Mary's Faithfulness

In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to the Galilean village of Nazareth to a virgin engaged to be married to a man descended from David. His name was Joseph, and the virgin's name, Mary. Upon entering, Gabriel greeted her: Good morning! You're beautiful with God's beauty, Beautiful inside and out! God be with you. She was thoroughly shaken, wondering what was behind a greeting like that. But the angel assured her, "Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call his name Jesus. He will be great, be called 'Son of the Highest.' The Lord will give him the throne of his father David; He will rule Jacob's house forever ~ no end, ever, to his kingdom." Mary said to the angel, "But how? I've never slept with a man." The angel answered, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, the power of the Highest hover over you; Therefore, the child you bring to birth will be called Holy, Son of God. "And did you know that your cousin Elizabeth conceived a son, old as she is? Everyone called her barren, and here she is six months pregnant! Nothing you see is impossible with God." And Mary said, Yes, I see it all now: I'm the Lord's maid, ready to serve. Let it be with me just as you say.... ~ Luke 26~38

How many times does my precious Father whisper to me impossible plans... Sends people to encourage me with wonderful news of a new thing that He's doing! May I be like Mary ~ His maiden ~ for always. Believing and Willing.

My Companions ~ My Children

Life is truly fleeting. My  changing hands and slacking memory speak this truth to me every day. And even louder do the precious growing children. They grow with no warning.

There was a sad time when I would rush through my day... My time in the night some sort of idol goal. {Don't get me wrong, I still need my time to read, write, and sew, but I'm just not hurried.} Now I know there's no need to rush because love takes time and tomorrow is never promised. I sought adult companionship over tenderhearted communion, and I know I still need some particular interactions, but now by God's grace, I see the "adult" in my darling babies... I sense the Lord's sovereign plan to work this mother's heart toward a purpose I hadn't clearly perceived. A coming into me.. A calling to cultivate and sacrifice. To minister and grow alongside.

When I tell that I homeschool I see the flash in the eyes... The quick disbelief floating from white to pupil to white again... Back into the mind where it will stay. How do you do it??!! How do you deal with having them home all day?!

And you know, it is hard. And while I'm tempted to say, "but they're mine, I love every single second!" I'll be more honest... or take the truth farther; I train them.

How else can a Mama not lose her mind... Instead she loses herself in servanthood, and finds the fragmented pieces of herself put together even more lovely. 

She delights herself in warm thoughts of a restful ending and hearing "well done my good and faithful servant."

She has one cohesive life where all of the joys, trials, triumphs, tears, and smiles mesh together to create something meant for her alone since the beginning of time. She'll take it. 

It's not for everyone, but it's for her. 

Some simple things I do to try and not lose my cool. Of course we're all different so what works for all will not be exactly the same, but it's nice to share ideas ~ here are mine:

