To Be A Virtuous Woman

Source: godsgracefulness.com via Tonia on Pinterest

I follow "Raising Homemakers" on Facebook, so I'll know when a post comes up there. Today's post is titled "Sturdy Women". I thought today I would share a link to it, because I think it's an article ALL Christian women should read and take note of.

http://raisinghomemakers.com/2012/sturdy-womanhood-5/

It really goes up the alley of my thinking lately, as far as how a truly virtuous woman is supposed to be. Even about her strength.

Now, I just need to bring my ego down about 10 notches, and not get over prideful in my gifts of being physically and mentally strong. Oh wait! I think that 30lb. bucket of chicken feed on my neighbor's farm just did that... ;D

Have a wonderfully blessed day everyone! Thanks for stopping by!
Angel

Femininity and It's Influence On Men

Here's a great video I found while browsing the web. It's talking about feminity, the influence it has on the men in our lives, how we should respond to being treated like a lady, as well as how we can use femininity to share Christ to the world.

The LORD spoke to my heart through this video, and I pray that if it's needed, HE will to you as well. :) So watch, listen and be blessed...

Responsive Heart Attitude from TrueWoman 101 on Vimeo.

Have a wonderfully blesssed day! Thanks for stopping by!
Angel

Let Me Be A Homemaker

Let Me Be A Homemaker

Let me be a Homemaker
What I was called to be
Let me fill the halls with children's laughter
And story time upon my knee
Let me fill the walls with flowers
Picked from our very own backyard
Let us gaze in wonder
At God's creation, big and small

Let me be a Homemaker
Never a paycheck
Let me dwell in our home of safety
Free of the workplace land of stress

Let me be a Homemaker
Let me cook and let me clean
No it doesn't matter, Dear
If I do it all for "free"

Let me love you, Husband
Let me love the children, too
Let me be a Keeper
It is what God has said to do

I do not want a paycheck
Nor a corner office desk
I just want to be Mommy
And a caretaker--The Best

The Best Job,
The Sweetest Job,
For the Christian women, all
Just let us stay at home
The duty is big, not measly and small

It is a sacred calling
Being Keeper of the Home
The children are the future
Let us not leave them alone

~*~Written by Mrs. Q~*~

Source: http://www.blessedhomemaking.com/


Wow! I can't wait for the day, when I am prayerfully called, to this most sacred of callings. In the meantime, I will wait, and prepare. :D

Have a wonderfully blessed day! Thanks for stopping by!

Angel

A Thought For This Thursday

Here's a little thought to add to your Thursday...

"Chivalry to the original purity and power of which we owe the defense alike of faith, of law, and of love... assumes that in this rapturous obedience to the single love of his youth, is the sanctification of all man's strength, and the continuance of all his purposes. You cannot think that the buckling on of the knights armour by his lady's hand was a mere caprice of romantic fashion. It is the type of an eternal truth- that the souls armour is never well set to the heart unless a woman's hand has braced it; and it is only when she braces it loosely that the honor of manhood fails." -Ruskin

Simply beautiful. :)

Have a wonderfully blessed day! Thanks for stopping by!
Angel

"Never Approach Sewing Lackadaisically"...

So, I have been doing quite a bit of reading lately. One of the books that I have been reading is a 1949 edition of a Singer sewing book that was purchased at a library book sale back in early spring. This book has been a HUGE help in my sewing projects, with me not being the most sew savvy gal in the world. ;)

It gives so many tips and advice on shortcuts and such, that I can say I have become a bit more confident in my sewing. But what I love the most about this book, is how at the beginning it shares advice on how to prepare yourself mentally, physically, and materially for sewing.

I have to admit, I was a bit surprised at some of the advice that was offered regarding to preparing yourself for sewing. Let me share with you, so you can understand exactly what I mean... ;)

Mentally- "Think about what you are going to do. Practice the seams that will be needed in your pattern until you can complete them with total confidence. Approach the job with enthusiasm. Never approach sewing with a sigh or lackadaisically. Good results are difficult when indifference predominates. Never try to sew when the sink is full of dishes or beds are unmade. When there are urgent housekeeping chores, do these first so that you mind is free to enjoy your sewing."

