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Preparing to be a Stay-at-home Wife

3/21/2014

1 Comment

 
Preparing to be a Stay-at-home Wife*

The title of this post comes from a thoughtful question that was asked of us by a reader of our blog. (everydaysetapart. com)  Here is what she asked: “How [do you] prepare to be a stay at home wife while being a stay at home daughter?”

 First of all, I would refer back to the Daughters of Yah series we posted back in July. These are articles written by young women (some stay-at-home daughters, some not) that are all desiring, seeking, and walking in God’s will for their life. All of these daughters are beautiful and unique- as they should be! God never intended that we all be perfect little replicas of one ideal.


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Think about it like this- in America we all follow (or *should* follow) the same laws but within those laws there is freedom and diversity; Joe can be a Goat Herd on a mountain; George can be an acrobat and Charlie can open a Kosher Deli. God’s Word is our Christian Law and within that Law there is freedom and diversity; Naomi can study herbalism, farming, and agriculture; Samantha can choreograph her own dances and form a dance team; and Elizabeth can continue to develop her cooking skills while also taking online classes on business management. It would be a tragedy if George decided to open a restaurant because that’s what Charlie is doing (and Charlie is an excellent example of godly manhood! Shouldn’t George try to be like him??). Or if Charlie stopped pursuing his potential business because Joe’s life looks so radically different from his own. God calls us all to do different jobs and to different ways of life- So let me encourage you to be who God has called you to be, not who He’s calling Samantha to be! If you ‘seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness’ your life will be different from everyone else’s and very different from the worlds ideal.

 While my sister, Naomi, was a daughter-at-home she had certain skills she sought to develop, such as; understanding and applying Scripture, herbalism, farming, agriculture, prenatal care, midwifery, mothering/child rearing, and hospitality. The way in which she pursued each of these interests might be different than the way you pursue them, if you choose to pursue them at all. She also devoted time to helping at our local food pantry/women’s shelter and thrift shop and Nannying for our neighbor. Maybe God isn’t calling you to that particular type of ministry. Naomi was able to use all these skills as a daughter-at-home and Yahweh knew that Naomi would eventually use the knowledge and materials she acquired as a stay-at-home wife. Yes, that’s right! Naomi’s life as a stay-at-home daughter prepared her to be a stay-at-home wife! If Naomi had tried to emulate the way someone else lives her life as a stay-at-home daughter then she would not have been as well prepared for her life now, as a wife to Joe. The skills she pursued as a stay-at-home daughter laid the perfect foundation for what she is learning and doing now, as a wife. 
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Here’s a look into my life right now. My skills and interests are somewhat different from Naomi’s but we still have some things in common. I am seeking to develop skills in writing, painting, cooking, menu planning, and nannying - as well as increasing my knowledge of Scripture and its application, the Hebrew language, biblical health, and fitness, parenting and wifering (My Definition: Skills that are involved in being a good, biblical wife… surprisingly much the same as being a good daughter, sister and friend… but not exactly).

 I am also following Yeshua’s (Jesus) example of a servant by serving as receptionist at a few of our local Life Centers (a pro-life organization) and shadowing in the counseling room in order to become a Peer Counselor myself. It’s important to remember that this type of outreach may not be possible for all stay-at-home daughters. I only have four younger siblings (Clayton and Sherman are 12 and 14; Lydia and Emily are 16 and 18) who do not require ‘looking after’ or cleaning up after (or shouldn’t ;) ). Also, Emily and Lydia need to learn important homemaking skill too! It wouldn’t be right for me to take over all the menu planning, cooking, cleaning etc… Don’t leave your sisters without opportunities to help in your eagerness to prepare. But also don’t leave all of the homemaking responsibilities to others while you pursue your own ministries. I have time to pursue outside ministry and you may not, that’s okay!  We have no farm with animals (however, we’d like to, eventually), no elderly grandparent(s) or pregnant mom that needs my help… do you get my point? I have time. In my life, right now, I have time! And you may not. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t have time for outreach because you are doing “within-reach” by ministering in your own home. If cooking needs done, then cook. If it’s cleaning that your mother needs help with, then clean. Every life is different. But if you have the time, resources and your parent’s approval, then be the hands and feet of Jesus to the needy. 
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In her book, No More Wasted Years, Olivia Brodock suggests ways that women can build their skill set for both stay-at-home daughterhood and marriage. Taking a counseling course is one of the recommended things. I have wanted to volunteer with Life Centers for years but I didn’t know how, and I was too young to pursue a position as a peer counselor. Reading that suggestion in her book reminded me that I am old enough now. I talked with my parents and they agreed with Olivia; everyone at some point will offer counsel to someone, so you might as well know how to do it in a biblical, compassionate and loving way! I feel that the training and, one day, actual counseling has and will continue to equip me with skills needed to be an active listener. Being an active listener will enable me to become a better sister, friend and one day, wife.

