Resources for Christian Women, Encouragement for Families

Celebrations

Surprises in the Mail

Recently I checked the mailbox to see if anything came (the snail mail box) and there sat a large box on the porch! My name was on it!! How excited I was as I opened it and found many items from Above Rubies. I had requested several back issues to give away to young mothers. In addition, I received various books, cd’s, and dvd’s to review on this site. So, be watching for reviews of various materials. The website for Above Rubies is http://www.aboverubies.org. The mission statement on the inside cover of the magazine says, ” Above Rubies is a magazine to encourage women in their high calling as wives, mothers and homemakers. Its purpose is to uphold and strengthen family life and to raise the standard of God’s truth in the nation. The name has been chosen from Proverbs 31:10 AMP, ‘A capable, intelligent and virtuous woman, who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far ABOVE RUBIES or pearls.'”

Here are some of the items that will be reviewed in upcoming weeks:

DVD called “Rejuvenate with Serene” – she gives the 1-2-3’s of healthy eating.

DVD and book named “The Family Meal Table and Hospitality” – stress the importance of the meal table. “It will change your family life…”

Gate-Keepers of the Home – How to Guard Your Home – “This manual studies the twelve gates of Jerusalem that Nehemiah rebuilt, relating it to building, repairing and guarding the gates of your home…”

And more!

New Grandparents!

My husband and I recently learned that we’ll be Grandparents next April!! But, then I was thinking, actually we are already! Little Munchkin (as we all call him or her) is already a person so we are Grandparents already!! It’s funny and interesting some of the comments we’ve received: (My thoughts in response are in parenthesis.)

Already?! They just got married! (Well, you’re right, but God gives His gifts even on honeymoons!)

You’re too young to be Grandparents! (Why, thank-you.)

When is the baby due? (Well, most babies are born at around the 9 month mark!)

Being Grandparents is easier than being Parents. (Who said I want the easy way in life?)

on and on…….

How thankful I was (and my husband) to receive the following note from very good friends yesterday:

“Good times!

Congratulations!

Best Wishes!

Congratulations! We are so happy for you and your family. There is a whole new world waiting for the two of you. God is truly great and His blessings beyond compare. Wishing you both all the best as you anticipate the first child of a new generation….Love.”

Then, tucked into a little pocket was this passage from the Bible: “But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with THEIR CHILDREN’s CHILDREN – with those that keep His covenant and remember to obey His precepts. Psalm 103:17-18”

How refreshing it was to get that special card!! Children truly are a gift from God!!

OPC Camp – a Great Time for the Family

We attended OPC Family Camp again. There are Bible Studies for youth and a guest speaker for the adults. Families each take a turn in the kitchen preparing one of the meals. What is it that makes us want to return? The teaching, the focused time we have to talk with other Christians, the opportunities to enjoy God’s creation by canoeing, watching the night sky, swimming, taking walks. While the middle schoolers were discussing the armour of God and memorizing verses from Ephesians, the adults were studying about heaven. In the evenings, we had a hymnsing, progressive campfires, a variety show and a powerpoint of pictures take throughout the week.

Birthday Party and German Musicians

A Proverbs 31 woman does not stay home and eat chips and dip all day. In fact, rarely. If ever! She is serving others: her family, friends, people the Lord brings across her path. This week our family is able to host 2 German musicians here on a Blue Lake exchange tour. They are in an orchestra.

We are thankful for such opportunities where we can open our home ( which actually is the Lord’s home!) and share the love of Christ. We provide food, shelter, and opportunities to see what an American family lives like. One of the keys to offering hospitality is to be prepared (with food, a plan, etc.) yet, to be flexible. Since the students arrived last night, already some planned events were canceled (due to instruments still being left behind in Germany) and new events have been lined up. Flexibility is key!

Today, my youngest child and I will play some fiddling tunes at our friend’s 90th birthday! He is a wood carver who has a zest for life! We have friends of all ages. This friend and his wife have reminded us to be thankful for each day the Lord gives, to live life to the fullest, and to keep learning new things. Recently, this friend was given an aquarium with fish to take care of. Also, he and his wife take regular “field trips” (aka outings….and not just to the doctor’s office).

When I wrote the blog entry about swimming, my 11 yr. old asked what that had to do with being a Proverbs 31 woman.

Well, the Proverbs 31 woman girds her loins with strength, she takes care of her health by eating well, exercising, and taking care of herself. “Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit.” A Proverbs 31 woman is a woman who fears the Lord; she keeps everything in balance.