Be Alarmed

If you find yourself loving any pleasure more than your prayers, 

any book better than the Bible, 

any house better than the house of the Lord,
any table better than the Lord's table,

any persons better than Christ, 

or any indulgence better than the hope of heaven--

be alarmed.

-Thomas Guthrie

Hat tip to Mrs. Pamela Leding

(this is Miss Jen's mom and we will feature an interview 
with her in the near future!)


**************** 

 

Spring Is Here! Decluttering the Large Family

I am so happy that spring is finally here! The longer days, the birds singing, new life budding their heads in the garden, the fresh air----oh, what is there NOT to love about spring?

I have been getting around to spring cleaning, running around the house like a mad woman with trash bags and asking myself one key question:

"Do I want to take care of this for the next 10 years?" 

Ha! That got things going pretty quickly! Let me just say I threw away bags and bags of things that I no longer had interest in or wanted to take care of. I remember as a young wife I was busy trying to do the opposite-- to collect items for our home and to fill it.... or even being sentimental about certain items that I though I could not part with,--but now I am more than willing to give/throw them away today! Why? Because in order to live a more simpler life that is rich with true living I can't confine myself to caring for a lot of material possessions which actually take away from the real living that I desire to do!

I think having alot of things can imprison a person to some degree. American's have so much, we really need to teach our children the value of having little and getting with much less. I remember hearing of a missionary family that would feed their children on occasion a meal of plain potatoes to teach them how to survive on a simple meal if they ever became missionaries  and eating on leaves instead of plates. They knew if they became missionaries they would have to survive on much less, they did not want to raise discontented consumers but instead desired to raise children that could be content and live on the simple things in life if they would share Jesus with a lost world.

Simpler living can be achieved without the responsibility to the many unneeded items here on earth. We must protect that precious commodity that we can never get back:  TIME! Precious time to do the things we really want to do and share with those we love  because we only live once. Let's not spend it tirelessly taking care of the endless unneeded earthly possessions we own so that we can spend time on the ever important eternal.

*********************

Need help decluttering or some motivation?

Here is my all time favorite book that gets right to the point and had me throwing things out

our home like you would not believe!

The Incalculable Impact of One Woman

Love this!

Ladies, 

know that your work is not in vain,

 and remember the Lord is pleased with your sacrifice to Him

 and He knows all your trials, pain and suffering.

Do not grow weary in serving our Mighty King!

***************


Encouraged here? Then subscribe and never miss a post!

Ken Ham's Special Offer to Cincinnati's Homeschool Convention Attendees

In light of all the controversy that has surrounded Ken Ham the President and founder of Answers in Genesis and The Creation Museum, Dr. Enns and the Cincinnati Homeschool Convention--Mr. Ham is generously giving all paid attendees of the conference a free special offer at The Creation Museum:

Offer valid March 31–April 3, 2011. One free Creation Museum admission per paid registration to the Cincinnati Homeschool Convention (two tickets per paid family registration), and a free MP3 (one per family) of four of Ken Ham’s major talks (must show proof of paid registration).

There will also be special discounts on books and curricula in the museum’s Dragon Hall Bookstore.

-From The Creation Museum blog

********************* 

Answers In Genesis carries excellent Christian products for your library or homeschool 
and I highly recommend them.
My daughter is using their Astronomy course kit and loves it.


Wise Woman Tip: 
All orders over $100 get 1 cent shipping!

Wise Woman Link-Up!

A Wise Woman Builds Her Home is a place to be encouraged in your high and noble calling of role of wife and mother and daughter to the King and we want to encourage each and every single reader out there to build up strong Christian homes to the glory of God.

We would love for you to link up with us---if you have a post you would like to share regarding the topic above or that has to do with  building up your home, homemaking, character, hospitality, femininity, tea, etc. we would love to have you share it with us!

If you participate we ask that you graciously use the image below to let others know that you have linked up here so that they might join in the fun and be encouraged as well:

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

(It's easy--just copy and paste the code in this box!)




Have a blessed day building up strong homes to His glory!

A Great Impression Giveaway!