 Olivia also talks about goal setting, the importance of serving your family and how we should never stop learning. While I don’t agree with everything in Olivia’s book (such as her recommended reading list), I did find her book to be helpful and thought provoking. No More Wasted years is written in short, to-the-point chapters that are able to be read even on a busy day.

 If you’re having trouble filling your days as a stay-ay-home daughter then maybe this book will help you with the different ideas Olivia gives. Talk with your parents and see if they have things for you to do at home first! 

 Lastly, I’d like to remind us all (including me!) that it’s important to have balance. Remember the past, so that you can learn from it- but don’t live in it. Look to the future, so that you can prepare for it- but don’t live in it. Live today. Obey what God has for you to do today. Obedience today is the best preparation for tomorrow.

Bethany

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*in case it isn't clear enough from the post;  being a stay-at-home wife or daughter does not mean that we stay at home all day, everyday. In fact, the opposite is true! I am busy inside and outside the home! A stay-at-home daughter is a woman who chooses to remain in her parents home until marriage. Living at home has many advantages to both daughter and parents, spiritually, financially etc. However, it is not for everyone, every situation is different.
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My Journaling Journey 

7/16/2013

2 Comments

 
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28 of the 30-something journals I've filled over the years. I arranged them from my first journal (bottom right) to my latest (top left)
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I’ve been a regular journaler for nearly 7 years. Journaling is a deeply personal hobby that requires perseverance and time commitment. The rewards of journaling include; the ability to read memories from the past that may have been forgotten if they hadn’t been recorded, seeing God’s hand in your life as He has guided and taught you many lessons, the ability to see personal growth and development through the years, improved handwriting, spelling and grammar (IF you work on those while you journal… I didn’t for most of my journaling life! Sad, I know). 

Many girls will start journaling and then lose interest or become un-motivated. Hopefully this post encourages you to continue your journaling journey. Remember, no one is perfect at journaling! Most of my journals are filled with horrendous handwriting (the kind I would get in trouble for if I used it in my school work!), caveman-like grammar and spelling (because I was lazy about it), and fleshly, carnal chapters of life before I knew Him.


 

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While I remained a consistent writer, writing every day with very few missed days, there are a few gaps where I missed large amounts of time (about a month) because of painful life situations or travel constraints. If I had it to do over I would have written through the painful times also. Early on I made it a personal rule not to share sad, painful or otherwise uncomfortable things in my journal, so many of them don’t give the whole picture. Later I decided it would be best not to write about my struggles with family and friends because I didn’t want to ‘keep record of wrongs’. More recently I’ve been discovering the art of journaling my spiritual journey without dwelling on others faults or blaming them for my own behavior. 

Today I will share with you small excerpts from my journals. Because some things I say need an explanation, and for the most part aren’t even legible, I will type a translation next to the picture. I will keep grammar and spelling the same (unless needed for clarification) and add any information parenthesis and underlined.
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Luke 6:22 "What happiness it is when others hate you and exclude you and insult you and smear your name because you are mine!"
I really thout that was the best verse I read all week.
Dear Memo (because the front of this journal said  "Pocket Memo"),
Mommy, Naomi and I just got back from Kroger and we got a lot of egg nogg for tonight.
It's pretty rainy right now. The only thing I want to do is Roller blade (zoom!)
I can't wait untill Tuesday because then we can all go to karate. (ous!) (the noise you make  in karate when you punch or kick)
Forever yours, Bethany
P.s. what does 'p.s.' stand for??? Fire ah! (not sure what that was about...)
P.s.2: Happy new Year!

January 1 2007 (can you believe it's 2007?)

