A Delightful Princess Tea Party

This past weekend was a lovely weekend for our family. My daughters and I visited our first Maidens of Virtue meeting and we had great fun enjoying breakfast and an encouraging Bible study on being an organized woman and tea-party-invitation-making with other mothers and daughters. At the same time my sons went to a Men of Valor meeting and got the privilege of shooting potato cannons (isn't this every boys dream?) with other fathers and sons.

And yes, I said potato!!!

But the best part of the weekend was that my sweet little princess, Joy Noelle, turned seven. We were excited to host another tea party for her:

The Princess Tea Party Table

A Close Up

There were also pink balloons and streamers hanging from the chandelier but you can't see that in these pictures.

The Princess Maiden in all her glory!

Fruit-kabobs handmade by the maidens

Here are some of the finger foods, punch, cheese and crackers, tea party cookies made with love and we had a princess cake that both older sisters made for her that was pink and topped with a tiara, princess necklace and earrings.

The little girl maidens got to make mini-birthday cakes out of oreo cookies, frosting and sprinkles and got to take them home. Naomi made all the namecards and read this poem which I copied and printed and included in their giftbags as well:


Why God Made Little Girls

God made the world with towering trees,
Majestic mountains and restless seas.
Then paused and said , "It needs one more thing...
Someone to laugh and dance and sing.
To walk in the wood and gather flowers...
To commune with nature in quiet hours."

So God made little girls
With laughing eyes and bouncing curls,
With joyful hearts and infectious smiles,
Enchanting ways and feminine wiles.
And when He'd completed the task He'd begun.
He was pleased and proud of the job He'd done.
For the world, when seen through little girl's eyes
Greatly resembled Paradise.


Afterwards, Janai played a beautiful piece of music on the violin (it sounds like this) and her special friend Jasmine sang some songs to her that she wrote herself. We also got to talk about how God is good and how He made them special and how one day they would also do tea parties with their own daughters.

We played games of London Bridge, hot potato, pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey and later after Joy opened her gifts they played dolls and used Joys new strawberry tea set to make their own doll little tea party!


And, oh yes, we couldn't forget the toilet paper game!

I am so proud of my little girl, she makes me so happy and is truly a JOY to be around! And what is a birthday without a little tree climbing?

We hope you enjoyed viewing pictures of our Princess Tea Party!

Click here to view our Christmas Doll Tea Party!

The Two Temples

A Builder builded a temple,
He wrought it with grace and skill;
Pilllars and groins and arches
All fashioned to work his will.
Men said, as they saw its beauty,
"It shall never know decay;
Great is thy skill, O Builder!
Thy fame shall endure for aye."

A Mother builded a temple
With loving and infinite care,
Planning each arch with patience,
Laying each stone with prayer.
None praised her unceasing efforts,
None knew of her wondrous plan,
For the temple the Mother builded
Was unseen by the eyes of man.

Gone is the Builders temple,
Crumpled into the dust;
Low lies each stately pillar,
Food for consuming rust,

But the temple the Mother builded
Will last while ages roll,
For that beautiful unseen temple

Was

a

child's

immortal

soul.









-Hattie Vose Hall

Twilight--A Christian Mom's Review

Twilight has taken the nation of teenage and preteen girls by storm--glossy posters fill movies rental stores, bookstores and even family friendly places like libraries. Another seemingly harmless movie for our young ladies it seems---but so far from it.

As mothers who watch over our homes, we need to always be careful about what we put before our children. I personally am very picky about any reading material or movies that I place before our children and Twilight will never be one of them.

I am alarmed to find that even Christian mothers are not careful about such things. They do not realize the repercussions of putting such unfitting literature in front of our daughters as not only time-wasting but it also sows harmful and unnecessary seeds in their lives to desire things which they should not.

A Christian young girl/woman should not be fantasizing about intimacy with a vampire. They should not be lured into the sexual, lustful temptations intertwined with occultism. This is wicked and evil and even worse, parents should not be promoting it. Daughters are easily deceived and can carry much naivety in the romance department--why tempt them in the ways to fornication? They should not be wasting their precious time on such unnecessary and harmful literature and films. These are the precious and important years of their youth. How can we use this time better?

This is a wonderful time to teach our daughters femininity and the Word of God. It is a time to educate them biblically, academically and domestically. There are so many woman today who cannot cook, sew, know their Christian or historical roots. They cannot balance a checkbook, manage a home, or know how to care for children. We should be using these years to teach them life skills and godly character. We need to teach them servanthood and be busy in serving those close and far from us. We need to teach them to be prayerful. These are the things that will benefit them. We should give them literature and movies that promote such and not waste our time on movies that will lead their minds away from purity and godliness. This will take prayer and time examining entertainment materials from the parents but in the long run, well worth the investment. Here is our measuring stick:

Finally, brothers, whatever is true,
whatever is noble, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable
- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -
think about these things.

Phillipians 4:8

This is why Twilight is banned from our home among other similar writings/films. My prayer is that as mothers and fathers that we would closely examine any material we put before our children and weigh it's benefits and not just follow the world in its patterns and desires for ungodly entertainment.

Contentment In the Palace

I think it is pretty hard for women today to find contentment because of all the temptations of this world. The rush is on to have the best, the newest, the latest and the trendiest. Advertisements seduce us from all sides against our better judgment.

A simple woman who wants to live a simple life finds it so challenging to turn her eyes away from all that the world has to offer. She is tempted to think that she needs material possessions in order to have joy when in reality---she possesses it all along.
In fact, she is overlooking the truth: that she possesses great treasure that mere money cannot buy.

See, money cannot buy eternal life in Christ or the riches found in Him.
Money cannot buy the new work God is working in you.
Money cannot buy the forgiveness you have been freely given.
Money cannot buy godly character.
Money cannot buy a godly husband.
Money cannot buy that sweet little baby growing inside of you.
Money cannot buy all those sweet little children that live in your home.
Money cannot buy the love of a family.
Money cannot buy true friends.
Money cannot buy a happy home.
Money cannot buy true peace.



You can take all these things from us and still, if we possess Christ, we are RICH.

We are happy and give thanks for the simple:

Food and clothing.

(1 Tim 6:8)

People would laugh at that today, insisting the newest technologies guarantee happiness.

But Christians know THE TRUTH.

And we will walk in that truth.

Because we are not bound by the world and its strongholds.

It is mandatory that we not allow let the lusts of this world dictate how we govern our homes, finances, and thought life. Worldly contentment is only happy with the here and now, but we fix our eyes on the eternal,
not the temporal.

Let us truly live our lives as such.


Matthew Henry (1662-1714) had this to say about discontentment:


“Discontentment is a sin that is its own punishment and makes men torment themselves;

it makes the spirit sad, the body sick, and all the enjoyments sour;
it is the heaviness of the heart and the rottenness of the bones.

It is as in that is its own parent.
It arises not from the condition, but from the mind.

As we find Paul content in a prison,

so Ahab discontent in a palace.”








Can we be content in any situation? In any circumstance?

Or are we worldly minded,

and find ourselves

discontent in our palaces?

The Biblical Family Under Attack

Because the family is so central to building up a godly society, it has always been under attack by unbelievers and is in particularly great danger today.

At the root of outright hatred of family bonds lies sinful man's craving to be independent of God and his fellow men so he may do as he pleases and not be burdened or restrained by any responsibilities or obligations. Such individual anarchy and selfishness among ever growing numbers of people eventually leads to the breakdown of society at large. But this is not the end: the most ruthless and selfish people will usurp the government and enslave the rest of the people to serve their own ends. He who will not serve God his Creator invites human tyranny, as history shows.

As C. S. Lewis wrote, "Some fatal flaw always brings the selfish and cruel people to the top and [civilization) slides back into misery and ruin. Because the family is so central to building up a godly society, it has always been under attack by unbelievers and is in particularly great danger today.

At the root of outright hatred of family bonds lies sinful man's craving to be independent of God and his fellow men so he may do as he pleases and not be burdened or restrained by any responsibilities or obligations. Such individual anarchy and selfishness among ever growing numbers of people eventually leads to the breakdown of society at large.

But this is not the end: the most ruthless and selfish people will usurp the government and enslave the rest of the people to serve their own ends. He who will not serve God his Creator invites human tyranny, as history shows. It seems to start up all right and runs a few yards, and then it breaks down. They are trying to run it on the wrong juice [instead of on God Himself]. That is what Satan has done to us humans." (Mere Christianity. p.39).

Modern enemies of biblical Christianity have attacked the family on the grounds of evolution, denying the biblical creation account (for instance. Sigmund Freud). The vituperative attack on the family by Friedrich Engels, Karl Marx's co-founder of Marxism-Communism, was based upon evolution. For him, the monogamous family was founded upon enslavement of the woman by the man, and original group marriage was replaced by individual marriages inevitably accompanied by adultery and prostitution. His idea of marriage was that of a contract based only upon physical love, which could be easily broken. Likewise Engels looked upon private property not as a trust under God, but rather as theft from communal ownership of all things, and to be abolished, as it is today in Communist countries. Consider that Communism dominates about half the world today and bids fair to conquer it all by invasion (Afghanistan, Tibet), subversion, and by confluence with New Age thought in the anticipated one-world state of the near future. "Communal ownership" means administration by the state/government, and in practice by the ruling elite.

Because the biblical family protects true cohesion and love, and points to the God of Scripture and His true freedom in Christ, it is especially under attack in today's "post-Christian" world. One line of attack is to confuse the difference between a true family and "people living together" no matter who they are. Another is to take over the education of the children. Another is to discriminate against biblical families by peer pressure (as against families with more than two children). by tax disadvantages, and by contempt against "homemakers" in the name of feminist "self-esteem," "self-fulfillment," etc.

Enemies of the biblical family also suppress the lesson all `History teaches, namely, that breakdown of marriage and family has always been a sure precursor of the breakdown of an entire society or state.' Ancient Greece and Rome are perfect examples of this historical fact.

Because the family is God's basic social institution,

to abandon or destroy it

is to destroy

society.

-The Creationism Website

Training Children To Speak

Psalm 127:4-5, "As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that has his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate."

Many times we forget the purpose of our parenting, don't we? We plod along from day to day with what has to be done and we don't see the future picture. It is good to come back to the Word of God and be reminded of what we are supposed to be doing.

God talks of our children in the context of war. This life is a battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan. We are raising our children to be warriors for God's kingdom, to know how to face the battle and to stand strong for God.

Recently, I noticed something important in our above Scripture. We are training our children to speak! Did you notice that? We are to raise children who will speak with the enemies in the gates. In Bible times, the gates of the city were more than an entrance way. They were the busiest place in the city. It was here that the elders sat to rule and direct the affairs of the city. It was here the judges and officers judged the daily matters of the people. It was at the gates the soldiers stood sentinel to guard and protect the city.

And this is where God wants our children to speak--in the important places of the city, the state and the nation. He wants us to raise children who will be able to proclaim His truth in the gates--in the high places where decisions and laws are made. We are living in an era where "Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands afar off; for truth is fallen in the street and equity cannot enter." (Isaiah 59:14-15) In this hour of history, we need to raise children who know more than a few Sunday school stories, but children who understand God's truth, who have discernment and know how to execute justice. We need to raise children who are not afraid to speak God's truth, even in the face of opposition and persecution. The psalmist said, "I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed." (Psalm 119:46) I love the Knox translation which says, "Fearlessly will I talk of thy decrees in the presence of kings, and be never abashed."

Truth is not always easy to make known. People often compromise the truth because they are scared of the repercussions. But we are not raising wimps--we are raising warriors. We are raising children who are not afraid to face the enemy. We need soldiers like C.T. Studd prayed for:

Lord, send us lion-hearted men
With good courageous habits,
Who ne'er will run from the devil's gun
Like hares and bunny rabbits!

Some translations of Psalm 127:5 say, "Contend with the enemies in the gate." Our "arrows" must know how to contend for their faith and the truth.

"How do we train our children to speak?" you may ask. Perhaps Apologetics should be part of every homeschooling curriculum. Our children must learn how to give an answer for the faith that is in them (1 Peter 3:15). Of course, it will be difficult to prepare children to be truth-bearers if we are not heralding the truth ourselves. We must not be afraid to speak God's eternal truths, even when they are counter-culture. The ideologies of our society regarding family are not working. There is so much heartache in marriages and family life. Marriages are continually falling apart. God's way, although different to man's ways are the way to success if we are prepared to be obedient to them. We must not ever be ashamed of the truth. We do not have to be intimidated by our adversaries. We can speak with confidence for we know the way that works!

We should be like the apostle Paul who spoke boldly in the synagogue and in the market place, testifying, reasoning, disputing and persuading people in the truth. The psalmist and Paul both confessed, "I believed, therefore have I spoken." (Psalm 116:10 and 2 Corinthians 4:13) What do you believe? That's what you'll speak about. What are you teaching your children to believe? What is the passion of their heart? That's what they'll speak about. Not clichés, but convictions!

Never forget--silence is surrender, but speaking the truth can change the culture of the nation.

Raise your children to be warriors for the Lord. Raise them to know the truth. Prepare them to speak the truth--anointed, not-giving-in, not-backing-down words--in the market place and in high places.


PRAYER:

"Lord, please lift my vision for parenting my children. Help me to train them to know and understand the truth and be filled with zeal and boldness to speak your truth to all they meet. Help me to also be a truth-bearer wherever I go and to never be ashamed of your timeless truths. Amen."

AFFIRMATION:

I am raising children to be Truth Bearers.

Further Reference:

Speaking boldly, disputing and persuading:
Read Acts 4:13; 29-31; 9:27, 29; 13:43, 46; 14:3; 17:17; 18:4, 13, 26; 19:8, 26; 28:23; Ephesians 6:18-19; Philippians 1:20; 2 Corinthians 5:11; Proverbs 28:1.

Speaking before kings and rulers:
Psalm 119:46; Proverbs 22:29; Acts 4:8; 24:10-21; 24-27; 26:1-32.

Always ready to speak, even to those who oppose:
Ezekiel 33:8-9; Matthew 10:18-20; 32-33; Colossians 4:6; 2 Timothy 2:25; 4:1-2; 1 Peter 3:15.


Written by Nancy Campbell
To subscribe to her email devotional where I received this article from, click here.

One Family

"How can one family affect anything?

One person battling away to put selfish interests aside,
to put other people before herself or himself, even for a fraction of time,
day by day,
how could that help?

. . . One family and the children of that family can do marvelous things to affect the world



or devastating things
to destroy it."







-Edith Schaeffer


Thank you for sharing this Miss Jen @ Blessed Femina

Reformation Day Celebration

We have been busy studying the Reformation at the Fuentes household. It is an amazing thing to learn about Christian history especially when you are a first generation Christian. I don't ever remember the Reformation being taught in school and now I am grateful for a chance to dig deeper as I educate my children on their Christian roots.

