Is it just me, or does it seem to you that Feminine Fridays are coming around faster and faster! This summer is flying by.

Anyhow, here is my feminine picture for today:

This is a picture of my beloved dear hubby (DH) standing on my favorite bridge in the world: Pont Neuf in Paris. I spent a summer in France when I was young. DH has always wanted to take me back to a place where I had such fond memories. A couple of years ago, when we were celebrating our twenty-fifth anniversary, DH surprised me with tickets to Paris. He asked me to plan our itinerary, as he had never been to Paris. Well, the first thing on my list was to get a kiss from DH on the famous old bridge. This was taken a few hours after we arrived following an all-night flight. I practically dragged my poor DH out of a much-needed catnip and down to the bridge. But, I did get my kiss! (Please excuse DH for looking quite sleepy.)

I felt very feminine showing DH around the city of romance!

PS: I am very shy of showing pictures of myself or family on the net, so this may be your one and only chance to see what my wonderful DH looks like!

Be sure to visit the Barefoot Mama for more feminine inspiration.

Enjoy!
Elizabeth

Has anyone tried these?

Has anyone tried the Debbie Meyer Green Bags, which are supposed to keep produce fresher. Her web site offers 20 bags for $9.00 plus s&h. That is pricey, of course. However, based on someone's high recommendation of them, I did pick up a package in the produce section of my local Wal-Mart grocery store. Since I was buying them directly, the total cost was not as much as buying them through the web site.

The bags are reusable for up to 8 to 10 times each. You are supposed to use one bag for each type of produce (and/or flowers if you wish to keep them fresh). You would use one bag for apples, another for bananas, etc. It's also essential to keep the produce and the bag dry, which means that you may need to wipe the inside with a paper towel from time to time.

Supposedly, the bags absorb and remove the gases that produce produces during the ripening process. Continued exposure to these gases hastens the ripening process and, thus, hastens spoilae if you do not consume all of the produce quickly. This is the same principle behind the advice we've all heard not to store certain types of produce together because the gas released by one will affect the other's spoilage rate.

I've only tried the bags once or twice so far. I must say, the bag I used for bananas did keep the bananas fresh.

Now, I need to do the math. Since I am often feeding just DH and myself these days, anything that extends the freshness of store-bought or garden produce is handy to have. For example, we would do not use a head of lettuce or a pack of blueberries as quickly as we did when we had teens in our home. I can buy one or two bananas, but it's hard to buy some types of produce in small quantities. Plus, the garden produces more than we can eat at one time.

On the other hand, these bags would be expensive to buy on a regular basis, even given that each one in a 20 count pack can be re used up to ten times a piece.

What do y'all think? Have you tried them? Do you think they work? Do you think they are a good bargain?

Of course, there are other ways of storing some types of produce in order to keep them fresh. Every year, I buy a bushel of Arkansas Black apples (yummy!) from a local orchard. One orchard owner advises placing several apples in a large size zip lock bag and add just a teaspoon or less of water. If you make sure that you re-seal the bag tightly every time you remove an apple, the apples will stay fresh and crisp for nearly a year.

Enjoy!
Elizabeth

Steward, Owner, or Consumer?

If you ask me at any given moment if I see myself primarily as a steward, an owner, or a consumer of the blessings that God has entrusted to me, I will say that I am a steward. However, in the rush of daily life, it's easy for me to act more like I'm the primary owner or the entitled consumer of the goods that the Lord has placed in my care. It's good for me to reflect often that I am a steward who is working for the King.

What is a steward? Here's the definition according to the 1828 edition of Webster's Dictionary:

1. A man employed in great families to manage the domestic concerns, superintend the other servants, collect the rents or income, keep the accounts, &c. See Genesis 15:2 and 43:19.

2. An officer of state; as lord high steward; steward of the household, &c.

3. In colleges, an officer who provides food for the students and superintends the concerns of the kitchen.

4. In a ship of war, an officer who is appointed by the purser to distribute provisions to the officers and crew. In other ships, a man who superintends the provisions and liquors, and supplies the table.

5. In Scripture and theology, a minister of Christ, whose duty is to dispense the provisions of the gospel, to preach its doctrines and administer its ordinances.

Webster's uses the following quote to illustrate these uses of the word steward, "It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." 1 Corinthians 4.

In Luke 12:13-48 KJV, we find an example of Jesus' teachings about stewardship:

"And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.

And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?

And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:

And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?

And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.

And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.

But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.

The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.

Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?

And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?

If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?

Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.

For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;

And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.

Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.

And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.

And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.

Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?

And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?

Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.

But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;

The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.

And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.

But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more."

What are the qualities of a good steward? I think we can learn from this that the faithful stewardess of her home has her master's interests in mind. She is rich toward the Lord and uses her money and other resources to further the things that matter to Him. She is watchful and not slack or lazy. She is not anxious or greedy, for she knows that she is the recipient of the Master's loving and abundant care. She knows that He provides for her now and also will bestow on her a great, eternal, and graciously-given reward. She is thoughtful of the other servants in the Master's house, and she sees to their needs. She is ready at any moment to give an accounting of the blessings entrusted to her. Her treasure is in heaven, with her Master, and she looks forward to His coming.

Enjoy!
Elizabeth

Caring for the elderly...

As a keeper of your home, you will most likely care for an elderly family member at some point. Also, you will certainly pay at least short visits to older family members or friends. Additionally, taking your children with you to visit the elderly, especially those who are confined to the home or a nursing facility, is one great way to train your children to have loving and giving characters. Not only that, but the presence of children is often a day brightener for people in their senior years.

Here's a great video to watch about how to communicate with the elderly. It is from the perspective of training nurses and other professional care givers how to talk to patients with Alzheimer's Disease. However, you can apply the same principles as an individual relating to anyone who is in their advanced years, whether they are in full vigor or are suffering from dementia or physical ailments.

Elder speak/Communicating with Alzheimer's Patients

Enjoy!
Elizabeth

Stewardship Part II

Here are some words to ponder:

Luke 16:9-13: And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous mamon, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal habitations. He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and he who is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

Well, I don't know about you, but that's challenging to me! So, here's my prayer:

Father, thank you for the material blessings and the spiritual riches that you graciously shower on me. Please give me an undivided heart that is fully devoted to you, as well as a heart that shares both spiritual and material blessings with others. Help me to be a more faithful steward so that I do not waste the gifts you have given to me and so that I will be able to give.