It's spring and it's time to give your home a fresh new look! I want to introduce you to A Great Impression, it is a Christian company that makes these amazingly beautiful and easy to apply vinyl decals to beautify your home and just perfect for the new season-just take a look at all their loveliness:

They have something special for every room in your house---

from entryway to kitchen to bedrooms, to children and teens--they truly have it all!
This one starts at $22

I love the simple reminder above--so wise and timely for when we get busy...

(Rose monogram with customizable baby name begins at $25)

Isn't this just gorgeous for a  daughter's room?---I love roses, in case you didn't already know that!

(Proverbs 3 begins at $26) 

I am a firm believer of filling your home with scripture and inspiring decor that will encourage those special to us towards the Lord.It is amazing that we have the luxury of easily beautifying our homes and witnessing these days with such ease!

These vinyl decals are not expensive either, many just start at $16! They come in a wide variety of different colors too--not just black. You may click on any of the images to see them up close.

(Family --begins at $25)

I was sent the one pictured below--isn't it beautiful?
I was very pleased with the quality and design!
The steps to install it is easy--you can read them here and even watch a video of how to do it!

And every single decal can also be custom made to your order---so if you need a different size than what you see there--they can make it for you! With a wide variety of colors as well! You can even create your very own special personalized decal.

This is one of my favorites!
It is perfect to display with a lovely arrangement of pictures of the family--
now just starting at $22!

This generous company also sends out a decal once a week to bless a missionary family free of charge as a ministry, they just ask that if you would like to choose a family or have one you would like to bless for you pay the shipping and handling. Isn't that great?

The Giveaway

A Great Impression is giving away a $25 gift certificate away to one of my special readers! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment and your email if you do not have a blog.

Extra Entries:

• Share this giveaway on your blog, Facebook, or Twitter (2 entries each, leave 2 comments)
• Join A Great Impression on Facebook,  subscribe to their email updates or follow their blog. (2 entries, leave 2 comments)
• Visit A Great Impression and tell me what you love. (3 entries, leave 3 comments)
• Buy something lovely from A Great Impression. (BONUS: 10 entries, leave 10 comments)

Hope you win!

Many thanks to A Great Impression!

********************

Interested in doing a giveaway on A Wise Woman Builds Her Home?

We are linked at Far Above Rubies.

It's A Blessing Giveaway Winner!

The winner of the It's a Blessing Giveaway is:

Jenn4Him of Busy At Home

Congratulations!

And a big thank you to all those who entered! If you did not get a chance to win this one, I have a few special giveaways coming up that you definitely WON'T want to miss--

So stay tuned!

*****************

Would you like to advertise on A Wise Woman Builds Her Home? 

  Only here will you get three blogs for the price of one! 

Contact me at wisewomanads@gmail.com
  or click here for rates.

What Will Last: Raising Nations for Him

Hear a testimony and be encouraged from a former medical physician who gave it all up to come home and be a mother (of eight) to her children. She also shares her experience and advice about how money and material possessions won't last but raising nations for the Lord will.

************

Mothering Through Trials, Heartache and Diversity

God walks with mothers through heartache....

"The Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your soul in drought,

And strengthen your bones;

You shall be like a watered garden,

And like a spring of water,

 whose waters do not fail.

 Isaiah 58:11

The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart

And saves such as have a contrite spirit.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous,

But the Lord delivers him out of them all.

Psalm 34:18-1

God walks with mothers through adversity...

And He said to me,
"My grace is sufficient for you,
for my strength is made perfect in weakness.
Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities,
that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 12:9

God comforts mothers as they learn to handle spiritual trials...

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you,
as though some strange thing happened to you;
but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings,
that when His glory is revealed,
you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
1 Peter 4:12-13

Found these in a little devotional book for mothers this morning--I pray that sharing it with you brings you
 HOPE AND COURAGE
 if you are going through hard times.



**************

Japan Update!

