Summer days often stimulate the thoughts that the “living should be easy!” The days are long, the weather is warm, and thoughts of vacation days permeate our minds. While all of these attributes of summer are true, the one thing that should be strengthened in the summer is our spiritual life. Summer is the time for us to build a “spiritual bank account” so that when the challenging days of the fall descend we have spiritual stamina. It is easy, however, to allow our summer spiritual life to slow down and even become inactive.
Read MoreMaking A House A Home
SPRING CLEANING THE HEART AND THE HOME
Many women looking for a theme verse for spring cleaning their homes would instinctively gravitate to Proverbs 31:27 and its description of the godly woman as “looking well to the ways of her household.” Others might select Titus 2:3-5, focusing on the character and responsibilities a woman should practice so that God’s Word is not discredited. First Corinthians 14:40 may also be a logical choice with Paul’s words that “all things should be done decently and in order.”
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THE QUEST FOR BECOMING A WOMAN WHO PLEASES GOD
It’s May, the typical month for pastors to select sermon texts that challenge women to choose to become women who please God. Consider Ruth’s response when her pastor announces the Scripture topic for his sermon: The Incredible Search . . . The Quest for Becoming a Woman Who Pleases God. Inwardly she groans. Oh, great. I am going to leave today’s service on another guilt trip rather than encouraged and edified. Perhaps I can plan my week’s menus or work on my Bible study while appearing to look interested.
Read MoreTHE HOMEMAKER’S HEART AND THE USE OF HER SPIRITUAL GIFTS
Last week I posed the question, “What would be your response if you carefully selected a gift and presented it to someone dear only to have him or her leave it wrapped?” I pray that you were able to meditate upon the suggested principles along with the definitions of the Spiritual Gifts. This week let’s expand our study as we consider the question, “What is the benefit of prayerfully using your Spiritual Gifts to their maximum potential?”
Read MoreTHE HOMEMAKER’S HEART CHERISHES HER SPIRITUAL GIFTS
What would be your response if you carefully selected a gift and presented it to someone dear only to have him or her leave it wrapped? A myriad of emotions undoubtedly flood your mind as you consider such an ungrateful response on the part of the recipient. Putting the question in the context of Spiritual Gifts is there a possibility that you might be neglecting to unwrap the ones our Lord graciously custom selected for you? Let’s identify some principles that will help in identifying and using your Spiritual Gifts to glorify their Giver, your heavenly Father.
Read MoreTHE INCREDIBLE SEARCH FOR A GODLY WOMAN BEGINS IN MY HOME
It’s Mother’s Day, and the pastor announces the Scripture topic for his sermon: The Incredible Search . . . The Quest for Becoming a Woman Who Pleases God Begins in Your Home. Inwardly you groan. Oh, great. I am going to leave today’s service on another guilt trip rather than encouraged and edified. Perhaps I can plan my week’s menus or work on my Bible study while appearing to look interested.
Read MoreCLEANING ROUTINES--MARCH’S HINTS FOR THE EVERYDAY HOMEMAKER
It’s spring and the time our homes frequently receive a thorough cleaning. We know that the cleaning process separates the dirt from the item being cleaned and results in a sense of renewal.As we use cleaning routines in our homes to sanitize them, it is helpful to multitask and use the time for personal spiritual cleansing. First John 1:9 teaches, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” As we become proficient in our cleaning routines, let’s direct our minds to the spiritual cleaning we may need to accomplish rather than allowing them to dwell in mental emptiness. This intentional action allows us to honor our Lord in even the most mundane tasks (Colossians 3:16-17).
Read MoreIS FORGIVENESS PRACTICED IN YOUR HOME?
Aunt Joan isn’t attending the family reunion this summer because last year she was offended by a remark John made about her “famous deviled eggs.” After moving to her son-in-law and daughter’s home and funding the construction of her own granny flat Ellen moved out four years later. The root cause of both scenarios? The failure to grant the principle of unending forgiveness taught in Matthew 18:21-35 and Luke 17:3-4.
Read MoreIS KINDNESS SPOKEN IN YOUR HOME?
How beautiful is your tongue - or have you never really considered your tongue in terms of its attractiveness? You normally don’t check it in the mirror multiple times during the day, go on shopping trips for it, schedule appointments for it at the tongue beautician, or purchase cosmetics for it. Yet, it is the tongue, more than the shape of your face or the dimensions of your figure or your theological knowledge, which determines your beauty.
Read MoreTHE SEASONS OF MENTORING
It’s spring!! The trees are budding, the grass is greening, flowers are bursting forth with color, and allergies are afflicting those who are sensitive to pollen. Several years ago, as a new Texas resident, I experienced allergies for the first time. I did not care for them but I do love spring and summer! However, each season has its beauty and challenges just as the seasons of mentoring possess unique qualities. Last month I shared with you the biblical mentoring strategies outlined in Titus 2:3-5 and encouraged you to view your home as your primary venue. The Titus passage provides the biblical foundation for understanding the mentoring relationship. The book of Ruth presents us with a real life example of how mentoring should work. This week I am excited to share with you the seasons of mentoring.
Read MoreHINTS FOR THE EVERYDAY HOMEMAKER--FEBRUARY 2014
Do you dream of your living space whether a dorm room or a large home being a clutter-free, pleasant environment but simply do not know where to begin? If so, then The Everyday Homemaker’s Blog Posts are just what you need to move the dream from fantasy to reality!
Read MoreMENTORING FROM YOUR HOME
Do you feel that if you are a stay-at-home Mom your ministry opportunities are severely limited? I am excited to share with you that by opening your front door and welcoming a mentoree you can fulfill one of the most important ministry assignments given to women—the Titus 2:3-5 directive!
Read MoreSAVOR THE SEASON OF LOVE BY CHOOSING TO DETONATE DISCOURAGEMENT
February ushers in the commencement of the holiday season focused on expressing love. Billed as the “season of love” the days spanning February 1 to February 14 can be delightful or disappointing.Statistics suggest that when disappointment settles in Satan’s fiery dart of discouragement embeds itself in our hearts.Choosing to detonate discouragement during the “season for love” poises us for a Christ-centered celebration!
Read MoreI WILL LIKE . . . VIGNETTES OF WOMEN WHOSE LEGACIES IMPACT THE 21ST CENTURY HOME
The silence deepened in the already attentive class as the young widow, with tears gently flowing down her cheeks, raised her hand and asked if she might share a thought with the students. A native of West Africa, she traveled from her homeland to pursue professional training as a Home Economics teacher so she could support her elementary-aged son. Her youngest brother, comparable in age to her son, also made the journey with them. She was the guardian of both boys.
Read MoreNEEDED . . . NUTRIENTS FOR MULTI-TASKING
A new year is upon you filled with numerous opportunities to deepen your relationship with your heavenly Father and to increase your ability to fulfill the special plan He has just for you! You have a better opportunity to fulfill that plan if you are spiritually and physically fit. How are you beginning your this new year—are you approaching it with a solid understanding of the nutritional requirements necessary for spiritual and physical vitality or are you randomly starting it without a deliberate dietary plan?
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