Treasures of the Snow ~ Book and Movie Favorites!

Job 38:22

During this chilly, winter season, a good book and movie are always welcome! Thankfully, wholesome books are in abundance but movies are more of a challenge. I wanted to share with you the following  gem...

Treasures Of The Snow, DVD

"High in the Swiss Alps, little Danny disappears. When he is found---alive, but seriously injured---his sister, Annette, vows revenge. Lucien, who caused the accident, escapes to the forest where he is taken in by a godly old woodcarver. Lucien wants to make amends, but will Annette learn to forgive him? Treasures of the Snow was filmed in the breathtaking Swiss Alps. The charm of genuine antique chalets will delight you. And you will experience real life drama, the tensions of ordinary people under pressures and the satisfaction of righteousness rewarded." ~ From the Publisher

There is also the excellent book (for 8-12 years) which inspired the movie. Treasures of the Snow by Patricia St. John illustrates forgiveness to our young ladies in a very realistic way that is sure to turn hearts toward the Savior.

Wholesome entertainment is hard to find but these are truly some of the best out there! Though the movie isn't to today's standards of fancy filming, the excellent message outweighs it.

Scripture that Summarizes the Story:

"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,

even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

~ Ephesians 4:32

Our Regal Reading List

Virtuous Video List

Beautifully Biblical Picture Book List

Mentored by Wonder Woman?

A confession... I grew up worshiping Wonder Woman. She was amazing to me with her special weaponry that assisted her in fighting the "bad guys". The tiara she wore doubled as a boomerang, her fancy bracelets could dodge bullets and her magic lasso forced people to speak the truth. In her special boots, she could jump extremely high! She was so very "good" in my young eyes as she pranced around in her skimpy swimwear… but she was not real, nor was she modest, nor did she even resemble a keeper at home or a Proverbs 31 woman. Most importantly, she wasn't a follower of Christ.

How many hard lessons did I have to learn because of her "glamorous" influence. This is why I encourage you to mentor your daughters using the real "wonder women" in history. Their special weapons? The armor of God! (I am sure you can guess who the "bad guy" is too.)

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." 

~ Ephesians 6:10-13

Margaret Wilson, Scottish Covenanter

Teach your daughters about the Christian heroine, Margaret Wilson, who stood staked in the rising waters with her "loins girt about with truth" (Ephesians 6:14). She was able to stand strong unto death in the knowledge that Christ was the head of the church and not man. What a wonder!

Betsie, Corrie and Nollie ten Boom

Corrie Ten Boom and her sisters wore the "helmet of salvation" (Ephesians 6:17) when they protected the persecuted Jews in their Holland homes. They knew they were "safe in Christ" with their armor on and feared not what man could do to the body. What strength and faith in God these women had!

Elizabeth Prentiss

Elizabeth Prentiss fought her battles with the pen. She wrote novels full of godly encouragement for women with the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:17). She gently exhorts us to conquer those earthly lusts and live for the Lord!

These "wonder women" (along with many others) are godly mentors for our girls (and ourselves). If we do not provide worthy examples, the world will do it for us. Their role models are always waiting to be worshiped on the pages of magazines, in the aisles of your grocery store, on the television screen with their lawless lifestyle (even if you censor the shows they watch, there is always the seductive commercials) and in homes of families and friends (sad to say). God willing, you are with your daughters most of the time which gives you the advantage. Study the heroines of the faith in the Scriptures. Provide her with examples which will aspire her to live up to a higher calling, one which would make her a "wonder woman" in her own right as she seeks the will of God in her life.

Dear readers, stand strong in your God-given armor…
hold fast to"the shield of faith,
wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." 

~Ephesians 6:16

This post may be shared with some or all of the following lovely link-ups: Modest Mom Monday's, Teach Me Tuesday, Artful Homemaking, Domestically Divine Tuesday, Raising Homemakers, Wise Woman Link Up, and Deep Roots at Home. Thank you, dear ladies, for hosting these!