I am happy to announce that my grandmother and aunt are doing fine! My mother was in touch with them and their home is still standing but there is alot of debris all around it. Thank you so much for your prayers, inquiries and support! They have been comforting and meant so much at such a very troubling time. Here is an image of a boat washed ashore in their town:

(click on image to enlarge)

As many of you know, Japan has suffered three major disasters--an devastating earthquake and tsunami and now a looming nuclear threat. Please continue to pray for them. We have asked my mother to come and join us in the states to live until the threat has passed--she is still considering whether or not she will. 

 

Please pray for the Japanese people, to overcome all of this and seek the Lord as their Savior. Right now they are suffering also with a dwindling amount of food, water, medical supplies, etc.  If you are able to donate to help them here are some places you may do that at:

Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

Samaritan's Purse

American Red Cross

Thanks so much!

And for those who have contacted me to let me know you have friends and family there

I am still praying for them.

***************

The Domestic Artist: Loveliness with Paper and Yarn...

Spring is around the corner and our lovely contributor,  Miss Jen of Blessed Femina is sharing a wonderful craft idea that will brighten up your home for the new season:

Alluring rain drops have been falling continually where

we are and I am enjoying these last days

with beautiful music, rich Bible verses and

busy hands.....

I am happily taking up

my crochet hook again...

remembering its many sweet benefits and delights.

A fresh new ball of crisp, silky blue

yarn... put to good use...

Paper Bouquets abound...

Here is a Short Tutorial for the

~Lovely Delights~

~What You Will Need~

-Sharp Scissors

-Beautiful Colored Tissue Paper

-Green Stem Wire or Green Pipe Cleaner

-Green Flower Tape or Satin Ribbon

Cut a few pieces (about 4-6) of tissue paper (crepe paper)

about 8 x 10 inches (the exact size doesn't matter).

Put the paper in a pile and fold it like an accordion.

Cut the edges straight or to add a special touch

scallop the edges prettily. ;)

Tie the center of the folded paper with green stem wire,

green pipe cleaner (or twist tie).

Gently pull each piece of paper towards the top center of the flower,

separating each sheet of paper from the others (forming the petals of the flower).

Once you have made your desired amount of flowers (4-6)

simply clump into a bouquet and wrap with green flower tape

and a satin ribbon (if desired)

And...

...you have just made a Lovely Paper Flower

Arrangement indeed!

Enjoy your....

Bouquet!

These lovely paper flower

arrangements are ideal for...
 

Table centerpieces, festive parties,

wedding~rehearsal bouquets, ;)

and gorgeous atop special presents.

Hope all of you are having a Beautiful Week...

~Many Blessings~

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever

you do, do it all for the glory of God"

-I Corinthians 10:31

Are you encouraged here? I personally invite you to subscribe and get the latest posts sent to your inbox or RSS feed! Also, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter and get updates that are not posted here on the blog.

Japan Disaster: Prayers Needed

Dear friends,

Many of you know that I have family out in Japan. I am sure that many of you woke up to the news about the great disaster/earthquake/tsunami that struck there a few hours ago. I was able to contact my mom and she is doing fine but she is unable to contact my grandmother and my aunt and her family. Please pray for them, that they are safe. Above is a picture of Hachinohe where they live-- I was so sad to see this. My grandmother is very old and I hope that she is safe. Likewise, my aunt is very ill and I hope she will get the attention that she needs. So again, as you see this on the news today, please remember our family and keep them in your prayers.





(Click here to view latest video of the damage) 



*************

Wise Woman Link-Up!

A Wise Woman Builds Her Home is a place to be encouraged in your high and noble calling of role of wife and mother and daughter to the King and we want to encourage each and every single reader out there to build up strong Christian homes to the glory of God.

We would love for you to link up with us---if you have a post you would like to share regarding the topic above or that has to do with  building up your home, homemaking, character, hospitality, femininity, tea, etc. we would love to have you share it with us!

If you link up here please use the image below to let others know that you have linked up here so that they might join in the fun and be encouraged as well:

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

(It's easy--just copy and paste the code in this box!)




Have a blessed day building up strong homes to His glory!

