Skip to content

Home Life & Encouragement

I am a Christian wife of 29 years, a mom of 25 years, and a daughter. It is my desire to encourage and inspire you as I share my life journey, struggles, hardships, pain, and joys. I want you to know you are not alone in life and if I am able to share some encouragement with you then my heart will be at peace.

  • Menu Being Updated
  • Home
    • Recipes
      • Appetizers
      • Breakfast
        • Pumpkin Spice French Toast
      • Breads
        • Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bread
        • Cinnamon Raisin Bread
        • French Bread Pizza
        • Garlic Bread Balls
        • Liza’s Banana Bread
        • Pizza Pull Apart Bread
        • Pumpkin Whole Wheat Bread
      • Cakes
        • Frosting To Create Your Masterpiece
        • Fun -n- Easy Chocolate Cake
      • Cookies
        • Cake Box Cookies
      • Desserts
        • Brownies
        • Chocolate Trifle
      • Fudge & Candy
        • Chocolate Fudge
        • Peanut Butter Candy
      • Healthy Recipes
        • Avocado Egg Salad Spinach Wrap with a Caesar Salad
        • Chicken and Mixed Vegetables Stir Fry
        • Healthy Chicken Cauliflower
        • Healthy Chicken Avocado Spinach Wrap
        • Healthy Chicken, Quinoa, and Zucchini Recipe
        • Oven Baked Chicken with Garlic Mushroom Quinoa and Broccoli
      • Holiday Recipes
        • Gingerbread House
        • Apple Cinnamon Rolls
        • Christmas Monkey Bread
        • Ginger Snap Dip
        • Simple Pumpkin Pie Bars
      • Lunch
        • Tuna and Crackers
      • Meals
        • Homemade Chili
        • Mushroom Alfredo with Broccoli
        • Homemade Macaroni and Cheese 
        • Shepard’s Pie
      • Soups
        • Potato Soup For The Soul
        • Beef Stew
      • Seafood Recipes
      • 25 Days To Christmas Desserts
        • Christmas Mints
        • Chocolate Covered Ritz Crackers
        • Chocolate Coconut Balls
        • Chocolate Covered pretzels
        • Hay Stacks
        • Homemade Hot Cocoa
        • Mini Apple Pie Bites
        • Gingerbread Men
        • Peanut Butter Thumb Prints
        • Snowy Coconut Balls
        • Soft Sugar Cookies
        • Soft Gingersnaps
  • Encouragement
    • Recents Posts
    • Encouragement Today
    • Faith
    • Gratitude
    • Grief
    • Anxiety
    • Comfort
    • Courage
    • Journaling Thoughts
      • Journey
      • Love
      • Mother’s Heart
      • Kindness
        • Sharing the Sweetness of a Smile
      • Peace
        • Peace Beyond Our Understanding
      • Rest
        • Rest, Breathe, Repeat
        • Refresh, Recharge, & Rest
        • Rest, Rejuvenate, Refresh
        • Rest, Relax and Answers Will Come
        • Rest and Breathe Today
        • Rest and Recover
        • Rest and Rejuvenate Weekend
        • Relax and Rest in The Peace of Choosing Kindness
        • Rest Your Mind and Body
        • Rest Is Necessary
        • Slow Down, Breathe, and Find Rest
        • Stop…Rest…Breathe…and Repeat
        • Take The Time To… Rest
        • Take Time To Rest Your Mind And Your Body
        • True Silence Is Rest To The Mind
        • Walking Toward Peace and Rest
    • Random Thoughts
      • Raw Emotions
    • Strength
      • Be Strong and Courageous
      • It is Never To Late To reset
      • Be Strong and Courageous
      • Be Strong and Courageous
      • Courage Conquers Fear
      • Breathe Through The Uncertainty
      • Courage Conquers Fear
      • Christmas, A Time of Reflection and Many Emotions
      • Darkness Turns to Sunshine
      • Courage Conquers Fear
      • Doors Open To A New Journey
      • Courage Is A Prevention To Fear
      • Faith Believes in The Impossible
      • Courage Pushes Through Defeat
      • Friday Night Comfort Food
      • Difficult Weeks Mean Extra Special Encouragement
      • Discouraged Today, Find Your Peace
      • God Always Comforts Those Who Isolate and To Those Who Help
      • Inspiring Your Heart to Shine Brightly
      • Encouragement For The Frazzled Mom
      • Let’s Get Moving
      • The Battle of Courage
      • Your Battle Will Be Won With Strength and Courage
      • Opinion Vs. Reality
      • Pain: WHERE DO I BEGIN?
      • Procrastination Leads to Difficult Days
      • Sharing Fall Vibes
      • The Battle of Courage
      • You Are Never In Total Darkness
      • Wishing You A Merry Christmas Eve
      • Challenge
      • Sharing the Sweetness of a Smile
      • It is Never To Late To reset
      • Beauty Surrounds Us
      • Doors Open To A New Journey
      • Unexpected Moments
      • Facing Fears Allows You to Conquer Your Strength and Self-Confidence
      • God Gave You Strength For Today
      • Grasping The Strength of A New Day
      • Hope Gives You Strength When You Can Not See It
      • Hope Provides Strength
      • Love, Strength, and Sunsets
      • New Days Brings New Strength
      • Rejuvenate Your Strength in Hope
      • Strength Overtakes Failure
      • Strength Has Power Over Shaken
      • Strength Through Tears
      • Your Battle Will Be Won With Strength and Courage
      • Your Strength Is Your Beauty
      • Welcoming Tuesday With Strength
      • Whether You Are Weak or Strong Strength Comes From Above
  • Life
    • Decorating Tips
      • Fall and Christmas Tiers
      • Decorating A Winter Three Tier Platter
      • Small Kitchen Decorating Ideas
    • Organization Tips
    • Life Hacks
    • Organizing Christmas Chaos
    • Life Management

