A Steel Magnolia Mom

     "Who of you, by worrying, can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? Luke 12:25. That was Jesus Speaking to his disciples a very long time ago. As someone who does plenty of worrying and stressing over the smallest things, I think about that scripture often. I don't just stress, I get so consumed by stress and worry that when something more significant happens in my life, it's overwhelming. I feel like I can't handle it. But let's face it, that is exhausting. I'm learning how I can pull myself out of that. I've come up with 4 techniques that keep me from falling off the wagon, and I think they can help you too. 1. Mindset      Spending time with God and having a thankful attitude can transform your mindset going into your day. Always start your day by praying. I know when times are very difficult, I feel like I just need someone to talk to. What better someone to talk to than...

They are so sweet. They are blessings from God. My children are half me, and half my husband, whom I love very much. They make me smile every day, many times a day. Seeing them smile is the highlight of every day. They have innocent, pure hearts. My children are my happiness. They give me motivation. They never allow me to give up. They keep me praying. They fill my heart completely will love. A hug or cuddle from them soothes my anxiety. They have taught me so much, and continue to learn from them every day. They have humbled me. They show me unconditional love. They inspire me to be a better woman. I carried them within my body. My children's voices. Their sweet laughs. I live for them, and they live because of me. Without them I might be farther in life... but I would be empty hearted. I get to watch them, and help them, grow and become who they are. They give fulfillment to my life. My children create cherished memories. Seeing them develop inte...

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Psalm 34:18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 9:18 God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish. Psalm 10:14 You, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless. Psalm 32:7 You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with the song of deliverance. 2 Timothy 4:17-18 The LORD stood by me and gave me strength. The LORD will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. 2 Corinthians 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, ...

     I'm hoping to do some (very late) spring cleaning starting on Monday, and taking on one room for each day of the week. I created some print-outs to help me get everything done. I've always loved making lists and planning everything, so I thought these would be super helpful. You can download these for yourself, just click the link below the print-outs you want. The link will take you to documents, so you are able to edit the print-outs to suit your own home and cleaning techniques! DOWNLOAD KITCHEN DOWNLOAD LIVING ROOM DOWNLOAD BATHROOM DOWNLOAD UTILITY ROOM DOWNLOAD KIDS' ROOM DOWNLOAD BEDROOMS

Welcome! My name is Kristen and I'm a young stay at home mom. I'm actually quite shy in person, but I always have so many ideas running through my head. That's why I decided to start my blog "A Steel Magnolia". I love hiking and being outdoors. I also love organizing, planning and creating. I'm working on writing my first book, and hoping to get it published next year. Thanks for taking an interest in my blog! If you want to know more about me, check out the "About" to know more about me, my family, and my blog. Subscribe By Email, to be notified whenever I post a new article. Thanks in advance and I hope you enjoy my blog.

      Over the last few weeks, after welcoming a new baby boy into our family, my life has been quite chaotic. I'm overwhelmed with so much love, but also with so many responsibilities. Sometimes I find myself stressed and discouraged, and ready to give up. Turning to the bible always seems to give me a warm feeling in my heart, and it takes away some of my overwhelming frustration. These are a few verses that stand out to me, and seem so comforting and encouraging. "Though an army besiege me,  my heart will not fear; though war break out against me,  even then I will be confident. One thing I ask from the Lord,  this only do I seek: that I may   dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,  to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and seek him in his temple.  For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling." -Psalm 27:3-5- "May the God who gives endurance  and encouragement  give yo...

  Start Your Day With a Morning Prayer.       Instead of rolling out of bed and stumbling to the kitchen to pour yourself a cup of ambition, take a moment before you even get out of bed, to say a special prayer. Always have a moment with God before you start your day. Write Down Your Daily To-Do List.      If you go through every day, flying by the seat of your pants, there is a good chance you might forget a task or tasks you need to accomplish that day. Take a minute to jot down a To-Do list of everything you need to get done that day, and tackle them! The good thing is, you wont have to be wasting time wondering if or what you have accomplished that day, just glance at your list! Forgetting an important task never makes for a great day. Be a #girlboss, and make this an everyday habit. Write down 3 Things you are Thankful For.       While your at it, go a head and think of 3 things you are GRATEFUL for and write them down too. ...

     Newborn babies are typically supposed to wake and feed throughout the day and night about every 2-4 hours, some babies more and some less. But if your baby wakes too often during the night, its possible you could lose too much sleep. Being a new mother is hard enough, but studies have shown, not enough sleep and serious sleep deprivation can cause or worsen postpartum depression. (click  here  for more information concerning sleep deprivation linked to postpartum depression)      Today I want to share with you a few ways I succeeded in getting both of my children to sleep soundly through the night before they were 3 months old. Gripe Water & Simethicone Gas drops Before Bed.       Some babies wake often during the night due to gripe pains  which is trapped gas the baby's tummy and intestines. These gripe pains can be painful and can hinder their sleep. Luckily, Gripe Water, like  Mommy's Bliss Gripe Wat...