As I sifted through the thought that mothers are the memory makers of their homes and children's lives-- I wanted to take this opportunity to begin a new tradition at our home. Starting this year we will anticipate our first Reformation Celebration.

The 95 Theses were nailed on the door at Wittenberg, German on October 31, 1517 by Martin Luther. A profound moment for our faith, this act would shake Europe to its foundation and cause great religious divide and spiritual freedom for so many. Which is why I want my children to remember the example set before them-- to remember that it takes one person to change the world.

In the past, Oct. 31st was used to pass out tracts but when the costumes became too gruesome for my little ones, we stopped. Before all of this, we had also watched a video about the origins of Halloween from Moody Bible Bookstore and was convicted that we personally wouldn't take part of it. Now we have a wonderful way to celebrate the day--to remember the sacrifices of our reforming and courageous spiritual forefathers.


World magazine had a great article examining some of the origins of Halloween and how to celebrate Reformation day that I highly recommend that you read here: Reformation Day

I did some research too and here are some ideas of what we are going to do for that day:

Dress up in costume (have a skit, try to guess who we are),
hold a medieval banquet (with authentic German food--some ideas I found were Roasted Papal Bull and Diet of Worms cake!)
and playing German music in the background

Games:

Sing the Battle Hymn of the Reformation "Almighty Fortress is our God"/or use this song to play musical chairs/who can build castles out of legos quickest
Boffer Wars,
Hide the Heretic (Hide and Seek),
Pin the Theses on the Door(blindfolded)
Bows and arrow event/tug of war (Reformers vs. Cardinals of course!)
Bonfire with storytelling about the Reformation
Indulgences relay race throwing indulgences in the trash

Daddy can teach about our thankful to our forefathers and their hefty sacrifices that led to religious freedom today. This is a wonderful experience for all! Here are some helpful links:

How to celebrate at home
Easy Costume Tips
Put on a celebration at your church
-includes Medieval games, costumes, recipes

Visit a Reformation Day Faire

Doorposts offers a book I'm looking forward to getting:
A Night of Reformation

We took a week off of 'regular' school to focus on this period and do a Unit Study on the Reformation, I have heard of others taking a month or more. We still incorporated math, spelling, literature, vocabulary, creative writing etc. into our history lesson.

You can view our Reformation Unit study here.

We will also be watching this October 31st:

(Be sure to turn off the music in the sidebar!)

The Broad and Narrow

"How can it be a large career
to tell other people's children about arithmetic

and a small career to tell one's own children about the universe?

How can it be broad to be the same thing to everyone
and narrow to be everything to someone?

No, a woman's function is laborious
because it is gigantic,

not because it is minute."



G. K. Chesterton

Searching The World

A man

travels the world

over in search

of what he needs

and returns home

to find it.


-George Moore

The Wise Woman and the Foolish Woman

I found this excellent article by Mercy King and thought I should share it:

This morning, I began to consider Proverbs 14:1 which says, “Every wise woman builds her house: but the foolish pluck it down with her hands.” And to reflect on the wise woman verses the foolish woman. This passage contrasts two women who were both “stay-at-home” types. However, only one is praised for her virtue.

The Wise Woman

First, the wise woman will build her home. She will garnish it with the grace of feminine beauty suitable to the admiration of both sexes. She will adorn it with the flowers of fair speech, kindly intuition, and gracious acts of mercy. She may not have much in terms of material possessions, but she is thrifty and builds upon what she already has. Or, if she is wealthy, she gives much of it away for the service of God and to be used to build His kingdom. She adds to the family economy by working “willingly with her hands.” She fixes mementos in her home by making memories out of her speech, which is “the law of kindness.” It is her portrait that is seen when a stray thought returns to her home. Her husband may be grand, or less esteemed in the world’s eyes, but she builds him up in love, respect, and affection, calling him lord. She shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of his house. Her society may be disagreeable or pleasurable, but she does all that she can to benefit the downtrodden and needy. She does not shame, but builds and restores that which is broken within and without. And, to all, she is careful not to show impatience or impolite behavior. The woman who builds her house lays it with her very life, her health, and her strength. She willingly lays down her life so that others around her may flourish. Her pleasure is gained by seeing others edified and cared for.

The Foolish Woman

In opposition, the foolish woman will be the one that pulls down with her hands what she does have. That which she alone has been entrusted with to cultivate, nurture, and beautify, she destroys. With crass words, complaining lips, and a murmuring spirit, she finds discontentment in everything. Her work is to chase vanity and to imitate vain people. Rather than work on her home (her very heart) she lets the thorns of bitterness encapsulate the life pulses of love and tenderness. Mark that woman! And, approach not unto her home to learn her ways. She will continue to sink lower and lower as her foundations crumble. Eventually, she will have nothing left. She who pulls it down, uses others to gratify her own desires. Her pleasure is mounted on the displeasures and discomforts of others.

Let us, as Reforming Women, strive to be those who build up their houses.

Repentance to God and man may be a daily thing as it is with me!

You may always wonder whether you will gain the mastery over your spirit.

You may cry every day “Help me God to do what’s right.”
God sees you and he knows you.

He will comfort you so that you can comfort others. Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”

A house is not built except one stone at a time.

Even what has been torn down can be rebuilt for service to God!

Let’s get building
the home God has given
each of us to cultivate!

The Making of a Home

One of the most rewarding endeavors a homemaker can partake of is making her home lovely for those who live in it. We have talked about making our homes lovely spiritually and now we will look at some ways women take extra care to add the loving details in their home.

These two blogs will introduce us to Tablescaping:

Between Naps on the Porch

The Tablescaper

The Inspired Room shares practicals tips on how to have a peaceful home at Serenity Now: A Peaceful Home

I also like that Nesting Place teaches thriftiness using you might already have.

Warm Pie Happy Home inspires us to decorate for fall with a little Autumn Goodness.

I think no matter what kind of a budget you have you can still make your home a lovely place by being creative. I know many women decorate their homes on a shoestring by integrating a bit of ingenuity. It just takes a little thought and love to add those finishing touches to a room.

I have heard of women who framed children's personal art to decorate their childrens or baby's rooms, and women out in the country who like to decorate naturally bring in boughs, berries and pinecones from the forest and fill decorative bowls with them and hang swags on the wall. In the old days Grandma would find old scraps of material and creative beautiful heirloom quilts to hang on the wall. Once I watched a video of a women decorate her whole home in patterned bedsheets!!! It just goes to show you the lengths a women will go to to make her home special to those who a dear to her. Family photos that are framed also are a readily available source to cozying up a room It really is so simple and ideas can be easily found on the internet today. No home should have empty or bare walls, in my opinion, we must make it a beautiful place for our husband and children to be in no matter how small or large it might be.

I have seen cozy homes decorated strictly from thrift stores and stunned by them--so I don't believe you need alot of money to create special places for your loved ones. My home is not extravagant by any means---it is simple and basic. But I try to use what I have to make it special. The idea is to weave and spin a beautiful, cozy, comfortable refuge for our families every day and not look at it as burdensome but instead as a great blessing and honor to be entrusted by God to even have a family and home to care for.

Know that it is not perfection we are striving for--instead we are doing this to bless and be attentive to those we love. It doesn't have to be glamorous, just practical. Do you have a child that loves to play chess or a daughter who likes to sew? Why not set up a little comfortable corner of the home just for that? Have a husband who needs a place to study?
Be thoughtful and create a space for him like Brenda, her love for her husband speaks louder than any home decorator magazine could!

Remember Christ must always be center of our homes and hearts as we create this refuge. If there is quarreling and strife we fail at creating such a place. So be careful to mind the 'temperature' of peace in your home as well!

It just takes a woman's touch:

(Don't forget to turn off the sound in the sidebar)





I hope this post has inspired you,

now I am off to conquer some rooms!

Have a blessed weekend as you lovingly make your house into a home!

Christian Feminism

Christian women cannot effectively begin to build and strengthen their families if they do not discern some of the key lies that are cleverly interwoven into our culture today. Sadly, these lies have pervaded our churches and homes as well and many biblical lines have been blurred. Feminism has distinctly played a key role is disguising these falsehoods as truth and deceiving too many unsuspecting families.

When Christian women and men believe and embrace these obvious perversions to the scripture we end up with a problem...

We now have given birth to what is known as 'Christian feminism' in the church.

This is dangerous because it teaches Christian women the opposite of scripture. It does not seek to build their homes but instead tears it down. The world uses every medium of communication to dispose their misleading forgeries upon unsuspecting families, but we must be wise to discern our lifestyles and philosophies today- especially among the body of Christ.

Pastor William Einwechter shares his thoughts on six areas where we have strayed from biblical norms in his article The Feminization of the Family:

"The feminization of the family is seen in at least six areas:

First, marriage has been destabilized, and divorce is rampant. Feminism’s “diabolization of marriage” has made divorce “socially and psychologically more acceptable by the idea that it is a reasonable response to a defective and dying institution.” The biblical teaching that marriage is a divine and covenantal institution that binds a man and woman together for life by a sacred vow (Gen. 2:18-24; Matt. 19:3-9) has been repudiated by modern society. The biblical concept has been replaced with the notion that marriage is a mere human institution, an imperfect one at that, and that divorce is a reasonable way to deal with any misery associated with it.

Second, male headship in the family has been replaced by an “egalitarian” arrangement where the husband and wife “share” in the leadership responsibilities of the family. The scriptural idea that the man is head of the family (1 Cor. 11:3-12; Eph. 5:22-23) and lord of his household (1 Pet. 3:5-6) is considered by feminists to be both tyrannical and barbaric, a vestige of primitive man and his ability to physically dominate his spouse. In our day, the overwhelming majority of both men and women scoff at the notion that the wife should submit to her husband’s authority.

Third, the man as provider has been rejected for a new model of joint economic responsibility. The view of our time is that the man is no more responsible than the woman to provide for the financial needs of the family. Feminists believe that the scriptural teaching the man is the family provider (1 Tim. 5:9) is part of a male conspiracy to hold women down by making them economically dependent on men.

Fourth, the women as a full-time homemaker is scorned, and the working woman who seeks fulfillment and independence in employment outside of her home is now a cultural norm. The biblical mandate that a woman be a “keeper at home” (Titus 2:4-5) is either unknown or unheeded. Feminist-minded folks consider it to be a demeaning thing for a woman to stay at home and confine her work to the sphere of her house and her family. A career is considered more suitable and meaningful for today’s wife and mother.

Fifth, the biblical norm of a woman as a nurturer of children has been replaced by the feminist ideal of a working mother who places her children in “daycare” so that she can pursue other important matters. The responsibility of motherhood is seen in far different terms than it was in the past. The biblical call to the mother to be with her children, to love, train, teach, and protect them (1 Tim. 2:15; 5:14) is rejected for the feminist vision of the woman who is freed from such constraints on her individuality and own fulfillment.

Sixth, the idea that a large family is a “blessing” is rejected for notion that a small family of one or two children (and for some, no children at all) is far better. The concept of “family planning” geared at reducing the number of children in the home is advocated by nearly all. The biblical teaching that a large family is due to God’s blessing and sovereignty (Ps. 127; 128) is despised by modern families, even those claiming to be Christian. The feminist’s view that we determine the number of children we will have, that we are sovereign over such matters is now accepted with hardly a question. Of course, this supposed sovereignty over life and birth leads to a justification of abortion, the ultimate birth control."

*Be sure to read this post carefully.* This is not a post attacking women who have to work or have to stop having children due to medical reasons,etc. It is attacking the ideas that demean, ridicule and mock what is holy and upheld in Scripture. We need to take a closer look at what is accepted as normative society today and see how it parallels with Scripture.

And in the spirit of Proverbs 31 and Titus 2,

we must be able to defend scripture
and the biblical family
even if it means taking a stand against this world
and it's misleading fallacies
and understand that

our

silence
is

surrender.










Want to learn more about Feminism?
Click here:

Feminism Exposed

The Nursery of the Nation

The home is the nursery of the nation,

and the deep and sacred love that binds into existence

the hearts and lives

of husband and wife

is the soul

of the home life.






-True Womanhood,
Pearables

HomeBuilders: Our Family Ministry

This past weekend we were blessed to host HomeBuilders at our home again...

click here to read about it.

If you'd like to visit a HomeBuilders group

please visit our blog.

The War on Motherhood

"America’s glory was her women.

Alexis de Tocqueville believed this when he wrote:

As for myself, I do not hesitate to avow that although the women of the United States are confined within the narrow circle of domestic life, and their situation is in some respects one of extreme dependence, I have nowhere seen woman occupying a loftier position; and if I were asked, now that I am drawing to the close of this work, in which I have spoken of so many important things done by the Americans, to what the singular prosperity and growing strength of that people ought mainly to be attributed, I should reply: To the superiority of their women.

But this birthright would be exchanged during the last century for a mess of pottage.

Perhaps the greatest legacy of the 20th century has been

the war on motherhood and biblical patriarchy.

Feminists, Marxists, and liberal theologians have made it their aim to target the institution of the family and divest it from its biblical structure and priorities.

The results are

androgyny,

a radical decline in birthrate,

abortion,

fatherless families,

and

social confusion."



-Doug Phillips,
The Rise and Fall and Rise of Motherhood in America

Her Heart Is Rooted In Her Home

"In contrast to the wise woman,
the foolish woman is not content to be a keeper at home.
She is not satisfied with where God has put her.

One of the things the feminist movement has done so successfully
is to stir up discontent in women with being homemakers
and to convince them that other pursuits
can increase their sense of self-worth …

Fueling discontent and pushing women out of their homes
in search of greater meaning and satisfaction
has resulted in off-the-chart stress levels for many women
who can no longer survive without pills and therapists …

The greatest spiritual, moral, and emotional protection
a woman will ever experience
is found when she is content to stay
within her God-appointed sphere.

This does not mean that she never leaves her house,
but rather that her heart is rooted in her home
and that she puts her family’s needs
above all other interests and pursuits."

~ Nancy Leigh DeMoss ~
Biblical Womanhood in the Home, Crossway, 2002, p. 91, 92.









***********************************************
Thank you Dallas @ Abounding Treasure's for sharing this.

Spiritual Warfare in Schools

"Many Christian parents are concerned that homeschooling would not allow their children to fulfill the great commission of sharing the gospel with non-believers. They often cite Matthew 5:14-16 about being the light of the world.

Some Christian homeschool parents argue that even though young believers are to reach out to the lost, they are not called to immerse themselves daily in a hostile setting that constantly works to influence them in the ways of the world. They recognize that those with strong Christian upbringings are still vulnerable to the ungodly climate of the schools.

