Euodia & Syntyche or Skirt-ing the Issue

Here Bring Your Wounded Hearts by Elspeth Young

"I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche,

that they be of the same mind in the Lord."

~ Philippians 4:2

Euodias and Syntyche were both godly women in the church of Christ. The Bible indicates a difference of opinion hanging between the two and Apostle Paul felt the need to instruct them. Though their tale is told in but one sentence in the Scriptures (shown above), there is a very important teaching here for believing women today.

If there was a clear cut, black and white answer, I think Apostle Paul would have gently corrected the sister in error. Instead, he urged them to be of the "same mind in the Lord". He basically encouraged them to concentrate on the important truths that made them sisters in Christ instead of thinking on their differences.

We have many similar situations between Christian women today. Head coverings, modesty and femininity seem to be in the forefront. Such subjects of controversy and if you notice, most are of the physical nature! The examples I am going to use in this article are covering the latter two subjects though the conclusion extends into many areas of our Christian life.

There have been many excellent writings by believing women about what modesty and femininity means to them and how they interpret the Scriptures which supports their beliefs. It is a beautiful thing to see women concerned enough about God's will that they search, dig and ponder what it is that He wants for them! However, I think we must tread very delicately in these waters when we are preaching our interpretations for sometimes it brings only strife. I am not implying that we should no longer share our beliefs, but to consider how we do it. Please allow me to explain by humbly breaking down some barriers.

What is to be Done for Thee by Espeth Young

Please continue reading at Deep Roots at Home…

Sweet Summer Scenes of Beautiful Girlhood

Summer Choices

Hollyhocks

Strawberries

Peaches

“To be strong, and beautiful, and go round making music all the time. Yes, she could do that, and with a very earnest prayer Polly asked for the strength of an upright soul, the beauty of a tender heart, the power to make her life a sweet and stirring song, helpful while it lasted, remembered when it died.”

~ Louisa May Alcott, An Old-Fashioned Girl

Ode to Beautiful Girlhood

All paintings on this post are by a favorite artist of mine, Patti Bannister (official site).

Linked up with: Raising Homemakers

Remembering Ribbons: Regency Era

Detail of a portrait of Marcia Fox, by Sir William Beechey

Remembering Ribbons Series
~ The Regency Era (1811-1820)

The Regency era embraced these lovely lines of silk,
velvet and satin in every aspect of their feminine dress…

In fact, the popularity of the ribbon was one of the
catalysts of the Industrial Revolution
which took place between 1750 and 1850.

Picot Edge Ribbon (Photo Source)

In 1813, the picot-edged ribbon enjoyed the stage in the Regency Era for two solid years.

Picking Flowers for Posy by Charles Haigh-Wood

Ribbons were worn around the head like a Grecian woman would have in ancient history...

Painting by Charles Haigh-Wood

Many times in a double ribbon look, wrapped twice…

For if one was pretty, then two were real nice.

Pinkie by Thomas Lawrence

They were used to secure their bonnets and hats by tying them under the chin.

1811

They would decorate the hats themselves.

"We wore white frocks and had white ribbon in our straw bonnets…"

~ Description of the bridesmaid's of the wedding of Anna Austen,

written by a younger sister of the bride, niece to Jane Austen

How pretty and appealing they are in pink.

Portrait of a lady by Henri François Mulard, ca. 1810

Ribbons were also tied around the waists of dresses which

gave a carefree and romantic look.

Ribbon Embroidery on Hem (photo source)

They were used as a trim to embellish the "empire" waist gowns

and were also utilized in the form of beautiful ribbon embroidery.

Band of Ribbon on Hem (photo source)

Hems were decorated with bands of ribbon which added tasteful and dainty detail.

Jane Austen wearing her ribbon at bonnet and waist.

Lastly, when we think of the Regency Era,

we can not forget to consult dear Jane on the subject…

"Ribbon trimmings are all the fashion at Bath. . . . I have been ruining myself in black sattin ribbon with a proper perl edge; & now I am trying to draw it up into kind of roses, instead of putting it in plain double plaits." 

~ Jane Austen, Excerpt from letter to sister Cassandra

It is also interesting to note that in her novel, Emma,
ribbon was actually spelled (though since has been updated)
r i b a n d…

Emma by Jane Austen (An Illustration by C.E. Brock)

"Harriet had business at Ford's. Emma thought it most prudent to go with her." 

"How do you do, Mrs. Ford? I beg your pardon. I did not see you before. I hear you have a charming collection of new ribbons from town. Jane came back delighted yesterday. Thank ye, the gloves do very well—only a little too large about the wrist; but Jane is taking them in." 

~ Jane Austen, Emma

Mrs. Elton to Mr. Knightley: "That's quite unnecessary; I see Jane every day:—but as you like. It is to be a morning scheme, you know, Knightley; quite a simple thing. I shall wear a large bonnet, and bring one of my little baskets hanging on my arm. Here,—probably this basket with pink ribbon. Nothing can be more simple, you see." 

