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.

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. 

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. 

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

*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.

It is something we all wonder from time to time. Some more than others. This article is directed to those of us who frequently wonder about our future; those of us who are more curious, wishing with a longing heart to know His will for our life; the special, individual life that He has called you too. 

Let me start off by saying, this is in no way going to be a special formula for learning what your future holds. Instead it communicates the lesson that I have been learning, as a curious young lady, over the past year. That lesson is trust.

Sometimes my mind can be so full of questions that I forget trust altogether. Questions and curiosity are not bad, in fact they can help us to prepare wisely for the future, but sometimes we can go a bit overboard and become worrisome or fretful. Here are some examples of questions that have plagued my mind on occasion, all are without answers… and I still feel that I am far from ever being able to definitively answer them.

-Is this (painting, nannying, volunteering etc.) what Yahweh wants me to be doing or does he want me to be doing something else with my life right now?

-Is there only one plan and perfect will for my life or does He allow me freedom to choose any sound, biblical choice?

-Will I get married or remain single? If I don’t know the answer to this question then how will I adequately prepare for the future?

- There are so many things that I want to do! I don’t think I will ever have the time, money or resources to do them all!      

- Oh… and then there’s the inevitable question that follows- do I really want to do His will? Or is this my own selfishness driving me to this decision?

Here is an encouraging Bible verse I’ve found over the past year that has helped me in the area of ‘just trust’.

Let me give you an example of how I’ve seen this play out in my own life. During Sukkot 2012 I learned of a Missions group that had a very biblical approach to evangelism and the idea of being able to go on one of their trips was exciting! I planned the whole thing out in my head, imagining how I would help, encourage and live out God’s will for me while in a foreign country. I knew that the cost to go on the trip would be fairly expensive, but if this is what God wanted me to do then He would provide. When I brought the idea to my parents they were opposed to it. My heart didn’t understand why they couldn’t see the potential to change lives- Others and my own- for the good of His kingdom! Shortly after that idea ended, Naomi and I found out that we would be going to Kansas to help a friend who was healing her cancer. This was exciting! We would be gone for a month, from February 10th – March 10th  of 2013. In January of 2013 we found out about Joe’s interest in pursuing Naomi. The mission’s trip that I had wanted to participate in was scheduled for January. Going on that mission’s trip would have prevented me from experiencing these special moments in our life as a family. If I had missed all the excitement, all the life changing decisions, conversations and moments it would have been a tragic loss on my part. Yahweh knew what He was doing when He had my parents feel that the mission’s trip would not be a good thing for me at that time in my life. See how true Proverbs 16:9 is?

I have seen this work in my life! I may plan to do something in my life (such as a mission’s trip) but ultimately Yahweh directs my steps. In this case He did it through my willingness to honor my parent’s opposition to something that looked perfectly fine to me! And the idea was perfectly fine, but not for me, at that particular point in my life. And God used my parents to show me that. If I had pushed to have my way, I’m fairly sure that I could’ve persuaded my parents into giving their consent for me to go on this trip but it wouldn’t have been for the right reasons. They would have consented because I’m an adult and (legally) I can do what I want. Plus, they may have let me go, seeing as there was no biblical reason why I shouldn’t have gone, aside from their opposition to it.

In contrast to the mission’s trip, my parents were in full support of the Kansas trip- though it was hard to believe they had given their blessing for that trip! Such an extended stay (a whole month)? So far away from home (nearly 10 hours)? With a friend who, at the time, was barley an acquaintance? This was inconceivable. But, it worked out! Yahweh gave us all a peace about the trip and all the details were working out. We would find out later that it was one of the tools Yahweh used to grow Naomi and Joe’s relationship. I also want to add this; in September/October I had been praying for opportunities to serve, so when I learned of this missions trip my mind was like ‘Ah ha! This is it! This is the answer’. I thought, “ohhh I am so excited! Now I just have to run it by my parents, I’m sure they will agree”. As I told you earlier… that dream died! So, no, that trip was not the fulfillment of that prayer! The Kansas trip was! I am still very thankful for that time in Kansas.

So, when I ‘plan’ to do something (noble as it may be!), I must allow Yahweh to direct my steps.

Life is always going to be full of decisions; some will impact your life in a big way (such as who you will marry, where you will live, if you will follow God etc), while others aren’t going to make as much of a difference (what color of shirt to wear today, if you will have chicken or fish for dinner etc); some are hard and some are easy. For me, the hardest choices to make are when there are two options but they both seem equally good! That’s when having parents and (in some cases) other mentors/counselors really come in handy! Also, lots of prayer and consideration!

In the midst of all your wondering, remember; keep calm... and just trust.