Remembering Ribbons: Victorian Times

As part of our "Remembering Ribbons" series, we are showcasing the ways in which they were used during the Victorian Era. Although one might consider them a mere fashion accessory, we shall soon see that there is important symbolism behind them as well.

The Shop Girl (The Vendor of Ribbons) by James Tissot

The Victorian Era would be the last to patronize ribbons to such a large degree. Their decline would soon be known in the following centuries as feminists began to streamline clothing, eventually making the wardrobe more masculine and fitting for the work force (and therefore removing women from the home).

The Blue Ribbon by Alfred Stevens

Ribbons were sewn onto dresses, attached to hats and woven through hair. Scarcely a Victorian story could be written without addressing how the ribbon was worn by the female characters. In many a novel, it's extravagant or simple use hinted to the reader about the nature (or financial position) of its wearer...

"But the bonnet was made of solid straw, and its only trimming was a plain white ribbon put over the crown, and forming the strings."

~ Elizabeth Gaskell, Wives and Daughters

"Her dress was very plain: a close straw bonnet of the best material and shape, trimmed with white ribbon; a dark silk gown, without any trimming or flounce; a large Indian shawl, which hung about her in long heavy folds, and which she wore as an empress wears her drapery."

~ Elizabeth Gaskell, North and South

The Yellow Ribbon by Albert Tayler, 1889

The simplest of clothing became special with the addition of a ribbon. However, they were not limited to adornment of only skirts, blouses and  hair.

1928 Cameo Ribbon Necklace

Ribbons were also worn as a necklace. Although Queen Elizabeth and Catherine the Great had a vast collection of these, it was Queen Victoria who revived this style by wearing black velvet ribbons to display her lovely cameos. They were tied closely around the neck and referred to as "chokers".

     

Ribbons were also used to embellish letters (authentic example shown above) and to keep them bundled together for a sweet storage. Perhaps the ideas for modern day scrap-booking come from the ingenuity of our Victorian ancestors who loved to add beauty to ordinary things. 

Red Ribbon Heart Lariat Charm Necklace

During this time period, the red ribbon was used as a symbol of temperance (more specifically, it meant for people to completely abstain from all intoxicating beverages and to solidify this promise by "taking the pledge") ...

"The Red Ribbon is all the go;

It's the temperance sign, you know;

It is seen wherever you go,

On men who dare do right.

Three cheers for all red ribbon men,

And also those that is their friend;

God will be with you to the end,

He's ever on the right."

~ Excerpts from the poem, "The Red Ribbon" by Julia A Moore

Old Logo of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, Est. 1873

In our modern day society, the red ribbon is no longer associated with complete abstinence of alcohol but is used as a symbol to be "drug free" and warn "against drunk driving" (which is taught in the public school system during their "Red Ribbon Week"). May our lovely readers keep all three meanings close to their hearts in honor of Proverbs 20:1! Perhaps a red ribbon can still remind one of this promise?

Rose Ribbon Embroidery Pendant Kit

Lastly, to encourage a spirit of femininity and give a nod to Victorian Era ribbons...  A beautiful way to blend the past with the present can be found in these rose-ribbon embroidery pendant kits. You can learn a new skill (rose ribbon embroidery) while creating these antique style necklaces which would also make lovely gifts. 

Remembering Ribbons Series: Introduction

Remembering Ribbons: Biblical Times

Remembering Ribbons: Medieval Times ~ Reformation
Remembering Ribbons: Regency Era

Linked up with the following:

Modest Monday's

Domestically Divine Tuesday
Teach Me Tuesday's

Raising Homemakers

Wise Woman Link Up

Deep Roots at Home
Thank you to the Graphics Fairy for some of the clip art featured here.

Who Was Pharaoh's Daughter? ~ Theory #2

"And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river's side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it. 

And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews' children. 

Then said his sister to Pharaoh's daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee? 

And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, Go. And the maid went and called the child's mother.

And Pharaoh's daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the women took the child, and nursed it. 

And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water." 

