Counsel from Corrie

Corrie Ten Boom

“You can never learn that Christ is all you need, until Christ is all you have.” 

“If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed.

If you look at God you'll be at rest.” 

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.” 

“Hold everything in your hands lightly, otherwise it hurts when God pries your fingers open.” 

“Don't bother to give God instructions; just report for duty.” 

“There is no panic in Heaven! God has no problems, only plans.” 

 By ~ Corrie Ten Boom

Would you like to add any of these quotes

 to your Inspirational Scrapbook?

Related Postings:

Biography of Corrie Ten Boom

Two Ladies Ice Skating at Central Park

Two Ladies Ice Skating in Central Park by Walter Granville Smith

The thrill of gliding on the ice… These ladies look like they are having fun! The lovely apparel isn't a hinderance to them. In fact, it looks more exciting in their fanciful attire! Did you know that Prince Albert and Queen Victoria were avid ice skaters themselves? She especially delighted in watching her husband skate on the lake in Buckingham Palace. In 1841, she recorded the following incident in her diary:

"…the ice cracked, and Albert was in the water up to his head, even for a moment below. In my agony of fright and despair I screamed and stretched out my arm... My Dearest Albert managed to catch my arm and reached the ground in safety."

(Of course, you probably won't encounter a situation like the queen as long as you skate in a proper and designated area.)

Questions for Mothers and Maidens:

• What time period do you think this painting takes place in?
• Where do you think it takes place at based on the clues?

Winter Activity:

Have you ever ice skated before? Why not take this winter opportunity and enjoy the crisp air on frozen waters? Gather up your loved ones and bundle up. It is excellent exercise and will make for wonderful memories. Embrace the change in the weather and enjoy it the classical way through this pleasurable pastime.

Corrie Ten Boom

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” 

~ Corrie Ten Boom

Who is Corrie Ten Boom?

Cornelia "Corrie" Ten Boom (1892 - 1983) was a Dutch spinster, who along with her family, aided many Jews to escape the Nazi Holocaust of World War II. They were devout Christians.

Interesting facts about her life:

• She was born in Amsterdam but died in Orange, California.
• Corrie grew up in a pious household where the family was very active in the community. Her father owned a watch shop which they lived above and she and her sister aided him in the daily duties. All three lived together as her sister and herself never married (at the time this story takes place she was 50 years old).
• Corrie always considered her life ordinary until… 
• Jewish people began arriving on their doorstep asking for help during World War II. This began a year long effort of becoming a safe house for those being persecuted and those involved in the Dutch underground. She organized plans to house and provide food for these people during rationing which was no easy task during Nazi occupation in Holland. Between Corrie, her family and friends, they saved approximately 800 Jews along with Dutch underground members.
• In 1944, they were betrayed and their father, sister and Corrie were all imprisoned. The Jews that they were hiding at that time, along with the Dutch underground workers were kept safe since the hidden room they created for refuge was not revealed (it was a false wall in Corrie's bedroom). A few days later the resistance group saved those in the Ten Boom home.
• Her father died ten days later in the prison.
• While Betsie (her sister) and Corrie were in the prisons, they preached the Gospel of Jesus. 
• Her sister ended up dying in the prisons while Corrie was later released due to a paperwork error (or as some of us may call the hidden hand of God!).
• She spent the rest of her life in ministry to the Lord (now aged 53) and spreading the message of God's love and forgiveness.
• She died on her 91st birthday.

Web Source 1, Source 2, Source 3

What is special about the whole Ten Boom family is that they lived the ultimate act of love. They laid down their life for a friend (John 15:13)! The testimony of God that they left behind is more inspirational than I could write in a few lines and I hesitate to include too much information in order to encourage you to read for yourselves (there is an excellent movie as well, see below) this most exemplary "love" story. What they went through will bring inspiration to every one! When you think something is too hard for you to do or bear, think of this horrendous time in history and you will be humbled and encouraged by the beautiful examples of God's faithful shining through his ordinary followers that were doing unordinary things.

The Hiding Place Book (For ages 13 - 99 years)

The Hiding Place DVDTHE MOVIE (Excellent drama for 13 - 99 years of age.)