In Proverbs 4:11-15, King Solomon realized the vulnerability of his son, proclaiming his responsibility to train him in godly teachings and keep him from stumbling over the vices of this world.

Just as parents know that children are not prepared for war, many Christians believe that youth are not equipped to fend for themselves in the spiritual warfare taking place within schools.

A nationwide survey conducted by The Barna Group shows that 80 percent of Christian families send their children to public schools where their faith is attacked. Based on the study's findings, it appears that their kids are the ones being "evangelized" by the religion of secular humanism. More than half of their Christian teens believe Jesus actually sinned and only nine percent hold to moral absolutes, while 83 percent of children from committed Christian families attending public schools adopt a Marxist-Socialist worldview, reports the group.

For more statistics on Christians in education, click on The Barna Group.

Consistent with these figures, Christian producer and occult expert Caryl Matrisciana reports that 75 percent of public-schooled American youth brought up in Christian households disown their Christian faith by the first year of college. NHERI finds that this is only true for less than four percent of homeschooled youth.

Most home educators would not trade the blessings that homeschooling brings their families and society for the world."

Read the whole article here.

If adults have a hard time holding their own and staying true to what they believe in the face of adversity...how much harder is it for our children who have not yet had a firm foundation built for them? I think, for the majority, the statistic above is clearly our evidence...

they CAN'T.

The Case for Christian Education

I am convinced that Christians desperately need to reevaluate their choices of educating their children. Here are a few reasons why:

This article is a must read--



Five Reasons Not to Send Your Children to Government Schools


I was shocked (but then not really) to see what is going on in some American public schools today:

We Are Going To Rape You -----*do not read this unless you are 18 or older*

Student Suspended For Exposing Classroom Chaos

Teacher Molesting Student

Children Banned from Saying Pledge of Allegiance to Not Offend Muslims

I did a little research on the educators who are in charge of public educating the children and it only got me upset:

Chicago Public Schools Give Their Students 'Birthday Sex' ---*do not read this unless 18 or older*

Govt. Education and the Deliberate Dumbing Down of America


Is homeschooling a viable option?:

Homeschoolers Score 34-39 Percentile Higher Than Norm on Standardized Tests

Homeschoolers Score High on ACT

Homeschoolers Rank in 83 Percentile in All Subjects

Homeschool Socialization Resembles Real World/Combating Being a Light In Schools

Homeschoolers Accepted At Ivy League Schools

Homeschool Hall of Fame (do you recognize these famous people?)

John Wesley on education:

" Let it be remembered, that I do not speak to the wild, giddy, thoughtless world, but to those that fear God. I ask, then, for what end do you send you children to school? “Why, that they may be fit to live in the world.” In which world do you mean, — this or the next? Perhaps you thought of this world only; and had forgot that there is a world to come; yea, and one that will last for ever! Pray take this into your account, and send them to such masters as will keep it always before their eyes. Otherwise, to send them to school (permit me to speak plainly) is little better than sending them to the devil. At all events, then, send your boys, if you have any concern for their souls, not to any of the large public schools, (for they are nurseries of all manner of wickedness,) but private school, kept by some pious man, who endeavours to instruct a small number of children in religion and learning together."

John Wesley actually thought this back then...
I wonder what he would say today?

And as if there weren't enough links here already, I thought I would add this last one in. While I don't agree with everything in this following article, it certainly left some powerfully interesting food for thought:




The Christian Education Manifesto



(Note: Pull up a chair and pour a cup of tea while you skim through these links. You are also welcome to use these posts on homeschooling to link to on your blogs or on Facebook to help others gain a better understanding of Christian homeschooling/education as long as used in a favorable light.)

Homeschool Organization At It's Finest

Homeschooling is an joy and a blessing--however, homeschooling moms can get stressed and burnt out by not organizing well. It is vitally important to be organized so that our schools will run efficiently and that learning & teaching can occur at peak performance. If we are organized as we plan our lessons we will be on the right path of success as we travel along the adventurous journey of educating our children.

Here is a system that I have been using for organizing our homeschool that I cannot praise enough:



Angie at Many Little Blessings shares how she makes this system work for her school:

Homeschool Organizing

I have used a binder system in the past that I would carry around with me most of the time and still do that, but now I just pull out the folder for that week in advance and carry it around with me through the house. If I plan several weeks ahead I have a viable place to store it all and I have also made folders for each childs work, seasons, holidays, etc., so that when the time comes it is all there. I, personally, do not plan out the whole year (or every minute detail) but try to stay at least a week or two ahead since we need plenty of flexibility in our home of 10.

I believe homeschooling moms can get discouraged and overwhelmed by not organizing well and this is a huge solution to that problem. This system did not take long to set up and is now proving itself to be invaluable. Dawn at By Sun and Candlelight show us another example with more details of what could possibly go on the inside:

The File Crate System



I liked her ideas because she advises to leave the crate out in plain view where you will see and use it. Because I am often at my desk where the files are and I have a regular planning time I don't need to have it out in view...but for those who need more visual reminders I definitely thought it was an excellent idea.

If you click on her label for organization you find will she has all kinds of great ideas for school and running the home. If you are organizationally challenged you definitely will go away inspired.

A well run, planned out school can make the difference from a boring, monotonous school to one that is alive with fun. It just takes a little planning. A game here, a manipulative there, a craft activity that coincides with what they are learning so that learning can overflow and concepts are reinforced.

Remember that *variety is the spice of life* and that holds true in homeschools, too!

Happy planning!

The Secret Is Out--Duggars Expect Blessing #19

...........................

It was SO hard.

Yes, it was hard to keep the secret a few weeks ago when our family got an email from the Duggars saying they were expecting blessing #19 and told us to keep it under wraps---but now they have come public with the news and here is the clip to enjoy!

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

(Note: Turn off the music in my sidebar before you play the clip!)

Homeschool Rooms

With a new school year around the corner I thought I would write a few posts to get us focused and encouraged on on homeschooling our little blessings. I have been working on the school room and looking for new ways to set it up differently, to be more functional and beautiful this year so I looked around online and found some inspiration:

Tiany has a wonderful sunfilled, happy space:


I like the peaceful colors here from Sheri's homeroom makeover at Green and Crunchy:


Love the spaciousness of this room here at School on a Hill:


Counting My Pennies had some good organizing ideas--love how the books are all lined up:


This reading nook by Mamamonk for the school looks cozy and she was so creative with this tree mural:


Even Nester has a tidy and chic space:


How could I forget this writing center from The Write Start:


I thought this picture was probably pretty accurate for many homeschoolers:


If you are creating a special space for your children on whatever kind of a budget--large, small or nonexistent----remember...what matters most is the love that is put in it!

If you need more inspiration, you can click here and view over a 100 different homeschool rooms.

Happy planning!

Persevero...

As The Christian Motherhood Series draws to an end, let me just share what a joy it has been doing this series with you. I have learned alot about myself and about other mothers as well. I wanted to thank you for joining us here and let you know it has been an honor to walk beside you and share what has been on my heart.

I would like to end the series by encouraging you to just do your best as a mom. We are all imperfect creatures and therefore will parent imperfectly. We will have good days and bad. There will be laughter and pain. What matters in the end is the account we will give to God on how we did. Let us all be found faithful in doing our BEST for Him.

If some of your are sad to see the series end, I wanted to point out that I have a label on my sidebar for more teaching on motherhood if anyone is interested or you can just click here:

Blessed Motherhood

And to find this series or put it on your side bar you can click here:

The Christian Mother Series

(this is on my sidebar and I will possibly make a blog button for it in the future)

Don't forget what you have learned here. There were a few mothers who were going to make copies of these posts and put them in a binder (some even to give as gifts)--so they could refer to them often and remind themselves of what they learned which might be a good idea for some of you. I will also consider putting this series into PDF format as a few of you suggested so that you might be able to share them as Bible studies at church with other women.

Have a great time building up your sacred homes!

The Christian Grandmother

I can not wait to be a grandmother.

Some days the children and I will get to talking or I will start daydreaming about what the future will look like with small grandbabies around and I cherish those thoughts because they make me delightfully happy. I so look forward to the day when I get the indulgence to kiss their fat cheeks and hold their pudgy little hands into mine.

I want to take my precious grandchildren out and spend time with them. I can't wait to for that first conversation--I wonder what will it be about? A butterfly? A book? Jesus? Or Elmo?

While I am not a grandmother yet there are certain things I want to remember to do. I want to remember to help my children out with their first home and bless them with money every now and then. I want to surprise my grandchildren with gifts of clothes and toys. I want to take them to the park and go on slow walks with them discussing the trees and the birds in the air while holding hands. I want to be available as a babysitter so their parents could get some much needed rest and time for eachother. I want to be supportive and encouraging. I want to have big family get-togethers and not just annually for a family reunion--as often as possible! I want my grandchildren to make homemade cookies with me and get the kitchen really messy as we dance around the room. I want to teach them about the Lord and tell them about all the stories in the Bible and what He has done in my life.

But what I would not want to do is not be available. I don't want to be too busy to not have time for them. I do not want to criticize their parents or ridicule them or manipulate them in their parenting. I do not want to seem meddle-some, interfering were I ought not. They will surely need room to make their own mistakes and learn to become good parents. I also do not want my daughter or son-in-laws to resent coming to visit me because I am a source of discouragement to them. I do not want to look down upon my daughter-in-laws or my sons-in-laws and view them as 'outsiders' or 'intrusions' to our family---but instead I want to embrace them as welcomed, loved and accepted, my new sons and my new daughters--as if they were my own.

Grandparents today would be wise to invest in their children and their grandchildren and not just clock out when their child turns eighteen. They need to grasp the bigger vision--the one of reaching the next generation for the Lord.


"Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them." Deuteronomy 4:9

"Grandchildren are the crown of grandparents, and parents are the glory of their children." Proverbs 17:6

"A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children, but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous." Proverbs 13:22

Here we see some of scripture's teachings to grandparents. We see a command to the Israelites to teach their grandchildren about the Lord so that they would not forget Him. We are taught how to view grandchildren--as a crown. In other words- they are a blessing and should not be looked down upon. Christian grandmothers should only speak well of their grandchildren because they value them as the crowns that scripture declares, and they teach that to the world by how they refer to them. We also see grandparents generously thinking towards the future when it comes to their grandchildren and leaving them behind an inheritance.

If you are a grandparent reading this today I encourage you to use your time as a gift to bless other your families and those around you. You possess much wisdom and experience that needs to be shared and the Lord views your role as valuable to your grandchildren. Teach the younger, in the spirit of Titus 2, so that they can parent better and so your grandchildren will not forget the Lord as we have seen happen in the Bible. And remember-- that when a generation was not taught, they quickly forgot the Lord and worshiped idols instead.

Christian Grandmothers----you are IMPORTANT!

Be sure to take an active role in your grandchildren's lives before it is too late!

Time's a wastin'...!





(The Christian Mother Series, Part 20)

Daughters of Virtue, Strength and Vision

In my earlier post on 'Raising Lords and Virtuous Ladies' I explained why I believed why parents needed to raise the next generation with a different spirit like Caleb:

"But My servant Caleb, because he has had a different spirit and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land which he entered, and his descendants shall take possession of it."

-Numbers 14:24 (emphasis mine)

This stands true for our daughters as well. Daughters have been deceived and lied to today by the world. They have been unprotected by their parents. They have been taught that true beauty and self worth comes from cheap outward adornment, how much they weigh, and whether or not they have a boyfriend. These daughters are taught that rebellion and haughtiness is the norm in order to be accepted by their peers. They have been taught that sexual prowess determines their popularity and they lack vision much like the actors and singers they idolize on TV . They are confused about their true purpose because their parents did not set it before them-- so instead they seek to be emulate the world. Despairingly, mothers today have abandoned and rejected biblical teaching of womanhood and therefore they are raising daughters like the women of Zion spoke about in the Bible:

"The LORD says, "The women of Zion are haughty, walking along with outstretched necks, flirting with their eyes, tripping along with mincing steps, with ornaments jingling on their ankles." -Isaiah 3:16

There were consequences for that.

What a stark contrast to see virtuous daughters being raised up with a different spirit. These daughters have been raised in homes by God-fearing parents that took the time to sacrificially disciple them. These daughters have been raised for Kingdom purposes and do not waste their time running around aimlessly on the streets.

This new generation of daughters are being raised to fear the Lord. They are taught to be feminine women of nobility, courage, diligence, loyalty and submission. They esteem purity and modesty. They strive to be honorable. They are daughters who have vision and remarkable influence as they help to advance the kingdom of God. These daughters have given their hearts to their parents and desire to help and bless them and their families. They possess meek and quiet spirits as they firmly defend and teach the Word to all who are willing to listen. They know their true purpose because they are serving the Lord wholeheartedly. They embrace how they were designed to be help-meets and seek to be industrious to help their fathers and future husbands. Many are highly educated and well-equipped to teach the next generation about the Lord and prepare for Him an army of warriors.

Godly daughter's follow in the spirit of Proverbs 31, Titus 2 and Psalm 144:12--

"That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace."

Cornerstones and pillars, which is another word often used in this verse, help to support a buildings structure--much in the same way daughters become just as invaluable to a home as they grow and help it to run successfully. Godly daughter's embrace their father's vision and take it up as their own. Virtuous daughters brought up to be godly women are valuable and priceless in the eye's of the Lord. (Prov 31:10) And they impact society and culture with a powerful rippling effect.

So, dear Christian Mothers, know that that little daughter sitting next to you is cherished in the Lord's eyes. The babes she will raise will be the next generation which will serve Him. She will be standing shoulder-to-shoulder with her husband taking dominion and quite possibly be at the helm with him, leading the future church, mentoring men and women alike as they take their place in reforming culture. She will be making strong the fabric of society by taking her place in the home and in her family- making it an example for others to learn from and to bring God glory. Be careful to guide her and protect her. Be careful to teach her all that you know and much, much more. Love her with the love that comes from the Heavenly Father and be found trustworthy of discipling her well.





(The Christian Mother Series, Part 19)

Raising Noble Lords and Virtuous Ladies

Young people today face a battle like we have never had to face before--sin is more rampant, plaguing our streets and schools in such a way that it would make grandmother gasp in aghast if she only knew the true realities of the wickedness that tempt them today.

That is why I believe as parents we need to raise a generation with a different spirit like Caleb:

"But My servant Caleb, because he has had a different spirit and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land which he entered, and his descendants shall take possession of it."

-Numbers 14:24 (emphasis mine)

Sadly, the culture of today is largely a generation of pride, rebellion and disrespect. They do not possess a different spirit. They do not follow the Lord wholeheartedly. In fact, many do not know the Lord and many who do reject Him for worldly knowledge and peer acceptance.

