Bethany
At the beginning of the year the decision was made. All four of us girls would cut our hair. The length that was cut would be donated to help women who suffer from baldness. Just ignore Emily's toe in this picture. From left to right; Lydia (so poofy!), Emily (so tall!), Me (I had a 'ponytail bump'), and Naomi (Sooo long :)) A family friend cut and styled our hair-- so much fun :) Four ponytails :) Lydia, Emily, Bethany and Naomi. All so different! None of them would lay straight for a picture :( The inches cut from out hair came to a grand total of 42. Seeing these tails in a bag is rather creepy. We mailed the limp locks to Pantene Beautiful lengths. And this ends our haircutting adventure. Thanks for reading! I plan to post again on Tuesday.
Bethany
0 Comments
Hey there, it’s Bethany on behalf of all the sisters. We all feel that our lack of recent posts deserves some kind of explanation.
While Naomi and I were out West helping some of our friends we had limited time and resources for blog posting. Having both Naomi and I gone left our usual responsibilities to be distributed among our younger siblings…leaving Emily and Lydia with less time to devote to blog posting. As much as we love encouraging other girls, our family comes first. Part of living responsibly includes having our priorities straight. We could have a beautiful blog, full of posts that are all promptly posted and always on schedule… but we don’t. We have a blog that reflects our lives (Notperfect)! Now Passover is coming up and we will be busy with that (Not to mention the additional happenings of these coming months!). We hope to be more regular in our posting now that Naomi and I are home… but I’m not making any promises :) Chag Sameach! -Bethany- 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!) 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. ;) In case you haven't heard the news, Everyday Set-apart has a Facebook page! Go ahead and give us a 'like' if you feel so inclined :) We will be posting statuses and videos that would only make the blog look cluttered, so, what are you waiting for?? In the first week of December you can expect: An article from Emily on the importance of spending time with your brothers and some ideas on activities that you can both enjoy. Also, Lydia will be posting an article on napkin folding that will consist of; directions for folding, pictures, and resources for more ideas. You can use your newly acquired skills to add beauty to any meal. Naomi will be posting in second week of December about volunteering at a local food pantry/thrift store. She will share some of her experiences and encourage you to be a servant in your community. I (Bethany) will also be posting in the second week of December. My post will be about book choices. Even if you don’t completely agree with the conclusions I draw, I hope you will be challenged to re-think your choices. "Let them praise His Name in a dance; For the second half of December we will be posting on:
Praising YHWH (Emily) Hairstyles Part 2 (Lydia) Pumpkin Challah Reveiw (Bethany) Contentment (Naomi) Keep living (everyday) set-apart, -Bethany- Dates and Themes are subject to change without notice. ;) Announcing the opening of our online store- Sew Hebrew! Feel free to check it out. As of this post we have two bags and a set of Burp Cloths listed in the shop. Our goal is for everything we sell to have a Herbaic idea woven into it. Be sure to check back occasionally to see if there's anything new. Here is a link to the site: http://sewhebrew.weebly.com/ Shalom! .................................................................................................................................................
