Some Frequent Concerns

*Note: I received a comment from Mrs. Milton for the post “True Power for Women”. Because many of the concerns she brought up are ones that frequently come up in relation to family integration and/or daughters at home I wanted to post her comment and my answer. I tried to ensure that I answered her concerns with the respect due an older woman (1 Timothy 5:1-2) and the love due a fellow sister in Christ.
I have taken it apart and answered it point by point. (The original comment is in black, mine in purple)

Enjoyed the post for it's call for women to remain firm in the roles set forth by the Lord, but I do have to take issue with a couple of things. One is that the family is the foundation of society. It is God who raises up and maintains societies for His purposes. We are to be obedient to His Word to bring glory to Him but God has determined the direction society will take to fulfill prophecies.

To the best of my knowledge God, in scripture, never establishes Himself as the ‘foundation’ of society as He does the church (1 Cor. 3:10-11). He establishes rulers (Rom. 13:1-4) and calls leaders to account (Ps. 2:10-12) but He never claims to be society’s foundation. By the same token I am not aware of any passage of scripture where God explicitly calls the family the ‘foundation of society’. This is rather an extra-biblical assumption based on history and logical deduction. For example, as American’s we look back over our relatively short history and see that at the beginning of our foundation we had strong families, a strong church and a strong government (not in the sense of a powerful government, but one where politicians at least were willing to take responsibility). We were a culture that understood that freedom is derived from God, that understood that the government was accountable to a ‘higher power’; where men and women understood and were dedicated to their roles as fathers/husbands and mothers/wives. We then watch as over history the family was attacked through feminism (which did not start in the 70’s and 80’s); Marxism; public, government funded education (which is by the way an unconstitutional institution) and we see the decline in the church, and the government as the next generation arises under the training of Darwin, Spock, Stanton, and others. As the say, the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. Men such as Hitler and Lenin understood that in order to build that order they sought (whether it be Nazism or Socialism) they had to train the next generation from a young age.
Destroy the family, you destroy the country. -- Vladimir Ilyich Lenin

We must be careful not to assume that just because we maintain a right standing before the Lord that our society will remain untouched.

Neither Miss.Brodock or myself ever made this comment. However, I would remind you of passages such a Deut. 28 and the entire book of Proverbs where God says that He will bless obedience and curse disobedience, notice He does not make salvation a prerequisite for these blessings.

We live in a very important time in history where we have the joy of demonstrating to the world Christ's work in our lives. God's word calls us to live a quiet life of honor toward the Lord which speaks volumes in our society. We must always keep in mind that this life is not about our comfort, rights and privileges; but taking up our cross and following the One who paid our debt. It's not us against them, our fellow sinners. We are just privileged to have been chosen and must be about in all humility urging others to follow the way of the King of Kings and praying that He will open their eyes.

agreed, but I don’t understand your point, it was never said that we should do otherwise.

Yes, the family is very important as it is one of the institutions the Lord has used to demonstrated how authority and submission in the Godhead works, but should not be elevated as the foundation of society. Christ alone has that honor.

Nowhere in scripture has Christ given Himself this ‘honor’. See first point.

We should not be offended nor surprised that our society does not recognize the importance of the Christian woman's role, but excited when we see a glimmer that they do.

Speaking for myself, I am not offended nor surprised that neither society nor the majority of Christians for that matter, do not recognize the importance of woman’s God-given role (Gen 2:18-24, Titus 2:4-5). The purpose of my blog is to encourage young ladies who are going against the grain and seeking to be obedient to this calling.

This nation has never been "Christian" as many in the believing community purport. We are just fortunate that God, in His mercy, has allowed us the freedom to worship Him without physical persecution over the 200+ years. Yes, many came here to have that freedom, but our government has never been truly Christian; moral, yes, but not God fearing.

I don’t recall ever commenting on this blog that our nation was Christian, though I may have made the comment verbally. Perhaps this needs some explaining, this nation has never been Christian in that there was never at one point all citizens born-again believers. Even Israel can’t claim that! However, the people I know who make comments like this or similar are referring to the incredible influence of Christianity on this nation, her laws and her founding people. For instance, even men like Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, who were not saved, made comments such as “I tremble for my country when I think that God is just” and requesting prayers and fasting for God’s intervention on behalf of America. So, it is true that America was never a nation where all people were born again believers, but there was a time when the majority were under the influence of the word of God.
All this to be said, I don’t see the purpose of this comment since there was no mention of America being Christian in this post.

I know this was a lengthy response, but I see many young ladies making some assumptions which go outside of Biblical teaching, and thus am genuinely concerned about the increase in legalism within the Christian community.

In this comment the word, ‘legalism’ is taken way out of context. Having been accused of this often our family has taken some time to research it. The basic definition of legalism is, “adding work based requirements to salvation.” I have never stated that a woman must be a keeper at home or else she won’t be saved. There is nothing legalistic about evaluating woman’s role in light of scripture and in contrast to our society.

Always remember that there is a distinct difference between the specific do's and don'ts of scripture and the preferences which we choose to set up in our personal lives to assist us in remaining holy before the Lord. These are not the same for everyone. It's really OK that the society in which we live does not embrace our choices. We need to make sure that we are not trying to impose our choices on others(this includes other believers as well). Then it becomes sin for us rather than the holiness which we desire. We must stop looking around us and strictly look up, otherwise we compare ourselves to others and elevate parts of our lives to a level where it was never intended to be... we begin to judge in ways we were never instructed to do.

Our lives must be evaluated in light of scripture rather than compared to society, I agree. By the same token it is important to hermeneutically evaluate the cultural shifts in America and it’s effects on us today. We need to know what God says and how I am to live and to also understand that our society has by and large rejected biblical truth. While we are not called to pass self righteous judgments we are called to discern.

Believe it or not, I am simply trying to encourage young ladies to make sure they are living according to the Word of God and not according to personal preference which leads to unrighteous judging of others and a critical spirit as time goes. We become like the ones who we say judge us for the choices we have made personally to serve our Lord in holiness. (Titus 2:3-5, I Corinthians 10:23-33, Romans 14: 1-15:13, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, 11:1)

I believe you :) , but I think you missed the point entirely.

Thinking Biblically on these issues:1. Remember we are not the one who accepts our brothers in Christ, Christ is. (Rom 15:7)

How have we rejected our brothers? I still have fellowship with sisters who work outside the home, girls in college, etc. We still pray together and love each other. How is that a rejection? Where in Miss. Brodock’s post was there any inference to rejecting our Christian family over this issue?
I think you have misjudged us.

2. Remember we are not their Lord, Christ is. (Rom 14:4-9)
3. Remember you will not be their judge, Christ will. (Is 45:23, Romans 14:10)
Agreed.

We are to confront sin and error not the morality of the issues of conscience. We must not take pride in our convictions. We must leave room to grow to see God's Word is sufficient.
not Moses.

What about the verses like Titus 2:4-5 where God says that young women need to learn certain qualities so that the word of God is not blasphemed? That is not an issue of the conscience, that is truth, it is sufficient and it is serious!

I think you misread the post entirely. The post asked “why the inconsistencies? Why am I praised if I am out in the world and condemned if I am at home?” and then answers those very questions, “because our culture has lost sight of something it once treasured, Motherhood in the home. We once understood that a mother’s influence in her children’s lives was invaluable. Right now we’re too busy worrying if she got the right raise, how soon she can return to work after the birth of her baby, if her husband is contributing 50/50 rather than leading in love and on it goes. Our culture is decaying and becoming horrific just looking at the news reports will prove it. Yet another mother has murdered her own child-outside of the womb, a young college woman murders her roommate, children are failing in school, marriages are falling apart, young girls committing suicide and we could go on.
To be very honest, if I had to choose something to point out in this post it would have been this, the example of Moses it a very weak one. His mother nursed him for somewhere around two years and then he was raised in the pagan house of Pharaoh. Moses is, if anything, a good example of God’s divine intervention to prepare a leader for His people despite the child’s surrounding. I would have put someone else up there like maybe Benjamin West, who said, “It was my mother’s kiss that made me a painter” ie her love and support. Or Abe Lincoln or George Washington, or John Quincy Adams, but not Moses.