~ Exodus 2:5-10

Have you ever wondered which historical princess in Egypt was the "daughter of Pharaoh" who rescued the Hebrew child from the river? There have been some valid speculations which are very interesting to study. Here you will find the first theory that we discussed utilizing the "Revised Egyptian Chronology". Today, we will focus on another thought based on the "Traditional Egyptian Chronology". This group of archaeologists present evidence that it may have been the Queen Hatshepsut of the 18th Dynasty. Was she responsible for adopting the baby Moses?

Fragmentary statue of Hatshepsut, quartz diorite,

c. 1498–1483 BC Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Some potential clues:

• She had no sons of her own and it would have been important for her to secure an heir to her throne. A baby floating in a basket in the Nile would have seemed like a gift from the gods.  (She did have a step son whom she co-reigned with. However, he was second fiddle to the throne as she declared herself the Pharaoh and often wore a false beard which further depicted her "manly status" as king.) 

Large granite sphinx bearing the likeness of the pharaoh Hatshepsut, depicted with the traditional false beard, a symbol of her pharaonic power—Metropolitan Museum of Art.

• According to "Traditional Egyptian Chronology" Timeline,

"Hatshepsut was the sole child who survived past infancy of the Queen consort, Ahmose, and her Pharaoh father, Thutmosis I. Queen Ahmose gave Thutmosis I four children, three of whom died in their youth (LoMusio 1989:85). Thus, Hatshepsut was the only woman in 1526 BC who could have had the title “Pharaoh’s daughter,” the designation given in Exodus to the person who saved Moses and later adopted him." ~ D. Hansen (Web Source)

Stone Statue of Hatshepsut

• At some point in her reign, there was a revolt against her. Her step-son, Thutmosis III, finally took over. Some speculate that he saw the opportunity to remove Moses from the picture once the death of the Egyptian became known.  This would give him the complete rule (which he was entitled to) and cause Moses to flee to Midian to escape the wrath of Pharoah who would consider him a threat to the throne (Hebrews 11:24). The revolution took place at the same time the traditional dates would have assumed Moses to be on the run, 1483 BCE (web source).

Hatshepsut's Temple

• We can see in history that Thutmosis III (her step-son) spent some time in covering up the existence of Hatshepsut after her reign (many of her monuments, etc., were defaced and destroyed). Some archaeologists assume it is because she adopted "Moses" and trained him to be the next Pharaoh which clearly would have upset Thutmosis III, who was the rightful heir. According to Tyldesley, J:

"Hatshepsut died ca. 1483 BC and Thutmosis III reigned alone for another 33 years. Whether Hatshepsut died a natural death, or was murdered, is disputed by Egyptologists. What is known is that many of Hatshepsut’s monuments and statues were defaced or destroyed after her departure. Her name was erased from cartouches across the land and replaced with the names of her father or husband/half-brother (LoMusio 1989:87). This would indicate that Thutmosis III acquiesced to removing her memory, understandable if he had had to play a secondary role to her during the first 22 years of his reign. Davis agrees with this interpretation and writes that,

"the vengeance sought upon Moses was not due only to Moses’ murder of an Egyptian official, but also to his possible association with Hatshepsut (1986:42)."' (Web Source)

• A final clue was that the 18th Dynasty prided themselves in building and there are pictures during their reign of foreign slaves making bricks which would align with Hebrew captivity according to the "Traditional Egyptian Chronology" (Web Source 1 and 2.

Although there is interesting information linking Hatshepsut as "Pharaoh's Daughter", the scholars who adopt the "Revised Egyptian Chronology" (shared in the first theory)  give reasons for her to be Queen of Sheba (this will be shared in the future). Either way, these are exciting ideas to ponder! Once again, we must realize that the Bible is true history and features real people from the past. Present these suggestions to your children, sisters and friends in order to solidify the Scriptures. Study the different theories...

"The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, 

for the ears of the wise seek it out."

