A Woman is: Of A Quiet Spirit

Take the test if you are of a "quiet spirit" as in 1 Peter 3:4.  This character quality is related to a husband/wife relationship.  We can also be quiet outside and angrily loud in our hearts.  Here is example of what I mean shared by generation cedar:

You are walking through your house (bedroom, living room..), and your husband’s clothes and shoes are, let's just say, "misplaced"–a usual scene. Do you:

1.  Throw them all in a corner and “show him” what happens if he doesn’t pick up after himself?

2.  Pick them up grumbling as you put them away?

3.  Dwell on all the things he does for you that he doesn’t have to, and consider it a blessing to be able to serve him in such a small way? Proceed to fold/hang his clean clothes as neatly as possible for an “extra blessing”?

I know, we’ve all reacted the wrong way. I have many times.  The grumbling begins and I confess that I dwell on number 3 and gladly pick up my husbands shoes and clothes!    The same applies to chores I detest like washing dishes.  There was a time that I liked, or didn't mind, washing dishes.  But now with no dishwasher and or regular sink.  I find it a little "challenge".  I thank God I don't have to gather water from the river, well, and that I have hot water.  I thank God that I have a family that I love and uses these dishes.  I thank God for the laundry I fold with my daughters because they are for the precious family He has given me to love.

This quiet spirit will actually make us beautiful. That's right! more than make up and a stylish up-do.  The Bible says that it is an ornament.  A beautiful wife makes a husband happy and thus a happy marriage.  I bet you haven't heard this formula in the secular advises for a happy marriage.  We can be by God's grace a beautiful ornament for our  homes.

 

 

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The Woman's Place

From Ladies Against Feminism, a timely word from R. J. Rushdoony

We talk a lot on LAF about the "family economy" and how it eliminates the whole mythical "work-family balance" that causes eruptions in the blogosphere every time it is raised. Family is work, and what takes place within the family unit is far more than washing dishes and making beds. Those are normal routines of any daily life. The heart of the family is really and truly economic in every sense of the word. When the whole family is involved in work (whether it's a home-based business, a ministry, home education, hospitality and charity, community service, etc.), its members grow together in amazing ways and become more involved in one another's lives, thoughts, and dreams than if each member of the family goes in a different direction each morning to different locations with differing priorities and goals. Today, this is a radical way to approach life, but our ancestors prior to the Industrial Revolution lived it, breathed it, and built nations upon it. We can, too. What could be more empowering, freeing, or exciting? Enjoy the article!]

“The Woman’s Place” by R.J. Rushdoony

The Biblical doctrine of woman…reveals her as one crowned with authority in her “subjection” or subordination, and clearly a helper of the closest possible rank to God’s appointed vice-regent over creation. This is no small responsibility, nor is it a picture of a patient Griselda. Theologians have all too often pointed to Eve as the one who led Adam into sin while forgetting to note that her God-given position was such that counsel was her normal duty, although in this case it was clearly evil counsel….

It is a common illusion that in man’s primitive, evolutionary past, women were the merest slaves, used at will by primitive brutes. Not only is this evolutionary myth without foundation, but in every known society, the position of women, as measured in terms of the men and the society, has been a notable one. The idea that women have ever submitted to being mere slaves is itself an absurd notion. Women have been women in every age.

In a study of an exceedingly [so-called] backward society, the natives of Australia, Phyllis Kaberry has shown the importance and status of women to be a considerable one. [1]



Few things have depressed women more than the Enlightenment, which turned woman into an ornament and a helpless creature. Unless of the lower class, where work was mandatory, the “privileged” woman was a useless, ornamental person, with almost no rights. This had not been previously true. In 17th-century England, women were often in business, were highly competent managers, and were involved in the shipping trade, as insurance brokers, manufacturers and the like.

 

Up to the eighteenth century women usually figured in business as partners with their husbands, and not in inferior capacities. They often took full charge during prolonged absences of their mates. In some instances, where they were the brighter of the pair, they ran the show. [2]

A legal “revolution” brought about the diminished status of women; “the all too familiar view of women suddenly emerging in the nineteenth century from a long historical night or to a sunlit plain is completely wrong.” [3] A knowledge of early American history makes clear the high responsibilities of the woman; New England sailing men could travel on two and three year voyages knowing that all business at home could be ably discharged by their wives.

 

The Age of Reason saw man as reason incarnate, and woman as emotion and will, and therefore inferior. The thesis of the Age of Reason has been that the government of all things should be committed to reason. The Age of Reason opposed the Age of Faith self-consciously. Religion was deemed to be woman’s business, and, the more the Enlightenment spread, the more church life came to be the domain of women and children. The more pronounced therefore the triumph of the Age of Reason in any culture, the more reduced the role of women became. Just as religion came to be regarded as a useless but sometimes charming ornament, so too women were similarly regarded.



These ideas moved into the United States through the influence of Sir William Blackstone on law, who in turn was influenced by England’s Chief Justice Edward Coke, a calculating opportunist. As a result, his law books of the first half of the 19th century showed woman in a diminished role. Three examples of this are revealing:

Walkers’ Introduction to American Law: The legal theory is, marriage makes the husband and wife one person, and that person is the husband. There is scarcely a legal act of any description that she is competent to perform…. In Ohio, but hardly anywhere else, is she allowed to make a will, if happily she has anything to dispose of.

Roper’s Law of Husband and Wife: It is not generally known, that whenever a woman has accepted an offer of marriage, all she has, or expects to have, becomes virtually the property of the man thus accepted as a husband: and no gift or deed executed by her between the period of acceptance and the marriage is held to be valid; for were she permitted to give away or otherwise settle her property, he might be disappointed in the wealth he looked to in making the offer.