Enjoy!
Elizabeth

Item that makes me feel feminine: Using my mother's kidney-shaped dressing table. She had sewn a lovely cover for it, but it was damaged somewhere along the way. When I rescued it from my father's attic, I sewed a new cover out of a yellow sheet and some yellow gingham, and I trimmed it with white lace ribbon. Of course, my sewing skills are very basic, and I wasn't able to re-create the professional look of my mother's cover. But, still, it was fun to re-do it. If I ever re-do my bedroom, I will re-cover the table with other colors.

Enjoy!
Elizabeth

One of my goals: To be a better steward of our home resources in this current economy.

With the help of many thrifty bloggers, I am going to embark on a Biblical and financial study about how to be a better steward of our home resources in this current economy. I am going back to the basics, as if I had never studied this topic before, and I hope -- Lord willing -- to take an in-depth look. From time to time, I will post about what I am learning. I hope you'll join me on my journey and offer any suggestions, comments, or questions you may have.

First, here's a great article by Julieann. She is not feeling the pinch in her grocery budget. If you haven't read her tips for shopping economically yet, I think you'll enjoy reading her post.

I am feeling the pinch in my grocery bills and my gas bills, too, of course. Milk is definitely higher here.

Part of the reason I've blown the budget lately has nothing to do with the current higher prices, though. I've bought a few extra necessities that I'd been putting off. Plus, we've hosted a few more dinners lately than we had been for a few months. Not only that, but I've bought some higher quality, more nutritious, more expensive items where I used to buy something more basic. And, to tell the truth, I've indulged in a few luxury items, as well. So, I need to evaluate to make sure that I'm not wandering too far off track.

I also plan to take a notebook with me next time I do a full shopping and do a price point comparison to see which items really are higher and which aren't.

One place I really need to be more careful about is cooking for two. I had gotten used to cooking for a family of four, with frequent friends of my children at the table, as well. So, now, I often cook way too much for just dear hubby and myself. I plan to use the leftovers, but don't always get them worked in to our eating schedule. Here's where I either need to plan smaller portions or freeze leftovers right away. I used to cook for two when we first started out, but I've forgotten how, I think. LOL. (Portion control will not only be good for our budget but for our waistlines!)

Well, those are my three practicals to think about this week. Now, on to the deeper study.

Here's the 1828 Webster's definition of economy:

ECON'OMY, n. [L. oeconomia; Gr. house, and law, rule.]

1. Primarily, the management, regulation and government of a family or the concerns of a household.

2. The management of pecuniary concerns or the expenditure of money. Hence,

3. A frugal and judicious use of money; that management which expends money to advantage,and incurs no waste; frugality in the necessary expenditure of money. It differs from parsimony, which implies an improper saving of expense. Economy includes also a prudent management of all the means by which property is saved or accumulated; a judicious application of time, of labor, and of the instruments of labor.

...

8. Judicious and frugal management of public affairs; as political economy.

9. System of management; general regulation and disposition of the affairs of a state or nation, or of any department of government.

Here's Wickipedia's definition:

Economics is the social science that studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. The term economics comes from the Greek for oikos (house) and nomos (custom or law), hence "rules of the house(hold)."^[1]

Here's a little more about the history of the word from a textbook on Macroeconomics.

1.1 Origin of the term "Economics"

The term "economy," from which we get "economics," comes most directly from the Old French word "economie," meaning "management of a household." The French adopted the term from the Latin word "oeconomia," which was in turn derived from the Greek word "oikonomia." Oikonomia came from the word "oikonomos," which separates into "oikos," meaning house, and "-nomos" meaning managing.

The oldest recognized written work in the field of economics is Oeconomicus, a book on farming and household management, written by the Greek philosopher Xenophon (430?-355? B.C.).

Despite the Greek origins of the term, economics was not an important field of study for the ancient Greeks, who, despite occasional references to economic matters, were more interested in philosophy and ethics.

Note: All three sources connect the origin of the word economy to Greek words meaning the rules or management of a household. Home economy is a vital part of our role as keeper of the home. For more on this topic, see my post Economy: A Word Study.

Enjoy!
Elizabeth

A Woman Found graciously encouraged me with the Arte y Pico (best art) Award. Isn't the drawing of the award lovely? I will do my best to be a good steward of the award and pass it along to five lovely blogs. There are so many to choose from, but I will endeavor to keep it to just five.

First, here are the Rules:

1) You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserve this award, creativity, design, interesting material, and also contrubuites to the blogger community, no matter of language.


2) Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.


3) Each award-winning, has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog thathas given her or him the ward itself.


4) Award-winning and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of "Arte y pico"blog so everyone will know the origin of this award.


5) To show these rules.

Second, please note that just because I have selected a blog that doesn't mean I endorse everything on that person's site.

So, now, the envelopes please....

1) Fete et Fleur -- A Place to Dream -- The name says it all.

2) Sew Chic Mother and Daughter Teach Us How to Sew Lovely Things

3) Your Daily Art -- Since this award is supposed to be about art, I thought I should include an art history blog. Enjoy! Enjoy!

4) Malcom Cox -- Resource for Students of the Bible

5) She Hath Done What She Could
Love the title, love the book that inspired the title, love the tips for frugal stewardship, and, of course, I love the fact that it's pink!

It's Feminine Friday again...

Last weekend, I enjoyed visiting the home of a woman I really admire. She is an example of how unselfish love is such an essential ingredient of femininity -- and, in the larger picture -- of being like Christ. She has survived a life-threatening illness, and I am so awed by how faithfully she has come through it. She and her husband showed us last minute hospitality after they had both been out of the home all day serving others and even though she was not feeling her best physically. They were smiling and giving. They made us feel so welcome, as if they we were doing them a favor by visiting them when really they were serving us. Their house was neat and cozy and decorated with treasures that she has re-finished or inherited or found at garage sales. In their average sized lot, they have created a lovely and peaceful garden oasis - - complete with a little pond -- and they are happy to invite others to share their garden with them. All week long, I've been savoring the time we got to spend relaxing in that garden.

She often stops by garage sales and has a stash of inexpensive little gifts which she picks up with her loved ones in mind. You cannot visit her or have a visit from her without her presenting you with some little something that delights you. Somehow, she manages to shower her family with love, keep her house beautifully, lay down her life to serve her church and her neighbors, and deal with some physical issues, without becoming frazzled or exhausted or grumpy. I came away inspired to imitate her.

Enjoy!

Elizabeth

Through a window...

I heard a great quote today by an author, Jill Rigby. I haven't read Rigby's book, "Raising Unselfish Children in a Self-Absorbed World," so I can't comment on that. In an interview she gave, however, she said, "Teach your children to look at life through a window instead of at a mirror."

