True Christian Motherhood

How should a Christian mother view children?

1. As a gift and miracle from God and not as drudgery.

2. She has been entrusted by God to care for them for their time on earth.

3. She delights in them and is thankful for them, even on hard days.

4. She is protective, never bad-mouthing her children to others or slandering them.

5. She understands that they are the next generation entrusted with the Gospel.

6. She knows their souls are precious to God and He knows the number of every hair on their head.

7. She knows she is accountable to God for how she raises them so she faithfully sacrifices her love, her patience and her life for them.


8. She understands that even as they are in a state of infancy now that this precious season is quickly fleeting and in a blink of an eye they will grow up---so she savors the moment.

9. She welcomes the number of children the Lord gives her and treasures each one in her heart because she knows the He has a purpose for each and every single one--- even if the world doesn't see it that way. She rejects the lie that children are a burden.

10. She understands and embraces the future--she knows her job is not done when her children graduate from high school or when they turn eighteen, instead it continues on until she takes her last breath.

11. As she cares for a crying infant or sick child she realizes it is part of God's great plan to mold her into becoming a nurturing mother and into the image of Christ.

12. She acknowledges that she is the best one to take care of them as God has chosen to give them to her. She understands her children in a way that a stranger cannot. She realizes that mothering is her sacred work and is careful not neglect her responsibilities. She is protective over who cares for her children.

13. She recognizes her season with little ones and uses wisdom. She tries to surround herself with like minded women who are going through the same season or have been through it and can encourage and support her.

14. The Christian mother does not rely Oprah, Dr. Bob or the latest trends in parenting magazines for wisdom but instead searches God's Word to help her raise her family because it is the source of all truth.


15. She clearly understands that her and her husband are an undivided team when it comes to parenting their children and respectfully allows him to lead the home. She knows that if she is dominating, controlling or manipulating she would destroy her home so she purposefully learns to trust God on matters of submission.

16. She wisely spends her time in prayer---for herself to be a godly mother, for her husband to be a godly father and for children's salvation and their futures. She knows her time in prayer is never wasted time.

17. The Christian mother seeks to educate her children about the Lord so she wisely invests her days teaching them all she knows about Him and His Word.

18. When her season of raising her children has passed, she looks forward to investing her time and love into her grandchildren as they arrive. She doesn't try to move far away to 'begin living her life' but instead she considers them a blessing and her love for them evident. She considers it an honor to take part in their lives. She is loyal encourager and faithfully supports her children in raising her grandchildren.

(The Christian Mother Series, Part1)

Learning Before Motherhood

Before we begin The Christian Motherhood Series, I would like to take a moment to address the young daughters, single gals and married women without children who read this blog. I want to warmly welcome you to this series and wanted to let you know that this topic is just as much for you.

In fact, this is an excellent time to begin learning some of the ins and outs of motherhood and marriage--to gain a vision for your 'hopefully-one-day-to-be' family and to learn to view the world in a biblical worldview from a Christian female perspective.

A wise lady could and should use her time to learn how to cook, care for a home, study marriage, learn scripture, care for children as much as she can before she is married. Hopefully she has had a mother or other role model to teach her these things. If not, then there are plenty of resources out there to teach ourselves--even after we are married with children--and praise God for He has once again provided a way for us and will equip us for what He has called us to do. We are always learning and should never feel that we have 'arrived' on any topic.

And if you already are a Christian mother here today, I urge you to teach your daughters at a young age to look forward to marriage and motherhood as God has designed us this way and to teach them what they need to know. Too often I hear of women who were totally incapable of the simplest cares of marriage and homemaking, sadly, because they were not taught. Let's break that cycle and teach this generation what they need to know and properly equip them for life.

So I encourage you all to join us as we begin this journey to feel comfortable here knowing this is being written just as much for you gals in the pre-motherhood stage, as well as for the mom with many children.

Now onto our series...

The Christian Mother Series

I have decided to begin a short series on The Christian Mother for those who are wanting to learn and share more timeless truths and aspects on this crucially significant topic. My goal is to hopefully train and teach woman young and old to be strong Christian mothers in the 21st century, in the face of adversity and to the glory of God.

Shall we begin, ladies?.......