True Power for Women, from Miss. Brodock

Here is a beautiful post from Miss. Olivia Bodock over at "Heart of a Southerner". Before I let you read it I do have to take a moment and note that we Northeners are 'open minded' (and I say that carefully in light of it's cultural context!). I actually read several southern blogs :)
Okay, now that I've made my point, I hope that you are blessed by Miss. Olivia's
"The True Power for Women".

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

The True Power for Women
If I cook great dishes, make them into literal works of art as I work them up in a commercial kitchen, and serve them to people I've never met, or will ever meet again, I am called a chef, an artist!

But, if I cook those same dishes for the ones I love most and I nourish my family in the realm of my fathers home, it is said that I am wasting my talent.

If I go to school for years, become a CPA, and manage books for other people that I have absolutely no ties with; I'm a career woman, I'm independent, I am a woman of the twenty first century!!!!

But if I, after years of studying, keep my dad's books, I am then wasting MY life, all that training down the drain!

If I take care of a other people's children, I become their nanny, I am then a childcare professional, I am valuable and important!!!

But, if I take care of and nurture children GOD gives me, then I am old-fashion. I am repressed by a sexist society of dominate males! I am told I am WASTING MY LIFE!

If I care for rooms, homes or offices that belongs to strangers; I'm a housekeeper, a cleaning professional.

But, if I remove dust bunnies out of my own home and make it clean and orderly for my family; It is thought that I am a house wife and am wasting my life with coupons and soap operas! (who has time for soap operas???)

What is the difference between the examples above? Why is nanny-hood OK, but motherhood frowned upon? Why is professional respected and domestic criticized? Why is going through a secular college an assumed event in every high school graduate's life, but simply learning at home and continuing education in many mediums highly disregarded?

The answer is clear. Karl Marx saw it plain and simple. Feminism. If we as a culture can get Mom out of the home, make her feel that she has to bring in a paycheck or other wise she is useless, then we can easily destroy the family. When you destroy the family, you will then destroy the local church. If the churches are destroyed what is stopping the destruction of communities and countries?

Everything... EVERYTHING has a foundation. The foundation for society is family. God gave us this order for governing:

Self-Government

Mother & Father

Church Elders

Government Officials ( Police\Judges etc..)

GOD HIMSELF

In the end we end up answering to God. This is the pecking order so-to-speak, plainly laid out before us. If we can destroy this order by neglecting self-government (personal responsibility), remove parental athority, reject church athority, believe ourselves above the civil law, then God help us as we place ourselves in the hand of an angry God. If you think God is not serious about His principles and precepts, I suggest you read what happen to the Israelites.

To sum it up, we as women cannot listen to the ridiculous lies of the Feminist society. Period. Our culture KNOWS the power of a strong, Biblical woman. The problem is, I don't think we as Christian women realize the power we possess!!!

The power we possess is not a corporate power, not a power in the sense that we are as physically strong as men, but it is a deep power that determines the culture of tomorrow. The power Moses' Mom knew she possessed. By raising that baby, she helped lead Israel out of slavery into the PROMISED LAND!! The power of Moms, who for centuries have rocked the cradles of the men WHO CHANGED THE WORLD!!!

The feminist idea of power has taken that true power away from us and we MUST get it back. No one else can do what God has designed us as women to do.

Let our sons in their youth be as grown-up plants, And our daughters as corner pillars fashioned as for a palace;Psalm 144:12

Subdue the Earth?

"And God blessed them and said unto them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it. And have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves on the face of the earth."

~Genesis 1:28

Jasmine posted a wonderful entry on her blog, "The Environment" and along those lines I had a thought to share. I was reading a book on theology recently when I came across this comment, "(during the time of the Noahic covenant). . . The command to subdue the earth (cf. Gen.1:28, 9:1) is no longer present; that was forfeited through sin." The word 'subdue' means: 1) to conquer and bring into subjection. . . 3)to bring under cultivation. Some synonyms for subdue are:
1)tame
2)subjugate
3)discipline

Keep that in mind as we continue.

Another word used along side subdue in Gen. 1:28 is dominion. Dominion means, 1)domain (i.e. a sphere of influence or activity) 2)supreme authority. Synonyms for dominion are:
1)power
2)authority
3)control
4)command

Now then, according to the author of the theology book I was reading we (mankind) no longer are commanded by God to subdue the earth and exercise dominion over it as His representatives. I think he draws this conclusion based on the fact that when God is talking with Noah after the flood, He commands Noah to 'fill the earth' but does not reaffirm the task to subdue or exercise dominion. Does this really mean that we have forfeited the responsibility and priviledge of being representative caretakers of the earth?

I don't think so. Psalm 8:3-8 clarifies this:

"When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,

The moon and the stars, which You have ordained;

What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him?

Yet You have made him a little lower than the angles,

and You crown him with glory and majesty!

You make him to rule over the works of Your hands;

You have put all things under his feet,

All sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field,

The birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea,

Whatever passes through the paths of the seas."

So, why did God not reiterate His command to subdue and have dominion? I think it was because it was understood that is was a command already given to mankind and God had not given any reason for man to think that it was no longer his duty.

This task of taking dominion and subduing is truly an awesome one! Think of all that we have learned in the process of harnessing some of the forces of creation: electricity, nuclear power, medicine, gardens, air conditioning, paper, pens and ink. . . Science is a facinating study of creation and ways that we are and can exercise our dominion for the glory of God and the good of mankind! We cannot be wasteful of this creation if we truly understand that we derive the responsibility/authority to care for creation from God and if we opperate in a true fear of Him.

And yet, I love that in the midst of all we have learned and all we can do, God is still ultimately soveriegn over His creation. Think of the wonder and terror of hurricanes and tsunamis, volcanoes and ice storms and think of the wonder of the One who can calm a storm (Matt. 8:26-27) and cares for His children (Matt. 6:25-34). Think of the blessing of being redeemed and loved by the God of Creation!

Blogging Awards!

Jasmine Baucham very graciously passed this award on to myself and several other young ladies and I want to take a moment to do the same.

The qualifications for this award:
You give this award to five bloggers who:
1. Inspire you
2. Make you smile and laugh
3. Give amazing information
4. Are a great read
5. Have an amazing design
6. And any other reasons you can think of that makes them uber amazing!


The rules for the distribution of the award are as follows:
1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 5 blogs (can be more) that for you are Uber Amazing! ***if you don't have 5 that's okay.***
3. Let them know that they have received this Uber Amazing award by commenting on their blog.
4. Share the love and link to this post and to the person you received your award from.

There are three blogs that I have found edifying and encouraging and I whole heartedly recommend them to you, my readers!
I nominate:

~The Lady Tai over at Beggarly Bouquet
~Mrs. Anna T. from Domestic Felicity
~Miss. Karla and Miss. Nancy from Maiden Waiting for Her Beloved.

Congratulations ladies!


Hebrews 3:13, “But exhort one another daily, while it is called today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”

Hebrews 10:24, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:”

Okay, so I decided that since I am on vacation I am going to take a small break from Obama and particpate in a 20 day old tag! Haha, so there! And no, I am not overreacting, I am having fun :)

Six Random Things About Me:

1.I have cut my own hair about three, four times in the last year and although I haven't always been satisfied with the result I think the worst mistake was going to get it cut professionally. I asked for bangs (skipped the hair wash in order to save some money). I got bangs all right, rather lopsided, short, impossible to deal with bangs.
I have decided that it was a complete waste of six dollars. oh well.

2. I have a habit of breaking into random songs for no good reason other than fun. I might sing anything from "Bless Yore Beautiful Hide" to "Marching to Zion". "Marching to Zion" is always entertaining since I only know the chorus, which means I repeat it multiple times until even I grow tired of the repition!

3. I have started a somewhere around 12 books in the last 11 years, eight fiction and four non. I hope to finish at least two of them , but we'll see :)

4.I live in a family who enjoys breaking into random tickle fights. It's not too unusual to find all of us running all over the house, up and down the stairs, hiding in bathrooms, and screaming in delight the whole time!