Bethany

Cardboard Boxes

As I write this article, Naomi’s and my room is a mess. There’s no other word to describe to you the stack of various sized cardboard boxes that have been haphazardly stacked on top of one another and so causing them to lean precariously to the right. Along with these boxes are books, a plastic tote, clothing and blankets all littering the once cleared floor of our bedroom. But this mess is not without excuse, it is just the result of today’s attempt to pack more boxes for Naomi’s big move. You see, she prepares to enter her new home with her husband- Joe. She has organized all her ‘worldly possessions’ (as a friend puts it) and carefully separated the essentials; clothing, books, crafting supplies and her collection of hope chest items, from the fluff; silly papers that somehow made their way into her drawers and boxes, some of her never started craft projects, random puzzles without all the pieces etc… I’m not sure Naomi has ever thoroughly inspected the contents of her drawers and boxes. This is one area in which Naomi and I are different. When it comes to our material possessions I am continually going through my things, weeding out anything that is uselessly taking up space or is not an essential to my life now or for the future. Every time I go through my things I am amazed at just how much junk I have acquired in relatively short amounts of time, which is why I find it necessary to go through this ‘cleansing’ on a regular basis. Every year I go through all my things (drawers, closet, school shelf, basically anywhere in the house that holds my things). This usually takes place around Passover season and then I may choose just one area to organize at other random times of the year.

Heart Boxes

Just like our earthly belongings need cleaned out from time to time, our spiritual lives can also use thorough cleaning too. If you just allow thoughts and attitudes to pile up in the caverns of your heart, unchecked, they can form into deadly habits. As these habits build up they clutter our lives and become an eyesore to the people around us (not to mention God Himself). Here’s an example of how these thoughts and attitudes pile up. Pretend that my heart contains boxes; each box is labeled and contains many things. Now pretend that I see the box labeled “Exercise”, this box represents all my thoughts and attitudes toward physical exercise. I could think “Oh yes, I workout 6 days a week this box is a good box to keep around” but what if I look inside this box and I see some bad habits that snuck into my box (or maybe I knew they were there but I chose to ignore them) such as; Thinking “I must be thin to be healthy” which can cause the bad habits of over training, under eating, or neglecting God and others in order to exercise. I have been guilty of allowing thoughts like these to grow in my heart and (at one point) take over my life. Now that thought is replaced with “Being thin does not necessarily mean I’m healthy and being healthy may not make me thin”, “God made me and He knows what the best size is for me”. As long as I am taking care to eat biblically (Clean, not in excess and wisely- any ‘fool’ knows that marshmallow fluff isn’t going to be a substantial meal) and exercise (especially because my American life could easily become rather sedentary) then I can be comfortable with the shape and size that I am. Here’s another box in my heart and it’s called “Blog”. Starting a blog as a way to encourage others had been a great idea so for idea but I must constantly watch this box to be sure that bad habits don’t form. I’ve read a few articles by girls who confessed to spending more time encouraging ‘others’ than encouraging their own family. For me, it’s good to remember that blogging is a tool. Like other technological ‘tools’ it can help me or harm me. God can work through tools (like blogs) but so can the adversary. A blog in and of itself is not good or bad but it’s how it is used. This applies to many areas of life. Use this ‘heart box’ analogy in your own life. Here are some boxes you could start with; “Music”, “Daily Bible Reading”, or “Family”.

Burning the Junk

  As our junk piles up in my life I become attached to it… I remember how painful it was (at first) to cut back on my exercise in order to dedicate that time to more useful things. In the same way, it was sad for me when I had to get rid of some of my junk I had become attached to in my closet; Shirts too threadbare to wear, smiley face beads that I found in a parking lot, ridiculous things! Please understand that I am not saying that it’s a sin to collect ‘things’ or to never organize your possessions, I’m just pointing out parallels I see between physical and spiritual. So, while not a sin in and of itself there are some verses that I would propose to you support the idea of a thorough ‘cleansing’ of our possessions…

Deuteronomy 7:26-27 “The images of their gods you are to burn in the fire. Do not covet the silver and gold on them, and do not take it for yourselves, or you will be ensnared by it, for it is detestable to the Lord your God. Do not bring a detestable thing into your house or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction. Regard it as vile and utterly detest it, for it is set apart for destruction”

As Naomi was going through one of her boxes last week she discovered a certificate from a karate school that we used to attend. Upon closer inspection I realized that there was a picture of the pagan water goddess printed on the top. The boys and I had a great time ‘burning it with fire’. This is just a silly idea to people who don’t believe in God’s Word but I believe that He means what He says. It may be a good idea to go through your things with Deuteronomy 7:26-27 in mind. I think it’s surprising that we still had that pagan god’s image in our house even though we searched so carefully during Hanukah!

Another verse that supports a cleansing of possessions is Exodus 12:15-

“For seven days you are to eat bread made without yeast. On the first day remove the yeast from your houses, for whoever eats anything with yeast in it from the first day through the seventh must be cut off from Israel.”