17 Blissful Years

My husband and I just celebrated 17 glorious years of wedded bliss yesterday as we went on a romantic escape to New Buffalo, Michigan and rented a charming cottage on a private lake at a place called Sans Souci. I highly recommend this nature retreat because it was so much more than your average bed and breakfast. We were on a private lake on 50 acres amidst breathtaking nature scenes and wildlife. We also had our own private rowboat to make a memorable journey across the lake. Serenity and relaxation ruled our time there, as we enjoyed the gazebo, trails, hammocks, vineyard (yes, I said vineyard) and a hidden bridge.

The cottage included 600 sq.ft. of living space and a fully stocked kitchen, fireplace and hot tub and had classical music gently playing in the room when we showed up. The owner, Angie, is very personable and warmly welcomed us along with other innskeepers on the property. There is nothing like waking up and having breakfast along a sparkling, shimmering lake while you read your Bible and have total quiet communion with God. This fantastic getaway is one I will never forget and as we drove away we were already planning our next visit!

If you are looking for an enchanting place to go for a special occasion or just looking for a place to really relax and get away from it all this is the place to go! Here is the link so you can see for yourself:

Sans Souci Euro Inn & Cottages

(If you click the Nature Walk Photo Gallery, there are closeup pictures of the property)

This is how you would pronunce San Souci (make sure your sound is on), it is french meaning 'without worry". They also have a private massage services and do weddings and reunions.

After 17 years of being married to my husband Steve, I must say I am one lucky woman to be married to such a godly man who is fiercely faithful and loving father. I am also honored to be the mother to his eight beautiful children who bring me so much joy on a daily basis. Thank you, Steve, for a memorable anniversary and 17 wonderfully fun years---I am looking forward to many, many more! And thank you, Lord, for bringing such an amazing man into my life...

Quiet and Still

I'd like to ask a question...




Is your heart quiet and still before the Lord today?

Fatherhood Quotes

Father's Day will be here in a blink of an eye and around the Fuentes household we are busily preparing to have everyone over. I thought I would share some quotes:

None of the things I remember about my father had anything at all to do with his lifestyle of whom he knew or the places he had been or the style of the clothes he wore. I just knew that he was always there. -Cal Thomas

A father carries pictures where his money used to be. -Author Unknown

There is no more vital calling or vocation for men than fathering. -John Throop

Blessed indeed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him Father! -Lydia M. Child

Children's children are the crown of old men and the glory of children are their fathers. -Proverbs 17:6

My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person--he believed in me. -Jim Valvano

One night a father overheard his son pray, "Dear God, make me the kind of man my daddy is."---Later that night, the father prayed, "Dear God, make me the kind of man my son wants me to be. -Anonymous

F...You are my friend.
A...You are my ally.
T...You are my teacher.
H...You are my hero.
E...You are my example.
R...You are my rock.

-K. Williams

Here is how we have celebrated Father's Day in the past and a tribute I had written to my own father.

Feel free to print this out and stick this into your Father's Day card!

Have a Happy Father's Day and don't forget to honor the special men in your life!

Gifts--Not Monsters

"Look at her, she is such a monster."

I heard this not too long ago and felt such sadness---this was actually a mother describing her daughter in a very bitter, sarcastic and resentful way. I think that what we describe our children as reflects not the children but what is going on in our own hearts--"for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." (Luke 6:44-5)

If we truly believe that children are a blessing from God we should refrain from using language that demeans them as inferior. The use of 'monster', 'rugrats', and the like might be used affectionately or jokingly but can eventually lead to viewing children in a wrong and sinful light. With our tongues we are to encourage one another and build one another up (I Thessalonians 5:11) and this verse includes our children.

What It Teaches Our Children

How does a child evaluate themselves as they hear mom and dad referring to them with such words? Will they not have a low self esteem? Will they not try to live up to what they have been 'branded' as, even in jest? If they have been created in God's image then they are not what these words define them as. Remember that 'the tongue has the power of life and death' and we need to be wise in how we use that power. Are they truly gifts or burdens as how the world would like us to believe? If God's word is true we need to believe it ourselves and act as such. They will have a hard time believing they are a child of God is somebody if calling them names. And as we think about that--name calling comes from pride-not from humility, we have to remember that it is not Christ-like and could have lasting repercussions on a child.

