It's Been a Rough Week

It’s been one of the weeks that what could happen have happened. Dealing with these things has taken a lot of my time up, both mentally and physically.  You know when you put your life and your family’s lives in God’s hands, the devil will try everything in his power to bring you down and make you doubt everything you know. That pretty much sums up my week.

I have cried a lot and prayed even more. I have had to go off by myself and just be alone for a short while. I have been shorter tempered than I normally am, I hate feeling like that. I am ashamed that I haven’t held my tongue.   Last night I had a long talk with God, I have asked for forgiveness for not remembering what is most important, for allowing the problems /worries of today affect me so greatly. I know I am human and I make mistakes, believe I make a lot of mistakes, but part of my growth with God is seeing those mistakes and facing them and asking for forgiveness and guidance from him.

After my talk with God I laid my head on my pillow and slept a restful and sound sleep. I try to remember he is here with me at all times. He will help me on the path he has laid before me, I just have to trust in him and allow him to lead me and let go off all the issues that the devil knows he can use to hold me back.

A couple of my favorite quotes:

Yesterday is gone, today is a gift, and tomorrow is mystery.

Our past is forgiven, right now is the beginning and tomorrow is in God’s hands.

 God Bless,

Tammy


I am linked up at: Women Living Well Blog and Time-Warp Wife

Homemaker in training/helping in the kitchen

Teaching my daughter how to be a Godly young lady is a task I take to heart. It give me much pleasure and joy to watch her tackle a task in our home and to see the curiosity in her eyes  as she asks questions while she sees me working. There are many lesson a mother can undergo in teaching her daughter to be a Godly wife and mother, but for today I want to talk about “Help in the kitchen”.

 The value of teaching my daughter the ins and outs of the kitchen are very valuable. Not only will she be a blessing to me but later in life she will be tremendous blessing to her husband and later children. I know that it would take less time to just do it all myself but how is that going to help her learn. If I selfishly push her aside and not make the time to teach her, how am I really helping her? I know that when I’m mixing up a batch of cookies or making pizza crust it would be so much easier to just do it myself and it would be far less messy and trying. This kind of thinking has led our young ladies down a road of selfish thinking themselves and rendered them rather ignorant in the kitchen. This is something they will have to work hard to learn later on in life, and they will most likely feel frustrated and down on themselves all because of the lack of patience, love and Godly guidance and wisdom to show her the ropes from an early age.

 If you have not been taking the time to teach your daughter and you think it’s too late, it’s not. When you’re making a meal or snack have her come in and assign her a job to do.  The added bonus of being in the kitchen with your daughter and working side by side is the talks and close relationship that can develop from it.

 For little ones give them small jobs to start.  Wash fruits and vegetables. Set the table. Help you clean up after a task has been completed. As they grow older you can start giving them bigger jobs like Opening cans for you, stirring a pot on the stove, washing or rinsing the dishes.  By taking the time to teach her you are instilling valuable skills for her future. You as a Godly mother can take rest in knowing she has been well taught for her role as a wife and later a mother.  When she does get married and leave home she can do in confidence knowing she has been well schooled in the matters of homemaking.

 I always try to remember that the biggest example of a Godly woman to my daughter is ME! The way I handle situations, react to life’s stresses, how often she sees me pray, etc.  By investing time and knowledge into my daughter  I feel that I am truly doing what it says in Titus 2: 3-5 The aged women likewise, that [they be] in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 [To be] discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

 God Bless,

Tammy

Maintaining is much easier than catching up

I love the feeling of a clean home. Knowing that no matter who may stop by, my home is ready for company. It is warm and welcoming, it looks and smells clean. It's clutter free and organized. This is a proud time for a homemaker.

