umi-fashion: March 2012

Friday, March 30, 2012

"October Baby" Christian Movie Review

We just came back from watching the newly released movie "October Baby". I took my oldest daughter with me and was glad I did. This movie covered the topic of a girl who was a victim of an failed abortion attempt who was adopted and finds out later in life.

Here is the trailer:

(Note: don't forget to turn off the music at the bottom of the blog before viewing!)

The best part of this movie has got to be this:

This movie is powerful because it speaks to women who have had abortions. So many times women are imprisoned from their own guilt of their mistakes in the past and have never come to terms with actually forgiving themselves for what they did. They live in fear of judgment, feeling people will reject them for their mistake if they ever went public and also live under the burdening and heavy guilt of self-accusation.

When in reality I believe that many women had agreed to have abortions with out fully understanding what they were doing and the repercussions it would bring years after. I know if many of them could go back they would change in a heartbeat the decision they had made.

The wonderful thing is they have FORGIVENESS in Jesus Christ.

"For God so loved the world that whosoever should believe in Him will not perish but have everlasting life."

They are TRULY forgiven.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

They can truly be HEALED.

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

Only Satan will lie to keep a woman imprisoned in her past sin. He is a murderer, a liar, an accuser...and he will do his best in his attempts to destroy her. A woman who has chosen to follow Christ can rest assured that His GRACE, MERCY, and LOVING FORGIVENESS has covered her. She does not have to live a life of pain and hurt. He has given His life so she can be forgiven and live her life from that point for His glory.

This movie takes us through Hannah's life, a gal to be reunited with her biological mother and the pain she endures through it all for the first time. It is a story of forgiveness. This is a definite must see.

Thank you to Providence Films for taking the time to make this movie and remind women all around the world that they can be forgiven.

Click HERE to get tickets or find a theater near you.

(Note: For the moms wanting to know if this is a film for young children, I would watch it first and decide for yourself. There are a few scenes when the 19 year old daughter who was homeschooled is disrespectful and yelling at her parents, was arrested for breaking into a hospital, and has a very close relationship with a childhood friend that is a boy. In spite of this, I do highly recommend it for women who have experienced an abortion or considering having one. )

Further Recommended Resources:

The Monstrous Regiment of Women

The "Choose Life" Collection

The Long War Against Babies

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Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Beautiful Spring Lilla Rose Giveaway! {& Buy Three Get One FREE!}

Its springtime, ladies, and if you are like me you are ready for new hairstyles for the new season!

There is no better way to do that than with lovely and elegant Lilla Rose Flexi-clips!

The Flexi-clip is simple to use and perfect for at home or out and about.

Many moms are tired of their scrunchies and plastic claws and simply desire something easy, quick and pretty!

The Giveaway

Since I have just recently become a Lilla Rose Independent Consultant, I am so excited to be giving away TWO FREE flex-clips (up to $15) to two winners (one to each)!

Wise Woman Hot Tip

We are having a special Buy-3-Get-One-Free for new online customers only. After you place your order on our Lilla Rose website, 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 (limit one coupon per household). And another notable mention--they are having up to 30%-65% off select merchandise!***Update: This offer has expired.***

They also sell the cutest jewelry, hair bands, hair sticks, o-rings, u-pins, badge clips, hairbands, bobby pins and more...

Please enter HERE:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Easter Garden, Titus 2 Conversations, Winners, and Link-up!

A few things I wanted to point out to you before we started our linkup---I loved the Easter garden by Homespun Heart, it is super easy for children. Be sure to check it out and also her Easter embroidering too. It is quite lovely.

I also just created a YouTube Channel that you are welcomed to subscribe to--we are planning to do alive vlogging series called "Titus 2 Conversations". This will be conversations with me, Rhonda and Susie on Sundays, discussing everything from current events, motherhood, homeschooling and more in a simple, fun, relaxed atmosphere...so stay tuned and make sure you subscribe so you don't miss it!

Don't forget today is the last day for the Spring Sale at Vision Forum, 300 items have been reduced to 40-70% off until midnight...

Also the winner of the Raising Maidens of Virtue (signed copy) is Samantha Welch and for the Vintages Homemade Soaps--Michelle Cahn! Congratulations--please contact me as soon as possible.

Now onto our linkup--feel free to link up more than one!