What It Teaches The World

We are to be teachers of the Word and not of the world. We are to be an example to the unsaved and bring light to the darkness--but how can we do that if we do not have a biblical worldview of children ourselves? Does the world see a difference in how we view children or just go away shrugging their shoulders not touched by Christ's powerful hand in our lives? We are essentially teaching the world and our fellow Christians to hate and disdain children which is the spirit of Satan who is anti-God. We have become teachers of Satan. Instead, we should be teachers of God's Word teaching what is right and not what is opposite to His Word.

So the next time you see a mom with a lot of children I want you to think about how God gave His life for these children to be saved. How they are His gift from up above--some of those children could very well be your brothers and sisters in Christ. Be sure to speak blessings into their mom's life-----encourage her and support her. Let her learn from your example to love her children. This is what she needs---not the witty remark of 'doesn't she know how to stop having all these children." Shame on those who have thought this or stood by quietly without coming to her defense. I am shocked when I hear a statement like this in church, the one place a mother should feel the most welcomed!

Children are a blessing and gift from the Lord, let us all have a biblical worldview when it comes to children and reject the lies that they are anything less. Teach this to your children and your children's children so that there will be a generation that will hold fast to God's Word in this dark, evil world that despises and murders millions of innocent children because His Word has been forgotten.

Sisters and Brothers

Sisters scarcely know the influence they have over their brothers.

A young man once testified that the greatest proof to the truth of Christian religion was his sister's life.



-The Golden Gems of Life, 1884

A Foolish Woman Destroys Her Home By...

1. Complaining and murmuring

2. Being discontent

3. Being disrespectful to her husband (in thought and actions)

4. Being lazy

5. Allowing wordly thoughts to dominate her life and decision making

6. Not submitting to her husband

7. Not obeying God in all areas of her life

8. Trying to dominate her husband (pridefully thinking she knows better than him)

9. Not seeking and listening to godly counsel

10. And most importantly, not putting God first in her life.

Is this you?

These are just a few examples of how quickly we fall into the path of evil.

Lord, please help us to be better wives and to repent of our sinful, wicked ways!

Read more about:

Tearing Down Our Homes

The Foolish Woman

Contentment

The True Home

Homes are not made up of material things. It is not a fine house, rich furniture, a luxurious table, a fine garden, and a superb carriage that make a home.

Vastly superior to this is the true home.

Our ideal homes should be heart homes, in which virtue lives and love flowers bloom and peace offerings are daily brought to its altars. It is made radiant with every social virtue, and beautiful without by those simple adornments with which nature is every-where so prolific.

The children born in such homes will leave them with regret, and come back to them in after life as pilgrims to a holy shrine.

-Smith Ferguson, The Golden Gems of Life, 1884

Large Family Summer Scheduling

School is over and we've already got the garden in. Now we are looking forward to two weeks of relaxing (since dad will have his vacation time) and then we will be on our official summer schedule.

Yes, I said schedule!!!!!

Why am I a firm believer in scheduling during the summer? Because in our home we cannot function without order. Also, I could never imagine allowing all that free summertime going to waste. I believe that God has given us time as a precious gift and that we need to be good stewards of it. Believe me---children around here never get a chance to say "I'm bored!"----in fact, I think they might be afraid to since they know I have a list of jobs/projects awaiting them if they even dared to think such a thought! ;)

Here are some ways by daughters will be spending the summer:

learning to bake whole wheat bread/scones
creating a vlogging series that will minister to others
contributing writing to other blogs
taking over fixing all meals
learn to make laundry soap
sell on Ebay
Create their own business on Etsy
create school scrapbooks
library volunteering
drama club/karate
various home painting projects
learn to cut hair on their brothers
practice instruments: piano, violin, recorder
Character studies
learn Spanish/typing (for younger one)
get drivers permit
educational games online (to stay fresh!)
preparing for 2 garage sales
create garden/home notebooks

and most importantly: Their Summer Reading Lists

What is a Summer Reading List? It is a list that is handpicked and prayed over by us (the parents) that the child will read to encourage godly growth and character. It does not have to include just books but can also include great articles, blogs, etc. At the top of this is their personal devotional time with the Lord. We have something called Life Journals that we use to journal about what we read in the Bible, so we will be using those. My daughters are avid readers so I make sure that I keep godly/educational/feminine/homemaking books around to inspire. Biographies are great too, especially of legendary evangelists or martyrs of the faith.