 Now let’s move onto how one is to achieve this.  Of course a good cleaning routine is a must, so to develop or if you would like you can use mine. :  )Added note: I will be posting my cleaning routine very soon. : )  Hard work is a must, your home is not going to be as clean and organized as you want it to be if you are not willing to put the work into making it that way. Determination, dedication and a little elbow grease takes you so far and let us not forget prayer. Yes, I said prayer, praying and asking God for the wisdom and desire to do this is not wrong to ask God. You are blessing your husband and your whole family by being diligent in keeping your home cleaned and organized. This is our God given role, why wouldn't you want to embrace it and ask God for guidance.

 Let’s fast forward a little shall we........ Your home is now clean, clutter is under control and it’s organized. You feel so proud of all your hard work, you stand and look around and take a deep breath of satisfaction. You can rest easy now that your work is done.That is true to a point. Yes you can relax some but you still have to maintain your home. Working daily to keep it clean and organized. If you let is lapse you will be right back to putting in all the hard work and soon your frustrated and give up. Thinking it's just too hard and takes up too much time to have the type of home you want. You start thinking that women that have homes like that do nothing all day but clean. That is not true.

When you clean a dirty home, yes it's hard, yes it's time consuming, yes it's overwhelming at times. But once you achieve your goal of a clean and organized home it is much easier to maintain that level of cleanliness.

 By cleaning daily and working your cleaning routine you will find it takes much less time to clean your home because you are cleaning it daily. It is much easier to de-clutter because you are working daily to keep your home clutter free by doing clutter runs. You will then know it's much easier to keep a clean home clean that to clean a dirty home in other words it's far easier to maintain than to play catch up.

 God Bless,

Tammy

Reflecting on 2011

photo source:tssphoto.com

It's hard to believe that 2011 is almost over and 2012 is about to begin. As I sit and think about 2011 and all that has happened. I find many joys and blessings and a few heart aches along the way. Looking back I can see how God has been there through the good and the bad. He has given me strength when I had no strength left, he gave me wisdom when I was at a loss, he comforted me when I was hurting, he is truly the father I always wanted and so very blessed to have him as my savior, friend, and father.

I have lost my earthly father to a sinful world but gained a son that I adore. I have gone from teaching to homeschooling, a decision I love and have been blessed beyond words for making it. My oldest son Jason graduated and started college, he has completed his first semester and did awesome!

I have learned many lessons and new things. I have learned to let go even when you really don't want too. When my dad left us, it hurt me deeply. I felt I was at a loss and couldn't believe what was happening to us. After trying to give him another chance and getting deeply hurt yet again, I had to come to the realization that I must walk away and let him go, that is exactly what I did. I still pray for his soul but I no longer have any contact with him. I have learned to forgive and not hold onto hurt or bitterness, it is very damaging to our overall body and health and just not worth it.

I have learned to be more soft spoken and kind ,a lesson I would have never been able to achieve without God. The product of this lesson has been remarkable. Our home is lighter and brighter, the feeling is much more comforting and relaxing. I'm not perfect and I still make mistakes but I have learned it's OK to admit your wrong and ask for forgiveness. Showing my children my humility by asking for forgiveness when I'm wrong is showing them the right way to handle themselves when they are in the wrong.

So many things have brought me to where I am today. Some if I had to choose I would have chosen another route but all things happen for the good of those that love the Lord. And through my trials in the valley and my cheers on the mountain tops God has been there each step. I called out to him in my pain and he carried me, I cried out to him in joy and praised with me.

I step into 2012 with eager anticipation to see what God has in store for our family! He is the driver and we are his passengers!

God Bless,

Tammy

A Random Acts Of Kindness

Sometimes all someone needs is to know there is someone out there that still cares. In a harsh and cold world kindness is often rare. Seeing someone that may need assistance doesn't take much energy but to that person could be the world. Even if you would try to help someone and they refuse your help,your out nothing. Just the offer could be enough for that person.

What does the bible have to say about kindness,well a lot.

Proverbs 19:22 What is desired in a man is kindness,and a poor man is better than a liar.

Proverbs 31:26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom,and her tongue is the law of kindness.

Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;



1 Corinthians 13:4  Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;
 
Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.





Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;




Luke 8:40-42 So it was, when Jesus returned, that the multitude welcomed Him, for they were all waiting for Him. 41 And behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue. And he fell down at Jesus' feet and begged Him to come to his house, 42 for he had an only daughter about twelve years of age, and she was dying. But as He went, the multitudes thronged Him.



Luke 8:43-46  Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any, 44 came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped. 45 And Jesus said, "Who touched Me?" When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, "Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, 'Who touched Me?'" 46 But Jesus said, "Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me."



Luke 8:47-48 Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately. 48 And He said to her, "Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace."



Luke 8:48 And He said to her, "Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace."



Luke 8:49-56 While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, "Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher." 50 But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, "Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well." 51 When He came into the house, He permitted no one to go in except Peter, James, and John, and the father and mother of the girl. 52 Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, "Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping." 53 And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, "Little girl, arise." 55 Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given something to eat. 56 And her parents were astonished, but He charged them to tell no one what had happened.
 
John 13:34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.



John 15:17 "These things I command you, that you love one another.


Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.
 
 Luke 6:31 "And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.



So as you can see the bible does in deed have a lot to say about the different ways to be kind.
 
Here's the challenge....... This week step out and show some random acts of kindness to someone that you may see that needs it. Help hold a door open for a mom that is trying to get her buggy out the door of a store. Help an elderly woman by holding the door open for her. Allow someone with less items to go ahead of you at the check out. Let a driver out in front of you. There are literally millions of ways you can show a little kindness to another person. So come on and get on board with me. Send me a comment with your random acts of kindness that you may have done this week. Next Thursday I will post any I have done and maybe get a linksy to link your blogs to this one with a nice post doing just what Jesus wants us to do being kind and showing kindness to other.
 
Tammy
The Happy Homemaker

Joyfully Doing Laundry

Photo provided by photobucket

I am particpating in Polished Cornerstones Projects being hosted @ Raising Homemakers.

We are focusing on blessings our family by keeping the laundry cleaning. I have been having discussions with my daughter Carissa age 8 of how something as simple as keeping laundry clean is a tremendous blessing to our family. How it's a small but very important part of how we as women live in the role that God designed for us. How if we go about our work even while doing laundry with a glad heart,saying a prayer for our family as we work, we are doing God's will.

In our discussion was ...
Proverbs 31:27 She looketh well to the ways of her household,and eateth not the bread of idleness.

What we do,do with a cheerful heart as to be a blessing to our families. Be strong and work hard giving God the glory in all we do.

Tammy
The Happy Homemaker

Completing Him Challenge Wk 3

Come and Join us over at Women Living Well!


This week challenge is: Print this list out and pray through this list daily. Also, do not forget to ask your husband each morning for any specific prayer requests he has for the day

She posted a list of things we could pray for our husbands. Here is the list.....

1. His Wife -that's a good place to start right? lol!











2. His Work










3. His Finances










4. His Sexuality










5. His Affections










6. His Temptations










7. His Mind










8. His Fears










9. His Purpose










10. His Choices










11. His Health










12. His Protection










13. His Trials










14. His Integrity










15. His Reputation










16. His Priorities










17. His Relationships










18. His Fatherhood










19. His Past










20. His Attitude










21. His Marriage










22. His Emotions










23. His Walk










24. His Talk










25. His Repentance










26. His Deliverance










27. His Obedience










28. His Self-Image










29. His Faith










30. His Future


She got this list from a book "The Power Of a Praying Wife" By Stormie Omartian
 
I try to pray for my husbad each day. I pray for his safety as he drives or carpools to and from work. I pray for his work. I pray for his health. I pray for his spiritual health. I pray for his finances and how I handle his hard earned money.
 
I cannot fast food because of health reasons but I can,and do fast things like soda,tea,the computer,ect. I put my husband on the front burner when praying because he is worth it. Our marriage is stronger because we pray for each other. We talk often about our goals in life,his goals become my goals and we work together to achieve them while being prayfully mindful of God's goals for us.
 