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 or link back 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!)

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Tuesday, March 27, 2012

10 Steps to Teaching Your Children How to Have a Biblical Worldview

Do your children have a biblical worldview?

Statistics are showing that children growing up in Christian homes today are sorely lacking.

They are growing up with a worldview but it is NOT biblical.

How are we missing this vital element that will impact their future and generations after them?

Today, Rhonda over at Walking With Sarah, is sharing ten vital steps on how to begin teaching your children.

You won't want to miss it.

See you over there!

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Sunday, March 25, 2012

My First Vlog

Hello sweet friends and Happy Monday!

I wanted to share a video of myself (yes, this is my first vlog) with a personal message to you. I normally don't do videos and am a very private person, but I thought I would push myself out of my comfort zone to extend a warm greeting to you all!

(Note: please turn off the music at the bottom of the blog before viewing)
If you cannot view this video click here.

This is not the first video I ever made though--the first one I ever made was for my friend, Sarah Mae. She had asked me to make a video to open the Relevant Conference (now Allume) a few years ago and so I did (very unsure of myself, I might add! My daughters convinced me to do it! :))

So I hope you enjoy it and PLEASE--don't make too much fun of me after you see it!

Love to you all!

(Newsflash! Subscribe to our brand spankin' NEW Wise Woman YouTube channel and stay tuned for some Titus 2 Conversations..more details to come!)

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Friday, March 23, 2012

Godly Parenting Resources on Sale for Just $2.80!

In the world today it is hard to be a parent and even harder to be a Christian parent and raise your child, mentor and disciple them, etc. It is important that we have tools that will help us encourage and mold our children's character along the way and that is why I want to share with you a fantastic sale that Vision Forum is having right now. They are having a Spring Sale of many of my highly recommended books, toys, movies, CD's. etc.

Here are some of my favorite CD's on sale now for just $2.80:

What to Expect from a Twelve Year Old

This is one of my favorites and I have probably listened to it at least FIVE times! I also had my children listen to it to. Here is the description:

The reason parents have problems with some teens is because those teens have a deficiency in their earlier character development. A study of Luke 2 shows that Jesus, by age twelve, had developed seven character qualities necessary for true maturity. This message not only shows parents the proper goals for their children, but has also provided motivation for youth to reach for those goals!

Listen to a sample HERE.

The Influence of the Older Children on the Younger Children-

on sale for $2.80-reg.$7

Here is another popular CD from SM Davis that I truly enjoyed gleaning wisdom from sharing how an older child's behavior can affect the rest of his siblings and why it is so important to train them correctly.

Listen to a sample HERE.

Here are a few other things that are of notable mention:

Building a Winning Curriculum

I know that many of you are buying homeschool curriculum around now for next year. Have you read "Building a Winning Curriculum" yet? It is on sale now for JUST $3.50 (reg. $10)! Great book to have and VERY helpful!

All of the"Daughters of His Story" paper dolls sets are now reduced to $5.85

They are a favorite for daughters to play with! “Daughters of His Story” is a new series of beautiful, full-color paper dolls that will entertain your girls and strengthen them in biblical femininity, character, and love for history. The women of God featured in these collections were dedicated to serving the Lord through their missions as wives and mothers. Each set comes with two women from history, along with a short biography and three outfits, two dolls inside a keepsake folder, two stands, and six dresses

Thoughts for Young Men--
just $2.80 (reg. $7)

"If it was difficult to be a young man in the days of the nineteenth century when Ryle penned Thoughts for Young Men, it is all the more difficult to be a young man in the twenty-first century world of image overload, radical individualism, and rampant sensuality. Thanks be to God, the answers available for the boys of Ryle’s day remain every bit as potent for boys today. The reason, of course, is that these truths spring from an eternal font of life — the Word of God — which knows no historical boundaries.

Thoughts for Young Men addresses the four great temptations that plague most young men: sloth, lust, love of pleasure, and peer pressure. J.C. Ryle, the last of the great Puritans, tackles each of these subjects with a tenderness and tact that is unsurpassed. First written toward the end of the nineteenth century, it remains to this day the most relevant and helpful book on the subject in print."

And there is so much more on sale from 40-70% off--they have over 300 items worth! I also recommend the Elsie Dinsmore Collection for daughters which is 50% off right now.