But Christian mothers, we are to raise our children with a different spirit-- and they should look and sound different from the world.

"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers." Psalm 1:1

In both verses we see that there is a blessing for the one who walks with and follows the Lord. The opposite stands true for those who don't. That is why as mother's we must raise up sons and daughters in such a way that prepares them to be servants to the Lord.

Sons should be brought up to be noble, courageous, brave, teaching the Word, busy, hard-working responsible and not idle. They should be taught to take dominion, and they should be educated well with wisdom and knowledge so they can take their places at the forefront on the battlefield for the Lord. Mothers must be careful not to feminize their boys or indulge them in much entertainment-- such as video games for example. These indulgences appeal to their sin nature that cries for comfort and pleasure. Clearly it is not a sin used occasionally , but what I am referring to is the indulgence of such things. There are grown men who are living in perpetual adolescence playing video games for long hours each day, refusing to seek jobs. They instead choose live off of their aging parents at home or making their wives support them and their children. This should not be so. These sons are a shameful disgrace.

I have also seen sons with a different spirit--sons who love the Word and spend hours devoted to its reading. I have seen them speak as men and act like men taking on the responsibilities of manhood at a young age. They use their time wisely, working, mentoring and serving others, doing ministry, acquiring and financing their own education, they buy or build homes in advance and even save enough for a nice nest egg--all this while they are contributing financially to their father's home. They are hard workers---they love the Lord--they are about the business of men. They want to bring glory to God with their lives. They help their fathers and carry on his vision, many times partnering with him in the family business and ministry as they help to reform culture around them by courageously and boldly teaching God's Word. We have known sons who have planted churches with their fathers and helped them grow and flourish. It has encouraged my heart and given me hope--such as when I had heard a noble son of only 13 years say:

"I do not want to just be a soldier in the God's army.
I want to be a general."

--Noah Botkin

If that is not vision--what is? We must raise men to have vision and to share it. These are the Christian leaders of tomorrow and we must equip them. Time is of the essence and we must use it wisely. We must also raise them to be the spiritual leaders of their families. In our home, our small sons are invited to preach and teach and share the Bible at a young age. This is important because it teaches them to feel comfortable in that role because they will be expected to lead their families in Bible studies one day. I think many men feel inept, fumbling as they teach their families today because they never saw it modeled as they grew up having a chance to practice it. This helps to alleviate any awkwardness and becomes a second nature--- much like breathing. This will help boys and men to preach to nations one day if God so allows.

A note to mothers here: this also requires sons to spend much time with dad when he is available. He is the one who will teach them about being a man--something a woman cannot do like a man. A father understands how a son thinks and will teach them how to be a man. I have seen my husband instruct and interact with our boys on things I would have never thought of because I view things from a different womanly perspective. I am grateful for his wise insight and am careful not to interfere as he teaches them.

And as for our precious daughters--I will address that in my next post. But my prayer today is that we would be found as faithful and courageous mothers who are not afraid to raise sons and daughters that possess a different spirit and be a refreshing aroma to the Lord. (2 Cor 2:15)



(The Christian Mother Series, Part 18)

Training In Righteousness

What would a Christian Mothers Series be without practical teaching on training children?

"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." Ephesians 6:4

"Correct your son, and he shall give you rest; yes, he shall give delight to your soul." Proverbs 29:17. Notice that this is the opposite of the lament "My kids are driving me crazy!"

It is imperative that we correct, train, teach, exhort and discipline or children as needed. It is commanded in scripture. It is not optional. It is not on a 'feel like doing it' basis. We have something to look forward to--the promise that if we are to correct our children they will bring us rest.We cannot neglect this all important duty:

"Train a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not turn away from it." Proverbs 22:6

Consistency is the key. We cannot grow lazy. We cannot overlook sin when we notice it and excuse it or ignore it. It must be addressed. We must get off the couch, stop what we are doing, get off the internet, etc. If not, there will be consequences. It will be harder the second time around.

It takes alot of work to train children, so it is important to start young. Often times you will think that you are getting nowhere and that it is all in vain, but remember that is a lie and not to give up. Stay focused. Know that your children are going to sin today and be mentally prepared for it. How will you respond? They are sinners in need of a savior--just like you. If we are still struggling with sin in our lives then they will too.

Not all children are the same and do not need the same kind of punishment. Some will be crushed by just a simple rebuke from you. Others will need firmer discipline.Be prayerful about what would need to be done. Be sure not just to REACT to the situation and use thought to handle it. A hot-tempered mama is not what you want to model. The fruit of the spirit is what you want to exemplify.

There is much I have shared on my blog already about parenting. Here are a few links to learn from...

Do you have a child centered home or God centered home? Find out here:

What Kind of Home Do You Have?

Children out of control and ruling the roost? Click here:

The Child-Centered Home

Want to know what you might be doing wrong? Read this:

Provoking Children to Anger

Have small children? Click here:

Moms With Small Blessings

Do you have your children's hearts? Find out:

Who Has Their Heart?

How To Chase After A Child's Heart

How to help our children and not tempt them:

Cleaning House

Good and Bad Appetites

(The Christian Mother Series, Part 17)

The Titus 2 Mandate

"Where are all the Titus 2 women?" was the cry of one young mother, distressed and caring for her young infant.

Yes, Titus 2 women, where are you? Young mothers everywhere are looking for you needing your help, advice and wisdom. God commands the older to teach the younger but those who have answered the call is only a small group. What keeps older women from teaching the younger? Comfort? Lack of confidence? Career? Unteachable 'students'?

Thankfully today we can find many resources at our fingertips. We can learn from women today and from the past through the Bible, books, blogs, internet and the like, as we never have been able to before. But truly, nothing is like the real thing. If you are lucky, you have had your share of those in your lifetime. But if not, don't despair, begin praying today for God to bring a mentor into your life. Everytime I have prayed that prayer He was very faithful to answer.

But before He answered those prayers He allowed a waiting process. This was definitely a good thing for me because instead of relying on a person to meet my needs as a young Christian mom, I allowed Him to. I turned to Him more and clung to Him even tighter, which without a doubt I knew that is what He wanted all along. I have also learned with time, that even Titus 2 ladies are not perfect and might 'fail' you...but not God.

"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear or be in dread of them: for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; he will not fail you or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

So, younger ladies, I want to let you know that we do not need a Titus 2 woman more than we need God. He is our everything, He is our Rock and our strength. Everything we need is found in Him and Him alone. He was here at the beginning of the earth and will be here until the end. We need to rely more on His Word than relying on books, blogs or other woman.


Sweet older woman, please know that you are invaluable to teaching younger Christian woman who desperately need role models and a loving helping hand. Please be prayerful about who you could choose to spend time with and bless. So many times its the small things that speak volumes and can lift a weary spirit. I know that many older woman today now want to use their time for themselves as their own children grow up and move away, but it is imperative that we not forget what God has called us to in Titus 2:3-5.

I also wouldn't be surprised that many divorces could have been prevented if older women were around to help teach the women to love their husbands. There also would probably be more children too as older women faithfully teach the younger that women that children are a blessing. And we can't forget stronger homes--I believe part of the reason we have are seeing a decay of the moral fabric of society today is due to the weakening of the American family. Weak homes will always equate a weak nation.

"The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed."

Our prayer should be that all women would be found faithful, viewing it as an honor, to step up to the plate and fulfill our God-given duties of teaching the next generation to walk with the Lord.




(The Christian Mother Series, Part 16 )

Shattering The Image of Perfectionism

Mothers everywhere are pressured to have it all.

Perfect homes...

perfect husband...

perfect children..

perfect wardrobe...

perfect life...

But if we take a minute to really examine ourselves and the root of desiring and embracing all this perfectionism we might very well find it's origin stemming and fueled by our age old enemy----pride.

Why do we feel the need to have this type of perfectionism? Is it commanded in the Bible?

Perfectionism can be downright lethal to the Christian family and does not come from God. It imposes impossible standards on husbands and children. It can destroy relationships, it tears down the home, and models wrong priorities. It creates a false image that you feel constantly has to be kept up and steals your focus off pleasing God and instead.... to please man.

Mere man-pleasers. Yes, that is what it is reduced to. Instead of winning the world for Christ, we end up merely worrying about the minute and distracted by the unimportant-- what Sue and Johnny next door think of us--and we force ourselves to become a dishonest and be a misleading model for ourselves and others. We rack ourselves us with debt, strain the relationships with our most beloved ones, and sin against God because we are too focused on being pleasers of man.

What else do we destroy unknowingly (or knowingly) by this sin?

"Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of God."---Galations 1:10

But instead, what pleases God?

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." Psalm 51:17

Pride and perfectionism cannot make their homes in broken spirits and repentful hearts.

Relinquish today magazine perfect homes for joyful homes, and perfect relationships for imperfect relationships filled with love, mercy, and grace, understanding that we are all just sinners. Relinquish that perfect wardrobe to wear the wardrobe of contentment and humility so that our lives will reflect Christ's perfecting love and faithful mercy and that we might bring to the Lord's feet an offering of a humbled heart and life---a broken spirit, having our priorities in order-- and therefore, ultimately pleasing Him.

Thankfully, there are no perfect homes, there are no perfect moms and there are no perfect children!

But there is ONE perfect God!



Ladies, on a personal note, I wanted to share this song with you that makes me weep when I hear it. It is by a worship team from Terra Nova Church and it's just what I talked about above-- a broken and contrite heart. Here is the link:

White As Snow

(Note: be sure to click play)



(The Christian Mother Series, Part 15)

The True Test of Home-Making

...before we can say that we have realized the ideal of a true Christian home, we must prove its spirit. What impression would our home and its like make upon a pure and simple-hearted child?

We may build a palace of marble. We may fill it with the rarest beauties of art. We may adorn it in the most luxurious fashion. We may furnish it in the most costly manner. It may be perfect as a gem in all its appointments, a piece of art in itself. Then our home-life may be as stately as royalty itself. There may be the most perfect order, the loftiest courtesy, the utmost precision of movement. Each member of the family may fulfill his part with unfailing promptitude.

Bring in the child and ask it what it thinks of your home. "It is very beautiful," responds the little one. "It is very grand. It is a palace. Does a king live here?"

You turn away disappointed. You have failed to make such a home as you wished. You have piled up grandeur; you have made a splendid piece of art; you have succeeded in setting up a model which all will admire; but you have not made a home of love, of tenderness, and of praise.

You begin anew. You do not seek this time for grandeur. You build your home with taste and thought. You put into it as many lovely things as you can afford. You set up your household life and fill it with the spirit of prayer, of love, of gentleness, of unselfishness. Again you call the child. She moves up and down, in and out. She sleeps under your roof; she eats at your table; she tastes of your pleasures; she mingles in the life of your household. You ask her what she thinks of your home and she replies, "I think Jesus lives here!"

It is not the grandeur that impresses her now, but the spirit that dwells within; not the stateliness, but the affectionateness, not the courtliness, but the sweetness. She finds love everywhere---love that shows itself in tone, in act, in look, in word and in countless little manifestations of thoughtfulness and unselfish tenderness. It impresses the untaught feeling of the child as a home like that in which the Master would live.

This is the true test of home-making. It matters not how little or how much of grandeur, of luxury, of costly adornment there may be. Money and art can do many things, but they cannot make a home. There may be more of the spirit of a true home in a lowly cottage or in the one room where poverty finds a shelter, than in the stateliest mansion.

--JR Miller, The Family





(The Christian Mother Series, Part 14 )

The Christian Wife

What is a post entitled 'The Christian Wife' doing in a Christian mothering series, you ask? Why, this topic is so important I could not think of not including this into the series and here is why:

Our role as a wife is an important to our role in mothering for several reasons. If we are in rebellion in our roles as wives it taints much of what we teach as a mother. We are constantly engaging in teaching our children by teaching them through our examples. If we are loving, respectful, humble and submissive in the sacred role of wife our children we see those traits characterized in our lives, but if we possess the opposite...manipulative, slanderous, controlling, nagging, rebellious, proud towards our husbands---do we not think our children who are keen observers will not spot our hypocrisy sooner or later?

The interesting thing I have observed in children is they will learn your manner and then become what they have witnessed. Do you question your husbands decisions outloud? They will learn not to trust and question him also. Do you say bad things about dad in front of them? They will too. I have been shocked to hear the smallest child of the age of 5 talking lowly of her father only because she witnessed it day in and day out at the hands of her mother. She was taught dishonor and disrespect from her very infancy. Sadly staying true to the 'you reap what you sow' principle--the seeds of rebellion cannot help but to eventually take root and soon it will take shape against the very mother who initially exemplified poor judgment and character in the first place.

A Christian wife would be very attentive of her example at all times, knowing that not only her children are watching her but also the world. Does this mean she is perfect? No, but she tries her best to bring glory to God by obeying Him. God exhorts us about living a godly life and how doing so others might be saved, trust in the fact that He will also give you the help to do it.

Every minute of the day we are teaching our children volumes about being a wife and mother just as our husbands teach by their example what it is to be a father and leader of the home. If we are always irritated or ridiculing one another we should not be surprised when we hear that our children do not have a desire to marry...they have learned in our homes what they have to look forward to.

If we always always complain about housework and participating in pity parties for ourselves, we should know we are not helping our daughters who are in training to be homemakers, except we are setting them up for failure through our example. If we say we love children but then are always angry at them or yelling at them we are conveying the exact opposite. Mothers, we must always strive to be good examples!

This is where we need to oftentimes do a *heartcheck*. Are we prideful when it comes to our husbands because worldly feminism is still lurking in our hearts? Do we uphold and esteem him as leader of the home--even through his faults--and others know it? Do we look lowly at his opinions while we roll our eyes or sigh? Do we honestly think children are a blessing or do we say that just to look spiritual?

Dear Mothers, I urge you to start today on building on a strong foundation for your marriage and the sake of your children--one that will last, endure the test of strength and one that your children will look upon with admiration and try to emulate in their own marriages one day. Remember in your heart that one of the key ways to begin to change your home and culture around you is by beginning with yourself.




(The Christian Mother Series, Part 13)

Instilling a Godly Heritage

The Duggar family, who have 18 children, has been a source of inspiration to many so I wanted to include these videos of them in The Christian Mother Series to give you all an idea of what all of our children are capable of. Their parents, Michelle and Jim Bob, are doing their best to instill a godly heritage in their children and likewise, we should do the same. The videos are not of highest quality but you can still get the picture:

The Duggar children recite scripture at a church they were visiting:



(You can click on the box in the bottom of the video to enlarge it, and don't forget to turn off my music in the sidebar)

We have seen other children do this and have been blessed and *refreshed* by their ministries. See how small the tiny ones are on the end? Yes, mothers, even the smallest of children can recite long passages of scripture! And I love how they added in the hand signs--I think that is important in keeping it fun for them. Imagine the invested time it took their parents to teach this. Remember--they have 18 children. Most of us only have two or three. If they can do something like this with so many, we should not think we cannot. If they can do this with their limited time due to their bigger family size, what are WE squandering our precious hours away with????? I definitely believe we would be wise to learn from their diligent and steadfast example.