Stay-at-Home Daughter?Disclaimer! I do not condemn or judge anyone who chooses to go to college or pursue a career. I understand that everyone has their own opinions and is in different circumstances. I am sorry if this article comes across as rude or condemning- I assure you that is not my intention. Stay-at-home daughterhood What it isn’t There are as many misconceptions and misunderstandings about stay-at-home Daughterhood as there are about homeschooling and stay-at-home moms. Here I will list a few of the possible misunderstandings about Stay-at-home daughters (Also called Daughters at home). Controlling/abusive parents Just like homeschoolers, DAH (Daughters at home) may be viewed as victims of abusive or controlling parents. While this may be true in some instances but in my case I have chosen to be a DAH because that is what makes the most sense to me. I have no plan I can imagine that upon hearing I am willingly staying at home after high school graduation, some readers may assume I have no plan to further my education. Or possibly think I am going to twaddle away the days dreaming of my prince charming. Again, this would be another false assumption to make. Filling my days with productive activities does take a little more creativity than if I took classes arranged by someone else but it also makes me more flexible. Being more flexible gives me a great advantage in helping my family. What it is Busy as a bee (or a Proverbs 31 woman in training) I have recently graduated and already I see multiple areas that need a great deal of improving. Cooking, quilting, sewing, gardening, and cleaning (and more)! But I love being at home where my talents and skills are put to the best use. What better place to practice love, joy, peace than in a busy, family atmosphere? Living with 5 siblings is the perfect place to practice patience and kindness. Goodness and faithfulness are exercised in any household task. Gentleness and self-control take place when you cut your brothers hair :) . All the fruits of the spirit are best developed in the home. Higher education Higher education is higher education whether you pursue it at a college campus, online or training at home. Shouldn’t I go through some sort of college course just in case? You may ask; Well, I could. But why spend the money and time learning things that don’t apply to my field of interest (Daughterhood and Motherhood)? Yes, I could learn a few skills that would be useful to me but so could a career pursuant lady from training at home. What if I don’t get married? Then I don’t get married. It’s not my goal anyway. My main goal is to please my Lord and Savior and if I can best do it by staying home then stay home I will! Real life tells us most women do get married. Why prepare to live my life single when most women get married? Wouldn’t it make more sense to prepare to be married and trust Yahweh to work it out which ever direction He leads? A few other potential objections to being a Daughter-at-home Pursue your DREAMS! To help me get my point across I am going to make up a character. Let’s call her Nan. Nan is a 30 something woman who has recently come out of the bondage of home life. She has broken free from her role as wife and mother for the nobler title of ‘Career woman’. Nan is going to dialogue with me about what society thinks of DAH (Daughters-at-home). Nan: Why waste your time at home when you can be pursuing your dreams! Times are changing and you are no longer a slave to the home and family. Me: If I should really pursue my dreams as you say, Nan, then I believe that I already am! My dreams are nothing but following God’s will for my life. And His will for my life right now is to be a Daughter-at-home. Being a DAH prepares me for what I hope to be some day. A stay-at-home mommy :) Nan: When I first got married I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom so that I could be home with my children. But trust me… after 3 years of crying babies and poopy diapers I had enough. Thankfully, I had the sense to go to college before I married and getting a job wasn’t too difficult. Go to school and get your degree so that when you get married and have kids you won’t have to go to school later on to get your job. Me: Thank you for you suggestions Nan but the book of Titus says that a woman is to be busy at home. I know that it wouldn’t always be easy taking care of crying babies and changing poopy diapers but that’s not a reason for me to give up and leave my children. Sometimes life is hard and that goes for career women too. Nan: Don’t you see how selfish you are being- society needs more women in the workplace! Me: Actually Nan, I know you’re just trying to help, but we really need more daughters-at-home. We have the time and skills to visit the elderly, the time and ability to mentor younger girls and encouraging them in their walk with Yahweh. Society needs the single woman to focus on the things of God and not on the things of the world! What society needs is daughters with a willingness to serve busy mothers and their own families. This is why talking to people about my choice can be somewhat of a sticky situation. It’s very hard not to come across as rude or judgmental. For the most part people have been very nice about my decision (at least on the outside!) but I have heard and read about girls who have made the same choice and have faced hearty criticism and snarky replies. Here are some examples of usual responses I get: Man: So, when do you graduate? Me: I have already graduated. Man: Oh, where are you going to college? Me: Actually… I have made the unpopular choice of staying home. Man: Oh, really? Me: Yes, and I am training at home to be what I really want to be Man: What is that? (eyebrows raised) Me: A stay-at- home wife and mother Man: That is WONDERFUL! My wife was a stay-at-home mom and it was awesome! I think that’s just awesome! I have had quite a few responses like that from married men asking me where I am going to college ( Men like; the father of a kid I babysat for a while, my friend’s dad, my mom’s chiropractor, the doctor who pulled my wisdom teeth out…etc.) Women usually have a slightly different response… Here is the usual beginning of the conversation followed by a few responses I have gotten. Woman: Where are you going to college? Me: Actually, I am staying at home to prepare to be a stay-at-home mom Woman 1: Oh (in a cold voice) Me: Yep, that’s what I’m doing heheh (nervous laugh because I know she’s a career woman) Woman 1: well, we all have our own thing…Got to follow our own hearts… Woman 2: Oh… Me: I’ve always wanted to be a wife and mother… Woman 2: Well you should at least take some classes on psychology. I did that and it really helped me raise my kids. Me: Really? Woman 2: Yep, my mom told me I should and it really helped Woman 3: WHAT! You aren’t engaged are you? Me: No. God will bring the right one at the right time Woman 3: phew! You don’t want to get married that young, honey. Another woman in the room: I was gonna say- don’t rush into anything Many women offer me a suggestion or two while the men are usually very enthusiastic and commend me for my choice. When I first chose to be a stay-at-home daughter I didn’t know how people were going to react! I knew that when my older sister made the choice she had to face lectures and scorn from some people. I was pleasantly surprised by the reactions of most people. But I also have not had to voice my choice to an out spoken feminist. Being a stay-at-home daughter is my choice and I must make the choice based on my undertanding of Scripture and God's will for my life. So what do you think? What lifestyle do you believe the bible supports for women? Serious question to think about: What defines your dreams and goals? God’s word or The World? Blessings, Bethany ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................