Her point was that our modern culture is overly concerned with creating self esteem in children. We parents sometimes raise the goal of helping our children to be happy above helping them to be humble and holy -- which leads to greater happiness in the long run.

When we turn our children's focus toward themselves, they view life as if they are looking in a mirror. When you look in a mirror, you can't see others. You can't see their needs. You also can't see them looking at you and loving you. You see yourself only. Thus, placing too much weight on self esteem and self focus ends up making a child feel lonely and alienated from others. A self-absorbed child cannot make the deep connections to God and others that lead to a fulfilling life.

If you teach a child to look through a window, however, they have a larger view. They can see God. They can see the love that others have for them. They can see the needs of others and reach out to meet those needs. They form deeper connections to God and to other people.

I thought that was a profound concept. It's one we all know, but I think her analogy of the window and the mirror drives the concept home.

In the same vein, Homeliving Helper has an article today called the Blessing of Work.
It's about modeling a happy attitude in our work and teaching our children to have a happy attitude when they work. This goes a long way toward helping a child to overcome crippling selfishness, I think.

Enjoy!
Elizabeth

I just found out about this fun meme, so I haven't had time to take pics to go with my ideas yet. I hope to do a better job next Friday.

An outfit that makes you feel feminine: I love dresses and skirts! I wear a lot of pants, but I feel most at home in a skirt. I've been that way since I was three.

To the left is the skirt part of a dress I just ordered from IGIGI. I haven't gotten it yet, but I'm hoping it will work for a wedding. What do you think?

An accessory that is special and makes you feel beautiful: my wedding rings. It's not that I particularly like the style. In fact, I wish I'd gone with the heart-shaped stone I had my eye on instead of the more practical solitaire that the jeweler talked us into. But, still, these are the rings my beloved husband gave me almost 28 years ago, and they are dear to me because of that symbol of love and commitment. I wouldn't change them for anything.

Something in my home that represents my femininity: Right now, I am loving the sound of my wind chimes. Does that count? They're really on the deck instead of inside. I like them because they add the feminine quality of sound to our home.

Oh, I just now thought how I love my china, with it's delicate pink flowers. I'm sort of a china freak. I'll let you decide which of these two home articles you enjoy most.

An inspiring or thought-provoking article, book review, or quotation on any topic related to femininity: There are so many wonderful articles and quotes out there, and I keep an ever growing collection of them in a file on my computer. I print some out and put them in binders to give to new brides. So, what shall I choose for today? Well, off the top my head, I guess I'll stick with the scriptures this week and choose the book of Ruth. I admire her noble and faithful femininity.

And, just for all around feminine inspiration: I'm in love with anything pink!!

Visit the Barefoot Mama to participate. I'd love to read your thoughts! Julieann also has participated on her blog

Enjoy!
Elizabeth

God-motivated in homemaking or self-and-circumstance motivated?

Where I put my focus has everything to do with my success and happiness in homemaking.

When I'm God-centered:

1) I make my relationship with God the central and most important priority of my life.
2) I seek the kingdom and his righteousness and trust God to take care of our daily needs and tomorrow's happenings. I trustfully obey God and let Him carry my burdens.
3) I look for ways to use my home and my time to share the gospel and serve those in need.
4) I gladly and calmly show hospitality.
5) I focus on the needs of family and guests. I am creative as a way of using my God-given talents. I am happy if others are pleased with the hospitality I show and if they encourage me, but I do not need that.
6) I have a good balance between planning my day well and being flexible to God's plans for my day.
7) I surrender my time to the Lord and also get my husband's input. My priorities are in order.
8) I take suggestions well, especially from my husband, because I want to be the best steward I can be of my life and my home.
9) I love others out of respect for the Lord; my love is unconditional; my love focuses on what the other person really needs; I am secure in God's love and therefore can love others even if they do not respond the way I think they should.
10) I listen before speaking. I depend on the Lord for wisdom in what to say. My speech is kind; I speak the truth in love; I speak what benefits and builds up others.

When I am self-and-circumstance centered:

1) I let other things crowd my relationship to the Lord.
2) I fret about what we'll eat and what we'll wear and about all that I have to do tomorrow. I let things become a burden, rather than a joy. I give off a worried, harried air instead of a peaceful, calm, and quiet spirit.
3) I let many days get by me without serving others outside of my own family.
4) I get flustered with serving others.
5) I am creative in order to gain praise from family and guests, and I am disappointed if I don't get it.
6) I do not plan well, and I become unsettled when the day doesn't go as I had envisioned.
7) My priorities are out of balance. I try to do everything I want to do and everything God has in mind for me to do, too, and I overload myself. I am selfish with my time.
8) I become defensive when someone, especially my husband, suggests that I have room for improvement.
9) I love out of my natural self; unselfish love is mixed with selfishness; I show love and affection in order to gain love and affection; I am insecure.
10) I talk more than I listen; I talk about what I want to talk about instead of being interested in what others have to say; I can be snappy when not feeling well; I speak what makes me feel good in the moment instead of considering what builds others up.

Doing it God's way is the happier plan!

Enjoy!
elizabeth

Books Free to a Good Home --

Visit my new blog, Loveliness Abounds: Sweet Whatnots for the Home, to put your name in the drawing.

I needed to shop for and prepare a meal for DH and for a couple with a new baby in a fairly short amount of time. Here's what I came up with:

2 chicken and rice casseroles from Stouffer. (It was the first time I had used these. They were very tasty, yet not too spicy for a nursing mother. We have plenty of leftovers, and I'm sure the young couple does, too. If I'd had more time, I'd have made my own chicken, but this worked out well for today.)
Couz-couz cooked with water and a little orange juice, with chopped apple, chopped celery, almonds, raisins, and enough extra o.j. to moisten it and keep the apples fresh stirred in. (I prepared a whole box and split it between the two of us. Again, we had leftovers, and I'm sure they did, too. )
Squash/zucchinni pan stir fried and steamed in pan -- DH loves squash of any kind
blackberry pie with store bought crusts, frozen blackberries (best to thaw first), Bisquick, and sugar.

DH really enjoyed the meal, as these are many of his favorites all combined in one meal. He was so delighted with it, it made me re-evaluate what I've been cooking lately!

The brand new baby was so sweet. I had a moment of baby fever. Does that ever go away?

Enjoy!
Elizabeth

I hope everyone's enjoying a great Fourth of July weekend!

We've had a lovely time with family. I think our cat is the only one who hasn't had a good time. She seemed clingy all day today, and I think the sound of fireworks around our neighborhood last night shook her up. Does anyone else have a pet who is skittish about the sounds? Oddly, thunder doesn't seem to bother her.