• Children begin learning how to bathe themselves from young, including washing their hair. Brushing teeth, combing hair, dressing self. I believe in teaching self- governing. Though, admittedly I'm a big softy and love doting on my children! {smiles} A wonderful book to encourage young ones toward independence is Eloise Wilkin Stories {not only for girls}
• Eldest child {7} is working on making it a habit to begin her morning lessons without any prompting.
• There are no toys in the main living area; they are kept in respective bedrooms. Wooden blocks, dancing ribbons, tons of books, instruments, ink and stamps along with painting supplies and other craft supplies are close by on shelves. They also often transform the area into a "cabin" or a "cafe" using the side tables to serve up acorns, rocks, and twigs on wooden saucers, but loud, plastic toys are out of sight. {Actually, there are hardly any left.} There is plenty of opportunity for rich play and exercise, but truthfully the way I'm made, I can't handle clutter and messes, they stress me out! Thankfully I've found a wonderful balance where I don't feel any guilt as if the children are being deprived in any way. And I believe I'm blessing them by teaching them organization and respect for belongings without being a control- freak about it.
• Thanks to Money Saving Mom I now freeze PB&J's. They thaw so wonderfully! I also make meals to freeze for a night when I need dinner to be as simple as possible. {Every night?} And by the way, I met Crystal at the Allume Conference and I have to say she is just about the most humble woman I think I've ever met.. A true blessing!
• There are also some days {weeks} when a frozen pizza or take out has its place... Paper plates also have their place in this season of exhaustion. 
• Every time I make pancakes I prepare enough batter for the next day. 
• And some days I keep meals so simple, and they are the most delicious! Fresh cut up fruits and vegetables.. Cheese, hummus, crackers, homemade toast with warm butter, sweet peppers stuffed with cream cheese, avocado with olive oil and crushed garlic, smoothies...
• I keep a stash of chocolate. 
• The children have chores, which they beg to do! And it is my prayer that the truth of work being a privilege will never leave them. 7 year old can wash dishes and steam vegetables, 4 year old can get clothes washing, and two year old wants to do it all actually! Lest it sound like a scene from orphan Annie, there's much joy abounding during our work time. {smiles}
• I weave in beauty throughout the day. For them and for me, it's a gift to the eyes and the soul. Candles, good music, pretty plates, good literature.... The list goes on.
• I don't run around town. I used to be a busy bee, but the Lord convicted my heart and showed me the importance of peacefully ministering in my home. I know in coming seasons this will change, and that family, too, is not to be an idol, but for now I've been quietly stationed right here.
• Quiet time... Oh, yes . every. single. day. Everyone grabs something {a book, some knitting needles, a journal} and we just. don't. talk. Well not exactly, but calm is the theme of the hour.
• I take it slow and include these babes in more of "my" things. When I embraced the idea of a companionship between us, a door with a brighter light opened up before me. 
• I stay close to the Lord! I hear my sermons, pray my heart out, and worship my socks off... I have Him living within me, I am Holy Ghost filled and depend solely upon His power.

As with every post I write, I know I've forgotten to include some things {smiles}

How about you? How do you stay afloat? 

Sharing at: Raising Homemakers, Walking Redeemed

Mini iPad Giveaway!!

Christmas is such a special occasion that several other bloggers and myself have teamed up to offer an iPad mini to one fortunate individual. The iPad Mini Christmas Giveaway is presented in appreciation of you. We are so thankful for the time you spend with us, the thoughtful comments you share, and the encouragement you've given. We couldn't do it without you.

You can view the iPad mini features here.

Grab a cup of tea, pull up a chair, and send in as many entries as you like using the Raffle-copter form below. There are many blogs you can “like” or "follow" to gain entries, and you can take your time doing it. *Please note that comments left on this post are NOT counted as entries; you must enter through the Rafflecopter form below.* This giveaway will run from today, Wednesday, November 28, until December 5. It’s open to everyone and one winner will receive an iPad mini, plus either an $80 iTunes gift card, or $80.00 cash to put towards accessories for the Mini iPad! The winner’s name will be displayed on this post after the giveaway ends. Have fun!a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

Since beginning my homeschooling journey, going on two years now, I have had many, many questions and concerns. To say that The Old Schoolhouse Magazine  has helped me would be an understatement; it has been a godsend!

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine is an absolutely FREE online homeschooling magazine {though I have to say, non~homeschoolers can definitely benefit as well.} They also have FREE Apps available for the iPhone, iPad, and iTouch. Including a Table of Contents, it is very user friendly. Both new and seasoned homeschooling families will be encouraged by the content, there is something for every one. And if you are like me and don't have any local support, you will be especially thankful for not only the helpful content of this publication, but for its' spirit~they exist to bless.

Here, I am specifically reviewing The Old Schoolhouse Magazine's November Issue. The first thing that grabs me is the variety of articles available in just one issue. And they are jammed packed with such heart-filled content; a few of them had me choking up because I felt the Lord encouraging me and speaking to me about things that I wasn't necessarily feeling discouraged about {He's just so awesome like that!} And there are some wonderful ladies who write these articles; such as the wise and soothing Karen Andreola...

I read many articles from the November Issue, but I mainly gravitated towards the ones focused on simplicity. Here is a genius quote by Patrice Lewis from her book The Simplicity Primer {this is from an interview given by Amy Nicholson on page 123}: "I don't believe that the ultimate goal in a 'simple life' is to strive toward the chance to do nothing, I believe it means... things you do are so enjoyable that doing 'nothing' is boring in comparison, and that the number of things you must do is reduced to the number of things you can do well, and with all you heart." Yes! So very well said!