The Duggar girls perform hymns on violin:



Here they minister with siblings:



Young men and women should find ways to serve the Lord with their talents. Too many children today are wasting their precious time in frivolous pursuits---knowing the hottest bands, keeping up with the newest clothes trends, worrying about being like their peers, watching the latest movie....in the end, all these things are meaningless. Instead, they should be about the business of the Lord, growing in Him, learning about Him, serving others, growing their skills and mastering them for the Kingdom.

A godly heritage is priceless and worth the time and sacrifices of all Christian parents, let us be found diligently faithful a in cultivating and providing it.




*For those of you who are new to my blog, you can view more videos of the Duggar family here but clicking Must Watch Webvideos in my sidebar or visit their website here.*

(The Christian Mother Series, Part 12)

The Exquisite Home Culture

What is home culture, you ask?

Home culture is the atmosphere that is purposefully and intentionally cultivated within the four walls of your home. It is the music when you walk in the door, it is the conversation at the dinner table, it is games played by the fireside, it is the singing when your daughters do the dishes or the laughter of small toddlers who find a small green caterpillar. Culture...it exists just as richly and lively inside your home as it does outside your front door.

Dear Mothers, we weave the tapestry of homelife for our loved ones as we create the culture of our home. As we sit down and plan the days and months ahead, we purposefully begin writing what is akin to a novel of soon-to-be memories of our families lives. The music played the background of your homes today will become the soundtrack from their childhood. The art you hang on your walls can leave a deep and lasting impression on a child's mind and soul. Children will forever fondly remember the smells, music, joy and memories of their childhood and always fondly desire to return to it...even when they are old and gray.

But even more importantly than these things are what is experienced in a home. Is there joy, peace and forgiveness? Or is there anger, strife and quarreling? That is what makes a home. Not the fancy furnishings, or the designer tablecloth that the magazines taunt us with---but the LOVE and TIME that is lovingly sacrificed for one another. Mothers, even if all the earth around you is wicked---you alone create and make your home a small haven for your family behind those closed doors, a sacred dwelling where Christ is center. There could be ruin and folly outside your doors, but inside your peaceful sanctuary you, with loving hands, create a calm refuge for those you love.

Christ must always be the center of the home otherwise all other things will be off balance. True peace cannot be attained if the Prince of Peace is absent. At home, make every effort to teach to children patiently His Word, doctrine, and apologetics, teach them about the world around them so they will be a well-trained soldier going into battle totally prepared. Patiently explain to them the gospel as many times as it takes in the hopes of saving their souls and do not abandon or assume this precious responsibility to another.

At the meal table be sure to enjoy lively discussions about scripture, ethics, worldviews, missions, current events, church planting, sermons, ways to minister to others, etc. Home should be the hub of excitement--where great plans and great lives are molded, where hospitality and ministry takes place. We do not need a church program to do ministry--instead we need to view our homes as a focal point for ministry to begin at. Are our homes perfect? Certainly not--a home filled with sinners will contain sin! Mercy, grace and forgiveness are common visitors at our home. A home of imperfect sinners will learn to rely heavily, humbly and wholeheartedly on it's Savior.

Home should be a merry, spirited place of celebration---joke around, wrestle, play games, chase eachother, go out together, travel, play instruments, sing together, relax together. Do not stifle children with a rigid and cold home environment and extinguish the joy from their hearts. Children are like flowers who bask in the sun of love. Too often we ignore our children or put stern expectations on them and do not savor the grandeur and beauty of their childhood. Home should also be a place that when the dark streets temptingly beckons our children's hearts --that they will remember the sweetness and joy of the homelife and hopefully choose that safe shelter instead.

Home culture takes planning...it takes time...it takes thought.

Mothers hold the brush in painting the beauty, fun and memories in children's lives.

"By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches."--Proverbs 24:3-4

Dear Mothers, what a privilege it is to prepare such a place for our families.

Prayerfully begin planning the culture for your home today!







(The Christian Mother Series Part 11)

A Mother's Self Control and Restraint

Does anyone remember seeing TV shows from the 90's of people (children and adults) attacking eachother during counseling sessions with huge overstuffed pillows and big sticks with soft ends all supervised and encouraged by the all- knowing psychiatrist to just' let it all out'???

Well, needless to say this is wrong. On these shows we were taught a fallacious lesson...that displaying lack of self control and restraint was our personal right. Children yelled angrily at parents and spouses physically assaulted eachother under the counselors encouragement for the camera as viewers gasped (or cheered) at the sight.

But the Bible has many teachings for us about self-control.

"Like a city who's walls are broken down is a man who lacks self control." Proverbs 25:28

"...train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God." Titus 2:4-5

"Be self controlled and alert. Your enemy the devils prowls around looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8

It was harmfully detriment to those of us who watched this because now as Christians we have to learn not to give full vent to our anger. We have to 'untrain' ourselves and do the opposite of what we watched and learned over the years of growing up in an era where 'venting our frustrations' was the hip thing. Our view of self control has been so jaded and disillusioned that we have to relearn what it is and need help discerning what self control is and what is not.

So, you see, we mustn't get angry if the baby spills his milk, or if little Suzie hasn't cleaned her room--but instead we must have patience to teach and to train--not yell and throw our own childish tantrum! If we see shortcomings in our children, our hearts should be filled with mercy just as Christ had mercy on us, and see the situation at hand as an opportunity to teach. Many times a child does not know something because we have not taught it beforehand, we just expect them to already know it. I am brokenhearted when I hear mothers chastising their children with vulgar language because they themselves do not recognize the folly of their ways. So often they do not recognize what normal childhood development is and expect so much from their little children and mock them when they do not. I think it would be wise to follow these verses:

"A man's wisdom gives him patience, it is to his glory to overlook an offense." Proverbs 19:11

"But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children." 1 Thessalonians 2:7

"Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matt 19:14

"But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." Matt 18:6

Gentleness, love, and merciful forgiveness is what should rule the Christian mother.

And lastly I encourage you to:

"Train yourselves for the purpose of godliness." 1 Timothy 4:7

So that we might practice self control in our mothering and bring glory to our God.

(The Christian Mother Series, Part 10)

The Work of Satan

In relation to unbelievers he:

1. Blinds their minds (2 Corinthians 4:4)

2. He snatches the Word from their hearts (Luke 8:12)

3. He uses men to oppose God's work. (Revelations 2:13)

In relation to the Christian:

1. He tempts him to lie (Acts 5:3)

2. He accuses and slanders him (Revelation 12:10)

3. He hinders his work (1 Thessalonians 2:18)

4. He employs demons to attempt to defeat him (Ephesians 6:11-12)

5. He tempts us to immorality (1 Corinthians 7:5)

6. He sows tares (weeds) among believers (Matt 13:38-9)

7. He incites persecutions against them. (Revelation 2:10)

I've included this in The Christian Mother Series because we need to understand doctrine. I pulled this straight out of the back of my Bible under the section entitled 'A Synopsis of Bible Doctrine'.

If we understand that Satan is our adversary and see how he relates to us, we can defend ourselves better.

I also included this because as mothers, we need to see how he tries to hinder our work--our sacred marriages, building of our homes and training our children.

We need to be aware that he truly does exist and that there are ways to battle against him. We cannot go about our days without our full armor:

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

Ephesians 6:10-17 (emphasis mine)

Be encouraged in remembering that Christ is interceding for us:

"Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." Romans 8:34





Note: This post is not meant to confuse Satan's work with your sin nature. We need to always take responsibility of our own sinful actions because there is a difference.

(The Christian Mother Series, Part 9)

The Christian Homeschool-The Indispensable Key

Our homeschooling journey began 12 years ago when I had a neighbors daughter who was attending the local elementary school nearby came knocking on my door. "Hi Crystal, come on in." I welcomed her into our tiny little apartment. At the time my only daughter was only 4. Crystal had been coming over frequently and I had been blessed with the chance to share what I was learning in the Bible with her. But today she looked distressed.

"What's wrong?" I asked. Quickly she told me that she did not want to return to school, when asked why she stated the girls in her school had brought a gun. A gun? In elementary school? She did not feel safe. She said the girls did not like her and she was afraid. Tears welled in her eyes. She did NOT want to go back.

Girls with guns? Are you kidding? Remind you this was before all the school shootings like Columbine had taken place and before they began to place machines in schools to check for weapons.

This would be the same school I would be enrolling my only daughter in the following year.....in other words after hearing this---there was NO WAY she would be enrolling.

I had already been teaching her at home since she was two, because I was trying to see if I could really do this 'homeschool' thing that I had been learning about. When I first heard about homeschooling I laughed and quoted the infamous line--"Theres no way I could ever do that!" But after much prayer we felt the Lord leading us to it. Now we have been going steady for 14 years and seven more children later.


I am sharing this story with you because I want you to know how homeschooling has become an indispensable key to our family as we raise our children. What first started out as a safety measure, turned out to be a delightful journey as we soon learned that homeschooling offered many desirable variables such as teaching our children the Word without contradictory teaching, a chance to offer a better education, an opportunity to really get to know our children and for them to bond with their siblings, and platform to shepherd and disciple them with more hours in the day to do so, going at their own pace in subjects whether that be quicker or slower than the average classroom, liberty to teach different subjects, freedom from being enslaved to another's schedule and protecting them from unnecessary negative peer socialization. There's so much more I could add but will save this for another time.

I am sharing this in The Christian Mother Series because I want to share our experience of this wonderful option of giving our children a Christian education. Above all, I think homeschooling provides the priceless advantage of mentoring and discipling your children which is a challenge when your children are gone from you most of the day. Think about it, if you aren't doing this, who is? I think the media have proven time and time again that even teachers and classmates cannot to be entrusted with such a holy responsibility. Pastor Voddie Baucham recently wrote an excellent article making the case for Christian education that is truly a must read entitled Top Five Reasons Why Not To Send Your Children Back to Government Schools to get us all thinking outside the box.


While I am a strong advocate for homeschooling, I would like to add a word of caution. Many times parents look at homeschooling as their savior--thinking it will solve all their problems. Homeschooling is definitely an indispensable key and an invaluable one at that, however, it is only a' bridge' to accomplish the means to an end. See, it is a 'tool' that we use to accomplish the purposes that we want to see fulfilled in our children. We can homeschool and still raise rebellious, God-hating children, I have seen it happen. We can homeschool and give our children a poor education. The difference is in our willingness to train ourselves to apply diligence and wisdom. This is imperative is we desire to be the best mentors and teachers to them.

This post is absolutely NOT about judging those who public school or those who teach in the system, don't assume that for one minute. I am a product of public schooling so I speak from those experiences. This post is about offering an alternative to those who are seeking such. It is about rethinking and educating ourselves about the options that are available. It is about teaching and shepherding our children in whatever Christian environment we find best for them and for our family it happens to be homeschooling.

So, Mothers, let us evaluate the Christian education we are giving our children---whatever means we use-- and pray and ask God for wisdom in the vitally important area so our children will not be lacking. We must share with them our Christian heritage and teach them the Word so that this generation will not forsake Him.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." --James 1:5

(The Christian Mother Series, Part 8)

Christian Instruction in the Home

I cannot emphasis enough the power of Christian instruction in the home. Many Christians do not know where to begin with this, especially if they are first generation, so I am offering this post for them. The purpose of Christian instruction and education is so that our children will learn about God correctly from us, hide the Word in their hearts, become saved as a result (not always but many will), be eventually able to defend the Word and contend for it, make disciples and eventually help to reform culture as a result of what they know.

What does Christian instruction in the home look like?

1. One thing that must be central in the home is the teaching of God's Word. As we teach God's Word to our children, they will learn wisdom, attain true knowledge, and build godly character. There are many ways to do this as there are homes. In our home, we like to teach a Bible verse at breakfast and discuss scripture. At lunch we go over the memory verse making a game out of who can do it quickest and accurately then we discuss current events or biblical worldviews. This is how I prefer to do it, since I am sitting with them already, why not make the most of that time? Plan into their day a time for them to have personal devotions and prayer and realize that you will be instilling life time habits. Buy them Bibles that are suited for their age, buy movies that help to teach and buy audio resources that do the same, their are also CD-roms that can help teach this too. Use these resources so your child will be filled with the knowledge of God.

2. We must be aware of what is considered time-wasters as we bring our children closer in the knowledge to the Lord. Are video games, television shows, internet and iPods stealing away their time? As parents, we need to offer excellent alternatives to the goals we are desiring to accomplish with our children. This will not happen if we do not prayerfully plan out their days. This should be one of our highest goals as parents. So many times, adults will spend the time to mentor someone at church but not take the time to mentor their own children. This should not be! We want our children to be able to understand the Bible, defend it, contend for it and reform culture with what they know. This takes purposeful planning. Plan their days out and don't let hours just go to waste--seek to fill those precious hours with a Biblical education--teaching them sound doctrine and educating them for His glory.


3. As you teach Gods Word you will find your home becoming more peaceful as so are the children you are diligently seeking to train. When we sow seeds of righteousness, keep in mind that the Word of God does not come back void instead it produces a harvest of righteousness. Train your children to obey you or they will not be able to obey God. It is neither a waste of time or in vain. Teach godly character especially since it is sorely needed and absent in the world today. I recommend finding or creating a character course for your children so they will focus on learning godly character. These are two books that I like to use in our home--Christian Character and Christian Manhood-- and here is another great character building resource that I also use.

4. Another thing we do is family devotionals. We gather around with our Bibles on the couches and dad leads us in song, Bible study and questions. This is important to us because we are reminded that we don't have to be at 'church' to worship God--instead that a family altar exists right in the realm of our own home which makes our time with God even more sacred as it reminds us that He exists everywhere and can be worshiped throughout the week. We do this as time allows---allowing it to happen naturally, but not daily. We have fun with it, sometimes acting out scenes, etc., or doing the songs to handsigns. This also teaches them what is important to Dad.