I strive to be the silent strong praying wife (and mom) that knows who to go to with all things (Jesus) and to pray for my husband in all aspects of his life.
 
Tammy
The Happy Homemaker

Completing Him Challenge-week 2

I am participating in the Completing Him Challenge that is being hosted by Courtney @ Women Living Well

This weeks challenge is simply to Remember. Remember the day you entered your sacred vows. If you are a blogger, please post pictures from that day and share your story. Then link up below and link your post to this post.



Sadly again for this weeks challenge I am unable to share any pictures from our wedding.
 
The memories from this wonderful day of my life are so sweet and so vivid. I think it's that way for most women or at least I hope it is.
 
I can remember waking up July 11,1992 scared and excited all at the same time. This was to be the day when I would become Mrs. John Channel,I can still feel the butterflies.
 
We had a rehearsal the night before and that night I didn't get much sleep at all. I kept thinking of how it was going to be to be a wife. I was eager to begin my life with my husband. To leave my home and family and go with him as the bible tells us.
 
The morning of my wedding I began getting ready and my mom did my hair. French twist bun,I loved it. My gown was an heirloom from my family. It was antique white lace with lace choker collar and pearl buttons all the way up the back. It was so pretty.
 
It seemed as though the day creeped along and flew by all at the same time. I couldn't wait to see my love!
 
We arrived at the church (almost late),I hurried into my dress and finally it was time for me to take my place beside my dad. We stood there arm in arm,both of us sad and happy at the same time. When the music started and we began our trip down the aisle I was a basket of nerves. Finally we made it to where my husband to be was waiting for me with a nervous smile on his face. I looked at him and smiled back at him.
 
I can remember when it was time for my dad to give me to my husband to be he held on just a moment longer. Finally after all was said and done I was his and he was mine (and it's still that way).
 
Our honeymoon was at a cabin on a lake. It was lovely,waking up first thing in the morning and sitting on the porch overlooking the lake. Loved it!
 
Coming home I was eager to begin my life as a homemaker and helper to my husband but I suppose that is for another post.
 
God Bless,
Tammy

Completing Him Challenge Week 1

I am participating in the Completing Him Challenge being hosted by Courtney @ Women Living Well a blog I spoke about a couple of times.

This weeks challenge is....Post Pictures from your dating days (or tell us all about it!). Think about one thing you used to do or have as a couple that you have lost in the shuffle of life. How can you regain it?



Sadly I have only one picture of us during our dating year and it was at my prom and I cannot scan it to my computer as my desk top is well broken. : ( But no need to fuss about that I can talk about it all with a smile on my face and in my heart. : )
 
I was 16 years old when I met my wonderful husband. We met while working at the local McDonald's. He was in school and I was still in high school. We met at the tail end of the first semester of my Jr. year. I can remember seeing him for the first time and thinking "wow,he's so cute,I wonder what his name is" We began talking and before I knew we were dating.
 
One of our first dates was him going to church with me. My dad was a pastor and I had to take him to church,house rules. : ) He did great,he didn't share the same faith as I did and my faith was so drastically different from his. I thought for sure this was going to be it,I would never hear from this guy again. He is going to take off running so fast he will leave skid marks. Well I don't think I have to tell you but I will : ). He didn't run off never to call me again,he stuck around.
 
We went on several dates together,at first we had to take my brother with us,house rules. He came over for dinner several times so my parents could get to know him. We would talk on the telephone for hours about everything and nothing at all. We would take walks together,hand in hand talking about everything and nothing.
 
When we weren't together,I missed him terribly and couldn't wait to see him again. Between our visits we would talk on the phone with each other. He was quickly filling my heart with love and a peace that this is what is right. He was a solid man even then,he was sweet and loving. He became the love of my life,my soul mate and my best friend.
 
