a very personal thing so I don't expect you to share your prayer or what you prayed for specifically, but you may share that you did it. And ladies, this is a good idea for

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-65553647375830373862010-05-02T19:22:00.000-04:002010-05-02T19:22:34.914-04:00This Month's Theme: May, 2010

This month's theme is Gardening! You don't have to be a gardener to appreciate it though, so stop by even if you don't have a teaspoon of dirt to your name.

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-75337850773367284292010-04-28T17:55:00.000-04:002010-04-28T17:55:53.958-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Apple Tree in Bud

P.S. This photo was taken a couple of weeks ago. See what the apple trees look like now here: http://www.keeping-home.com/blog/?p=575

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-41588431970956610702010-04-27T19:39:00.000-04:002010-04-27T19:39:31.209-04:00I've Been "Flinging" Today

Have you? My sewing table looks better (I can see it). I've gotten rid of some clothing I will never wear, tossed a few others things, and more. I can't say that I'm done though. I'll be at it tomorrow, and the next day, and the next. My to do list needs some attention too. :-)

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-17687303282390868012010-04-26T19:06:00.000-04:002010-04-26T19:06:54.588-04:00Meeting the April Motherhood Challenge, part 2

So, what am I doing for points #1 and #2. I don't know. It's always easier to just challenge other people and let oneself off. *smile* Let's see what I can do #1 We can clean up our bodies. We may be clean on the outside but maybe not on the inside! We might have too much cholesterol, too much sugar in our blood, or a variety of toxins in our bodies, for example. Or we might have health

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-44635929500675443472010-04-21T15:51:00.000-04:002010-04-21T15:51:56.260-04:00Meeting the April Motherhood Challenge

Specific things I'm doing . . . For area #3 The Diet I'm eating more vegetables. As a vegetarian I eat plenty of vegetation but it is in the form of beans, grains, and grain products more often than it should be and in the form of fruits and veggies less often than it should be. I'm working on vegetables right now. I've been eat lots of cabbage lately! For area #4 The Environment my focus has

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-88123904072939490542010-04-21T06:28:00.000-04:002010-04-20T15:32:34.983-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Peach Blossoms in the Sky

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-49220339760130414222010-04-20T14:52:00.000-04:002010-04-20T14:52:09.374-04:00Womanhood and Girlhood Challenges of the Month: April, 2010

Due to the lateness in the month, April's challenge is going to be very small and easy. Quite simply, rejoice in the LORD. And thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the LORD thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house. . . ~ Deuteronomy 26:11 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-85859762743956192112010-04-15T14:27:00.000-04:002010-04-15T14:27:58.794-04:00Motherhood Challenge of the Month: April 2010

This month's motherhood challenge has to do with spring cleaning ~ spring cleaning our bodies, that is, or our physical health. The goal is to put our bodies in better health in order to make us better prepared for motherhood. So how can we “spring clean” our physical health? #1 We can clean up our bodies. We may be clean on the outside but maybe not on the inside! We might have too much

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-61237472235983806392010-04-14T17:48:00.000-04:002010-04-14T17:48:00.256-04:00Wordless Wednesday: I Can't Help Loving Dafodils!

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-68904879466307034962010-04-13T15:55:00.000-04:002010-04-13T15:55:37.803-04:00Keeping Home Newsletter and Drawing for Gift Certificate

Keeping Home (the "parent" of The Hope Chest) is starting a free e-newsletter. You can find out more about it here. As my post title suggests, you get entered in a drawing to win a gift certificate to the store when you sign up.

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-45438477577897735952010-04-13T13:13:00.000-04:002010-04-13T13:13:39.432-04:00The Great Spring Fling!

Okay, I hope I'm back now. As soon as I got over being sick, a good chunk of my time was sucked up by a church project that is going on all week. It's a very worthy project but The Hope Chest is suffering because of it. :-) The Great Spring Fling is a get organized challenge. Fling away the clutter! Throw away your trash. Give away or sell things you don't need anymore. Return borrowed items to

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-88129726565876629272010-04-11T16:53:00.000-04:002010-04-11T16:53:02.549-04:00Thought for the Week: Trust In the LORD

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. ~ Proverbs 3:5-6

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-44590616133000138632010-04-09T16:25:00.000-04:002010-04-09T16:25:13.620-04:00You Can Do It!