Elizabeth

Feed Your Skin

Check out this article from Reader's Digest online about eating to maintain beautiful, younger looking skin.

The first paragraph says, "What you put inside your body eventually shows on the outside. More than 100 dermatologists analyzed the skin of about 4,000 women ages 40 to 74. Then they looked at eating habits, weight, history of sun exposure, and whether the women had hit menopause."

What were the findings?

Women who ate Vitamin C rich foods -- as opposed to relying on supplements -- had far less wrinkles than other women in the study did.

Women who consumed foods rich in linoleic acid had skin that was less dry and fragile.

And -- sigh -- once again we find out that excess carbs and fats are aging. Women who consumed these had more wrinkles in their skin.

Enjoy!
Elizabeth

A thought for Wives and Mothers

He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much, and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is also unrighteous in much. Luke 16:10

This verse means so much to me, and, yet, it challenges me on so many levels.

Last night, I read from a book about five orphaned children whose late parents had always trusted God for everything. Throughout the book, the point is made that the children, specifically the oldest daughter, remind everyone of their parents. This is especially meaningful to their aunt, who had been been aloof from her sister (the children's mother) for many years. She now regrets that she didn't know her sister as an adult. Then, she realizes that she does have a chance to learn more about her sister and her sister's faith. She can see her sister's heart reflected in her children.

In one scene, the oldest daughter is sweeping out an enclosed porch. She thinks about sweeping only the exposed parts and moving on ahead to something else that needed to be done. She certainly had "reasons" enough to think in terms of just surviving her days -- just doing a good enough job to get by. She was grieving her mother's recent death, striving to fulfill a promise she made to her dying mother to keep the family together, realizing that in order to fulfill this promise she and her siblings might have to move -- which would mean giving up marrying her true love and also her way of life, handling heavy chores, stepping into a mother's role at the age of sixteen, and considering a teaching job, as well. In my heart, I was rooting for her to do a passable job and sit down for a short break.

Now, there are times to skip sweeping corners and fretting about cobwebs in order to devote more time to the Lord and to people. One way we know that is from the example of Mary and Martha. Martha fretted about the serving to be done, while Mary chose the better thing -- to sit at Jesus' feet. Also, there are times we need to get adequate spiritual, emotional and physical rest.

However, there are times when I cut corners out of laziness or selfishness, rather than out of godly motives. As the girl in the book contemplated her work, she remembered that her parents had taught her that if she was going to do a job, she should do it well. So, the girl chose to spend the time and effort it took to move things on the porch and sweep it the way it should be done.

Throughout the book, she displayed this kind of character. She was faithful in the little things that no one notices unless they aren't done well. She was faithful in disciplining the motives of her heart. She was faithful in remembering the Lord's word and the teachings of her deceased parents. Because these unseen things were a part of her character, she was able to be faithful when it came to large, more outward things. She had her faults, but her great strength was faithfulness out of trust in the Lord and love for her late parents. That character inspired me.

Enjoy!
Elizabeth

Take Me Down to the River: Passing Through the Waters, Part II
More Musings on Isaiah 43:1-3a

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you."

Fire and water represent many things in the Bible, and it would be hard to do an exhaustive study of that in a blog. We've looked at Isaiah 43:1-3a about how God promises to be with us in the trials of life, and we've applied that promise to motherhood. There is another sense in which children of God pass through fire and water without being destroyed, and that is because God saves us from the penalty and condemnation of our sins. In the final judgment, those who have accepted God's offer of salvation by faith and grace and have walked in faith and faithfully with him will come through unscathed. Heaven -- an eternity with the Lord -- awaits them.

God is with us in the waters! Peter uses the story of Noah passing through the flood safely to teach us truth about what happens when we believe and are baptized. He says, "For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison, who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is eight persons, were brought safely through water. And corresponding to that, baptism now saves you -- not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience -- through the resurrection of Jesus Christ." I Peter 3:18-21

When Paul was opposing the Lord, the Lord revealed himself to him. At that moment, Paul became a believer in the Lord, who was willing to do anything the Lord told him to do. He was blinded from seeing the Lord. God sent Ananias to Paul to restore his sight and to explain to Paul that he was to be a witness of what he had seen and heard. Surely, Paul was believing, humble, broken, and repentant. Still, one vital thing was missing.

Ananias said, "And now why do you delay? Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his Name." It wasn't until that point that Paul's sins were washed away. (Acts 22:1-16)

Paul tells us in Colossians 2:10-14, "and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority; and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead; and when you were dead in your transgression and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions.

Paul also tells us in Romans 6:3-8: Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we might walk in newness of life. For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him that our body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slave to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him.

In light of all that God does for us in baptism, it's no accident that when Peter preaches the first sermon teaching people how to become Christians, he stresses its importance. When many of his hearers realized that Jesus was Lord and Savior, they were cut to the heart. They asked Peter what they should do.

In Acts 2:38-39 Peter said, "Repent and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord shall call to Himself."


So, exactly what does happen when a believer walks with God through the waters of baptism? There are plenty of other scriptures that talk about this, but just based on the ones we've looked at

1) As in Paul's conversion, our sins are washed away and we call on the name of the Lord to save us.
2) Just as Noah and his family were saved from the physical judgment that came upon the world in his day, we are saved
3) God circumcises our hearts, taking away the fleshly nature and giving us new life; baptism is a response of faith on our part to the power of the resurrection; God's power is what saves us in baptism.
4) We are buried with Christ and raised with him; we are given new life; we know that we will live with Him for eternity; our old fleshly self is done away with and we are born to live a new life in Christ, created to be like Him. It is at this point that we are born again.
5) This is the point at which our belief, our understanding that Jesus is Lord and Savior, and our repentance -- our turning from living for self and sin to living for Christ -- meets God's saving power. We are given the Holy Spirit. Our sins are forgiven. This promise is for all whom the Lord shall call to Himself.

What a beautiful way that God is with us in the waters!

Enjoy!
elizabeth

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you...
Mothers and Isaiah 43:1-3a

When God made this promise, Israel had literal images to look back to: God parted the waters so that they could pass through on dry land and, thus, escape from their Egyptian pursuers.

Also, they new the story of Noah. I Peter 3:20-21 tells us, "...in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. And corresponding to that, baptism now saves you -- not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience -- through the resurrection of Jesus Christ."

As mothers of children, we can relate to passing through water because of the "rivers" of responsibility we feel with so much to do and so much to take care of.