5.I love the song "Ho Ro My Nut Brown Maiden" because as a brunette, it is nice to hear a song that doesn't revolve around a blue eyed blonde! (no offense to any blondes).

6. I love to read, but often times I get so excited about the abundance of material that I start 10 books at once and don't finish them because there are more I start to read!

So there you have it. I tag anyone who wants to participate and if you choose to do so I ask that you leave a note and let me know. I would love to visit your blog get to "meet" you!

Reading while you wait

I am almost done with my research with Obama. Here is an article I would highly recommend you read in the meanwhile.

Wait

*Before you take the action encouraged in the post below (formally, "Constitutional Responsibility", which I just deleted), I need to do some more research. A friend challenged me (for all intents and purposes) to verify this before passing it around. I have looked on several sites and found some contradictory articles and some red herrings, so I need to look into this further, unfortunately, it will take awhile as we are on vacation and will be gone all day today :(
I'll let you all know as soon as I can, thanks for your patience!*

Gotta Love Giveaways!

Another Giveaway!
I am going to cheat and let you read Jasmine's words rather than bother with retyping :)

Another Giveaway...
This one from Miss Jocelyn courtesy of Christa Taylor! Head on over and leave a comment to enter! From Miss Jocelyn:
...You've gone and looked at C-T and now you're wanting to put some of the items on your wish-list... well, how about a chance to get something early with a $25 gift credit from the C-T store?
You can enter a chance to win the $25 GC by leaving a comment, and, if you want to enter again tell your friends and when they come to enter make sure they say who directed them here because if they say YOU did then you get ANOTHER entry! So if you tell 15 friends and they say "Sarah told me" then you get 15 more entries.
Pretty neat, huh? So go on over and enter, and don't forget to read Christa Taylor's interview on A Pondering Heart.

Giveaway

Hello!
There is a fun giveaway over on Jasmine's blog that I thought you all (specifically my female readers) would enjoy!

Family Culture, Part 2

A Sister's Contribution to Family Culture

As I have been thinking about family culture, I have been asking the Lord to show me how I as a sister can contribute to the culture in my home. What I have done is looked up what my father calls the “one another” verse and separated them into basic categories. As with all topics I present before you, this is not an all comprehensive study but rather some fundamentals to help you in your personal study. You will notice as you look up the following references that some are in the context of the church. The reason I believe they are still applicable in the family, or at least the believing family, is this: the church is the body of Christ, or Christians, therefore a believing family is part of the church and under the same obligations. Profound, isn’t it? :)

Peace:
Mark 9:50, “Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”
Romans 14:19, “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.”
Love:
John 13:34-35, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 15:12 & 17, “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 17 These things I command you, that you love one another.”
Romans 13:8, “Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.”

1John 4:7, 11, 12, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.”
1 John 3:11, 23, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.”
Prefer one another:
Romans 12:10, “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
Ephesians 5:21, “submitting to one another in the fear of God”

Colossians 3:13, “forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”

1 Peter 5:5, “likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject to one another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud and giveth race to the humble.”

Same Mind, Unity:
Romans 12:16, “Be of the same mind toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend* to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.”

Romans 15:5, “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like minded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

1 Corinthians 12:25, “That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.”

1 Peter 3:8, “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.”

Edify:

Romans 15:1-2, “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification.”

Romans 14:19, “Let us therefore follow after the things which make of peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.”

Romans 15:14, “And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.”

Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly with all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

Hebrews 3:13, “But exhort one another daily, while it is called today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”

Hebrews 10:24, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:”

#In the above verses, the emphasis is mine#

*i.e. humble yourself.

I Voted!!!

Today was the day that I have spent the last several weeks sitting on pins and needles waiting for. I have had every emotion from anxiety to elation fill my heart and mind as I eagerly awaited the day I could cast my vote for the first time. Last night Daddy and I reviewed the sample ballot and made sure we knew exactly who we would be casting our votes for (my mother is still a Canadian citizen and can’t vote here). Although my experience wasn't as moving and historically deep as Jasmine's it was a huge moment for me. For two generations my family has voted strictly republican, I know that for my Grandmother and my two Aunts this is a truly historical moment as women, through Gov. Palin, take another swing at the glass ceiling, and I can't share in their estcasy, but truly, there is no feeling like a good, clean conscience. One that says I did not cast my vote for a presidential candidate whose VP is guilty of rejecting her God ordained role, one that reminds me that I did not vote for the socialistic "change" promised by the other presidential candidate. Rather, I can say confidently, I voted for a man who believes in the sanctity of marriage, the LIFE of the unborn and the value of protecting that life, a man who wouldn't stand for the UN and their abhorrent policies. I cast my vote for the third party, one I never new existed until this year, but by God's grace, I am able to say that I voted, not out of fear or a determination to "keep Obama out of office" regardless of what compromises it takes to get there, but on principle, on biblical foundations, and tonight, when I go to sleep I will have the joy of knowing that regardless of the outcome, I voted for a biblically qualified, professing Christian.
"Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost." -- John Quincy Adams

Catch Up (Sort of)

Hello,
Sorry it has been so long everybody, and unfortunately, I don't have much for you tonight.
Right now I am trying really hard to keep focused on what needs to be done in the physical world as opposed to the world wide web. Long story short, it'll be awhile.
Until then, I would encourage you to check out the following blog : Sisters with Standards I just finished looking at it and I loved it!
God Bless,
until next time!

Family Culture, Part 1: Home and Family

~Home~
A center of Industry and Joy
Peace and Contentment.
Filled with
Laughter, Love, Forgiveness,
And Grace.

When I find my thoughts dwelling on the home, I marvel at this precious gift from God, all it is and all it represents. Nearly everyone has hear the old adage, “home is where the heart is” and certainly this rings true, there are many houses that are nothing more than a place to lay your head and lack the warmth of love and of vibrant family life. And then there are homes, filled with love, industry, fellowship and life. Often, though not always, these homes are not immaculate. In many you will find signs of young, inquisitive life, whether it be toys, books, or puzzles out of place or original ‘wall art’. I have been blessed with being in a wide range of homes, some are beautifully ‘picture perfect’ (though these homes generally belong to older, Titus 2 women who no longer have young ones about) and are so warm and inviting. I have been in homes that are more like mine, there are definite signs of young children and are just as pleasant and inviting.
What is it that makes homes so precious to us and what is it that makes houses little more than a place to sleep? Ultimately, the family culture; Van Til said that “culture is religion externalized” therefore, simply defined, family culture is the outworking of a family’s beliefs and priorities. It is a manifestation of what a family truly holds dear and believes to be important. This will evidence itself in everything, from the decorum to the atmosphere and all in between.
As a daughter in my father’s home, I love the way my mother has decorated our home, the colors are warm and inviting and there is a scriptural theme woven into many of the rooms in our home. Our kitchen is one of my favorite places; we have a chicken and French country theme, with vanilla crème as our main color, followed by a deep cherry red and then black accents. Mom loves her chickens and we have several in the kitchen. The Biblical theme for this room? Forgiveness and restoration; Christ warned Peter that he would deny Him three times before the cock crowed and after His resurrection He forgiven and restored Peter, exhorting him to “feed My sheep”.
As a daughter who has joined the ranks of “women” I am excited about the day when my husband and I will weave our family culture and begin our own home, and as I think of one day beginning a home, under the blessing of God, within the covenant of marriage, I ask myself, “What are practical ways I can prepare myself for this season while I am still unmarried?”
I believe there are three main ways in which a daughter can prepare to one day, with her husband, beautify the home she will be responsible for managing.
1st, realize that entering marriage doesn’t make your character magically perfect, that is, what you bring into marriage will be woven into your family’s culture and thus, the atmosphere of your home. We could compare family culture to a tapestry; because it is very difficult to remove the threads of poor character, it is best to weave good character from the beginning. Now is the time to cultivate a joyful, submissive heart, to learn to persevere with grace through trials, rather than to throw a spiritual tantrum over circumstances. Now is the time to learn humility, forgiveness, a love for children and a delight in the responsibilities of the home. While we will never be perfect (not in this life anyway!) we can lay the vital foundations. Marriage is an edification tool, so we can’t expect that if we try to ‘learn it all’ now there will be no disagreements or hurt feelings, for such is no the case. However, there is a lot of heartache which can be avoided. Just as we would not think of building a house without proper tools and equipment, so let us purpose to enter marriage having, by God’s grace, done what we can to develop good character.
2nd, when it comes to decorating, have fun reading books, looking through home magazines and beginning to form ideas. What is it that makes home look like home? What do certain colors, themes and texture say about a home? Learn how to be frugal with decorating. How can I achieve a look I like without spending an exorbitant amount of money? Now, I know in our culture it is perceived that men have no interest in the appearance of the home (I say perceived because I am not so sure that is accurate, I know that the men in my home do have preferences) however, I think that a wife needs to beware of monopolizing this task. I hope that my husband will have preferences and that he will desire to have some input when it comes to the appearance of our house and it’s reflection of our family culture. So, again, have fun learning and toying with ideas, but don’t make them so airtight that they are exclusive of your future husband’s wishes, tastes and preferences.
3rd, learn now to delight in making and keeping your home beautiful. Decorate the table nicely, fill vases with flowers, and help keep the home orderly. Learn to enjoy repetition because especially with little ones, you will find your self refolding the same blanket several times, moving cushions back to the couch for the third time that day, washing dishes and resetting the table with little or seemingly no time in between now and the last time you had to do it. If you are impatient and grumpy concerning the number of times you have to do something your attitude will translate into atmosphere of the home.
Enjoy the niceties and finer decorum, but learn also to delight in and see the value of the more mundane, repetitious tasks. Let us also keep in mind that Christ, Who is the Source of true beauty, must be Lord of our homes, or all is in vain.
God has called women to delight and in manage the home. Let us seek to bring godly character and beauty into the family culture and atmosphere.