Wharton’s Laws: The wife is only the servant of the husband. [4]

There is an extremely significant clause in Roper’s statement: “It is not generally known….” The full implications of the legal revolution were not generally known. Unfortunately, they did come to be generally supported, by men. Even more unfortunately, the churches very commonly supported this legal revolution by a one-sided and twisted reading of Scripture. The attitude of men generally was that women were better off being left on a pedestal of uselessness. At a women’s rights conference, one speaker answered these statements, Sojourner Truth, a tall, colored woman, prominent in anti-slavery circles and herself a former slave in New York state. She was 82 years of age, had a back scarred from whippings, could neither read nor write, but had “intelligence and common sense.” She answered the pedestal advocates powerfully and directly, speaking to the male hecklers in the audience:

Wall, chilern, whan dar is so much racket dar must be somethin’ out of kilter. I tink dat ‘twixt de niggers of de Souf and de womin at de Norf, all talkin’ ’bout rights, de white men will be in a fix pretty soon. But what’s all dis here talkin’ ’bout? Dat man ober dar say dat womin needs to be helped into carriages, and lifted ober ditches, and to hab de best place everywhar. Nobody eber helps me into carriages, or ober mud-puddles, or gibs me any best place! And a’n't I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm!… I have ploughed and planted, gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And a’n't I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man — when I could get it 00 and bear de lash as well! And a’n't I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen ‘em mos’ all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother’s grief, none but Jesus heard me! And a’n't I a woman? Den dat little man in black dar, he say womin can’t have as much rights as men, ’cause Christ wan’t a woman! Whar did your Christ come from?… Whar did your Christ come from? From God and a woman! Man had nothin’ to do wid Him. ‘Bleeged to ye for hearin’ me, and now ole Sojourner han’t got nothin’ more to say. [5]

The tragedy of the women’s rights movement was that, although it had serious wrongs to correct, it added to the problem, and here the resistance of man was in as large a measure responsible. Instead of restoring women to their rightful place of authority beside man, women’s rights became feminism: it put women in competition with men. It led to the masculinization of women and the feminization of men, to the unhappiness of both. Not surprisingly, in March 1969, Paris couturier Pierre Cardin took a logical step in his menswear collection show: “the first garment displayed was a sleeveless jumper designed to be worn over high vinyl boots. In other words, a dress.” [6]

Thus, the Age of Reason brought in an irrational supremacy for men and has led to the war of the sexes. As a result, the laws today work, not to establish godly order, but to favor one sex or another. The laws of Texas reflect the older discrimination against women; the laws of some states (such as California) show a discrimination in favor of women.



To return to the Biblical doctrine, a wife is her husband’s help-meet. Since Eve was created from Adam and is Adam’s reflected image of God, she was of Adam and an image of Adam as well, his “counterpart….” The Biblical doctrine shows us the wife as the competent manager who is able to take over all business affairs if needed, so that her husband can assume public office as a civil magistrate; in the words of Proverbs 31:10-31, he can sit “in the gates,” that is, preside as a ruler or judge. Let us examine the women of Proverbs 31:10-31, whose “price is far above rubies.” Several things are clearly in evidence:

 

1. Her husband can trust her moral, commercial, and religious integrity and competence (vss. 11, 12, 29-31).


2. She not only manges her household competently, but she can also manage a business with ability (vss. 13-19, 24-25). She can buy and sell like a good merchant and manage a vineyard like an experienced farmer.


3. She is good to her family, and good to the poor and the needy (vss. 20-22).


4. Very important, “She openeth her mouth with wisdom: and in her tongue is the law of kindness” (vs. 26). The useless woman of the Age of Reason, and the useless socialite or jet set woman of today who is a show-piece and a luxury, can and does speak lightly, and as a trifler, because she is a trifle. The godly woman, however, has “in her tongue the law of kindness.” People, men and women, who are not triflers avoid trifling and cheap, malicious talk. Loose talk is the luxury of irresponsibility.


5. She does not eat “the bread of idleness” (vs. 27); i.e., the godly woman is not a mere luxury and pretty decoration. She more than earns her keep.


6. “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her” (vs. 28).

Obviously, such a woman is very different from the pretty doll of the Age of Reason, and the highly competitive masculinized woman of the 20th century who is out to prove that she is as good as any man, if not better. A Biblical faith will not regard woman as any less rational or intelligent than man; her reason is normally more practically and personally oriented in terms of her calling as a woman, but she is not less intelligent for that.

Another note is added by King Lemuel in his description of the virtuous woman:

“Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who reveres the LORD will be praised” (vs. 30, Berkeley Version).



Nothing derogatory towards physical beauty is here intended, and, elsewhere in Scripture, especially in the Song of Solomon, it is highly appreciated. The point here is that, in relation to the basic qualities of a true and capable help-meet, beauty is a transient virtue, and clever, charming ways are deceitful and have no value in the working relationships of marriage.

 

Important as the role of a woman is as mother, Scripture presents her essentially as a wife, i.e., a help-meet. The reference is therefore not primarily to children but to the Kingdom of God and man’s calling therein. Man and wife together are in the covenant called to subdue the earth and exercise dominion over it…. Certainly, the command to “increase an multiply” is very important, but a marriage does not cease to exist if it be childless…. God himself defined Eve’s basic function as help-meet, important as motherhood is, it cannot take priority over God’s own declaration.

Endnotes:

 

1. Phyllis M. Kaberry, Aboriginal Woman: Sacred and Profane (London: Routledge and Kegan Paul, 1939).

2. Ferdinand Lundberg and Marynia F. Farnham, M.D., Modern Woman, The Lost Sex (New York: Harper, 1947), p. 130.

3. Ibid., p. 421.

4. Charles Neilson Gattey The Bloomer Girls (New York: Coward-McCann, 1968), p. 21.

5. Ibid., p. 105 f.

6. Time, April 18, 1969, p. 96.

7. Ibid., p. 213.

 

 

(Excerpted from Institutes of Biblical Law: Vol. I) 

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The Myth Of A Mother's Paycheck

The greatest excuse women give for not staying at home is that they can't afford it.  They need two incomes to survive.  I live in one of the top 4 most expensive areas of the nation and even here, I have been able to stay home.  But for those who think they need that second job.  I would pose the challenge of sitting down and add up some numbers.  You will be surprised.  Here is a very conservative example.

Annual wage                             $14,000.00

Monthly salary                              $1,166.66

EXPENSES (Monthly)

1. Federal income tax (25%)                $292

2. State income tax (5 %)                          58

3. Social Security tax (7%)                         81.66

4. Tithe                                                           117.00

5. Gas (400 miles @ 60 c per mile)        240

6. Car (maintenance, ins., registration)  35

7. Meals ($6 a day)                                      120

8. Extra clothes and cleaning                 100

9. Forteited savings on thrift

shopping                                                   116.66

10. Hairdresser                                            20

11. Employee insurance                            80

12. Day care

($150 a week, one child)                 200

13. "I owe it to myself" expense             95        


                                       TOTAL   $1,555.32

Net Loss    ($388.66)

 

As you can see, the numbers are pretty conservative.  You may have higher numbers and higher income as well as extra unnecessary expenses.
For some reason, just because a family has two incomes they excuse having extra memberships and things that are not really needed.  Therefore, the numbers are different for each.  Even if you end up with, let's say, $388.88 positive instead of negative, is it worth it?  All that absence from your family, your children, missing out their growing up, having others enjoy them (or not) every day and not enjoying your home because you are gone all day?  Just for a few hundred dollars a month.  God is bigger than a few hundred dollars a month.  He is able to supply all our needs.  When we are face with a need, then we become creative.  Your home can become a center of industry and productivity.

