November 10, 2021 • 46 mins
In this episode we are chatting with Gayle who has been keeping a home for 39 years. She has raised two children and after a season of an empty nest has recently welcomed her elderly father into her home. We discuss her current role as a caregiver for her father, we swap Gumbo recipes and we talk quite a bit about Gayle's experiences in mentorship relationships.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Allison (00:02):
Hello, homemakers and welcome to The Art of home
podcast where we are exploringhow homemakers cultivate a place
to belong. I'm your host,Allison weeks. I'm a wife. I'm a
mom to four grown up kids. Andthis is my 30th year of
homemaking. That's rightthree-zero, 3 decades of
homemaking, bliss, well, mostlybliss. This is the season three
(00:25):
finale of The Art of home. And Ijust want to thank you so much
for listening for sharing andfor following. You have helped
us reach some amazing milestonesthis season, including gaining
listeners in Africa and SouthAmerica, which means we now have
listeners on every inhabitedcontinent, and we have
practically doubled ourlistenership in the past 12
(00:46):
weeks. So thank you. Thank you.
Thank you. If you're a newlistener, welcome. Here's a
couple of things about me justto let you get to know me as
your host. One thing I hate andtwo things I love. I hate the
mall. I just can't even with themall. And that's so strange,
because I was an 80s teenagemall rat. I mean, I hung out at
(01:06):
the mall every single weekend;full makeup, best outfit,
cruising through the mall withmy friends, checking out the
boys. I did all of that. But nowas an adult, I just I can't
stand it. I don't know. I'mclaustrophobic in there. I'm not
really a fan of the salespeoplewho chase you around and want to
straighten your hair and putlotion on you and that kind of
thing. But I love to go thriftshopping or antiquing or junking
(01:29):
or garage saleing, any of thatkind of thing. I love the thrill
of the hunt. I love finding agreat old dish or an old book.
Or even if it's not somethingthat's really old and valuable,
just a unique home decor itemthat won't look like everybody
else's who shopped at all thesame department stores. And I
love cookies. I will take acookie over cake, over pie, over
(01:51):
a bowl of ice cream, over acandy bar any day. Give me all
the cookies please. So now youknow these fun facts about me
let's meet today's guest. We arehappy to present this homemaker
portrait of Gayle Wills. She's aveteran homemaker of 39 years
who has raised two kids and nowis caring for her elderly father
(02:11):
in her home. In her earlyhomemaking years, Gayle was a
brand new believer and she had adeep thirst for learning more
about God. So we talked abouthow she balanced that desire to
want to just study the Bible allthe time with her
responsibilities as a wife and amom. We talk about her role now
as a caregiver for her father.
(02:32):
We swap gumbo recipes, and wespend some time talking about
both sides of a mentorrelationship. Gayle has a
vibrant faith and it comesacross so evidently in her
story. There is one thing I wantto let you know Gayle needed
some time to think about heranswer to the top three
homemaking tips question and Iforgot to circle back and ask
(02:53):
her the question again while wewere doing the interview. So she
kindly sent me an email the nextday with her tips listed out and
I will share those with you atthe end of this episode. So make
sure you stick around. Sowhether you're cleaning out your
filing cabinet or trying to pairall the mismatched socks in your
house, I know you will enjoyGayle's story of home.
(03:16):
I am here with my friend GayleWills. And we're going to talk
about Gayle's homemakingjourney. But first, I'd like to
talk a little bit about who youare today, Gayle,
Gayle (03:24):
Who I am today. Well, I've been married for 39 years.
I have a full grown daughter andson that live in San Antonio and
four grandchildren. I also havemy 91 year old father living
with us now for the last yearand a half. And I work three
days a week. And I'm a medicalAesthetician and I work in San
Antonio and I love what I do.
Allison (03:45):
Great. That's awesome.
Okay, well, let's go back to thebeginning then. So when did you
first become a homemaker?
Gayle (03:52):
I first became a homemaker when I was 28 years
old, and I was a new believer.
And at that time, I just reallycarried on a few things that my
mother showed me the first 12years of my life were amazing. I
had an amazing mom, who was avery gifted homemaker at that
time. And part of our journeywas not just our home, but
(04:12):
inviting people into our homeand always caring for other
people. So she taught me a lotof things, how to cook, how to
really be kind to others how togive to others. And she was an
amazing mom. And she was awonderful witness to me as far
as loving her children andloving her family.
Allison (04:37):
That's awesome. That's great that you had that example
in your life. So what was yourhardest thing to learn as a
brand new homemaker, it soundslike your mom gave you some
skills and you did know somethings. But what was really
particularly challenging foryou.
Gayle (04:54):
What was challenging I believe was just time management
of course. Most women will saythat, but also, you know, really
thinking about us like my mom, Icooked breakfast. We had lunch,
I cooked a full dinner sevendays a week. And it's always
coming up with different menusand different foods. And what do
I cook and I had one real pickyeater and one non picky eater.
(05:17):
So that was very challenging.
But also it was seemed like thedays would go so fast. I had my
children in private school, theynever took a bus anywhere. So I
had to drive them there. Same bythe time I got home cleaning the
house. It was time to pick themup again, then come home and
cook dinner. But we had so muchjoy in our home so much
laughter. And I had Focus on theFamily. Oh, yeah. Back then with
(05:42):
James Dobson. And just lots ofgood advice from his ministry
that I did follow.
Allison (05:51):
Yeah, that's a wonderful ministry I used. I use
that as a resource a lot when Iwas a young mom, too, as well.
So kind of going into this ideaof balancing things and managing
our time and our resources andwhatnot. Did you ever work
outside of the home while yourkids were at home?
Gayle (06:09):
I did not. When they were in high school, I worked part
time, but I was always home whenthey came home. Okay. And I
loved it. And it was a blessingto me. And I loved being a
homemaker. And I loved being athome. And I wasn't really career
minded. You know, my whole goalin life was just to be, you
know, a great mother and a greatwife to my husband. So,
Allison (06:31):
yeah. Were you involved in the kids school at all? You
said they went to privateschool? So I know sometimes
there's a lot of involvementrequired.
Gayle (06:38):
Yeah, we, of course, we helped with, you know, all the
different school activitiesgoing on field trips, and they
were in a private Christianschool at that time. And we're
very involved, and also veryinvolved in our church. So we're
working with children's ministryall a lot back then. They were
Yeah,
Allison (06:57):
that's awesome. So what did you find was the one thing
that really helped you to get towhere you felt like you, you
were you were good at managingyour time? Was there anything in
particular,
Gayle (07:09):
you know, at that time, I was so thirsty for God's word,
and I was really involved inprecepts ministry, and I really
believe just spending time withhim making that time in the
morning or in the evening, keptorder in my house, sometimes
definitely, we would get out oforder, by all means we didn't
have a perfect home. But it justbrought me back to where I need
(07:33):
it to be to a sense of calmness,and peace. And it was very,
very, you know, God's word is sopowerful. Yeah. And I just felt
that he was my anchor at thattime. And he really showed me
just how to raise children andto love them, and to help guide
them and direct them in theirfuture.
Allison (07:56):
precepts is a really great ministry. That was the
first Bible study that I everdid. When my daughter, my oldest
was just a baby, the Gospel ofJohn working through the Gospel
of John with precepts, and it'spretty intense. But I would say,
if you really want to learn howto study the Bible, that's
(08:17):
probably one of the best onesout there.
Gayle (08:20):
And what's so powerful about it, too, is that, you
know, of course, when you getolder and he forget so much, but
when these trials come later inlife, and everyone will have
trials, the word in you and yourheart and your soul and your
spirit and your being, and itjust comes forth. And you
remember things that you learnedback then I remember feeling
(08:41):
very guilty, because all in Ijust wanted to I was a new
Christian, I was thirsty. I justwant to study the Bible all the
time. And I was involved inthose Bible studies for so so
many years, I kept on thinking,well, I need to do more, I need
to do more. But God had beenthere. And looking back and
reflecting back, I say why hehad me there.
Allison (09:00):
So you were a new believer, and then you had
children. How long after that?
Did you start having children?
Gayle (09:09):
I was married once before. I had a marriage once
before. I was living in NewYork. It was married to an
artist and my daughter is frommy first husband and we divorced
six years later. And then I metmy current husband now and we
had our so he came into a fullfamily. He did he did and my son
(09:30):
I we had my son nine months,three weeks later. Wow. So we
had an instant family coming up.
And so yeah, so it was new tous. In now. I always knew the
Lord. Before that time. I youknow, I was raised in a Baptist
church and I had my mom washella sickness with my mom and
(09:51):
back then and so I turned fromGod for so many years because
she she wasn't healed. And hefound me Now he kept on chasing
me. And I actually I found himand I was in California. And so
my husband came and picked us upmy daughter, Nye and he adopted
her when she was five years old.
(10:11):
Wow. And so we just gave ourlife to the Lord and I had a
miraculous salvation. It wasovernight. My life changed. It
was it was beautiful. And I knewthat I knew, you know that the
Savior was real in my life. So
Allison (10:30):
that's a beautiful story. So you're committed to
getting the word in and lettingthat in informed how you're
going to run your days as ahomemaker. Was it challenging to
be consistent in that time inthe Word?
Gayle (10:45):
Yes, at that time, my husband was so supportive, if I
didn't have time during the day,he would come home, and he would
play with the children. And justlet me have that time. Yeah. And
what was beautiful was that hejust allowed me to be who God
wanted me to be, and not who hewanted me to be, right much. And
that's what he wanted me to bewho God wanted me to face.
(11:06):
Anyway,
Allison (11:07):
I love that I love that you guys were intentional about
making sure that you were ableto get that time in. Even if it
didn't happen first thing in themorning, that's really great
about expectations, andhomemaking, we often think it's
going to look a certain way. Andthen we get into the reality of
the day to day of, you know,doing the laundry again and
cleaning the dishes again, buthow well did expectations that
(11:27):
you might have had going inmatch what actually ended up
happening?
Gayle (11:32):
They were always off.
Yeah, I might plan something.
And you know, when you havechildren, and you have a busy
life, and back then it wasn'teven as busy as it is now, you
know, with the young familiestoday, you get off track. And,
you know, you just have to havethe attitude. Well, you know,
(11:53):
have my Heavenly Father saidthis, and He will guide me back,
you know, bring me back, I liketo use that example of being on
the plumb line and straight, youknow, the straight up and down
the wall, and you might go tothe right, he might go to the
left, and then he just seems tobe able to bring you back to
where you need to be. So Ididn't. Back then there was a
little book called Don't sweatthe small stuff. And if you
(12:14):
remember that, and I loved it,because I remember things in
there. Okay, well, I'm notgonna, you know, get too out of
sorts over this, because it'sgoing wrong. And there were
times that I would getfrustrated, of course, like
everyone does.
Allison (12:28):
What about any special challenges? Was there anything
that was just really a bigchallenge in your homemaking
journey that you had to face?
And if so, how did you deal withthat challenge?
Gayle (12:38):
There was my son, my younger son, we were at Bracken
Christian School and Kate was asmall class. So he really did
get individual care. Back thenwe didn't know about attention
deficit. And so he wasn't astraight A student didn't
realize anything was wrong. Andthen we left this area and we
transferred to Houston. And wewere in a in I put them in a
(13:02):
public school there and he juststarted failing everything. And
we couldn't figure out whybecause it was ADHD was known
back then. But ADD was a littledifferent because he was well
behaved he listened to theteacher he wasn't overactive and
make good grades so we didn'tunderstand really kind of what
was happening and then we we didget them tested and definitely
(13:22):
was had an attention deficit andthe older he got you know, Thank
God my husband is great inscience and math because he
would have to spend a lot oftime you know, at the table
after dinner and and help withthem and it would take a lot
longer. So that was a challengefor him. And then I loved
history and English so I couldhelp out in those areas. So we
were kind of like a team as faras what he was kind of good in
(13:44):
and what I was kind of good in.
Allison (13:48):
Okay, let's talk about hospitality for a little bit.
All right. So I like to remindeverybody that we show
hospitality of course, to peoplewho don't live here when they
come to visit us but we show italso to one another on a daily
basis. The people that live inthe home. So let's start there.
How did how did you guys showhospitality to one another to
make one another feel welcome?
Gayle (14:08):
As far as my family well, my my husband has a servant's
heart. So definitely hospitalitywas you know, you get make my
coffee for me in the morning. I,you know, of course, my thing
was, you know, to make specialmeals for them, to make them
feel special, you know, specialcelebrations. Whether it be you
(14:30):
know, if they did well in schoolthat quarter, and they had great
grades we would celebrate, youknow, when we would just kind of
enjoy one another. We'd like toplay games, you know, card games
back then. And so, cooking wasalways around cooking for sure.
Yeah, we might at that time Iloved cooking and my husband
loved cooking so Yeah, way, wayabove.
Allison (14:53):
So you were able to teach your kids some cooking
skills then?
Gayle (14:56):
I was you know, they paid attention but they weren't that
interested to be very honestwith you, but my daughter is
actually an amazing cook. She'sbetter than I am. She cooks
these amazing gourmet meals andmy son, of course, this thing's
on the grill. We got that fromhis father. Yeah, yeah, I would
like to say that we just satdown and did that. But we didn't
she just kind of tick a tick offlater in life.
Allison (15:18):
Yeah, I think a lot of it is just, they watch you. And
if cooking together wassomething that you regularly
did, then that's probably goingto carry over into their own
families, as well, when theywhen they go out on their own.
Well, that's cool. What abouthospitality to other people?
Gayle (15:34):
That was our thing. So when I was at home with my mom,
we always had a huge pot offood, whether it be gumbo, or,
or whatever. And we always hadneighbors over friends over all
the time. And I loved it. Iloved being around people, very
social. So we entertained a lotover the years. Of course, the
(15:57):
last couple years with thisgoing on now you're not able to
do that as much, but we lovedit. We loved serving. We loved
having people over and justserving them. It's it just
really blesses you. Andabsolutely. And we have had
wonderful small group ministriesthat we've been in and where
we've cooked for one another andtake turns at each other's home.
(16:19):
And I have other friends thatlike to share meals. And so we
we still do that. I mean, nowjust not extend as extensive as
we used to.
Allison (16:28):
Right. Right. Well, so just to let the audience know
both of us are from Louisiana.
That's right. So when you'retalking about gumbo, you're
speaking my love language. And Ireally think I mean just the
people of Louisiana, we areknown for hospitality. Like we
just love to be around lots ofpeople and feed lots of people
and that's just what lights usup ..most of us anyway. But I
(16:50):
have to ask you about yourgumbo. What do you put in your
gumbo?
Gayle (16:55):
Well we most of time we make a chicken and sausage
gumbo. andouille sausage. but Ilove shrimp gumbo. And so you
know I love oysters I love crabmeat, you know anything you want
to throw in a gumbo. I love todo that also. And of course we
make a brown roux, you know, andthat takes most of time to cook.
(17:18):
Yeah, it does. But my husbandit's so funny because my mother,
before she passed, she showedhim how to cook gumbo also
because he wanted to learn howto do that. And so now he's
taken over doing the Gumbo and Imake the jambalay. Okay, so I
make the shrimp jamba and hemakes the gumbo.
Allison (17:35):
that's awesome. Do you put okra in your gumbo?
Gayle (17:38):
No.
Allison (17:40):
No! I do. I love okra in my gumbo and my mom's not a
huge fan of okra in gumbo.
She'll eat it you know if she'sat my house.
Gayle (17:47):
I love okra and my gumbo too but my family, they don't
like it. I love okra anythingwith okra I love. Yeah. So you
know you have to again you stillhave the picky family members
that like certain things rightgumbo some foods, so we
Allison (18:00):
and it's not like you can pick okra out of the gumbo
really. I mean, it just kind ofjust becomes a whole big part of
it. It's it's hard to eat aroundit. Okay, well cool. I was just
interested in wanting to hearabout your gumbo. Let's talk
about the seasons of homemaking.
Okay, how would you say thathomemaking has changed over the
seasons of your life?
Gayle (18:19):
Well, I think basically when your children leave and you
empty nest, I don't like to cookas much you know, I'm not into
cooking as much as I used to Idefinitely don't have to cook
seven meals a day. But comingback to you know my father
living here now there arecertain foods that he has to eat
and so there's you know, certainmeals we have to make also for
(18:42):
him.
Allison (18:43):
Well, what about the transitions moving from one
season to another? Was any ofthose particularly difficult for
you? Some people say of course,the empty nest that was hardest,
but some people you know, forthem it was bringing that first
baby home. What was the hardesttransition for you?
Gayle (18:59):
Well, it was empty nest it was my daughter going away to
college. And I think the firstthree months I was so depressed
she was so depressed she wascalling and we didn't know if
she was gonna make it or not.
And then of course if you justgive it time they're like, what
about Mom? Where are you? I'llsee you later. Yeah, whatever.
That was the hardest and then ofcourse the baby leaving. But
then they come back home youknow, seasons two I don't know
(19:23):
about your children now but youknow mine came back to live with
me and when they come back theylike to kind of you know, tell
you what to do. You know my sonespecially he was so funny
because he was really grain andjust remember when we were you
know what time he wanted me towash out the dog Buchanan things
(19:44):
like that. So by the time theycome home the second time you're
ready for them to go off in theworld. Oh, yeah.
Allison (19:55):
We we only had one come back for an extended period of
time and that was because ofCOVID He had to come back. And
he came back for spring breakfor college. And then he never
left. He wasn't able to go backto school. So he was with us for
I guess about a year. And heloves to cook. But he likes to
cook, what he wants to cook, youknow, and he's very particular
(20:16):
about how he's going to do that.
And so I wasn't quite able tobring him in and you know, have
him cooking a lot for us,because he's a bit of a messy
cook. But yeah, it's he, helikes his independence, you
know, and I don't, and I'm happyfor him for him to want. That's
what you want
Gayle (20:34):
them to leave and be happy and to go off on their
own. Yeah.
Allison (20:37):
Yeah, for sure. What is your homemaking look like? The
season that you're in right nowI know you're caring for your
father. And so things look alittle different than they have
before. So what is homemakinglook like for you right now in
this season?
Gayle (20:49):
Well, you know, it kind of takes me back, as far as I'm
cooking a little bit more nowthan I was when I was just my
husband and I and that was justa wonderful time to. But it's
the care of, you know, takingcare of an elderly parent and
trying to keep them safe duringthe season at time. So it's been
(21:11):
a little stress on me to be veryhonest with you, it's, it's, I
find it a little morechallenging than I thought it
would be, I enjoy him so much. Ilove it. I'm He blesses us, He
makes us laugh. And that, youknow, I also am concerned about
him. I know, he took a bad balllast week, and so thankful
(21:34):
didn't break anything, and justtrying to keep them safe. You
know, and so I have thatprotective mode over me again,
like you do with your children.
Right. And I wasn't expecting tokind of go through that season
again.
Allison (21:47):
that's really interesting. And this is fairly
new, right? To have him with youall
Gayle (21:51):
a year and a half.
Allison (21:53):
So are there any particular tips or things that
you've learned that maybethere's a woman listening out
there who is looking at caringfor a parent? Is there any
advice you would give her?
Gayle (22:06):
I would, I would say just definitely love on them, make
them feel like this is theirhome, you know, and pray with
them. You know, share the Lordwith them. They, I think
sometimes when when people getolder, they have more of a fear,
they're closer to leaving thisearth and just reassuring them
where they're going. And, youknow, again, just trying to
(22:30):
bring a peaceful surroundingaround them. And, and positive,
you know, positive thoughtspositive, you know,
conversations, and kind ofgearing away from maybe
sicknesses or things thatthey've had in their past and
trying to let them know thatthey do have a future. You know,
they still have a future. Yeah.
And they have, you know, afamily that loves them. Like,
(22:51):
they've lost everyone. You know,my father's lost everyone. He's
lost his wife, his brothers, youknow, cause families, it's just,
you know, there's us and we'rebusy. And that's one thing he
does say goes, y'all are sobusy, and we are and no. And so
it's just taking that time outfor him. And, you know, sitting
and talking to him. I've learnedmore about his past now than I
(23:12):
ever knew that he didn't evendiscuss. So it's so much fun to
hear about in other things to dowhen he was young. And I think
that generation was just moreprivate about their past. Right?
So it's just learning I'velearned more about them. So even
in the challenges, it's been abeautiful, beautiful blessing
and my husband has been sosupportive. And that's important
(23:32):
as being both on the same teamwith that.
Allison (23:38):
Great. That's great advice. Are you writing down
these things that your dad istelling you about his life?
Unknown (23:43):
Yes! You know, my memory too, the older I get I
can't remember.
Allison (23:50):
I know your children will appreciate that you wrote
that down. That's great. Well,thanks for sharing that. That's
some good wisdom there.
We will get back to Gaylel'sstory in just a few minutes.
Right now it's time forhistorical homemaker hints. This
is the part of the podcast wherewe highlight some of the helpful
and not so helpful hints doledout to homemakers throughout
(24:10):
history. Today's hens come frompractical suggestions or mother
and housewife by Marion MillsMiller, published in 1910. Are
you looking to save money onyour next decorating project?
Well, you can skip the expensivestorebought wallpaper paste and
use Miss Miller's recipe to makeyour own. Mix flour and water to
(24:30):
the consistency of cream andboil. A few cloves added in the
boiling will prevent the pastegoing sour. This homemade glue
combining water and flour orvegetable starch has been used
since ancient times for allsorts of arts and crafts,
including bookbinding Decapod,paper mache, and in modern times
(24:51):
the political art form known aswheat pasting, which is
basically plastering posters allover buildings and surfaces
around town. The messages onthese posters are often radical
and political in nature, thusearning this homemade paste to
the nickname Marxist glue. Gosh,who knew that wallpaper paste
could be so controversial? Sojust so we're clear, I am not
(25:12):
encouraging you to propagandizeyour neighborhood with
wheatpasting, I'm just offeringsome DIY decorating resources
over here. While we're on thesubject of DIY, here's Marion's
recipe for cleaning silver. Boilsoft rags for five minutes.
Nothing is better for thepurpose of this than tops of old
cotton stockings in a mixture ofnew milk and ammonia. As soon as
(25:37):
they are taken out. ring themfor a moment in cold water and
dry before the fire. With theserags rub the silver briskly as
soon as it has been well washedand dried after daily use. A
most beautiful deep polish willbe produced and the silver will
require nothing more than merelyto be dusted with a leather or
dry soft cloth. Before it isagain placed on the table. I did
(26:00):
find several DIY recipes forsilver polish and silver
cleaner. And some did involveammonia, but none of them
combined it with milk. Andammonia is really pretty strong,
and certainly toxic to humansand to pets. You have to be
really careful with ammonia, Iwould probably try a gentle
cleaner like tomato sauce orbaking soda or lemon lime soda.
(26:24):
There are tons of tarnishremoving and silver polishing
recipes out there online that donot involve harsh chemicals. So
give it a try. And finally, doyou have a decanter or other
bottle with a glass stopper thatis stubbornly stuck in place.
Here's Marion's method forgetting it unstuck. Wrap the hot
cloth around the neck of thebottle, thus expanding it. Or if
(26:47):
this is not effective, pour alittle salad oil round the
stopper and place the bottlenear the fire. Then tap the
stopper with a woodeninstrument. The Beat will cause
the oil to work round thestopper and it should be
removed. Now that is a practicaland helpful suggestion. Thank
you, Marian. That's it fortoday's historical homemaker
(27:08):
hints. As always, pleaseremember this segment is for
entertainment purposes only. AndI leave it to you the listener
to determine the safety andsoundness of this advice. Now
back to Gayle's story.
Alright, how are youintentionally passing on what
you've learned to the youngerwomen who are coming behind you?
Gayle (27:31):
Well, I've been involved in Bible studies where, you
know, I've been a group leader.
And you know, I've also mentoredmentored women and counseled
women and past years, andespecially at the last church
and I was involved in. And so Ibelieve, basically, it's just,
you know, just letting them knowthat this time and season in
(27:54):
life, for your children, whenthey come home, just make sure
that they feel safe. They havesomewhere to, you know, safe to
go to. And also, be careful whatyou discuss. I think this new
generation, we openly talk a lotmore about things that are
happening in our world, butchildren can't receive that
right now. They need to knowthat they're in a safe
(28:18):
environment, that they have aHeavenly Father and parents that
are going to love and protectthem. And I'm not saying they
should not know anything, butjust to kind of just be a little
cautious of what you tell yourchildren and what you share with
them or what they might overhearyou talking about.
Allison (28:35):
Yeah, that's really, that's a really good advice.
Yeah, that's something Iwouldn't have considered so
good. That's a good word. We'regoing to go into a time of rapid
fire quick answer about homemaking tasks. This is just for
fun. You can do a single answerif you'd like or you can tell me
a story if you want. So, on thetopic of home making tasks, one
(28:55):
that you love.
Gayle (28:58):
I love making dessert.
Okay.
Allison (29:01):
What's your favorite dessert to make if you could
pick one?
Gayle (29:04):
My family they like white chocolate bread pudding.
Allison (29:08):
white chocolate bread pudding? I've never heard of
this before.
Gayle (29:11):
You have not?! You're from South Louisiana and haven't
heard of white chocolate breadpudding?
Allison (29:14):
No! I mean, bread pudding, you know, of course.
But how do you make whitechocolate bread pudding?
Gayle (29:19):
Well, you make it the same way you would make regular
bread pudding except to usewhite chocolate morsels and
sugar. confection sugar, okay.
Warm water, and butter.
Allison (29:32):
Butter. Of course butter Oh, my gosh
Gayle (29:34):
and you just mix it all and just pour it on top and it
absorbs into the bread pudding.
And that is always our favorite.
Allison (29:40):
That sounds amazing.
Gayle (29:42):
It's my father's favorite.
Allison (29:43):
Is it that so? Can you share the recipe with us? Yeah.
Okay, good. Okay, we'll put thaton the blog. That sounds yummy.
Okay, so how about a home makingtasks that you hate?
Gayle (29:54):
Laundry?
Allison (29:57):
Yep, I agree. One that you grew to love?
Gayle (30:00):
believe it or not, I've kind of grown to love, I like
cleaning now more than I usedto. Not that I'm spotless
homekeeper I'm not. I'm clean.
That's about as far as it goes.
But I love playing music. I lovemusic. We love music. And so I
just kind of go into a differentlittle world when I'm cleaning
(30:21):
and listening to music. So Ikind of thought about that
question before and it'scleaning.
Allison (30:28):
Great. So how about a homemaking fail? That stands out
in your memory?
Gayle (30:37):
Oh, trying new recipes.
Meals that were awful. Yeah.
Seeing my kids expression and myhusband's. I'm thinking that
they probably turned outwonderful and they did not. I
think that's definitely ahomemaking fail for me.
Allison (30:52):
Yeah, was it? Because do you know why you failed at
them? Was it because you didn'tfollow the recipe right, or it
just wasn't a good recipe tobegin with? I'm just curious.
Gayle (31:00):
I think both.
Definitely. You know, of courseyou can buy the wrong type of
meat. That's true. And it couldbe real grisly and stuff like
that. Yeah, but the fun thingthat my family loves to laugh
about are I can do pies. I cando bread puddings, but cakes. I
make the funniest cakes. Theynever come out. Right. They
(31:20):
always come out flat. I don'tknow what even a box cake. I
don't know. I am doomed withbaking cakes.
Allison (31:27):
You're cursed with cakes? Oh, my goodness.
Gayle (31:30):
My husband bakes the cakes now.
Allison (31:32):
Hey he makes the Gumbo and he bakes the cakes. He is a
keeper. That's awesome. Well,what about a memorable
homemaking achievement?
Gayle (31:41):
I think on special when the children were younger, on
special days, we would, youknow, we, my husband, I would
kind of like dress up and wewould serve them like for New
Year's Eve. You know, we had alittle menu for them and let
them choose which foods theywould have. And we would act
like their waiter and waitressand you know, just special
things with our kids. That is sofun. And that's for special
(32:03):
memories for us. And my daughterbrings us up occasionally.
Allison (32:06):
So everybody got dressed up. Right? And y'all
were the server's right.
Gayle (32:10):
My husband doing our low tuxedo type thing I wore a
little dress and you know withan apron and then we would just
pay like we were there waitressin their server. And
Allison (32:22):
that is a really great idea, especially for, like New
Year's Eve. Because when youhave younger kids, it's not
that's a hard it's hard to get ababysitter on New Year's Eve.
Right? So you want to have aspecial time with your kids. And
that's really a good idea. Ilove that.
Gayle (32:36):
And then with my grandchildren right now we their
favorite thing is we playflashlight wars, you know, we
play hide and seek at night turnall the lights off have they're
all have flashlights, and eventhough they hide in the same
place. Whenever they come over,in fact, they're coming over
tomorrow night. They always saycan we play flashlight wars? I
(32:57):
said, okay, so
Allison (32:58):
Oh, that's really fun.
Yeah, that's cool, fun. Well,we're going to end our time
today reflecting on the art ofhome. Okay, that's what we're
all about here. At this podcast,we want to elevate the work that
we do in the home, in the eyesof the homemaker, but also in
the eyes of the culture and say,This is important work this is,
this is an art that you have topractice, you're not
(33:19):
automatically good at it. So howdo you feel like homemaking as
an art?
Gayle (33:25):
you know, it, I think homemaking is one of the most
important things in anyone'slife, you know, to have a home
to go to that someone isdefinitely there to help you get
through the day to make sure,especially with children that
(33:45):
you know, they go off to schooland that they're fed and you
know, just things that we'velearned when we were younger,
just passing that on. Yeah, youknow, to our children. And then
of course, hopefully they'llpass that on to their children.
Allison (34:03):
For sure. The work that we do in the home is repetitive.
And it can be mundane, and itcan be just like drudgery,
basically. So how can we viewthat work in a way? How can we
bring beauty to the work that wedo in the home? How can we find
beauty in it?
Gayle (34:22):
You know, it is you know, it's definitely a part of who we
are as women in to do the thingsthat we do like can to do the
things I think it's a wonderful,just look at life as our as far
as things that we love thingsthat we don't love, but both of
them make us stronger, you know,things that we enjoy, we're
(34:46):
gonna really get into thosethings and they kind of just
help us to get through the dayand know that we've done
something that we've loved butalso that we've conquered
something saying that we didn'tlove, you know that we we did
something we're involved insomething in our home, and maybe
we didn't enjoy it. But we didit anyway. And that at the end
(35:11):
of the day, it's done. It'sfinished and to just have the
right attitude I think about it.
Just know it's part ofparenting, and that's part of
having a home.
Allison (35:19):
Yeah. How is your walk with the Lord informed the way
that you view your work for yourfamily, your service in the
home? How is his example helpedyou to find beauty in this work
that you do?
Gayle (35:32):
Well, it's definitely, you know, just to show them love
and just to have order in thehome and a life and just to go
to him, when things aren't goingthe way that I expected to go,
the day was unexpected, or mychild is having a problem at
school. And I would say seekhim, you know, seek God with
(35:54):
your whole heart and your soulin your mind. And he just opens
those doors up for you. He justshows you the way gives you
wisdom and knowledge that wecannot ever even really conceive
on our own. And, to me goingback, as I look back, I did that
a lot more than I thought I did.
And, again, there were days thatweren't good. No. And that I,
(36:15):
you know, there were days Ididn't got to him, ya know, and
it didn't work out. And thatalways when I came back around,
and I went to my heavenly fatherbefore him before His throne,
and that's when things justbecame orderly. And I felt I
felt peace about it, I feltcomfort about it.
Allison (36:40):
How do you feel like homemaking is valuable to the
greater society? As we know it'svaluable to our individual
families. But what about societyas a whole?
Gayle (36:52):
Society as a whole, it's like I said, home, you know,
being a homemaker, you know,there there is going to be good,
there's going to be bad with it.
But I think it's just showingother people and being
supportive. I think, you know,what's wonderful, but I see
about women today is that theydo support one another. They
might not be as close as maybewe were when we were younger.
(37:12):
We're always with people everyday. And now it's more on social
media. But sharing sharing whatis good sharing what is
difficult with one another andhaving someone to counsel with
having someone to mentor with.
And your life is very important.
And it's a very importantseason, especially at this time
right now.
Allison (37:34):
Yeah. You said you did get you were involved in some
mentorship programs in the pastwith your church right before so
you felt like that was avaluable thing. Now, were you
more on the mentor side or themen were you being mentored?
Gayle (37:48):
When I was younger, I was being mentored I worked.
Actually, you know, when I wasyounger, when the kids were in
school, I did have a like alittle part time job, I called
it a part time job. But it wasreally a mentor and I went to
her house. And her name was Kay.
And I'll never forget her. Shewas just, she was terminally
ill. And I learned so much fromher and so much knowledge from
(38:10):
her. And to also just tips fromher how she was a mother when
she and her younger years. Andnow she handles her day. And
when I would look at her day ather terminal illness and compare
it to my day. I realized thatmaybe my day wasn't that
difficult, you know. And sothat's, that's wonderful.
(38:32):
Because, you know, so wonderfulmemory, and I just, you know, as
we're speaking, I justremembered that about her.
help her. And she, in somany ways helped me.
Allison (38:58):
Well then speak for a bit to the woman who's on the
other side, now that you'veexperienced the other side as
well, being the one doing thementoring to a younger woman.
What advice would you give anolder woman when she maybe is
starting that down that road?
And how can she be the bestmentor she can be to a younger
woman?
Gayle (39:18):
Well, I think it's very important to be able to listen
to someone, you know, we're allin a different place with the
Lord. And as a new Christian, Iwas so brand new and sometimes
you talk to someone and maybethey're just you know, have,
recently given their life to Godand, just to be patient with
(39:43):
them. Not not judge, you know,sometimes, you might be shocked.
I know I was shocked a fewtimes, but just to love on them
and just to bring them back toGod's word. You know, everything
goes back to God's word andprayer and praise and thanks.
(40:03):
And I learned at a very youngage to be thankful for good
times and thankful for badtimes. And I believe God has
anointed us for both, you know.
He's anointed us for the good,he's anointed us for the bad. So
basically, I share my testimonywith them. I felt like if I
could come through my life withwhat I went through as a young
(40:24):
teenager, that, you know, Isympathize with them. But once
they see what I went through,and how the Lord changed me, and
I overcame it through His graceand mercy and love, then I
realized that, you know, toshare that with them was real,
real, real important, to givethem that piece of who I was,
(40:47):
and to be transparent. Becausewe're all so imperfect, you
know?
Allison (40:54):
Yeah. We're all in process.
Gayle (40:56):
We're all in process. And we have a wonderful pastor that
reminds us, yeah. I never knew Iwas so imperfect until I went to
that church. The closer you getto God, you know, as an older
woman, the closer you get to theLord, you realize how imperfect
you are. But it's a beautifulthing, you know, because it
(41:18):
humbles you.
Allison (41:20):
Absolutely, absolutely.
Well, what word of advice wouldyou give to a young homemaker
who's listening, just toencourage her that the work that
she's doing, it really matters?
Gayle (41:33):
Oh, I can tell you that one thing that my children tell
me all the time is that they'reso thankful that they had me
there, you know, as a homemaker,that I was home. And I know not
all women can be at home, butyou can still have that safe
place for your children. You canstill take that time out with
them and give them time. Maybenot spend as much time on your
(41:57):
iPad and on your telephone, youknow, and just to spend more
time and do more things withyour children. It's very, very
important.
Allison (42:07):
I love that they've come back and they've said that
to you. Because I think as moms,sometimes we sort of can beat
ourselves up about the, we knowall the things we did wrong,
right? And we can tend to dwellon that. But when your children
are older, and this does happen,they will come back and the
things that they actuallyremember, they remember the good
(42:29):
things. Yeah. And and often theyremember what you remember is
bad, they remember completelydifferently.
Gayle (42:35):
I know when I look back, I think we were a little strict
in that area, especially on theeldest child, you know, that's,
yeah, true. Yeah. And mydaughter always reminds me gosh
you didn't let me do that. Andyou, you were pretty strict to
me. And. And as I think it'sjust something natural, that we
go through, and that's okay. Andthat's okay. We're not perfect
(42:58):
at all. And we all makemistakes, but the most important
thing is that they feel lovedand honored and cherished by you
till the end of your day, andthat's the most important thing
that children need to know. Andit gets you through anything.
And I know that because of mylife.
Allison (43:12):
Yeah. Yeah. Great.
Well, thank you so much forsharing about your homemaking
story. It's been a real joy tohear it.
Okay, as promised, here areGayle's homemaking tips, and
lucky for you she was not ableto stop at just three. So
there's some great nuggets inhere.
"Spend some time with the Lord,if not in the morning than at
(43:33):
night after the kids are in bed.
He brings order to the house. Ihad a list every day I
prioritize the list and what Idid not finish for the day I
completed it the next day andmake your bed first thing in the
morning because if you don'taccomplish what's on your list,
at least you feel like you havedone something. Surround
yourself with positiveinfluences. Like playing praise
music when you're cooking andwhen you're cleaning. Have a
(43:55):
safe friend, someone you canshare the great parts and the
challenging parts of your daywith."
And I think that's where Gayle'sexperience with mentorship is
such a great testimony to thevalue of friendships among
women, whether it's in yourchurch, your community group,
your neighborhood group, PTA,being in a relationship with
(44:15):
other women, both ahead of youand behind you brings such great
perspective to our ownexperience like Gayle's friend
Kay who was living with aterminal illness. Gayle said, I
went there to help her and in somany ways she helped me. Isn't
that just like God, He calls usto a life of service of pouring
ourselves out for the good ofothers. And as we do that, he
(44:37):
fills us up with what we need;perspective, joy, peace,
purpose, compassion, and love.
You dear homemaker were nevermeant to walk this road alone.
You were made for community forother women who can speak
wisdom, truth and encouragementinto your life. I implore you to
build some of thoserelationships in Real Life.
(45:02):
So here's your homework. Thinkabout who could fill those roles
in your life, the younger andthe older. Maybe you already
have those women in your lifethat is awesome. But maybe
you're stumped. You can't eventhink of one name to put into
that list. Pray, ask God tobring those women into your
life, He will be faithful to dothat. Now, if you've stuck
(45:26):
around this far, you are acommitted listener and we are so
grateful for you. There's acouple of ways that you can give
the show some love. Number one,share this episode with a
homemaker you know, who coulduse some encouragement. Number
two, leave us a review. It'ssuper easy. Just scroll down in
the show notes to love thepodcast. Click on that. Follow
(45:47):
the simple prompts for yourplatform of choice. And this
works on any device Android andApple. Be sure to screenshot a
review and send us a DM andInstagram so that we can thank
you properly. You can connectwith us over there on Instagram
and on all the social platforms.
Just go down in the show notesto social and you'll see all the
links to places you can find us.
You can also send us an emailcontact at the art of home
(46:09):
podcast.com. Again, resources asalways are mentioned in the show
notes and on our website. And ifyou want a peek into Gayle's
house, just hop over to the artof home podcast.com/blog Well,
that is a wrap on season three.
We will be back in a few weekswith a special season holiday
homemaking 2021 Until next time,keep practicing your art of
(46:31):
making a home
Hello, homemakers and welcome to The Art of home
podcast where we are exploringhow homemakers cultivate a place
to belong. I'm your host,Allison weeks. I'm a wife. I'm a
mom to four grown up kids. Andthis is my 30th year of
homemaking. That's rightthree-zero, 3 decades of
homemaking, bliss, well, mostlybliss. This is the season three
(00:25):
finale of The Art of home. And Ijust want to thank you so much
for listening for sharing andfor following. You have helped
us reach some amazing milestonesthis season, including gaining
listeners in Africa and SouthAmerica, which means we now have
listeners on every inhabitedcontinent, and we have
practically doubled ourlistenership in the past 12
(00:46):
weeks. So thank you. Thank you.
Thank you. If you're a newlistener, welcome. Here's a
couple of things about me justto let you get to know me as
your host. One thing I hate andtwo things I love. I hate the
mall. I just can't even with themall. And that's so strange,
because I was an 80s teenagemall rat. I mean, I hung out at
(01:06):
the mall every single weekend;full makeup, best outfit,
cruising through the mall withmy friends, checking out the
boys. I did all of that. But nowas an adult, I just I can't
stand it. I don't know. I'mclaustrophobic in there. I'm not
really a fan of the salespeoplewho chase you around and want to
straighten your hair and putlotion on you and that kind of
thing. But I love to go thriftshopping or antiquing or junking
(01:29):
or garage saleing, any of thatkind of thing. I love the thrill
of the hunt. I love finding agreat old dish or an old book.
Or even if it's not somethingthat's really old and valuable,
just a unique home decor itemthat won't look like everybody
else's who shopped at all thesame department stores. And I
love cookies. I will take acookie over cake, over pie, over
(01:51):
a bowl of ice cream, over acandy bar any day. Give me all
the cookies please. So now youknow these fun facts about me
let's meet today's guest. We arehappy to present this homemaker
portrait of Gayle Wills. She's aveteran homemaker of 39 years
who has raised two kids and nowis caring for her elderly father
(02:11):
in her home. In her earlyhomemaking years, Gayle was a
brand new believer and she had adeep thirst for learning more
about God. So we talked abouthow she balanced that desire to
want to just study the Bible allthe time with her
responsibilities as a wife and amom. We talk about her role now
as a caregiver for her father.
(02:32):
We swap gumbo recipes, and wespend some time talking about
both sides of a mentorrelationship. Gayle has a
vibrant faith and it comesacross so evidently in her
story. There is one thing I wantto let you know Gayle needed
some time to think about heranswer to the top three
homemaking tips question and Iforgot to circle back and ask
(02:53):
her the question again while wewere doing the interview. So she
kindly sent me an email the nextday with her tips listed out and
I will share those with you atthe end of this episode. So make
sure you stick around. Sowhether you're cleaning out your
filing cabinet or trying to pairall the mismatched socks in your
house, I know you will enjoyGayle's story of home.
(03:16):
I am here with my friend GayleWills. And we're going to talk
about Gayle's homemakingjourney. But first, I'd like to
talk a little bit about who youare today, Gayle,
Gayle (03:24):
Who I am today. Well, I've been married for 39 years.
I have a full grown daughter andson that live in San Antonio and
four grandchildren. I also havemy 91 year old father living
with us now for the last yearand a half. And I work three
days a week. And I'm a medicalAesthetician and I work in San
Antonio and I love what I do.
Allison (03:45):
Great. That's awesome.
Okay, well, let's go back to thebeginning then. So when did you
first become a homemaker?
Gayle (03:52):
I first became a homemaker when I was 28 years
old, and I was a new believer.
And at that time, I just reallycarried on a few things that my
mother showed me the first 12years of my life were amazing. I
had an amazing mom, who was avery gifted homemaker at that
time. And part of our journeywas not just our home, but
(04:12):
inviting people into our homeand always caring for other
people. So she taught me a lotof things, how to cook, how to
really be kind to others how togive to others. And she was an
amazing mom. And she was awonderful witness to me as far
as loving her children andloving her family.
Allison (04:37):
That's awesome. That's great that you had that example
in your life. So what was yourhardest thing to learn as a
brand new homemaker, it soundslike your mom gave you some
skills and you did know somethings. But what was really
particularly challenging foryou.
Gayle (04:54):
What was challenging I believe was just time management
of course. Most women will saythat, but also, you know, really
thinking about us like my mom, Icooked breakfast. We had lunch,
I cooked a full dinner sevendays a week. And it's always
coming up with different menusand different foods. And what do
I cook and I had one real pickyeater and one non picky eater.
(05:17):
So that was very challenging.
But also it was seemed like thedays would go so fast. I had my
children in private school, theynever took a bus anywhere. So I
had to drive them there. Same bythe time I got home cleaning the
house. It was time to pick themup again, then come home and
cook dinner. But we had so muchjoy in our home so much
laughter. And I had Focus on theFamily. Oh, yeah. Back then with
(05:42):
James Dobson. And just lots ofgood advice from his ministry
that I did follow.
Allison (05:51):
Yeah, that's a wonderful ministry I used. I use
that as a resource a lot when Iwas a young mom, too, as well.
So kind of going into this ideaof balancing things and managing
our time and our resources andwhatnot. Did you ever work
outside of the home while yourkids were at home?
Gayle (06:09):
I did not. When they were in high school, I worked part
time, but I was always home whenthey came home. Okay. And I
loved it. And it was a blessingto me. And I loved being a
homemaker. And I loved being athome. And I wasn't really career
minded. You know, my whole goalin life was just to be, you
know, a great mother and a greatwife to my husband. So,
Allison (06:31):
yeah. Were you involved in the kids school at all? You
said they went to privateschool? So I know sometimes
there's a lot of involvementrequired.
Gayle (06:38):
Yeah, we, of course, we helped with, you know, all the
different school activitiesgoing on field trips, and they
were in a private Christianschool at that time. And we're
very involved, and also veryinvolved in our church. So we're
working with children's ministryall a lot back then. They were
Yeah,
Allison (06:57):
that's awesome. So what did you find was the one thing
that really helped you to get towhere you felt like you, you
were you were good at managingyour time? Was there anything in
particular,
Gayle (07:09):
you know, at that time, I was so thirsty for God's word,
and I was really involved inprecepts ministry, and I really
believe just spending time withhim making that time in the
morning or in the evening, keptorder in my house, sometimes
definitely, we would get out oforder, by all means we didn't
have a perfect home. But it justbrought me back to where I need
(07:33):
it to be to a sense of calmness,and peace. And it was very,
very, you know, God's word is sopowerful. Yeah. And I just felt
that he was my anchor at thattime. And he really showed me
just how to raise children andto love them, and to help guide
them and direct them in theirfuture.
Allison (07:56):
precepts is a really great ministry. That was the
first Bible study that I everdid. When my daughter, my oldest
was just a baby, the Gospel ofJohn working through the Gospel
of John with precepts, and it'spretty intense. But I would say,
if you really want to learn howto study the Bible, that's
(08:17):
probably one of the best onesout there.
Gayle (08:20):
And what's so powerful about it, too, is that, you
know, of course, when you getolder and he forget so much, but
when these trials come later inlife, and everyone will have
trials, the word in you and yourheart and your soul and your
spirit and your being, and itjust comes forth. And you
remember things that you learnedback then I remember feeling
(08:41):
very guilty, because all in Ijust wanted to I was a new
Christian, I was thirsty. I justwant to study the Bible all the
time. And I was involved inthose Bible studies for so so
many years, I kept on thinking,well, I need to do more, I need
to do more. But God had beenthere. And looking back and
reflecting back, I say why hehad me there.
Allison (09:00):
So you were a new believer, and then you had
children. How long after that?
Did you start having children?
Gayle (09:09):
I was married once before. I had a marriage once
before. I was living in NewYork. It was married to an
artist and my daughter is frommy first husband and we divorced
six years later. And then I metmy current husband now and we
had our so he came into a fullfamily. He did he did and my son
(09:30):
I we had my son nine months,three weeks later. Wow. So we
had an instant family coming up.
And so yeah, so it was new tous. In now. I always knew the
Lord. Before that time. I youknow, I was raised in a Baptist
church and I had my mom washella sickness with my mom and
(09:51):
back then and so I turned fromGod for so many years because
she she wasn't healed. And hefound me Now he kept on chasing
me. And I actually I found himand I was in California. And so
my husband came and picked us upmy daughter, Nye and he adopted
her when she was five years old.
(10:11):
Wow. And so we just gave ourlife to the Lord and I had a
miraculous salvation. It wasovernight. My life changed. It
was it was beautiful. And I knewthat I knew, you know that the
Savior was real in my life. So
Allison (10:30):
that's a beautiful story. So you're committed to
getting the word in and lettingthat in informed how you're
going to run your days as ahomemaker. Was it challenging to
be consistent in that time inthe Word?
Gayle (10:45):
Yes, at that time, my husband was so supportive, if I
didn't have time during the day,he would come home, and he would
play with the children. And justlet me have that time. Yeah. And
what was beautiful was that hejust allowed me to be who God
wanted me to be, and not who hewanted me to be, right much. And
that's what he wanted me to bewho God wanted me to face.
(11:06):
Anyway,
Allison (11:07):
I love that I love that you guys were intentional about
making sure that you were ableto get that time in. Even if it
didn't happen first thing in themorning, that's really great
about expectations, andhomemaking, we often think it's
going to look a certain way. Andthen we get into the reality of
the day to day of, you know,doing the laundry again and
cleaning the dishes again, buthow well did expectations that
(11:27):
you might have had going inmatch what actually ended up
happening?
Gayle (11:32):
They were always off.
Yeah, I might plan something.
And you know, when you havechildren, and you have a busy
life, and back then it wasn'teven as busy as it is now, you
know, with the young familiestoday, you get off track. And,
you know, you just have to havethe attitude. Well, you know,
(11:53):
have my Heavenly Father saidthis, and He will guide me back,
you know, bring me back, I liketo use that example of being on
the plumb line and straight, youknow, the straight up and down
the wall, and you might go tothe right, he might go to the
left, and then he just seems tobe able to bring you back to
where you need to be. So Ididn't. Back then there was a
little book called Don't sweatthe small stuff. And if you
(12:14):
remember that, and I loved it,because I remember things in
there. Okay, well, I'm notgonna, you know, get too out of
sorts over this, because it'sgoing wrong. And there were
times that I would getfrustrated, of course, like
everyone does.
Allison (12:28):
What about any special challenges? Was there anything
that was just really a bigchallenge in your homemaking
journey that you had to face?
And if so, how did you deal withthat challenge?
Gayle (12:38):
There was my son, my younger son, we were at Bracken
Christian School and Kate was asmall class. So he really did
get individual care. Back thenwe didn't know about attention
deficit. And so he wasn't astraight A student didn't
realize anything was wrong. Andthen we left this area and we
transferred to Houston. And wewere in a in I put them in a
(13:02):
public school there and he juststarted failing everything. And
we couldn't figure out whybecause it was ADHD was known
back then. But ADD was a littledifferent because he was well
behaved he listened to theteacher he wasn't overactive and
make good grades so we didn'tunderstand really kind of what
was happening and then we we didget them tested and definitely
(13:22):
was had an attention deficit andthe older he got you know, Thank
God my husband is great inscience and math because he
would have to spend a lot oftime you know, at the table
after dinner and and help withthem and it would take a lot
longer. So that was a challengefor him. And then I loved
history and English so I couldhelp out in those areas. So we
were kind of like a team as faras what he was kind of good in
(13:44):
and what I was kind of good in.
Allison (13:48):
Okay, let's talk about hospitality for a little bit.
All right. So I like to remindeverybody that we show
hospitality of course, to peoplewho don't live here when they
come to visit us but we show italso to one another on a daily
basis. The people that live inthe home. So let's start there.
How did how did you guys showhospitality to one another to
make one another feel welcome?
Gayle (14:08):
As far as my family well, my my husband has a servant's
heart. So definitely hospitalitywas you know, you get make my
coffee for me in the morning. I,you know, of course, my thing
was, you know, to make specialmeals for them, to make them
feel special, you know, specialcelebrations. Whether it be you
(14:30):
know, if they did well in schoolthat quarter, and they had great
grades we would celebrate, youknow, when we would just kind of
enjoy one another. We'd like toplay games, you know, card games
back then. And so, cooking wasalways around cooking for sure.
Yeah, we might at that time Iloved cooking and my husband
loved cooking so Yeah, way, wayabove.
Allison (14:53):
So you were able to teach your kids some cooking
skills then?
Gayle (14:56):
I was you know, they paid attention but they weren't that
interested to be very honestwith you, but my daughter is
actually an amazing cook. She'sbetter than I am. She cooks
these amazing gourmet meals andmy son, of course, this thing's
on the grill. We got that fromhis father. Yeah, yeah, I would
like to say that we just satdown and did that. But we didn't
she just kind of tick a tick offlater in life.
Allison (15:18):
Yeah, I think a lot of it is just, they watch you. And
if cooking together wassomething that you regularly
did, then that's probably goingto carry over into their own
families, as well, when theywhen they go out on their own.
Well, that's cool. What abouthospitality to other people?
Gayle (15:34):
That was our thing. So when I was at home with my mom,
we always had a huge pot offood, whether it be gumbo, or,
or whatever. And we always hadneighbors over friends over all
the time. And I loved it. Iloved being around people, very
social. So we entertained a lotover the years. Of course, the
(15:57):
last couple years with thisgoing on now you're not able to
do that as much, but we lovedit. We loved serving. We loved
having people over and justserving them. It's it just
really blesses you. Andabsolutely. And we have had
wonderful small group ministriesthat we've been in and where
we've cooked for one another andtake turns at each other's home.
(16:19):
And I have other friends thatlike to share meals. And so we
we still do that. I mean, nowjust not extend as extensive as
we used to.
Allison (16:28):
Right. Right. Well, so just to let the audience know
both of us are from Louisiana.
That's right. So when you'retalking about gumbo, you're
speaking my love language. And Ireally think I mean just the
people of Louisiana, we areknown for hospitality. Like we
just love to be around lots ofpeople and feed lots of people
and that's just what lights usup ..most of us anyway. But I
(16:50):
have to ask you about yourgumbo. What do you put in your
gumbo?
Gayle (16:55):
Well we most of time we make a chicken and sausage
gumbo. andouille sausage. but Ilove shrimp gumbo. And so you
know I love oysters I love crabmeat, you know anything you want
to throw in a gumbo. I love todo that also. And of course we
make a brown roux, you know, andthat takes most of time to cook.
(17:18):
Yeah, it does. But my husbandit's so funny because my mother,
before she passed, she showedhim how to cook gumbo also
because he wanted to learn howto do that. And so now he's
taken over doing the Gumbo and Imake the jambalay. Okay, so I
make the shrimp jamba and hemakes the gumbo.
Allison (17:35):
that's awesome. Do you put okra in your gumbo?
Gayle (17:38):
No.
Allison (17:40):
No! I do. I love okra in my gumbo and my mom's not a
huge fan of okra in gumbo.
She'll eat it you know if she'sat my house.
Gayle (17:47):
I love okra and my gumbo too but my family, they don't
like it. I love okra anythingwith okra I love. Yeah. So you
know you have to again you stillhave the picky family members
that like certain things rightgumbo some foods, so we
Allison (18:00):
and it's not like you can pick okra out of the gumbo
really. I mean, it just kind ofjust becomes a whole big part of
it. It's it's hard to eat aroundit. Okay, well cool. I was just
interested in wanting to hearabout your gumbo. Let's talk
about the seasons of homemaking.
Okay, how would you say thathomemaking has changed over the
seasons of your life?
Gayle (18:19):
Well, I think basically when your children leave and you
empty nest, I don't like to cookas much you know, I'm not into
cooking as much as I used to Idefinitely don't have to cook
seven meals a day. But comingback to you know my father
living here now there arecertain foods that he has to eat
and so there's you know, certainmeals we have to make also for
(18:42):
him.
Allison (18:43):
Well, what about the transitions moving from one
season to another? Was any ofthose particularly difficult for
you? Some people say of course,the empty nest that was hardest,
but some people you know, forthem it was bringing that first
baby home. What was the hardesttransition for you?
Gayle (18:59):
Well, it was empty nest it was my daughter going away to
college. And I think the firstthree months I was so depressed
she was so depressed she wascalling and we didn't know if
she was gonna make it or not.
And then of course if you justgive it time they're like, what
about Mom? Where are you? I'llsee you later. Yeah, whatever.
That was the hardest and then ofcourse the baby leaving. But
then they come back home youknow, seasons two I don't know
(19:23):
about your children now but youknow mine came back to live with
me and when they come back theylike to kind of you know, tell
you what to do. You know my sonespecially he was so funny
because he was really grain andjust remember when we were you
know what time he wanted me towash out the dog Buchanan things
(19:44):
like that. So by the time theycome home the second time you're
ready for them to go off in theworld. Oh, yeah.
Allison (19:55):
We we only had one come back for an extended period of
time and that was because ofCOVID He had to come back. And
he came back for spring breakfor college. And then he never
left. He wasn't able to go backto school. So he was with us for
I guess about a year. And heloves to cook. But he likes to
cook, what he wants to cook, youknow, and he's very particular
(20:16):
about how he's going to do that.
And so I wasn't quite able tobring him in and you know, have
him cooking a lot for us,because he's a bit of a messy
cook. But yeah, it's he, helikes his independence, you
know, and I don't, and I'm happyfor him for him to want. That's
what you want
Gayle (20:34):
them to leave and be happy and to go off on their
own. Yeah.
Allison (20:37):
Yeah, for sure. What is your homemaking look like? The
season that you're in right nowI know you're caring for your
father. And so things look alittle different than they have
before. So what is homemakinglook like for you right now in
this season?
Gayle (20:49):
Well, you know, it kind of takes me back, as far as I'm
cooking a little bit more nowthan I was when I was just my
husband and I and that was justa wonderful time to. But it's
the care of, you know, takingcare of an elderly parent and
trying to keep them safe duringthe season at time. So it's been
(21:11):
a little stress on me to be veryhonest with you, it's, it's, I
find it a little morechallenging than I thought it
would be, I enjoy him so much. Ilove it. I'm He blesses us, He
makes us laugh. And that, youknow, I also am concerned about
him. I know, he took a bad balllast week, and so thankful
(21:34):
didn't break anything, and justtrying to keep them safe. You
know, and so I have thatprotective mode over me again,
like you do with your children.
Right. And I wasn't expecting tokind of go through that season
again.
Allison (21:47):
that's really interesting. And this is fairly
new, right? To have him with youall
Gayle (21:51):
a year and a half.
Allison (21:53):
So are there any particular tips or things that
you've learned that maybethere's a woman listening out
there who is looking at caringfor a parent? Is there any
advice you would give her?
Gayle (22:06):
I would, I would say just definitely love on them, make
them feel like this is theirhome, you know, and pray with
them. You know, share the Lordwith them. They, I think
sometimes when when people getolder, they have more of a fear,
they're closer to leaving thisearth and just reassuring them
where they're going. And, youknow, again, just trying to
(22:30):
bring a peaceful surroundingaround them. And, and positive,
you know, positive thoughtspositive, you know,
conversations, and kind ofgearing away from maybe
sicknesses or things thatthey've had in their past and
trying to let them know thatthey do have a future. You know,
they still have a future. Yeah.