Also in this issue you will find ideas to incorporate Poetry, FREE music software, A Chore List That Really Works!, His Joyful Homeschooler, The Unit Study Homeschooler, The Classical Homeschooler, and so much more. Including yummy Amish recipes that I plan on trying out this weekend {Big Smiles, nom nom}

Overall, I LOVE The Old Schoolhouse Magazine and am thankful for all of the people who work and write for this publication~for the glory of the Lord, the encouragement of our hearts, and the future of children's lives.

I pray that you will visit them and be able to glean as much wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration as I have from this wonderful resource.. May the Lord bless you and your homeschool with His peace and joy!

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this product through the Schoolhouse Review Crew in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.

SchoolhouseReviewCrew

Time Management

Who holds the hour glass as we all search for more time to get it right.. To set it straight and accomplish more, and more, and more?

But simpleness and lovingness don't want more, they simply need deeper. To stretch into space where souls are living the Will, the Will of an Almighty Father, who wants to give more by taking some things away?

How I love Him so, and how He calls me...

I share it all here; how I'm a first time legacy leaver and how He's calling me to begin things anew, and introduce the way for my precious offspring. A way toward togetherness with the Savior who is personal and who saves and whom I crave and how I'm filled with unspeakable peace and joy because of!

One day, maybe, I will be led to share the brokenness I was rescued from, and why I have such deep compassion for the broken, defiled woman.

How I love her and call to her, and promise her that He can make her too, brand new. Filling her parched places with Living Water that soothes open wounds. He is a life giver! His Essence existing to make all things right.

So here I am...

Learning Money Management, and having made so many, many mistakes. And I pray; Lord, show me more. Take over my life for your glory, that the souls of my children may have a hope and a future.

And He says, come sweet child, come...

How wonderful is Conviction?! Most of us know immediately when something is amiss. When something we are doing is wrong. Some things are quite obvious, like the gossip that slays a poor person's reputation. Or the television shows that add nothing to our character, in fact may very well compromise it.

And how the Word says if: ... if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell. ~ Matthew 5:30

And how if I really think of it, many things beckon me towards sin. But my way of life, the way I was raised, and the way I was shaped was accepting of all the junk that enters ones soul. Never taught that these things sliver to enter for destruction. Slowly breaking away the purpose of all that I am to become. We make small of these things that are not innocent.. Time wasters.

So I listen, and He says it simply: She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. ~ Proverbs 31:27

It will be different for us all. The needs of our husbands, the needs of our children, the callings on our womanly lives to love and operate in the power of the Holy Spirit.

I'm called to work with my hands; not knowing anything about the arts of homemaking, I'm called deeply to them.. Sewing, and knitting, and baking...

And not only for the homey, wonderful feeling of it all, but to bless others. I'm called to bless. To feed the hungry, to clothe the cold.

And to write. To somehow by the grace of His love touch someone with my broken life, and share the hope given to me. And that's why I can't read much in this season and was called to close down my personal Facebook account. I now run my page through a robot account I created that has no friends nor any likes because He told me to do so. But when I settle into a better rhythm I will visit and chat with some of my favorite places on the web..... But what can you do when the LORD says this is what I ask of you: that you waste no time with idle behavior, but that you show yourself an example for the women coming after you, your daughters, and teach the blessing of what working hard looks like.

The blessing of what working hard looks like? The blessing?

Yes!

A better tomorrow begins with people who are willing to work. And anyway, the more we do, the more energy we have to do more! And the more energy our work gives us, the better, the healthier we truly feel.

And there's a whole world of broken people who need us, the Body of Christ.

The Body of a Savior, and how that humbles me right down to the core of how He made me, and it no longer matters how I was raised. I am the hands of the All Powerful God!

I've been redeemed, and I give my time back to Him who holds the hour glass until the day we meet and I give an account for the time He gave me.

Joy and Peace to you!
       

Book Winners

I pray these books by Sally Clarkson will be a blessing to these winners:

The Mom Walk - Angie
Seasons of a Mother's Heart - Gina

Thank you for entering; please email me your mailing address.

My Allume Roomies, A Vision, & A Giveaway!