~ Proverbs 18:15

I encourage you to bring the Bible to life by breathing historical information into these events! There are so many fairy tales in this world, we don't want the Holy Word to be mistaken for one...

Information for this post was gleaned from ~ 

BibleArcheology.Org

www.bibarch.com

www.bible.ca

The Finding of Moses by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema

The first theory is shared here...

Which one convicts you? Or do you have other ideas?

(I personally agree with the Revised Chronology shared in theory one.)

Linked up with the following:

Modest Monday's

Domestically Divine Tuesday
Teach Me Tuesday's

Raising Homemakers

Wise Woman Link Up

Deep Roots at Home

The "Art" of Crochet

The Crochet Lesson by Mary Cassatt

"And Diana and I had a lovely afternoon. Diana showed me a new fancy crochet stitch her aunt over at Carmody taught her. Not a soul in Avonlea knows it but us, and we pledged a solemn vow never to reveal it to anyone else. Diana gave me a beautiful card with a wreath of roses on it and a verse…"

~ Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

The Crochet Lesson by Edward Thompson Davis

"I want you to teach me how to crochet that lace I saw you making the other day..."

~ Elsie's Kith and Kin by Martha Finley

Young Girl Crocheting by Michael Peter Ancher

"There was Miss Pole, who was becoming as much absorbed in crochet as she had been once in knitting, and the burden of whose letter was something like, "But don't you forget the white worsted at Flint's" of the old song; for at the end of every sentence of news came a fresh direction as to some crochet commission which I was to execute for her."

~ Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell

Girl Crocheting by Edmund C. Tarbell

"... good-tempered and possessing the happy art of pleasing without effort. Her little airs and graces were much admired, so were her accomplishments, for besides her drawing, she could play twelve tunes, crochet, and read French without mispronouncing more than two-thirds of the words..."

 ~ Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Crochet Lesson by Federico Zandomeneghi

"We have heard that the greatest lady in the land deigned thus to serve her soldiers. We have been told of a cravat worked in crochet by a queen's fingers which fell to the share of a gallant young officer in the trenches—the same brave lad who had carried, unscathed, the colours of his regiment…"

~ Life of Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen, (Victoria) Vol II by Sarah Tytler

Lydia Sitting on the Porch Crocheting by Mary Cassatt

"She seeketh wool, and flax,

and worketh willingly with her hands."

~ Proverbs 31:13

Creating with Crochet and Musings on Mentoring

200 Crochet Flowers, Embellishments & Trims ~

Fresh Looks for Roses, Daisies, Sunflowers and More…

Longing to be like "Everyone Else"?

"All things are lawful for me,

but all things are not expedient:

all things are lawful for me,

but all things edify not."

~ 1 Corinthians 10:23

There are moments in our Christian walk where we feel isolated. We must pass on going to certain events that "everyone else" is attending. We are compelled to exclude ourselves from different places, activities, clothing and media. It happens when we believe (through our actions) the inspired words of the Scriptures and "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5).

However, loneliness can creep in… The crowds can be captivating. It can all look so easy, so carefree and without worries… It can be tempting to dive in and join in the frolic. To be like "everyone else" without the constant concerns…

Dear sisters, in these moments of weakness, let us learn from the past...

"Everyone else" drowned  in the flood... Genesis 7:23

"Everyone else" was destroyed in Sodom & Gomorrah... Genesis 19:24

"Everyone else" shouted, "Crucify him, crucify him." Luke 23:21

Oh mothers and maidens, may we never be like "everyone else"... 2 Thessalonians 1:8

"Everyone else" may continue to do ,"Everything else" that we choose not to...

But as for us, we are SOMEONE ELSE...

"...ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light..."

~ 1 Peter 2:9

With love, JES

This post may be shared with some or all of the following lovely link-ups: Modest Mom Monday's, Teach Me Tuesday, Domestically Divine Tuesday, Raising Homemakers, Wise Woman Link Up, and Deep Roots at Home. Thank you, dear ladies, for hosting these!

A Beauty Tip

William Paxton (1869-1941) - Girl combing her hair before the mirror.