How are your numbers?  Are you willing to let go and let God provide?  Is your husband supportive of you staying home?

 

 

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The Home, A Garden To Grow - Part 5

3.  The Home, A garden to grow

The model we see in Deuteronomy 6:4-6 is that disciple-making goes on continuously throughout the day.  This is a great challenge!  We, as mothers ought to diligently assist our husbands in the training up of our children.

We must dedicate our day to this aspect of our home.  It is extremely important because if we neglect it, our children, church and society will suffer huge setbacks.

Our children’s hearts are like a garden.  This spring we have a garden going on which we have to tend to everyday.  We have to water it, check for weeds, protect it from predators and prune it when the time comes.  Our children too grow and need the tender nurture that only a mother can give.  We are with them most of the time.  We see the “weeds” springing up.  We take note, pray about it and pluck them out.  Those grow naturally;  it’s the sinful nature.  Proverbs commands us to diligently discipline our children (Proverbs 13:24).

Having a multigenerational vision will help us see even past our children but great grandchildren.  We want to grow a solid family legacy that will flourish in this world with the love of God.  For this, it will take diligent vigilance.  Remember that the weeds grow naturally and can choke up a beautiful plant.
When I see a mature tree that is crooked.  I like to point it out to my children and tell them,  “Do you see that tree over there?  Why do you think it just grew like that, sideways, instead of straight up to be tall and provide shade or good fruit without breaking?”  They would answer,  “It was not disciplined with the rod.”  “That’s right”, I would affirm and point to a small tree that is growing with rods tied to it so it can grow straight.  “How do you think this tree will grow?”  I ask, “Straight,  they answer.  “That’s is with us, God has to discipline us and help us through His Spirit to grow straight into His Likeness, not crooked looking like the world.”


Just this task of the home alone takes daily full attention to all your children’s hearts.   I confess, that I am nervous at times when someone wants to take my children or want them to visit.  One exposure to the world’s ways, can defile a child’s innocent mind and undermine all the work I’ve tried to cultivate for years.  I take my job very seriously before God.  That is why I don’t desire more a “Mom’s day off” from my children, as much

as a “Mom’s day off” from household duties, so I can free up more time to tend to the hearts of my children.

There is a big deception in many women who think that caring for your children at home is full of mundane activity.  This is not true.  I have even come to like washing dishes, because my precious five-year-old is

so excited to do it with me.  I take this opportunity to bind her heart to mine, and disciple her to Christ likeness.  It is when I see my daughter struggling, giving up, on a task, that I am right beside her encouraging her and reminding her of God's promises.  Of course there are chores I detest, but as I properly align my heart to His Word, I begin to thank Him for all these dishes that need to be put away or all these laundry that needs to be done.  I can’t imagine life without these children or my husband.  How sad it would be if I didn’t have dishes or clothes to clean for them.  And the more the merrier life is!



This careful tending of our children’s hearts can only be done by mother.  Even father’s role is different.  He will lead the whole family in taking dominion.  He is not so in tune with the day-to-day growth of the children because he doesn’t spend as much time with them as Mom does.  But his role is extremely important, so much so that family is dysfunctional without him.   We have a fatherless society, a broken down society.  Fathers who have abandoned their families physically or psychologically.  Yes, there are parents who have switched the responsibility of the growth of their children to school teachers, youth group pastors or Sunday school teachers, who will never be wiling or able to daily pray for them, weed them, discipline then, nurture them so they can grow into men and women of noble character.

At the same time as we devote our lives to cultivate a heart of wisdom in our children, our hearts are also growing into His likeness.  I can say, I am more patient and selfless, thanks to God who gave me these children to mold me in these areas.  My marriage is the primary plant to focus on making sure it is not drying up.  It takes more time and commitment to serve and help my husband.  This is our priority from which the rest overflow.  If we don’t tend to the garden of our home daily with sacrificial love, intentional parenting, and service, we will have a home that resembles the sluggards, full of thorns and weeds.  Our children, to my shame or careful teaching of Proverbs, are quick to point out when they see a front yard that is dry, dirty, full of weeds, thorns and thistles.  “Look, those people are like the sluggard.”

Let’s tend to our hearts, our children’s and our husbands’ with careful and faithful labor so we can grow healthy, and fruitful homes.

What is the state of your garden?  What are your favorite things to do to make it flourish?

The Home - part 6

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Embracing Our Real Identity Part 2

I am a graduate of two prestigious Christian universities.  You would think that going to a higher education Bible school would teach you about what you are called and created for.  Well, to this day, I don’t believe there is a class for ladies on “How To Be A Godly Keeper Of The Home.”  I entered Bible college because I wanted to be a missionary.  Half way through my studies, I was discouraged by other colleagues.  “You want to be a missionary?” They would ask. “I would recommend you get a different degree that would be easier to get a job.  You can always be a missionary without a degree.  But it is hard to support yourself.  You need like a teaching degree.”  I listened and switched my degree to Education.  Women don’t go to college to become better wives, mothers or better homemakers, but to secure a career and make it on your own.  After all, "it’s a very insecure world" they say.

God desires to “transform us into His Likeness” (2 Cor. 3:18).  When He created us he said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness…” Genesis 1:26). Therefore, my life, my marriage, my home must reflect His Likeness.  How can we reflect His Likeness and His Image?  By being Christlike in all we do.  Instead of accepting who we are to excuse our sin nature.  “Well, that is just who I am” kind of attitude.  We should instead “be transformed by the renewing of our minds” to be in Christ what He has called us to be.  This is a huge responsibility we have before us.  God has entrusted us The Home and as we shine in His Image, our Homes will bring glory to the Creator and communicate His beauty, His joy, His love and our true contentment.