Physically- "When you sew, make yourself as attractive as possible. Go through a beauty ritual of orderliness. Have on a clean dress. Be sure your hands are clean, fingernails are smooth- a nail file and pumice will help. Have your hair in order, powder and lipstick on with care. Looking attractive is a very important part of sewing, because if you are making something for yourself, you will try it on at intervals in front of a mirror, and you can hope for better results when you look your best. Again, sewing must be approached with the idea that you are going to enjoy it, and if you are constantly fearful that a visitor will drop in, or your husband will come home and you will not look neatly put together, you will not enjoy your sewing as you should. Therefore "spruce up" at the beginning so that you are free to enjoy every part of any sewing you do."

Materially- "Assemble all the essentials you are going to need before you begin. Have close all tools necessary for your project close by. Have them ready for use, so that you will not have to jump to get this or that, because such distractions affect your efficiency. If you are to get good results from sewing, remember that you must do it pridefully and skillfully. An uncoordinated sewing experience is not conducive either to enjoyment or best results."

Planning Your Sewing Time- "Make an appointment with yourself to sew, just as you would with your hairdresser, or with a neighbor to go shopping. On the days you are sewing, make the dessert in the morning; plan a quick-to-get dinner so that your afternoon can be given to the full enjoyment of sewing. Plan what you are to sew ahead of time. Keep a notebook and jot down what findings or trimmings you need for each thing. Study each detail of your pattern, and make a practice sample if necessary. Save basting or handwork on your project, to do when a friend drops by, or when you want to listen to your favorite radio program. Much happiness and benefit can be had from sewing if you plan what you will do; if you buy carefully; if you choose patterns for smartness and appropriateness and if you cut and sew in a planned, well organized fashion."

Wow! What awseome advice!

This book was written in 1949, and the first thing that came to my mind was differnece in tips it gives seamstresses. I mean, what book today would tell a lady to make sure she looks nice before sewing, for when her husband gets home, having your house clean, or to have dinner prepared and ready ahead of time?

While these tips may sound a bit odd to most women in today's society, they're not that off the wall sounding to me. I loved reading this! It made me long for that lost era when housework was regarded as honorable for women, and looking like a lady, even when doing that housework, was not looked upon oddly. A time when women did all they could to see to their families needs, and put themselves and their desires last. A time when women lived out the way they are commanded to live in the Bible. (Titus 2)

Maybe I'm just odd. But that's how I feel. How about you?

Well, I better get off of here for now. I've got a few more things to take care before church this evening. :D

Have a wonderfully blessed day everyone! Thanks for stopping by!
Angel

Feel Funny In Skirts?

Forgive me if I'm not totally clear on my thoughts and views in this post. This subject has been on my mind quite a bit of late, and I am hoping that by sharing them on here, I can organize them a little better. ;) So, onto the subject at hand!

I was on Facebook recently, and noticed an update on there. One of my friends have sort of been giving random facts about themselves daily. Well, that day her "random fact" was that she secretly loved to wear dresses and skirts, but was too self conscious to wear them, other than at church.

This may sound completely odd, and not particularly important to you, but it was to me. That was not the first time I have heard that statement made from a young lady. I have heard several others make similar statements on many occasions, and have myself felt this way. Boy, does it really bother me.

I guess the reason those statements bother me so much is the very fact that society does seem to look at a woman who tries to look feminine by wearing a traditionally feminine garment, otherwise known as a skirt, oddly.

Now I'm not saying everyone in society does, just most. I can't tell you how many times I get looked at oddly when I wear a skirt to anywhere but church. Even my mom, who by much prayer has decided to only wear skirts now, has gotten questions about why!

I personally enjoy wearing skirts and dressing up like a lady. Because I spend so much time around my house looking downright rough, due to weeding and other farm chores, I relish the idea of getting to look "girly". When I do get the opportunity to look nice, I snatch it go all out with it. :D

I guess the point I am trying to drive home is that there is nothing wrong with wearing skirts girls. Look like the woman GOD created you to be! You should not let the fear of what people say and think dictate your actions in the way you dress. There is not one thing wrong in this world with wearng a skirt or dress outside of chucrh! That's somthing that I constantly need to remind myself...

As long as what you are wearing is modest, and can honestly reflect the goodness of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, there is nothing wrong with wearing a skirt.

I want to make another point here too. I am not saying it is wrong to for women to wear pants. I personally LOVE my blue jeans when I am in a mood to be comfortable, especially when doing farm chores. ;) Just don't make yourself look like a guy in them. Cross dressing is in complete disobedience to the word of GOD. Here are some verses that state that clearly...