5. A word about teaching your children a biblical worldview--did you know that we are losing our children to the world before they ever step out to go to college? Why is this? Is there glaring hypocrisy in our own lives? Was there too much worldly influence allowed in the home that caused them to go astray? Was there a lack of biblical teaching in the home leaving it up to the church folk and Sunday school classes? It is fully the parents responsibility to teach their children what the Word teaches about everything under the sun! This is a sacred responsibility--do not hand it over to another! If they have a stronger foundation in the 'why' behind their belief in God they will be able to stand firm---if not, they will be plucked right out of the ground as soon as anyone questions or confronts their faith. I believe every Christian home should teach biblical apologetics for this very reason. Over and over again we find examples in Scripture were the Word of God was not taught to the next generation and they quickly forgot and followed wicked ways. God was angry and brought curses and destruction upon them. Teaching God's Word must be seen as imperative and not merely an option. Let us not be a people who drops the torch as we pass it down to the next generation.


6. Teach servanthood. One one of the main mistakes we do as parents is teaching our children that the world revolves around them suggesting they are the center of the universe. We have lost what it means to be a servant--the very thing Christ has called us to be to this world. How do we teach servanthood? We teach by doing---this means volunteering at the food pantry, making bread to take over to an elderly neighbor or expecting mother, raking someones yard or shoveling their driveway. There are teens that have raised huge amounts of money for different causes, made movies or actively helping to change culture through their writings. We have known families who have gone to nursing homes to share the word of God and sing there to serve them. Don't forget the pricelessness of learning to serve in the home--caring for little ones or elderly ones, serving mom and dad through acts of love or cooking. The ideas are as limitless--teaching our children to be servants is vitally important since it prepares them for a lifetime of servanthood to Christ.

7. Our family homeschools and has for 12 years. We have chosen this method for several reasons--one of they key reasons was that we would be able to teach and share our faith with our children without contradicting, oppositional teaching from a public school education. This is just as important to a Christian education as the other points. But since this post is already way too long I will save more on this for a later post.

This is where we need to begin, Christian Mothers.

There is much work to be done.

Our high calling is to raise up disciples for the Lord.

Now let's roll up our sleeves, and get to work!




(The Christian Mother Series, Part 7)

Generation Diva

Georgie loves looking through fashion magazines and can’t pass a mirror without checking to see if she’s put on weight. She’s got 20 kinds of lip gloss and a closet chock full of expensive clothes, shoes, and handbags. In fact, she’s already saving up for enhancement surgery, reports Diana Appleyard of the Daily Mail.

But here’s the catch: Georgie is just 10 years old.

Newsweek calls girls like Georgie “Generation Diva.” They are tween girls who are becoming obsessed with hair, make-up, clothing, and body image at earlier and earlier ages. “Forget having mom trim your bangs, fourth graders are in the market for lush $50 haircuts,” writes Newsweek columnist Jessica Bennett.

Once they hit high school, $150 highlights will be the norm. Meanwhile, Bennett writes, “five year olds have spa days and pedicure parties.” And teens “get laser hair removal, the most common cosmetic procedure of that age group.”

According to market research, if the trends continue, by the time today’s 10-year-old turns 50, she’ll have spent almost $450,000 on hair, makeup, elective surgeries, manicures, and pedicures.

Read the rest here:

Taming Tween Divas

I have included this article in The Christian Mother series as a warning.

We live in a culture that foolishly worships materialism. This must be rejected by Christians .

Christian Mothers definitely cannot afford to NOT possess discernment.

If we teach our children to worship the god of materialism today--how, oh how will they ever learn to worship the true and living God tomorrow?

"She watches over the affairs of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness." Proverbs 31:27

This begins at home---what are you, Mother, teaching your children?

Are they more concerned about their comforts and where their next form of entertainment is coming from or are they about the Lord's work?

Who are their role models?

Who are they imitating/dressing like?

Who do they desire to be?

How do they spend their free time?

What is the music they are listening to? What does it promote?

What do the singers themselves promote? (sex, lust, anger, materialism, etc.)

What we allow today in the name of 'fun' can hinder, influence and mold their lives later in a disastrous way.

Are we Kingdom-minded or Worldly-minded?



Mothers, take a good look around...



And YOU be the judge.







(The Christian Mother Series, Part 6)

Note: Special thanks to Norma Garcia who sent me this article.

Distracted Christian Mothers

In America, comfort and leisure can be a distraction to mothers and fathers raising their children and discipling them for the Lord.

As Christian mothers, we need to be careful to manage our time well and decide whether or not our time is being used wisely. Many 'good' things can steal away our 'best' from those we love the most if we are not shrewd in our evaluation of this precious commodity.

The internet, for example, is a wonderful tool but can be a huge time waster if we are not careful to manage it well. Blogs, Facebook and Twitter can become all time consuming and use up your best energies intended for your husband, children and home by dominating your thinking, time and life.

Likewise-- in the pursuit of comfort-the excess of material possessions can become vainly obsessive. If we are not on our guard much of our lives can become dominated by senseless consumerism. This distracts us from our duties as mothers. The fruitless comparison of ourselves to the Jones' can be a lethal recipe to the Christian home distracting us from Kingdom mission and purpose. In the end, these unprofitable pursuits will not matter for eternity.

"She watches over the affairs of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:27.

Neglect of the home culture and education cannot be an option for the Christian mother. She must be on the lookout for idleness in her life that would steal away her time from her family. Is her husband cared for? Are her children trained and possess a biblical worldview? Is her home tidied and is her walk with the Lord strong? She cannot give to others spiritually what she herself does not possess. Christian mothers greatly need to cling close under the wing of the Lord and rely on Him greatly if she desires to fulfills her mighty purpose of shaping the lives of those around her.

So I ask you...is your home neglected and 'empty' as the home pictured above---with a child roaming trying to 'find' you where you once graced the home with your presence? Are you gone always shopping, on the computer, out with the girls or too busy doing ministry? Christian mothers today would be wise to fully evaluate their lives and their time. Not hurriedly or flippantly ("everyone else is doing it.") or by the world's standard, but instead...HONESTLY.

Worldly vices will continue to tempt us so we must be alert and discerning as we purposefully choose to live differently. Mothers are waking from their slumber realizing they have lost their children. "I don't understand" they cry, "I stayed home to raise them." Staying home is not enough, we must pour ourselves into our children--discipling and shepherding them and not wasting our precious time. As we do this we must reject feeble time-wasting indulgences this side of the world so that we can live their lives purposefully and on mission for God.

Then, united, we can take back our homes,

our children,

our marriages

and our time

and stop sacrificing them to the world...

on the alter of futility.

And instead

rightfully restore our homes,

and offer our children and ourselves

as a living sacrifice

to the Lord.






(The Christian Mother Series Part 5 )

Exhausted Moms

So many things can make a mom exhausted.

It might be caring for small or many children, cleaning a home or trying to keep up with a very busy schedule. No matter what the situation is it is easy to become exhausted, get discouraged and feel burnt out.

What I have learned over the years to avoid this situation is to pace myself. Do I have to strictly abide to my 'to do' list? Certainly not. It is a tool that was made for me and not I for it! Many women schedule more things than they could possibly do into 24 hours and then get down on themselves when they don't cross off every task. (Can I get an amen from all the perfectionists out there?)---Must I to get all the cleaning done in one day? Probably not, it will still be there tomorrow. Do I have to do all the activities on my schedule? If I looked closely I could probably eliminate something, and the world would still function. We can run ourselves into the ground by doing too many things--even if they are good--because they can take away from what is best. If mom is busy running around living out of the van with her children because the children have too many activities or say if she is involved in ten different ministries at church then that does not allow adequate time to be home. Moms need to pace themselves and slow down as our rigid self-imposed schedules can be our demise. It also takes time to teach and train children and if you are always 'busy' you will not have time for it.

Above are some of the things that can control us, but with a little revised management, wise flexibility, not being a slave to 'how we think' things should run, or feeling pressured by others-- we can surely help to turn our day around. Another important help I would like to also suggest is asking your husband for advice in what he thinks would help through your day. He knows you best and can see things about your life that you may not notice. Prayerfully ask him what needs to be changed in your life and then be open minded to what he has to say. You might be surprised at how his answer will help you.

Surely there are medical reasons that can cause exhaustion (thyroid issues, illness, etc), or physical reasons like not getting adequate nutrition, vitamins or exercise. These are all very important and keep to helping a mom have the energy and vitality to give her best each day so be sure to keep your 'temple' in good condition because that can affect your mindset and activity levels.

I cannot emphasis enough the importance of personal Bible time. The Word refreshes our minds mentally and our souls spiritually. I personally like reading in the morning before my day starts because it gives me 'ammunition' for the day ahead. My personal view on this is if I don't read my Bible in the morning I am similar to a man going into battle without any weapons--and trying to fight on the frontlines! I would have set myself up for failure before I even started.

It is also definitely helpful to also plan in some recreational time. Carve out time in your day to read a book, relax, work on some pages in that scrapbook, decorate or garden. The key is that it is fun for you so that you get a chance to unwind in the course of the day and not feeling like you are always rushed or working.

And lastly, I'd like to point out that sometimes half the battle is in our minds. We think negatively and that wears us out. We don't think like Christians and quickly loose the battle before the day even begins. Bitterness and complaining rule us instead of thankfulness and contentedness. The mind is a powerful thing--if we feel defeated, we will become defeated. People can destroy themselves by merely thinking negatively and not looking to the hope that Christ offers. People can actually make themselves sick and die earlier from worries and stress. A Christian mother would be wise to guard against this kind of thinking and learn how to refute negative thinking with the Word of God.

So when you are tired and weary be sure to lean on the Lord for strength and wisdom:

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint."

Isaiah 40:29-31

For thus say the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, who name is holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the hearts of the contrite ones." Isaiah 57:15

I highly recommend you read Mrs. Amy's article In Praise of Slow.


(The Christian Mother Series-Part 4)

Self Government of the Tongue

"A blow with the tongue is an outward thing just like a blow with the hand. A blow with the tongue is just as wicked and irritating and irrational as a blow with the hand; and yet many people let their tongues run loose in the family and strike fore and aft without restraint, and then wonder why there is no government in their homes. Many a man will strike his wife with his tongue, blow after blow, when he would not strike her with his hand. And sometimes wives are tongue-strikers, who do not strike with their hands. This unruly member, the tongue, is the first one in the family to put under control. There is no government where the tongue is ungoverned. The poor government of many families is due to the striking freedom given to the tongues. There must be a new law of home; or the old law reenacted, which allows the Lord to bridle the tongue and guide it by the reigns of His Word, in all such Christian homes."

Read the rest here:

A Calm Voice Governs

This article is a must read! The site itself is a delightfully wonderful, truly a hidden treasure, please take time to browse around it and collect for yourselves precious pearls of wisdom!

Self control needs to rule the Christian mother and learning about the power of the tongue is important because the tongue has the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21). Christian mothers need to be the type of mothers that will breathe life and vision into her children. She needs to encourage and praise all the good that she sees in her child's life while patiently teaching him the Lord's ways.

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Epheshians 4:29

"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." Hebrews 3:13

Lord, help us all to be mothers that are careful and discerning with our tongues. Let us be slow to speak, quick to listen and slow to become angry...

(The Christian Mother Series Part 3 )

If Not You...Then Who?

If you don't sing to your children...who will?

If you don't read to your children..who will?

If you don't teach the Word of God to your children...who will?

If you don't hug your child when they fall...who will?

If you don't teach your daughter the gentler graces of womanhood...who will?

If you don't teach your son's about courageous manhood...who will?

If you don't share the gospel with your children to get saved...who will?


I will tell you who...

The world will sing your children to sleep with lullabyes of narcissism, sensuality and violence.

The world will read to your children and teach them anti-God philosophies and give them a humanistic education.

The world will teach your children that the Word of God does not matter today, is false and is irrelevant and ultimately to be rejected but all other faiths fully embraced.

The world will hug your child when they fall and teach them that homosexuality is okay.

The world will teach your daughters by showing them to dress and act like prostitutes, drink and do drugs, rebel and have unprotected sex.

The world will teach your sons to have dirty mouths, drink and do drugs, rebel and have unprotected sex.

The world will share it's gospel with you---that a man can only be saved if he seeks his own rights and comforts, if he chases after materialism, big toys, vanity, power and success and that you must absolutely sacrifice yourselves and your families to acquire such attainment. Here God does not rule, only shameful man. Deadly sin is not cautiously avoided, instead vehemently encouraged, and therefore broken homes, uncontrolled violence and widespread death reigns.

That is their gospel.



Dear Mothers,


If not you....




then who?











(The Christian Mother Series, Part 2)

True Christian Motherhood

How should a Christian mother view children?

1. As a gift and miracle from God and not as drudgery.

2. She has been entrusted by God to care for them for their time on earth.

3. She delights in them and is thankful for them, even on hard days.

4. She is protective, never bad-mouthing her children to others or slandering them.

5. She understands that they are the next generation entrusted with the Gospel.

6. She knows their souls are precious to God and He knows the number of every hair on their head.

7. She knows she is accountable to God for how she raises them so she faithfully sacrifices her love, her patience and her life for them.


8. She understands that even as they are in a state of infancy now that this precious season is quickly fleeting and in a blink of an eye they will grow up---so she savors the moment.

9. She welcomes the number of children the Lord gives her and treasures each one in her heart because she knows the He has a purpose for each and every single one--- even if the world doesn't see it that way. She rejects the lie that children are a burden.

10. She understands and embraces the future--she knows her job is not done when her children graduate from high school or when they turn eighteen, instead it continues on until she takes her last breath.

11. As she cares for a crying infant or sick child she realizes it is part of God's great plan to mold her into becoming a nurturing mother and into the image of Christ.

12. She acknowledges that she is the best one to take care of them as God has chosen to give them to her. She understands her children in a way that a stranger cannot. She realizes that mothering is her sacred work and is careful not neglect her responsibilities. She is protective over who cares for her children.

13. She recognizes her season with little ones and uses wisdom. She tries to surround herself with like minded women who are going through the same season or have been through it and can encourage and support her.

14. The Christian mother does not rely Oprah, Dr. Phil or the latest trends in parenting magazines for wisdom but instead searches God's Word to help her raise her family because it is the source of all truth.


15. She clearly understands that her and her husband are an undivided team when it comes to parenting their children and respectfully allows him to lead the home. She knows that if she is dominating, controlling or manipulating she would destroy her home so she purposefully learns to trust God on matters of submission.

16. She wisely spends her time in prayer---for herself to be a godly mother, for her husband to be a godly father and for children's salvation and their futures. She knows her time in prayer is never wasted time.

17. The Christian mother seeks to educate her children about the Lord so she wisely invests her days teaching them all she knows about Him and His Word.

18. When her season of raising her children has passed, she looks forward to investing her time and love into her grandchildren as they arrive. She doesn't try to move far away to 'begin living her life' but instead she considers them a blessing and her love for them evident. She considers it an honor to take part in their lives. She is a loyal encourager and faithfully supports her children in raising her grandchildren.