~ Jane Austen, Emma

"He [Frank Churchill] could say no more; and with the hope of Hartfield to reward him, returned with Mrs. Weston to Mrs. Bates's door. Emma watched them in, and then joined Harriet at the interesting counter,—trying, with all the force of her own mind, to convince her that if she wanted plain muslin it was of no use to look at figured; and that a blue ribbon, be it ever so beautiful, would still never match her yellow pattern. At last it was all settled, even to the destination of the parcel." 

~ Jane Austen, Emma

"Should I send it to Mrs. Goddard's, ma'am?" asked Mrs. Ford.—"Yes—no—yes, to Mrs. Goddard's. Only my pattern gown is at Hartfield. No, you shall send it to Hartfield, if you please. But then, Mrs. Goddard will want to see it.—And I could take the pattern gown home any day. But I shall want the ribbon directly—so it had better go to Hartfield—at least the ribbon. You could make it into two parcels, Mrs. Ford, could not you?" 

~ Jane Austen, Emma

Swarovski Crystal Regency Ribbon Necklace

"The ball was now a settled thing, and before the evening a proclaimed thing to all whom it concerned. Invitations were sent with despatch, and many a young lady went to bed that night with her head full of happy cares as well as Fanny. To her the cares were sometimes almost beyond the happiness; for young and inexperienced, with small means of choice and no confidence in her own taste, the “how she should be dressed” was a point of painful solicitude; and the almost solitary ornament in her possession, a very pretty amber cross which William had brought her from Sicily, was the greatest distress of all, for she had nothing but a bit of ribbon to fasten it to..." 

~ Jane Austen, Mansfield Park

"Yet so miserably had he conducted himself, that though she was at this present time (the summer of 1814) wearing black ribbons for his wife, she could not admit him to be worth thinking of again."

~ Jane Austen, Persuasion

Incidentally, black ribbons were also worn in the Regency Era as a sign of mourning (note the passage of Persuasion above).

Here is a lovely way to incorporate the feminine ribbon into your wardrobe today.

Remembering Ribbons Series: Introduction

Remembering Ribbons: Biblical Times

Remembering Ribbons: Medieval Times ~ Reformation

One Year Anniversary ~ Declaring a Purpose

This month marks the one year anniversary of this blog and I wanted to share the personal intent of it's contents. I grew up reading teen magazine which encouraged "making self happy", masculine and immodest wardrobes, techniques on how to paint your face, shallow articles about boys, celebrity gossip, worldly glamour and all the while showcasing super skinny models who lacked a healthy and wholesome glow. The influence they had on my life was tremendous and the mistakes I made (and often regret) are there to haunt me.

My desire is to encourage godly role models for mothers and maidens who can inspire us toward love and service to our Creator.  I wanted to create a "magazine" of sorts for females of all ages which showcase biblical women and content, Christian biographies of the past, feminine fashions that inspire a love for history, godly art, pure poetry and anything else that will enhance the worldview and knowledge of the believing woman.

The goal is to print "good things" (Titus 2:3) instead of the shallow articles thrown at women such as "how best to apply eye shadow". We want to cultivate an accomplished Christian woman with subjects such as science, nature, history, femininity, while exalting the art of homemaking (Titus 2). We want to nurture the life of the virtuous women (Proverbs 31) in lieu of the worldly woman (Proverbs 5). I hope we have created something of pleasure and purpose and I thank you for being a part of the plan…

"Oh, girls! girls! life is so great, so wonderful, so full of possibilities, that none of us can afford to be anything but what is good and pure and true! Let us make the perfect rose an emblem of our womanhood, and strive that its fragrance shall bless all who come in contact with it."

~ Mabel Hale, Excerpt from Beautiful Girlhood

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*Graphics courtesy of The Graphics Fairy*

Importance of Noah's Flood to Mothers and Maidens

The Dove Returning to the Ark by Mary Jane Q Cross

I have always had a fascination with Noah's Ark and paintings like these (by Mary Jane Q Cross) stir up the imagination to wonder and reflect. What was it like during those times? What a beautiful mentor would be found in Noah's wife and what godly friends would his daughter-in-law's have made! Many scientific and historical mysteries lie inside that ark. Many answers to the world around us are found by studying the scars that the world wide flood left behind (think Grand Canyon). Faith in the Scriptures can be enriched when we find evidence that all this really occurred and that there is proof that it all happened just like the word of God instructs.

Why is "Noah's Flood" so important for Mothers & Maidens?