Many have been lost in this culture trying to find this true identity in materialism, prestige, career, in people, leisure, and achievement rather than embrace what God has planned for us already.  Happiness and fulfillment will never happen until we embrace our real purpose, which is in Christ.  Rebellion to this sacred calling of reflecting His image in our homes has destroyed our society. The world is waiting to see rich, vibrant blessed homes once again.

A simple way to start bearing His Image is by embracing what He has done for us.  No more resisting our true identity by trying to be something or someone we are not.  In Him we are complete.  He is the one doing the work everyday of transforming us into His Likeness.  We simply have to surrender to His glorious work in our lives.

Secondly, learn from His Word how He wants you to use the gifts and talents He has given you as you build your home.

Our relationship with our husbands will speak loud to the way we comport ourselves toward them.  This is first and foundational as we wisely work the soil of our home so it can be fertile and grow healthy generations of faithful children.

Once this groundwork has been set, we understand how God designed the home to be like.  People have spent millions in a home, which was a sterile, cold, empty place.  Sure it looked good in the magazines and before family and friends.  But they have lacked vision and purpose for it.  God has a grand and holy purpose for our homes according to His Word.

Next, we will look at how God wants our homes to be used.

Being transformed from glory to glory into His image is an unfathomable thought.  What areas of your life shine His likeness and what areas need more transformation?  The eyes of the world are on us.

The Home - Part 3

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A Homemaker Is A Full Time Stay-At-Home Woman

Yes, it can be done!  I know this topic is very unpopular and most woman, including Christian woman, would argue that "you gotta do what you gotta do", meaning they have no choice but to go out and work.  I have been sorry for many of these women who do desire to stay home with their children but have bought into the lie that there is no way.  Weekly, I see a beautiful young lady at Trader Joe's grocery store who loves my children.  Every week she talks about her little one year-old girl.  She tells me, "You are lucky to get to stay at home with your children, I wish I could too."  And like her are countless of women.  I believe we are wired this way by our Creator.  We are women, nurturers and motherly by nature.  We long to love our husbands and children by providing a peaceful, beautiful, healthy, nourishing atmosphere at home.   This cannot be accomplish by being part-time at home.  Even if we try to "tough it out" in the work force, the longing to be a woman of our home is deep down in each of us.

I have good news!  It can be done!  I am a living proof.  I've also known other women and known of others who have believed God as well for their provision so they can stay at home.  For my husband and I, it was never a question whether I would go out to work.  I did do ministry full time before our first child was born.  After that, I have dedicated eight years  so far to our growing home and I have a vision and a prayer that not only in my life it will continue this way but in the lives of my future generations of daughters and daughters-in-law.  We have friends who asks us, "how do you do it?"  When they find out we have had no income for more than 3 years (more on this story later).  The answer is simply, "By the grace of God and our full trust that He is Faithful".  And no, we take nothing from Obama or any type or Government "assistance".  God has been giving us our daily bread and healing every sickness. We have determined to stand on God's Word and obey it wholeheartedly no matter what the circumstances around us are.  God commands us to teach our children diligently throughout the day (Deut. 6:4-8).   This is perhaps the most important Scripture passage to the Jews.  They would recite it everyday, at the Synagogue and it is very first passage their children would memorize.  It can only be obeyed by parents being with their children throughout the day.  The next command is in Titus 2:5, for women to be "keepers at home that the Word of God be not blasphemed."  God promises to bless us if we obey His commandments and seek His kingdom first.  For me, if I had to choose between either obey God's Word or go out to work to provide for my family, I really don't have a choice.  God's Word will always be authority over my life.  And He definitely has provided day by day in ways we would never had imagine.  We do have story after story of God's providence in providing all that we need in.

Secondly, the stay at home woman is not the picture you get of one cleaning all day, changing diapers, fixing meals on her pajama sweats and a pony tail quickly put together.  Far from it.  We get an excellent picture from the woman of Proverbs 31.  She is industrious, contributing to the financial welfare of the family and yet, tending to the many needs of her family and community.  There are many ways we, as wives, can help our husbands save money, be frugal and work from our homes utilizing the gifts and talents God has given us. In no way do I imply women are to never leave home.  That would be impossible; it's unbiblical and ridiculous. We can be professional business women right from our homes.  This season of lack of income for us has truly been a period of creativity, inspiration and even health in homemaking.  Many women who work outside the home have very poor health and the whole family would suffer because they have no time to prepare a wholesome meal.

O.K. women have also told me, "...but I love my job, I love what I do."  Others have told me after having a baby, "I can't wait to go back to work, I need to get out of my house."  These are Christian women who are teachers at their churches.  If you are one of these, I would urge you to please pray, pray, pray and study the Word of God  and meditate on His desires for us as wives and mothers.  Our home is the building block of society and when we neglect it, we all suffer.  Just look around you.  This broken society is a result of that mentality.  Many have bought the feminists lie that we have a choice about having a career or being at home.  When we belong to Christ, we don't have a choice.  He is our Lord and we obey His commands.  Men don't have a choice but to work.   Being a homemaker is a full time job.

A goal of Blessed Homestead is to encourage women to embrace their homes and nurture their families.  So for the next month, I will be sharing how important "The Home" and the "Homemaker" are to the family, church and society.  I will also share ideas and stories of other women in similar financial situations who are surviving and even thriving without neglecting their God-given duties.  If you are one of them and would like to share your creativity and resources here, I would love to know.

 

 

 

 

 

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True Femininity

 

There is an idea that being feminine is all about soft velvet hands thanks to a high end hand lotion.  On top of that, you may add the long fake nails--are those things still around?-- and make up galore.   Or, many would resort to flowery wall paper, frills all around the house, pink carpet and doors.  I am serious, I have been in houses like these.  But is that truly being a feminine woman.

A housewife may refrain from doing any "heavy duty" work that's to be done around the house.  I know some wives who won't take the trash out or wash the car because, "that's my husband's job", they would say.  Others say, "it's your turn to change the baby", "give me a break".  I have also met others who make their husbands cook for them.   I've even heard women making their poor husbands who come home from a stressful day at work take over the baby and change diapers.  A patient, loving Dad and husband would comply willingly to all these requests thinking it is only his fair share.

Since my husband has had a home business for a few years now.  Women tell me, "Oh, that's nice, he helps you with the kids and around the house."  Well, actually, No.  He doesn't help me.  I help him!  This involves everything, from cooking, to teaching the children, to keeping the home.  This is his family I have been called to help him educate, raise, train, and feed.