I'm still wading through my experience at Allume. There were many great women there, one of them being the amazingly caring Sally Clarkson. She was so personable and gave me a great big hug, which I needed {smiles}

One morning, on about three hours of sleep {seriously,} two out of three of my roomies and I went to a breakfast tea with Ms. Sally while she gave out books and encouraged our hearts to fill our lives and homes with beauty and with friendships. It really was a great reminder to me that genuine friendships are a joy to have! And I have a handful that I endeavor to see more often!

And my roomies.. being with these fellow bloggers, in real life, incredibly blessed my heart!

Words can't fully give life to the experience that took place in that hotel room.. I roomed with Sara Elizabeth of A Mama's Story, Mary of The Encouraging Home, and Erin of The Humbled Homemaker and her precious baby girl! Who seriously gave me baby fever!  It was quite interesting how we all ended up not only at the conference, but in the same room! Seriously, the Lord orchestrated this coming together...

We laughed so hard, we cried, we prayed, we fellowshipped! One night while we were lacking in sleep {we lacked in sleep every night!} at 4AM, I began talking in my sleep.. Oh my, my poor sleep neighbor, Erin. She says she was saying: Are you talking to me? Are you talking to me? She thought I was prophesying! All I remember saying is: I'm talking to everyone.. Oh gosh. I think she said I was saying something like: Go this way! You must go this way! And I was waving my arm like a mad woman! Yea, I don't do well without sleep..

Then, because of my talking, Sara all the way on the other side of the room, gets up and starts looking out the window LOL! Also saying some things, but she was awake.. I think? Did I get that story right ladies? Could you imagine poor Mary and Erin?!

But on a more serious note, I'm blown away how the Lord quickens our spirits to stand in gaps, and overflow with compassion from somewhere deep inside of us for the good of others.. For the good of Sisters that He has ordained to belong in our lives.

And I think: Prayer is as much for us as it for Him. To connect us and bond us.. To even change us as we receive revelation while in this sacred place of communing with the LORD.

So Mary is seriously the Essential Oils Queen! She helped calm a fussy baby, taught me things I never knew, and had our room smelling amazing all weekend! Sara, bless her soul, touched my heart with her labor of love. She pumped her milk for her 15 month old precious baby boy! Most moms would have just weaned and it touched me that she faithfully did what she felt in her heart right to do.. Very special. And Erin.. Such a sweet woman of God. So humble and loving, I felt comfortable with her right away! And her sweet, sweet daughter.. Oh. My! Very, very precious!

It was a coming together of kindred spirits... Women who love sharing knowledge and who love the Lord with all that we are.

Now while I was there I had a vision.

When I first moved into my country home, I was lonely, and not very happy about being put. I'm thankful to the Lord for all of the change He has created in my heart. First off, I am a better steward of my time and money, which blesses my husband and glorifies the Lord. And truly I have never felt such contentment in my life. And here is why I believe that to be so...

Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self~controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. ~ Titus 2:3~5

I've taken heed to this and the Lord has blessed by life with something that I was lacking: Contentment. And may I add, this passage may sound dull, but living those words in the power of the Holy Spirit brings exciting life to those words!

We cook, we clean, we wipe little bottoms, and it all gets mundane. There's no creativity flowing! There is no art to our homemaking. Homemaking has truly become a lost art. Not being passed down any skills, I long to equip my girls for a fun life at home. Not only can they bless their families with the knowledge of such craftiness and resourcefulness, but they can also make an income! What a blessing that will be!  And to be able to give more to the causes of the Lord!

Also, we view our precious children as wonderful little blessings who just need so much! And they do! But I believe in embracing them wholeheartedly as our precious companions, taking the extra time to bring them alongside us, training them up and putting our all into them. It's all exhausting, I know, but our Precious Father is our portion. He will fill us.

So on Facebook, I wrote this as my status update:

Ever since I attended a conference last weekend, I have this incredible vision in my mind...

A Homemaker's Conference!

I view homemaking as an art, an art that has lost its appeal, and one that is simply not being passed down. Take me for instance.. I'm teaching myself how to be a homemaker because to my surprise being a Stay at Home Mom is a lot more than just being home all day! Lol

But seriously, I believe in the home as a sacred place {without making it an idol} full of opportunities to learn and grow. 

So, Imagine a weekend of Titus 2 women mentoring you on how to:
Sew
Knit
Crochet
Bake bread
Garden fruits, vegetables, and flowers
Canning 
Cook from scratch
Make homemade cleaners 
Make homemade toiletries
Make homemade medicines
Shop frugally 
Table etiquette 
Etc...