What is that commercial saying? "Life comes at you fast?" Sometimes, the rhythm of life makes us feel "swept away". Our lives are so incredibly full of blessings and tasks, good times and challenges, that it all just moves us right along, as if on a swiftly moving current. We look back and wonder where the time went. Our precious baby is now a toddler, and our toddler is now in grammar school and so forth, until our child is grown.

The very brand new mother is especially prone to feeling this. She is up nursing baby during the night, and she changes a countless diapers during the day. She enjoys the time with your beautiful baby. At the end of a day, however, when someone asks her what she did with her day, she's hard pressed to think of exactly what she accomplished.

Here's where some reassurance is helpful: New Mother, if you loved God and your husband and your baby, your day was meaningful!! As the baby grows, you'll be able to add back in some other tasks over the next few weeks and months.

I think the second busiest time of childrearing is when you have one or more preteens in your home. Preteens, by definition, are somewhere between children and adolescents, and they have many needs. This is when they have one foot in adulthood and one foot in childhood. This can be a really fun time in parenting. (I found that each stage of childrearing has its own joy.) However, it is also a time when our children need a lot of love and attention -- not to mention taxiing here and there! It can be a time when are prone to feeling "swept away".

Again, God promises that he will be with us in the rivers of life and mother. The waters of responsibility will not overflow us or sweep us away, he says. He won't give us so much that we flail along in the currents. If we are mindful of his presence in our lives, our hours and days will be rich, full, and satisfying. We will be able to concentrate on the moment at hand, rather than letting our mind race to the next thing that needs to be done. We can enjoy each stage of our children's growing up.

Luke 2:19 tells us Mary treasured up all the wondrous events surrounding Jesus' birth and early years. Of course, her situation was a little different than ours, and she was absorbing the great truth that her son was the Messiah and the son of God. Nonetheless, bearing or bringing any child into our home is an amazing experience. To watch our child grow up gives us many opportunities to ponder beautiful moments and store away wonderful memories. As we pass through the waters of daily life with God, we have much to be thankful for and to rejoice in. Taking note of those blessings and filing them away in our memory will keep us from having that "swept along with the tide" feeling.

Similarly, careful planning combined with a flexible attitude helps us to pass through the waters without being overwhelmed. Planning best begins by submitting our schedule to the Lord, so that He can walk us through the waters.

Enjoy!
Elizabeth

When you walk through the fire you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.
More Musings on Mothers and Isaiah 43:1-3a

A friend of mine shared from her life how she applied this concept, "When you walk through the fire you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you." She is someone who has suffered much, yet remains calm and joyful. Her thoughts inspired me to think about this more deeply. So, what I'll share today was partly inspired by her example.

God does not promise that we will never pass through fires. We can think of fires as the trials of life. They are part of living in a fallen world.

I Peter 1:6-7 tells us "In this you greatly rejoice, even though now, for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

God uses the fires of life to test and refine our faith, so that our faith may result in praise and glory. He does not pretend that these flames are not painful. He promises, however, that he will work them for good if we love the Lord and are called according to his promise. Romans 8:28. He also reminds us that we are on our way to heaven, where there will be no more sorrow or pain.

What are the fires in your life?

I think Peter is speaking to a group who were undergoing persecution, and everyone who wants to live a godly life will face that in some form or another. (2 Timothy 3:2) We should not be surprised by the presence of persecution in our lives, but by the absence of it.

In the U.S., persecution comes mostly in the form of verbal rejection, but there are many in the world who undergo torture and even death for their faith. Even so, being ridiculed or verbally attacked or rejected can be a stinging fire in your life. Jesus tells us that we can and should rejoice when this happens, for the the joy of our reward in heaven is greater than the pain of rejection on this earth. (Matthew 6:10-13)

Right now, it seems our culture is bent on undermining the faith of the young. At some point, your children will pass through the flames of persecution, either by peers or by future professors, bosses, and other people of authority in their lives. It's wise to give our children the tools to help them trust in the Lord and pass through the flame without their faith burning away. Pray with them and for them and give them a good foundation in God's word. Trust that God loves your children and will be there for them as they pass through the fire.

There are other fires we might face, as well. Some of the ones I've faced are losing two children to miscarriage, health challenges, times in life when it seemed there were more needs to meet than I could handle, concerns for children, surgery, hurts in relationships, people I love turning from the Lord, reaching middle age and reckoning with dreams that didn't turn out the way I thought they would, being the victim of a crime, battling sin and character flaws, etc.

These trials are so trivial compared to what many people face in the world that I am almost ashamed to jot down this list. Still, even a little trial requires us to lean on God in faith to walk through the fire without getting scorched or burned. In fact, sometimes, it's the tiny irritants that get under our skin and threaten to undo our peace. How wonderful it is to be able to claim the promise in any situation -- great or small -- that the fires will not consume us.

We've all met or have even been women who've been burned by fires. Sometimes the women we meet bear the scorch marks of big fires, such as child abuse or divorce.

We even have a phrase for this in our language. If we have been lied to or mistreated by someone or if our dreams don't work out, we say, "I got burned."

To me, some symptoms of being burned are
1) Barely hanging on to our faith, but losing our passion for the Lord; blending in with the world instead of being salt and light; losing our joy
2) Pulling back from relationships in fear of getting hurt again;
3) Unresolved anger, bitterness, hardness, hidden sorrow, not being ourselves around people but hiding behind a polite mask
4) Letting nervousness and fear, rather than faith rule our thoughts.
5) Finding it hard to trust the Lord and people; always trying to be in control; manipulating others

When I find myself experiencing any of the above symptoms, I know that I have not been fully relying on God to carry me through the flames. It's easy for me to think I'm trusting the Lord when things are going well. In the flames, I find out where I've really put my faith.

Fortunately, if do we look inside and recognize scorch marks on our hearts, God can heal us. Also, God provides us with opportunities to reach out in love to women who have been burned by life.

How can we walk through fires without getting burned in the first place? Here are a few
suggestions:

A. Pray about everything; worry about nothing; cast your burdens on the Lord; fix your thoughts on wholesome things; look for reasons to be thankful; keep on doing what is right - Phil. 4:4-9
B. Be honest about your feelings, even if they aren't pretty. In your anger or distress do not sin, but don't try to pretend you are not in pain. Read the psalms and notice how David worked through his emotions as he went through trials. Talk to God and to a few trusted friends. Seek the prayers of others as you pass through the trials.
C. Have a list of "anchor" scriptures -- scriptures that bring comfort. In a time of trial, you might not be able to focus on a deep Bible study. If a loved one is in the hospital, for example, your schedule will be out of whack and you might not be able to focus on something that requires a lot of concentration. In those moments, it's handy to have soothing scriptures in your mind and heart on which you can meditate.
D. Make every effort to reach out to others in love, even while you are going through trial. This will help your own frame of mind.