"A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on woman's garments, for all who do are an abomination to the Lord." -Deuteronomy 22:4

"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works." - I Timothy 2:9-10

So girls, let's look like the ladies GOD created us to be. Either by wearing a skirt while out on the town, or dressing up a pair of jeans down on the farm, ;) let us do everything, even our dress, for the honor and glory of GOD! :D

So, what are your thoughts on this subject? I know my thoughts here may have seemed a bit jumbled. So, is there anything here that you have an issue with? Or maybe you have some other thoughts on skirt wearing. I would love to hear them! :D

Have a wonderful day everyone! Thanks for stopping by!
Angel

Journey To Femininity: My Struggle

Good day friends and family! I pray you are all having a wonderful day in our LORD! It's been bright and sunny here today, with temps in the mid to upper fifties. Not bad, but I just can't wait for the warm weather to return, with wonderful warm breezes blowing through the trees. Summer, you can't return fast enough for me! :)

Well, I'm gonna attempt to wrap up my Femininity series tonite. I would like to end this series, by sharing with you my struggles in this area. For this has been an area of deep conviction for me of late.

Before I began my bit of research in this area, I went to the most Biblically feminine woman that I know of, my mom. She helped open this subject area for me, and really prodded me to dig into scripture and pray for the LORD to show me, what it means to be truly feminine. She also lovingly hinted to me, there were areas that she sees in my life that I need to pray earnestly for the LORD to help me change.

The first area of femininity I sorely lack in, is that of a meek and quiet spirit. While it is true my over all demeanor is quiet, due to my being shy, my inner heart in anything but that at times. I am going to admit it first hand to ya'll, that I wage a war within myself daily. I am selfish, impatient, and I have a problem with being quick to anger.

These three issues go into the next issue I struggle with. One that only by the LORD's grace, I am able to show on a day to day basis. Having a nurturing caring attitude. This particular trait is most needed when dealing with children. Being a woman, naturally you are given the duty of taking care of children, whether it be your own, or the young ones in the nursery at church. When working with children, patience, and a kind attitude are IMPERATIVE.

Children will be children. They will push you to the limit mentally and physically. They will test you to the limit. They will run you round in circles playing until your ready to drop over with fatigue. Even though I have no children of my own, I do take care of them in the nursery at church, and I teach a 3 year old class two days a week. So I know what I am talking about.

I have come to realize that nothing is gained by becoming impatient with a child, and getting angry with them. I have learned, the hard way mind you, that most of the time (not all the time), being loving and kind to a constantly misbehaving child, works miracles with their attitude. The LORD really knew what HE was saying when a woman is to have a nurturing attitude. :)

I have no clue why in the world the LORD puts up with me. I am so unworthy of that awesome and amazing love HE daily shows me. I do not know how HE could ever find me worthy of bestowing HIS forever enduring patience and mercy. I do know that I am so incredibly thankful that HE is that way with me.

I am so thankful that HE is working in my life on a day to day basis, guiding each of my steps. I am so thankful that HE did put this subject of Biblical femininity at the forefront of my mind, so that HE could work in my life, and draw me closer to HIS side. It is only by HIS grace that HE daily molds me into the woman HE would have me to be. A truly feminine woman one day, perhaps :)

Well, there is one more area of feminity that I would like to discuss. I know that I said I would try to wrap up this series today, but alas, I can't. ;) But don't fear, I won't overwhelm you this evening with an information overload. I also have some other things I would like to post before then, so I would like to have the next installment in the series by this weekend, maybe even early next week, LORD willing. But, we'll see...

For now though, have a wonderful evening! Thanks for stopping by!
Angel

The Journey to Femininity: What Is It?

Femininity. Feminine. These words have been crossing my path quite a bit lately. From talking with my family, to surfing the blogs, my devotional time, this word has been put at the fore front of my thoughts. The only reason I can think of this topic being brought to my mind so regularly of late, is that the LORD is trying to show me something in my life. Something that I believe HE wants me to change.

As I said before, when a topic comes up that I want to know more, I generally pray about it, then I do research. Since the topic of femininity has been brought to my mind, I have been doing just that. The first thing I wanted to know was the exact definition of being feminine according to the dictionary. (and I am primarily referring to the character trait of femininity, not the outward dress here, while both do go together) Here it is according to Wikipedia- 1.Of the female sex; biologically female, not male, womanly.
2.Belonging to females; appropriated to, or used by, females.
3.Having the qualities associated with a woman or the female gender; suitable to, or characteristic of, a woman; nurturing; not masculine or aggressive.