Hold Tight

It's not normally my policy to post twice in one night (mostly because I do not have the time) however, my father brought home some interesting articles that I wanted to refer you all to.
These articles are very interesting and I highly recommend you read them, even if it means printing them off, which is what I have to do because I get headaches from trying to read long articles on the computer :)
"What Happened?"
"What's Coming?"
"What Can I Do To Prepare?"

A couple thoughts for you:
First, as dearly as I love my country, we have some problems. Two major ones stick out in my mind, 1) we have collectively rejected God and any nation who does so is doomed to failure and destruction 2) we have sold our freedom.
The second problem I mentioned has been traced all over the place to various historic events and people such as FDR, President Bush, the Civil War, and so on. Ultimately, I am not sure where the first great 'compromise' of freedom occured, frankly, as much as I love history, I still have much to learn. (Outside of dates and names most history books don't teach much, so now that I have graduated I am going back and learning what really happened and why, and I am excited for all six of my younger siblings who are going to learn it right the first time!) However, what I do know is this, thanks to militant feminism, teachers unions, socialism-run-amuck-under-cover and our own irresponsibility we have forgotten that freedom means responsibility, it means fighting when we are tired, perseverence, diligence, strong home life, and unwaving faith. We have forgotton that it is the parents responsibility to teach/disciple their own children, not the state's (Deut. 6:4:9, Deut. 6:6-7, Is. 38:19, Ps. 78:3-4, Eph. 6:4, and the book of Proverbs which is written as a by a father instructing his son!). We have forgotten the past and not taught the following generations what America was truly founded upon and what she stands for (Ps. 78:4). I spent years thinking that the reason the pilgrims came to America was because of religious persecution, I had no idea that they had found that freedom in Holland but they went to America so that their children could grow up in the nuture and admonition of the Lord without the destructive influences of worldliness! A far cry from today where we send our children to be educated by the pagans so that they can be "salt"! (Matt. 5:13) But, what happens when our children become indoctrinated by the world and lose their savor? Christianity has abandoned the faith, America has forgotten her heritage and our elected politicians are selling us out! Hello! Wake up call, the answer is not found by giving into despair or throwing in the towel and joining the party of the lost, but in recalling the former things, repenting and returning.
May we truly wake up and may God show us mercy yet a little while longer.

The Precious Fellowship of Christian Sisters

At moments when we least expect it the Lord blesses His people in ways we would never have imagined. I personally experienced this recently when we hosted a family from Pennsylvania two weeks ago. We had met the Phero's, goodness, 4, 5 (?) years ago while we were still living in New Jersey. If I remember correctly it was a year before we moved to the Midwest that we received the news that Mrs. Phero had gone home to be with the Lord. Although it was a time of grieving it was also a time of anticipation. Before her death the late Mrs. Phero had prayed and asked the Lord to send her husband a godly wife and a godly mother for her children and we were anxious to see how the Lord would work all this out. The Lord was faithful and provided Sarah (formally Einwechter) as a fully capable, God fearing wife and mother. My mom flew out to Jersey last fall and had the chance to meet the 'new' Mrs. Phero and she came back with nothing but praise for this woman and, needless to say, I couldn't wait to meet her. By the same token, I didn't expect that the Phero's would head our way and that not only would I have the opportunity to meet Mrs. Phero, but I would also be able to meet two of her sisters, Karen and Abigail.


I had the time of my life getting to know these two wonderful young ladies. With the exception of Tuesday our guests spent everyday out touring various sights of the Midwest. We joined them twice, but we really got to know each other through our night time conversations. We talked about everything from farming, goats, family stories, fireproof, marriage (the 'why' and 'why nots') and everything in between. It was such a blessing!
Karen and Abigail, thanks so much for coming out, your fellowship was such a blessing!
(I was going to 'fiddle' with the car so y'all could stay longer, but I figured your family probably missed you :)

Sorry it has been so long!

Hello Everyone,
Sorry it has been so long. Things have been so busy, I have much to tell you :)
I am currently trying to plug through two updates and get them ready post, so hopefully I'll have those up soon.
Right now I am still stinging from the smack of the $700 Billion Bailout Plan. As I told my parents, I am feeling very betrayed by my government at the moment, in fact, the more I learn about our current (current includes the last decade or two) politics the more I feel like this country is being run by a bunch of powerful people who enjoy backstabing honest citizens. Don't get me wrong, there are some politians who are are trying to represent and work on behalf of the common American, they just seem to be few and far between.
I appreciate your patience as I try to keep up with all there is to do!

Bail Out

Praise the Lord, the bail out lost! I would highly encourage everyone who took action to write their Representatives and thank them for their vote. Also, let's remember to be praying for wisdom in this situation, it's not over yet :)

Check This Out.

http://foxforum.blogs.foxnews.com/2008/09/25/jpinkerton_0926/

And this:

http://www.campaignforliberty.com/


Let us exercise our civil responsibilities as American citizens and make our voices firmly and respectfully known in a God honoring manner.

A Mess of Pottage. . .

While delivering her acceptance speech Sarah Palin commented:

“It was rightly noted in Denver this week that Hillary left 18 million cracks in the highest, hardest glass ceiling in America, but it turns out the women of America aren’t finished yet and we can shatter that glass ceiling once and for all.”

Mr. Scott Brown posted an article that did a very good job presenting the painful reality of shattering the protective barrier that comes with living within the God ordained role of womanhood. I enjoyed the post and wanted to take some time to further develop his comment, “. . . history has proven that when women break the protective barrier that God has established for them it comes at a high cost. . .with that liberation comes a lot of blood from the falling glass.”
Mr. Brown gives a list of some of the scars that the falling glass has left, what I have done is looked at what roles/principles and/or character qualities women by and large have left and the results thereof.