This does not include other small projects they will be helping me with--this is just some of the bigger things I definitely want to accomplish with our precious time. My sons have a list as well. In fact, I have a notebook with a list for each child and what we are to accomplish with them by the end of summer--even right down to our little boy twins and their potty-training! And of course, don't forget Mom. My list is very important to me because once I get everything on paper I don't have to carry it all around in my head. It is like unloading luggage when I create a list that allows my mind to be free to think about other things, while not forgetting to do the important things.

Now lastly, I want you to remember that the list/schedule or any list/schedule that you make is not there to control you. You make sure to make it work for you and not vice versa. Make plenty of room for flexibility (it is summer after all!) Be sure to add plenty of fun in too and plan for some great summer memories early in advance---as we all know summer will pass by in a blink of an eye-----so be sure to get done what you set out to accomplish as you celebrate the summer season!

A Mother's Influence

"Mothers, please don't let the world rob you of the incredible joy of a life invested in your children.

They are your mark on the world.

They are your legacy, your testimony, and your contribution to mankind.

Don't let some other woman steal your influence.

Remember, 'The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.'

That saying didn't just show up one day.

That proverb is the result of centuries of observation.

A mother's influence is unmatched."

-Voddie Bauchaum, Family Driven Faith

Of Things Hoped For

The other day as we were gathered around the breakfast table, my lovely daughter Janai pointed out to me that most likely one day our family will be almost twice the size.

Twice the size?

Did she know something I didn't know?

"Yes, Mommy," she stated matter-of-factly all the while smiling,"you see if you have five sons and three daughters right now and we all eventually get married, that means you will be adding on five daughters and three sons for a total of 8 sons and 8 daughters."

I stared at her. I had never thought of it that way.

Five more daughters and three sons.

The mere thought brought tears to my eyes (and even now as I type this).

Could they really be out there somewhere? Could my heart be swelling up with love for 8 complete strangers that I don't even know right now whom of which will grace our family with their presence one day?

Surely, I have always dreamed of being a grandmother but to also have other sons and daughters to love and care for---I had never thought about such an honor in depth like this.

I hope I will remember all the things I'd like to do when my children are older. I would love to have them over all the time--especially once a week for dinner. I would love to help them out with their new homes and buy the little things that newlyweds/parents/grandbabies need...I want to express unconditional love and treat their spouses as if they were my own...I want to watch the grandchildren and have them over often...I'd love to host all the major holidays and the list goes on.

Sometimes around the dinner table, the children and I get to talking about the future once they are married and in their own homes. They share how this sister will visit their older sister and bring cookies and help plant a garden. How younger sister will cook a big dinner and invite all her older hungry brothers to her home. How little brother will go to older sisters home and mow the grass just to help out. I add to their thoughts by painting the picture of huge family get-togethers with all the children and grandchildren at my house with loads of food and what fun it will be!

These are some of my favorite family conversations. These are some of my most cherished dreams. I believe conversation regarding the future, close ties while they are young and fostering their walk with God now helps to lay the groundwork for keeping close relationships when they actually do get married. Whether they live close by or far away...

...these are the things that I hope for.

And for those special 'eight' I have yet to meet, I am praying for you as you wander this earth before the Lord brings you here--that God would keep you safe, far from evil and on the right path.

We love you and can't wait to meet you one day!

The Divine Appointment

The past decade for me seems like a flurry of babies and diapers. What a privilege!---To be entrusted with all these little ones that God had especially chosen to give me still amazes me now especially as I look back and my babies are older (my once infant twins are embarking upon being three years old next weekend and an older daughter turning 17 this year!). Where has the time gone?

But I still remember those nights. Those nights when you felt like you worked hard all day and finally you get to rest and just as you feel like your head just hit the pillow--- there came the cry. At first my fleshly response would be "Oh no, how will I ever get any sleep?" but then I learned that this was not just any nightly call from a hungry baby but instead it was...

A Divine Appointment!

Yes, a divine appointment.

Instead of sitting there wallowing in self-pity at 2 am, I realized that God had planned for me to be up. Yes, it was HIS plan. Now what to do while I was breastfeeding little hungry babies through the night? Something very IMPORTANT---something that I couldn't focus on through the day because I was so busy care for His little ones. Can you guess? It was...

PRAYER!!!

Not just any prayer, mind you. More like 'warrior' praying, if you will! And I want you to do this too. Don't be mad that you are awake, don't resent your husband and most of all don't waste this precious time. You were awoken by divine appointment by God above for this given moment. Don't let it slip by. Pray for that little child of yours you are holding in your arms.