You'd get pampered and be prayed over.. It would be a time to refresh your heart and mind. And you'd walk away with a new skill or two that would help bless your family. 

These are things that I long to learn because food isn't even food these days. I have a desire to feed my family food that actually nourishes their bodies while blessing my husband by saving a buck. 

How about you? Would you go?

The response was phenomenal and oh. so. heartwarming! Women hungry for returning to the lost arts, and many women willing to teach the younger ones, or the less skilled ones!

The more I think of it the more workshops I think to add:
Ministry Alongside our Children
Hospitality
Journal/Ledger Keeping
Making a Hope Chest
Time Management {suggestion from a reader}
Money Management
Making Jewelry
Strengthening Mother Daughter Relationships {This one is close to my heart and one that I would probably teach}

You'd go home with yarn and knitting needles and maybe a grand prize of a sewing machine! Candles and soaps that you made... Cookbooks and aprons! Maybe enjoy some souffles and chocolate mousse? Oh my!

Please keep me in prayer as I learn about leading something like this. This little humble homemaker doesn't major in these things, but if the Lord wills it, I know it shall come to pass! I believe in the home, and I believe that if women took pleasure and comfort in creating things with their hands and cultivating their homes that we could have a revolution in family life across America!

And now for a giveaway...

I'm giving away two of Sally Clarkson's books, two winners will receive one book:

All you have to do is tell me in the comments where you are in your mothering, what about mothering you enjoy best, and what about mothering is the most challenging.

P.S. Sorry for all of the exclamation points! I'm excited! {Big smiles}

            The Virtuous Wife

Who can find a virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.
 The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good and not evil
 She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.
She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.
 She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.
 She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.
 She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.
 She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.
 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.
 She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
 She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
 Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
 She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.
 Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
 She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
 “Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates.

~ Proverbs 31:10~31

Let me also add, this is not a call to perfection. None of us on this side of Heaven are perfect in any way. Dare I say that even the Virtuous Wife had flaws, of course she did, she was human. But they are not highlighted because here we are learning of her strengths, and we all have strengths. This is a call to grow in our strengths in the area of homemaking. For the betterment of our families, to invite and dance with contentment by appreciating the works of our hands, and ultimately to glorify our Lord Jesus Christ.

Love,

Mom's Holiday

It's not really a holiday, but I suppose when you're a Mama any getaway can be a holiday... And how my heart aches to leave my family for three nights...

They'll be home with grandma as of tomorrow while I travel to Harrisburg, PA for the Allume Conference; very close to my home.

Can I be honest?

Sometimes, I ask myself: Why in the world are you going to this conference?!?!

I'm not business savvy, and I don't have a huge desire to grow my blog, and my precious girls and husband! I'll miss them so much!

But this I have..

A passion for people.

People like me who are seeking joy in all things, who want to care for their families with passion, and purpose, and intentionality.

Women who maybe feel like there's no hope for them.. Their ugly places could never be reached by a Lovely God such as Yeshua.

Oh, but it can and it has and it will....

And then I remember a good fifteen years ago when my friend and I were invited to a marriage retreat with our then church, even though we were not married, not even close. And when we were leaving how the leader of the Women's Ministry was praying our last prayer before we boarded the vans to go back home. She was silent for a moment, and I became curious so I peeked.. Head bowed in prayer, I peeked... How my knees knocked a bit when I saw her approaching me; how I knew in my heart the Word that was coming. How I would perform all things saw there done by the leaders. How one day God would raise me up for His glory. And some other Words and books given to me because of "gifts" seen in me..

And how this may be the time?

And how I shrink back in humility... And how I'm thankful for purpose.

For all of the wretched brokenness can birth a calling in a grateful, willing vessel.. A calling by the Holy One, for the Holy One, to the Holy One.

My knees knock just a tad because, well, in my humble belief this could mean persecution. It could very well mean something I'm not prepared for.

But my knees come back to still... The enemy has already been defeated. It is done.

So friends, pray? Because prayer is sweet and draws Him near...

With So Much Love,

Laundry With Children

When do children begin to dislike house work? Or any work for that matter? Because as small children they love to help! They have such passion to be helpers, to work hard and add their share of blessing to the life around them.

