umi-fashion: 2011

Friday, December 30, 2011

The Comparing Game: "Little Miss Perfect"

We all know her. She is the woman who has it all together. She has the love of 1 Corinthians 13 down pat and she never falters. She always smiles at her husband and is his constant encouragement. She is gentle and kind and practices unwavering patience with her children.

And when difficult times come? She never doubts or even dares to question the Lord. Her faith stays strong and steady. We can almost bet on it that her home is orderly and constantly peaceful. She never reaches her limit. And her children!! So polite and helpful are the older ones, and the little ones so obedient and cheerful! Her husband adores her and is never cross at her. He must make a sufficient living, too, so they never go without.

We think about her, watch her and are amazed, but after a while of doing so we grow discouraged. “I can never be like her,” we say. “What is wrong with me to be lacking all of that in my life?” We compare. We grow frustrated and we may even begin to judge her. We may even go as far as deciding we do not like “little miss perfect”...

I found this gem while visiting Ladies Against Feminism, another blog I contribute at, please read the rest of the article here:

"If I Could Only Be Like Her"

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Thursday, December 29, 2011

Raising a Fool

Since we touched on the subject of New Year Goals earlier this week, I am sure all of you have your thoughts set on some new goals for the coming year--how you would like to better yourself, your role as a wife, your home, the raising of your children. Speaking of that, I enjoyed this article I found over at Walking With Sarah by Rhonda Devine, that you should read:

10 Ways to Raise a Fool in 2012

Enjoy!

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Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Mothers as Shepherds

I found an encouraging post by Nancy Wilson over at Femina...

"Mothers of children, let me tell you something.

You are like a pastor to your children. You must feed them like a good pastor does. You must know how each one is doing. Each and every one. You must make sure each child is receiving love and attention, that each feels loved as a special member of this family/congregation of yours. You must see that each one is washed and clothed and fed. And you must be available at all hours to minister to these little or big ones. You may not ignore them or put them off. The way you love and teach them is showing them what God is like. You are teaching them about God, about His world and His Word, and you are teaching them who they are in the Big Story God is writing. This is momentous work...

...Don’t take this lightly. Learn to be a good shepherd to your children. Read the Scriptures and take them to heart. Don’t compare your little flock with the other flocks. Compare your flock with what God wants from you, not from what you think will impress others. Are you being faithful with what He has given you? That is what counts.

Read the rest HERE.

I also just received her book Building Her House: Commonsensical Wisdom for Christian Women in the mail and now reading through it. This is just one of the MANY books I will be gleaning through in the new year.

You will be hearing more about this book later! If you'd like to read along with me, get it HERE.

(Remember---readers are leaders!)

What new books are on your reading list for next year?

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Tuesday, December 27, 2011

New Year Plans 2012

I always get excited around this time of year because I get to plan. I am a notorious planner by nature (even though I have mellowed over the years) and when the New Year comes around the gears kick in, pen and paper come out and I am dreaming of what next year could look like.

A Wise Woman Builds Her Home had an amazing year last year--we launched our first ebook, True Christian Motherhood which had made it to Amazon's bestseller list, we contributed to the hot newly released book, Queen of the Home: Essays, Poetry and Quotes on the Honor, Power and Nobility of Biblical Womanhood, now available at Vision Forum, we grew our blog consulting service Wise Woman Consulting, was asked to speak as a keynote at a blogging conference, we gained ownership of the popular blog, Raising Homemakers, a new church planted unfolded, blog readership doubled, a TCM discussion group was launched of over 300 women who came together and learned about motherhood, and so much more. But *truly* the greatest experience has been being able to see lives transformed to His image. To see women encouraged and passing down a godly legacy, now THAT is what I love to see!

So what do I have on the agenda this year? I am sure you would love to see my notes--they are quite exciting I assure you. But the greatest thing on my list, I must say is that I want to spend more time in my home caring for my children.

What, you say, don't you already stay home and do that? Yes, I do, but my heart actually longs for more. I want more time with my children--reading books, playing games, teaching, engaging in heart to hearts, and all the glorious revelry that goes with it.

I remember as I was nearing the end of finishing all the work that went into True Christian Motherhood, it was a lifetime dream realized that I had waited 30 years to accomplish--to finally write a book! What did I find myself doing? I was staring out my window thinking about how much I was looking forward to just spending MORE time with my children after the book launch.