Enrich Your Home

"Encourage one another daily." Hebrews 3:13

God has blessed us as women with the ability to be sensitive to the needs around us. We sense when those in our family are in low spirits or need lifting up and encouraging. I believe this is one of the special privileges and responsibilities we have as a wife and mother---to be an...

Encourager--encouraging your husband and family each day.

Your husband is desperate for encouragement. He thrives on it. Encouragement will change his life and even his attitude toward you. Your children need encouragement. It is the rich soil in which they grow to heir full development. We must give it daily, and even more than once a day. It should become a habit that flows from our lips. But more than an encourager, you are also an...

Enricher--making your home richer each day.

This word means, "to make richer." Is you home filled with love and joy of the Lord? Make it richer with more love. Perhaps there is no loving atmosphere in the home. Start filling it up with love. It won't happen unless you do it. You are the enricher, remember? You are the one who makes your home richer with all good things.

As you catch the vision to be the encourager and enricher of your home you can also become an..

*Enabler-enabling your children to reach their full destiny.

*Endearer-endearing your family to one another.

*Enhancer-enhancing the atmosphere of love and joy in your home.

*Enlarger-enlarging your heart to the needs of your family--and maybe an orphan or two.

*Enlightener-giving understanding and enlightment of the ways of God to your children.

*Enlivener-making your home alive with the presence of God.

*Enobler-training your children to be honorable and noble in all things.

*Enthraller-enthralling your children with new ideas, creativity and the wonders of God creation.

*Enthuser-enthusing your children to be ardent for God.

*Entertainer--keeping your children happy and productive.

*Enticer-enticing your children into the joy and prayer and reading God's living Word.

*Enveloper-wrapping your children around with protection and love.

*Envisioner-giving vision and hope to each  member of the family.

*Energizer-releasing the spirit of work and creativity in the home.

*Engraver-engraving the names of your children upon your heart in prayer. (Exodus 28:29-30)

*Entreater-entreating your children to keep a straight course in the ways of God.

What an amazing vocation you have in your home!

Prayer:

"Lord, please show me ways that I can make my home richer in love and in the joy of your presence. Amen."

AFFIRMATION:

I am making my home richer each day, not with material goods, but with lasting qualities.

by Nancy Campbell,
100 Days of Blessing: Devotions for Wives and Mothers

**********************


Encouraged by what you read here? Subscribe and save time by getting posts sent your email for free or follow us on Facebook or Twitter and never miss a post!

Getting The House In Order for Spring

Spring is around the corner and in a blink of an eye it will all be here too quickly!

We are writing out the lists,
  examining the home repairs,
pulling out the paint,
tackling overdue projects,
sewing for future events,
looking through gardening catalogs
 and packing away some of the winter items.

Most importantly we are dreaming about warmer weather!

I don't like waiting for spring to do alot of the indoor projects because I would rather be outside enjoying the weather then and find it much harder to commit to doing things inside when I would rather be basking in the sun somewhere working in the yard.

We are thinking far ahead--what do we want this spring/summer to look like?

Who do we want over? How can we reconnect with old friends? It is nice to have online friends, but don't forget to cultivate the ever important real life relationships too. Look at opening your home as a ministry and even think about people you wouldn't normally invite over.

Don't worry about your home looking perfect. Mine never does. I have a home with eight children---I think that says it all! There are imperfections everywhere, but we do not invite people over to impress them, I used to think that everything had to be perfect--that just comes from pride. Most people just appreciate the act of love that you opened up your home and overlook those sorts of things. Don't get me wrong, I like a clean, orderly home because I think that is right, but really just want to be realistic about the whole thing.

I am praying about how God might use our home this year. I am not sure what He has in mind, but I am preparing and want to be ready.

How about you?

How are you preparing your home for spring?



********************


This post is linked at Raising Homemakers , Far Above Rubies and
Women Living Well

Royal Announcements and Giveaway Winner!

The winner of the lovely Lilla Rose giveaway is...

Layce --tiaanvanv@

Congratulations!

And for those of you who didn't win there is a sale going on right now through midnight of March 6 of free shipping on orders over $20-so if you didn't win this is an excellent time to shop there!