I certainly appreciate when my husband helps me willingly and very naturally, but don't expect him to.  With our four children, my husband is not hesitant to help feed one mouth when I'm feeding another for example.  I am learning to be careful that I help him more than he helps me.  When he is home, I want it to be a pleasant atmosphere of rest, peace and joy.  Especially, as men carry the  responsibility of guiding and sustaining the family.  I have seen the burden and I am glad I am not in his shoes. Thus, I'm extra careful he is not burdened by the mundaness of the home.  I want home to be inspiring, good food, worship, joyful children, loving wife.  I try to learn how to fix things around the home the way he fixes things, so we can spend more time together.

Women in the past worked the fields, washed in the rivers, made many things from scratch and loved their husbands and children.  Many of them hugged and caressed their loved ones with hard working rough hands full of love.  That is being feminine: helping our husbands in whatever he needs us to do to carry out God's call on his life.

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Courtship Questions

Great courtship questions:

When a young man and woman enter into courtship with their parents blessings and much prayer. They are trying to really get to know the other person to know if he/she will be their life partner. Here are some great questions to ask during this crucial time. Thanks to Ben and Audri who, now married, asked the following:

Questions:

• Would you be willing to die for Christ? If you're not dying daily, how can you be so sure you would then?


• What breaks your heart? What delights your innermost heart?


• Who are your disciples?


• Who are your closest friends?


• When did you really start to seek the Lord?


• When did you start to obey the Word because it was the Word?


• What do you believe about Salvation?


• When did [fruit of the Spirit x] start appearing in your life?


• What is a besetting sin? What are yours?


• What do you believe about sin? What do you believe about Rom 6 & 7?


• What do you think about your family? Are you good friends? How is sibling ____ doing?


• What does theology mean? Just lists of doctrines?


• How do you get doctrine? How do you determine right doctrine?


• What is your attitude towards historically held positions?


• How big is your vision for your disciple-making influence?


• What are your main messages?


• Are you pursuing and involving yourself in fruitful projects that advance/build the kingdom?


• Are you interested in/focused on continual spiritual growth - in yourself, your wife, and your family?


• What is your heart towards the lost soul and what do you believe your duty to God is regarding that soul?


• What do you believe are non-negotiable elements of a Christ-honoring marriage?


• What do you believe are non-negotiable elements of a Christ-honoring family?


• What are things you see as God's blessings? Do you desire and cherish these things?


• What are the primary events or situations in your life that have defined who you are today--the most formulating experiences and periods of your life?


• What have been the hardest things you have ever had to work through? The hardest things you have ever done?


• Who have been the main disciplers in your life and the people who have impacted and colored your life the most? As a child, adult--whenever.


• Who were your role models and heroes? For what reasons?


• You are the result of the influence of which people?


• Which women/men do you admire the most and want to be like? Why? In which ways?


• Which qualities and personality traits do you see in other women/men that you desire to have yourself?


• What personality traits and/or strengths do you see in women/men you know that you would desire for your wife/husband to possess?

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"An Older Woman", an honorable title

It's true that in today's societal language, the term "older woman" may seem offensive.   Most woman spend countless of dollars trying to hide or at least slow down the showing of their old age.  Of course, we've never heard of a church ministry called, "the older woman's bible study".  Why, what would come to most people's minds are a bunch of old, argumantative, controlling, gossips, commando.  Who would want to go or even be a part of?

Nonetheless, contrary to our culture today, even our 20th century western church, an older woman's ministry is indespensible, biblical, much needed, extremely important and highly honored.  I am not saying that just merely age would qualify you to be in this type of ministry.  We all know that being older doesn't necessarily means you have become wiser.  Proverbs says it is even a disgrace.   I would qualify an older woman's ministry by the wisdom she has in the Lord.

I admire these woman who have suffered and sacrificed their own ambitions, if they ever had any, and gave themselves to serve God by serving their family, loving their husbands, loving their children, being keepers at home.  That is exactly what Titus 2 refers to.

I am very blessed to know some.  One of them is a widow of 105 years old, who by the grace of God, stands strong in the Lord.  This is a tribute to her.  Many may not know the countless hours, the short nights, the 12 children she raised, the honor she gave to her husband till this day.   Mama Sarita ministers to the soul of women in this generation by her humility, love, compassion, serving heart, joy and godly wisdom.  She belongs not to her own emotions, wants and desires, but only to Christ.  She prides herself in being wholy His and never belonging to the world's ways of rebellious attitudes.

One lesson I learned from her is the high honor and respect she holds towards her deceased husband.  Others have said (never heard from her lips) that he was not the best man or husband to her.  Nonetheless, if I had not heard other testimonies of her husband, I would have never guessed.  I regret it because that was never her wish.  She recounts the story of when he would be away from home at night.  Other gossip woman would put ideas into her head to wait for him at night as ask him where and with whom he had been.  He had done it countless times before, but she never thought any evil of him.   So she decided to listen to these women and she did.  She waited late at night for him.  He never came.  She went out in the crossway.  There was no sign of him.  Suddenly, she said to herself, "Sara, what on earth are you, a married woman, with children at home, doing in the middle of the night out in the street.  If your husband were to find out, what would he think of you?"  And with that thought, she hurriedly went home, locked the door and went to bed.  Of course, the thought of where he could be still lingered in her mind.  But another thought prevailed, "Sara, you are a woman with duties and cannot spare to waste precious sleep in worthess worries and thoughts.  That is pure devil.  If you dont' go to sleep I'm going to swat you."  Surprisingly, that is exactly what she did.  She got grabbed something within reach and swatted herself in the head to make herself fall asleep.  When morning came, and husband was found coming, not a word of rebuke did she spoke to him.

"How are you Sara?" he greeted half drunk or really drunk.

"Not as well as yourself but fulfilling my duties.  I've fed the chickens, milked the cow, and got the children going." She responded without a frown or scorn.

"First gol", he replied, realizing he was quite a shameful sight. "Well, Sara, what do you think? The men are waiting for me for orders, should I go?"

"You know how make desicions for you are a leader, but under your circumstances, I'm not sure you can get much accomplish."

"Second gol," he said admitting his state.  And with that he took off again.