As mothers, it's often easier to pass through our own fires than it is to watch our children encounter heartaches and struggles. There are times when it is appropriate for us to protect our children. However, there are times when it is better for us to let them walk through a little fire, so that they can become strong in faith and in character. This takes faith, prayer, wisdom, and knowing what our child is or is not ready to handle. While there are exceptions to every rule, women lean towards being over-protective of their children. Often, fathers or other male figures can help us out here. This is particularly true when it comes to rearing a boy, because boys follow a slightly different path to maturity than girls do. I know my husband helped me and still helps me not to be over-protective of both our children. (On the other hand, since we were girls once, we may have to gently provide our husbands with an understanding of how girls mature.)

What a beautiful promise from the Lord that the flames of life will not consume us if we are in a right relationship with Him! How great it is to know that as he leads mothers through the fires of life, he leads and protects children, as well. As long as we walk with Him, we need not fear. The fires may sting, but they will not destroy.

Enjoy!
Elizabeth

God tells us in Isaiah 43:1-3a of his intimate care for his children. Then, he tells those of us who are his children not to fear.

Why did he tell us this? Perhaps, it is because it is our human nature to look at the circumstances of life and to become afraid. We so easily forget that God promised that he will bring his children safely through trials and will lead mothers and their young to heaven.

Isaiah 40:11 is perhaps my favorite verse when it comes to motherhood:

Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arms He will gather the lambs and carry them gently in His bosom. He will gently lead the nursing ewes.

If you are God's child, Jesus walks with you in your parenting. He carries your children. He gently leads you! Isn't that a comforting thought? We can rest in that.

The admonition "Fear not" is especially important to wives and mothers. (I Peter 3:1-7). Have you ever noticed that when you learn you are going to have or adopt a child, you find things that you could worry about that you never thought of before!! You hear all kinds of information about the dangers of childhood. Your toddler finds things to stick in his or her mouth that you never dreamed of.

Then, new challenges come. Before you know it, they're out there driving in heavy traffic! You couldn't wait to get your own license, but it's a different thing altogether now that your baby has turned sixteen.

If we aren't careful, we mothers can take our eyes off the Lord and turn them to the "what if's" of life. The cure for that is to fear the Lord and not our "what ifs".

I look back now and see how God helped us through so many adventures in life and how he's still working in the lives of our family. It's my sinful nature, though, to be easily distracted with the worries of life. When my children were small, I found out that my mother was dying of a slow and painful disease. The church we were in faced some heavy questions about unity and direction. I was in a minor car accident with my children. Though my children were safe -- praise be to the Lord -- my neck was injured, which set me up for chronic pain. Also, my young and healthy body suddenly faced physical challenges that made me feel older than my years.

In the midst of all that, I found myself not doing as Jesus commanded, "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself. Each day has enough troubles of its own."

If I was doing dishes, I was thinking how I needed to travel to help my dad with my mother. If I was with my kids, I was thinking of the dishes in the sink. If I was doing something with church, I was thinking about the things that needed doing at home and vice versa.

It wasn't always like that, of course. God gave me many wonderful times of faith and blessing. Still, that sin of worry was definitely a factor in my life.

If I had to do it over again, I'd be more in the moment. I'd would trust more in God's love and meditate more on passages such as Isaiah 43:1-31 and Isaiah 40:11. I would focus on whatever I was doing in that moment and let the next task worry about itself. Those moments with our young children are so precious, and they pass so quickly. We don't want to spend those moments in distraction, which is what worry is.

To overcome this tendency takes a growing faith and trust in God. I think we as women underestimate the effect that having a faithful, gentle, and calm spirit has on our household, on our neighbors, our friends, our extended family -- on all the people with whom we interact. (I Peter 3:1-7). God says this calm and gentle spirit is beautiful in his sight. Even if we are down to our last mustard seed of faith, God says he can do wonders with it.

Sometimes, we need the help of others to pray for us and to teach us from God's word and their lives how to have this calm and gentle spirit. I know that now, even though my children are adults, I still get advice and help in parenting from my husband and my closest friends in the Lord.

Having faith helps us to set priorities in parenting. If we understand from verses like Isaiah 43:1-3 God's desire to have an intimate relationship with us, we will place our highest priority on helping our children have a great relationship with God and with us. Of course, we want to teach them the practical aspects of life: how to study, how to work, etc. However, we will seek for them Christ's righteousness and his kingdom first. (Matthew 6:33). Our emphasis should be on character and obedience.

Too often young mothers become uptight over issues like potty training, when their child gives up nursing, if they are nursing just right to help their baby, when their baby walks, etc. Later on, they may focus on how their child dresses or make issues of other things.

A good question to ask ourselves as mothers is, "Is this a question of love, faith, obedience, or character? Is it a question of relationship?" If not, is this something I really want to make an issue of? Generally, a child has an inbuilt time for things like potty training, giving up nursing, walking, etc. We may need to help them gently, but these things are seldom issues of character and are generally not worth having battles over.

For example, suppose your child is old enough to make some clothing choices for him- or her-self. The child dresses modestly. However, the child's taste is quite different from yours --at least in this stage of life. If the child is not sinning in the mode of dress, perhaps you might allow them to make some choices you wouldn't make. Kids outgrow fads, anyway. Now, if the child's choices reflect immodesty, impurity, selfishness, undue materialism, or a general attitude of rebellion -- that's another matter.

Enjoy!
Elizabeth

He Calls Me by Name!
Part II: Moms and Isaiah 43:1-3a

Being a mother has taught me a lot about God's love. God uses many examples drawn from the parent/child relationship to teach us truths about his infinite and perfect care for us. Whenever we need to understand this better, we can turn to these examples for help.

In Isaiah 43:1-3a, God tells his children that he formed them; redeemed them, and called them by name. He says to them, "You are Mine!".

God created us. He formed us. Thus, he knows what makes us tick. He knows what we need and when we need it. He knows what makes us sad and what makes us happy. He knows what is best for us, even when we can't see it ourselves.

It's exciting to me that he calls His own by name. This idea is made even more personal in John 10:3-5, where Jesus tells us that God calls his individual sheep by name.

"and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out..the sheep follow him because they know his voice and a stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee."

Jesus offers us such a beautiful intimacy of relationship! Jesus watches over each of us who are His. He invites us to know him on such a deep level that we respond to His voice. He invites each of us by name to follow Him.