Corrie Ten Boom: Shining in the Darkness (Heroes for Young Readers)

by Renee Meloche (A beautifully illustrated, hardcover book for 4 - 8 year olds that gently introduces Corrie Ten Boom in poem form to young readers.)

Corrie Ten Boom: Are All The Watches Safe (Little Lights Series)

by Catherine Mackenzie (For 4 - 7 years of age in hardcover with the message that being with Jesus is the only safe place.)

You can also view some pictures of her home and family here for further study and some beautiful quotes from Corrie here.

Linked up with:

Raising Homemakers

Deep Roots at Home

Heidi ~ A Nourishing Novel

“I'll always say my prayers…

and if God doesn't answer them at once I shall know it's because
He's planning something better for me.”

~ Johanna Spryi, excerpt from Heidi

I am sure we have all heard of the darling girl named "Heidi" who lived in the mountains but have you ever really read the book (watching the poor adaptions of Heidi on the screen is no replacement...)? It is a beautiful story of salvation! It shows how the sweet example of a young girl who learns about God changes the heart of her grandfather with one simple story… And what wonders take place after!

Scripture that summarizes the story:

"For this son of mine was dead and is alive again;

he was lost and is found."

~ Luke 15:24

This is an excellent choice for your Geography Journal.

This book takes place in Switzerland and Germany and would be a wonderful novel to read for your Geography Journal. Though it is probably geared toward 8-12 year olds, I believe women of all ages will love this heartwarming classic!

Heidi
Jessie Willcox-Smith
Buy From Art.com

An Awards Ceremony

This is a "thank you" post to Jennifer at Renewing Housewives for the kind award she bestowed upon this blog which is called the "Liebster Award" (She is the neat woman who put together the Homemaking 101 DVD). This award is given from a fellow blogger to their five favorite up and coming blogs. Thank you, Jennifer, for this sweet treat!

You can visit her "Liebster Award" posting this blog here…

Excerpt from Renewing Housewives:

"So, here is how the Liebster Award works "Liebster" is a German word meaning friend, love or dearest. This award is shared and given to up-and-coming blogs that have less than 200 followers.

~ 1 ~ When you receive this award*, copy and paste it to your blog.

~ 2 ~ Thank the blogging friend who awarded you and make sure you link back to their blog so others can check out their fabulous blog too.

~ 3 ~ Choose your five (5) up-and-coming blog picks then go share the love by commenting on their blog.

~ 4 ~ Hope and encourage that the recipients will spread the love to other up and coming blogs! (Be sure to check their blogs for the list to check out other great blogs!)

That's all there is to it."

My responsibility is to pass on the goodness to my five favorite up and coming blogs of less than 200 followers. I have included sites of both mothers and maidens in my mix so there is something for everyone here. It is like a box of chocolates!

Survey Says… (And in no particular order.)

1. Olive Plants All Around My Table
2. Deep Roots at Home
3. Twenty-Six Thousand Days
4. Homemaking Pilgrim 
5. An Original Belle

*Also, I hope I am forgiven but I changed the graphic of the Liebster Award… Sorry if this offends but I just couldn't resist when I saw the above clip art from the Graphics Fairy. I don't know if this is a blogging sin but I took my chances (wink).

Against Pride in Clothes

In Anticipation of an Invitation by Jennie Brownscombe

Against Pride in Clothes

Why should our garments, made to hide

Our parents' shame, provoke our pride? 

The art of dress did ne'er begin

Till Eve our mother learnt to sin.

When first she put the covering on,

Her robe of innocence was gone;

And yet her children vainly boast

In the sad marks of glory lost.

How proud we are! how fond to shew

Our clothes, and call them rich and new,

When the poor sheep and silkworms wore

That very clothing long before!

The tulip and the butterfly

Appear in gayer coats than I:

Let me be dress'd fine as I will,

Flies, worms, and flowers exceed me still.

Then will I set my heart to find

Inward adornings of the mind:

Knowledge and virtue, truth and grace,

These are the robes of richest dress.