Dear Memo,
I am tierd. that's all I can think of. hmm
I can't Roller blade today it's to wet
Ow! I bruised my elbow! Ouch!
When the pigs sing I'll eat chicken. Last night I drank a lot of eggless egg nog! 
ha ha! got to go! Forever yours, Bethany

January 1 2007
3:22
Dear Mini memo,
ow! I had a hang nail then pulled it now it's bleeding! bye! ow!
later that night...
I'm in bed. tomorrow Meagan and Kaitlin are coming over (my mom babysits them)
oh! goodnight
Bethy
Journaling started out as a frivolous little hobby. I would write random little nonsense and meaningless little jabber.
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... I wonder if Ona's gonna be there even though Sensei's gone. Well bye, -Bethany
(Ona was our teacher, Sensei's, puppy)

Later that day

Jori, I'm a blue belt!!!!!!! Yah!!
Oh guess what I was sparring Mac and 'thwak' I kicked to hard he asked for a chest protector!!
-Bethany

(Jori is a shortened form of journal. I used Jori because when I first started journaling I had a hard time remembering how to spell 'journal' and I hated the term 'diary'. After a while 'Jori' stuck and I continued to use it. Also, I'd like to point out that I wasn't trying to hurt Mac or kick hard- that's why I thought it was sort of funny.)\


March 31 2007

Dear Jori, It's really stormy today Thunder and Dreary at least it's not blowy. Emily and I went around the trail today and we had fun.
Right now its 2:07 so there is plenty of day to fill but Naomi, Mommy and Lydia went to Goodwill, Emily and Sherman are playing on the computer and Clayton is watching them.
Talk later!
-Bethany

Same Day

Dear Jori, It's 2:18 and all I've done is write in you and walk around the house. bye!
-Bepie

Same day (again)

It looks pretty nice out now but when I asked daddy if we could play outside he said "[It] looks like it's gonna storm, so no."
but it's so nice out!
tomorow is 'April fools day' and Palm Sunday. Mommy, Naomi and Lydia are back, so bye! -Bethany

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[Clayton is] coming down with the chicken pox. He's got a fever, Lizzy, his friend had them not to long ago. Mommy had them hug and play together.
It [is] late I need to get to bed.
I write later! Night!
Your true friend,
Bethany Potts

May 3, 2008

Dear Jori,
Today I cleaned (and re-arranged) the kitchen, mushroom hunted, and mowed.
We saw 2 other people while we were mushroom hunting, the bald guy was funny!
Ok and a little weird (but arn't we all!)
If TACHEs (Homeschool group we were a part of) play this year is Cinderella [then] Naomi wants to be either;
The Evil Stepmother or the Evil Stepsister.
I want to be either; the Evil Stepsister or Cinderella, but I probably wont get it
I can hope though
If they don't do Cinderella then they'll probably do 'Tom Sayer' or 'Hucklberry fin'.
I'm trying to get back in the habit of writing neatly. I have a hard time reading my [own handwriting].
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(Typically I fill the first page of a new journal with a kind request to the reader to 'please not read my journal')
It's fairly legible! Yay!  
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My journal entries vary dramatically...  from a 3 page entry to a short little one like the above.
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January 31, 2009

Dear Journal,
Guess what!? I made my very first lemon merangue pie! I[t] was a little hard but I think I did fairly well.
I can only hope it will taste okay. We aren't eating it until tomorrow. Naomi made a key lime pie. So there (then) if mine is yucky we have a "fall back" and if hers is bad shes got a fall back.
But if they are both yucky then we are in deep doggy-doo. haha! (That probably wasn't very appropriate, sorry)
The pies are for Mommy's birthday. We are having the M_____s (A family we are friends with) over after church.

Lydia and Clayton made mommy as snow man for her birthday. But they made it in frount so when you walk past the [windows by the front] door; it Looks at You!

It's rather creepy!

OO! Fireproof. Good movie. It's a tear jerker, I almost cried at the part where the man yelled. For everyone else it was a different part.

Eww! I really need a shower! I'll probably get it tomorrow morning.

Mommy got me this pen! It's gray. I chose gray rather than blue. I don't know why, I just did. Some things in life are like that- you just do. Sooo...

not much is really up.

OO! I made merangues! They were very yummy! Everyone liked them. Well, not Naomi. She just doesn't.

Wow, life just passes. Day by day.
There it goes

Tomorrow is mommy's birthday. 
February 1st.

13 days after that is the most romantic Holiday!! 
 [Pagantines Day!]

Goodnight.