This week I will focus on writing him little love notes. I use to do this all the time when we were dating. I would even use sticky notes and write a simple I Love You on it and put it on his steering wheel of his car. When he got off work he would climb in and see my little love not to him. Letting him know my feelings for him and that he was always on my mind.
 
Tammy

A Stay At Home Daughter and Give Away

photo provided by http://www.sensibility.com/

The mental image of “stay-at-home daughters” is usually of a girl . . .

Who is at home twiddling her thumbs while waiting, just waiting, for her Prince Charming to come and sweep her off her feet. She has nothing better to do than clean the house. Oh, and she can cook, too. What in the world does she do with all that free time? I mean really, all she’s capable of doing now is just waiting for her Prince Charming . . . right?






There’s a lot more to being a stay-at-home daughter than just cooking and cleaning. But because that’s the only thing the world thinks we’re doing, no wonder we seem so strange.






The majority of the stay-at-home daughters that I have met are productive, creative, resourceful, and in many cases are entrepreneurs. They have a vision and a desire to glorify the Lord in the area where He has sovereignly placed them by serving in the home.






Because we are at home, we are able to spend time preparing for the future, as well as being productive daughters at home.






We are able to spend time studying, learning how to change a tire, helping young mothers with their workload, starting a business, writing books, making baskets, serving the elderly, fixing window screens, cooking, understanding nutrition, sharing with others what we have learned, practicing hospitality, assisting our mothers, doing secretary work for our fathers, encouraging our siblings, etc. – just to name a few.






(I’m not saying a daughter who is away from home most of the time cannot do these things, but I think it would be most taxing to juggle the above plus school, job, etc.)






Rather than wasting my time idly sitting by, I desire to be a productive daughter who is passionate about today and preparing for the future. No, it’s not always easy, but by God’s grace I can glorify Him through the work of my hands as I seek to continue to learn, grow, and serve!






Blessings,


Emily Rose @ Simply Vintagegirl






And now for the give-away!


So Much More was written by Anna Sofia & Elizabeth Botkin, fellow stay-at-home daughters. The Lord has used their book mightily and it has had an amazing impact on thousands of daughters around the world. So Much More is a wonderful book for daughters of all ages, as it gives biblical and practical advice on being daughters, serving our families, fighting sin, honoring our parents, and thriving in our God-given roles!

We are giving a copy of this wonderful book away to one of our readers! Also in the bundle will be two CD’s with audio from two important talks Anna Sofia & Elizabeth have given. The first is called Strength and Dignity for Daughters, which speaks on how a daughter can be a joy to her father and a tremendous help in his work, while looking to him as her hero.

The second is called, What Our Father Taught Us About Boys. In this talk they give practical advice on navigating the tricky waters of relationships with boys, and how these relationships, properly conducted, can be edifying and strengthening. This is one of my favorite talks by them, as they share about treating boys not as possible suitors (believe me, even three-year-olds think that way, because I was one of them!), but as brothers in Christ.

Leave a comment to enter the giveaway! (For extra entries you can post about this giveaway on a blog, twitter, facebook, etc., just be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry!) Give-away closes Wednesday, June 16th at 8pm EST.








Tammy

Depression?

If anyone has dealt with depression at any time in their life or has had a family member walk through the waters of depression,you know how hard it can be. The things you once loved you no longer find joy in,you don't want to be around friends and family. You feel the desire to sleep more than normal for you. You lack energy,motivation,you cry all the time. You eat more than normal or not enough. You feel hopeless and angry. You just wish the world would leave you alone. Sound familiar?

How do I know so much about depression? I grew up with a woman that suffered and is suffering from clinical depression,anxiety,and slightly bi polar. My mother has suffered for years with these sometimes debilitating sicknesses. She has been on medications since well I honestly can't remember when she was first diagnosed. I have watched her suffer in ways I would never wish upon anyone. I have seen the effects that depression has on not just the person suffering from it but the whole family. It's so painful to watch someone you love sink into the darkness of depression.