Sarah cared and honored her husband and would never think of giving him a scornful rebuke.  "He was my husband and I owe him respect." She would say.  An another instance, one of her boys was going through his father's wallet and found the picture of another woman.  Thinking he would tell on him and mother would handle it from there, he eagerly brought the picture to her astounded at the finding.  The boy expected a different reaction from his mother.  Instead, she turned to him with a dissaproving look and said, "where did you find it?  Shame on you for going into what privately belongs to your father.  That is lack of respect.  You need only to honor your father.  You better run right away and put that picture back where you found it".   She held her husband's position of authority high before her children.   She did settled the situation with her husband later.  Privately, she lifted the picture so he can get a look at it and said, "where did you find such an ugly picture, she is really a disgrace."  Then she continued soberly, "you are a father, you have sons, what image will they get of their father if they find this out?"  He shamefully hung his head and asked her for forgiveness and approved of her.

It is easy to honor and respect our husbands when they are loving.  But how about when they COMMIT ADULTERY?  How about when they DON'T COME HOME AT NIGHT?  How about when they are not BELIEVERS?   How about when it takes YEARS and they don't seem to change?  I am not saying woman are subjects to be doormats nor do I deny of the pain and heartache she would go through.  I cannot imagine the dreams shattered, the betrayal, the sadness and deep loneliness that a betrayed wife can suffer.  In my opinion, it is worst than being a widow.  Nonetheless, only by God's grace can woman under such circumstances would be able to maintain her dignity and be woman of strength.  In return, she will win the respect of her husband.  Just like Sarah,  in front of the children, he held her high and demanded obedience, honor and respect to their mother.  He lavished her with what pleased her and would go out of his way to grant her small wishes.  If this marriage was young and contemporary, even if she was a Christian, would receive sure sympathy from left to right for a divorce well deserved.

From her example, I conclude that a woman has influence over how her husband treats her.  The more she trusts in the Lord in honoring, loving him, and respecting him (even when it may not seem like the think he deserves), the greater the blessing she will receive from her Heavely Father.  Her submission is ultimately unto the Lord.  Sarah has now lived to see her descendents up to four generations and length of years has the Lord blessed her with.  Her years have not been easy, but rather hard and a hard life is a good life.

What a blessing to the Church is a Wise Older Woman who teaches the young wives to love their husbands in a way that even a pastor, elder or other church leader can't.  She can teach young mothers how to love their children in a way that a Seminary graduate pastor can't.  She can connect heart to heart for her pilgrimage has been the same and by the grace of God she has gained a heart of wisdom.  If older women would minister in such a way, we would have steadfasts wives and mothers, stronger families, stronger churches, stronger societies...you get the point.  I'm not saying she is the key to these  but a part of the Body that needs to come alive.

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Princess Adelina

I gave this book as a 7th year birthday to my daughter.  When we started reading it, she didn't let me put it down into the late nights.  We both were hooked and couldn't put it down.

Very few books are worthy of our time nowadays.  This book is non-fiction, we learned good history and woman Christian virtue.  It helped her as a daughter and me as a wife.  Adelina is truly a shining example, a perfect role model for all of us ladies and maidens of today.    We have been captivated for days meditating on her virtues, character, bravery, strength, humility, love for God, righteousness, faithfulness and the list goes one.  Even as young as 17 years old, as she is introduced in the book.  I have learned a lot from her humility and commitment to God, seeking not her own interests but the interests of others.  Adelina, as a wife of a Pagan ruler, she strongly lives out the words of  Peter of living in submission to an unbelieving husband.  She beautifully displays a woman of noble character as protrayed in Proverbs 31.   She truly opens her mouth with wisdom and the law of kindness is in her mouth.

A must read for every maiden.  As a mother and daughter read was very sweet.  My daughter prepared to act out scenes, to recreate the story during play.  As a homeschool project, we've created a compare and contrast between Adelina and Geila.  And one day she wishes to make a movie.

To purchase, click here or on the vision forum icon on the right.

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Doctor leaves practice to be a Stay at home Mom!

May the Lord continue to raise up godly courages women who embrace their highest calling.  Then and only then will they be truly fulfilled as women.

Physician Wholeheartedly Gives Up Medical Practice to Be a Wife and Mother of Eight Children for the Glory of God! from Douglas Phillips on Vimeo.

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Fertility Reversal

I just met a couple who had a fertility reversal.  Like many others, they had been deceived by the world's culture but after learning of how God sees life and that children are a blessing, the husband had a reversal.  For those discouraged by the amount of funds you need to do this here is hope.  There is a wonderful ministry called www.blessedarrows.org .  This particular couple live in California.  But they found a doctor in Oaklahoma who did the operation for about $1500.

May the Lord prosper you and make you fruitful.

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Guarding our Marriages

Guarding our marriages

Posted By Anna T on June 29, 2010 in LAF

If you believe in being under the leadership of your husband, in humbly honoring his requests and accepting his authority, your point of view and the way you conduct yourself in marriage will inevitably come under attack. The source of negativity might be found in unmarried friends (in particular if you are a young woman), divorced people, older people who have never been married due to character issues and refuse to acknowledge they might have made mistakes, married people who are envious of the harmony in your marriage and at the same time contemptuous of the effort you put into it. To put it simply, it’s everywhere. Marriage and family are those precious values we must be so careful to guard.

The poisonous message will imply that you ought to always have your way, and that your husband should always go out of his way to do things for you. And I don’t mean the normal, natural, kind things that husbands do for their wives. I mean all sorts of extravagant ideas. I have had people tell me that my husband must always drive me for errands and medical check-ups, even though he works 12-15 hours a day and I am perfectly capable of going by bus (even though, admittedly, it takes more time). I have heard stay-at-home moms boasting of how they “always hand the kids to the husband the moment he comes home,” because they “can’t stand being with them anymore after a whole day” – even though the husband, of course, spent the day working hard outside the home and needs to relax.

There will be people looking with disdain on small things you do for your husband, such as ironing his shirts and packing his lunch. They will try to make you feel like a drudge because you are trying to humbly serve your husband. They will try to claim he ought to step in and do an equal share of the housework, even though he hardly spends any time at home.

It particularly annoys me when young or older unmarried people try to give me (entirely unsolicited) advice about how I should treat my husband, which always consists of confronting him about every little thing, of “standing my ground,” regardless of the consequences. I do want to think that the people handing out such advice have my best interests at heart, but sometimes it’s just hard to believe.