“She looks well to the ways of her household. . .”
In seeking to shatter glass and earn freedom and equality women have left the role of managing their homes. Once, a woman understood and prepared from her early years to be frugal, orderly, diligent and joyful in the home duties, the majority of women now possess few, if any of these qualities. Instead of preparing to be managers of their homes women spend their lives preparing for careers and often are unable to manage a biblical household.
Proverbs 31:10-31 (esp.27); Titus 2:4-5; Phil. 2:3-4;

“. . . Keepers at Home. . .”
God has called women to be keepers at home. Within this role, under the authority of her husband, is the responsibility of guarding against the influences that can enter in. This requires discernment and diligence; unfortunately, women by and large have compromised if not completely abandoned this vital role. Children from infancy are now exposed to illicit sex, drugs, alcohol, and malicious violence. Primarily through television, music, and the moral relativism taught in public schools. We see the results in the rise of domestic violence, suicide, children murdering their parents or classmates, rape, and a willing loss of virginity at increasingly younger ages as well as a loss of innocence and a complacent attitude toward wickedness.
1 Tim. 5:14; Titus 2:4-5;

“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.”
The marriage relationships of our day are also suffering. Women no longer understand, let alone want or perform, the role of a helpmeet. In a “me-first” mentality, women have rejected the character of submission, substituting instead home-egalitarianism, and no longer love or truly respect and submit to their husbands the way scripture commands. They are no longer soul-mates and helpers to their husbands. Independence and neglect has lead to a rise in divorce and extra marital affairs.
1 Peter 3:1-6; 1 Cor. 11:3; 1 Cor. 14:35; 1 Cor. 7:3;


“. . . To love their children. . .”
Women are called to love their children, the love of a mother is life sacrificing and tender. It is fierce enough to defend her children with her life if need be and tender enough to kiss a boo-boo or wipe a fevered brow. It is self-sacrificing, realizing that the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of her children are time consuming and a mother is willing to make those sacrifices. Unfortunately, women now sacrifice their children for their own agendas. Unwanted babies are declared to be little more than “fetuses” and are murdered, young children (infants even!) are dropped off at day care to be watched over by strangers so that mommy can go to work. I am not criticizing single mothers who have no other options, (though in those situations I say shame on the woman’s family and on the Church for not stepping in the care for women and children!), I am talking about women who need to feel ‘fulfilled’ or need the larger wardrobe, house, 2nd car, you name it. As a result of this horrific neglect children are growing up without proper guidance and therefore make unnecessary mistakes with can lead to physical, mental and emotional scars. This also results in emotional disorders and/or intense anger toward their parents, ultimately because they do not have the love or hearts of their parents.
Titus 2:4; Prov. 6:20; Prov. 4:3; Prov 31:1;

“But I want you to know, that . . . the head of the woman is man . . .”
Scripture teaches the authority of a man in his home. He is to be the leader, protector and provider and his wife is to be his wise, willing and able helpmeet. Under his headship the family is united. However, in rebellion women have declared the leadership of the husband to be unfair and demanded equality. The results? Individualism run amuck has lead to the breakdown of the family which is an essential building block of civilization. Weak, irresponsible family units lead to unstable societies which in turn lead to too strong a federal government, which ultimately leads to loss of freedom and governments such as socialism.
Eph. 5:22-24; Col. 3:18; 1 Peter 3:1-6

“She girds her loins with strength, and strengthens her arms.”
Women today no longer understand true biblical femininity. It has mistakenly become synonymous with weakness and ditzy character. True femininity was exemplified by the pilgrim women who left all familiar to them and followed their husbands to a foreign land, lost 48% of their number over the first winter and despite that they stayed and would not return to England. Femininity was exemplified by the pioneer women who left the comforts of the East and suffered incredible hardships alongside their husbands, but persevered and settled the West. Femininity is not weak, flimsy or ditzy; feminine women aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and get dirty and yet they still seek to balance gentleness and graciousness in the midst of it all. Unfortunately, women have traded this for androgyny and attempted masculinity which has resulted in confusion for both men and women. Feminism has told men that it is wrong for them to be manly because it stifles woman’s “independence”, evolution has told men that they are nothing more than highly evolved animals. Women have bought the lies of feminism that tell them they have the freedom to flaunt themselves and behave flirtatiously. Feminism has told women that true freedom comes from asserting their authority over men, though ‘Christianized’ feminism has decided to settle for ‘equal’ roles. The unavoidable consequences: lust is prevalent and vocalized; women are viewed and even view themselves as objects, and men are have no clue what it is to lead in their homes.
1 Peter 3:5-6; 1 Sam 25:13-35; Ester 4:16c; Proverbs 11:16;

Speaking of leadership, ever wonder why many men make excellent leaders at work but are totally lost when they are at home? I asked my father and here is his response:
“At work, whether it be at an office, in the military, etc, there is positional authority. i.e. I am the manager and regardless of whether or not you are male or female, you acknowledge and respond to my authority. At home on the other hand, men are told that everything must be ‘equal’, the chores are equally divided, the say on decision making is “equal” and men are at a loss. They were created to lead and here they are told not to.” I wonder if this is a reason for men to become work-a-holics? Granted, I have no statistical proof, but I can’t help but wonder if the work environment where leadership is expected is more preferable than the home, where there is no clear authority and leadership?

Conclusion
What is the answer to all this? To return to and embrace God’s roles for men and women, to understand that men and women are of equal value in God’s eyes but they were created to fill different positions in a complimentary manner. This world has wallowed in its own filth long enough, let’s purpose to honor Christ through obedience to His word and show the lost and dying around us what true, strong womanhood is and the abundance of blessings womanhood brings.

What Saith the Scriptures?

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your minds that you may prove that which is good, acceptable, perfect will of God” Romans 12:1The current presidential campaigns have caused a great stir amongst the American people in general, and believers in specific, especially since Senator John McCain announced Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. As the debates began and rapidly picked up speed one main question circulated, should Christians vote for a woman to hold the office of Vice President and with that, possibly President? Along side that inquiry surfaced a problem that has long plagued the professing Christian community: will our answer to this question (and subsequently, our vote) be based on biblical truth or will it be decided by what is culturally accepted?The answer was simple when it came to Senator Clinton, she is an outspoken critic of all we hold dear, there was no way she was going to get votes from born-again believers, or if she did, it would have been a very small minority. However, when Gov. Palin was announced VP for Senator McCain, many professing Christians were caught off guard. Here is a woman who seemingly on the surface embraced many of our own values. She claims to be pro-life, to support the 2nd Amendment, is conservative (at least comparatively speaking) and politically confident and classy. Almost immediately believers began throwing their support behind her. It seems like Sarah Palin is an answer to the prayers of many. But is she? Should we cast our votes for a man whose VP has rejected God’s plan for women (Prov. 31:10-31; Titus 2:4-5; 1 Tim. 5:14; Gen. 2:18 & 22)? Should we cast votes for a VP who is in support of feminism which has wrought such destruction in our land? Can we, with a conscience upright before God, vote for a woman stepping outside her biblical jurisdiction, realizing that scripture bemoans such usurpations of God’s established order (Is. 3:12)? Brothers and sisters, as the redeemed children of God our response to this situation must be determined not by fear, preference or anything outside the truths of God’s eternal, immutable, all sufficient word!I would highly encourage you to read the following articles by Mr. Phillips, Mr. Einwechter, Mr. Nathaniel Darnell, and Miss. Jasmine Baucham; each of these have written more thoroughly and eloquently on the subject and can help get the wheels in your mind turning!
~"Should Christians Support a Woman for the office of Civil Magistrate?"
~"Biblical Standards for Choosing Civil Magistrates."
~ "How Sarah Palin Fails to Meet the Biblical Qualifications for Civil Magistrates "
~ "McCain's Biblically Unqualified VP Pick a "Feminist for Life"
~ "Ten Reasons Why I Don't Want to be VP When I Grow Up"
~ "Why Sarah Palin Inspires Us"

No Longer My Own

"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God. Set your affections on things which are above, and not on things wchich are on the earth. For ye are dead and your life is hid in Christ with God." Col. 3:1-3

"You should be at the movies with your friends; You should be out at 11:00 at night and your parents should be wondering where you are. . . " believe it or not, that was advice given me by my Grandmother who is concerned that I am wasting my one opportunity to be a care-free youth. And it doesn't end there either, she called my father the other night to let him know that I am "too good" and she is very concerned about me; after all, it isn't natural to want to be with your family, to enjoy being at home, or to have friends that are as young as 8-12 when you are 19. It is truly ironic that these concerns keep her awake at night and burden her heart, but they do. One of the conversations that we had during my visit with her in August was on this exact topic. She reminded me that I am only young once, "yes, but if I am seeking to be a responsible adult, shouldn't I be preparing now?" I asked gently. She didn't have an answer.