(The Christian Mother Series, Part1)

Learning Before Motherhood

Before we begin The Christian Motherhood Series, I would like to take a moment to address the young daughters, single gals and married women without children who read this blog. I want to warmly welcome you to this series and wanted to let you know that this topic is just as much for you.

In fact, this is an excellent time to begin learning some of the ins and outs of motherhood and marriage--to gain a vision for your 'hopefully-one-day-to-be' family and to learn to view the world in a biblical worldview from a Christian female perspective.

A wise lady could and should use her time to learn how to cook, care for a home, study marriage, learn scripture, care for children as much as she can before she is married. Hopefully she has had a mother or other role model to teach her these things. If not, then there are plenty of resources out there to teach ourselves--even after we are married with children--and praise God for He has once again provided a way for us and will equip us for what He has called us to do. We are always learning and should never feel that we have 'arrived' on any topic.

And if you already are a Christian mother here today, I urge you to teach your daughters at a young age to look forward to marriage and motherhood as God has designed us this way and to teach them what they need to know. Too often I hear of women who were totally incapable of the simplest cares of marriage and homemaking, sadly, because they were not taught. Let's break that cycle and teach this generation what they need to know and properly equip them for life.

So I encourage you all to join us as we begin this journey to feel comfortable here knowing this is being written just as much for you gals in the pre-motherhood stage, as well as for the mom with many children.

Now onto our series...

The Christian Mother Series

I have decided to begin a short series on The Christian Mother for those who are wanting to learn and share more timeless truths and aspects on this crucially significant topic. My goal is to hopefully train and teach woman young and old to be strong Christian mothers in the 21st century, in the face of adversity and to the glory of God.

Shall we begin, ladies?.......

17 Blissful Years

My husband and I just celebrated 17 glorious years of wedded bliss yesterday as we went on a romantic escape to New Buffalo, Michigan and rented a charming cottage on a private lake at a place called Sans Souci. I highly recommend this nature retreat because it was so much more than your average bed and breakfast. We were on a private lake on 50 acres amidst breathtaking nature scenes and wildlife. We also had our own private rowboat to make a memorable journey across the lake. Serenity and relaxation ruled our time there, as we enjoyed the gazebo, trails, hammocks, vineyard (yes, I said vineyard) and a hidden bridge.

The cottage included 600 sq.ft. of living space and a fully stocked kitchen, fireplace and hot tub and had classical music gently playing in the room when we showed up. The owner, Angie, is very personable and warmly welcomed us along with other innskeepers on the property. There is nothing like waking up and having breakfast along a sparkling, shimmering lake while you read your Bible and have total quiet communion with God. This fantastic getaway is one I will never forget and as we drove away we were already planning our next visit!

If you are looking for an enchanting place to go for a special occasion or just looking for a place to really relax and get away from it all this is the place to go! Here is the link so you can see for yourself:

Sans Souci Euro Inn & Cottages

(If you click the Nature Walk Photo Gallery, there are closeup pictures of the property)

This is how you would pronunce San Souci (make sure your sound is on), it is french meaning 'without worry". They also have a private massage services and do weddings and reunions.

After 17 years of being married to my husband Steve, I must say I am one lucky woman to be married to such a godly man who is fiercely faithful and loving father. I am also honored to be the mother to his eight beautiful children who bring me so much joy on a daily basis. Thank you, Steve, for a memorable anniversary and 17 wonderfully fun years---I am looking forward to many, many more! And thank you, Lord, for bringing such an amazing man into my life...

Quiet and Still

I'd like to ask a question...




Is your heart quiet and still before the Lord today?

Fatherhood Quotes

Father's Day will be here in a blink of an eye and around the Fuentes household we are busily preparing to have everyone over. I thought I would share some quotes:

None of the things I remember about my father had anything at all to do with his lifestyle of whom he knew or the places he had been or the style of the clothes he wore. I just knew that he was always there. -Cal Thomas

A father carries pictures where his money used to be. -Author Unknown

There is no more vital calling or vocation for men than fathering. -John Throop

Blessed indeed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him Father! -Lydia M. Child

Children's children are the crown of old men and the glory of children are their fathers. -Proverbs 17:6

My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person--he believed in me. -Jim Valvano

One night a father overheard his son pray, "Dear God, make me the kind of man my daddy is."---Later that night, the father prayed, "Dear God, make me the kind of man my son wants me to be. -Anonymous

F...You are my friend.
A...You are my ally.
T...You are my teacher.
H...You are my hero.
E...You are my example.
R...You are my rock.

-K. Williams

Here is how we have celebrated Father's Day in the past and a tribute I had written to my own father.

Feel free to print this out and stick this into your Father's Day card!

Have a Happy Father's Day and don't forget to honor the special men in your life!

Gifts--Not Monsters

"Look at her, she is such a monster."

I heard this not too long ago and felt such sadness---this was actually a mother describing her daughter in a very bitter, sarcastic and resentful way. I think that what we describe our children as reflects not the children but what is going on in our own hearts--"for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." (Luke 6:44-5)

If we truly believe that children are a blessing from God we should refrain from using language that demeans them as inferior. The use of 'monster', 'rugrats', and the like might be used affectionately or jokingly but can eventually lead to viewing children in a wrong and sinful light. With our tongues we are to encourage one another and build one another up (I Thessalonians 5:11) and this verse includes our children.

What It Teaches Our Children

How does a child evaluate themselves as they hear mom and dad referring to them with such words? Will they not have a low self esteem? Will they not try to live up to what they have been 'branded' as, even in jest? If they have been created in God's image then they are not what these words define them as. Remember that 'the tongue has the power of life and death' and we need to be wise in how we use that power. Are they truly gifts or burdens as how the world would like us to believe? If God's word is true we need to believe it ourselves and act as such. They will have a hard time believing they are a child of God is somebody if calling them names. And as we think about that--name calling comes from pride-not from humility, we have to remember that it is not Christ-like and could have lasting repercussions on a child.

What It Teaches The World

We are to be teachers of the Word and not of the world. We are to be an example to the unsaved and bring light to the darkness--but how can we do that if we do not have a biblical worldview of children ourselves? Does the world see a difference in how we view children or just go away shrugging their shoulders not touched by Christ's powerful hand in our lives? We are essentially teaching the world and our fellow Christians to hate and disdain children which is the spirit of Satan who is anti-God. We have become teachers of Satan. Instead, we should be teachers of God's Word teaching what is right and not what is opposite to His Word.

So the next time you see a mom with a lot of children I want you to think about how God gave His life for these children to be saved. How they are His gift from up above--some of those children could very well be your brothers and sisters in Christ. Be sure to speak blessings into their mom's life-----encourage her and support her. Let her learn from your example to love her children. This is what she needs---not the witty remark of 'doesn't she know how to stop having all these children." Shame on those who have thought this or stood by quietly without coming to her defense. I am shocked when I hear a statement like this in church, the one place a mother should feel the most welcomed!

Children are a blessing and gift from the Lord, let us all have a biblical worldview when it comes to children and reject the lies that they are anything less. Teach this to your children and your children's children so that there will be a generation that will hold fast to God's Word in this dark, evil world that despises and murders millions of innocent children because His Word has been forgotten.

Sisters and Brothers

Sisters scarcely know the influence they have over their brothers.

A young man once testified that the greatest proof to the truth of Christian religion was his sister's life.



-The Golden Gems of Life, 1884

A Foolish Woman Destroys Her Home By...

1. Complaining and murmuring

2. Being discontent

3. Being disrespectful to her husband (in thought and actions)

4. Being lazy

5. Allowing wordly thoughts to dominate her life and decision making

6. Not submitting to her husband

7. Not obeying God in all areas of her life

8. Trying to dominate her husband (pridefully thinking she knows better than him)

9. Not seeking and listening to godly counsel

10. And most importantly, not putting God first in her life.

Is this you?

These are just a few examples of how quickly we fall into the path of evil.

Lord, please help us to be better wives and to repent of our sinful, wicked ways!

Read more about:

Tearing Down Our Homes

The Foolish Woman

Contentment

The True Home

Homes are not made up of material things. It is not a fine house, rich furniture, a luxurious table, a fine garden, and a superb carriage that make a home.

Vastly superior to this is the true home.

Our ideal homes should be heart homes, in which virtue lives and love flowers bloom and peace offerings are daily brought to its altars. It is made radiant with every social virtue, and beautiful without by those simple adornments with which nature is every-where so prolific.

The children born in such homes will leave them with regret, and come back to them in after life as pilgrims to a holy shrine.

-Smith Ferguson, The Golden Gems of Life, 1884

Large Family Summer Scheduling

School is over and we've already got the garden in. Now we are looking forward to two weeks of relaxing (since dad will have his vacation time) and then we will be on our official summer schedule.

Yes, I said schedule!!!!!

Why am I a firm believer in scheduling during the summer? Because in our home we cannot function without order. Also, I could never imagine allowing all that free summertime going to waste. I believe that God has given us time as a precious gift and that we need to be good stewards of it. Believe me---children around here never get a chance to say "I'm bored!"----in fact, I think they might be afraid to since they know I have a list of jobs/projects awaiting them if they even dared to think such a thought! ;)

Here are some ways by daughters will be spending the summer:

learning to bake whole wheat bread/scones
creating a vlogging series that will minister to others
taking over fixing all meals
learn to make laundry soap
sell on Ebay
Create their own business on Etsy
create school scrapbooks
library volunteering
drama club/karate
various home painting projects
learn to cut hair on their brothers
practice instruments: piano, violin, recorder
Character studies
learn Spanish/typing (for younger one)
get drivers permit
educational games online (to stay fresh!)
preparing for 2 garage sales
create garden/home notebooks

and most importantly: Their Summer Reading Lists

What is a Summer Reading List? It is a list that is handpicked and prayed over by us (the parents) that the child will read to encourage godly growth and character. It does not have to include just books but can also include great articles, blogs, etc. At the top of this is their personal devotional time with the Lord. We have something called Life Journals that we use to journal about what we read in the Bible, so we will be using those. My daughters are avid readers so I make sure that I keep godly/educational/feminine/homemaking books around to inspire. Biographies are great too, especially of legendary evangelists or martyrs of the faith.

This does not include other small projects they will be helping me with--this is just some of the bigger things I definitely want to accomplish with our precious time. My sons have a list as well. In fact, I have a notebook with a list for each child and what we are to accomplish with them by the end of summer--even right down to our little boy twins and their potty-training! And of course, don't forget Mom. My list is very important to me because once I get everything on paper I don't have to carry it all around in my head. It is like unloading luggage when I create a list that allows my mind to be free to think about other things, while not forgetting to do the important things.

Now lastly, I want you to remember that the list/schedule or any list/schedule that you make is not there to control you. You make sure to make it work for you and not vice versa. Make plenty of room for flexibility (it is summer after all!) Be sure to add plenty of fun in too and plan for some great summer memories early in advance---as we all know summer will pass by in a blink of an eye-----so be sure to get done what you set out to accomplish as you celebrate the summer season!

A Mother's Influence

"Mothers, please don't let the world rob you of the incredible joy of a life invested in your children.

They are your mark on the world.

They are your legacy, your testimony, and your contribution to mankind.

Don't let some other woman steal your influence.

Remember, 'The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.'

That saying didn't just show up one day.

That proverb is the result of centuries of observation.

A mother's influence is unmatched."

-Voddie Bauchaum, Family Driven Faith

Of Things Hoped For

The other day as we were gathered around the breakfast table, my lovely daughter Janai pointed out to me that most likely one day our family will be almost twice the size.

Twice the size?

Did she know something I didn't know?

"Yes, Mommy," she stated matter-of-factly all the while smiling,"you see if you have five sons and three daughters right now and we all eventually get married, that means you will be adding on five daughters and three sons for a total of 8 sons and 8 daughters."

I stared at her. I had never thought of it that way.

Five more daughters and three sons.

The mere thought brought tears to my eyes (and even now as I type this).

Could they really be out there somewhere? Could my heart be swelling up with love for 8 complete strangers that I don't even know right now whom of which will grace our family with their presence one day?

Surely, I have always dreamed of being a grandmother but to also have other sons and daughters to love and care for---I had never thought about such an honor in depth like this.

I hope I will remember all the things I'd like to do when my children are older. I would love to have them over all the time--especially once a week for dinner. I would love to help them out with their new homes and buy the little things that newlyweds/parents/grandbabies need...I want to express unconditional love and treat their spouses as if they were my own...I want to watch the grandchildren and have them over often...I'd love to host all the major holidays and the list goes on.

Sometimes around the dinner table, the children and I get to talking about the future once they are married and in their own homes. They share how this sister will visit their older sister and bring cookies and help plant a garden. How younger sister will cook a big dinner and invite all her older hungry brothers to her home. How little brother will go to older sisters home and mow the grass just to help out. I add to their thoughts by painting the picture of huge family get-togethers with all the children and grandchildren at my house with loads of food and what fun it will be!

These are some of my favorite family conversations. These are some of my most cherished dreams. I believe conversation regarding the future, close ties while they are young and fostering their walk with God now helps to lay the groundwork for keeping close relationships when they actually do get married. Whether they live close by or far away...

...these are the things that I hope for.

And for those special 'eight' I have yet to meet, I am praying for you as you wander this earth before the Lord brings you here--that God would keep you safe, far from evil and on the right path.

We love you and can't wait to meet you one day!

The Divine Appointment

The past decade for me seems like a flurry of babies and diapers. What a privilege!---To be entrusted with all these little ones that God had especially chosen to give me still amazes me now especially as I look back and my babies are older (my once infant twins are embarking upon being three years old next weekend and an older daughter turning 17 this year!). Where has the time gone?

But I still remember those nights. Those nights when you felt like you worked hard all day and finally you get to rest and just as you feel like your head just hit the pillow--- there came the cry. At first my fleshly response would be "Oh no, how will I ever get any sleep?" but then I learned that this was not just any nightly call from a hungry baby but instead it was...

A Divine Appointment!

Yes, a divine appointment.

Instead of sitting there wallowing in self-pity at 2 am, I realized that God had planned for me to be up. Yes, it was HIS plan. Now what to do while I was breastfeeding little hungry babies through the night? Something very IMPORTANT---something that I couldn't focus on through the day because I was so busy care for His little ones. Can you guess? It was...

PRAYER!!!

Not just any prayer, mind you. More like 'warrior' praying, if you will! And I want you to do this too. Don't be mad that you are awake, don't resent your husband and most of all don't waste this precious time. You were awoken by divine appointment by God above for this given moment. Don't let it slip by. Pray for that little child of yours you are holding in your arms.

Here is how to pray---why not start praying for that sweet, warm little bundle in your arms by starting at the top of their little heads and working right down their body. Here is an example:

MIND--that God would protect their minds, that they would be one-minded towards God, that they would always be sold out for Him, that God would be first on their minds, etc.