You can view all of the SALE items HERE.

Have fun shopping!

And one more thing--the sale ends soon (March 28th)!

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Thursday, March 22, 2012

Developing Home Hearts

In the culture we live in today, many things can pull on our mom hearts and draw us away from what is important. I always want to remember to develop my "home heart" in the midst of it all.

Sherry over at Large Family Mothering paints a lovely picture and gives us a wonderful reminder of the beauty of being a mother as she give us steps on how we can nurture and cultivate those around us through our roles:

"I know that our culture has changed until some of us have no option but to work outside the home, but even if there are no other choices, we can develop "home hearts".

Even when we are not in our domestic sphere, we can be "womanly" and "motherly". The world needs more women who are glad of how God made them, empowered by the Holy Spirit to be part of His comfort in this world."

Read the rest HERE.

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We are linked at Far Above Rubies

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Vintage Handmade Soaps Giveaway and Link-up!

Have you heard of Vintage Handmade Soaps?

My sweet blogging friend, Heather over at Raising Mighty Arrows makes these homemade soaps herself. Take a look:

This is one is called Bama Pride--

isn't it pretty?

This is Peach Blossom and a favorite of mine. I must say I loved how the soaps looked, big cut blocks with pretty packaging. I don't know about you, but I am often tempted to not even use pretty soaps and just display them instead!

And this one is Chocolate Mint...

you will love the way this lathers and smells!

Here is her description:

" At Vintage Handmade Soaps we strive to make quality soaps using natural oils consisting of Castor, Coconut, Olive, Palm, Sunflower, and Shea Butter; as well as Silk Milk for added moisturizing effects. We scent our soaps with both natural essential oils and fragrance oils. We will always state under each bar whether or not it has been scented with a natural or fragrance oil.

Since my first experience of trying handmade soaps I was convinced it was the best soap I'd ever used. I never wanted to use store bought soap again. Now I don't have to! I enjoy making soaps for my family to use, as well as blessing you and your family with them.

For my own experience I have seen firsthand how using our handmade soaps has helped our son's skin dramatically. He has always had dry, itchy skin; especially during the winter months. Since we've been using our own handmade soaps he no longer has this problem!

Our soaps are made in the comfort of our home, mixed by hand, poured into molds, hand cut, and cured for at least four weeks before we test each batch to ensure satisfaction guaranteed."

You can get Vintage Handmade soaps HERE with soaps ranging from as low as $3.50 to $5 and get a discount using the code "wisewoman" for 20% off--that's a great DEAL!

The Giveaway

Heather is giving away a $15 gift certificate to Vintage Handmade Soaps!

Enter below to win:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don't forget to link up!

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!)

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Monday, March 19, 2012

Please Help! Six Year Old Girl Gunned Down-Aliyah Shell

Dear Friends,

I am writing you once again to ask for your help and assistance. This past weekend there was a horrible tragedy that occurred in a area known as Little Village in Chicago, Illinois. A six year old girl standing on the doorstep of her own home right next to her mother and sister was brutally shot by gang members and died.

You can read the horrible story here.

We have friends (pastors) whose children knew this young girl in kindergarten and they are heartbroken as is the entire community. Watch the video here.

Now the grieving family has to come up with $8000 to cover funeral costs.

Please, read this story and pray. If you have been looking for a way to help the needy, this your opportunity. My heart breaks because I know that this could have been one of my children. As a mother, my heart goes out to this family. I look at her sweet picture and wonder---why, Lord? Why?

We won't know now but hopefully we will in heaven one day.

Please consider helping this mother out. From one mother to another mother we can make a difference.

They have set up a fund--the Aliyah Shell Fund at Chase Bank. I know times are tough but know that any amount will help. You may donate here as well:

We also ask that you keep them in your prayers during this difficult time.

(Note: Please also use the share buttons to do your part in getting the word out---thank you!)

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We Got to Meet the Duggars!

Yesterday the Duggar family of the hit reality TV show, 19 Kids and Counting, visited our old church, New Life, in Chicago (they were in the area campaigning for Santorum) and we got to listen to them speaking on parenting and family life. What a blessing they were to hear in person!