It seems everything beckons to us, calling us to enjoy the pleasures of the moment, regardless of future consequences. Our fallen sin nature stirs within us powerful desires to pursue our own agenda rather than to learn to take up our crosses and follow Christ, to daily die to ourselves.

When I find myself becoming discontent and losing focus I love to go back and read Colossians 3:1-3 as well as verses like 2 Timothy 2:4, Eph. 5:16, and Eph. 2:10 . I am reminded that I am not my own, my life is not mine to live for my own pleasures but for the glory of Him who redeemed me and calls me His own.

New Address

Okay, the new address for my other blog (formally, 'Giddy Kansas Gal') is now: www.anamericanmaiden.blogspot.com

Sorry it has been so long!

Whew, I can't keep up with everthing there is to do! Right now my home responsibilities are keeping me very busy, but mom said I can take a few minutes before bed to update my blogs.

For various and sundry reasons I am going to post-pone the study of the Proverbs 31 woman, the more I study the more convicted I am and the more I realize that before I can present anything I need to take a couple important principles to heart and study them further.
Until I am able to continue (or begin really) I will be posting on some other topics. Tonight is not the night for a post, I've got to go to bed so I can try and get up early and the next several days are going to be really busy for me so I might not be doing much on here until Tuesday or Wednesday. Until then, I am trying to remember all there is to post on!

AWOL?

Howdy, just wanted to drop a quick note and let you all know that I am not missing in action :)
I just got home from visiting my Grandmother and need some time to get my thoughts in order.
I should have some stories to share from my visit in a couple of days. . .

The Virtuous Woman of Proverbs 31

"Who can find virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies."

-Proverbs 31:10

The Virtuous woman, described in vs. 11-31, is rare. She is a sinner (Romans 3:23-24) and not born virtuous (websters: morally excellent). The rich qualities which characterize her life have been diligently learned and applied.

Over the next few weeks I want to delve into this passage, examining these qualities and offering practical applications and giving you some thoughts to mull over.

Before we can begin, we must review three basics of Christianity: First, salvation is a gift from God, and cannot be earned by our works; "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God; being justified freely by His grace through the redemptionthat is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath sent forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, the declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through forbearance of God;" -Romans 3:20, 23-25 (see also Titus 3:4-7, 1 Peter 1:18-20, Gal. 2:16, Acts 4:12). May it be clearly understood, I am in no way advocating a works based salvation.

Second, as believers, we are no longer our own, to do as we please. We are Christ's to do His good pleasure (Phil. 2:13).

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of GOd, who loved me and gave Himself for me." -Galations 2:20 (see also Eph. 2:10, Col 3:1-3, Col. 3:23, 2 Tim. 2:4)

Third, In order to cultivate God-honouring character we must acknowledge that it cannot be done in our own strength. If we are to exhibit a Spirit filled life, we must walk in the spirit. (Rom 8:5-6, Gal. 5:16, Eph. 3:18, Col. 2:6). Bearing in mind that walking by the Spirit is not 'mystical' and we are still responsible before God to act. (Gal. 6:6-9, Eph. 5:1 & 15-17, Phil. 2:12-15, 1 Tim. 6:11-12, 2 Tim. 2:3-4 & 15).

Alright, I hope your getting excited, I know I am!

Survive or Thrive?, Answers, Part 2

* As an introductory note, make sure you read "Survive or Thrive?" before reading the following.

I sent an e-mail to Miss. Cara Horn, asking the same questions I asked Jasmine. Below are her well thought out answers. Enjoy!

-"What about college?"
1. First I would like to state that I do not believe receiving a college education is inherently evil. That said, I do believe that it is very unwise for a daughter to leave the protection of her father's home to obtain knowledge from the world. Unprotected women fill our universities, contributing to the breakdown of Biblical patterns for male and female relationships. I prefer to remain under my father's roof and further his vision for our family while learning life skills and continuing my education through self study. While advancing my education is something I greatly desire and actively pursue within the context of serving family and fellow brethren, simply obtaining a degree does not further my goal of becoming a godly helpmeet and homemaker. In essence, while I believe it is vital that a young woman should be well educated to better assist those God has called her to serve, I do not believe college holds the market on education.
-"How do you handle less than pleased responses?"
2. The best way I have found to handle less than pleased responses to my educational choices is to not assume that the responses will be negative. I know this sounds strange, but it is true. If your attitude is instantly defensive when the "college question" comes up, people are more likely to believe your motives lie in laziness or lack of intelligence. A brief, enthusiastic explanation of my goals and how those are being furthered through practical or scholastic study is often met with an albeit surprised but accepting response. Some people do reject my philosophy of advanced education regardless of the presentation, but it is helpful to remember that often these individuals honestly desire the best for me. The problem comes because they have been so ingrained with the belief that following societal norms and attending college is the only start to a successful life. While it can be frustrating at times, it is imperative to keep this in perspective and graciously respond to those who demonstrate combativeness.
-"What about extended family who are disappointed?"
3. Our extended family has always known we were different. My family has often made counter-cultural decisions, so my choice to remain home after completing high school was not the first time we broke societal rules. Although we are the "weird ones," for the most part our extended family has not taken an actively vocal response in this case. Comments do come, and I am sure we are the subject of much discussion, but my choice to not attend college coincides with our other "strange" desires to home educate, follow Biblical principles in relationships, and attempt to dress modestly. -"How do you handle the difficulties of going against the culture?" 4. The more you go against the culture, the more natural it feels. As I stated before, my parents have often headed down a different path than what society described as normal. They raised their children to search Scripture for the answers to life and not rely on the method of following patterns set by the world. Times come when it is especially challenging to be different, but if our focus is to glorify God as our chief end in life, societal expectations become less of a priority.
-When you are struggling, how do you refocus?"
5. When I find myself struggling, it is often because my focus has slipped off of God and has centered around me. We are a selfish people. So often our thoughts, actions and plans revolve entirely around ourselves. Yes, God has created me as an individual, but He also placed me in a family. I need to focus on serving others and not always be consumed with my own perceived needs and desires. Prayer, crying out to God for forgiveness, and allowing Him to change my attitude is how I regain focus on what is truly important in life.

'Survive or Thrive?' Answers, Part 1

* As an introductory note, make sure that you read, "Survive or Thrive?" before reading the following.

I sent Miss. Jasmine Baucham a list of questions to which she graciously replied. Below are the questions and her very well articulated answers. Enjoy :)

