Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Godly Character


Godly character should always be the focus for every Christian and even more so for the Christian family. Yesterday I shared a valuable resource for teaching our children godly character and today I am sharing quotes on godly character from some godly Christian leaders:


Character is what a man is in the dark 
--D.L. Moody

A man should be like tea;
his real strength appearing when he gets in hot water.  
--Unknown

If I take care of my character,
my reputation will take care of me.  
--D.L. Moody

He is rich or poor according to what he is,
not according to what he has.  
--Henry Ward Beecher

We choose what attitudes we have right now.
And it's a continuing choice.
--John C. Maxwell

Only God Himself fully appreciates the influence of a Christian mother
in the molding of character in her children. 
--Billy Graham

Character is always lost when a high ideal
is sacrificed on the altar of conformity and popularity.
--Charles Spurgeon

A good character is the best tombstone.
Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered.
Carve your name on hearts... not on marble.  
--Charles Spurgeon






Have a blessed week!



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Saturday, May 28, 2011

For Instruction in Righteousness {& Giveaway}


You have heard me in the past recommend often the book Polished Cornerstones--an excellent book on raising godly daughters. But there is also another book by Doorposts that I am fond of and owned even before I ever heard of Polished Cornerstones and that is For Instruction in Righteousness.

I bought this wonderful book years back for my children because I know the importance of teaching them godly character traits. The chapters were laid out by each potentially sinful habit and are very easy to work with. Topics such as laziness, gossip, pride, anger, hypocrisy, arguing, selfishness, defiance, depression, fear, anxiety, impatience, immorality and so much more . The chapters contain:

  • What the Bible says will, or should, happen to a person who sins in this way, with ideas for discipline that parallel these Biblical consequences.
  • Instructions the Bible gives for repenting of this sin (newly added in this edition!)
  • What the Bible likens a person to when he indulges in this sin, and ideas for practical object lessons using these examples.
  • How God blesses the person who resists temptations to this sort of sin, with parallel ideas for “rewards” and encouragement when children show progress in overcoming this sin.
  • Stories and people in the Bible that illustrate obedience and disobedience in this area.
  • Fully quoted memory verses.


It is very easy to use as a quick reference during everyday discipline situations, as a manual for family worship, and/or as a guide to personal Bible study. This is a valuable resource for every home.

The best part? It's not just for children----it wonderful for us too. *I* have learned so much from this book!

You may view a sample chapter on arguing or check out the table of contents here.

The Giveaway

Now For Instruction in Righteousness has been newly revised and has over 50 more pages added to it, with more ideas, more scripture and much more wisdom. And today at my blog, Doorposts would like to give away a brand new copy to one of my special readers! All you have to do is leave your name and email if you don't have a blog. Easy peasy!

Extra Entries

  • Share this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter or your blog. (1 entry each, leave 1 comment each)
  • Subscribe to AWWBHH or follow us on Twitter or FB.
  • (1 entry each, leave 1 comment)
  • Visit the Doorposts website or blog.(2 entries each, leave 2 comments)
  • Like Doorpost on Facebook .  (3 entries, leave 3 comments)
  • Buy something from their store.(5 entries, leave 5 comments)
Hope you win!
Thank you Doorposts!





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Training our children to follow the Lord's way is very important to us. Do you know Him?  He has changed our lives!
Read more about Him here.





Friday, May 27, 2011

The Crown of the House



The beauty of the house is order;
The blessing of the house is contentment;
The glory of the house is hospitality;
The crown of the house is godliness.


























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Imperfect Children, Imperfect Parents



I know you have had those days.

Those days when maybe one (or more) of you children are just testing you to the edge of all human limits.

They might not be obeying, not listening well, not completing chores properly or completely or ___________ (you fill in the blank).

You might feel like they are failing you or maybe you are failing them (or both).

Maybe right now God has a special child in your home that you are especially struggling with. He/she might do things that are very foolish, might make bad decisions, or might be rebelling....it is that child you lay awake at night praying for, knowing that only the Lord can touch, mold and change his heart.