I myself have had bouts of sadness. Recently while dealing with my dad. I refused to allow myself to grieve the loss of the relationship with my dad and the marriage that was lost between my parents. What instilled within was anger a lot of anger,frustration,and isolation. I prayed and prayed begging God to help me,I felt like I was losing my mind. The Lord spoke to my heart,I was not allowing myself to grieve. It was a loss,maybe not a death,well yes it was a death now that I think about. A death of a marriage and a death of a relationship between a daughter and her Earthly father. By not allowing myself to grieve this loss I was doing damage to myself,mind,body,spirit. So I began on the journey of letting go of the bitterness,to soften the hardening of my heart,with the help of Jesus I have made strives. When I feel the need to cry,I go off by myself and I cry. I journal my feelings and talk with my husband and of course talk with my Heavenly father every day throughout the day. It is not an easy walk but walking through the valley's of darkness and drudging through the mud of bitterness with Jesus at my side has been worth it. I know that when I get to the other end of this dark phase of my life I will be a stronger woman. I will still have a sore spot when it comes to my dad but it will get easier to deal with. No my depression is nothing like what my mom has dealt with so why did I include it with this article. There are many phases of depression not all are life long battles but all are hopeless without Jesus.

I recently found a blog that I really enjoy. It is called Women Living Well,I think the name initially caught my eye but once I started reading I started returning to read more. She has started a series on Depression on another blog Like A Warm Cup of Coffee. I am including in the article the first to parts of this series.....


Dealing with Depression - part 1

Dealing with Depression - part 2 - The physical side

Sometimes you just have to choose to be happy and fight for it.


The Happy Homemaker

photo submitted was supplied by photobucket

Breezy Brookshire's Story & Contest

 

photoprovided by fascinating_woman on photobucket

In today’s culture, the homemaker is seen as unnecessary, uneducated, and unfulfilled. But as a counter-cultural daughter, I refuse to believe this lie and have chosen to stay at home and prepare for the wonderful life God has called me to.

The Proverbs 31 Woman is trust-worthy, diligent, creative, and intelligent—a sturdy woman, well-equipped and ready for whatever life brings her. Look at her description line by line and consider all that must have gone into her training. She has not wasted her mind or her talents. This is the kind of woman I desire to become.







In my journey toward becoming a Proverbs 31 woman as a stay-at-home daughter, the Lord has brought me many opportunities to learn different skills and ways to serve Him. Not only am I developing my domestic skills, but I am also furthering my education by studying a variety of subjects such as history, theology, music, and art. I am also an artist and have a home business. While I know I’ll always be learning about homemaking, my goal is to be as prepared as possible for my future role as a wife and mother.






Last year the Lord led my sister Emily Rose and I to create a series of paper dolls called Daughters of His Story. This has been a ministry opportunity for us to share with young girls the beauty of godly femininity and virtuous womanhood.






Here’s the giveaway part! We will be giving away a set of our three paper doll books. All you have to do to enter the give-away is leave a comment below. Everyone who tweets, facebooks, or posts this giveaway will receive extra entries (just leave a separate comment for each thing you do please). Giveaway ends June 12th at 8pm EST.

                                                                         Noble Rose Press

The Happy Homemaker

Completing Him Challenge!

I am participating in the Completing Him Challenge over at Women Living Well blog. I am actually a day late  : )





The Happy Homemaker

The Prayer Closet

So many times in my life,when things get to heavy for me to carry. I go the Jesus,I cry out to my Heavenly father and he gives me peace.

There is so much stress in our lives. Taking care of our families and our homes,cooking nutritious meals for our family. So many times we take on all our duties and so much more from volunteering to help the needy,helping friends and family members,helping at our churches. Women have the need to care for others instilled in them from God and often times we feel the anguish others are going through because of this.