Who knows you may have a package of snack crackers in an old backpack. You never know where leaven might be lurking. I haven’t found leaven in my closet yet but one time our friends found half a PB&J sandwich on top of a horizontal support beam in the basement.

The Day of Atonement is getting close and we remember the atoning sacrifice of Yeshua for our sins. He loved us enough to die. Now I will choose to die to my sinful nature and it’s a choice I must make every day, even multiple times a day.

As Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) approaches, diligently search your heart and your home for anything that is against His Word… and burn it.

Bethany

I am an only child and was born and raised in Florida.  When I was in my early teens, my family moved to Ohio where we live out in the country with cows, chickens, and cats.  I have enjoyed learning and having my hand in our food production as almost all of our meat (beef and chicken) as well as eggs and milk come from our own animals. I was homeschooled which I feel was a great benefit – not only in protecting me from the world, but also by enabling me to grow in many ways beyond the typical reading, writing, and arithmetic.  I’ve learned scrapbooking, cake decorating, sewing, crochet, tatting, smocking, and so much more as my parents sought to provide me with well rounded training.  

I accepted Yeshua as my personal Savior just before I turned seven and was baptized a few months later. Since I was saved at such a young age, I struggled in my teen years with feeling as though I did not have a “dynamic” testimony like many people who have been saved out of a difficult lifestyle. I was sharing this with someone who had a “dynamic” story, and his reply will always stick with me.  “Jocelin, you have a more amazing testimony.  God saved you from having to go through all the trials and tribulations. That is an even greater illustration of His love and protection.”  It really made me appreciate my testimony, and I share this because I know many young people who have grown up in believing homeschooling families have asked this same question I once asked.  

My family came to a Torah life and understanding of our Hebrew Roots in late 2004/early 2005. After growing up Southern Baptist, we had been going to a Mennonite church which had challenged our typical thinking on modest dress and the headcovering.  It allowed us to ask the question of “What else have we been taught based on tradition versus the Bible?”  That question led us to realize that Christmas and Easter were pagan and Yahweh’s seventh day Sabbath had never been done away with.  As a result, my family began keeping Shabbat, the Biblical Feast Days, eating Biblically clean, and keeping Torah.  

I have the privilege of serving through Standing in YHVH’s Hand Ministries, which I founded in February 2011, where the mission is to train believers how to be stronger in their walk with the Messiah and free of the "world" through lifestyle, finances, and relationships. Since I worked for Crown Financial Ministries (founded by Larry Burkett) and was over the financial coaching department with approximately ten thousand coaches, I brought that passion for Biblical finances into my ministry.  I have also always had a heart for purity and have taken that into working with singles particularly focused on that topic.  Also, I have had the blessing of working with many of the top Torah Teachers here in the US and learning much from their willingness to mentor and teach. My life goal is to take what I learn and pass it on to others.  Luke 12:48 (CJB) “From him who has been given much, much will be demanded.”  I want to encourage others to come along on the journey with me! 

One question I was asked to address in this post was “What words of encouragement would you give to other young ladies who are seeking to please the Most High with their lives?” I would say that the three most crucial pieces for me personally growing in my walk as a believer are having a daily quiet time of reading the Scriptures, faithfully praying and communicating what is on my heart with Yahweh, and having an open relationship with my parents.  If you are not connected with your Heavenly Father, you will struggle in all areas. I would encourage every young lady to make sure she takes the time in our busy world to be connected with and have a deep relationship with Yahweh.  He cares about us and wants to know us intimately.  If you are not healthy in your personal life at home, then it will play out into the rest of your life.  I feel that I can tell my parents everything that is on my heart, and they will be a good sounding board helping me think through each area logically and Biblically while understanding my emotions that play into the situation. I have also been blessed to have two close girlfriends who are believers.  We encourage each other in our walk and do not mind holding one another accountable when needed.  Taking the time to have deep relationships where you can be open and vulnerable is very important. 

Finally, I was asked to share some lessons that Yahweh has taught me in the past year.  This past year has been one of learning to trust Yahweh even more so…and I continue to learn that lesson every day. 

I had the privilege of hosting Purify 2013 – Retreat for Hebrew Roots Singles a little over a month ago.  The entire seven months leading up to the event was a faith walk of seeing Yahweh work from the smallest detail to the grand climax. I had to take a leap of faith that the event would even go, and as I followed His leading by faith and obedience, He blessed beyond measure. You can read the entire story here.  It encouraged me to be secure in His plan for my life and know that as long as I’m in the center of Yahweh’s will, He will take care of even the most minute points! 

I hope and pray my sharing has been an encouragement to you!  Feel free to write me at jocelin@standinginyhvhshand.org.  

Dear Readers,

This July marks our very first anniversary of writing this blog- “Everyday Set-Apart”.