Times have changed and this momma is different. This momma wants a heavy dose of home, family life, legacy-leaving and CHRIST. This is what I would like to see in 2012.

Yes, I have other big plans, but this will guide it all.

To God be the glory!

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As a special end-of-the-year gift to our readers

True Christian Motherhood is now 50% off and just $3.50

Wise Woman Consulting is now $80

and Queen of the Home is on sale 55% off for only $8.10

get it HERE.

(My sales end at midnight.)

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas!

My husband and I...
(click on image to enlarge)

and our 8 children
wish you--our dear readers and friends,

a very SPECIAL and Merry Christmas!

May God bless you all!

"For unto us is born this day, a Savior,
which is CHRIST THE LORD."

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Thursday, December 22, 2011

Wise Woman Christmas Link Up!

This is one of my favorite images to see in the stores at Christmas time. I believe it speaks volumes to those that might not know Jesus and here is a beautiful bible verse to go with it:

At the name of Jesus

EVERY knee shall bow

and EVERY tongue will confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord.

-Philipians 2:10 and 11

On another note, I think I am going to start having a regular link-up at the blog and will begin having them on Wednesdays. I would like to hear your thoughts on link ups, whether you like them or not, so please leave a comment sharing your opinion.

In the meantime, please link up your favorite posts! I would like to do a CHRISTMAS THEME so if you have a Christmas post to share with our readers please do so! But if you don't, feel free to share either way.

Also, A Wise Woman Builds Her Home is a place to be encouraged in your high and noble calling of role of wife and mother and daughter to the King and we want to encourage each and every single reader out there to build up strong Christian homes to the glory of God.

We would love for you to link up with us---if you have a post you would like to share regarding the topic above or that has to do with building up your home, homemaking, character, hospitality, femininity, family, tea, etc. we would love to have you share it with us!

If you link up here please use the image below to let others know that you have linked up here so that they might join in the fun and be encouraged as well:

(It's easy--just copy and paste the code in this box!)

Have a blessed day!

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Not done with your Christmas shopping?
Get a gift card from Vision Forum or Amazon
and enjoy the holidays!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Christmas Stockings

Evey year we have a tradition in our family and that is our stockings. I remember reading awhile back about the story of the simple stocking stuffers on Little House on the Prairie--Laura and Mary found an orange, a tin cup, hard candy and a penny. It was the best Christmas ever for them.

I liked the simplicity of the idea and thought I would make some memories as well. Now every Christmas I stuff the stockings with a special breakfast. Yes, I said breakfast! When the children all arise, my husband and I are still asleep, so they are allowed to open their stockings without us. Inside they find cereal boxes, apple sauce cups, boxes of raisins, granola bars, cheese and crackers, juice boxes, and of course--an orange!

This works perfectly for us because it buys us some time to get up, get oriented, get dressed, etc. while they eat and breakfast is taken care of (no extra work for mom!) It is also healthy and my kids love it. They sit around the tree eating their stocking breakfast until everyone comes out.

Now don't get me wrong, I do prepare a nice, hot, special Christmas meal after the gift opening, but I personally like that we can get to the presents faster, and I think they appreciate that too!

Oh, and that is not the only thing we add in the stockings--we also add small gifts/toys, chocolates, etc but for everyone the highlight is still the "stocking breakfast"!

Do you have any special traditions at your home?

Here are some Christmas links of you might also want to visit:

Keeping Christ in Christmas

Surrendering Our Stuff

Pre-Christmas Toy Purge

Christmas Doll Tea Party

The Perfect Christmas Gift

The Christmas To Do List

A "1 Corinthian's 13" Christmas

18 Ways to Have a Meaningful Christmas

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Monday, December 19, 2011

Christmas Steals

I had been out all morning finishing up some of my Christmas list and the parking lots were packed, I was so pleased to come home and find some more great deals right online, especially at Dayspring.

I fell in love with this gorgeous In Quietness and Trust Snowbird pillow awhile back and was overjoyed to find that it had gone on sale for just $10.99! It will go perfectly on my bed. It was originally priced at $25.99 but I am so glad I got it for steal of a price . And yes, I am into birds this year! I have them on my Christmas tree, on my dining room table, and now on my bed! On this pillow is inscribed:

His love is as gentle as freshly fallen snow,
His joy is as lovely as winter's glow,
His peace is the quiet place
our hearts can go.

In quietness and trust is your strength...
Isaiah 30:15

See the pretty detail?