No more shall worms with me compare,

This is the raiment angels wear:

The Son of God, when here below,

Put on this blest apparel too.

It never fades, it ne'er grows old,

Nor fears the rain, nor moth, nor mould:

It takes no spot, but still refines;

The more `tis worn, the more it shines.

In this on earth would I appear,

Then go to heaven, and wear it there:

God will approve it in his sight;

'Tis his own work, and his delight.

by ~ Isaac Watts

Other paintings we viewed by Jennie Brownscombe in addition to this page:

Autumn Foliage

Ready for the Oven

Girl with Guitar

Give Thanks

Miriam the Musical Mentor

Miriam Makes Music

And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron,

took a timbrel in her hand;

and all the women went out after her

with timbrels and with dances.

~ Exodus 15:20

In the Scriptures, we find Miriam leading all the women in praises to the Almighty. She was a godly woman and is considered the first prophetess. No doubt her earlier acts of faith such as facing the daughter of Pharaoh bravely with a suggestion to provide a nurse for the little baby in the basket gained her respect at an early age. She was also listed by the inspired word of God with Moses and Aaron as just as important in the work that was given… She was "sent" by God.

"For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt,

and redeemed thee out of the house of servants;

and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam."

~ Micah 6:4

Miriam was an upright women and an obvious tool of the Lord. It is no wonder that women followed her down the aisle singing exaltations to the Lord God. She probably had a huge following among the Hebrew woman and had much clout as well (Perhaps too much clout as she later was bold enough to speak against the wife of Moses). Younger girls watched her every move and may have been mentored by Miriam…

But the question is, who in today's society is mentoring your daughters through music?

Counterfeit Christian Musicians...

There are some females that our daughters might look up to if given the opportunity. They disguise themselves as "Christians" in a Hollywood, secular setting. Many mothers may allow and even encourage the mentoring thinking in their heads that they are "Christian" and they are "cool". They buy t-shirts of these girls and place them on their daughters. But are these young musicians "sent" by God or is it a cunning deception? What are we moulding our daughters into?

How long do these females remain devoted to God when living in the world of glamour and glitter? Sadly, it does not take long for the "bad company to corrupt the good morals" (1 Corinthians 15:33). And if the time comes that these performers start dabbling into the worldly playground and forget their "first love" (Revelations 2:4), your daughter is already addicted to this role model and her way of life. You can tell her that she is no longer someone you want in your home but the desire to immitate her is already there. The seed has already been planted and those roots are hard to pull. We read the sorrowful news of these defeated girls more and more in the media as many young maidens have fallen from innocence into a life of promiscuity, drugs and alcohal (to say the very least)...

Dear mothers and maidens,

beware what "musicians" are introduced

 into your heart and home.

For other music related musings,
visit Magnanimous Music.


I hope I do not offend anyone with these writings for 
my true desire is to encourage and enlighten women in different areas for a faithful life.
My earnest prayer is that you receive it all in love.

Linked up to:

Far Above Rubies

Raising Homemakers
Deep Roots at Home

Beautiful Bows ~ A Craft

Bows are a timeless accessory for girls… Create your own with this simple craft. These are fun to make because they are so easy to assemble. They also make darling gifts. (If you have a collection of vintage handkerchiefs like myself, then this project is for you.) You can also use doily's, thick ribbons, bandanas, scraps of lace and fabric providing it has some sort of hem.

Activity: Make Your Own Hair Bow

Supplies:

Craft/Fabric Glue

Metal Hair Clips

Handkerchiefs

Simply iron your handkerchief and fold in half.

Now, fold again.

Next, tie the folded fabric in a knot as shown above.

Affix the bow to the back of the clip with your glue.

These types of clips have a flat side making it easy to glue something on to them.

Let sit until dry and your project is complete.

Here is another style vintage handkerchief (I just couldn't resist).

This one has a softer effect.

This would be a fun mother and me...
 with a cup of tea…
project.


Linked up to:
Far Above Rubies
Raising Homemakers
Deep Roots at Home

Priscilla Mullins Alden

"Prithee John, why do you not speak for yourself?"