Isn't there something special about hearing someone you love or care about call your name? Do you remember being picked to be on someone's team for a game on the playground? Weren't you glad to hear your name called? Didn't it make you feel wanted? Or, was there a time when your name didn't get called or you got called last? Do you remember how forlorn that made you feel? I do.

Or, was there ever a time in your childhood when you were frightened by the dark and you cried out? Did you hear a parent call your name as he or she came walking toward your room? Once you heard your parent's voice, didn't that make everything all right? If a young child is upset, he doesn't respond well to a stranger's voice. He wants Mommy or Daddy.

Even now that I am an adult, I love my husband's voice. If I am upstairs when he comes home and I hear him calls my name, it delights me. If he travels out of town, and I hear his voice on the phone, calling my name, it comforts me.

In the same way, if we know Jesus, we love hearing his voice in the Word. We run to it. We seek it out. We follow the sound of his voice. We obey his teaching, because we trust His love and wisdom.

In listening to Jesus' voice, we are protected from following the stranger's voice. The stranger's voice calls to us loudly and often. (Proverbs Chapter Nine)

Sometimes, the stranger will disguise his voice so that it seems innocent. When Jesus spoke of going to the cross in Matthew 16, Peter tried to stop him. Perhaps, the cross didn't fit Peter's view of what the Messiah had come to do. Or, perhaps, he didn't want his teacher and friend to suffer.

Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's." Jesus knew God's voice, and he knew that Peter's advice at that moment was not in line with God's will. He looked past Peter and saw Satan's influence. His intimate knowledge of God's voice kept him from following some well-meant, but totally wrong, advice from a beloved disciple. In the same way, we need to know Christ's voice so intimately that we will not follow the stranger's influence, no matter through what source it comes.

It won't be until we get to heaven that we finally see the Lord face to face. Right now, we hear his voice through his word and through His Spirit within us.

In the same way, our own voice is the first thing our children will hear in many situations. Perhaps, they will wake up in the morning and hear us talking. Or, maybe, they will be away at camp and hear our voice on the phone. Perhaps, they are sick and in a clinic, and they hear our voice before we reach the clinic door. We want always to speak to our children in a manner that they associate our voice with love, guidance, and reassurance. Even when we must speak firmly to them, we want to do so in a way that they know it is because we love them. We want to spend enough time with them that they know our voice intimately, and we also know their voice -- their thoughts, impressions, hurts, and delights. We also want to point our children to Jesus' voice through the Scriptures so that they are prepared to hear His call.

Our voice in our children's lives is very profound, and we should be mindful of both the words we say and the way we say them. A study of what proverbs has to say about speech is always helpful to a wife and/or mother.

Isn't it beautiful that we can hear Jesus' voice through the Bible? Doesn't that make you want to read it, memorize it, and follow the instructions in it? If you ever doubt if you are important to God, remember that Jesus invites you by name to follow Him. He knows your name, and He knows the names of your children. Our part is to believe Him. Simple faith bids us to come when He calls and to follow where He leads. (John 10:26-27).

If we know Jesus' voice now, one day we will hear Him call our name, telling us to come home. As the song says, "Won't that be a day!"

Enjoy!
Elizabeth

Musings on Mothers and Isaiah 43:1-3a -- Part I

Isaiah 43:1-3 is one of the most beloved promises that God made to Israel and one that means a lot to those who believe in Jesus name. It reads

But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel. Do not fear for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you, For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

This verse is not specifically about motherhood. It does, however, have a lot to say to those of us who bear (or adopt) and rear children.

Next to your relationship to your God and your relationship to your husband and helping someone else become a disciple of Jesus, there are few experiences as profound in life as being a mom. It's a joy and a delight -- one of the most fulfilling gifts from the Lord. Yet, it's also an awesome responsibility.

God understands that motherhood is both wonderful and terrifying. From the moment that we find out we are pregnant or adopting to the instant that we first hold that new precious life in our arms and know God has entrusted that little soul and body to our keeping to toddler-hood to teenage years to seeing our children become adults, we go through a gamut of emotions.

I think about Mary. First, an angel appeared to her! How marvelous that must have been. The angel brought astonishing and wondrous news: Mary was to bear the Messiah -- the promised Son of God who would redeem us all (and her) from sin. How incredible! Then came the moment when some people looked at her and did not believe that she was innocently pregnant out of wedlock. Even her own fiance thought about putting her away quietly, until an angel explained the matter to him. Then, Simeon and Anna pronounced wonderful blessings for her son, yet also told her that a sword would pierce her own soul. She raised her precious boy, and the scriptures show that sometimes she grasped the significance of Jesus (John 2:4-6) and, sometimes, she didn't quite understand his mission. (Mark 3:20-21, Mark 3:31-35) . She watched her son die of crucifixion, and perhaps it was then that the sword pierced her soul. Then, how elated she must have been to see him risen!

To a lesser extent, we too have moments of sheer joy and wonder as we raise our children, as well as moments of trial. Look what God says to us as we live through the experiences of motherhood. He describes his love for his children: He formed them; He redeemed them; he called them by name. He says, "You are Mine!"

God doesn't say that his people are never going to face problems. In fact, they will pass through waters and fire. However, he promises to walk with them through the trials. He promises the faithful that the trials will perfect and not destroy their faith. (James 1:1-4).

If our children see us hold on to this and many other promises in the Bible during the joyful times and during the trying times, it will mold their faith, as well. So, for the next few posts, I'll be meditating on this verse from the point of view of a mother. Come and join me as we explore God's great love and how His love for us can overflow into our love for our children.

Enjoy!
Elizabeth

Next time: He calls us by name!

Health: Reducing Inflammation in the Body

As you know, one of my projects this summer is to work on my husband's and my health. We both see a need to work on this. So far, my studies are leading me to conclude that inflammation in the body is a big key to many of our health issues. (Keep in mind I'm no medical doctor). It seems that every health article Ive been reading leads back to this issue of inflammation in the body. It seems that it affects allergies, heart disease, gum disease, allergies, digestive troubles, psoriasis, Alzheimer's, immune disorders, fatigue, weight, and even wrinkles! I'm not sure if it's a cause or an effect or an agent that makes a preexisting condition worse.

By the way, if you want one quick tip to start dealing with inflammation in your body -- listen to mama and the dentist -- Floss, Floss, Floss!! This not only helps your teeth and gums, but your arteries.

Here are some articles you might like to read concerning this topic. Please note that because I refer to a site, that does not mean that I endorse everything that site stands for. When it comes to our health, we must be careful about what sources of information we listen to. Some sites want to sell you products or services. Others rely on medical information that has not yet been proven. So, read with a discerning eye. Having said that, I do think the information in these specific articles is useful.