Unfortunately, women have the tendency to talk about various situations in their marriages either with people who have difficulty evaluating the situation objectively – such as parents and friends, who, out of sympathy with you, might ignite a conflict over something that isn’t even worth speaking of – or even idle people who might try to set you against your husband just because they want to watch some action. Personally, I believe conflict should be resolved either discreetly between spouses, or with the help of a neutral counselor who won’t automatically take sides.

There are people who believe pride has higher value than the most precious human relationship you will have on this earth – your marriage. They might butt in unwanted, saying things such as, “What do you mean, you can’t go and hang out right now because you must wash the dishes? Make your husband do this, he can wash the dishes once in a while!”

Of course, it’s true that a husband can do the dishes once in a while, but that’s entirely beside the point. Family dynamics are different in each case. Perhaps we’re talking about a husband who despises doing the dishes, and the wife was OK with it until she was goaded by someone who “didn’t want to see her taken advantage of.” It’s not a question of justice, of it being “fair” that he should do the dishes sometimes. It just isn’t anybody else’s business. The wife’s job is to set out and protect the family harmony from intruders.

Before you take such advice to heart, look at the well-wishers who spread it. Are they married? Are their marriages harmonious and happy? Does the husband take a proper place of leadership and honor? Are they raising, or have they raised, good children? Do the children respect their father? In many cases, the answer to at least one of these questions will be negative.

Aside from our relationship with God, our marriage is the most important relationship we will have. It comes before our personal ambitions, our pride, our wish to look good in the eyes of other people. Before friends, siblings, parents, even before our children. Zealously guarding your marriage and the privacy of your relationship with your husband might annoy some people at first, but it will bring respect, stability and trust into your home, and, ultimately, it will be for the best of everyone involved.

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Exposing The Lies

Posted By Mrs. June Fuentes on September 15, 2010

I want to get straight to the heart of the issue and expose some of the many and greatest lies of feminism. As you read through this list, honestly ask yourself which of these lies you may have believed in the past or present in some form or another.

Shall we begin?

1. I have my rights.

2. I can have it all.

3. I should not have to live with unfulfilled longings.

4. A career outside the home is more valuable and fulfilling than being a wife and mother.

5. It’s all about me.

6. If my husband is passive I need to lead.

7. If I submit, I’ll be miserable.

8. I have to have ________ to make me happy.

9. Children are a hindrance and a burden.

10. Women are smarter than men.

These are only 10 lies that I have chosen that I think are the most common in our culture, and whether they fall under the categories of worldly, fleshly or feminist, these seem to be the ones women seem to fall prey to most frequently. These lies are most dangerous as many of them seek to weaken the family unit in one way or another (a form of Marxism). It takes the focus of of living a life for God and doing all we can for His glory and instead creates false idols that we worship secretly. These lies keep us from living out full lives as God intended and how He designed us to be. Lies hinders us from receiving God’s best. Lies keeps us miserable, unsatisfied and always longing for more—while God’s ways are focused on joy of the Lord, satisfaction in the Cross and contentment for His grace is sufficient.

I know that growing up I was exposed to a barrage feminism in schools, books, television, magazines, movies, music, peers, billboards, role models, etc. It was rampant and everywhere in culture (much like brainwashing) and still is today. Like Satan whispering to Eve in the garden, these lies whisper to us throughout the course of the day when we are taking care of our homes, raising the children, supporting our husbands, etc. Satan is trying his best to get our attention for he knows if he can thwart our efforts and attentions we will abandon our roles. We will abandon our homes. We will abandon our position as helpmeet and mothers. He knows we can’t train the next generation of godly seed if we are focused on ourselves and wallowing in a pool of self-pity.

Wake up, ladies! The trumpet is sounding–get back to your posts! The enemy lurks and wants your children, your marriage, your home! As Christian women we must know how vital our roles are in society, we must understand that we (second only to God) are the cornerstones in helping to build strong, Christian societies in our nation today….but if we abandon our roles we contribute to it’s demise and destruction. We abandon it by forsaking our roles and chasing after the lies.

Feminism has stolen so much from Christianity and America. If we are faithful and diligent we can reclaim it. But it begins with you. Stop listening to the fatal lies and turn back to the pure, holy Word of God for your source of life and direction.

(This post was originally written on October of 2007 at A Wise Woman Builds Her Home originally under the title Feminism Exposed)

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Romeo, please save me

Finally, Romeo is understanding, beyond a fairy tale, when reality hits, unconditional love prevails.

” Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.” (1 Peter 3:7)

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There was a time when Government called the Nation to a Day for Fasting and Prayer

God has given these instructions. It's a God thing, not a man's good idea. The word of the Lord came to Joel...consecrate a fast, proclaim a solemn assembly; gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord. (Joel 1:1, 14).  And in 2 Chronicles 7:14

There was a time when our Presidents acknowledged God was above our nation and only He could save it.

• 
  
  "I HAVE therefore thought it fit to recommend, that Wednesday, the 9th day of May next be observed throughout the United States, as a day of Solemn Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer" President John Adams' March 23, 1798


• 
  
  "to recommend that a day be set apart for Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer throughout the Union."  President James Buchannan Dec. 14, 1860


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  "I HAVE therefore thought fit to appoint, and with the advice and consent of the Council, I do hereby appoint Thursday, the Second Day of April next, to be observed as a Day of Public Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer throughout this Commonwealth:-Calling upon the Ministers of the Gospel, of every Denomination, with their respective Congregations, to assemble on that Day, and devoutly implore the Divine forgiveness of our Sins," Massachusetts Gov. Samuel Adams, February 28, 1795


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  "I do hereby appoint Friday the Twenty-Seventh Day of March next, to be observed as a Day of Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer throughout this State.  And I do hereby call upon the People of all denominations of Religion, devoutly and solemnly to keep said Day and appropriate it as a Day of special religious service, devoted to God in solemn Duties of penitential acknowledgment of their Sins, private and social, against the Divine Will and government." Connecticut Gov. Jonathan Trumbull's February 20, 1807


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  " I do therefore recommend the third Thursday in August next, as a convenient day to be set apart for the devout purposes of rendering to the Sovereign of the Universe and the Benefactor of mankind, the public homage due to his holy attributes; of acknowledging the transgressions which might justly provoke the manifestations of His divine displeasures; of seeking His merciful forgiveness." President James Madison, August 1812


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  "to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer to our beneficent Father, who dwelleth in the heavens. And I recommend to them that, while offering up the ascriptions justly due to him that, for such singular deliverances and blessings; they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union." President Abraham Lincoln October 3, 1863


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   "I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation...and also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions" President George Washington, October 17, 1789

Although our President Obama declared before the world that Americans “do not consider ourselves a Christian nation", it's simply no true.  America was once a praised nation by the world because it's Governmental leaders would humble themselves before His Mighty Hand.  Now, young and old citizens of America have called the nation to a solemn assembly.  There is hope, here is former Governor Mike Huckabee calling the nation to a day of fasting and prayer:

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Something Practical for Newlyweds or wanting to get married girls

I was compelled to write a few practical advises for unmarried and newlyweds because I have been noticing a few things lately and I hope you get the heart of the matter.
Here they are:

1. Learn how to clean


2. Learn how to cook

Wait! Before you stop reading, let me tell you why.  I promise, it goes deeper than that. 