"She looked at herself in the glass with some anxiety, for the first time in her life. She saw a slight, lean figure, promising to be tall; a complexion browner than cream-coloured, although in a year or two it might have that tint; plentiful curly black hair, tied up in a bunch behind with a rose- coloured ribbon; long, almond-shaped, soft grey eyes, shaded both above and below by curling black eye-lashes.

‘I don’t think I am pretty,’ thought Molly, as she turned away from the glass; ‘and yet I am not sure.’ She would have been sure, if, instead of inspecting herself with such solemnity, she had smiled her own sweet merry smile, and called out the gleam of her teeth, and the charm of her dimples."

~ Elizabeth Gaskell, Wives and Daughters

"A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance..."

~ Proverbs 15:13a

This post may be shared with some or all of the following lovely link-ups: Modest Mom Monday's, Teach Me Tuesday, Domestically Divine Tuesday, Raising Homemakers, Wise Woman Link Up, and Deep Roots at Home. Thank you, dear ladies, for hosting these!

Autumn Leaves ~ Creating Compost

Autumn Leaves by John Everett Millais

“It is not everyone,' said Elinor,

'who has your passion for dead leaves.”

~ Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility

Don't the maidens look lovely in their modest apparel? Aren't the colors brilliant in this painting? I love those burnt siennas, deep oranges and rustic browns all blended together in a heap of autumn beauty. John Everett Millais, the man who painted this picture was given a place at the Royal Academy school at the unprecedented age of 11 years old! You could see why! (View the bottom of this post for more paintings by this talented, Victorian Era artist.)

Question for Mothers and Maidens:

• What do you think they are doing with the leaves? (Let's pretend they are making compost!)

Autumn Activity:

This autumn, why not prepare a batch of compost? Compost is simply free fertilizer or soil amendment for all your planting projects. Gather up the fallen leaves in your yard and place in a pile, add raw scraps from the kitchen and grass clippings (organic matter in general). You may want to place a cover on the pile (like a burlap sack) and stir every once in a while with a pitchfork or shovel. Spray the pile with water on occasion to keep it damp. Soon, you will be pleased to have a nice and rich substance resembling soil in which to indulge your garden this spring without having to invest in garden additives. For more information: visit Making Compost ~ The Basics.

"She considereth a field, and buyeth it:

with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard."

~ Proverbs 31:16

Other paintings shared here featuring the artist, John Everett Millais:

A Beauty (A Desire to Be Beautiful)

Return of the Dove to the Ark (Waiting for Ham, Shem, Japheth)

Huguenot Couple on St. Bartholomew's Day (Remembering Ribbons Series: Reformation)

Sisters (Purity is Precious: A Collection of Quotes)

This post may be shared with some or all of the following lovely link-ups: Modest Mom Monday's, Teach Me Tuesday, Domestically Divine Tuesday, Raising Homemakers, Wise Woman Link Up, and Deep Roots at Home. Thank you, dear ladies, for hosting these!

Good Company/Against Gossip

The Gossips by Daniel Ridgway Knight

“My idea of good company… is the company of clever, well-informed people, who have a great deal of conversation;
that is what I call good company.'

'You are mistaken,' said he gently,
that is not good company, that is the best.”

~ Jane Austen, Persuasion

Ah... good company, nothing is like it! The biblical term for this pleasure would be "fellowship" and it is something we are all encouraged to participate in. However, there is a danger in certain types of fellowship for it can foster poor conversation and our words which are so easily said, hold a lot of weight in our Creator's eyes.

"But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."~ Matthew 12:36-37

Such sobering words! What is a daughter of the King to do? Please continue reading at Deep Roots at Home where I am guest posting today…

This post may be shared with some or all of the following lovely link-ups: Modest Mom Monday's, Teach Me Tuesday, Domestically Divine Tuesday, Raising Homemakers, Wise Woman Link Up, and Deep Roots at Home. Thank you, dear ladies, for hosting these!