Domestically Inclined: June 2008

6/30/08

The Simple Woman's Day Book

FOR TODAY

Outside my Window... I'm only guessing it's probably still the world, just hotter.

(Every shade is drawn to keep the heat out)

I am thinking... It's gonna be a lo-0-0-0-0-0-ng hot week

I am thankful for... fans

From the kitchen... Iced Tea, chicken salad, Sugar free lime jello with pineapple, BBQ all week.

I am creating... A MESS, before the office space is finished!

I am going... work in the coolest rooms of the house during the day

I am wearing... Sund Dress and Tennies

I am reading... Job, and I Peter, Absolutely Gorgeous crocheted doillies, Sunday School Manual.

I am hoping... to have enough energy to catch up on the chores and projects I haven't been able to do since I pulled a muscle in my back.

I am hearing... The hum of fans

Around the house... I would like to play in the water and hose off the back deck and siding

One of my favorite things... family dinners

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Pray for our Troops and the families, Prepare for Fourth of July, Try to stay cool, work on some recordings.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... ahhhhhhhhhhhh!

6/27/08

6/25/08

Frugality in light of Proverbs 31...PART TWO

Living frugally may seem silly and old-fashioned to a few generations that have grown up with luxuries and affluence, but frugality is far from it. Our Founding Fathers feared that too much luxury woud make a nation weak. If we look back to the Romans and the Greeks we can see that too much play time, or luxury time on their hands was part of their downfall. So let's continue with...Frugality in light of Proverbs 31 Part Two...

She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. Proverbs 31:18
She understands that her labors are not in vain, they are good and done with a pleasant heart.
Whether they be making the bread, sewing, or painting, or delivering a chocolate cake to those that God insists she deliver it to. She realizes that there is no good thing within her, but in Christ she has much to offer. Her candle goeth not out by night...pertains to hospitality. Hospitality is very important in the east. With a candle burning in the window at night, travelers would now that hospitality would be extended to them within the household.
She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. Proverbs 31:19
Have you ever seen a spindle at a fair? When I was young, mom and dad sold our home to a woman who raised sheep for their wool. My sisters and I and mom would go back to the house to visit her and watch her spin the wool into yarn and make the most beautiful sweaters!
Today, I look for good deals on yarn, and use my tool of choice...the crochet hook and the embroidery needle.

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. Proverbs 31:20
Here is one of the key motives to our frugality, to share with those in need. We are not to be frugal to the point of being cheap, or to get rich monetarily, but to extended what is in our power to those that are in need of help. We give our help with cheerfulness, and love from the bounty our Father has blessed us with.
She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. Proverbs 31:21
The family has plenty to keep them warm in the winter, there is no need to fear the cold when one prepares in advance. As Jesus washes us in His blood we are safe in Him no matter the storms that may come our way.
She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Proverbs 31:22 She clothes herself in fine linen in beautiful purple. The color signifies royalty. As daughters of the King we are royalty. A royal priesthood that delivers mercy to all around us. As we extend mercy to others, clothed in the righteousness of Christ,we are a beautiful sight to our Lord Jesus.

Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.Proverbs 31:23
As Barnes puts it...
The industry of the wife leaves the husband free to take his place among the elders that sit in councils.
She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Proverbs 31:24
Not only does she making clothing for herself and her family but she finds time to make more to sell among the merchants. Today we have front porch sales and Ebay and Etsy to share our homemade goods, as well as craft fairs. We still remain in our heavenly role as wives and moms and homemakers, but have outlets to share the items we make. If we don't sell them, we can still help keep a frugal budget by making gifts for friends and relavites for birthdays and special occasions.
Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
Proverbs 31:25
No need to fear God is here! When we walk in His ways we can rejoice knowing that we are being obedient to our calling as wives and homemakers and honoring our God, which brings us strength to look at the future without fear no matter what the economy looks like, because we have a future and a hope in Jesus far beyond this life.