Q. "What about college?"
A. Whether or not a family decides to give their sons or daughters a college education is up to them, but I'm not sure it's entirely wise to send an eighteen-year-old of either gender across the country to receive that education without the guidance and discipleship of their parents. Most often, there are just too many other options to justify that choice. That's not to say there aren't good Christian schools out there, and that college degrees are evil. But it's also not to say that following another course of action automatically condemns me or anyone else in my shoes.
Q. "How do you handle less than pleased responses when people want to know what you're doing and why? "
A. I just try to remain calm, and to realize that the way I carry myself has a lot to do with how people perceive my decisions. If I am imperial and judgmental, and if I frown down my nose at young women who haven't had the blessing of making the choices that I have, people's response to me will be negative and defensive. If I'm full of grace and humility, if I learn to smile a little, be joyful :), I might get the same horrible reaction, but I'll be able to rest easy, knowing that I responded with Christian love and charity. We must also remember that we're not in this for the world's approval. If we're staying at home just so we can pat our backs and puff out our chests, we're doing it for the wrong reasons.
Q. "What about extended family who are disappointed with your decision?"
A. In my case, my extended family has been disappointed with us very often, whether it be for the choice to attend an FIC, the choice to homeschool, my choice not to date... so it's nothing new! :) But I do have a set of cousins who have been very understanding, and who -after realizing the reasons behind my choice to stay at home -have even started to make the same choices, or at least respect my choice. Again, we're not doing this for the world's approval. Some family members are just glad to see that I'm content and settled with my choice (the one's who always ask if I'm still "okay"), but there will always be some who just think I'm "weird," and that's going to have to be okay. We have to have a thick skin, and be ready to answer questions. :)
Q. "How do you handle difficulties of going against the culture?"
A. My daddy always says that I'm ever ready for a war! :) That's my personality. I always want to have an answer for any question leveled against me, and I want it to be articulately and gracefully stated. I had to realize that my family are the people who will always love me, and that as long as I was honoring my parents and glorifying God through my choices, I had nothing to fear from the world. Being a Christian, I'm promised persecution in God's Word. I've learned that it's coming, and that when it comes, I ought to be ready for it. That doesn't mean I walk about with a furrowed brow and a harsh demeanor, but it does mean that I know where and why I stand.
Q. "When you are struggling, how do you refocus?"
A. I center myself on God's Word. I talk to my parents -especially my mom -about my struggles, and they pray with me and hold me accountable. I talk to like minded friends, and we pray together and laugh together. And I try not to take myself too seriously. Life's hard enough without putting myself on a pedestal. :)

Survive or Thrive?

Our culture is involved in a serious battle for the family. The more I read about feminism in the words of feminists the more I am shocked-they are not in anyway guarded about their agenda. They want to 'liberate' the woman from her God ordained role in the home, destroy men, place children under the care of the government, destroy personal property, and enslave us all to a Socialistic State. Unfortunately, the church has also bought this destructive lie, some promote it outright, denying the authority of the Inspired Word of God, others unwittingly promote the destructive force of feminism by not understanding the role of women as ordained by God and as a result of their ignorance they are following the feministic culture around them. However, in His grace God is opening the eyes of His people to understand what the scriptures teaches about the family. Things seemingly so plainly stated and yet we breeze over them as we study the scriptures. As we seek to revive God's plan for women daughters are wanting to know, what does the scripture say about our role? 'Honor your father and mother', yes we know, but is that it? Most would say yes, but I believe differently. If the role of being a wife and mother is taken so seriously by God that He would warn us to be faithful to our posts so that His word is not blasphemed (Titus 2:4-5) don't you think He would desire that we spend time learning how to fill those roles? Woman's role involves submission, sevice, diligence, joy, faithfulness (1 Cor. 11:3, 14:34-35; Titus 2:4-5; 1 Peter 3:1-6; Eph.5:22-24; Gen. 2:18 & 22; Proverbs 31:10-31) in return we receive the blessings of learning and protection (Neh. 4:14 & 8:3; Numbers 30:3-16; Eph. 5:25). Why do we automatically assume that we are only to apply these principles of womanhood after marriage? Why do we assume that until she has a husband a woman is atonomous? Why do we believe that we will just 'know' how to live on a budget, cook, efficiently clean, patiently care for and train children, and happily submitt to a husband when we are married? These are things that must be carefully cultivated during our youth.
This blog was originally established to encourage daughters who understand this and are seeking daily to apply it. Most specifically, I wanted to encourage daughters who have chosen to remain home under their father's protection and authority during this phase of life.
To this end I have been seeking to put toegher a small series of interviews with other Christian young women who have choosen to embrace the biblical model for the family and are remaining home while serving and preparing for the future.
I hope that you are blessed and encouraged by the testimonies of these fellow pilgrims.

What time is it?

I cannot figure out how to change the time on this blog, but I can assure you, I was not posting at 3 am. So, please bear with my lack of computer savvy until I can get my brother to help me figure this thing out. :) Thanks

The Next Commander in Chief?

Well, I have to keep this post short because I have to get out and milk the goats, but as I was checking my e-mail this morning I came across a news headline which blared "Clinton, Obama go on Attack in Pennsylvana Compagain Finale"-Democrats Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama questioned each other's character and readiness to be commander-in-chief in last minute television ads as the six week Pennslyvania primary campain steamed toward an uncertain conclusion on Tuesday" Great, "I am a better leader than you because I don't do this, this and this." Any five year old can give me that immature junk, constantly jabbing with the 'are you able to handle this responsibility?' and the answer comes back 'sure, we'll just put everyone on gonvernment run health care and we'll be fine'* You know, to be very frank neither of them have yet (to my knowledge) proven that they are fit to fill the bill of leadership. Micah 6:8 says, "He hath showed thee , O man, what is good, and what the Lord requireth of thee: surely to do justly, to love mercy, and to humble thyself, to walk with thy God." and in Matthew 20:26-28 we read, "But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you. let him be your servant; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many." Hm, you figure it out.


Neither as of yet has either shown discernment in the issue of the Iraq war. The more I read about what's going on over there the more I am convinced that neither Clinton or Obama have stopped to take any thing into account other than, 'we gotta get our poor boys home'. Laides and gentlemen, as a Navy brat I understand the grief of missing my father (among other things) and believe me, I want our men home with their families, but, and I believe that they will be the first to tell you, we've got a job to finish up, and we are doing well right now. Well, I'll have to finish this another time, because I am late to milk the goats already.

* this was originally written on April 22

Life After High-School Part 2 . . .

Okay, as we get back into this I want to make sure that I clear up some issues.


The question I asked specifically was, "What do we do with our unmarried years?" and as I was going over my notes form the previous post I think that question is answered by 1 Corinthians 7:32&34. The application of this truth will look different in each person's life, depending on where God has them, but the basic truth remains the same: single years are for service and spiritual growth in ways that married people may not be able to based on the difference in responsibilities.

Therefore I am posing a new question to you:
How does college and higher education fit in? Earlier we discussed the fact that many people, not all, attend college for various reasons that do not fit within the biblical guidlines for this period of life.

One point I want to make sure that I am very clear on is this: in and of itself college is not a sin. It can most certainly be a breeding ground for all sorts of sins, but of itself it is not a sin. Higher Education (which sometimes includes college and sometimes does not) is not only not a sin, but it is vitally important to the preservation and passing on of life and liberty. Also, there is the concern of the many influences on campus (1Cor.15:33).

So, some questions to ask as we muse about college are as follows:

1) Why am I doing what I am doing? Does this have eternal value (2 Cor.5:9-11; 1 Cor. 3:10-15)?

2) Is this going to inhibit my ability to serve the Lord?

3) Is there another way that I can learn and grow without exposing myself to the negative influences? (i.e. distance learning, self teaching, etc)

4) Is this going to help prepare me for the future calling of wife and mother?

There are questions I cannot answer for you; you have to evaluate them through prayer, searching the scriptures and the counsel of of wise believers (preferrable your parents, though I realize that not all people have the blessing of godly Christian parents. In this situation, seek godly advice from an older, mature believer).

Some References for you:

"So Much More" by Anna Sophia and Elizabeth Botkin

"What's a Girl to do?" by Doug Phillips, cd

" The Return of the Daughters" by Anna Sophia and Elizabeth Botkin, movie/dvd

"Making Wise Decisions About College and Life After High School" by Doug Phillips, cd

Life After High School

When I graduated in the spring of ’07 most people knew of my desire to be a wife and mother at such a time as the Lord should choose to bring me a husband. The biggest questions I was asked was, “What was I going to do between now and then?” Hmmm. Good question. Most of my peers (actually, all of the ones I know) headed off to college, for various reasons. All of my female peers went to college and most went for what my father calls the ‘MRS’ degree (i.e. to find a husband). The majority of women are headed off to college to have a good time, often find a husband, and/or get a bunch of letters attached to their names (such as BS, PhD, AAS, etc.) . Many young women head to college because they don’t know what to do with their lives and since everybody else is going, they might as well go too. Now, lest you think me overly judgmental, there are some who go for education, but, we’ll address that in a little bit.
Now as we dive into this I’ll give you one of my father’s favourite Doug Phillips quotes, “Does a fish know it’s wet?” Well, not necessarily. A fish can certainly tell when it’s dry because it cannot breathe anymore, but other than that, wetness is all it has ever known and the only way they know they’re wet is when they’re dry. I know what you’re thinking, “Okay, great, thanks, that helps a lot” :) It truly does and let me show you how:
We live in a corrupt, pagan culture which hates God and rebels against Him in all that they do; dress, music style, forms of education, disregard for the blessings of children, divorce, murder, adultery, dishonouring parents, homosexuality, etc. Unfortunately we also see the church mimicking this rebellion in similar ways (dress, music standards, forms of educations, disregard for the blessing of children, etc) although, we do it in a more ‘holy’ manner, a nice ‘Christian step’ above the world. Now, to bring this full circle, how do we treat our single years after we’ve graduated? Do we follow the trend, spend around four years at college and go get a job in some corporate business? As part of my answer let me share a bit of my testimony.