Everyday Set-Apart was started with the intention of encouraging young ladies in their walks with God. We understand that every girl is different and God has a unique purpose for her life. Because of our unique callings Yahweh has situated us in different geographical locations, placed us in very different families and given us all different visions for life.

In celebration of this 1 year anniversary we have asked some of the young woman we know to guest post on our blog.

We girls are honored to be sharing a series of guest post by several godly young women of Yah. This series is titled “Daughters of Yah”; we will post a new article once or twice a week and will continue until the end of July. All of these young women are 18 years and older, followers of Yahweh- the one true God. All of them come from different geographical locations, different families and they are all pursuing Yahweh’s special plan for their life. We have asked them to write about their lives and what makes them different.

Even though they all believe in same God and are seeking to obediently follow Him, their lives are vastly different, yet strikingly the same. Through their articles we think you will be touched at the beauty and holiness that these young women exude.

We hope you are encouraged and intrigued by the beauty of their lives as they seek to live everyday set-apart.

Naomi, Bethany, Emily and Lids 

Sometimes things happen in life- maybe a death, or hard day,  and we forget to be thankful and count our blessings.

There are so many blessings that if you started to count them it would take a long time to end!  

It's amazing how much we really take for granted, such as flushing toilets, bags to carry things in, or that we are able to read and write!

If we couldn't read you wouldn't be reading this right now and I wouldn't be able to write this. Here's a great blessing, have you ever thought about your great, great, great, great grand parents?
Well just think if they didn't get married... you wouldn't be here (not to mention your parents and grandparents...).

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to not have any arms? If you have broken your arm before, you don't
know how much you use your arm and how helpful it is to you until you can't use it.

Just think how wonderful it is to have siblings (if you do) some people are the only child in the house.
I am glad to have brothers and sisters to talk and play with all the time.

Remember YHWH is in control and there are blessings when we obey Him.

Blessings, Blessings, Blessings and more BLESSINGS! Everywhere I turn my head there's a blessing YHWH has
given me!

Things I am blessed with:
-To know Yahweh
-To have His word
-My family
-My friends
-Food and Shelter
-Faith, hope and Love

Not for any instant is this all my blessings. Blessings can also come in an unseen way, maybe you're' running late for going to a party of some sort, but you were late for a reason. Your driving to the party and you see a car accident that you could have been in if you weren't late. Then your thankful that somebody had to use the restroom, or forgot there phone or wallet and made you late.

So if your feeling down today then just remember, count your blessings!
                                        
                                                               Blessings to all,
                                                                           Lydia
  

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!)

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!)

This past December my sisters and I started a bible study/game night with some of our friends.
We have been studying the book of James. We start with prayer and then we have our bible study and
then after the study we have snacks and play games. It’s a great time to get to
know each other better and to encourage one another in the faith.
 
We have not finished studying the book yet, but here are some verses that stuck out to me so far:

 "This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be
quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; 
for the anger of man does not achieve
the righteousness of God." James 1:19-20

"But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely
hearers who delude themselves. 
For if anyone is a hearer of the word
and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a
mirror;  for once he has
looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of
person he was." James 1:22-24 

"Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead,
being by itself. 
But someone may well say, “You have faith and I
have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith
by my works.” 
You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and
shudder." James 2:17-19 

"Look at the ships also, though they are so great and
are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever
the inclination of the pilot desires. 
So also the tongue is a small part of the
body, and yet it boasts of great things." James 3:4-5 

I encourage you to start a Bible study with your friends or just a get together with friends and take turns reading God's word as a group of friends. 
We have all had a lot of fun learning more about Yahweh and his ways, and I hope you will too!

                                               Shalom and have a great day!

 
                                                                           Emily
 

Patience:
"And that in the good ground, these are such as in an honest and good
heart, having heard the word, hold it fast, and bring forth fruit with
patience." Luke 8:15

"Patience is better than power, and controlling one’s
temper, than capturing a city." Proverbs 16:32

Here is Webster's definition of Patience:

1. A calm temper which bears evils without murmuring or
discontent.

2. The act or quality of waiting long for justice or expected
good without discontent.

3. Perseverance; constancy in labor or exertion.

4. The quality of bearing offenses and injuries without anger
or revenge.

Sometimes it's hard to be patient, it's hard to find patient people in this un-patient world.
Patience is a gift you're not born with, you have to earn it.
Patience can be waiting for the bathroom when your the sixth in line.
Patience can be waiting for an exciting event to arrive.
Patience can be waiting for someone to help you with your school.
Patience can be waiting for morning to come.

Some idea's to help you be patient;

1. Pray
2. Read God's word (and obey it)
3. Tape bible verses everywhere that remind you to be patient
4. Distract yourself when someone's annoying you
5. If your waiting for something, keep yourself busy with other things


                                                         Be patient and have peace,
                                                                                      Lydia