-me-
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9/20/09
Jori,

We (Noomers an' me) (Noomers is Naomi) went an' babysat the A____s. They are realllly nice kiddos 4 sure.

ummm... Oo! Had the B____s and the J_____s over for SPICEY food.

Advanced Bio tomorrow!
ewwww (We were probably on the 'muscle' module... so hard! but other than that it was great.)

Love,

meepers
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There were many times through the years that I have considered putting an end to my journal journey... or even burning all my old journals.
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April 19, 2010

journal,

This morning I woke up at 6:20 the[n] did P90x w/ daddy, HARD dude! Then later showered, mowed, and schooled. Then, ew, we had to go disect the cow eyeball..ew...it was the most grossest thing ever (Using incorrect grammar to emphasize the grossness of it)! And Mrs. M____ (The lady who taught Naomi and I science) gave us jelly eyes! eh, heh, heh, heh....
Then everyone else jumped on....
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Entries like this are some of my favorites.

August 5, 2010

Journal,

Guess what?
A giant tree broke and fell into our yard last night. We had to run over and tell our neighbors (the ones whose tree it was) because they were unawares. It's a hedge apple tree! Emily and I saw it shake on our way back to the neighbors. (We probably thought it was an animal in there! And it probably was)

Emily and I went mowing (I helped mow at our old church for a few Summers. Emily would come along and move sticks and rocks). I mowed the frount yard weird[ly].

[But] S'okay! (it's okay)

Mrs. B____ was there for a bit.
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This is just a silly one...

Ooctooboor [Toonth]
Twoontoo-Toon

Joornool,
Hoopy Ooctooboor!
Foor a chooloonge you moost rooplooce almost ooll voowels wooth Oo!! Just kidding.

"You never leave your partner... especially in a fire" -Fireproof
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My Prayer

[Yeshua], (I was just learning Hebrew words)

I pray you will convict my heart of any sin in my life.

Help me not to gossip as it is so easy to do!

Let me follow your word as I learn your holy ways.

Let your light shine through me.
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Baruch ata laymraychey (Blessed are you [not sure])

(I was probably sounding things out and guessing around with what things meant)


"Something about a heart"

Baruch Yahweh! (Blessed is the LORD!)
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HELLO

Please do not read my journal. It is just notes, prayers and thought[s] as well as a log of what has happened during the day.

Thank you!

Bye!
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9-28-11

To The Reader,

This is not a book to read! This is the journal of Bethany!

Thank you for your co operation

Love,

BP
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First part of the song I wrote called "Everyday"
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2-10-12
Another day to focus on you! help me do better today than yesterday!
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"Jerusalem"
"Passover Shalom"
Remember Jerusalem
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I need a rest
No I don't
I will not rest I won't, I won't
My job is here I need to do it
No rest for me until I'm through it

(I wrote this silly poem when I was still on pain killers from having my wisdom teeth out... I was loopy)
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Just some fun doodling
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Give me a love and desire for everything you love and desire.

I ask your guidence and provision on my day- show me what to do and how to do it.
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2-6-13

Dear Reader,
 
Please do not read my journal.
It would be very RUDE and I'd really appreciate it if you'de just set it down.

That's all you really need to know! Now if you would please just listen to me and not open, read, or otherwise tinker with my journal. Unless I am dead- in that case... I guess you can read it.... what could be the harm in that?

It's pretty hard to be embarassed  when you're dead!

Have a great life!

Love,

Bethany
I'm sorry that I don't feel comfortable sharing many of my recent entries because they are still fresh and very personal. As time goes on I'm sure they will lose some of their closeness but for now they are only for my eyes.

To give you some ideas on how to use your journal- here are different ways I use my journal

-Recording my day

-Recording prayers, poems and songs
-Keeping notes from sermons and study
-Keeping track of my hopes for the future and goals I want to achieve
-Sometimes I keep programs (from graduations, funerals etc...) in my journal
-Keep name tags in your journal

Do you journal? Feel free to share any journaling ideas in the comment section, I'd love to hear them!

Bethany
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We have a winner.....