Here is how to pray---why not start praying for that sweet, warm little bundle in your arms by starting at the top of their little heads and working right down their body. Here is an example:

MIND--that God would protect their minds, that they would be one-minded towards God, that they would always be sold out for Him, that God would be first on their minds, etc.

EYES--that they would be kept from evil, that they would have understanding and the eyes of Christ as they learned Scripture and met people, etc.

EARS--that they would hear Gods Word and accept it and hide it in their heart, keep it from evil

MOUTH--that would speak the words of God and share with the lost, keep it from evil

HEART-- to be strong and courageous for God, protected with the breastplate of righteousness

HANDS--that would feed the poor, help the needy, build the church of God

BODY--a healthy body that would follow the Lord all their life and use it for His glory

FEET-- that they would bring peace, that wherever they walked they would bring the gospel and share it, they would run from evil

God will bring things to mind to pray specifically for your child so don't be limited to the above, these are just some ideas to help you begin with and don't forget to pray for their spouses and their futures. Do this with all your children, not just in the middle of the night but ALL THE TIME, even if they are older and if you are already a grandmother. Don't say you don't have time--talk to Him whenever you can! Whether it be driving or washing dishes, know that He wants to hear from you. Through the day I have established my shower time as a special time in the morning to really just spend a good length of time in private talking to Him about the day and my thoughts.What a blessing it is to come into the presence of God and petition Him on behalf of our homes and children. While you pray, don't forget your other children, you husband, your home, yourself, your parents, neighbors, etc.

Next time, I hope you will be looking forward to your quiet and alone 'divine appointment' with a 'listening' God who loves you, your husband and your children so much more than you'll ever know.

Have a great week building up your sacred homes!

Feminine Dress

Beautiful, modest and feminine clothes can be hard to find on the racks today but we do not have to feel we are helplessly at the mercy of distasteful or immodest designers. With a little ingenuity, inspiration and thought we can find ways to dress simply and modestly through the summer.

I remember reading through Jennie Chancey's article dressing feminine through the week many years ago and was absolutely inspired and challenged to work on my wardrobe, to make it beautiful, modest and comfortable. That time has come again for me, as I am shopping again for summer wear as I am sure many of you are doing also--and was delighted to find that this 7 day challenge is once again circulating to bless so many woman today.

Joy, at The Stay at Home Missionary, has done an excellent job in this challenge and I would like to share with you the links of her 7 day journey with dresses so that you would be blessed and challenged as well:

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6 & 7

I love how she included her daughter in the pictures (aren't us mothers always training?) --- also included in the original challenge was to try different hairstyles so as you look through her posts you will also see the beautiful job she did on her daughters hair and some links for ideas for you and your daughters. Great job, Joy, and thank you for using your valuable time to bless and encourage women all around the world. (See more links of participants in the challenge here. )

If you are not used to wearing dresses, I want to encourage you to give it a try. Dresses are very comfortable and easy to work in. It inspires our daughters to be feminine, teaches our sons to appreciate modest and feminine women and our husbands like it when we look beautiful for them. It takes a little thought and planning but once you start wearing more dresses it becomes easier. I, personally, don't wear them 24/7 but I do enjoy wearing them when I do. Many women have said they see a change in how people treat them when they are dressed femininely such as getting doors held opened for them, etc. I have experienced the same--- be sure to teach your daughters that when you act and dress like a lady you will be treated like a lady!

Mrs. Chancey also had written this article which made me think long and hard about feminine dress that I also wanted to share with you. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.

Have a great time shopping for clothes this summer and be sure to pray about what the Lord would have you and your family wear this year. Be thoughtful of your husbands preferences and ultimately remembering that in all the things--whether how we dress, talk or act we are always reflecting Christ to the world!

Accolades!

Have I ever mentioned how great my husband is? He never ceases to amaze me! Not only is he a patient husband, gentle and fun-loving father but now he has an article published in Indiana's homeschool magazine, The Informer, in the May/June 2009 issue--here it is:

(If you click on the images below you will be able to read the article.)