When going day to day in and the stresses of life get to heavy. I go off by myself so that I can be with Jesus,one on one time with my saviour. Sometimes I pray,sometimes I ready my bible and other times I just sit there feeling his presence and his love for me. When I return to my family or the job at hand I feel renewed and calm. I know I couldn't do what I do on a day to day basis with  Jesus helping me. When I feel weak he is there to strengthen me.

Do you have a prayer closet or a special place you go to be alone with Jesus?

The Happy Homemaker


photo provided by photbucket

I am linked up at: Women Living Well Blog

StedFast At Home

I wrote this article a few years back on my old blog.


When you read this term what comes to mind. Is it something bad in your views? Is it something that you relate to times that have long past when women stayed home and stood behind their man and kept the heads down and mouths shut? Or is it something else? I know for many of you what you believe this term means is all together something so very different than what it really does mean at heart.





I was like many of you, when I heard that, my alarms immediately went up. I thought, how dare you say that, I am no man's slave and I have a voice of my own that will freely use. I have a mind of my own and I'm a strong woman in mind,body and spirit. I am not a weak little woman doing what my man says. Does that pretty much sum up what you think when you hear stedfast at home or homekeeper,or even helpmeet?




I no longer see these phrases as I did, now let me tell you why. I began studying the bible alot more closer than I ever have in my life and began to talk to the Lord on a more personal level about what I felt my role was in my marriage and in the world in general. Now I believe the terms I have mentioned in the article as something to be proud of and cherish. I am no lower than my husband. I am not behind my husband. I am however his equal ,I work side by side with him to keep our home and life going. I have my duties and role in the house and so does he. He works outside the house and I stay home. I work hard and don't look down on my work as meager housework or that I'm just a homemaker or stay at home mom. I work very hard to make sure I keep a nice home for my family and that includes cooking good nutritious meals. On top of this I also keep our household costs as low and I can to save us as much money as I can in all categories of our lives. I hold my head high and I'm proud of who I am and what I do. I may not be out in the world working bringing home a paycheck but that does not make my role in my family any less important.




Here are a few bible versus that I have read that has helped me in ventures to be at peace with my choices in my life...


Psalm 128:3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house.


--What does this scripture mean,well to me is says To bare children be fruitful --


Proverbs 14:1 The wise woman builds her house but with her own hands the foolish one tears her down.


-- A wise woman works hard to keep her home where a foolish or lazy woman doesn't.--


Proverbs 31 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good,not harm,all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark:she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. She considers a Field and buys it: out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously: her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she hold the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows,she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate,where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.: Charm is deceptive,and beauty is fleeting; but a woman that fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.


--Whew that's a mouth full,LOL Meaning work hard for her home and family and don't shame yourself or your family. --


Titus 2 : 5 To be self-controlled and pure,to be busy at home,to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands,so that no one will malign the word of God.


--This is pretty self explained. To show self control and work hard in your home and not be lazy and to help your husband.--






I know that's alot to read but I truly feel as a woman it's worth a good study. As you read this see how it's relative to your own life.






The Happy Homemaker

Feminine Friday

What a nice morning so I decided to take my Feminine Friday out on our deck. My son Brandon took the picture for me.

White top and denim skirt,black head band and shoes. I have to go to court today with my mom so I'm not feeling very cheerful.

The Happy Homemaker

Feminine Friday

My daughter took this picture of me for Feminine Friday!!!! Nice little photographer isn't she! My hair is still wet so please exuse the craziness of it. The skirt is one that I couldn't wear for a long time now it fits and I have plenty of room in it!!!!! YIPEEE!  We are getting ready for weekly grocery trip.

I have to tell you the story of the blankets on the doorway. That is the doorway into our masterbedroom,my husband works midnights at a pharmaceutical plant and there were bits of light that came through any cracks in the door. I enjoy a lot of natural light in my home and that ran right into our master bedroom so to keep that from keeping him away I put these blankets around the door for him. I sacrifice a pretty wall for my honey. : )

My daughter Carissa didn't want to be left out of the fun!