6/18/2013

1 Comment

 
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The winner is Kelsey Bryant!
Thank you to all who participated in our very first giveaway. Kelsey, we will mail the book to you tomorrow.
We also have some exciting new posts planned for July.
Blessings,
Naomi

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(CLOSED) "Chucking College" giveaway and guest post by Melanie Ellison

6/11/2013

8 Comments

 
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(This giveaway is now  closed)
Hi! Welcome to our very first giveaway post! This year we had the pleasure of meeting Melanie Ellison, author of "Chucking College", at Family Week. We bought an author signed copy of "Chucking College"  with the intention of using it in a giveaway for our readers, and Melanie agreed to share a guest post with us.
   Here is how you can enter to win.
1. Leave a comment telling us one way you strive to live everyday set-apart
2. Share the giveaway on Facebook, or your blog and then comment telling us you did.
3. Tell someone in person about the giveaway, and ask them to comment that you referred them.
So there are three possible entries per person. The giveaway will end Tuesday, June 18th, at 12pm and we will be announcing the winner that afternoon.
 If you would like to purchase your own copy of "Chucking College" it is available at: http://chuckingcollege.com/Home.html
We hope you enjoy the following guest post by Melanie Ellison.
Blessings,
                                                                Naomi

What will it profit a girl if she gains the whole world but loses her soul, her lifetime financial freedom, her purity, her love of reading, her unique individuality, her entrepreneurial momentum, and four peak years of her life?
A college degree may no longer be worth the world to us when we see what we have to surrender for it.
The costs for that piece of paper—financial, emotional, spiritual, and temporal—rise higher with every graduation.


When we really think it over, a degree may not be necessary to equip us for each of our life purposes as Christian women. Having to spend all one’s time jumping through an institution’s contemporarily-hip course hoops makes it very difficult to find the time to master domestic skills we will need in our future homes. If a young woman spends four to eight years debating worldly philosophy and studying for a career, she is simply not going to possess as much competence in running a home and living a life of self-sacrifice for her man and her babies as the young woman who has been practicing those skills daily. College saps valuable time from preparing for the life many of us hope to live someday—that of a wife and mother.


Admittedly, college does have attractive benefits, but not without costs that most often far outweigh them. When family and friends say, “You’re strong enough to keep your faith through college!  You won’t become one of the 50-80% who lose their faith at college!” how do you know? Satan fell from heaven and Eve fell from the Garden of Eden!  Our hearts are deceitful, and they seek excuses to sin. “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall,” warns 1 Corinthians 10:12.

 Proverbs 16:17 declares, “The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; he who keeps his way preserves his soul.” Therefore, according to Scripture, the descriptive characteristic of the righteous is that they are set-apart and holy—not loitering and trying to survive in the midst of those who habitually practice sin.

If we truly believe that college is often a type of Sodom, then longing for it could be as deadly for us as it was for Lot’s wife, when she looked back. Sodom, her home, was similar to college with all its attractions, stimulations, and ventures into the thrills of the world. She must have despised what was ahead of her by comparison—life in a cave. It was when she doubted the value of her forthcoming life of hardship that she longed for the familiarity she had with the worldliness of Sodom—"the treasures of Egypt,” so to speak. She looked back when she stopped looking ahead to her reward.

The enemy desperately wants to get us young ladies out from the protection of our fathers’ homes. That is why we sometimes feel the draw to think that anywhere else would be more productive than being at home. He wants to destroy us, and cannot access us as easily while we remain under authority. Realizing this can help us feel validated at home, and help us move on to be productive (have entrepreneurial businesses and ministries, and exercise hospitality) from the hub of our home.

Skipping college does not imply that we are to also give up on advanced education or perfecting our talents. Skills are vitally important to bring glory to the Name of God. Excellence is a work’s glory. So we must look for unique ways to develop skills without necessarily conforming to the college cookie-cutter pattern. 

  ***
 Melanie Ellison (22) is the author of Chucking College: Achieving Success Without Corruption. 
Her book reveals the way to obtain an advanced education without having to endure dorm immorality,
exorbitant tuition costs, and spiritual assault. Go to 
www.chuckingcollege.com to discover how skipping college may be the best educational decision you ever make. Or purchase through Amazon.com

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A Hope Chest Filled With Love

2/19/2013

1 Comment

 
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A hope chest is something filled with love. Where your whole family can put
something in. Your brothers can put in an invention, your sisters
something they sewed, your mom and dad could  add billion special  things.
If I get married when I grow up then I hope to use the things in my hope chest.
If not they will be very special memories and still be useful.