When our child(ren) constantly fall off the path of doing what is right and we stand there correcting them for the hundredth time I want us all to remember something:

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.---Galations 6:9

I also want us to remember that God had mercy on us each time we sinned today (how many times have you sinned before you read this post?).  He could have gotten angered and struck us down, sent a consuming fire, or plagued us with a fatal disease--but instead He was slow to anger and patient with us wanting us to repent of our ways, even when we are slow not realizing our sin. How much more should we show the loving characteristics of the Father to our children?

"Pray without ceasing" 1 Thess 5:17

We are drawn to the Father for his infinite mercy and love.  We turn away from sin because of it. There is power in that.

We have imperfect children, and we are imperfect parents.

I an so thankful that His mercies are new every morning. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

May God grant us more grace and wisdom as we parent each and every day....

"May He strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father...1 Thess 3:13





(Note: This is not a post advocating others not to train or discipline your children, but sometimes mothers are harsh to their children, when we need to learn to practice more mercy, love and kindness.)

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Do you know the Lord? He has changed my life!
Click here to learn more about Him.


Thursday, May 26, 2011

Computer Accountability for the Family {Accountable2You Giveaway!}


Many of us who own computers are highly aware of the dangers that can tempt any user. A simple, innocent Google search can lead many down a dark road leading many to sin.  It is so important to be able to protect ourselves online and to also protect our families.. I know that many of you use internet filters and such (we use a few as well), or limit time online but sometimes you just never know what could possibly be stumbled upon.

I want to share with you about a special company called Accountable2You. Accountable2You is a complete computer accountability resource, that exists to promote openness, transparency, integrity, trustworthiness and purity between members and accountability partner(s). This company was actually built on the concept  that we can find in Proverbs 27:17 :

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." 
In other words, one person holding another accountable for their actions.


 Here is what is included:
  • Records all internet activity
  • Records P2P program use
  • Records image searches
  • Records video searches
  • Records You Tube
  • Records Social Networking
  • Records opened movies
  • Works on PC and Mac
This program is also great for parents wanting to hold their kids accountable too. I know that many of you might be wondering what your child/teenager is really doing when they are on the computer. It might not be exposure to porn or explicit images but exposure to things that might take him/her off the right path. Accountability2You can provide that extra measure of monitoring that you are looking for.


I also love that their mission is all about building character through accountability. Their desire is for a strong relationship between members, their accountability partner(s) and to God Almighty.
And not only that but it is extremely affordable--they offer a free trial  for the first 10 days
and after that it is only $4.99 a month!

The Giveaway

Accountable2You is generously giving away TWO FREE LIFETIME memberships to two of my special readers (one for each)! To enter simply leave a comment with your name and email address if you don't have a blog.

Extra Entries

  • Share this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter and/or your blog. (2 entries each, leave 2 comments each)
  • Visit the Accountable2You website. (3 entries, leave 3 comments)
  • Like Accountable2You on Facebook or follow them on Twitter. (4 entries each, leave 4 comments)
  • Sign up for Accountable2You. (5 entries, leave 5 comments)


Hope you win!

Thank you Accountable2You!




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Only here can you advertise on THREE blogs for the price of one!
Contact me at wisewomanads@gmail.com or click here for rates.
Also, don't forget to cast your vote at Circle of Moms today!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

The Unique Characteristics of a Godly Woman



Here are some characteristics of a godly woman--check off the ones that describe you:

  • Gracious
  • Virtuous
  • Sober
  • Chaste
  • Prudent
  • Discreet
  • Peaceable
  • Patient
  • Kind
  • Faithful
  • Joyful
  • Good
  • Merciful
  • Pleasant
  • Ready
  • Honorable
  • Benevolent
  • Keeper at Home
  • In Subjection
  • Quiet Spirit
  • Modest
  • Obedient
  • Loves husband and children
  • Teaching the younger women
Now before you get discouraged, understand this--

I know that we fail in different areas on this list from day to day (a very real reason for our need for Christ) but we should NOT look at this list as a reminder of our failures but instead with HOPE, OPTIMISM and ANTICIPATION of what we have to look forward to. He will help us to become these things. We cannot do all of this in our own strength. It is only because of Him that this can take place and we must remember that God has not finished his work in us yet!

Be encouraged ladies, as you look and pray over these characteristics.  Be sure to thank Him for the work He is about to do in your life as He helps you daily to become more like the godly woman described above.



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A Lovely Winner and Smashing Sales


The winner of the Wise Woman Consulting Giveaway is....

Farmers Wyfe!

Congratulations-- I look forward to consulting with you! For those of you who didn't win, I am going to have a Memorial Day sale starting right now and will give a 15% discount for anyone who would like to sign up this week (sale ends Memorial Day at midnight). If you would like to learn more you may read my testimony about it here or visit the new official website. You can also just check out below:

Wise Woman Consulting Memorial Day Sale--$85




And a quick Wise Woman Tip---Large Family Logistics: The Art and Science of Managing a Large Family is on sale today for 45% off and just  $13.20 also through midnight! This is a fabulous resource that teaches women how to manage their homes and families well for the glory of God and great for the new or veteran mom:




Thanks so much and have a blessed day building up your sacred homes...




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Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Lovely Lilla Rose {Plus Giveaway}


What is charming, elegant, modern-- yet vintage all at the same time?


Why, Lilla Rose of course!


Not only that-- but did you know their Flexi-Clips start at just $10?


And there are so many ways you can wear your hair...beautiful styles that are truly timeless.
Don't worry, these styles are super easy and only take a few minutes with the Flexi-Clip--- and with the summer heat approaching, it is definitely a must-have!

Look what's new:



My favorite:


Crown of Hearts-$10

They also sell the cutest jewelry, hair bands, hair sticks, orings, badge clips, bobby pins and more...

Wise Woman Tip

Buy 3-Get-1-Free-- After ordering 3 or more items, go to Lilla Rose's home page, click on "contact your consultant," and let them know placed an order for the 'Wise Woman Buy 3-Get-1-Free' special. Then you will receive a certificate in the mail redeemable for your free item. The free item will have no tax or shipping fees. Also-- the FAIRY Flexi-Clips are 25% off through May 31st!

The Giveaway

Lilla Rose is generously giving away TWO Lilla Rose items valued up to $15 each (one for each of two winners) for two of my special readers!  All you have to do is leave your name and email (if you don't have a blog) to enter.

Extra Entries 


  • Share this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter or blog about it. (2 entries each, leave 2 comments each)
  • Visit the store and tell me what you love. (2 entries, leave 2 comments)
  • Like the Lilla Rose Facebook page (3 entries, leave 3 comments)
  • Follow Lilla Rose on Twitter. (3 entries, leave 3 comments)
  • Buy something from Lilla Rose. (5 entries, leave 5 comments)

Hope you win!
 Thank you Lilla Rose!



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Monday, May 23, 2011

Quiet Contentment


Quiet contentment in a discontent world is almost unheard of today.

Americans are bombarded with the false ideals that threaten to steal our joy while masking itself a faux remedy. We are constantly brainwashed to upgrade, and to desire not just what is good but what is better and even what is best, according to what the world dictates for us. When we do not acquire those standards, we grumble, we are resentful which can lead us on the miserable path to bitterness.  Here are a few examples:


1. Our Husbands---We might become discontent with our husbands because he might not do what we want him to do when we want him to do it. It could be that he is not making enough money or maybe he is laid off at the moment without a job. Perhaps he is not tending to the house repairs as fast as we'd like him to or is not leading as you think he should. This is very difficult because it requires us to relinquish control to God and put circumstances into His hands.

2. Our Children---Perhaps we have a small child that is out of control or an older child that is rebellious that makes us discontent. You might even have a  child whom you have poured all whole lives into that have strayed from the faith. Or, perhaps we are struggling because our children are not perfect but our standards expect them to be.

3. Our Homes---Our homes are not new with the newest __________ (you fill in the blank) Many of us might have humble homes, small, with peeling paint, cracks in the wall, etc....a far cry from the latest Better Homes and Garden edition. We look at all the dishes, laundry and all the work that awaits us and grow weary, discouraged and bitter.

4. Our God--all of this discontent leads to us becoming discontent with our God. We look around and think that we have gotten the short end of the stick and we raise our fists against Him because we feel He has not provided for us the life we think we deserve. We end up doubting and complaining and eventually having our hearts turn cold against Him.


Christian women, this should not be. We must hold tight to the timeless truth "Godliness with contentment is great gain." 1 Timothy 6:6. We must close all the open doors to our heart of discontentment that we have foolishly allowed to be left open inviting Satan to get a foothold into our lives.

Christian women, be on guard! 

Protect your homes, families and yourself by protecting your heart. 

And boldly take hold of quiet contentment that abounds with wisdom as you build up your families this week...



Have a blessed day!



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Friday, May 20, 2011

Choosing What's Best


There are so many options today. The local supermarket is sprawling with aisles of choices. Stores are filled to capacity with brand named clothes and new gadgets to enamor the public. The internet allows a world full of information at the touch of a button and we can fill our minds and homes at the speed of light. Having too many options can actually be our worst enemy at times.

So what does a Christian woman need to keep her focus on?

The best.

What is the best defined as today? The best car, the best clothes, the best home....? No, no, I am not suggesting we follow the world into their folly instead I want to define what priorities need to be kept for the Christian woman. Of all the voices that scream out to her, of all the responsibilities that demand her utmost attention---she must stand transfixed on the only thing that will matter and get her through it all and that is Jesus Christ.

Was it not Peter who walked on water when he kept his eyes fixed upon His Savior? A miracle of miracles performed before his very eyes, his feet splashing upon the water, his mind riveting with the wonder---and even more amazing---to look into the very eyes of God----just what did He see?


And aren't we just like him when we take our eyes off of Him? Doubt, failure...perhaps thinking we can do it ourselves. Distraction. What pulls our hearts away from Him? Pride? Worldliness? Hardened hearts? The same thing happens when our hearts are turned away from our homes and enticed by other worldly pursuits.

We must choose the best for our lives and our families on a daily basis. It will be hard. It will mean making tough choices. It will mean work. But it will all mean reaping glorious fruit in the end if we do not give up.

We must learn to say 'no'. Not just to the obvious, but also to things that are just good and not best. Have you every been running around in the car all day, feeling harried and just wish you could be home snuggling with a small child on the couch? Things that are not best come in deceptive packages so we must be very wise. We need to know what our top priorities are. Once again, let's take a close look at our priorities:

1. God
2. Husband
3. Children (family)
4. Home

Anything that can hinder this list needs to be closely evaluated. Nothing should hinder our time with the Lord, we should guard this time fiercely. Our husbands must be our priority even before the children and our homes. Our homes should not be neglected in pursuit of unnecessary things!

What are unnecessary things? Maybe it's signing up your family for too many activities or volunteering yourself when you know your top four priorities are being neglected. Perhaps it's that ministry that you said 'yes' to but now know you need to step down from. How about that 'to do' list that you have overdone and is keeping you too busy from doing what really counts? Or maybe you just took on a simple project that now needs to be put aside in order to get your life in order. We must learn to do choose what is best such as hugging a child instead of running off to do the next thing.

". . .we seem to have lost the knack of appreciating the ordinary. We provide our children with so much that the extraordinary isn't special any more, and the subtle rhythms of daily life elude us altogether. We do so much and savor too little. We mistake activity for happiness, and so we stuff our children's days with activities, and their heads with information, when we ought to be feeding their souls instead." - Katrina Kenison, Mitten Strings for God - Reflections for Mothers in a Hurry

Nothing is more freeing than knowing you are choosing the best for yourself and your family, and knowing that we spent our time well, with no regrets. 









(Reposted from the archives)

A Home for the Weary Spirit


Home is the special circle with which the weary spirit finds refuge; 

It is the sacred asylum to which the care worn heart

retreats to find rest from all the toils and cares of life.

Home!

That name touches every fiber of our soul.

And as dear as home can be is the mother that presided over it,

and that we loved.


-Mary G. Clarke

























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Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Down Home Cookin' Recipe Link-Up!

I loved all the posts that were shared on our last link-up on Noble Motherhood---tons of encouragement and lots of wisdom to be shared. Thank you so much ladies for taking the time to share them! Today, I would like to do another topic related link up---this time on some delicious down-to-home-cooking recipes!

I'll go first. This is a favorite recipe at the Fuentes home right now and it is from Paula Deen. Don't you love her cooking? There are so many recipes I can't wait to try from her this summer, I am actually scheduling it into my summer projects so I won't forget to do it! Anyways, the crust on this tart is so deeelish! You have got to try it and it is perfect for summer. Whenever we make this it lasts oh, I would say, a nano second!


Here is the yummy fresh recipe:


Paula Deen's Fresh Fruit Tart

Ingredients

Crust:

  • 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened and sliced

Filling:

  • 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:

  • Fresh strawberries, kiwi slices, blueberries, raspberries

Glaze:

  • 1 (6-ounce) can frozen limeade concentrate, thawed
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • Whipped cream, for garnish

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
For the crust: In a food processor, combine the confectioners' sugar, flour, and butter, and process until the mixture forms a ball. With your fingers, press the dough into a 12-inch tart pan with a removable bottom, taking care to push the crust into the indentations in the sides. Pat until the crust is even. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until very lightly browned. Set aside to cool.

For the filling and topping: Beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla together until smooth. Spread over the cooled crust. Cut the strawberries into 1/4-inch slices and arrange around the edge of the crust. For the next circle, use kiwi slices. Add another circle of strawberries, filling in any spaces with blueberries. Cluster the raspberries in the center of the tart.

For the glaze: Combine the limeade, cornstarch, lime juice, and sugar in a small saucepan and cook over medium heat until clear and thick, about 2 minutes. Let cool. With a pastry brush, glaze the entire tart. You will not use all of the glaze.

Keep the tart in the refrigerator. Remove about 15 minutes before serving. Slice into 8 wedges and serve with a dollop of whipped cream.


Enjoy!


Now we would love it if you shared a recipe!

If you participate please use the image below to let others know that you have linked up here so that they might join in the fun:





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

or  include a link back. If you do not have a blog, feel free to leave a comment  in the comments section below--thank you!


Ready, set, GO!






***Don't forget to enter our Wise Woman Consulting Giveaway  to win one free consultation package to learn how to make money and advertise on your blog valued at $100! The 48 hour sale ends tonight at midnight!***


Monday, May 16, 2011

Wise Woman Consulting GIVEAWAY!!!




Have you been wanting to learn how to make money on your blog?

Have you just not been really sure how to go about it and need to talk to someone who knows the ropes?

I would love to consult with you!

You have heard me talk about it and have heard what others have to say and now some lucky gal will get a chance to experience Wise Woman Consulting!


Wise Woman Consulting started when I was looking for ways to bring in some extra income for my big family of ten. I said a prayer and the Lord answered-- now I am making well over a thousand a month just through blogging! I would love to teach others how to do the same because I know that this is a tough economy and many people are struggling to make ends meet. And even if you're not---if blogging is just your hobby, it can be lots of fun to make some money with it!

The Giveaway

I am happy to give away one free consultation on how to advertise and monetize your blog (a $100 value) to one of my special readers!

Here is what it includes:


-personal critique of your blog/or how to start one
-how to build/grow traffic to your blog
-1 personal phone consultation
-how to advertise and do giveaways
-how to charge advertisers and rates samples
-private consulting through email, instant messaging or phone (optional)
-affiliate tips
-access the private site for my personal notes 
-other ways to earn income through your blog
-valuable tips and resources
-and much more!


Now here is how to enter--just leave your name and email, if you don't have a blog, and that's it.
Simple!Also this summer we are expanding services to include new blog coaching and affiliate marketing-stay tuned for the launch!


Extra Entries
  • Share this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter or your blog. (2 entries each, 2 comments each)
  • Subscribe to A Wise Woman Builds Her Home. (2 entries, leave 2 comments)
  • Follow A Wise Woman Builds Her Home on Facebook or Twitter. (2 entries each, leave 2 comments each)
  • Follow our brand NEW Wise Woman Consulting page on Facebook. (3 entries, leave 3 comments)
  • Share the Wise Woman Consulting image pictured below in your sidebar linking to www.wiseconsultings.com (5 entries, leave 5 comments)
  • Make a purchase. (10 entries, leave 10 comments)


If you already have consulted with me you can either get another free hour of consultation or give your winning gift to a friend. 

(Please note: the winner calls me for the consultation)


Wise Woman Hot Tip

 For those who don't do giveaways and would just like to sign up--I am giving a discount for the next 48 hours for $15 off the regular price for a limited time making the consulting only $85. I also offer payment options--you can pay half now and half later. You can either contact me at wisewomanconsulting@gmail.com or checkout below:



Price Options






Hope you win!




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A Few Announcements

Thank you all so much for your donations to Kelly Crawford and her family. I wanted to spread the news about the "Sewing Love" fundraiser being hosted by Ladies Against Feminism, a site I contribute at, for Kelly and the Lee family.


Please see how you might be able to help---you may read more about it here.

My second announcement is announcing the winner for the Victorian Rose Soap Co. giveaway and it is...Miranda Burnett. Congratulations! If you didn't win this time around there will be plenty of opportunity in the next few weeks to win something fabulous.  If you would like to do a giveaway here, read this.



And if you haven't already, don't forget to visit The Wise Woman Shop to get your favorite item with our logo on it.

Have a blessed day!


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I Am Done Waiting


What am I waiting for?!  I have been “waiting” for years.
 
Waiting for what? Waiting for life to be . . . “perfect” . . . “normal” . . . or “whatever”, to be happy.
How many more years will go by before I realize that there is no “perfect” or “normal” or {{{fill in the blank}}}.
The lie is that When . . .
  • when my children obey
  • when I lose weight
  • when I get pregnant
  • when I get married
  • when my house stays clean
  • when my house stays picked for longer than a nano-second
  • when it is quieter
  • when life slows down
  • when I feel better
  • when the children are grown
  • when we make more money
  • when I have time for friends
  • when my husband treats me better
  • when the weather get nice
When . . . When . . . When . . . !!

The truth is, today, right now, the mess, the crazy, the loud is really what I have been waiting for, I just don’t realize it.  You, Lord, are right here, Jehovah Shammah, the Lord Who is there.  


All the circumstances that I long to be ‘just so’ will only be morphed into other circumstances I long to be ‘just so’.

I am done waiting!  I am dancing, NOW.  I am laughing, NOW.  I am seeing, NOW.  I am ‘smelling the roses’.  Tip-toeing through the tulips.  Seizing the day.  No more waiting, You are already here, and You are truly all I need.

You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching,
Love like you'll never be hurt,
Sing like there's nobody listening,
And live like it's heaven on earth."


Care to join me?  Let’s end the waiting and embrace the NOW!  Let’s dance and sing and spin with praises for our God, what have we got to lose?






This is a guest post from Michelle, mom to fifteen
from She Looketh Well.
Thank you, Michelle for you timely words!


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Friday, May 13, 2011

Duggar's Latest Interview


Recently Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar were interviewed about their life and new book "A Love That Multiplies", here it is:






Now I have a great tip for you!!! Right now on Amazon they are currently offering the new Duggar book at 39% off the cover price if you preorder this book, so instead of getting it at the full price of $19.99
it is now available at only $12.18! I already ordered mine.

(For those of you who would prefer to invest in a Christian company instead of Amazon, VF is having it at sale price too ($3 off) for only $16.)

Many of  you have written me asking me about godly movies to influence your children, since that can be so hard to find these days. I so agree with you, when I take a look through Netflix and Redbox, it can get pretty  discouraging. Good, wholesome movies are hard to come by so that is why I cannot recommend  these DVD's by the Duggars enough. My children can watch them again and again and I don't have to worry about having to block or censor anything. Much is taught on character and godly values as well.


 
18 Kids and Counting
and the newer one:




19 Kids and Counting-Set of 4 DVD's


These were worth the money I spent because I knew I was investing in my family and we could all look forward to family movie night!

Do you have any favorites you would like to share with us?



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Guarding Against Worldliness


Worldliness has a subtle way of creeping into our lives. It can invade our thinking, corrupting a person to their very core. We are tugged on all sides to worship the world and it's gods--the god of vanity, the god of materialism, the god of self, and the god of fleeting success. We need to be ever so careful to guard ourselves lest we become enslaved.

"There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." Proverbs 14:12

"They loved praise from men more than praise from God." John 12:43

"Set your mind on things above and not on earthly things." Colossians 3:2

"But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives." 1 Timothy 5:6

"Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul." 1 Peter 2:11

"How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only one God?" John 5:44

"You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God." James 4:4

"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world---the craving of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--does not come from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." 1 John 2:15-7

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, be be transformed with the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

Dear friend, are you struggling with worldliness and forgetting the Lord? Please leave a comment and share so we may pray for you. Don't feel you are alone, most of us struggle on some level on a daily basis if we really examined ourselves.

Or maybe you would like to share a story of how you try to  overcome worldliness in your life that would encourage others---you are more than welcomed to do so in the comments section.


Thank you!


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Tuesday, May 10, 2011

The Family Daughter--Special Offer

KBR Ministries

Do you remember not too long ago I reviewed a fantastic book called The Family Daughter: Becoming Pillars of Strength in Our Father's House?
  If you hop over to the Kings Blooming Rose website and purchase a copy of The Family Daughter anytime until the 16th of this month will get a beautiful free stationary notepad!


Aren't they lovely? Don't miss this sweet deal!  


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The Power of the Blessing



Yesterday I posted about a powerful sermon that I was blessed by on Mother's day and promised that I would share it with you as soon as it was up on their live stream page. Well, I saw that it was available today I am so glad to get a chance to share it with you!



Enjoy!


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Monday, May 9, 2011

Mother's Day Reflections


Dear ladies,

How was your Mother's day? I hope that it was wonderful.  Mine was INCREDIBLE---we ended up visiting a church we attended in the past for almost a decade. We took free Mother's Day portraits there, connected with several old friends and got to hear a life changing message! I wish I could share it all with you here, I was hoping that since the church livestreams I would be able to link to the message but they don't have it up just yet so when and if they do, I will share it with you then but until they do that I will just share some of the highlights here. A few great points were:
  •  We need to speak verbal affirmation into our children at all times and not grow weary. We are the major influencers in our children's lives whether they are young or adult and we can not forget the power before our words to define them and mold them into the people they will become. 
  • We need to give them physical love even though we might not have received it ourselves. We need to hug, pat on the back, etc. because if not they will seek it somewhere else.
  • We need to speak spiritual blessings into their life purposefully.
  • We need to not just speak into the lives of our children but also our grandchildren.
  • We cannot make excuses, we control our actions
  • It is never, EVER to late to begin doing any of these things above and begin powerfully impacting the lives around us
And then at the end, Pastor Mark invited all of the women up to the altar and prayed powerfully over them. He prayed with authority, love, compassion and much like a spiritual father over the women and pouring blessings into their lives. I saw the faces of the women standing there---so many broken, so many crying and hugging eachother, and many never having a man pray like that over them. I'm telling you, it was very hard to hold back the tears. You could just imagine the men who have failed them in the past, the father's who were not present, the love that was not available. My heart cries out for these women and I am so happy that the Lord stands in that empty abyss of our hearts and showers abundantly perfect love and grace over each and every one of us.

It was great hearing a message like that---powerful and life changing. I never want to forget that there are lives out there that need transforming and aching to hear the life giving hope the Lord offers to us. To see others and myself greatly reaping from and fully immersed in the refreshing waters of God's truths. I don't ever want to become complacent in my faith or become too*religious* that I lose sight of his true work around me.

Later that day I enjoyed Mother's day and celebrated two birthday parties. I felt so blessed. Blessed to have friends, blessed to have family, blessed to have an amazing husband that I never deserved and just so thankful to God for all of his undeserving goodness.


I hope your day was as special as mine. I don't think I will forget about it anytime soon. I pray that it will resonate and linger with me until the day that I die, sparking a wild fire that reaches the ends of this earth and will ultimately never die out.




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    Congratulations!



    The winner of the lovely Mother's Day Scentsy Giveaway is...

    Lilly at lillylove1028@!!! 

    If you didn't win, there will be more coming up that you won't want to miss so please stay tuned! Also, if you are interested in doing a giveaway or advertising here you can read more information here or contact me privately at wisewomanads@gmail.com.


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    Friday, May 6, 2011

    The Overwhelmed Mother


    As mothers our jobs can become very overwhelming. Sometimes we need clarity and focus--while other times we just need to lower our standards, extend to ourselves grace, forgive ourselves when we fail, and pick ourselves back up off the ground and start over! 

    We ALL go through this, and we need to be aware of imperfections (which is why Christ died for us after all) and not surrender ourselves to defeat (Satan would like nothing better). Sadly, there is little encouragement out there for Christian mothers and much less to emulate out in the world. However, I am always happy to share good resources here to help mothers. I know there were times that I, myself,  felt utter defeat but a good, timely and encouraging word was always helpful to my rejuvenate my spirit. 

    I wish I could hug every single one of my readers out there. I don't know what you are going through, but I can imagine. Some of you have written me sharing your hard times and tough situations--sometimes it can be so much that it can truly disillusion a godly wife and sap the very strength from her.  But remember that our strength comes from the Lord and do not become weary in doing good because in the end you will reap a harvest of righteousness. 

    A victorious household is not one that is perfect. A victorious household is one where we lean and rely on God. We cannot do this grand task before us without Him. A victorious household humbles itself and allows God to lead.

    I'd love to have each and everyone of you over for a cozy chat over coffee---I  would share with you some valuable sources of inspiration and teaching, and tools to help strengthen your family when the going gets tough such as these that has encouraged me in the past such as these:



    Teaching Your Daughters to Cherish Being Keepers at Home 
     While this is a resource for teaching daughters, it helps remind mothers about where there heart should be, especially if it has gotten off track .



    For those who struggle with time management and priorities or just need refocusing this is a good listen.



    It's always good to get a good understanding of how the world influences our families. This resource helps us to look critically at the influences around us and to take action. While this will look different for every family, I think it will spark good conversation and starting point for how differently we could live our lives. 

    (Note: This entire collection is currently on sale for 30% off and just $21.00, each CD separately is $10 and if you want to listen to a sample just click on any of the links above)

    My heartfelt prayer is that mothers around the nation would yield themselves to our Almighty Father and find the joy and freedom that comes from serving Him as they love their husbands and children and manage their homes to his glory. To fully understand that it is a holy work that we offer up to Him as a daily sacrifice.

    May God bless the fruit of  your hands abundantly!




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    Mom Spotlight: Kelly Crawford


    Many of you have been following Kelly Crawford's tornado story unfold before your very eyes--we wanted to give you an update on Kelly, if you have not already read her latest amazing testimony, please read it here:


    We have accepted your donations, a total of $4,638, to date and sent them to her family--to God be all the glory! She was grateful towards everyone! Thank you all for your generosity, time, and personal messages sent.

    We will still continue to accept donations, if you would like to do contribute you may do so through the PayPal button on my sidebar in the upper right hand side.

    Please continue to keep the Crawford's, the Lee's and all the other families in your prayers...




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