Category: #keepingitreal

#keepingitreal, Breakfast, Cooking, Easy Recipe, Inspiration, Keeping It Real

Enjoy The Sweet Simple Moments

Credit: Home. Life. Encouragement My mom heart is full this morning. I have beaten myself up a lot lately, because I have been struggling with balancing being a wife, mom, and a working mom. Today, I decided to start my week out with making homemade banana muffins. I feel so good making these for my … Continue reading Enjoy The Sweet Simple Moments

Share this:

  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • More
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
Like Loading...
April 26, 2021April 26, 2021Baking, Easy Recipe, Home, Inspiration, Kitchen, Life, Random Thoughts, Recipe, Strength
#Findingcourage, #keepingitreal, Broken, Discouraged, Encouragement Today, Journey, Life, pain, Real, Weariness

Opinion Vs. Reality

Credit: Home. Life. Encouragement Are you living in a season where everything seems to piling up around you? Are you struggling with feeling like you are failing at every turn, no matter how hard you try to get everything right? Are you living in a season where every decision you make is wrong and everything … Continue reading Opinion Vs. Reality

Share this:

  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • More
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
Like Loading...
April 4, 2021Comfort, encouragement, Encouragement Today, Journey, Peace, Strength, Weakness
#keepingitreal, Broken, Burn out, Challenge, Discouraged, encouragement, Encouragement Today, Exhausted, Image, Inspiration, Journey, Keeping It Real, Life, Moment of Inspiration, Motivation, Peace, Real, Rest, Weakness

Set Your Cruise Control For Slower

Credit:@homelifeandencouragement.com As we close out another week, I would like to remind you before you book up your entire weekend with busy work, to think about adding some down time in there as well. It is my prayer you will be inspired by this quote and it will be enough to cause you to stop … Continue reading Set Your Cruise Control For Slower

Share this:

  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • More
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
Like Loading...
January 22, 2021January 17, 2021encouragement, Inspirational, Motivation, Peace, Weekend, Weekend Reminder
#Findingcourage, #keepingitreal, Anxiety, Bondage, Broken, Depression, Discouraged, Exhausted, Journey, pain, Storms, Stress, Weariness