Some traditional items found in a hope chest between 1600-1900 A.D might be:

A sewing basket

needles, needlecase or cushion, thread, yarn, kitting needles, crochet hooks,
crochet or knitting patterns, quilt and quilting patterns, clothing patterns, woven
fabrics, scissors, buttons, snaps or other fastenings, pins, needlework hoops,
a sewing bird, emery bag, bod kin, bees wax, measuring tape or yard-stik, etc.

Weaving supplies

 Cards for cleaning and fluffing wool, drop spindle or spining wheel, table loom or barn loom, pattern drafts for the loom, dried flowers for dying yarn or woven fabrics and other weaving items and supplies.

Seeds

Herb, vegetable and flower seeds, plant cuttings, bulbs and seedling trees.

The List Goes On.......................

I have a hope chest, (well it's just a plastic tub but I use it as a hope chest).
I keep things in it that I can use for my house and family when I grow up, or things
that remind me of special memories. Like: Gifts from loved ones, my old journals, a burp cloth Bethany made for me, books, old stuffed animals, a baby outfit, old Bibles from when I was really young, pot holders, cards and letters and ceramic dolls my grandma made.

Things suggested for putting in a hope chest: Quilts, silverware, dish sets, table cloths, baby outfits,
candles, aprons, books, favorite cooking recipes, scrap books, old cards and letters, old pictures, wash cloths,
things to decorate your house, toys, baby blankets, pictures you drew, clothes you've made, special accessories,
letters you receive or you write to yourself, and filled journals.

I started my hope chest when I saw Bethany's, I thought it was so awesome and loved the idea.
Every once in a while Bethany and I get out our "hope chests" and look at them together.
A hope chest is designed to be filled with love, it's not the things you put in it or how expensive they are, it's the
time, effort, love and kindness.

“For wisdom is better than rubies, And all delights are not comparable to her.”
Proverbs 8:11 
 

Every wise woman buildeth her house; But the foolish plucketh it down with her own hands.
Proverbs 14:1


Some of the things I used in this post came from the book "The Hope Chest" by Rebekah Wilson.


                                                                                         With much love and care,
                                                                                                          Lydia
                                                                                (here's a song I like, maybe you'll enjoy it too!)

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Set-Apart Reading (Part 2)

2/5/2013

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In my last article (Click here for Part 1) I addressed some of the issues that surround so many of the popular fictions books.

So, what about good books? What are some books that cause us to focus on “pure, right and noble” thoughts?
In this post I hope to offer some good fiction books that help you exercise your imagination and “provoke [you] to good works”. 
 
I’ve read all these books (or had them read to me!) at some point or another and I’m pretty sure I still agree with them, however,
don’t take my word for it! Perhaps my beliefs have changed or maybe we believe differently. 
 
So let's start...

“The Miller Family Series” by Mildred A. Martin 
 
Most of the books in this series are geared toward children ages 6-13. I can still remember my mom reading these stories aloud to us kids. We were able to relate with them and learn from their mistakes (sometimes we laughed because we had already made the same mistake). Even though most of the stories are fiction they are very similar to real life events that do happen. 

(Click here to read more about the Millers series)

 “Crown and Covenant Series” by Douglas Bond 
 
These are some other books that my mom has read aloud to us kids. We were older for these books and they are recommended for 10-14 year olds but I think they would be suitable for 12- up (they are great if you are  looking for a fast read!). They can be a bit intense for some children but it depends on their personality (Lydia and I tend to get scared easier then Naomi or Emily). 

“The Crown & Covenant Series follows the lives of the M’kethe family as they endure persecution in 17th-century Scotland and later flee to colonial America. Doulas Bond weaves together fictional characters with historical from Scottish Covenanting history” (Description on back cover of the first book)

 Something I liked about these books was how Mr. M’kethe teaches Duncan (his son) about the difference between war and defending yourself. 

We only have the first three books but there are more. I would recommend these to boys and girls.
 
“The Peleg Chronicles” by Matthew Christian Harding

 Unlike C&C Series (the first 3 books cover the span of a few years) the Peleg Chronicles only covers 3 days or so. I am looking at both stacks of books right now and they are nearly the same size! 
 
We read these aloud as a family just recently (if you haven’t guessed by now- we read books as a family sometimes, haha). My mom, dad, Naomi and I all took turns reading them aloud but everyone prefers my mom’s voice. 

These books were recommended to us by some friends and we all enjoyed the books (that’s ages 11-40ish). Another plus is that these books are interesting to boys as well as girls. 
 