Well off to the store we go,after I fix my hair of course. LOL

The Happy Homemaker

New Movie from the creators of FireProof!

Four men, one calling:




To serve and protect ...


The next movie from the creators of FIREPROOF is moving forward in anticipation of production beginning in the spring of 2010. Sherwood Pictures continues its commitment to life-changing and life-affirming movies.


Courageous ... honor begins at home!


I am excited about the newest movie from Sherwood Babtist Church. They also created Flywheel,Facing the Giants and Fireproof.




The Happy Homemaker

Feminine Friday

This is my first time posting to Feminine Friday. The picture below was taken by my dear wonderful sweet husband after a day out with my daughter grocery shopping. Soo I was a bit tired! Nothing fansy just a denim skirt and tshirt.

The Happy Homemaker

Our recent Bible study

This week we have been doing an extensive study on what God's word says about dating. This has been a very interesting study and my sons have had many questions. When we talk about dating as Christians,we are not talking about the kind of "dating" that the world promotes. What we are talking about is more like courting than dating. It is in the bible to do this not to play the feild until one sticks. Not to go from one boy/girl to another. To get involved with someone to early and/or moving into intimate phases of a relationship that should be kept for marriage while unmarried or even worse a teenager.

God tells us in his word to pray and find a wife/husband. Not to maybe sometimes pray when the mood hits me or maybe not pray at all or promise to pray and wait for God's choice for you but then run with your flesh as soon as someone comes along that tickles your fancy. The earliest example that the bible gives us on courting is in Genesis 2:18 It is not good that the man should be alone;I will make a helpmeet for him. The Lord didn't tell Adam hey go play the feild and be full of lust of the flesh and act on it. He made him a helpmeet from Adam's own rib. She was perfect for Adam because Eve was chosen by God for Adam. This is still true today,how do I know. Well first off  the bible tell us God is the same yesterday today and forever. So if he has not changed why would you think that his views on the proper way to find your future husband/wife would change. Why do you think he is going to turn his head and not look while you do things that you know you should not do as Christian young men/women.Young people today are making horriable mistakes by giving of themselves to whomever they feel an attraction to for the moment. How sad is it that our sons and daughter believe this is just how they are suppose to do things. When Jesus himself has made someone just for them and when they don't trust in him to bring he/she into their lives when the time is right,well why should he reward the weak in faith with a prize of the RIGHT man/woman.

God made marraige to protect us. God made marriage to keep us from fornication with the opposite sex. Hebrews 13:4 Marriage is honorable in all,and the bed undefiled:but whoremonger and adulterers God will judge. In other words going from boy/girl to boy/girl and doing things you know is meant for marriage is a sin we all know it. But the world wants our young people and parents to believe this is normal. Noone courts anymore dating is the norm. How is someone suppose to find a wife/husband if they don't date around? How about praying?! God has a mate for our sons and daughters if only they show obediance to him and us (the parents) and be faithful. Keep themselves pure for their future husband/wife.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that the worlds way of finding a husbadn/wife is not working it's a very broken system. Based on feelings and attractions that are led by the flesh not the spirit are leading our young people into very dark places. Divorce rates in America are rediculous. According to divorce rate.org the first marriage that ends in divorce in America in 2010 is 41%,wow and we are only 4 months into the year. But if a second marriage is in the work the rate goes up to 60% and a thirld 73%. I think we can see it's not working. Wanting to have a husband/wife is natural but going with the world and following your flesh is very much the wrong way to do it in my honest opinion,and from what I read daily and see on the news I think I'm right for believing this way.

There is a way to insure you are going to have the right person the first time. Pray,parents pray for your son/daughter to, for their future husband/wife. Children listen to the widom of your parents. Jesus tells us he is the way the truth and the light,why on Earth do you think he would ever steer us wrong. Have faith he will reward you with a happy lasting marriage.

The Happy Homemaker