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. Proverbs 31:26
Frugality at it's best...even in our conversation. Notice she "opens" her mouth...that means it does remain closed at times. And when it does open it is with wisdom...God's wisdom. That may not seem like a good thing to some these days and may be cast aside as judgemental or unloving, but the wisdom as well as the kindness that is mentioned is implied toward God...It is important to speak with an understanding of God's word.
She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:27
The wife oversees the daily running of the household with her husbands leading in mind.
If he likes dinner on the table when he walks in the door from work than do your best to get that frugal dinner on the table. Begin early in the day, sometimes even the day before to defrost meat that was purchased on sale. It helps keep the price down. Plan on making the dessert from items in the pantry rather than box mixes. It also helps keep gas prices down, when you don't have to run to the store everyday for something you forgot. Plan the trips to the grocery store, and errands arround that trip. Get up early to get that crock pot going, and the diswasher running.
If you are homeschooling, plan lessons in advance. Keep the phone calls down to a minimum as to not interrupt school time. With many children having a daily schedule that reflects the wishes of your husband is helpful. Keep baskets of craft items around the home to occupy your hands in a moment of free time. Most of all put aside the beginning of the day for your Bible and prayer reading and communion with the Lord. Bathe your day in prayer, and let God guide your steps.
Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Proverbs 31:28
As a woman walks in the ways of the Lord, those who BEST know her will call her blessed and praise her for her good works which glorifies her Lord.

Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.Proverbs 31:29
These are the words of the Husband that has got himself a good thing....a virtous wife...a woman of strong character, filled with goodness, one who is steadfast. Other women may have done "good works" or had a form of godliness, but you my Beloved excel them all! God looks at our hearts and He judges the thoughts and intents thereof. Why do you want to be frugal?
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31:30 As Matthew Henry writes...Above all, she fears the Lord. Beauty recommends none to God, nor is it any proof of wisdom and goodness, but it has deceived many a man who made his choice of a wife by it. But the fear of God reigning in the heart, is the beauty of the soul; it lasts forever.
Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. Proverbs 31:31
According to Aben Ezra, these are the words of her husband to her children; exhorting them to give her the praise and glory that is due unto her. Using our hands, and hearts to be frugal, to extend mercy and help to the needy in heart or matter, our works glorify our Father in Heaven.
Our lives are pleasing to Him in this manner and our good fruit a lovely fragrance to Him.

God's word is a high standard to uphold. None of us can do it. We all sin. That is why we need a Savior...Jesus. However, if we belong to Him, that standard is the mark we are to live for. Living for that standard is not old fashioned. God is the same yesterday today and tomorrow, and His word will never change as many are trying to do. Read it for yourself and see what God shows you.

6/24/08

Come on Down to the Farm!

Frugality in light of Proverbs 31... PART ONE

Frugality in light of Proverbs 31, this is not something we Christian woman do just because times are hard, but it is a way of life. We are frugal, not cheap. We economize with a heart motive to help our husbands and families, and extend our hands to the needy.

I realize that many of us have lived in the prosperity of America but with all the talk of economic woes I thought I might share with those looking for a bit of relief.
Growing up in a home with a mom and dad who lived through WWII we didn't have much trouble with learning how to live on little and then even less after dad died and this was in the early 1970's. How many of you remember hearing the following words?

Waste not, want not.

A penny saved is a penny earned.

A starving child in Africa would love to eat those brussel sprouts.

When I was a child living at home hearing those words, I often wondered if I could mail that child in Africa my liver and brussel sprouts, but knew better than to ask!

With gas prices and grocery prices and just about prices for everything else going up and up, I hear and read much talk about frugality. Many are not rich and live pay check to pay check. And from many polls it has been quite clear that these are the families that help support most that are in need because they understand the needs themselves. So I offer the following not as a way to make your vacation savings account larger but as a way of life described by our Creator that would help us care for those in need as well as our own families.

Whether you be a christain homemaker now, or a woman who wants to become a full time homemaker God has already given us wonderful guidlines to help us on our daily path.

Proverbs 31 was written to women to show us how to care for the household, the budget, and how to carry out our husbands instructions in matters of the home. The family would be clothed with warm clothes in the winter, and the lady of the home would wear the fine clothing she made by her own hands, as well as extending her hand to the needy, as well as many other insights into a goldy womans life.

God's word is ageless! Let's look at Proverbs 31 in light of the situation many find themselves in today.