The characters in this book offer a variety of beliefs, personality, age and “type” (some are giants, others are dwarfs and some are average people). 
 
Staged in the time of Peleg (Genesis 10:15) The main Character is Mcdoogle, a very kind, very tall man (not a giant- he's only 7') who believes in “The God of Noah”. 
 
The books do have “witch” in them but the whole idea is presented in a biblical way (God is still all powerful, no “good” magic, no details etc…). Yes the drawings on the covers are creepy but they aren’t bad. 
 
We all liked how the characters would quote scripture in their regular speech (even things that weren’t written at the time! But the principles were there and He IS the same yesterday, today and forever!)

 Overall, these books are enjoyable, thought provoking and great read alouds. But they are so hard to put down! You may be stuck reading for hours!

(Click to read more!) 

 Keepers of the Faith offers some good books (I’ve only read a few but Naomi has read more). They sell books that have been out of print for a while. The characters are Godly and strive to love God with all their hearts but they still make mistakes- they are still human.

I have read:

 Ester Ried- “Ester Ried was originally published in 1870. It was one of Mrs. Alden's earliest books and became her most popular work. It is the story of a young woman (18) who claims to be a Christian, but shows a lack of love, patience, and concern for her younger siblings. The workload at home is heavy. She often complains, and is irritable most of the time.

The story is about her spiritual awakening to the Lord, and what it means to be a servant with a sweet and willing spirit.
  After "awakening" she realizes what a different effect she might have had on her younger brothers and sisters had she acted
like a real Christian. God expects certain behavior from those who claim His name. This is an excellent story and would be a great book for older sisters to read!”

Jessie Wells- “[Jessie Wells] was Mrs. Alden's second book and was written in 1867. We think it is one of her best. It is the story of a teenage girl who has made a profession in Christ, but there seems to be no evidence of it in her life. She decides to get serious about her walk with Christ.

Another thread woven into the story is Jessie's unbelieving brother. She turns her prayers and toward home and winning those closest to her. It makes a difference. This is an excellent story for everyone, but especially for young ladies.”

“Least said, soonest mended”- “What a title! What a story! Some of the advice given by the wise mother to her daughter who loved to talk is:
 ". . . the main part of the good and evil that we do in our lives is done with the tongue." 

Mind you, it's 'least said, soonest mended,' in the long run."

"What's said can never be unsaid."

The dangers of too much talk are clearly pointed out, and the dire consequences which follow such talk are clearly shown
 in the lives of the characters, in particular, the main character, a sweet girl named Kitty. Idle words, passing compliments, and sometimes too much admiration and praise spoken by others may also be a source of trouble in a young person's life as it was in this story. "Least said, soonest mended" is a profound phrase you will not want to forget! We made a plaque to hang
up as a constant reminder to say less rather than more. Great story”

I’ve read a few of their other books but I cannot remember their titles! Sorry! I do remember the stories though…

I noticed that a few of the books have dispensationalism type doctrine that is really weird…Example; one of the books uses the verse “May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if you, O Jerusalem, are not my highest joy” (from Psalm 137) was used to mean ‘if our church building does not bring us greater joy than any other place then we are doing something wrong’- this was
from one of the books that I do not remember the name of. Thought it was strange. 

(If you want to browse the books they offer- click here)

These are just a few suggestions- I would’ve liked to offer more but seeing as how I am already behind by 5 days in writing this post… this is as good as it gets! 

Maybe I’ll have time for more later.

Happy Reading,

Bethany

(p.s. Part 3 will be suggestions for good non-fiction reading!)
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What's Coming Up In January?

1/7/2013

0 Comments

 
So, you might be wondering...

What's coming up in January?

Well....

This week:


Emily will be posting a yummy recipe for "Tapioca Pudding". Affectionately called "fish eggs" by some :)

Next week:

Naomi will be posting a recipe and review for homemade lip balm. 

Bethany will be sharing about the beautiful "Shema" Painting she is making for the entry way.

In the second half of January you can look forward to:

Fruits of the Spirit Part 2 by Lydia

Bible Study/Game Night by Emily

Set Apart Reading Part 2 by Bethany

The Importance of Conversation by Naomi

                                                                                    
-Naomi-                                                                                                               
                                                                                                   

Dates and topics are subject to change without notice.  ;)

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When Will My Life Begin

1/6/2013

2 Comments

 
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In every season of life, there is a time for waiting. 
The school aged child "waiting" for summer vacation.
  The daughter  “waiting” for marriage.
 The woman in college “waiting” to start her career.