If you are like me, you grew up learning this by yourself.  I grew up in a home where Mom did everything.  We were poor (not really, just to American society), so my Mom wanted all of us siblings to study, go to school and she would do the rest.  She is a godly single Mom whom I respect and love dearly, but this idea was worldly influenced.

I thank God that I married knowing and liking to have a pleasantly clean house.  I had to learn because I cleaned houses and office buildings during high school and college.  The lady I helped, taught me to pay attention to detail.  I loved cooking but didn't not have a kitchen in college and at home, mom cooked, so I learned with cookbooks. 

But I told you there was a heart of this matter.  And it is having a servant's heart.  Many young woman have spent years in their careers which have not prepared them for what they are truly called to be and do, a servant, a homemaker.   It is really a pity when the husband has to instruct the young wife how to clean and worst when he doesn't know how to cook either.  This, as simple and unimportant it may seem, believe me, it really is not.  It can create marital conflicts because the new wife is not used to serving others this way.  I've seen new wives with a certain fear of having shared house chores or demanding help changing the baby's diaper.   I know good husbands do help around the house, and caring for baby without asking and even when expected.  They would usually say something like, "yes dear, I'll do my fair share".  This precious help I so much appreacited from my servant husband, but I never expect it or demand it.  He works all day and can't wait to come home to his little oasis.

Therefore, to the unmarried I advise to babysit, or volunteer to help a mother with babies, with cleaning and cooking.  It helps when it's not for you and you don't get paid.  A servant does not expect anything in return.   I cannot tell you how precious these moments have been.  My character continues to be molded.  Through the everyday mundainess of life, my Master's hands are upon me, in every diaper I change, in every nose I wife, in every dish I wash.

[caption id="attachment_486" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="cooking, apron, cleaning, unmarried, newlywed"][/caption]

As a wife, we are to serve and please our husbands, the way the Church, the Bride of Christ, supposed to please and serve God.  By this our Heavenly Father will be glorified.

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California's Marriage Law Under Fire

[caption id="attachment_483" align="alignleft" width="150"] Wedding Rings, marriage[/caption]

This week the eyes of America, if not the world, are in California.  Will California's Judge and Governor ban the Constitution of California which states "Marriage is Between a Man and a Woman"?  Twice the people of California have voted but it's legistators have been ignoring the votes of the people.

Now one judge has decided that Gay Marriages are allowed in the same category.   I know many don't agree with this ruling.  What is there to be done?  It is the citizens of California who have the power to impeech this judge who is an employee of the State.  We cannot sit and watch.  We must act, we must call, we must make noise and a lot of it.

So many people don't like the way legistators rule, but who put them there in the first place?  So many people don't care to vote, so they can't complain.  Californians CANNOT be silent anymore.  Moreover, the people of God must pray and act, pray and vote.  We cannot be selfish and think of ourselves only, but what kind of society will our children inherit from us. A Sodom?  Love your future generations.  Anywhere you live, because other States are surely to follow California.  Worst yet, if this case is taken to Supreme Court, which has just become liberal with the new judge in place.

We are people of prayer and grassroots movement.  We have called people to gather together and pray, until something happens.  We'll be posting updates on this about what to do too.  But this homosexual agenda must STOP.

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What Happened to Wedding Gowns and Bridemaids dresses?

I remember as a young girl cutting wedding dresses pictures from magazines saving them for my future wedding gown. I would usually have two pictures, one for the top and the other one for the bottom.  As I was getting married, I was blessed to find a dress that fit me perfect and was simple and modest.  I wanted to be comfortable and reflect Christ.

Many  Christian weddings we have attended, I'm left wandering what happened to purity, to modesty, to representing the Bride of Christ in this holy Covenant?  When the bride's entrance is announced, it is the awaited moment for the wedding to begin.  All eyes are on her--the whole time.  Why don't brides care the way they look to Christ, to her future husband and to others?  I usually see the bride with a strapless, or a low cut in front or back dress that is so low that you're always wandering what's going to happen next.  Especially as she keeps pulling it up the whole time.

Are you getting married?  Think about making your Heavenly Father smile at the purity you will represent on this very special day.  Jesus our Bridegroom will marry a bride with no spot or wrinkle that when she walks down the aisle she will radiate with His Holiness.

Here are some helpful links

www.beautifullymodest.com

www.virtiousweddings.com

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Family Devotions

Every morning our day starts with family worship, Bible and prayer.  With little ones, let me tell you, it's quite different.  We can't expect the deep worship we're used to in the House of Prayer, or exegetical Bible studies or long prayer sessions.  They are different, fun, practical and with lots of instruction.  We have dancers and singers in our home.  They can dance and sing all day.  So worship time is always a favorite time.   Honestly, our girls look forward to the "exampolitos" as they call it.  This is when Mom or Dad (usually Dad), sits with them and reads the Proverb verses that corresponds to that day of the month.  Then he takes whatever little things the girls brought and they come alive as he does examples of the verses read.  The girls love it so much that would stay sitting and attentive for an hour at times.  Usually, we have to stop to move on with our day, but they always insist, "just one more, Daddy, just one more, pleeeeeease".

One a good day Daddy would do just one more.  On other days Bible time would go something like this:

Dad: ...that means to be kind to one another and share...

Lizbeth:  No, Sarah, I need this one (and takes an example "person" from little sister)

Sarah: No, I want it, waaa, waaaa

Dad:  hey, wait a minute, what am I just teaching you girls.

Did you ever had these times?

There are endless ideas on age appropriate family devotions.  Dress up, use puppets, act them out, use props and make characters come alive...

What are some the ideas you do to instruct your little ones in God's ways?

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