A few other deals I found that I thought I should share and also ended up purchasing were these:

This festive Jesus is the Gift teapot will keep us warm through the long winter...

and good for tea with friends!
Originally $19.99 now just $4.99

And you remember me sharing about this pretty Jesus is the Gift mug--before it was $9.99 now it is just $2.49!

They have it in white too!

I also love this large "Jesus is the Gift Snowflake" bowl that was $16.99 is now just $5.49.

By the way, if you too decide to pick up any great deals at Dayspring
be sure to use discount code: shipping25

to get FREE SHIPPING on orders over $25

It's a great place for homemakers to beautify their home
and fill it with inspiration!

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Princess Virginia Dress

Isn't this dress just beautiful? Most little girls are just naturally bent to want to dress up and be a princess! This is the Princess Virginia Dress by Vision Forum and it is 45% off until midnight tonight and only $23.10! Read the description:

Dress-up is an important part of every little girl’s life. It is one of the special ways in which she identifies with Mommy and experiences how unique and wonderful it is to be a girl, to be a daughter of the Most High King — to be His little princess!

Attire the little princess in your life with this beautiful Princess Virginia Dress, made of burgundy satin and featuring an empire-waist style. The dress’s skirt is gathered with a fancy gold braid, adorned with a long gold ribbon, and embellished with a sheer burgundy organza overlay. The empire-style neckline is adorned with a fancy golden metallic braid.

It is so hard to find wholesome costumes for daughters, I so appreciate that they offer these.

Also, Vision Forum is having is giving a FREE SHIPPING upgrade to all orders over $25 to receive your gift by December 23 and $10 INSTANT DISCOUNT on orders over $50! This offer ends at 12pm CST tomorrow--so get your last minute shopping in while you can!

Not sure what to get? Get a Vision Forum Gift Card.

Happy shopping!

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How Not to Look at Children

How not to look at children...

" Children are a hassle to be avoided.

What has become conventional wisdom in the world

is now conventional wisdom in the church.

We quip about longing for school to start,

about dreading when they outgrow children’s church.

We make the same stupid jokes- Do you know what causes that?,

flaunting our folly.

We are so biblically illiterate in the church
we have no idea we are calling God a liar,

who tells us children are a blessing from His hand (Psalm 127).

We are so historically illiterate

we don’t know that every denomination in Christendom

condemned practices designed to avoid blessings

from the beginning of the church until little more than fifty years ago."

-RC Sproul JR.

Please also keep the Sproul Family in your prayers as Denise Sproul went to be with our heavenly Father yesterday. Please also read:

Denise Sproul: Into the Arms of Christ

(Hat tip for quote to Kelly Crawford)

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Sunday, December 18, 2011

The Blessing of Good Friends

This lovely pic was taken just last week of me and some of my lovely lady friends you might recognize! We took a day to have lunch and tea at our sweet friend's home and then went Christmas shopping together.

It is so important to have good friends that you can laugh with, cry with, share burdens and pray with. It is so rare today, in a culture where neighbors barely know eachother--to find meaningful friendships that last, not to mention Christian friendships!

"Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:

If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.

But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.

Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

-Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Are you looking for friends or perhaps a church family?
Or just need a place to learn more about the Lord?

We would love for you to connect with us, just click here
or email us at newhopeindiana@gmail.com

(you can follow on Facebook HERE for updates and events)

Pictured left to right: me ~June Fuentes, Susie Shock from Our Simple Farm and Rhonda Devine of Walking with Sarah.

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Saturday, December 17, 2011

Michelle Duggar's Tribute to Daughter Jubilee Shalom

The Duggar family have always been an inspiration to the world for their love of children and love of God. Once again, they inspire the world as we hear Michelle Duggar's tribute to her daughter, Jubilee Shalom:

(For those who would like to watch Duggar movies
or view instant video episodes of their show,
19 Kids and Counting,

click HERE.)

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Botkin Daughter's New Book: It's Not That Complicated

If you haven't already heard, Anna and Sofia Botkin have written a new book called It's (Not That) Complicated: How to Relate to Guys in a Healthy, Sane, and Biblical Way.

My daughters have read through it and LOVED it. I will be writing review of it soon but just wanted to share this wonderful resource with you in time for Christmas.

If you are looking for a gift for your daughter that will help her gain a biblical view of boy/girl relationships, I highly recommend this! Read more over at Raising Homemakers (they are having a GIVEAWAY of this book right now!) or visit the official website HERE.

