"What a grand and auspicious work a woman is called to; how significant and far-reaching is the scope of her vision. When she understands the breadth of her calling, generations will have their faith ignited, and those who seek truth will find it within the walls of her home."
This has been on my mind for some time to write (especially with all the Pinterest-perfect perceptions out there). I hope to clarify some things with you, dear reader. The purpose of this blog is to create an excitement to be "a keeper at home". I have heard many young ladies in the last few years claiming they were "bored" at home. This always broke my heart because the Christian home is everything but boring! It is the beginning of a godly union, a place where future Christians are discipled, where merry meals are created and the body is nourished, where God is studied and the soul is nourished, where man can rest his weary body at the end of a toilsome day. It is our sacred place to care for and "keep" as given by the Almighty. Being a "keeper at home" is quite the creative calling!
This blog is meant to inspire you to love your home, to create in your home, to nourish in your home, to actually enjoy being home. But by all means, I am not saying that all the things I share must be done in your home. The last thing I want to do is overwhelm or discourage you! My desire is to light a candle of love in your heart, to burn a desire to serve in and illuminate your home. If you are in the season of small children, then I do not wish to add any more to your plate other than a smile and a cozy place to rest during a short break.
And lastly, to remove any "perfect" appearance, I do not do it "all" (and neither does anyone). We all lack in some areas and are strong in others and each with different family dynamics. But I will share a little bit more about myself so you understand.
#1 ~ Homemaking
Our home is never "sparkling" but always tidy, neat and organized. I don't make fancy meals, sprout my own grains or grow my own wheat. We aren't involved in gymnastics and soccer or any other extra curricular activity. We don't go to church functions during the week. We rarely go to town to shop, especially to window-shop for things we can't afford. We don't take lavish vacations or partake in expensive amusements. A large part of our life right now is spent at home which gives me time to invest in it.
Our days with little one's has been at a standstill for some time. Though my heart is open, my arms remain empty (so please remove the idea that I write this blog with a little baby in my arms, a toddler playing quietly in the corner and a dozen children sitting obediently
or mischeviously at school desks). God has given us a small family.
#2 ~ Homeschooling
Our schooling does not resemble the public school system but embraces much learning from the reading of lots of books, real life experience and
much grace. You will find our eclectic style of home education
here. By noon, our "school day" is complete and there is time to pursue other interests (such as this little blog).
#3 ~ Homesteading
On our homestead, my husband does the gardening (it is his joy), my oldest takes care of all the animals (it is her joy) and I take care of the rest (it is my joy). Many hands make light work.
Because I am home most of the time, I have the time to write this blog. Any project I share will take less than 10 minutes (unless it is canning related) because that is all I have time for and I assume that is all you can manage as well. And so, with this "behind the scenes" information, I pray this website doesn't discourage you but only encourages you to love your home and the glorious opportunities we have in our creative calling.
"Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places
where other people see nothing."
~ Camille Pissaro
Dear ladies, your family can use your talents and gifts! They will serve to embellish your home life. What better investment of your time than contributing to your surroundings and the ones that you love!
For the accountant mind, it is the most important place to do financial planning and management, prepare a budget and practice economy.
For the doctoring soul, it is a place to treat minor sickness, learn about natural healing and the wisdom of prevention.
For the gourmet cook, it is a place to prepare beautiful meals that physically nourish the souls in our care and a place to practice healthy nutrition.
For the writer, it can be a place to journal your life. Perhaps something to publish and encourage others when things slow down in those later years.
For the pre-planner, you can maintain a storehouse pantry, preserve foods for the future, practice meal planning and make home schedules and charts.
For the organizer, you can fine-tune your home, your inventory and every cabinet and file drawer can be a place of perfection.
For the teacher, it a place to educate your children and educate yourself on all kinds of valuable information that would benefit and bless your household.
For the artist, it is a place to beautify, a canvas for you to create your own private paradise.
And yet, the world portrays the homemaker as a mundane job!?
Why then does Martha Stewart get glorified for her career in home economics?
My only guess is that she is paid.
But you should already know your worth. You needn't a weekly pay-check to prove your value. For your price, virtuous homemaker, has already been assessed by God and you are worth "far above rubies" (Proverbs 31:10).
"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
She looketh well to the ways of her household,
and eateth not the bread of idleness."
~ Proverbs 31:10, 27
"The aged women likewise,
that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness,
not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
That they may teach the young women to be sober,
to love their husbands, to love their children,
To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home,
good, obedient to their own husbands,
that the word of God be not blasphemed."
~Titus 2:3-5
This post may be shared with some or all of the following link-ups: The Art of Home-Making Mondays, Modest Mom Monday's, Monday's Musings, Make Your Home Sing Monday, Good Morning Mondays, The Scoop, Titus 2sdays, Titus 2 Tuesdays, Roses of Inspiration, Tuesdays with a Twist, Raising Homemakers, Wise Woman Link Up, Homestead Blog Hop, Wow Us Wednesdays, Coffee and Conversation, Homemaking Thursdays, Home Sweet Home, Our Simple Homestead, From the Farm Blog Hop, Front Porch Friday Blog Hop, Awesome Life Friday Link Up, Five Star Frou Frou Friday, Simply Natural Saturdays and Clever Chicks Blog Hop. Thank you lovely ladies for hosting these.