You can learn to garden. You can learn to sew. You can learn all those other things you need and want to know how to do. Go read this post by Olivia over at Teaching Good Things. That is your assignment for today. :-)

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-77271359556051384862010-04-07T19:48:00.000-04:002010-04-07T19:48:14.793-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Double Dafodil

With others in the background.

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-40616267339883112182010-04-06T15:34:00.000-04:002010-04-06T15:34:29.410-04:00April 2010 Scripture of the Month

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. ~ Philippians 4:4 This month. . . Let us rejoice in the LORD Himself. And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. ~ Deuteronomy 6:5 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-73420468984453787732010-04-05T14:51:00.000-04:002010-04-05T14:51:11.617-04:00Theme for April, 2010

This month's theme is. . . Spring! Let's enjoy this wonderful season while we learn and grow this month! Here's a springy picture for you. It's the inside of a white hellebore.

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-34735411132543293342010-04-01T09:25:00.000-04:002010-04-01T09:25:08.481-04:00Just a little note . . .

I have been sick lately, and although I'm on the mend I'm still tired. My Internet connection is being especially slow too. As a result, the transition into April's theme is going to be a bit slow also. Thank you for your patience! ~ Hopeful

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-25605272277604253982010-03-28T07:36:00.003-04:002010-03-28T07:36:00.186-04:00Thoughts from Yesteryear: No small thing

It is no small thing to stand at the head of affairs, and be the motive power on which depend the welfare and credit, the health, temper and spirit of the whole family. A late breakfast sends father and brothers to business with the whole day thrown out of shape ; a poor meal leaves all the family to work or study without proper supplies to work upon, and they will feel weak, nervous and lacking

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-52571312335668898722010-03-27T09:57:00.002-04:002010-03-27T09:57:00.192-04:00Is a Hope Chest Practical?

Is a Hope Chest Practical? I think it can be. Or it might not be. One factor that determines its practicality is the woman who possesses it. One argument against its practicality might be that it doesn't make sense to store things in a hope chest waiting for some phase of your life which may or may not come, while you need those very items to establish your own household now. Why save all

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-74178622294555233052010-03-24T06:40:00.001-04:002010-03-24T06:40:00.548-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Awaiting the Mushrooms

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-22850155250661787132010-03-21T07:15:00.002-04:002010-03-21T07:15:00.915-04:00Thoughts from Yesteryear: Practice, Practice!

Excellence in the art of cookery, as in all other things, is only attainable by practice and experience. In proportion, therefore, to the opportunities which a cook has had of these, so will be his excellence in the art. ~ Chapter 4 (#78) of The Book of Household Management by Mrs. Isabella Beeton (1861).

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-46642290955622607682010-03-21T06:22:00.003-04:002010-03-21T06:22:00.120-04:00I Am a Woman

I wrote this "Anti-feminist Manifesto in 2007. I can't remember if I posted it here or not, but it has not been recently if I did. Sometimes it makes me gulp when I read it ~ especially that last line ~ and remember exactly what it is I stand for. It keeps me on track. :-) Perhaps it will bless you too! I Am a Woman

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-86826855753351892012010-03-19T17:16:00.000-04:002010-03-19T17:16:31.526-04:00Finding Recipes: More Recipe Links

Cooking Light Vegetarian Times Better Homes and Gardens Vegan Cooking RecipeArchive Have fun! :-)

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-42944974782106560142010-03-17T20:15:00.000-04:002010-03-17T20:15:59.148-04:00Sewing Tutorial

I just posted a tutorial on my other blog: Using Fabrics with Picks, Stains, and Other Flaws. If you have some less than perfect fabric you'd still like to use, check it out!

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-46042087547773424182010-03-17T07:00:00.002-04:002010-03-17T07:00:06.070-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Daylily "Cabbage Flower"

Photo from Laurel Hill Nursery, LLC. Used by permission.

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16779879.post-35280346432028563832010-03-16T19:13:00.000-04:002010-03-16T19:13:25.560-04:00The Menu Designer

This is a tool I have found useful in my own preparation and so I thought I would share it with you. This chart helps you plan potential menus, test them, and then record your conclusions about them. The .pdf file includes further instructions. Menu Designer A few terms of use: Please do not share this file or share printed copies outside of your immediate family. Please do not direct link to

hopefulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314564142050720389noreply@blogger.com0