One of the hardest things in life is chosing the right kind of friends. Is there really such thing as Friends Forever? I think it's highly possible to have friends forever when they are your sisters :) Sisters are the best kind of friend because they encourage you, talk to you, listen to you and spend time with you. The reason sisters are your friends forever is because you live with them all your growing up life. Even if one of them gets married you can still keep in touch (We all want to keep in touch). You need to be very careful of who you associate with because 1 Corinthians 15:33 says;
Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” A good friend is a good example of love to us, brothers (and sisters!) are espesially good in a crisis. "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity" PROVERBS 17:17 Somtimes it's hard to find true friends. "A person who has friends may be harmed by them, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." PROVERBS 18:24 Here are some ways to know which of your friends are good choices: O Do they believe and follow scripture? O Are they respectful to athourity (Especially their parents)? O Do you feel spiritually encouraged after being with them? O Are they nice to their siblings? O Do they do what they are told? How to get rid of bad friends: O Don't make efforts to get together with them (but if they still want to get together- see below) O Invite them to do a Bible Study O Talk about your beliefs O Always have your parent(s) right there with you (this is good even with good friends) You can do these with good friends too but if they are bad friends, then they will not want to be friends with you anymore. There are many other verses in the Bible that talk about the kind of friends we should have. Some good friendships found in the Bible: Ruth and Naomi Jonathan and David Yeshua and his disciples Mary and Elisabeth Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego Paul and Timothy Joshua and Caleb A couple bad friendships found in the Bible: Samson and Delilah Solomon and his wives Eli's sons Balead and Balaam I hope this helps you make right choices in choosing your friends. Lydia ............................................................................................................................................................................................. View point from a brother that has FOUR sisters- My name is Sherman Potts, I am going to tell you the pros and cons of having FOUR (yep I said 4) sisters!!! CONS: 1) There is hair everywhere! (you don’t want to know how hard it is to get that much hair out of the vacuum!) 2) They can “punch” you, but you can’t punch back… At least that wouldn’t be gentlemanly. 3) There is ALWAYS girl talk going on somewhere in the house! 4) On preparation day (Friday) I end up with something that looks like this: Naomi-“Sherman, would you please load the dishwasher?” Bethany-“Sherman, can you put all the shoes away?” Emily-“Sherman, would you please bring down the vacuum?” Lydia-“Sherman, could you pick up everything in the library?” This results because none of them realize that everyone else asked me to do something too. PROS: 1)They give the best hugs. 2) Make the best meals. 3) Teach you how to mow the lawn, vacuum, and clean the hair out of the shower :) 4) We never lack for a good dessert. 5) When you don’t feel well you have FIVE “mothers”! 6)There is always someone to read with. 7) I am rarely “in charge” of the kitchen. 8) I don’t need to bother Mom to cut my hair (as long as I don’t mind a mess up here and there…I don’t) After looking at the pros and cons, I realize it's pretty special to have FOUR (4) sisters! Sherman is our 12 year old brother, he loves to play the shofar for our family and he is always ready to learn more about how things work. Sherman enjoys learning about biblical science. His favorite science teachers are Ken Ham, Kent Hovind, Dr. Jay L. Wile, and Brad Scott. |
|