EYES--that they would be kept from evil, that they would have understanding and the eyes of Christ as they learned Scripture and met people, etc.

EARS--that they would hear Gods Word and accept it and hide it in their heart, keep it from evil

MOUTH--that would speak the words of God and share with the lost, keep it from evil

HEART-- to be strong and courageous for God, protected with the breastplate of righteousness

HANDS--that would feed the poor, help the needy, build the church of God

BODY--a healthy body that would follow the Lord all their life and use it for His glory

FEET-- that they would bring peace, that wherever they walked they would bring the gospel and share it, they would run from evil

God will bring things to mind to pray specifically for your child so don't be limited to the above, these are just some ideas to help you begin with and don't forget to pray for their spouses and their futures. Do this with all your children, not just in the middle of the night but ALL THE TIME, even if they are older and if you are already a grandmother. Don't say you don't have time--talk to Him whenever you can! Whether it be driving or washing dishes, know that He wants to hear from you. Through the day I have established my shower time as a special time in the morning to really just spend a good length of time in private talking to Him about the day and my thoughts.What a blessing it is to come into the presence of God and petition Him on behalf of our homes and children. While you pray, don't forget your other children, you husband, your home, yourself, your parents, neighbors, etc.

Next time, I hope you will be looking forward to your quiet and alone 'divine appointment' with a 'listening' God who loves you, your husband and your children so much more than you'll ever know.

Have a great week building up your sacred homes!

Feminine Dress

Beautiful, modest and feminine clothes can be hard to find on the racks today but we do not have to feel we are helplessly at the mercy of distasteful or immodest designers. With a little ingenuity, inspiration and thought we can find ways to dress simply and modestly through the summer.

I remember reading through Jennie Chancey's article dressing feminine through the week many years ago and was absolutely inspired and challenged to work on my wardrobe, to make it beautiful, modest and comfortable. That time has come again for me, as I am shopping again for summer wear as I am sure many of you are doing also--and was delighted to find that this 7 day challenge is once again circulating to bless so many woman today.

Joy, at The Stay at Home Missionary, has done an excellent job in this challenge and I would like to share with you the links of her 7 day journey with dresses so that you would be blessed and challenged as well:

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6 & 7

I love how she included her daughter in the pictures (aren't us mothers always training?) --- also included in the original challenge was to try different hairstyles so as you look through her posts you will also see the beautiful job she did on her daughters hair and some links for ideas for you and your daughters. Great job, Joy, and thank you for using your valuable time to bless and encourage women all around the world. (See more links of participants in the challenge here. )

If you are not used to wearing dresses, I want to encourage you to give it a try. Dresses are very comfortable and easy to work in. It inspires our daughters to be feminine, teaches our sons to appreciate modest and feminine women and our husbands like it when we look beautiful for them. It takes a little thought and planning but once you start wearing more dresses it becomes easier. I, personally, don't wear them 24/7 but I do enjoy wearing them when I do. Many women have said they see a change in how people treat them when they are dressed femininely such as getting doors held opened for them, etc. I have experienced the same--- be sure to teach your daughters that when you act and dress like a lady you will be treated like a lady!

Mrs. Chancey also had written this article which made me think long and hard about feminine dress that I also wanted to share with you. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.

Have a great time shopping for clothes this summer and be sure to pray about what the Lord would have you and your family wear this year. Be thoughtful of your husbands preferences and ultimately remembering that in all the things--whether how we dress, talk or act we are always reflecting Christ to the world!

Accolades!

Have I ever mentioned how great my husband is? He never ceases to amaze me! Not only is he a patient husband, gentle and fun-loving father but now he has an article published in Indiana's homeschool magazine, The Informer, in the May/June 2009 issue--here it is:

(If you click on the images below you will be able to read the article.)

(The below picture of us is an older picture, maybe 5 years ago)

Steve is a wonderful husband and what you might call a 'jack-of-all-trades'. Over the years he has blessed our whole family in several ways--most importantly washing his wife (me) with the Word, spending loving time as a dad mentoring and discipling our 8 children--his invaluable knowledge and skills around the home has saved us loads of money through the years and his ministries have encouraged many. Here are also some of the other things he has done in the past:

*led several Bible studies, including one for families
*headed up a Baptism ministry
*preached regularly for a year and a half at the local prison in Northwest Indiana as a ministry
*men's conferences coordinator and speaker (and homeschool events/conferences)
*a Christian book distributor
*church website designer and technician
*main sound technician for a church
*headed up the church bulletin ministry
*had opportunities to preach at 2 churches
*homeschool graduation speaker (this June)
*created a homeschool organization/community online
*runs a blog for Christian men to encourage them in their walk

at home he:

*has built a deck
*landscapes
*finished part of the basement
*knows how to repair just about anything that breaks (how does he do that????)
*repairs cars, etc.
*leads our family in Bible study and worship
*is very hospitable and enjoys having huge get-togethers
*is currently working on our kitchen remodel
*has a crazy sense of humor that keep us all in stitches

Whew, what a list! Just looking at all that gets me tired and I'm sure I didn't even get it all in this one post--this doesn't even contain all the top secret stuff that I know he wants to do and we will be trying our hand at soon... :)

I just wanted to give honor where honor is due and let you see a glimpse of my husband and the things he has done over the years. I have been very blessed by the Lord and definitely see God's hand working in the life of my husband. I am looking forward to many more years with him and the adventures that will come our way.

I love you, Steve!

Get Behind Me Satan

"Get behind me Satan!" he said, "You do not have in mind the things of God but the things of man." -Mark 8:33b

What kinds of things distract a woman of God?

A bigger home, materialism, covetousness, vanity, discontentment are a few.

We are distracted with many frivolous things of this world all the while bombarded by the media and culture around us to 'have it all'. We are 21st century Eves who crave what we should not.

Buy me, buy me, scream the ads that come in our mailbox---everything from craftily designed television commercials, smooth talking telemarketers, glossy enticing magazines and tempting Craigslist classifieds are demanding we spend our money in the pursuit of their shallow and fleeting happiness.

But to 'have it all' for the woman of God contradicts the definition the world dictates to us. In fact, it is the opposite.

And what things should a woman of God desire? What are the things of God that we need to chase after as the verse above declares?

Wisdom. Knowledge. Love. Humility. Patience. Kindness. Faithfulness. Self-control. Charity. Servanthood. Humility. Joy. Peace. Goodness. Contentment. Forgiveness. Busy at home and sharing Christ with an unsaved world that desperately needs Him is to name a few.

The things of God. Not man..........I am speaking of KINGDOM WORK.

Satan will try to distract us in the same manner he was using Peter to rebuke Jesus as Jesus stated what his purpose on earth was--to die on the cross for mankind, His Kingdom work. Will you allow yourself to be taken off the mission He has called you to?

Many here reading this are feeling off track today, but I exhort you now to get right back on-- to fight the good fight and to finish the race (2 Tim 4:7). Don't become lukewarm in your walk and remember your first love.

The Christian woman must always evaluate her life under the lens of Scripture. Her thoughts, her actions, her desires must always be striving to be in conformity with Gods Word.

What 'things of man' do you need to rid yourself of today?

A Lovely Daughter

Our internet was down all week due to a broken phone line in the neighborhood but we are back online now. My daughter had a recital this past Saturday and I wanted to share it with you:




Do you recognize the song? It is one of the songs on my playlist for this blog: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring by Bach. I was ecstatic when she chose it.

What a blessing older daughters can be.

Janai, we love you!

(Note: Be sure to turn off the music in the sidebar!)

Beautiful Motherhood

Womanhood is a wonderful thing. In womankind we find the mothers of the race. There is no man so great, nor none sun so low, but one he lay helpless, innocent babe in a woman's arms and was dependent upon her love and care for his existence.

It is woman who rocks the cradle of the world and hold the first affections of mankind. She possesses a power beyond that of a king on his throne...

Womanhood stands for all that is pure and clean and noble. She who does not make the world better for having lived in it has failed to be all that a woman should be.

-Mabel Hale, Beautiful Girlhood

To be read more posts on blessed motherhood
that I've written in the past
click here.

Large Family Budgeting-Duggar Style

Mothers all across America are relearning how to be frugal balance their budgets during the economic crisis--why not take a few tips from the Duggar Family:

(be sure to turn off the music in the sidebar!)


Part One



Part 2



Part 3

Where Mother Is

A little girl

when asked where her home was

she replied,

"Where Mother is."

~Keith L. Brooks

Modesty-The Sweetest Charm

"Unaffected modesty is

the sweetest charm of female excellence,

the richest gem in the diadem of her honor."

~Webster's Dictionary
1828

A Time for Work and A Time for Play

Today I am taking the day to spend time with the children. Although a mom can be a home 24 hours a day with her children that doesn't mean she is actively entering their world. So many things can vie for her attention that by the time she actually sits down she can be too exhausted for any merriment. So today, I am purposefully planning a big block of time to spend with each child. This is so important in keeping their hearts. It is also important when shepherding them. We are not just managers of our children, merely keeping them clean and feeding them. We are Nurturers, and these children will become adults one day. Memories of their childhood are imprinted upon them forever and precious childhood will be over in a blink of an eye. Mother, what is that thing you have been longing to do with your children? Don't delay! They will remember the precious time you sacrifice to love them.

So today I will:

1. Read to the twins and frolic with them.

2. Play dinosaurs with my little 4 year old son.

3. Enter the enchanting world of dolls and dollhouses with my 6 year old daughter who loves to squeal and giggle.

4. Engage my older sons in pretend sword fights and 'man-to-mom' talks.

5. Take my second daughter out to a fabric store to look at crafty things and planning projects and plan a tea date (this is her love language)

6. Spend time with the teenager---helping her with some things she has been asking me to do on the computer. And LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN to her, because she has alot on her heart as all teenage girls do and maybe later play a board game together.


They will not stay children forever. One day that small boy they will grow older and walk out that threshold of your home and return a man. You cannot reclaim those days. Do not have any regrets and do what your heart has been nudging you to do with that child.

Choose to ignore your 'to-do' list today.

Time is running out.

Mothers--DON'T delay!

Blog Button

This past week I worked on creating a blog button:



If you have been encouraged here, put this blog button on your sidebar so others can find this blog and be encouraged too. Here is the code:

<a href="http://www.proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="A Wise Woman Builds Her Home" src="http://i597.photobucket.com/albums/tt60/junefuentes/flc037-2.jpg" /></a>

Just copy and paste this code into your side bar. When others click on this it will link directly to this blog. This is also on my sidebar in case you'd like to see how it looks. There is also another widget on my sidebar above this one that shows the updated posts in case you'd like that instead, it is pretty and shows the picture and text of the latest post and updates automatically. If you need any help installing these really simple buttons do feel free to ask!

You can also find this blog on Facebook, click here.

A Quiet Place

"Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."

Jesus told this to his disciples in Mark 6:31. This verse has been jumping out at me for the last few days as I opened my Bible to read. I felt the Holy Spirit nudging me to share this verse of wisdom with you. So here we go:

First notice that Jesus says...

"Come with ME..."

Notice that it doesn't say to go to your girlfriend(s), to go to the television, or go to your favorite blog-----but to go with HIM. HE is who we should start the day out with. He is who we need to seek first, He is inviting us.. He is welcoming us. He wants us to be with Him, we do not have to be alone ever, either in challenging or peaceful times.

"..by yourselves.."

Alone? Ahhhhhh yes, every mother and homemaker needs time alone. If Jesus, the Son of God needed time alone to be with the Father to pray to Him, then how much more do we need it? Precious time alone with God we can refreshen our souls, rejuvenate our minds and revive our spirits more than anything else. Our cups overflow with Him, but dry up without Him.

"..to a quiet place..."

I often used to think that if I retreated to a coffeehouse or somewhere similar that I would feel rested. How wrong. I used to think rest would come "if I could just get out to the library for an hour or two because it is so quiet there.." How wrong again! These places seemed like they were quiet but I often found myself not truly rested upon returning home. Why was that? Clearly it was because I wasn't seeking the true rest for my soul--having only had indulged myself in a sort of 'pseudo-rest'. I wasn't spending time with God or His Word, so even if I did make it out to one of these places as a supposed 'break-time' for me I would not come back truly rejuvenated as I had hoped. Ladies, have you experienced this?

"...and get some rest..."

Real rest. See, true rest comes from the true living waters. God is the One who truly "makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul." Psalm 23:2-3 Christians know where true rest comes from. We do not have to seek after rest in vain and not ever truly finding it. It is free and abundantly available, all we must do is to make the time.

"Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."

Shrines of Materialism

"I am going to suggest that praising God through serving people is the only reason for domestic art...The American home is being pulled in two non-biblical ways. One is to become a mere refueling stop...The other non-biblical direction home environments have taken is to become shrines of materialism."

Mary Pride, The Way Home

Sober-Minded Women

Discontentment and lack of joy.

This is how Satan tries to sneak into each and everyone of our lives.

If we are not wise, we allow him to enter...

by NOT taking every thought captive.

By purposefully not taking every thought captive, we allow him to take us captive and we become hostage to his whims--his destructiveness.

We might not know we are doing it. But little by little, we tear down our homes, our families and our marriages with sins such as...

haughty looks, disapproving glances, critical and sarcastic speech, harsh tones, anger, discontentment, cold-heartedness, and a dominating spirit--this list is obviously not exhaustive.

Let me assure you ladies, that women of God WILL be targeted. There is alot at stake. The first person ever in the Bible to be a targeted by Satan himself was the first woman on earth.....Eve.

We cannot raise godly seed, build nations, and transform culture if we are fixated on ourselves with a Jezebelian-like spirit. Satan will attempt to steal our marriage, children and homes if we allow him (and our flesh) to. He wants us distracted, for little foxes destroy the vineyard ( Song of Soloman 2:15).

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10-11

With that in mind, I urge you to think sober-mindedly. To go about your day in joyful peace knowing the Lord is triumphant, but also with your sword of the spirit intact as you remember that we are waging a daily spiritual battle as long as we are here on earth. As I shared with my children the other day----every moment we are either doing the work of God or the work of the devil, which one will you do?

My prayer is that we will have spines of steel, steadfast determination and the wisdom of God as we recognize and destroy Satan's work at first sight. Are we not the keepers of our homes whom guard it from all evil?

Then it must begin with us first.

"That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." Titus 2:4-5

Duggar Grandchild Announcement

Children are definitely a blessing...but even more so are grandchildren!

Congratulations to our favorite family the Duggar's on the announcement of the pregnancy of their first grandchild! Here they are making the happy announcement:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Read more about Joshua and Anna's Courtship and their desire for children.