~ Priscilla Mullins

Who is Priscilla (Mullins) Alden?

Priscilla Alden was one of the few "teenage" maidens aboard the Mayflower heading towards the New World leaving behind her homeland of England. Being that she was one of the youngest to be married in Plymouth, she could probably be considered one of the main matriarch's of the Christian women in New England because she started her family fresh in America.

Interesting facts about her life:

• She was seventeen years old when she boarded the Mayflower, enduring all the hardships of sailing at sea in that time.
• She lost both her parents and brother in the first winter in Plymouth (one of each siblings remained in England) leaving her the only one of her family in the "New World".
• She spun wool, flax, taught the children and helped to cook for the colony.
• Her courtship story is probably one of the most romantacized in U.S. History, especially after the poem written about it in the writings of Longfellow (her descendent) titled "The Courtship of Miles Standish". It was said that the recently widowed, Captain Miles Standish, implored the young John Alden to ask for her hand on his behalf (which was normal of the time). When John finished declaring his intentions, young Priscilla responded to him, "Prithee John, why do you not speak for yourself?" He apparently bowed and went on his way that day. But shortly after, John Alden and Priscilla were married.
• John and Priscilla were probably the third "Christian" marriage in Plymouth colony.
• They had ten (possibly eleven) children with most of them having at least six children of their own and according to the records, they all seemed to be sincere Christians as well. 
• Some of their decendents include the poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams.

Web Source 1, Source 2

What is truly special about the memory of Priscilla Mullins Alden is what she is remembered for. She wasn't a writer, a poetess, or a painter but was well known for simply being a virtuous woman.  What an excellent example to maidens as she endured many hardships at a young age and yet she continued to serve the Living God. She is also famous for being the mother of many and her claim to fame is all the descendants that came through her family tree. Priscilla was one of the women who was responsible for creating a country that documented the worthy words, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." How many women can boast that kind of fame in today's society? 

       

A Light Kindled ~ The Story of Priscilla Mullins by Tracy M Leininger (For ages 6 - 10 years)

Priscilla by George H. Boughton


Coloring Page of John and Priscilla Alden for Younger Maidens

Give Thanks

The First Thanksgiving at Plymouth by Jennie Brownscombe

"In every thing give thanks:

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18

The journey of the pilgrims consisted of storms in the sea, lack of fresh food, seasickness and buckets for the use of everything else I dare not mention (which meant a lack of hygiene and a sanitary environment in which to live). These people were also among passengers who taunted them for their faith on this historical journey to the "New World". Notwithstanding all these torments was the grief in their hearts from their final good-byes to loved ones and the great detachment from the civilized world as they knew it. They would most likely never see that world and those left behind loved ones again…

When they finally arrived at their destination, their troubles were not over! They lost one half of their people to starvation, disease and cold in the first winter. This was a journey led by God? Surely they must have felt forsaken? They had every opportunity to lose hope and faith. But, what did they do when given the opportunity?


They thanked God for everything He had done for them!

Truly there is much to learn from a people like this! In these uncertain times, it is so easy to lose heart but when looking back to the journey of the pilgrims, we can see the grace that has been shown to us in our present circumstances. May their example stand out like a beam of light in dark moments for what was the source of their strength?


The Living God and the encouraging words of the Scriptures!

This is the faith that we must hold on to in our own lives when our journey seems to go down a thorny path of sorrows and pain…

This is the faith that will sustain you in all circumstances so that when your life reaches some pinnacle point, you know that you are safely in the place God has chosen for you…

"In every thing give thanks:

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18


And thanks MUST be given
for the Lord has laid down His life for YOU…
JOHN 3:16

Other paintings we viewed by Jennie Brownscombe in addition to this page:

Autumn Foliage

Ready for the Oven

Girl with Guitar

Thoughts Concerning the King

Image from the cover of Thoughts Concerning the King  by Elizabeth Prentiss (1890)

"It sweetens every bit of work to think that I am doing it in humble,

far-off, yet real imitation of Jesus."