Here they are speaking:

Michelle was very passionate as she shared the gospel and her heart for her family and the Lord. She encouraged us to love our husbands and "love on our babies". After her talk, I was missing my babies! Jim Bob shared his story of financial freedom and how they used the pill and found out they lost a child because of it. Together they shared their journey in marriage and parenting and encouraged all that listened.

Michelle also shared that their new upcoming episodes were going to cover the loss of their most recent child, Jubilee. So if you have cable be sure to look for it. She was very emotional as she shared her loss but gave glory to God through it all.

Here is a picture of me and Michelle, these photos were taken with my mobile phone so that is why it is not as clear:

From left to right: Marisela (my sister-in-law), me (yes, I look weird-but bear with me), sweet Michelle, Susie (Our Simple Farm) and Rhonda (Walking with Sarah)

Michelle was very sweet and personable--she took the time to answer questions from everyone and sign every single card given to her. They stayed until the very end to connect with everyone and her genuine love for people just shined through.

Rhonda, Daniel Devine (WORLD Magazine writer and our personal chauffeur who drove us there--thanks, Daniel! :)), Jim Bob Duggar, Me, and Susie

(Jana, Me and Jessa)

The older children spoke to teens and children in another room. There they had a chance to answer questions from the audience and share what life was like in a family with 19 children! I was able to chat with these lovely gals personally and encouraged them to continue being an example of Jesus Christ to their millions of viewers and told them to continue on in defending the faith!

My daughters (and their friends and cousins) with some of the Duggar girls.

My oldest daughter, Janai, even got to meet her long time penpal, Jill Duggar, in person! Jill recognized her right away and they were able to catch up. Jill was so friendly and has grown into such a beautiful young lady. It was also announced that the Duggar girls are working on a book called Growing Up Duggar, but no news on the release date just yet!

Here is some video of them (not taken by me) but to give you an idea of how it went:

(Note: turn off the music at the bottom of the blog before viewing!)

New Life church is supposed to have a video of the entire talk and make it available tomorrow. When they post it I will share the link with you to view!

The Duggars hit TV show 19 Kids and Counting can be found on DVD's HERE or you can instant stream them on Amazon here.

Hope you enjoyed my pictures!

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Friday, March 16, 2012

CAPTIVATED: Finding Freedom in a Media Captivated Culture

Last night we had enjoyed watching a new movie that just came out a few months ago entitled Captivated: Finding Freedom in a Media Captive Culture. It was a blessing to watch and SO informative. I know that it can be hard to find good quality movies to watch in your home, but this is one I highly recommend and will spark wonderful discussion with your children afterwards. Here is a peek at the trailer:

(Note: please turn off the music at the bottom of the page before viewing!)

The description:

Everywhere we go we are surrounded by screens. Have we entered a techno utopia or a virtual prison? Should we be unreservedly celebrating or cautiously analyzing? Has social media given us richer, fuller friendships, or have our relationships become robotized? What should we expect from the next generation, when the average American child has over fifty-three hours of screen time a week?

Discover answers to these questions and more from church leaders, media experts, and inspiring individuals and families from across America, and learn how God’s Word addresses the unique media challenges which our captivated culture must face.

One of the strongest points of this movie is that they had teenagers, dads, women personally speak out about their addiction to media and how they overcame their circumstances. My children were impressed, encouraged and challenged by speakers such as Ray Comfort, Kevin Swanson, KP Yohannan, and other godly men in the movie. This is a wonderful movie for family movie night!

You can get this powerful movie here now on sale for 10% off.

Or at Amazon HERE.

Pssst----today is also the LAST DAY to save $15 off a $50 order at Vision Forum using coupon code SAVE15.

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Thursday, March 15, 2012

NEW Raising Maidens of Virtue (Expanded and Revised Version) & Giveaway!

Many of you have heard of the popular book, Raising Maidens of Virtue, by my friend, Stacy McDonald, who is also the author of Passionate Housewives Desperate for God. I have personally used this book with my own daughters as a helpful guiding tool and we have all been blessed by it immensely. Good books for daughters are few and far between-- one that addresses all the issues without unnecessary fluff with sound doctrine is always appreciated!

Now did you know that Stacy has added SEVERAL NEW chapters to this book? Take a peek:

A Little Further Down the Road
The Heart of Chastity
The Beauty of Chastity
So This Is...Love?
The Bath
Will Striving to Become a Maiden of Virtue Save Me?
Modesty Promotes Friendship

(current photo of Stacy and her family)

An excerpt:

"I was 22 years old and a brand new Christian when something happened to me that forever impacted my opinion of how to approach immodesty in new Christians. An older woman, the precious lady who led me to the Lord, became very frustrated with me after she and her family invited me to visit their beach cabin.