Depending on how many members in your family, laundry can be a non~stop chore.. Like feeding. A little change I've made over the years to make the work a tad bit easier has been to keep a laundry basket for each type of load.. One basket for lights, for darks, whites, etc... So there is nothing to sort this way.

As the children get older they can do their share, but oh, how I desire their hearts to delight in their tasks! When Mama loves home, and hums about, serving delicious foods, and warm smiles, they are bound to love home too! Do I become weary of housework sometimes? Of course, but I practice having a grateful, content heart... And I teach them also... As of now they are eager to be of some help, and I intend to encourage that attitude wholeheartedly. To inspire perspective for all things in this world. All things can be a blessing when looked at through rose colored glasses, appreciating and making the most of our time on this earth.

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23~24

I want to teach my girls a very strong work ethic, and this here, right in our home, is where they will get their first lessons.

So they fill the washer, transfer to dryer, sometimes fold {I need to allow this more} and carry their baskets {they love their sweet, little baskets} upstairs and put their own clothes away. It's so precious to watch them so delightful in their duties! It ministers to my heart!

May we always remember that our work is for the Lord... And that our attitudes are contagious. I pray an outpouring of grace on you tonight; that the Lord would fill you with His strength to carry all of the duties you have as homemaker. May we find delightful purpose in caring for the souls entrusted to us. Amen.

Money Management

Managing money has been quite the challenge for me to learn and understand. I've been talking a little about how I've had to seek the Lord for guidance in being a godly keeper of my home.  

Let's call this Part Two ~ Money Management

Well let me re-phrase that first sentence, IT HAS BEEN A HUGE BURDEN FOR ME not having learned how to responsibly handle money growing up. I never knew how to budget, let alone did I understand the importance of being a good steward of what I have. It led to lots of poor spending habits, for all of the wrong reasons.. Can anyone say Retail Therapy? 

It's said as a joke, but in the end I'll be judged for what I did with my portion, and that encourages my heart to be wise with my purse strings.

Here is where I am today. After many years of spending foolishly on things that I have probably given away by now because I dislike clutter very much, I am finally winding down. I still buy books that I don't necessarily need, I spend on monthly trips to Panera, and every chance I get I buy candles. Now those may seem like small purchases, but first, as far as books go, I could spend thousands in one order! And you know how little purchases add up. But more importantly I am saving to move.. Am I the only wanting to live in a smaller house? That's definitely another post.. {smiles}

And let me share with you the biggest lie that I've been told: "You deserve these things, and you should get them NOW" It's an outright lie. I deserve to work and save responsibly for the things that bring me little bits of pleasure. I shouldn't be able to spend on wants on any given whim that I'm experiencing. 

But that's what the world says.. Buy now, pay later! But we have to know that is a trap, and to be in debt is an evil snare, truly.

The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. ~ Proverbs 22:7

Now, thankfully I don't have any credit cards {anymore} however I haven't been great with my debit card.  So I've given it up. Yes, I gave it to my husband to hold, and will only use cash for my spending. I've also taken up a little habit of documenting my purchases in a ledger.

Housewives, whether you work outside of the home or not, how I want to encourage you to do this if you are presently spending without a plan. We can all benefit from this.. First, if we see where our money is going we can really tell from a list before our eyes if we are indeed being frivolous. My husband keeps track of our account with the bank statements, but this practice is for me, as keeper of my home, to see where most of my spending lies, and with shopping with cash only, I will most certainly be careful with my spending! My husband is very lenient with me; he would give me the world if he could, {smiles} but I have asked that he decide what the household portion will be every week. If I need more, he would never deny me. What I am doing here is keeping myself accountable. Since he is the frugal one, I am depending on him to make that sound decision. I will also be more frugal as I budget, and compare shop with what I have to spend.

I am in no way poor. I have more than I need, I am not in debt {except for my mortgage} and truly when I make more money, it will be so that I can give more. 

These are little things I am working on as keeper of my home. May my daughters learn the value of a dollar and grow to be prudent women.. Also, may they be inspired to live, to give. To work for their portion and save wisely, blessing their households, causing their husbands to trust in them. May they be competent women of God.

Blessings,

Linked up at: Deep Roots at Home, Time Warp Wife