 


While we are all waiting for something, our lives should not be put on hold.
What can we do to stay content?
Stay focused on the big picture, this time of waiting is only a short time of our lives.
Our goal in life should be to glorify God in all we do.
Focus on the things Yahweh has given you to do in the season of life you are in now.

 While sometimes it is easy to ignore things around the house because it is not ‘ours’, we need to take responsibility for what Yahweh has given us today. “The cookies we bake today are no less important that the cookies we will bake tomorrow”

There are big things and small things to wait for in life.
Some things I am waiting for in my life:
Waiting for February to come, Bethany and I will be traveling west for a month.
I am looking forward to celebrating and traveling to all the feasts this year.
Waiting on Yahweh’s will for my life concerning marriage.

My life is happening right now. My life is making no-bake cookies with Clayton, sorting donated clothes at the thrift store with Emily, going on early morning walks while talking with my mom. My life is going west to assist a woman who is healing her cancer naturally, helping plan and host Bible study/game nights for the girls in our Fellowship, studying to become a Master Herbalist, and writing for this blog.

 “God has big plans for us, right where we are. We can be used mightily, right now. Our fruit can be significant, today” 
                                                                            Anna Sophia and Elizabeth Botkin
 
Everyone has something in their life that they are waiting for. 
What are you waiting for?

Naomi

 Some resources:
Chucking College by Melanie Ellison
Joyfully at Home by Jasmine Baucham
Family Daughter by Sarah Bryant
It's (not that) Complicated by Anna Sophia and Elizabeth Botkin
So Much More by Anna Sophia and Elizabeth Botkin


2 Comments

Set-Apart Reading (Part 1)

12/13/2012

7 Comments

 
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"Twilight", "Harry Potter"
, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe".
 

What do these books have in common? More than you may think. They all portray evil things as good and upright. 
I haven't read the first two books but only summaries and reviews.
  “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light,
and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!


Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!”

 Twilight is a book that follows the passionate romance between an average girl (Bella)
and her “good vampire” boyfriend (Edward). Edward drinks animal blood rather than human blood so that makes him “good”. 
 "You are not to eat anything containing blood, engage in occult practices, or practice fortune telling.”
Even if so many teenage girls (and even their moms) didn’t have such an unhealthy obsessive love for Twilight or its main character Mr. Edward Cullen, Twilight would still be an un-healthy literature to have in our diets. The fact that Edward is a
“good vampire” doesn’t make this a good book. This brings back memories of “The Wizard of Oz” with its “good witches” and bad witches- there is no such thing as a good witch! And there is no such thing as a good vampire.
Some questions to consider:
What does the bible say about the drinking of blood? What does the bible say about lust? What does the bible  say that our thoughts should dwell on vs. what do books such as Twilight cause our thoughts to dwell on?

Harry Potter- a novel of the life of an orphan boy named Harry who attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
I hate to be crass but wizardry is ranked right up there with some other totally disgusting sins. Why will some read books about such perverted acts as wizardry (in the name of entertainment) while other perversions are off-limits?
“Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. Whosoever lieth with a beast shall surely be put to death.”
A verse to consider:
“Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am YHWH your God.”

Questions to consider:
 What does the bible say about witchcraft/wizardry? What does the bible say our thoughts should dwell on vs.what do books like Harry Potter cause our thoughts to dwell on? Does this book present what the bible calls evil as something good and upright?
The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe- a mysterious wardrobe can transport children to the magical world of Narnia. The antagonist is a beautiful witch and the protagonist is the Lion, Aslan, who has magical powers of his own.

This time we have bad magic and “good” magic. There is no such thing as “good” magic- even if the book was written by a Christian. Even if  it’s written by C.S Lewis, Christian hero. While I believe that Mr. Lewis has some excellent arguments for the existence of God and some excellent arguments for the validity of YHWH God as THE God, I do not believe his Narnia books are the best reading material.
 Verses to consider:
“There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.

For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.”

Questions for your consideration:
 What does the bible say about putting good for evil and evil for good? Is there biblically such an idea as “good” magic?
                                                           "Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good." 
                                                                                                  -  Bethany -
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