I had been walking around in front of my friend’s husband and teen sons all weekend long in a bikini, with just a light, open, button down shirt thrown over the top of it. Finally, in obvious frustration, she told me I needed to “go put some clothes on!”

I was horrified and so embarrassed! I still remember standing there on the beach wondering if I should run to the cabin or bury myself in the sand. Maybe a wave would swallow me. I felt like the “emperor who had no clothes!” All of a sudden I realized I was practically naked – and had been, all weekend!

I recall wishing that she would have been frank with me about modesty at the beginning of the weekend (privately and gently). Her hesitancy caused her own unnecessary frustration, and it cost me immense humiliation. While I had noticed her coolness toward me that weekend, I hadn’t realized what was causing it."

Read the rest here.

This is an excellent book of which I highly recommend for EVERY daughter to read! You can get this book at Grace and Truth Books.

Also, you may find my recommended Booklists for Daughters here for additional reading resources.

The Giveaway

We are happy to announce that we are giving away a SIGNED copy the NEW Raising Maiden's of Virtue book!

Just enter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hope you win!

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Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Wise Woman Link-Up

"Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam,
Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home."

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.

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!)

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Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Frumps to Pumps eBook by Sarah Mae

My sweet friend, Sarah Mae, who is author of the best seller 31 Days to Clean and also co-host to Alumme Social just released her new eBook today entitled Frumps to Pumps:

Here is her description:

"If you’re tired of being frumptastic, than we’ve got something in common. I’ve spent way too many days in comfy pants and pony tails, and I’m ready to kick those items to the curb. I want to feel good about myself, be more productive, more hospitable, and look nice for my man and my children. Are you with me so far? If you are, than Frumps to Pumps is for you. Frumps to Pumps is a one-month motivotional (motivation + devotional) that uncovers some of the reasons why we stay frumpy, and than encourages us through scripture and fun challenges to get out of the frumps and into some pumps (pumps is subjective. I like cute flats myself). Ready to get started? Let’s do this."

Watch the video:

(Note: please turn off the music below and if you can't view this video, please click here.)

Here is an excerpt:

"As a woman, my heart is to rest in God alone. My identity is not and should not be found or nourished in how I look or what I wear. God sees my heart, and it is precious to Him when I am at peace in knowing that I am His forever daughter; my soul is secure with Him for eternity."

This book is fun, light-hearted and and motivating with challenge questions at the end of every chapter--if you struggle with getting up and getting dressed this is a book I would recommend. Not only does she challenge us to care for ourselves externally, but she also addresses the spiritual heart internally.

She is also offering this book FREE is you subscribe to her new blog and also $500 Target giveaway. But if you do not want to subscribe you can still get this book for just $4.99 on PDF or for your Kindle .

Enjoy!

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Monday, March 12, 2012

The Gentle Mother

Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin,

you who are spiritual should restore him gently.

But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.

Galations 6:1

How many times have you read this verse and thought perhaps more of church discipline or some other scenario?

Have you ever thought about this verse regarding your children?

Think of a time when your child was not listening to you--perhaps you were patient at the beginning when you corrected them. Then they did it again and again and again and AGAIN....

Now you are not so patient any more. In fact, you might be exasperated.

WHY is this child NOT listening???

So Momma gets impatient, and angry or mad. Her blood pressure begins to boil and she begins to raise her voice....and you and I both know what can happen from here.

But what if we restored him/her gently---how different that would be from the world. What a testimony of God's outpouring grace and love!

Restoring gently...just meditate on that for a minute. How would you want to be reproofed?

What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a whip, or in love and with a gentle spirit?

1 Corinthian 4:21

Is your life characterized by a gentle spirit? Is it characterized by peace? This is how I want to be remembered by my children.

Yes, I will fail, and you will fail, but we will make this our goal. We will do our best to leave a godly legacy to our children even if we fall 1,000 times---a 1,000 times we will get up and try, TRY again.

Are you with me?

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We are linked up with The Modest Mom, Growing Home, and Far Above Rubies.