So what I can gather from a secular dictionary, is that being feminine means not being masculine. Being feminine means being the complete and total opposite of masculine. That's seems pretty obvious. Being feminine means being like a woman, and masculine means being like a man.

But look at the third variation of the definition it says characteristic of, a woman; nurturing; not masculine or aggressive. Did any of you catch that last bit? This definition said that being feminine means being or having the characteristics associated with a woman, in particular being nurturing and not aggressive. So, I went and studied this particular definition even further.

Being feminine, according to the dictionary, means being nurturing, and kind. The definition of being nurturing is to feed and protect: to support and encourage, as during the period of training or development. Not aggressive (not masculine) means to be passive, friendly, and submissive. Not bad I say. :)

My next stop on my journey was in GOD's holy word, the Bible. The best places to find out what GOD's standards are for being feminine, are found in Proverbs 31, 1 Peter 3, and any story of a woman that was recorded in the Bible with outstanding character. My study has been a bit more focused on Peter's account of a truly feminine woman. Let me show you-

1Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
2While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
3Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
4But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
5For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
6Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

According to this passage, a truly feminine woman is focused first on her Lord, then to her husband or family. A feminine woman willingly submits herself to male authority, for that is what GOD commands of her. A feminine woman is chaste, and behaves herself in a respectable manner. A feminine woman does not focus solely on her looks, but upon the inward appearance of her heart, and how it fits in accordance with GOD's word.

To me, both the secular, and Biblical definitions go hand in hand. They both state that for a woman to be considered feminine, she is to be submissive, caring, loving, and focused upon others, with herself placed last. What admirable traits these are, because no matter how "girly" you dress, you CAN NOT be considered feminine unless these qualities outshine your apparel.

Reading these accounts have been a huge eye opener in my life. It makes me even more thankful to be born a woman, and to be blessed to be able to practice, and learn these traits, that the LORD has given us (women). :D

It also makes me realize that I am not where I need to be in certain areas of my Christian life. But praise the LORD! HIS mercy and truth endure forever! And I know that he is mercifully guiding my steps, to be more and more like HIM. And it is only by HIS grace that I am able to do just that. :D

That is all I will be delving into for today. Next time (either Saturday or Sunday) I will be talking about how the LORD is working in my heart, in this area. I hope you will join me for that. :)

In the meantime, what are your thoughts on femininity? What do you think makes a woman more or less feminine? I would love to hear your input. Or, if you have a problem with anything I wrote, let me know, and I would love to hear what you have to say. :)

Have a wonderful day! Thanks for stopping by!
Angel

Becoming Feminine

Good day friends and family! I pray that you are all having a wonderful day in our LORD! The weather is absolutely beautiful here in my neck of the woods. The temps are in the lower 60's, and the sun is shining bright and gloriously, with that Carolina blue sky to accent it just perfectly. Thank-you LORD for this beautiful day! :D

There has been something on my mind lately, that I just can't get get away from. I have been debating on whether or not to post about it. My thoughts have been a bit scattered about it, and exactly what it means to me. But I believe my thoughts would benefit from talking about it on here. It's the topic of femininity.

I first began to think more seriously on this subject about two weeks ago during my devotions, and while browsing some blogs. While browsing the blog sites, I saw a reoccurring theme with many young women. I was seeing many of them making statements like "My goal is to become more feminine for the LORD". I must confess, that even though I am a young woman of 20 years, and I like to think of myself as feminine, I have never given much thought to the subject.

Well, anytime I find a subject that I am less than familiar with, and earnestly want to know more about, I do research on that subject and pray about it. So, that's what I've been doing the past week or so. I have gone from blog to blog, website to website, and after spending much time in the word of GOD, I have decided to start a short blog series on what being feminine means (according to people and GOD's word), how it affects my life in many areas, as well as ways to become more feminine.

I'm not sure if any one besides me is interested in the subject. But the LORD has laid it upon my heart to share what he has shown me. And I have learned from experience, that the best thing to do when GOD tells you to do something, is to do it. :) Any way, hopefully you will learn as much from my posts, as I have from taking the time to research and write them.

The first post I hope to have up tomorrow, LORD willing. And unless I can fit all my thoughts into that one post without wearing you down ;), there will be one or two more to go with it.

So, until next time, have a wonderfully, blessed day! Thanks for stopping by!

Angel