"God never places us in any position in which we cannot grow.
We may imagine that He does.
We may fear we are so impeded by fretting petty cares that we are gaining nothing;
but when we are not  sending any branches upward,
we may be sending roots downward.
Perhaps in the time of our humiliation,
when everything seems a failure,
we are making the best kind of progress.
Look on and look up.
Lay hold on Christ with both your poor, empty hands.
Let Him do with you what seems good to Him.
Though He slay you, still trust in Him,
and I dare in His name to promise you a sweeter,
better life than you could have ever known,
had He left you to drink of the full dangerous cups of unmingled prosperity."

"Not till I was shut up to prayer and to the study of God's word by the loss of earthly joys—

sickness destroying the flavor of them all —

did I begin to penetrate the mystery that is learned under the cross.

And wondrous as it is, how simple is this mystery!

To love Christ, and to know that I love Him — this is all."

 By ~ Mrs. Elizabeth Prentiss

Would you like to add any of these quotes

 to your Inspirational Scrapbook?

Related Postings:

Biography of Elizabeth Prentiss

Nourishing Novels by Elizabeth Prentiss

More Love to Thee ~ A Hymn

Geography Lesson – Monsieur Gaudry And His Daughter

The Geography Lesson – Monsieur Gaudry And His Daughter 
by Louis-Leopold Boilly (1761-1845)

I appreciate this painting by the French artist, Louis-Leopold Boilly since it portrays such a peaceful and endearing relationship between the father and daughter. He is apparently giving her a "geography lesson". How are your skills in the subject?

Questions for the Mothers and Maidens:

• Based on what they are wearing, when do you think this painting took place?
• What do you think her father did for a living?
• Did you notice the nice collection of books in the room? That is where I would peruse if I was a guest in that house!

Geography Journaling for Maidens (or Mothers!):

Would you like to travel the globe without leaving the love and safety of your own home? A fun project would be to travel the world through literature and make a "Geography Journal". Read books that take place in other lands and record your "visit" by marking the country on a world map or print out a blank world map and color each country you "toured" and create a notebook of sorts. It might be fun to include the date you finished your "tour" as well to bring in more detail. When you are finished reading the books, perhaps you would like to read some non-fiction sources, biographies or look up some of the famous places from that country on the Internet and do an "online tour". 

You can make this a scrapbook project and record the books you read, what you liked or disliked about them, interesting places or people they mentioned in the literature and so forth. Place information into a scrapbook, notebook or journal. You can give each country its own page and paste pictures of famous places or people from that land making sure to include the title of your book as well. If you enjoy cooking, create a meal based on the country and print out a menu for your scrapbook. Invite your family to "dine" in that land for the night. Make it a challenge by trying to read some quality literature that takes place in every country! Ideas to follow in the future...

(Linked up to: Raising Homemakers & Raising Mighty Arrows)

Heirloom Gifts for Girls

With all the cheap, plastic, technological and trendy items, our young ladies are missing out on special gifts that they can use and hand down as heirlooms to their daughters. Here are some suggestions of some beautiful and timeless treasures for the maidens in your life:

KJV 1611 Commemorative Edition in Bonded Leather and Beautiful Brown

A special Bible with all the family history dates recorded inside... Perhaps you as parents can write something special inside to dedicate the Scriptures to your daughter. You can include verses which have been a blessing to you.

Full Size Tea Service Set

Cedar Hope Chest

You may also be interested in the article, What to put in a Hope Chest?

A Music Box

Bible Framed Art of the Proverbs 31 Virtuous Woman

Keepsake Books (Here is a List)


My Personal Favorite

Pasting on a bookplate with a special thought hand written by you will make this extra special. It will also be wonderful to have your own handwriting and words available for the next generation to enjoy and benefit from. I value anything with my grandmother's handwriting since she passed away at a young age. It makes her memory more personal to me. Here is something to inspire you to write from the heart:

"If instead of a gem, or even a flower,
we should cast the gift of a loving thought into the heart of a friend,

that would be giving as the angels give."
~ George MacDonald

Comb Brush Mirror "Vanity" Set

Rose Dresser Tray

But most importantly, we must remember what means the most to any maiden:

"The greatest gift is a portion of thyself."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson