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saintanneshs
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The other day I was taking a walk outside on the farm, looking up at the most beautiful blue sky through the gently swaying trees, listening to great music with my headphones on, (all while dh was watching the children for me  ), and I thought, "Wow. I forgot how much this feeds my soul. I need to make time for this more often."
I know it's a sort-of catch-phrase, and I don't even know where it came from, but that was the thought that ran through my head and it got me wondering what else I would put in the same category (for me) and what feeds other homeschooling moms' souls.
So what kinds of things would you say "feed your soul?" Wanna share? Maybe by sharing we can try some new things to stave off those mid-winter-yet-no-snow-so-we're-longing-for-spring blues!
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Kristine
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saintanneshs
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Oh, and it doesn't have to be "deep" or anything...it can even be something you'd think others might think of as silly, like having a piece of chocolate every day (I know a mom who swears by this!  )
No judgements here, right?! 
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Kristine
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Cay Gibson
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Tonight it was reading from my new portable Simple Abundance. I've borrowed the library copy but that equates *never read the whole thing*.
Now I have my own and it fits in my purse. It even looks and fills like a small Bible. I hope that's not sacrilegious. 
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Cay Gibson
"There are 49 states, then there is Louisiana." ~ Chef Emeril
wife to Mark '86
mom to 5
Cajun Cottage Under the Oaks
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aussieannie
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Well nature-wise, I know what 'energizes' my soul, my whole being! The on-coming of an electrical storm, with lots of wind! If I could stand in the middle of one with no rain hitting me and complete safety from lightning, I would!! It has the most incredible effect on me.
I remember years ago when I was using homeopathy, the homeopathist asked me, when trying to work out my 'consitution' did I love thunderstorms or not? So maybe there is a physical reason for feeling this way?
We are not in winter here in Australia - we are in the middle of summer and being in the sub-tropics it is the prime time for experiencing lots of them! But we have had the funniest summer ever....no extreme humidity or heat and therefore not many electrical storms - so what a choice....more humidity (I can't stand it) and more thunder storms (I love)......well, I think I can miss out on my yearly dose of them!
saintanneshs wrote:
| Oh, and it doesn't have to be "deep" or anything...it can even be something you'd think others might think of as silly |
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Well Kristine, you DID say it and I suppose my posting fits it!
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Under Her Starry Mantle
Spiritual Motherhood for Priests
Blessed with 3 boys & 3 girls!
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Lavenderfields
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I just love the way everything smells after it rains. It rains so seldom here in the desert, but when it does, oh it just hits me deep down to my very core. Here's hopeing we have some rain on Friday.
God Bless
Robynn
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alicegunther
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Without a doubt, I would say prayer, the Eucharist, and the Rosary feed my soul.
I would also add a nice hot cup of tea or a pot of coffee for two, especially if my husband and I are sharing it together by the fire after the children have fallen asleep!
A really great read aloud, particularly something funny, feeds the soul as well. Favorites are A Christmas Carol (if you haven't actually read this book, you haven't lived yet--it is one of the best pieces of writing you will ever encounter), David Copperfield (ditto, and it is not at all depressing as some might think), anything in the Swallows and Amazons series, especially Winter Holiday or the Picts and the Martyrs, anything by Jane Austen.
A quiet afternoon with my girls and boy, when everything is humming and happy and productive and pleasant.
Old time Marian hymns.
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Love, Alice
mother of seven!
    
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Brew yourself a cup of tea, and come for a visit!
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Cici
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Hmnn...reading. Reading definitely "feeds my soul".
And, I am realizing lately, creating.
And, one of those silly, cuddly mornings with my children. When everyone's spirits are up, Daddy is home (he has one of the most bizarre, haphazard work schedules imaginable) and we are just all - a family. One happy family. Now THAT feeds my soul.
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Christine - mom to 
My Sewing Blog
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humanaevitae
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Driving somewhere in a vehicle by myself listening to Catholic music (Marie Bellet!) or speakers on various topics.
Hot bath in candlelight
Watching home videos as a family
A good book
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Nicole-Zane 10, Elizabeth 7, Xavier 4, and John Patrick 2
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SuzanneG
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Hot coffee or tea in my favorite mug
a spray of perfume
sitting on the front porch in the winter or deck in the summer, at night after dc have gone to bed, listening to the sounds around me
Reading the bible
Looking at photo albums
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Suzanne in ID
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Mom of 7 (Girls - 14, 12, 11, 9, 7 and Boys - 4, 1)
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stefoodie
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Cici wrote:
| And, one of those silly, cuddly mornings with my children. When everyone's spirits are up, Daddy is home (he has one of the most bizarre, haphazard work schedules imaginable) and we are just all - a family. One happy family. Now THAT feeds my soul. |
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Ditto. And reading the Bible. And praying the Rosary, more and more lately. And driving alone by myself, singing to God.
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stef
mom to five
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Servant2theKing
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Adoration always feeds my soul.
Spiritual reading..."Divine Intimacy" is a favorite.
Bubble baths...when I am stressed my boys offer to run bath water and they sometimes set out candles and create a little altar on our bathroom counter!
Walks on the paths around our land. Being outdoors always makes me feel closer to the Lord.
Hugs and kisses from those I love.
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All for Christ, our Saviour and King, servant
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Maddie
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The sound of a mourning dove. Everytime I hear one, it stops me in my tracks and makes my heart soar. It's so longing and beautiful it brings tears to my eyes.
Adoration by myself when Father has Gregorian chant playing.
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~Maddie~
Wife to my dh and Momma of 9 dear ones
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Karen E.
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My holy hour.
Mass.
A date with my husband.
A great cup of coffee or tea.
Chocolate, of course.
Favorite spiritual reading, or a favorite novel by Michael O'Brien (which *is* spiritual reading)
Great read-alouds with my girls, books we all savor
Snow days
Music ... especially dancing in the kitchen with the kids
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God bless,
Karen E.
mom to three on earth, and several souls in God's care
Visit my blog, with its shockingly clever title, "Karen Edmisten."
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guitarnan
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Going to Mass in our own little church here;
Reading TONS of books;
Playing my guitar at Mass or with friends;
Libraries!
Hugs from my kids and snuggles from my kitty cats;
Church bells ringing;
Sharing a good meal and a good conversation with my husband;
Did I mention books?
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Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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Lisbet
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The Eucharist, definetly. A good confession.
In the way of creature comforts, I second Alice's sentiments about cozy time with my husband. A steamy mug of coffee or crisp glass of wine, lots of 'face snuggling' (like a couple cats I tell ya!) and those great conversations that keep us up well into the night. That is so re-charging for me.
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Lisa, wife to Tony,
Mama to:
Nick, 17
Abby, 15
Gabe, 13
Isaac, 11
Mary, 10
Sam, 9
Henry, 7
Molly, 6
Mark, 5
Greta, 3
Cecilia born 10.29.10
Josephine born 6.11.12
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amyable
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Listening to MY choice in music - usually Vivaldi's Four Seasons (or in this case - One Season because I can never get past "Spring" without needing to stop ) or Fernando Ortega. Fernando's music *really* feeds my soul. He is not Catholic, but it's Christian and so far I haven't heard anything anti-Catholic.
Being alone and quiet for long periods of time.
Reading, particularly spiritual reading or reading on topics that I'm dealing with and can go "YES - *that* is exactly how it is - someone gets it!"
A deep conversation with dh (best) or girlfriends (good). Something "meaty" but not a debate.
The Rosary when I can get over my fear of doing it wrong - I constantly worry that I've counted wrong or keep starting the wrong prayer and have to backtrack.  I'm sure the Eucharist and Confession and Adoration feed my soul too, although I don't *feel* it at the time. I know the results are there over the long haul.
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Amy
mom of 5, ages 6-16, and happy wife of 
The Highly Sensitive Homeschooler
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KellyinPA
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Off of the top of my head:
Early morning quiet time
A good book
tea or hot cocoa (especially when my husband makes some "homemade" just for me:)
a walk
unexpected nature surprises, like seeing a bird that I've never noticed before
bible reading/prayer time
I'm sure there are more, but aren't we blessed to have times like these?
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Kelly
mom to 6 blessings
the abundant life
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JuliaT
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Quiet time in prayer and reading the Bible
Early morning walks by myself. The sunrises/sunsets on the prairies are breathtaking.
Burning candles
Bubble baths
read alouds and cuddle times with my kids. We are reading Winnie the Pooh right now. I am enjoying our time together so much.
My 4 yr. old's giggle. It is so infectious.
There has to be more but this is what comes to mind right now.
Blessings,
Julia
mom to 3(7,6,4)
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Juliainsk
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Leonie
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Lately, it has been saying the Rosary as a family. We have gone back to using our rosary beads ( long story but basically beads were banned for awhile - kids played with them, swung them around, shot each other with them... ).
Last night, sitting in the sitting room, with the air conditioning on, gathered round, using the beads and praying - well, I felt a real peace in my soul.
I will also admit that working out feeds my soul ( as well as my physical body) - I set an intention for my workout and I feel so good after, so happy and glad to be me and where I am. Its infectious - I want to spread this feeling of goodwill to all, after a hard but fun workout.
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Leonie in Sydney
Living Without School
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Magnificat
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For me, it's saying good-night to our Lord while watching the stars. Usually with a cup of something hot to drink in my hands-tonight it was Peppermint Hot Chocolate from Williams-Sonoma. It's been quite chilly in the evenings here lately...but those evenings seem to be the most still and crisp....
The stars have been magnificent! My oldest has even picked out a satellite sailing by!
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~~~Proud To Be A Mom To 3!!!~~~
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4Real Forums : Tea and Conversation
Topic: What feeds your soul?