Oprah's Doc and The Skin Doc: Inflammation and Aging
Woman to Woman: Reducing Inflammation Naturally
Reel in Inflammation
MSNBC Your Diet and Inflammation

Enjoy!
Elizabeth

Refresh The Bed Day....

It's allergy season, plus I'm still spring cleaning even though it's summer. I was reminded by an old post of Flylady's in my in box that it's time to do a periodic refreshening of my bed. In keeping with that mission, I'm washing the dust ruffle, mattress toppers, sheets, blankets, quilt, extra winter quilt, shams, etc. I'm fluffing the pillows in the dryer. I've sprayed the mattress with Febreeze Allergen Reducer. I will ask DH if he will mind helping me rotate the mattress tonight so that it will wear better.

Since we spend a good portion of our life sleeping and since the bedroom is also where we share happy moments with our husbands, recuperate from being tired or ill, or simply curl up with a good book at times -- it's well worth keeping our bed fresh and nice. Additionally, tending to the bed helps keep allergens down and makes for healthier sleep. And, healthier sleep makes for a healthier life.

I must confess that the one part of my bed(s) that I neglect is the dust ruffle. I can't remember the last time I washed that. So, I'm happy to tend to this little chore. After all, while we think of dust ruffles as being decorative, their purpose is actually to catch dust, and, thus, they need washing.

Since DH and I both have allergies, I wash what I can of my bedding in hot water in order to kill dust mites. In general, I prefer not to use hot water for washing, but this is one case where I view it as being necessary.

The irony of allergy/asthma season is that is when a home keeper should be most vigilant about her cleaning, vacuuming, and dusting and when this winded home keeper feels least like doing it! Here in Tennessee, we had a weekend when the air quality was extra poor, and I really felt it. After some fronts have moved through, I have more energy to tackle these important tasks.

I would love to take my mattresses outside and beat the dust out of them and let the sunlight kill any microbes, dust mites, etc. I'm not sure if that would be the good thing to do, though, given our area's continually high pollen count. I'm wondering if I'd end up catching more sneeze and wheeze producing molecules! If you live in a high allergy area like I do, I'd love it if you would let me know how you handle this.

For all my blog-o-sphere friends, I'd love to hear what you do to keep your bed and bedroom lovely and fresh.

Jesus and Mission....

A few posts back, I was ruminating about mission statements. Living (and managing our home) with a clear focus in mind gives us direction for our life. It enables us to choose what is best, even when faced with a number of choices that might be acceptable or good. It helps us to walk purposefully and to get back on track quickly if life temporarily knocks us off course. It pleases our Lord.

Jesus was very clear about his mission. Every day, he was faced with temptations to lose focus, just as we are. (Hebrews 4:15). Satan tempted him to take the easy way out of the glorious goal that God had set before Him. (Matthew 4:1-11, Matthew 16:22-24, Mark 15:29-31). People tried to involve him in their political schemes, which was not the battle he had come to fight. (John 6:15) The Pharisees and other religious figures constantly tested him with questions. Multitudes sought healing from him, and some of them were in line with his mission, while others were following him for selfish reasons. (John 5:26-29).

In the midst of all of that, Jesus chose everything that was best -- everything that perfectly conformed to His Father's will. He did not drift along in life, but steadily walked toward his goal. He knew when to move on, and when to stop to help someone. He didn't carry a day-timer, but his life was fruitful and obedient because he always lived with his Father's will and his mission in mind.

In John 8:29, he said, " The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him." Jesus knew his Father intimately, and He was one with Him. He knew God's priorities, and He was able to choose accordingly. He also knew exactly why he had come to Earth and also that He would return to the Father once his mission was completed.

In John 13:1, God gives us a beautiful portrait of how this focus manifested itself in love for the disciples: Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end...Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet."

Sometimes, we have insecurities, prideful thoughts, and fear when it comes to serving humbly. Jesus had none of these, for He knew who God was, knew who He was, knew what his purpose was, and knew he'd be going to heaven.

The topic of how Jesus lived purposefully when He was on this Earth is too large to cover in a blog post. Below are just a few statements that show how Jesus' mind was fixed on the purpose God had given him.

John 4:24: My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.

Luke 19;10 "for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost."

John 10:10 "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."

Mark 2:17: I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

Mark 1:38 "Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for thsi purpose, I have come forth."

I John 2:6 says, "He who says He abides in Him ought Himself to walk just as He walked."

For the true Christian, being saved by grace and being in fellowship with Christ motivates us to walk with Him and walk as He did. It means learning from Him and taking on his heart and his mission. This keeps our life directed toward those things which are eternally important, rather than being distracted by all the cares and pleasures of the world. (Matthew 6;33, Luke 10:40-41)

I know for myself that when I let go of this focus, my walk with Christ becomes vague. I have generally good intentions, but they do not come into shape. I become, like Martha in Luke 10, distracted and encumbered.

When I do keep God's specific purposes for our lives in focus, then I bear more specific fruits of obedience. I move from having a superficial form of godliness to experiencing its power in my life.

We want to live according to Jesus purposeful example because it pleases the Lord. However, it also blesses our life. It gives meaning to our days. It helps us choose the best from a wide variety of activities. It gives us confidence and peace. It frees us from feeling burdened by the urgent.

Enjoy!
Elizabeth

Asthma Alert

I may be the last person with asthma in the U.S. to hear this, but when I was checking out the story about tomatoes and salmonella, I came across this:

FDA Advises Patients to Switch to HFA-Propelled Albuterol Inhalers Now
CFC-propelled inhalers no longer available as of Dec. 31, 2008

I have an Albuterol inhaler, but I use it only very rarely. I guess I'll have to find out about the news ones, as they seem to require cleaning and priming. Anyhow, I thought I'd pass this along in case you have anyone in your family with asthma.

Enjoy!
Elizabeth

It's An Enchanting Life -- Sort of...




DH and I watched the movie Enchanting last night. As most of you know, it is a light-hearted spoof of Disney fairy tale movies, and it gets its humor from transporting cartoon characters into the real world. There's a hilarious send-up of the Disney Girl who sings a happy song and animals appear to help her clean.

Today, some people fear to expose their daughters to literature and movies which might lead a girl to wish for a Prince Charming to come along. Well, I met my Prince Charming in 1979, before some of you were even born, so I am blissfully happy in that area. However, I just cannot get animals to do my housework. I have tried singing at the cat, but she just looks at me. :)

Enjoy this snippet of the original happy working song from Snow White.

Elizabeth