This & That

Today I enjoyed fiddling around with a new blog design ~ I hope you find the change as refreshing as I have! I wanted to do a new one for autumn ~ my favorite time of year ~ but decided it was too early yet. I've got everything picked out, so I'll be changing my design sometime in late September ~ early October.

I finally (!) found my devotional on Psalm 23 (I had taken it to church to share w/ my ladies' SS class and left it in my attache ~ just thought to look there last week!) so we'll resume our study on Monday.

I'm so excited to now have 8 followers! When I decided to blog, I did so to be a source of encouragement to my fellow sisters in Christ. I wanted to share the truths I learned as I studied God's Word. I wanted to be transparent as I shared my struggles/joys/rewards of being a wife, mother, homemaker and Christian woman in today's world.

One of the reasons I chose to begin my own blog was because I wondered if anyone else ever struggled as I did. When I first discovered Christian homemaking blogs ~ aka "Titus 2 blogs" ~ I noticed a pattern. Not only were these women super-organized with HUGE household binders that they followed to the letter, but they were more than happy to share how they managed their homes!

At first, I was impressed! These bloggers had designed their own home management binders ~ some were even for sale ~ with pages and pages of detailed guides for chores, cleaning, laundry, and home-schooling schedules. Some included a section for quiet time, journaling, weekly/monthly menu ideas, shopping lists, phone directories and "Prairie Muffin" manifestoes. I felt as if I were sadly lacking in my God-given responsibility to be an effective homemaker, so I dutifully designed and printed out pages and pages for myself. (Ironically, the hours I spent preparing my binder kept me away from building on my home and family!)

I wish to state that I have no problem with home management binders. The Bible encourages us to do things "decently and in order" (1 Corinthians 14:40). It's great to have everything you need in one place. However, it seemed that these bloggers set these incredibly high standards for themselves (and others, according to how many other women posted about their similar binders) to live up to. They seemed to be prideful in their accomplishments of what they had to do each day.

In time, I began to feel intimidated by their posts instead of being encouraged. It seemed to me that they were implying that this is the way a healthy, God-fearing Christian homemaker should be ~ by being dresses only, wearing head coverings, making your own bread and clothes, and being KJV only.

(Doctrinal disclaimer: I myself believe the KJV to be the most accurate translation of the original Hebrew and Greek. However, the other versions are great for contrast/comparison Bible study.)

In continuation, these bloggers posted a week's worth of pictures of themselves in dresses and head coverings. Many made videos of tours showcasing their homes. I'm sure these bloggers only had the best intentions, but in reality, they unwittingly set themselves up as a standard for other women to aspire to.

Although there's nothing wrong with that per se, some women can fall into the trap of thinking themselves more spiritual/godly if they abide by certain "standards". In the comment section of one popular blog, I saw/read of women who were berating others that didn't believe as the blogger and the majority of her followers did. It was in this comment section that I discovered that there was actually a "hate" blog dedicated to "expose" the blogger for "who she really was". Disgusted, I quit reading this woman's blog. I couldn't help but realize that such is the reaping when one sows the seed of discord ~ in this case, the woman setting herself as the lofty "standard" of a "godly" homemaker.

Here is the fact: Jesus is THE only Standard! We're all sinners, saved by grace ~ our righteousness is nothing but filthy rags. Because of His grace and mercy, Jesus has redeemed us all! He is the Relentless Lover of our souls Who isn't willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. I'm so thankful that Jesus looks upon my heart ~ not my outward appearance!

It's not going to make a bit of difference for the Kingdom if I'm super-organized with a home management binder. God simply wants me in my home, working and weaving on it each day. Jesus isn't impressed with my vaccuumed floors or sparkling toilets. He wants my heart to be clean for communion with Him. He wants my speech to be sweet and sparkling ~ uplifting and encouraging. My Savior doesn't care if I make homemade bread or buy Sara Lee. He is the Bread of Life! He wants me to do my household chores joyfully ~ because, in reality, as I serve my family, I'm serving Him!

What matters is this: I am on assignment from God to help, submit to, and love my husband. I am to teach, pray for, and enjoy my children. God wants me to watch over, build, and care for my home and family every day. My desire as a homemaker is to make our household a place of tranquility, rest, and refreshment. The ultimate goal for my home is that the hubs and kiddos will think, "When I get home, everything will be all right!"

Although I have my own personal preferences ~ not to be confused with doctrinal convictions ~ concerning my Christian walk, I will never use this blog to dictate them. I believe that anyone of any "religion" can be saved as long as they realize that: Jesus is the only way to Heaven (John 14:6) ~ that they have recognized their need for a Savior (Romans 3:23) ~ and that they have asked Jesus to save them (Romans 10:9-13).

With this blog, I never want to set myself as a standard ~ I fail ~ miserably ~ all too often! I hope to share, to encourage, and to inspire my fellow sisters in Christ. We are to have an abundant life, filled with the desire to love and serve our Savior!