(The below picture of us is an older picture, maybe 5 years ago)

Steve is a wonderful husband and what you might call a 'jack-of-all-trades'. Over the years he has blessed our whole family in several ways--most importantly washing his wife (me) with the Word, spending loving time as a dad mentoring and discipling our 8 children--his invaluable knowledge and skills around the home has saved us loads of money through the years and his ministries have encouraged many. Here are also some of the other things he has done in the past:

*led several Bible studies, including one for families
*headed up a Baptism ministry
*preached regularly for a year and a half at the local prison in Northwest Indiana as a ministry
*men's conferences coordinator and speaker (and homeschool events/conferences)
*a Christian book distributor
*church website designer and technician
*main sound technician for a church
*headed up the church bulletin ministry
*had opportunities to preach at 2 churches
*homeschool graduation speaker (this June)
*created a homeschool organization/community online
*runs a blog for Christian men to encourage them in their walk

at home he:

*has built a deck
*landscapes
*finished part of the basement
*knows how to repair just about anything that breaks (how does he do that????)
*repairs cars, etc.
*leads our family in Bible study and worship
*is very hospitable and enjoys having huge get-togethers
*is currently working on our kitchen remodel
*has a crazy sense of humor that keep us all in stitches

Whew, what a list! Just looking at all that gets me tired and I'm sure I didn't even get it all in this one post--this doesn't even contain all the top secret stuff that I know he wants to do and we will be trying our hand at soon... :)

I just wanted to give honor where honor is due and let you see a glimpse of my husband and the things he has done over the years. I have been very blessed by the Lord and definitely see God's hand working in the life of my husband. I am looking forward to many more years with him and the adventures that will come our way.

I love you, Steve!

Get Behind Me Satan

"Get behind me Satan!" he said, "You do not have in mind the things of God but the things of man." -Mark 8:33b

What kinds of things distract a woman of God?

A bigger home, materialism, covetousness, vanity, discontentment are a few.

We are distracted with many frivolous things of this world all the while bombarded by the media and culture around us to 'have it all'. We are 21st century Eves who crave what we should not.

Buy me, buy me, scream the ads that come in our mailbox---everything from craftily designed television commercials, smooth talking telemarketers, glossy enticing magazines and tempting Craigslist classifieds are demanding we spend our money in the pursuit of their shallow and fleeting happiness.

But to 'have it all' for the woman of God contradicts the definition the world dictates to us. In fact, it is the opposite.

And what things should a woman of God desire? What are the things of God that we need to chase after as the verse above declares?

Wisdom. Knowledge. Love. Humility. Patience. Kindness. Faithfulness. Self-control. Charity. Servanthood. Humility. Joy. Peace. Goodness. Contentment. Forgiveness. Busy at home and sharing Christ with an unsaved world that desperately needs Him is to name a few.

The things of God. Not man..........I am speaking of KINGDOM WORK.

Satan will try to distract us in the same manner he was using Peter to rebuke Jesus as Jesus stated what his purpose on earth was--to die on the cross for mankind, His Kingdom work. Will you allow yourself to be taken off the mission He has called you to?

Many here reading this are feeling off track today, but I exhort you now to get right back on-- to fight the good fight and to finish the race (2 Tim 4:7). Don't become lukewarm in your walk and remember your first love.

The Christian woman must always evaluate her life under the lens of Scripture. Her thoughts, her actions, her desires must always be striving to be in conformity with Gods Word.

What 'things of man' do you need to rid yourself of today?

A Lovely Daughter

Our internet was down all week due to a broken phone line in the neighborhood but we are back online now. My daughter had a recital this past Saturday and I wanted to share it with you:




Do you recognize the song? It is one of the songs on my playlist for this blog: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring by Bach. I was ecstatic when she chose it.

What a blessing older daughters can be.

Janai, we love you!

(Note: Be sure to turn off the music in the sidebar!)

Beautiful Motherhood

Womanhood is a wonderful thing. In womankind we find the mothers of the race. There is no man so great, nor none sun so low, but one he lay helpless, innocent babe in a woman's arms and was dependent upon her love and care for his existence.

It is woman who rocks the cradle of the world and hold the first affections of mankind. She possesses a power beyond that of a king on his throne...

Womanhood stands for all that is pure and clean and noble. She who does not make the world better for having lived in it has failed to be all that a woman should be.

-Mabel Hale, Beautiful Girlhood

To be read more posts on blessed motherhood
that I've written in the past
click here.

Large Family Budgeting-Duggar Style

Mothers all across America are relearning how to be frugal balance their budgets during the economic crisis--why not take a few tips from the Duggar Family:

(be sure to turn off the music in the sidebar!)


Part One



Part 2



Part 3