My desire from the time I was young until now has pretty much always been to impact the world for Christ; the only difference is how I used to desire to execute that plan and how I now desire to do so. At one time, I was going to be president of the United States and I was going to turn us around. I was sick of the sin and wickedness and by golly I was going to change all of that! That was when I was eight. Around the time I was ten I wanted to be a missionary in China and die as a martyr (which, if it be God’s will, is an honourable call). Around the time I was fourteen I was going to attend Patrick Henry College and become a lawyer to use my argumentations to turn the legal system around and get us back on track, or at least give it my best shot. Again, noble ideas, but not the preferred method of execution. Around the time I turned fifteen God used my father to change my direction 180 degrees. As my parents were searching the word and seeking God’s direction on my future the Lord led my father to 1 Cor. 7:32&34, “. . . He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord-how he may please the Lord. There is a difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world-how she may please her husband.” As my father sought to translate that into daily living what he realized was that the unmarried years are set aside as time to ‘care for the things of the Lord-how I may please the Lord.’ Also, through both his searching and the work God was doing in my own heart we became conscious of a biblical principle that our culture has lost- a daughter remaining under her father’s authority and protection until God brings her a husband and that authority is transferred. This brought about some changes, to say the least because you have to understand the above principles in light of the role of woman as designed by God.

In order to understand the role a woman has and how that applies in each season in her life we must look back at the original creation account. In the beginning God created the universe and all therein and then created man to be His representative (image) and care for this wondrous creation. Adam immediately set to work naming the animals and found in the process of exercising dominion that there was not a helper suitable to him. God in His wisdom also knew this and knew that is ‘is not good for man to be alone’. So He created woman to work by Adam’s side and be his fellow dominion taker, his helper, complimentary to him and his needs. So, the question is, based on the origins of our first mother’s creation, based on the role we are designed for, and in light of 1 Corinthians 7:32-34, what are we to do during the unmarried years?

. . . You’ll find out in a week! :)

Been Awhile. . .

Hello Everyone,
Sorry it's been so long. I've started work on another post, but our family is in the midst of a difficult trial right now so it's going to be a bit :}
However, as a heads up, I am going to take the next couple posts to talk about being daughters in our fathers' homes. I am going to address the service oppurtunities and the importance of preparing for the future role of wife and mother. It should be lots of fun!
Well, until next time.

New Jersey!

The Lord has graciously seen fit to allow me the privilege of visiting some very dear friends of mine who live in New Jersey, so I am currently away from my precious family and the wonderful Mid-West. I do miss my family dearly, but I am enjoying my time here. My friend Sarah and I have had our good, solid, encouraging Bible based discussions, thoroughly enjoying each others company and edifying each other in the word. My friend Rebekah and I had done the usual stay up 'til 1 am being giggly and talking about everything and nothing. We've also had opportunity to comfort each other during two difficulties that have come up in the last five days that I have been here. Wednesday I am leaving the Fullers to visit another friend of mine* that I haven't seen in three years-I can't wait!!!! I have enjoyed my time with the Fullers, prizing every moment.
however, as precious as this time has been, I can't wait to see my family again. I have had the time of my life sharing with the Fullers how much my family has changed, telling them how blessed I am by each individual family member and having fun trying to describe the individual characters of each of my wondrous siblings and my parents. At another time I'll have to share with your some of our conversations, but for now I have a headache and need to get off.
'Till next time :D


*Name withheld in respect to the young lady's wishes

“So are you working outside the home right now?” my well meaning friend asked. Inwardly, I winced, “well, right now I work for a family once a week as a mother’s helper. Other than that, no, I am at home helping mom care for the house and the younger ones.” She nodded and we moved on to other topics.
The truth is that I love being at home, I know that what I am doing has a huge impact on the future generations. I am seeking to help my parents as they raise my younger brothers and sister to be God-fearing agents of multigenerational faithfulness. The difficult part is when others, well intentioned or not, ask what I am doing with a predisposition that assumes if I am not out working or getting a degree, I am living unsuccessfully and unfulfilled. There are the extremes, on the one hand I have been told that I am brainwashed, on the other, I have been pitied. Sometimes I feel like I can’t win, and the impression I get is that I am a lazy and inept daughter, stifling her full potential.

Bearing Discouragement

Even if we are fully convinced of the eternal value of remaining at home, the world’s response can dampen and discourage a young maiden. How does one handle these times?
Perspective. For instance, I just came out of a discouraging period where I was so emotionally drained that I was having a hard time focusing on my God given responsibilities and the littlest thing was threatening to set me off. I spent two-three days praying and asking God to show me what my problem was; on Saturday my dad and I had a talk and the Lord, using that conversation, as well as Sunday morning’s message cleared enough clutter from my mind for me to see that the reason I was discouraged was loss of perspective. I had taken my eyes off the Lord and, as daddy said, was, out of lack of faith, trying to do His part. In essence my attitude was saying, “Lord, You have no clue how badly this hurts, You don’t know what it means to be me, and if You think that I am going to let You lead me through another painful trial, then You have got to be kidding me.” How’s that for lack of faith? One of my struggles did arise from my friend’s comment, but the reason for that was my loss of focus. I allowed myself to view success through the world’s reasoning instead of through God’s wisdom.

Keeping Proper Focus during Times of Discouragement

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” ~Colossians 3:1-3

Keeping proper focus is a decision, an action that must be taken on our part. God gives the grace and we must act upon that. We are created with a will, the ability to decide and choose for ourselves. In the midst of this, God is sovereign over the affairs of men, the Psalms are chock full of examples of this as are the Proverbs 1, but His sovereignty does not negate our responsibility to strive to keep a biblical focus.

What I am NOT saying

If we continually strive to view everything with a God-honoring perspective does that mean there won’t be so much pain? No, not really. Job kept incredible perspective after losing all his children and his material possessions: “Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, and said, “Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD” 2. Job had the right perspective but the next thing that happened to him was he lost his physical health. The bible says that he was covered in boils from the bottom of his feet to the crown of his head, and that he used a broken piece of pottery the scrape himself. Later on, during his discourse with his friends, Job says that he gets no relief from his pain. But what Job doesn’t see that the Lord graciously reveals us, is the purpose for his trials. He never knew that around two thousand of years later Christians would be reading his account and being blessed by his fortitude.
Pain will come, but when it does our response should be like that of King David, “Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in Thee: yea, in the shadow of Thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.” 3.

Persevere

When the going gets tough, keep on going; take your hurts to the feet of our Lord and be faithful-the Lord will lead you out of the valley in His time and give you a beautiful mountain view, if you are faithful. And be encouraged, the Lord Jesus suffered as a man and understands grief and pain, follow His example and finish this race well, one lap at a time.
“Looking unto Jesus the Author and finisher of our faith; Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be weary and faint in your minds”
Hebrews 12:2-3


Foot Notes:

[1] i.e. ‘The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: He turneth it whithersoever He will.’ Prov. 21:1 (His sovereignty)
‘A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on and are punished’ Proverbs 22:3(Man’s action or decision).

[2] Job 1:20-21
[3] Ps. 57:1