I have several more exciting giveaways coming up next week---you are going to LOVE them! Also posts on Raising Sons since you asked for more of them (I didn't forget!).

Did you know that the Noble Womanhood site has just relaunched?  You simply must visit, it was just beautifully redesigned AND I have also just become a contributor there! So be sure to visit Mrs. Jen McBride, her blog is very encouraging and she is having a lovely giveaway right now to celebrate her relaunch that you won't want to miss:

 I am also excited to share that we will also start a Wise Woman Link Up here for all my readers, they are a GREAT way to get exposure for your blog and learn valuable information..so get your posts ready--more details coming soon!

And finally, I am also now accepting clients for Wise Woman Consulting for Spring (you have kept me quite busy!) Tax return time is a great time to invest a little money investing in the future, especially if you can make money on your blog all year round and I would love to teach you how!

Please click here to learn more.

You may contact me privately at wisewomanconsulting@gmail.com.

Have a blessed day building up your sacred homes!

**********************


Love the artwork above? Click on the image to find beautiful art to adorn your home.

When Life is Hurried

The sun is down and the moon is up, little teeth are brushed and jammies are on. Bible story is read, prayers are said, and off they go, shuffling down the hall.

Do one thing, then the next, and the next, then off to bed.

Kiss on the forehead and turn out the light.

 

I find myself hurrying through our routine. It's my time to get evening chores done, and the sink needs scrubbing, coffee pot needs setting, email needs checking.

But there's a quiet voice from a sleepy boy who is standing in the doorway: "Mommy, can I sleep with you?" he whispers.

"Not tonight, honey," I reply. I look into his eyes; they are turned down, he feels rejected. It pierces me.

"Come here and let me hold you for awhile," I say.

He crawls up into my arms.

I rock him, sing softly to him... remembering what it was like to hold him when he was so much smaller, just a baby, with wrinkled skin and rosy cheeks and clear eyes. He's not a baby anymore, he's six, but he's still my baby and always will be.

As he begins to fall asleep, I nudge him. "Let me carry you to bed and I'll lay with you there for a little while."

We crawl into his bed and I draw up the covers, snuggling in. I kiss his little boy cheeks, rub his head, trace my finger on his nose.

After awhile, when his breathing is steady and slow, I inch to the edge of the bed and gingerly, gently, slip one of my legs out from under the covers. So much to get done…

His little hand clenches my shirt.

"Don't go," he whispers.

And so I stay awhile longer.

***

Time with our loved ones slips by so quickly; Lord, help us to treasure, savor, embrace every moment.

Will you make a special effort to be fully present and linger with those dear to you today?

Jaime is a daughter of the King, minister's wife, and homeschooling mother. She writes about biblical womanhood, homemaking, and whole foods at Like a Bubbling Brook. 
Be sure to pop by and say hello!

A big thank you to Jaime for guest posting here today--she is also one of the new contributors to our sister site, The Homeschool Corner and has a new post there today as well that you won't want to miss, so make sure you stop by there too!

********************

This post is linked at Raising Homemakers, Far Above Rubies and Women Living Well.

It's All Relevant

I am happy to announce the Christian blogging conference for women--
The Relevant Conference!

(in case you haven't already heard!)

Hosted by this sweet gal

(Sarah Mae, Like a Warm Cup of Coffee)

Many of you might remember when I posted about it last year when I told you that I was asked to speak but could not attend due to traveling plans our family had.

So instead of speaking, I was blessed to be able to help welcome the conference through video! My daughters helped me to shoot it and send it over to Sarah Mae just on time. Yes, it was fun being at two places at once!

And this year I have been asked to be a keynote speaker! So I hope you can join us--I would love to meet you and there is a wonderful line up of speakers that I am sure will encourage you.

The Relevant '11 Speakers:

Here's a quick video on why you should attend:

(view video from attendees last year)

This is a wonderful time for women to connect, get encouraged and learn about blogging (whether you are a new or seasoned blogger)--I  hope to see you there and get a chance to meet every single one of you!

Tickets just went on sale at midnight yesterday

space is limited and early bird specials were SOLD OUT

so get them while you can! 



**********************