It is important that we as women have answers to questions regarding Noah's Ark and other Bible related science topics that are under scrutiny. The Scriptures are under attack and we need to give solid  scientific explanations to children and adults that are wavering in their faith because of the aggressive teachings of secular science.  The Bible says we are to give an answer for the hope that lies within us (1 Peter 3:15). Science based information is critical in this age where evolution is being forced at the people as "fact" when it is actually their "faith" in how the world came about. Their desire is to make sense of creation without the Creator! We must remember that evolution is a theory and not proven as it is taught in the education system and assumed in the media. We need to equip ourselves to give edifying answers to our loved ones so that they can teach the generation to come with confidence that everything the Bible says is true. If they doubt one area of Scripture, what is to keep them from questioning the rest? Look how quickly the family of Noah was corrupted after the flood! We are warned to...

"keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee." 

~ 1 Timothy 6:20-21

Noah's Daughter-in-Law in the Dovecote by Mary Jane Q Cross

Science Suggestion:

Research the Biblical evidence of the flood. Did you know that there are "creation scientists" who are scientists devoted to the Scriptures? They study the world through Biblical glasses and examine science from that perspective. When they scrutinize the Grand Canyon, they see evidence of Noah's Flood doing all that carving in the earth. They support these theories with scientific proof which provides us with solid information that the Word of God can be trusted. You will be amazed at the scientific testimony that verifies Biblical history and authenticity!

A book that we read and really enjoyed on the subject which will delight your daughters was actually a (full color illustrated) picture book (though it was chock full of information and I would consider it for girls of about 8-12 years).  In the Days of Noah by Gloria Clanin dazzled my young maiden and brought a whole new perspective on the flood history. It showed Ham, Shem and Japheth finding godly women to marry and had Noah's wife being a "teacher to the younger women". The story made history come alive in a sweet but savage way since the author also depicted the wicked world and what you would find in it at that time (an interesting parallel to today's society of disbelief). The book also gives a fictional account of how things may have happened using biblical history and creation science support. The second half of the book focuses on questions and answers regarding why she wrote the things she did in the story and the historical and scientific reasons for the scenarios. Included are many creation science facts discussed to give the readers information about flood geology in an easy to understand format. 

• Mt. St. Helens Tribute to the Flood DVD (See canyons and rock layers (the sort you may have been taught take millions of years to form) created in a very short time! In this video, Dr. Steven Austin shares his spectacular and unique photography of the volcano and its after-effects. Along with thousands of other scientists and educated professionals, Dr. Austin is convinced that the Biblical Flood is reliable and is vital to a true understanding of history, its purpose, and destiny. This is one of the best tools for witnessing to non-Christians!)
• Flood Geology DVD (This stunning collection of videos from the Creation Museum explains the possible mechanisms for the Flood and the tremendous effects that the Flood had on the earth, including fossils and the post-Flood Ice Age. Be fascinated and educated as you watch these eye-opening programs.)
• Creation Mini-Series DVD Pack (Basic introduction set to creation science and why it is so vital a teaching along with information that supports science and the Scpritures, we have probably watched this set five times already in our household!)
• The "Answers Book ~ Boxed Set" (With this three book set, your home or library will hold over ninety faith-affirming answers to some of the most challenging questions about faith, science, and the Bible. Prepare yourself, your family, and your church to answer the questions of friends, and skeptics, and defend against the prevalent secular humanist culture that is invading our schools, government, and even the Christian community.)
• Genesis Record by Henry M. Morris (The Genesis Record is the only commentary on the complete book of Genesis written by a creationist scientist. Written as a narrative exposition rather than a critical verse-by-berse analysis, the book is equally useful to both the theologically trained and the layperson.)
• New Defender's Creation Bible KJV (This study Bible provides a handbook for a solid defense of the accuracy, integrity, and inspiration of the Bible, a seven-day creation, and Jesus as God's incarnate son.)

For more information on science in harmony with the Scriptures, visit...

If there are any topics in the Bible that confuse you with today's teaching of 
"so called science",

visit these articles for help and answers…

Your faith will be renewed!

Women in the Ark Series:

Noah's Knowledgable Daughter-in-Law's (A Lesson in Preparedness)

Remember Noah's Wife (Standing Strong in a Wicked World)

Waiting for Shem, Ham and Japheth (Importance of Finding a Godly Spouse)
Angel on my Shoulder ~ A Poem

Finding Friends...

"A person is made better or worse by his friends. If they are well chosen and faithful they build up and make strong the best that is in one; but if they are unwisely chosen they drag down and destroy all that is pure within. For a man will be like his friends. Show me the friends of a girl, those whom she most appreciates, and I will tell you what kind of girl she is though I never see her. Good girls have friends who are pure, noble, sincere. Girls who are careless of their deportment and reputation have just the other kind. You will find them seeking friends among those who are light-minded. A girl cannot rise higher than the level of her friends. Either they will lift her up, or she will descend to their level."

"The safest girl is the one who makes her mother her most confidential friend."

~ Excerpts from Beautiful Girlhood by Mabel Hale

"He that walketh with wise men shall be wise:

but a companion of fools shall be destroyed."

~ Proverbs 13:20