"Worketh Willingly With Her Hands" ~ Proverbs 31 Series

"Useful and ornamental needlework, knitting, and netting are capable of being made, not only sources of personal gratification, but of high moral benefit, and the means of developing in surpassing loveliness and grace, some of the highest and noblest feelings of the soul."

~Author unknown, from The Ladies' Work Table Book, 1845

We all read about the Proverbs 31 woman but how many of us actually possess the skills that are mentioned. I personally lacked many of them when first married and found my mother in law teaching me plenty.  Because of this, I was determined to pass these homemaking skills to my daughter.

We have put together some small teaching booklets, tutorials, resources, spiritual inspiration, pretty paintings, poetry and other fun activities in order to build an interest and home economic foundation for young ladies. We will also be hosting a link up per subject so that you can share your expertise with us! I hope some of this may be useful to our dear readers. We will begin this series shortly with "simple sewing skills". I hope that you can join us!

"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household,
and a portion to her maidens.

She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain:
but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates."

~ Proverbs 31:10-31

This post may be shared with some or all of the following link-ups: The Art of Home-Making Mondays, Modest Mom Monday's, Monday's Musings, Titus 2sdays, Titus 2 Tuesdays, Teach Me Tuesday, Raising Homemakers, Make Bake Create, Wise Woman Link Up, Christian Homemaking, So Much at Home, Homemaking Thursdays, Hearts for Home Thursdays, and Growing in Grace Thursdays. Thank you lovely ladies for hosting these.

Starting Small ~ Planting Seeds of Motherhood

"Train up a child in the way he should go:

and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

~ Proverbs 22:6

The world is wise enough to know that a young child is a very impressionable child. This is why the education system continues to fight to get our children into schools at a younger age. The advantage of mothers is that they can use this opportunity to advance the kingdom of God.

I recently found this little book in our archives and thought to share it with you today. "When I'm Mommy: A Little Girl's Paraphrase of Proverbs 31" by Ginger Adair Fulton is a wonderful tool to aid aspiring homemakers. Many mothers wonder when the right time is to instill the Keeper at Home/Proverbs 31 values.

Today is the day... for every book they read and every video they watch, is already instructing them in some way. Be purposeful with what you share with your maidens for everything contains a message (Be discerning. For example, do they devaluate motherhood? Etc...). What you expose your daughter to at a young age will make a huge impact in their adult lives. It is forming their worldview. 

We shy away from books where the main characters are disrespectful to elders, are demanding and spoiled (lacking parental instruction), use inappropriate words such as "stupid" and contain trendy lifestyles that the author would portray as normal (picture if you will a little one wearing earphones, listening independently to worldly music while ignoring the family, obnoxiously chomping on gum, dressed like the latest rock star).

When you see affordable, picture books with a godly message, it is also fun to think creatively with them to make the moment more enjoyable. You can create a curriculum of sorts. A book like this can be a coloring book. Read a page a day as a Bible lesson, cut out the pictures and make a "beautiful girlhood" scrapbook. Memorize and copy the corresponding verses, decorate them in pretty colors, glue down ribbons and other fancies to make for a fun craft.

I encourage you to spend time with your daughter, learning about their Creator and their biblical role now. The books we choose are vital. Tomorrow will be here quicker than you can imagine and your little girl will be a young lady.

For our favorite beautiful and biblical picture books, visit the list here.

For the beautiful benefits of mothers and daughters reading together, visit here.

For our Regal Reading List, visit here.

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

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!

Ode to the Proverbs 31 Woman

"…but thou excellest them all…"

~ Proverbs 31:29b

Many ladies begrudge the Proverbs 31 woman. Perhaps they think her too perfect for this world. Maybe her standards are too high?

When I read about her, I am inspired! She is an excellent model for us, showcasing the opportunities the "keeper at home" has to serve her household. She illustrates that the believing woman is special and highly valued, in fact she is "far above rubies". The world may suggest that the submissive, christian female must walk like a mechanical-minded mummy but the virtuous woman teaches us that it is not so.

She is a paradigm that while a godly woman is help meet to her husband, mother to her children, or a single daughter of the King, she is glowing with wisdom. She is a capable, educated, skilled and creative servant of Christ. Her example to the world is that believing women are not robots, slaves, homely, worn out, sloppy housewives, but beautifully industrious, and ready to bless all who surround her. What a wonderful mentor we have in this "woman that feareth the Lord"!

"Give her of the fruit of her hands;

and let her own works praise her in the gates."

~ Proverbs 31:31

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!

Collecting Cookbooks ~ The Hope Chest

As a young maiden, preparing for the future is very necessary. Something you can do today is start a cookbook collection. You can begin practicing new recipes on your family now and make notes on which ones were favorites and which were failures… Then, dear hubby need not be the experimental victim. These single years are an excellent time to sharpen your kitchen skills and become a culinary queen!

Cookbooks make an excellent addition to a hope chest because they are always in "style" unlike some items you may place inside and lose interest in. If you already have a repertoire of recipes but need a storage system for them, you may be interested in making an "Inspirational Recipe Book" (free printables are included with the link).