It's (Not That) Complicated by Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin

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Don't forget today's BONUS DAY sale from Vision Forum!
Get a FREE Courageous DVD w/your order of $75+ and $5 flat rate shipping!

Kindness from "Secret Santa"

I recently stumbled across a heart warming article from Michigan of an anonymous person who helped pay off $500 in layaway bills for people who had toys listed on their lists:

It was reported:

The woman looked through several of the about 800 layaway contract tickets at the store. She randomly picked and paid the bill on three of them. She paid about $500 between all three of them and left a $10 balance on each of the accounts.

Read the whole store HERE.

And there is another:

"The young father stood in line at the Kmart layaway counter, wearing dirty clothes and worn-out boots. With him were three small children.

He asked to pay something on his bill because he knew he wouldn't be able to afford it all before Christmas. Then a mysterious woman stepped up to the counter.

"She told him, `No, I'm paying for it,'" recalled Edna Deppe, assistant manager at the store in Indianapolis. "He just stood there and looked at her and then looked at me and asked if it was a joke. I told him it wasn't, and that she was going to pay for him. And he just busted out in tears."

Read about Kmart "Angels" here.

What a blessing that must have been when those families found out!

I want us all to really think deep and hard about how we can be a blessing to others this year.

One person really CAN make a difference.

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Wise Woman Tip:
Did you know that today is a BONUS day for the
Vision Forum sale

that was going on the last few days? Get a FREE Courageous CD with orders over $75 and $5 Flat shipping!

Friday, December 16, 2011

It's All a Lie

The world tells me that to be happy I need to drive a nice car, wear beautiful clothes and have plenty of me-time. I need to strive for the body of a 21-year-old and live the American Dream.

And the last time I saw Oprah she wasn't interviewing a housewife who told how she scrimps, saves and eats beans and potatoes in order to stay home and wipe noses.

The cover of Glamour magazine never features a housewife who denies herself praise and prestige in order to be the keeper of her home, and Cosmopolitan won't tell me how to be an excellent wife and the crown of my husband.

We cook countless meals, wash the same laundry and repeat the same non-glamorous tasks day after day and don't receive any accolades. The only thing many of us will receive is scorn from the world who has no eyes to see that the daily dying, the investment in our children, will be the future of the Church.

But God sees all.

He sees every hot meal you make, then eat cold. He sees every tear you cry when you are exhausted. He sees every diaper you change and every slow reader you refuse to give up on. He sees you draw close to that unlovable child. He sees you go the extra mile in cleaning that bathroom as you do it as unto Him. He sees you share the gospel daily with your family by the choices you make, the lines in the sand you draw, the life you have chosen.

You are serving Him.

And He will reward you. Maybe in this life, as your children may one day rise up and call you blessed. But certainly in the one to come.

His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.' Matt. 25:21

-This is a guest post by Bambi of In the Nursery of the Nation.

I am an ordinary, homeschooling mom to seven children. Our eighth child will, Lord willing, be joining us in March! We are a Texas-loving, Texas-abiding family who loves Jesus as well as good books, strong coffee and the outdoors. Oh, we also love babies. Lots of babies :)

I enjoy spending my time learning about reformed theology, the doctrines of grace and solid Biblical truth. I don't have all the answers nor have I "arrived". Like you, I am a wife and mother in need of torrential grace. I fail every day...many times in fact. But the Lord is faithful and His mercies new every morning!

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” – Phil. 4:8

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Don' forget LAST DAY for the Vision Forum sale!

Get a free Courageous CD with orders over $75 and $5 Flat shipping!

Linking with Far Above Rubies, Raising Mighty Arrows, The Modest Mom, and Raising Homemakers

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Wholesome Family Movie Night: Moore Family Films {& Giveaway!}

Yesterday I talked a bit about items I would not buy for Christmas and today I am sharing what I definitely would! It is so hard to find good, wholesome materials for the family--we have searched high and low and now we are pleased to have also found Moore Family Films!

Moore Family Films offers videos that will not only encourage your walk in the Lord, but also are perfect for Family Movie night because every movie they have is God-honoring. Let me start first with Children Are a Blessing.

