Archive | June, 2008

The True Woman: Chapter 10 – Submission

By on June 9, 2008 in building the family, faith & womanhood

Thank you to Marliss Bombardier once again for providing us with the recap of the final chapter of our book study of The True Woman by Susan Hunt.

Submission, as Susan Hunt says, is “the defining virtue of the defining virtues” of the true woman. I would say that it is the defining virtue of any woman, whether a true woman who seeks to develop the virtues of piety, purity, domesticity, and submission, or a new woman who is primarily interested in making sure her rights and desires are respected and fulfilled.

What is Submission?

“Submission, whether it is to God, to one another, to husbands, or to male leadership in the Church, is a grace-empowered virtue of humility and reverence for God. It has nothing to do with superior/inferior status or equality. It has to do with attitude and function. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are equal in being and in power, but each has a different function.” pg. 206

Biblical submission is not subjection, nor passive subservience, but neither is it an evangelical feminist ideal of muddled gender roles that ejects men from their unique leadership roles in marriage and the church. It cannot be put in a neat, legalistic little box of specific behaviors or lifestyles. It can and will be different depending on the situation and relationship involved. It boils down to a matter of attitude-joyful and willing submission to the God-ordained authorities in one’s life; and of character-piety and humility.

Continue Reading →

Comments { 2 }

A Home for God

By on June 7, 2008 in making a home, missions & ministry

“I believe with all my heart that one of the greatest soul saving stations in the world is the home.”
- Dawson Trotman, founder of the Navigators

One person observed about Dr. Francis Schaeffer’s wife, Edith: “As many people were brought to the Lord through Mrs. Schaeffer’s cinnamon buns as through Dr. Schaeffer’s sermons.”

Peter Marshall, former chaplain of the Senate, told the story: “I was privileged, in the spring, to visit in a home that was to me – and I am sure to the occupants – a little bit of Heaven. There was beauty there. There was a keen appreciation of the finer things of life, and an atmosphere in which it was impossible to keep from thinking of God.

“The room was bright and white and clean, as well as cozy. There were many windows. Flowers were blooming in pots and vases, adding their fragrance and beauty. Books lined one wall – good books – inspiring and instructive – good books – good friends…Nature’s music, nature’s beauty – nature’s peace…It seemed to me a kind of Paradise that had wandered down, an enchanted oasis – home.”

Oh to make my home a place of refreshment and warmth to both family, friends, and to offer hospitality to others! It need not be expensively decorated or perfectly organized, but let us make it our goal to allow the love of Jesus to radiate from the door to every corner of our homes. What a high and noble calling to make a haven of rest to all who enter!

My hearts cry: Lord, help me to make my home a place where all find it impossible to keep from thinking of God! Care to join me in making this your prayer as well?

Selections quoted in Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney

Comments { 5 }

Why Simplify?

By on June 4, 2008 in frugal & simple

simplify.JPG

Live simply that others might simply live. ~Elizabeth Seaton

This quote has been on my mind quite frequently…mulling over the reason for simplicity. “Simple living” is not a new fad, and yet it has been coming to the forefront as of late, possibly due to the challenges in our current economy for many a family.

I have heard many reasons given for pursuing simplicity including: savings and retirement, purchasing a home debt free, tight budgets, desiring to be less dependent upon the consumerist mentality of our culture, health, peaceful home and life, less stress, etc.

These are all wise reasons for pursuing simply living, many of which have been my desires as well…but should there be something more? Some more eternal, over-arching God-glorifying purpose for pursuing simplicity?

Continue Reading →

Comments { 6 }

Water Kefir Tutorial

By on June 3, 2008 in health & nutrition, recipes & kitchen tips

My dear cousin, Amy Best (also known as my tomato pal -growing tomatoes together!), has graciously written a post for us on the interesting topic of making your own water kefir. There are two types of kefir: water kefir – small transparent grains that ferment sweetened water; and milk kefir – white or cream coloured grains that look rather like cauliflower florets that ferment milk. (For how to make milk kefir, visit here). As Amy is allergic to dairy, this is a wonderful substitute, still allowing the healthful benefits of kefir with out the diary! Thanks Amy!

Kefir has many reputed health benefits. It has antibiotic and antifungal properties. In addition to beneficial bacteria and yeast, kefir contains many vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes. Particularly calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, B2 and B12, vitamin K, vitamin A and vitamin D. Tryptophan, one of the essential amino acids abundant in kefir, is well known for its relaxing effect on the nervous system. Because kefir also has an abundance of calcium and magnesium, also important minerals for a healthy nervous system, kefir in the diet can have a particularly calming effect on the nerves.

This recipe is so easy to make! And it’s yummy and very nutritious!

Continue Reading →

Comments { 61 }

The True Woman: Chapter 9 – Domesticity

By on June 2, 2008 in making a home

Thank you to my mother-in-law Julie for the thorough recap of chapter 9 of our book study on the True Woman by Susan Hunt. Come glean from a wise older woman whether you’re reading along with us or not! You may review all previous chapters here.

In chapter nine of her book “The True Woman”, Susan Hunt continues to highlight the virtues of biblical womanhood by focusing on “domesticity”, which refers to a devotion to home life. This pertains to the family or household.

She begins by encouraging us not to compare ourselves to the world’s view of domesticity, the shallowness of bug-free roses and stenciled lunch bags. There is nothing wrong with these things but we can’t stop there. We must press on to the biblical perspective of this concept which is applicable to woman in all situations of life whether single or married.

Continue Reading →

Comments { 2 }

Simplifying by Communing

By on June 2, 2008 in faith & womanhood, frugal & simple

Late rising, long to-do lists, multiple demands upon our time…how easy is it for us to simply jump into the day without meeting the Lord? How often does this then result in a very trying day, filled with multiple stumblings into sin in reaction to husband, child or other, trying to do it all on my own ability, because I neglected to lay my day before the Lord…but is it really worth it? A moments rest at the foot of the cross leads to renewed strengthen and resting upon the Savior. What a delightful day it is when first centered around the Lord! Simplifies my life when I reflect upon and lay before Him the events of the day, seeking His face as to what is most important!

As John Blanchard points out: “Surely we only have to be realistic and honest with ourselves to know how regularly we need to turn to the Bible. How often do we face problems, temptations and pressure? EVERY DAY! Then how often do we need instruction, guidance and greater encouragement? EVERY DAY! To catch all these felt needs up into an even greater issue, how often do we need to see God’s face, hear his voice, feel his touch, know his power? The answer to all of these questions is the same: EVERY DAY!”

As Carolyn Mahaney says: “Meeting with God each day is a way of acknowledging that we are totally dependent upon his grace.”

Simple living all starts with making our relationship with the Lord our first priority for the day!

Did you get some time in the Word today?

Comments { 3 }