And they have, you know, afamily that loves them. Like,
(22:51):
they've lost everyone. You know,my father's lost everyone. He's
lost his wife, his brothers, youknow, cause families, it's just,
you know, there's us and we'rebusy. And that's one thing he
does say goes, y'all are sobusy, and we are and no. And so
it's just taking that time outfor him. And, you know, sitting
and talking to him. I've learnedmore about his past now than I
(23:12):
ever knew that he didn't evendiscuss. So it's so much fun to
hear about in other things to dowhen he was young. And I think
that generation was just moreprivate about their past. Right?
So it's just learning I'velearned more about them. So even
in the challenges, it's been abeautiful, beautiful blessing
and my husband has been sosupportive. And that's important
(23:32):
as being both on the same teamwith that.
Allison (23:38):
Great. That's great advice. Are you writing down
these things that your dad istelling you about his life?
Unknown (23:43):
Yes! You know, my memory too, the older I get I
can't remember.
Allison (23:50):
I know your children will appreciate that you wrote
that down. That's great. Well,thanks for sharing that. That's
some good wisdom there.
We will get back to Gaylel'sstory in just a few minutes.
Right now it's time forhistorical homemaker hints. This
is the part of the podcast wherewe highlight some of the helpful
and not so helpful hints doledout to homemakers throughout
(24:10):
history. Today's hens come frompractical suggestions or mother
and housewife by Marion MillsMiller, published in 1910. Are
you looking to save money onyour next decorating project?
Well, you can skip the expensivestorebought wallpaper paste and
use Miss Miller's recipe to makeyour own. Mix flour and water to
(24:30):
the consistency of cream andboil. A few cloves added in the
boiling will prevent the pastegoing sour. This homemade glue
combining water and flour orvegetable starch has been used
since ancient times for allsorts of arts and crafts,
including bookbinding Decapod,paper mache, and in modern times
(24:51):
the political art form known aswheat pasting, which is
basically plastering posters allover buildings and surfaces
around town. The messages onthese posters are often radical
and political in nature, thusearning this homemade paste to
the nickname Marxist glue. Gosh,who knew that wallpaper paste
could be so controversial? Sojust so we're clear, I am not
(25:12):
encouraging you to propagandizeyour neighborhood with
wheatpasting, I'm just offeringsome DIY decorating resources
over here. While we're on thesubject of DIY, here's Marion's
recipe for cleaning silver. Boilsoft rags for five minutes.
Nothing is better for thepurpose of this than tops of old
cotton stockings in a mixture ofnew milk and ammonia. As soon as
(25:37):
they are taken out. ring themfor a moment in cold water and
dry before the fire. With theserags rub the silver briskly as
soon as it has been well washedand dried after daily use. A
most beautiful deep polish willbe produced and the silver will
require nothing more than merelyto be dusted with a leather or
dry soft cloth. Before it isagain placed on the table. I did
(26:00):
find several DIY recipes forsilver polish and silver
cleaner. And some did involveammonia, but none of them
combined it with milk. Andammonia is really pretty strong,
and certainly toxic to humansand to pets. You have to be
really careful with ammonia, Iwould probably try a gentle
cleaner like tomato sauce orbaking soda or lemon lime soda.
(26:24):
There are tons of tarnishremoving and silver polishing
recipes out there online that donot involve harsh chemicals. So
give it a try. And finally, doyou have a decanter or other
bottle with a glass stopper thatis stubbornly stuck in place.
Here's Marion's method forgetting it unstuck. Wrap the hot
cloth around the neck of thebottle, thus expanding it. Or if
(26:47):
this is not effective, pour alittle salad oil round the
stopper and place the bottlenear the fire. Then tap the
stopper with a woodeninstrument. The Beat will cause
the oil to work round thestopper and it should be
removed. Now that is a practicaland helpful suggestion. Thank
you, Marian. That's it fortoday's historical homemaker
(27:08):
hints. As always, pleaseremember this segment is for
entertainment purposes only. AndI leave it to you the listener
to determine the safety andsoundness of this advice. Now
back to Gayle's story.
Alright, how are youintentionally passing on what
you've learned to the youngerwomen who are coming behind you?
Gayle (27:31):
Well, I've been involved in Bible studies where, you
know, I've been a group leader.
And you know, I've also mentoredmentored women and counseled
women and past years, andespecially at the last church
and I was involved in. And so Ibelieve, basically, it's just,
you know, just letting them knowthat this time and season in
(27:54):
life, for your children, whenthey come home, just make sure
that they feel safe. They havesomewhere to, you know, safe to
go to. And also, be careful whatyou discuss. I think this new
generation, we openly talk a lotmore about things that are
happening in our world, butchildren can't receive that
right now. They need to knowthat they're in a safe
(28:18):
environment, that they have aHeavenly Father and parents that
are going to love and protectthem. And I'm not saying they
should not know anything, butjust to kind of just be a little
cautious of what you tell yourchildren and what you share with
them or what they might overhearyou talking about.
Allison (28:35):
Yeah, that's really, that's a really good advice.
Yeah, that's something Iwouldn't have considered so
good. That's a good word. We'regoing to go into a time of rapid
fire quick answer about homemaking tasks. This is just for
fun. You can do a single answerif you'd like or you can tell me
a story if you want. So, on thetopic of home making tasks, one
(28:55):
that you love.
Gayle (28:58):
I love making dessert.
Okay.
Allison (29:01):
What's your favorite dessert to make if you could
pick one?
Gayle (29:04):
My family they like white chocolate bread pudding.
Allison (29:08):
white chocolate bread pudding? I've never heard of
this before.
Gayle (29:11):
You have not?! You're from South Louisiana and haven't
heard of white chocolate breadpudding?
Allison (29:14):
No! I mean, bread pudding, you know, of course.
But how do you make whitechocolate bread pudding?
Gayle (29:19):
Well, you make it the same way you would make regular
bread pudding except to usewhite chocolate morsels and
sugar. confection sugar, okay.
Warm water, and butter.
Allison (29:32):
Butter. Of course butter Oh, my gosh
Gayle (29:34):
and you just mix it all and just pour it on top and it
absorbs into the bread pudding.
And that is always our favorite.
Allison (29:40):
That sounds amazing.
Gayle (29:42):
It's my father's favorite.
Allison (29:43):
Is it that so? Can you share the recipe with us? Yeah.
Okay, good. Okay, we'll put thaton the blog. That sounds yummy.
Okay, so how about a home makingtasks that you hate?
Gayle (29:54):
Laundry?
Allison (29:57):
Yep, I agree. One that you grew to love?
Gayle (30:00):
believe it or not, I've kind of grown to love, I like
cleaning now more than I usedto. Not that I'm spotless
homekeeper I'm not. I'm clean.
That's about as far as it goes.
But I love playing music. I lovemusic. We love music. And so I
just kind of go into a differentlittle world when I'm cleaning
(30:21):
and listening to music. So Ikind of thought about that
question before and it'scleaning.
Allison (30:28):
Great. So how about a homemaking fail? That stands out
in your memory?
Gayle (30:37):
Oh, trying new recipes.
Meals that were awful. Yeah.
Seeing my kids expression and myhusband's. I'm thinking that
they probably turned outwonderful and they did not. I
think that's definitely ahomemaking fail for me.
Allison (30:52):
Yeah, was it? Because do you know why you failed at
them? Was it because you didn'tfollow the recipe right, or it
just wasn't a good recipe tobegin with? I'm just curious.
Gayle (31:00):
I think both.
Definitely. You know, of courseyou can buy the wrong type of
meat. That's true. And it couldbe real grisly and stuff like
that. Yeah, but the fun thingthat my family loves to laugh
about are I can do pies. I cando bread puddings, but cakes. I
make the funniest cakes. Theynever come out. Right. They
(31:20):
always come out flat. I don'tknow what even a box cake. I
don't know. I am doomed withbaking cakes.
Allison (31:27):
You're cursed with cakes? Oh, my goodness.
Gayle (31:30):
My husband bakes the cakes now.
Allison (31:32):
Hey he makes the Gumbo and he bakes the cakes. He is a
keeper. That's awesome. Well,what about a memorable
homemaking achievement?
Gayle (31:41):
I think on special when the children were younger, on
special days, we would, youknow, we, my husband, I would
kind of like dress up and wewould serve them like for New
Year's Eve. You know, we had alittle menu for them and let
them choose which foods theywould have. And we would act
like their waiter and waitressand you know, just special
things with our kids. That is sofun. And that's for special
(32:03):
memories for us. And my daughterbrings us up occasionally.
Allison (32:06):
So everybody got dressed up. Right? And y'all
were the server's right.
Gayle (32:10):
My husband doing our low tuxedo type thing I wore a
little dress and you know withan apron and then we would just
pay like we were there waitressin their server. And
Allison (32:22):
that is a really great idea, especially for, like New
Year's Eve. Because when youhave younger kids, it's not
that's a hard it's hard to get ababysitter on New Year's Eve.
Right? So you want to have aspecial time with your kids. And
that's really a good idea. Ilove that.
Gayle (32:36):
And then with my grandchildren right now we their
favorite thing is we playflashlight wars, you know, we
play hide and seek at night turnall the lights off have they're
all have flashlights, and eventhough they hide in the same
place. Whenever they come over,in fact, they're coming over
tomorrow night. They always saycan we play flashlight wars? I
(32:57):
said, okay, so
Allison (32:58):
Oh, that's really fun.
Yeah, that's cool, fun. Well,we're going to end our time
today reflecting on the art ofhome. Okay, that's what we're
all about here. At this podcast,we want to elevate the work that
we do in the home, in the eyesof the homemaker, but also in
the eyes of the culture and say,This is important work this is,
this is an art that you have topractice, you're not
(33:19):
automatically good at it. So howdo you feel like homemaking as
an art?