This movie was inspirationally informative as it took us on the journey exposing the lies of Planned Parenthood and Margaret Sanger and the "birth control pill". Many people do not know that they had an agenda and would be wise to learn it's history! You also get a glimpse into the life of a large Christian family that upholds and celebrates life and get to see this family welcoming in their 10th newest blessing. It is not every day that you will find a family, or film for that matter, that views children as a blessing and that in itself is a powerful testimony to others.

The next movie I wanted to share about is It is Your Life: The Moss Family that showcases a Christian family sharing why they educate their family at home, how brothers and sisters can be best friends, how mom can stay home with her family, how dad leads his family in Bible time and prayer, and much more. In our culture, many families are falling apart at their very core which is the very reason why this film is so refreshing! There is definitely another way to bring up children in fear in admonition of the Lord and we get to see it truly lived out with the Moss Family.

Price: $15.95

Watch the trailer HERE.

And finally, there is More than Making Maple Syrup. This film is educational and informative for the entire family--great to also use for your homeschool! I had always heard about making pure maple syrup but was not exactly sure about the process. This film was very helpful explaining and covering every detail from how to prepare equipment, tapping the maple trees, and boiling down the sap. An added bonus was also learning how simple it is to can it, so simple it can be done by anyone! Also, see that little guy on the cover? He adds a humorosly fun touch to the whole movie-- isn't he just adorable?

Special Sale Price: $12.95

Wise Woman Tip

Moore Family Films is now having a special bundle sale! All 3 films above are being offered at a special price ($34.95) for a limited time AND they are also offering FREE SHIPPING through December 31st! Click HERE for more details.

A great way to knock out some of your Christmas list!

The Giveaway

Moore Family Films would like to generously giving away one copy of each film to three readers! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment and email address if you do not have a blog-simple!

Extra Entries

Subscribe to the Moore Family Films email list.
Visit their site and tell me which video you would like to see.
Put their button (see below) on your blog's sidebar.
Blog, Facebook or Tweet about this giveaway.

Each thing you do counts as three entries, so leave three comments for each extra thing you do!

Hope you win!

Thank you Moore Family Films!

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Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Christmas Gifts I'm NOT Buying

I don't get out into the stores much these days but you can imagine my surprise as I stumbled across these toys:

I saw this one in a sales flyer while at home. If you click on the image you can see that she has fangs like a vampire. I promptly showed it to my daughter who was sitting next to me and said "Did you see this new toy for girls?" and she looked and said "I've seen that before, it's everywhere."

Everywhere? Where have I been? You mean this is what they are selling to our children in the doll section nowadays?????

When I did a quick Google search I found that this line of dolls made it to several Top 10 Hottest Christmas Toys for 2011 online. I even found video of tiny little girls putting on makeup and trying to be like them.

While I looked further down the list I saw Harry Potter items-which won't make it into our home, nor movie tickets to see the latest Twilight movie: Breaking Dawn.

Later today, while on Facebook I also stumbled upon someone sharing this image of a Christmas toy:

Yes, I was infuriated. I had heard in the past about classes teaching girls pole dancing and now they have a doll. Really---I am afraid of what they'll think of next.

Some popular clothing to also avoid would be writing across the bottom of clothing of pants saying things like "juicy", "sexy", etc. As parents we need to think twice before buying just anything for our daughters, I have seen this on really, really young girls in the past and this sends the wrong message to men and to the daughters themselves.

I am not writing this because I am self-righteous---because I am a sinner myself and by grace I have been saved. I have made alot of mistakes in the past (still do) and I really wish someone would have taken the time to lovingly say something.

But instead, I am writing this because I am sad AND I am mad.

I do not want other children, or mine, exposed to this but I know this world is becoming increasingly evil. I know that I won't probably be able to even fathom what my grandchildren will be up against in their generation. We need to be purposeful and wise about what we give and don't give our children. We need to think long-term about the choices we make today affecting generations tomorrow.

I am also sad because I know that people need Jesus (like me). Badly (like me). Which is why we need to commit ourselves to sharing Him even MORE with vigilance and compassion.

I'm mad because Satan is getting his way with our children and we are allowing it. When did we leave our posts? When did we stop noticing? When did we stop caring? My heart hurts as I think about this, but I know that in the end he does not get the victory.

Christ does.

So until then, I will keep praying.

I will keep teaching.

I will keep training.

I will keep writing

and FLOOD this world online and off

with Christian influence the best I know how.

Ladies, are you with me?

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Need a place to get God-honoring resources and gifts?
Click HERE.

Get gifts for boys HERE and HERE,

for girls HERE!