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. Proverbs 31:10
And during these days of economic frailty it would be good to have one of these in the home.
God is not speaking of a princess here ladies, but a "virtous woman".... Actually a "force to be reckoned with", who is filled with strength of moral character. A woman such as this has been purchased by the blood of Jesus, and that makes her extermely expensive, far above the price of rubies. For such a woman as this will not be undermining her husbands character in her speech, or in her actions, and this is the sort of woman that a man can trust in. If you are not one yet, begin by reading your Bible and getting to know the Savior Jesus who loves you very much.
The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. Proverbs 31:11
Her husband will not have to go out and rob a bank to provide for an unfrugal wife for the fineries she demands. As we read Gods word it sheds light on behavior that does not please God.
She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. Proverbs 31:12
As wives we seek to do good and not evil to our husbands in all aspects of his life. He can trust that his wife keeps his thoughts in mind as she shops frugally, cares for the children and the household.
She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. Proverbs 31:13 She does not wait for the expensive gifts of clothing to be brought to her, she seeks out fabrics to willingly make them with her own hands. Just think of the frugality in this one. No shopping malls! No designer clothing. Just looking for wool to make into yarn to knit or crochet. Flax is a grain that was used to make linen. Our time would be spent collecting the materials to make designer clothing for the family. I'm sure she hunted for the best prices on these supplies as well. Today we have fabric stores, and with a bit of practice we can put our hands to work at making clothing for the entite family and more, and by watching the sale flyers we can even get the fabric at clearance prices.
She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. Proverbs 31:14

Today a woman must know her prices! We go armed with coupons and adds, hunting for the best deals on food and clothing and household items whether we purchase them online or in the grocery stores or from a farmers market. She is aware of the likes and dislikes of the family, of the health needs and concerns of the family, and for providing nutrious healthy meals.

She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. Proverbs 31:15

Ok, most of us do not have the old fashioned maid, but we do have washing machines, ovens, dishwashers, breadmakers, crock pots, and so on. These "maids" do save us much time. We no longer have to drag our laundry basket down to the river to wash our laundry. Just think of all the time we now have to make our own clothing, and bake our own nutritious bread. We now have time to get up early and spend it in our Bibles and with God before we set our "maids" to working.
She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. Proverbs 31:16

Our first obligation is to our God our husbands and our families. Here we see a woman first "considering" and then buying a field, and then planting a vineyard. If we are careful with our grocery budget we can save a little at a time to purchase some land to plant a garden or a vineyard, or in many a cas, some seeds and poting soil to plant outin the backyard or patio. Being frugal helps the family in many ways. Consider the purchase price, consider the time the work will take you away from your family. Will the children be able to help, and will it prosper them as well?
She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. Proverbs 31:17

If we are up early and working in a vineyard, and caring for the family and sewing and baking bread, and keeping all our "maidens" busy, and seeing well to the ways of our household, and doing the things the Lord asks of us we must walk in His strength of character. We would be dressed in a manner ready for the work ahead, and be ready to do every good work in a cheerful manner. In like manner we are to do these good works with all our might. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us!

Furaglity tips for today:

Never pay retail.

Make it if you can.

Be content with such things as you have

If you do need to buy something shop second hand stores, internet, or yard sales
Keep a well stocked basic pantry

Make it, rather than buying fast food

Use cold water while wasing and rinsing the clothes

Make your own laundry detergent
Bake your own bread

Buy grains in bulk to stock in pantry

Shop second hand stores, antique shops, or internet for the best price on an item you NEED.

Frugality in light of Proverbs 31....Part TWO

6/23/08

How important is TRUTH to you?

The Simple Woman's Journal Entry~June 23rd

FOR TODAY June 23rd, 2008

Outside my Window...The fragrance of the sage is growing stronger as the buds are blossoming. The lavender is looking better after a bit of a trim. The miniature rose bushes that my dear husband gave me weathered the extreme winter we had are beginning to bloom

I am thankful for...Moments of silence. Peace with my God, and a beautiful grand baby

From the kitchen...