Gayle (33:25):
you know, it, I think homemaking is one of the most
important things in anyone'slife, you know, to have a home
to go to that someone isdefinitely there to help you get
through the day to make sure,especially with children that
(33:45):
you know, they go off to schooland that they're fed and you
know, just things that we'velearned when we were younger,
just passing that on. Yeah, youknow, to our children. And then
of course, hopefully they'llpass that on to their children.
Allison (34:03):
For sure. The work that we do in the home is repetitive.
And it can be mundane, and itcan be just like drudgery,
basically. So how can we viewthat work in a way? How can we
bring beauty to the work that wedo in the home? How can we find
beauty in it?
Gayle (34:22):
You know, it is you know, it's definitely a part of who we
are as women in to do the thingsthat we do like can to do the
things I think it's a wonderful,just look at life as our as far
as things that we love thingsthat we don't love, but both of
them make us stronger, you know,things that we enjoy, we're
(34:46):
gonna really get into thosethings and they kind of just
help us to get through the dayand know that we've done
something that we've loved butalso that we've conquered
something saying that we didn'tlove, you know that we we did
something we're involved insomething in our home, and maybe
we didn't enjoy it. But we didit anyway. And that at the end
(35:11):
of the day, it's done. It'sfinished and to just have the
right attitude I think about it.
Just know it's part ofparenting, and that's part of
having a home.
Allison (35:19):
Yeah. How is your walk with the Lord informed the way
that you view your work for yourfamily, your service in the
home? How is his example helpedyou to find beauty in this work
that you do?
Gayle (35:32):
Well, it's definitely, you know, just to show them love
and just to have order in thehome and a life and just to go
to him, when things aren't goingthe way that I expected to go,
the day was unexpected, or mychild is having a problem at
school. And I would say seekhim, you know, seek God with
(35:54):
your whole heart and your soulin your mind. And he just opens
those doors up for you. He justshows you the way gives you
wisdom and knowledge that wecannot ever even really conceive
on our own. And, to me goingback, as I look back, I did that
a lot more than I thought I did.
And, again, there were days thatweren't good. No. And that I,
(36:15):
you know, there were days Ididn't got to him, ya know, and
it didn't work out. And thatalways when I came back around,
and I went to my heavenly fatherbefore him before His throne,
and that's when things justbecame orderly. And I felt I
felt peace about it, I feltcomfort about it.
Allison (36:40):
How do you feel like homemaking is valuable to the
greater society? As we know it'svaluable to our individual
families. But what about societyas a whole?
Gayle (36:52):
Society as a whole, it's like I said, home, you know,
being a homemaker, you know,there there is going to be good,
there's going to be bad with it.
But I think it's just showingother people and being
supportive. I think, you know,what's wonderful, but I see
about women today is that theydo support one another. They
might not be as close as maybewe were when we were younger.
(37:12):
We're always with people everyday. And now it's more on social
media. But sharing sharing whatis good sharing what is
difficult with one another andhaving someone to counsel with
having someone to mentor with.
And your life is very important.
And it's a very importantseason, especially at this time
right now.
Allison (37:34):
Yeah. You said you did get you were involved in some
mentorship programs in the pastwith your church right before so
you felt like that was avaluable thing. Now, were you
more on the mentor side or themen were you being mentored?
Gayle (37:48):
When I was younger, I was being mentored I worked.
Actually, you know, when I wasyounger, when the kids were in
school, I did have a like alittle part time job, I called
it a part time job. But it wasreally a mentor and I went to
her house. And her name was Kay.
And I'll never forget her. Shewas just, she was terminally
ill. And I learned so much fromher and so much knowledge from
(38:10):
her. And to also just tips fromher how she was a mother when
she and her younger years. Andnow she handles her day. And
when I would look at her day ather terminal illness and compare
it to my day. I realized thatmaybe my day wasn't that
difficult, you know. And sothat's, that's wonderful.
(38:32):
Because, you know, so wonderfulmemory, and I just, you know, as
we're speaking, I justremembered that about her.
help her. And she, in somany ways helped me.
Allison (38:58):
Well then speak for a bit to the woman who's on the
other side, now that you'veexperienced the other side as
well, being the one doing thementoring to a younger woman.
What advice would you give anolder woman when she maybe is
starting that down that road?
And how can she be the bestmentor she can be to a younger
woman?
Gayle (39:18):
Well, I think it's very important to be able to listen
to someone, you know, we're allin a different place with the
Lord. And as a new Christian, Iwas so brand new and sometimes
you talk to someone and maybethey're just you know, have,
recently given their life to Godand, just to be patient with
(39:43):
them. Not not judge, you know,sometimes, you might be shocked.
I know I was shocked a fewtimes, but just to love on them
and just to bring them back toGod's word. You know, everything
goes back to God's word andprayer and praise and thanks.
(40:03):
And I learned at a very youngage to be thankful for good
times and thankful for badtimes. And I believe God has
anointed us for both, you know.
He's anointed us for the good,he's anointed us for the bad. So
basically, I share my testimonywith them. I felt like if I
could come through my life withwhat I went through as a young
(40:24):
teenager, that, you know, Isympathize with them. But once
they see what I went through,and how the Lord changed me, and
I overcame it through His graceand mercy and love, then I
realized that, you know, toshare that with them was real,
real, real important, to givethem that piece of who I was,
(40:47):
and to be transparent. Becausewe're all so imperfect, you
know?
Allison (40:54):
Yeah. We're all in process.
Gayle (40:56):
We're all in process. And we have a wonderful pastor that
reminds us, yeah. I never knew Iwas so imperfect until I went to
that church. The closer you getto God, you know, as an older
woman, the closer you get to theLord, you realize how imperfect
you are. But it's a beautifulthing, you know, because it
(41:18):
humbles you.
Allison (41:20):
Absolutely, absolutely.
Well, what word of advice wouldyou give to a young homemaker
who's listening, just toencourage her that the work that
she's doing, it really matters?
Gayle (41:33):
Oh, I can tell you that one thing that my children tell
me all the time is that they'reso thankful that they had me
there, you know, as a homemaker,that I was home. And I know not
all women can be at home, butyou can still have that safe
place for your children. You canstill take that time out with
them and give them time. Maybenot spend as much time on your
(41:57):
iPad and on your telephone, youknow, and just to spend more
time and do more things withyour children. It's very, very
important.
Allison (42:07):
I love that they've come back and they've said that
to you. Because I think as moms,sometimes we sort of can beat
ourselves up about the, we knowall the things we did wrong,
right? And we can tend to dwellon that. But when your children
are older, and this does happen,they will come back and the
things that they actuallyremember, they remember the good
(42:29):
things. Yeah. And and often theyremember what you remember is
bad, they remember completelydifferently.
Gayle (42:35):
I know when I look back, I think we were a little strict
in that area, especially on theeldest child, you know, that's,
yeah, true. Yeah. And mydaughter always reminds me gosh
you didn't let me do that. Andyou, you were pretty strict to
me. And. And as I think it'sjust something natural, that we
go through, and that's okay. Andthat's okay. We're not perfect
(42:58):
at all. And we all makemistakes, but the most important
thing is that they feel lovedand honored and cherished by you
till the end of your day, andthat's the most important thing
that children need to know. Andit gets you through anything.
And I know that because of mylife.
Allison (43:12):
Yeah. Yeah. Great.
Well, thank you so much forsharing about your homemaking
story. It's been a real joy tohear it.
Okay, as promised, here areGayle's homemaking tips, and
lucky for you she was not ableto stop at just three. So
there's some great nuggets inhere.
"Spend some time with the Lord,if not in the morning than at
(43:33):
night after the kids are in bed.
He brings order to the house. Ihad a list every day I
prioritize the list and what Idid not finish for the day I
completed it the next day andmake your bed first thing in the
morning because if you don'taccomplish what's on your list,
at least you feel like you havedone something. Surround
yourself with positiveinfluences. Like playing praise
music when you're cooking andwhen you're cleaning. Have a
(43:55):
safe friend, someone you canshare the great parts and the
challenging parts of your daywith."
And I think that's where Gayle'sexperience with mentorship is
such a great testimony to thevalue of friendships among
women, whether it's in yourchurch, your community group,
your neighborhood group, PTA,being in a relationship with
(44:15):
other women, both ahead of youand behind you brings such great
perspective to our ownexperience like Gayle's friend
Kay who was living with aterminal illness. Gayle said, I
went there to help her and in somany ways she helped me. Isn't
that just like God, He calls usto a life of service of pouring
ourselves out for the good ofothers. And as we do that, he
(44:37):
fills us up with what we need;perspective, joy, peace,
purpose, compassion, and love.
You dear homemaker were nevermeant to walk this road alone.
You were made for community forother women who can speak
wisdom, truth and encouragementinto your life. I implore you to
build some of thoserelationships in Real Life.
(45:02):
So here's your homework. Thinkabout who could fill those roles
in your life, the younger andthe older. Maybe you already
have those women in your lifethat is awesome. But maybe
you're stumped. You can't eventhink of one name to put into
that list. Pray, ask God tobring those women into your
life, He will be faithful to dothat. Now, if you've stuck
(45:26):
around this far, you are acommitted listener and we are so
grateful for you. There's acouple of ways that you can give
the show some love. Number one,share this episode with a
homemaker you know, who coulduse some encouragement. Number
two, leave us a review. It'ssuper easy. Just scroll down in
the show notes to love thepodcast. Click on that. Follow
(45:47):
the simple prompts for yourplatform of choice. And this
works on any device Android andApple. Be sure to screenshot a
review and send us a DM andInstagram so that we can thank
you properly. You can connectwith us over there on Instagram
and on all the social platforms.
Just go down in the show notesto social and you'll see all the
links to places you can find us.
You can also send us an emailcontact at the art of home
(46:09):
podcast.com. Again, resources asalways are mentioned in the show
notes and on our website. And ifyou want a peek into Gayle's
house, just hop over to the artof home podcast.com/blog Well,
that is a wrap on season three.
We will be back in a few weekswith a special season holiday
homemaking 2021 Until next time,keep practicing your art of
(46:31):
making a home
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