Pasts Are Memories, While The Present Is A Gift

Credit: homelifeandencouragements.com Today’s Encouragement is to remind you to not get so wrapped up in the past that you forget to live in the present. “Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.”WILL ROGERS I live in the shadows of my husband who suffers with PTSD and life stopped for us for what seemed … Continue reading Pasts Are Memories, While The Present Is A Gift

Share this:

  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • More
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
Like Loading...
January 17, 2021January 16, 2021Bible Verse, Comfort, Encouragement Today, Healing, Inspiration, PTSD, Strength
#keepingitreal, encouragement, Image, Inspiration, Journal Journey, Journey, Keeping It Real, Life, Update

One Day Life Is The Same, Yet One Day So Different

Credit: Homelifeandencouragements.com This is what sums up my 2020 this past year. “Isn’t it funny how day by day nothing changes, but when you look back, everything is different …”C.S. LEWIS When I look back at how my year went, it was twisted, molded, and turned inside out. Do you ever have times like this … Continue reading One Day Life Is The Same, Yet One Day So Different

Share this:

  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • More
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
Like Loading...
January 16, 2021Changes, encouragement, Inspiration, Life2 Comments
#keepingitreal, Anxiety, Believe in Yourself, Breathe, Burn out, Challenge, Depression, Discouraged, encouragement, Encouragement Today, Exhausted, Holiday, Home, Journey, Peace, Weariness

Making A Difference Fights Against The Lies of Exhaustion

Credit: Homelifeandencouragement.com As we move into the holiday season, we can find it a stressful and exhausting season.  If you are like me and you are already exhausted, then we could be walking into this season feeling defeated and discouraged. I am here to remind you today, in case you forget, how important you are … Continue reading Making A Difference Fights Against The Lies of Exhaustion

Share this:

  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • More
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
Like Loading...
November 27, 2020November 27, 2020encouragement, Exhaustion, Journey, Life, Rest, Strength
#keepingitreal, Baking, Blessings, Comfort Food, Cooking, Gratitude, Holiday, Home, Keeping It Real, Life, Remembering, Thankfulness, Thanksgiving

Oh The Simple Things I Love About Thanksgiving

I’m so excited for our Thanksgiving this year. In the past our meal was surrounded by the stress of making the most out of nothing as money was so critically tight, but this year is different for us. This year I have a job which is enabling us to enjoy a few extras that we … Continue reading Oh The Simple Things I Love About Thanksgiving

Share this:

  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • More
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
Like Loading...
November 26, 2020November 26, 2020Baking, Blessings, Holiday, Home, Life, Random Thoughts
#Findingcourage, #keepingitreal, Anxiety, Broken, Burn out, Depression, Discouraged, Exhausted, Grief, Journey, Life, pain, Real, Storms, Stress, Weariness

Sharing Thankfulness Amongst The Chaos

Home. Life. Encouragement With the Holidays here, I wanted to share how much your continued support means to me. I haven’t been able to write and post because my time has been spread so thin, but when I least expect it, I receive a notification that someone still wants to follow me and clicks like … Continue reading Sharing Thankfulness Amongst The Chaos

Share this:

  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • More
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
Like Loading...
November 26, 2020Bible Verse, Comfort, Courage, encouragement, Encouragement Today, Faith, Holiday, Hope, Inspiration, Journey, Life, Random Thoughts, Strength, Thankfulness, Update
#Findingcourage, #keepingitreal, Believe in Yourself, Blessings, Courage, encouragement, Faith, Inspiration, Journey, Keeping It Real, Life, Moment of Inspiration, Motivation, Peace, Strength

Knowing You Are Important

Sometimes being a mom… is having to do the tough stuff when you don’t want to. It is having to give your child 4 shots worth of infusions after she already experienced 40 shots in her head earlier in the day. Sometimes it is showing up for them when you are so tired you can’t … Continue reading Knowing You Are Important

Share this:

  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • More
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
Like Loading...
September 17, 2020September 17, 2020Anxiety, Burn out, Comfort, Courage, Depression, Discouraged, Exhausted, Fear, Hardships, Hope, Love, Rest, Self-worth, Trials, Weakness, Weariness
#Findingcourage, #keepingitreal, Anxiety, Bondage, Broken, Burn out, Depression, Discouraged, Exhausted, Grief, Journey, Keeping It Real, Life, pain, Rawness, Real, Storms, Stress, Trials, Weariness

Be Strong and Courageous

Credit: Home. Life. Encouragement  There are so many people struggling with anxiety for a variety of issues today. There are many who are battling with issues Covid-19 has caused. Many are battling the virus, while others may be feeling the effects of having their jobs impacted, or are being forced to live in isolation. It … Continue reading Be Strong and Courageous

Share this:

  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • More
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
Like Loading...
May 17, 2020Bible Verses, Comfort, Courage, encouragement, Faith, Hardships, Hope, Journey, Life, Peace, Random Thoughts, Rest, Strength, Weekend Reminder

Posts navigation

Older posts
Newer posts

About Me

Heidi Benson

Heidi Benson

I am a wife, mom, and daughter. I served in the United States Army, went to college, received a Batchelor's Degree in Criminology, homeschooled my daughter every year from start to finish, started working at a Christian school after being out of work for 20 plus years while I raised my daughter and now I am currently a volunteer assistant to the director at our local hospital. I married my husband when he was in the United States Army so I have the unique knowledge of what it is like to be on both sides of a Military uniform. While we were stationed in Germany, my daughter, who is 27 years old now, was born and I made the difficult decision to put my career on hold to be her mom. The past 25 years have been wrought with many struggles, but as a result of those struggles, this blog was created. As the years passed and the struggle kept coming, I would say, "I'm not sure why we have to go through all of this, but if we have to then it is my desire to allow my story to serve as a means of encouragement to others so all this pain isn't for nothing." The years passed and the struggles did not. However, I feel now is the time God wants me to share these stories of hardships with the hopes they provide encouragement to you if you are struggling in the same way. It is my prayer they will serve as a healing opportunity for you. I want you to know you are not alone. There are others who know where you are and what you are feeling. Cling to the hope this won't last forever and that God is standing beside you while He holds you up and dries your tears. He is showing you the way, you just need to follow Him. Big Hugs, Heidi

View Full Profile →

Search My Blog

Click to Translate

Follow Home Life & Encouragement on WordPress.com

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 238 other subscribers

Most Popular Posts and Pages

  • Chocolate Coconut Balls
  • Laughter
  • Take Time To Rest Your Mind and Body
  • Rest, Reflect, and Carry Forward

Top 5 Recently Read Posts

  • Rest, Reflect, and Carry Forward
  • What Do Your Footprints Look Like
  • Small Victories are Still Blessings
  • The Tree in My Flower Bed:
  • When Healing Takes Over: A Personal Update from the Heart
  • Inspirational Wednesday: The Gift in the Challenge
  • Thankful Thursday
  • Transparency Tuesday: The Heart of a Helper

You are…”enough.” Ps 139:14 NKJV

Encouraging and Inspirational Online Church

Are you looking for and encouraging and inspirational online church service?

Check out our church online as well as our 5 locations in Virginia.

LibertyLive.Church

Cornerstone Church of Skippack, PA.

Inspiring Blog Posts

Dear Daughter, I Promise To Try, Author Renae Fieck

Trophy of Grace – Be The Best You

The Female Project – We Must Keep Getting Up

Perfectly Imperfect – 7 Verses to Help Control Your Crazy Life

Categories

Archives

I appreciate you, my reader and follower

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.

Feel free to share it with your family and friends who may be encouraged by it as well.

Heidi :) @homelifeandencouragement.com

  • Menu Being Updated
  • Home
  • Encouragement
  • Life
Website Powered by WordPress.com.
  • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Home Life & Encouragement
    • Join 238 other subscribers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Home Life & Encouragement
    • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...
 

    %d