A simple breakfast of Tea, Toast and hard boiled eggs

I am wearing....A pink Sun dress with sandals and my hair is up.
I am creating...I bought a vintage pattern for baby booties and have been having fun making these tiny little shoes. They are made out of felt, with embroidery and ribbon. I am having so much fun making them that I've got my eye on more of the items in the pattern.
I am going...to take it easy this week since my back has been giving me grief. That's what I get for exercising. Following orders now...RICE...R-rest, I-ice,C-compression, E-elevate. How one can do that for a back is beyond me but I am trying. Allergies to anti-inflammatories keep me away from bringing the swelling down with medicinal help, so I must rest. Gives me lots of time for reading and sewing. Although I did make it out to church to sit with the family and visit with Grandbaby girl and helped with Sunday school... looking into the eyes of your grandaughter as she speaks to you in coos and the voices of those kids in worship is heavenly! Now that is good medicine!
I am reading...Job, I Peter, and Die Mosel, von Trier bis Koblenz (a German book on the Mosel River)
I am hoping...To finish some sewing projects and post them on my ETSY account. Also hoping my back will heal quickly..please Lord. Hoping to make it to Bible Studies this week..we'll see.
Around the house... I get to look at all the dirt and the laundry and dishes pile up. Dear Husband helps when he is here, but alas many require his help and dust and dirt are not crucial, so I guess I am learning to be content with leaving things be till I am better.
I am hearing.. The birds chirping, and the crows squawking, and the clock ticking.
One of my favorite things... a clean house :)
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Hoping to see grandbaby girl soon. Write some thank you notes, finish some sewing projects and possibly even finish a watercolor painting or two. Make and mail a birthday gift to a family member.
Here is a picture thought ...It was taken a few years ago when bunny was still with us.
I wish I could be out in the herb garden like bunny!
(PS:Bunny was given to a 4-Her and as far as I know Bunny is enjoying his latter years even more than his early years, producing beautiful bunnies for the fair, enjoying carrots and living in a beautiful barn protected from the times of harsh weather)

6/20/08

A Godly Woman

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain:but a woman that feareth the LORD she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands;and let her own works praise her in the gates.
Proverbs 31:30-31

I came across a wonderful quote today at
Red wellies, Rainbows and Cinnamon whirls.
It is one that I have read in the past but that
truly speaks to our country and our world for that matter today.

"Godly womanhood....the very phrase sounds strange in our ears.

We never hear it now. We hear about every other type of women:

beautiful women, smart women, sophisticated women,

career women, talented women, divorced women.

But so seldom do we hear of a godly women--

or of a godly man either for that matter.

We believe women come nearer to fulfilling their God-given function

in the home than anywhere else.

It is a much nobler thing to be a good wife,

than to be Miss America.

It is a greater achievement to establish a Christian home

than it is to produce a second-rate novel filled with filth.

It is a far, far better thing in the realms of morals

to be old-fashioned, than to be ultra modern.

The world has enough women who know how to be smart.

It needs women who are willing to be simple.

The world has enough women who know how to be brilliant.

It needs some who will be brave.

The world has enough women who are popular.

It needs more who are pure.

We need woman, and men, too,

who would rather be morally right than socially correct."

~ U.S Senate Chaplain Peter Marshall

Way back then, the politicians of the day were crying out

for women with domestically inclined hearts.

What the world needs now is Jesus! We as wives and mums, and aunties and Grandmas, nieces, daughters, and sisters CAN make a difference in the lives of all those around us as we live simple lives focused on our Savior.

Remember... train up a child in the way he SHOULD go not wants to go, and when they are old they will not depart from those ways.
Remember still... It is our God who turns the neck of the man in charge in the direction that He wants it to go.
Remember God knows our inward thoughts and our intents and our motives. Only He can judge them rightly.
Remember we need not be popular, for the world need not remember our name but the name of the Lord.
Remember as we surrender our hearts and lives to our Lord Jesus and his ways, we find peace and glorify Him.
Remember If God Almighty is in control in all these situations (and He is) THEN we can live simply, live honorably, respecting our elders, trusting God with the outcome.

Let all those around say what they may, live simply for the Lord each and every day.

6/19/08

I found a contest....

Oh fun, I found a contest!

HISBELOVED is celebrating the 1,000th visitor to her site with a contest.

Hop on over and leave her a comment for a chance to win the lovely novel she mentioned...The Scarlet Pimpernel! Wouldn't it be fun to read this book over a cup of tea or coffee after the chores are done? I'm headed to her site myself right now.

6/13/08

Friday's Father's Day Find

I miss both my dad's. I am standing on the promises of God's faithfulness that they are both in heaven and that I will see them again one day soon! Just waiting on the Rapture to see all THREE of my dad's! This will be the first Father's Day with three generations of Dad's in the house thanks to the new baby granddaughter.

I was doing some quick browsing and came across a beautifully written post in honor Father's Day that says many of the same things that are on my heart...

A WISE WOMAN BUILDS HER HOME