Some of our favorite cookbooks are:

• Betty Crocker Cookbook: Everything You Need to Know to Cook Today
• King Arthur Flour Whole Grain Baking: Delicious Recipes Using Nutritious Whole Grains
• With Heart And Soul (Among Friends Series)
• Keeping Good Company: A Season-by-Season Collection of Recipes, with Entertaining & Homemaking Ideas (Among Friends Series)
• Mrs. Fields I Love Chocolate! Cookbook: 100 Easy & Irresistible Recipes
• Fix Freeze Feast

"When young people marry they are rarely troubled with many thoughts about the details of housekeeping. Their dreams are high above all such common place issues. The mere mention of such things as cooking, baking, sweeping, dusting, mending, ironing—jars upon the poetic rhythm of the lofty themes of conversation. It never enters the brains of these happy lovers—that it will make every difference in the world in their home life—whether the bread is sweet or sour; whether the oatmeal is well cooked or scorched; whether the meals are punctual or tardy. The mere thought that such common matters could affect the tone of their wedded life, seems a desecration.

One of the very first things they discover is the intimate relation between the kitchen and wedded happiness. That love may fulfill its delightful prophecies and realize its splendid dreams—there must be in the new home, some very practical elements. The palace that is to rise into the air, shooting up its towers, displaying its wonders of architecture, flashing its splendors in the sunshine—to the admiration of the world, must have its foundation in commonplace earth, resting on plain, hard, honest rock. Love may build its palace of noble sentiments and tender affections and sweet romances—rising into the very clouds, and in this splendid home two souls may dwell in the enjoyment of the highest possibilities of wedded life; but this palace, too, must stand on the ground, with unpoetic and unsentimental stones for its foundation. That foundation is good housekeeping. In other words, good breakfasts, dinners and suppers, a well-kept house, order, system, promptness, punctuality, good cheer—far more than any young lovers dream—does happiness in married life depend upon such commonplace things as these!"

~ Except from The Family by J.R. Miller

The Hope Chest (What to Put Inside?)

Marmee's Hope Chest

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*

The Art of Paper Quilling

Paper quilling, also known as paper filagree is an art which uses strips of paper in which you roll, form into shapes and glue in place. During the Renaissance, quilling was used to decorate religious items and books. In the 18th century and Victorian Era, "gentlewomen" practiced this art as it was considered appropriate for their dainty natures. Women would completely cover jewelry boxes, frames, tea caddies and any other items of interest with these paper decorations.

Periodicals would print patterns for paper filagree work. The designs shown above were published in 1786 by New Ladies Magazine. 

The Bronte Sisters were known to delight in this pastime. Jane Austen was also familiar with this art form. She introduced filagree into a scene in Sense and Sensibility (chapter 23) when Elinor was eager for the opportunity to converse with Lucy Steele about their mutual acquaintance. Paper quilling provided the solution.

"I am glad," said Lady Middleton to Lucy, "you are not going to finish poor little Annamaria's basket this evening; for I am sure it must hurt your eyes to work filigree by candlelight. And we will make the dear little love some amends for her disappointment to-morrow, and then I hope she will not much mind it." 

This hint was enough, Lucy recollected herself instantly and replied, "Indeed you are very much mistaken, Lady Middleton; I am only waiting to know whether you can make your party without me, or I should have been at my filigree already. I would not disappoint the little angel for all the world: and if you want me at the card-table now, I am resolved to finish the basket after supper."

"You are very good, I hope it won't hurt your eyes-- will you ring the bell for some working candles? My poor little girl would be sadly disappointed, I know, if the basket was not finished tomorrow, for though I told her it certainly would not, I am sure she depends upon having it done."

Lucy directly drew her work table near her and reseated herself with an alacrity and cheerfulness which seemed to infer that she could taste no greater delight than in making a filigree basket for a spoilt child. 

"Perhaps," continued Elinor, "if I should happen to cut out, I may be of some use to Miss Lucy Steele, in rolling her papers for her…" 

 ~ Excerpt from Sense and Sensibility

Summer is a great opportunity to teach new skills. This is excellent employment for young ladies as it is inexpensive and indulges their minds in creativity. Plain note cards and frames could be embellished using this method. My daughter was able to fashion her own filagree tool using a cast off piece of metal. Strips of scrap paper are the only other accessory needed for the beginner.

If we want our maidens to embrace being a keeper at home, we should instruct them in economical and wholesome amusements. Arts and crafts nurture industry in the home. Our daughter's will never know idleness when equipped with many interesting hobbies. Many young women today complain of loneliness when first married and I am convinced that these types of projects provide a "Proverbs 31" alternative by encouraging them to "worketh willingly with her hands." (Proverbs 31:13b) 

You will find many other lovely ideas in the art of homemaking for young ladies here:

"The Keepers at Home handbook for young ladies is perfect for girls 7 through 16. The handbook is designed to teach and prepare girls to become godly, competent keepers of the home, Christian wives, and mothers. It includes Bible reading, Bible memory, extensive skills for practical living, and creative handiwork. Give your daughter the skills she needs to succeed at the calling God has given her." ~ From the Publisher

To be a Mother...

"To be a mother is the grandest vocation in the world. 

No one being has a position of such power and influence. 

She holds in her hands the destiny of nations; 

for to her is necessarily committed the making of a nation's citizens." 

~ Hannah Whitall Smith

An Inspirational Recipe Book ~ Free Printables

Would you like to create an "Inspirational Recipe Book"?

Scroll down to view the reason for the "inspiration"...

A set of free printables are available below should you like to try this.

The cover page is shown above and is included in the collection.

 However, you can modify it and make it your very own.

A special thank you is given to the The Graphics Fairy for 

many of the pictures are gleaned from her site.

There is a spine insert on the second page of the printables so

that you know what contents are inside when resting on the shelf.

Just cut to appropriate width and insert into spine of binder.

I place the recipes along with the subject dividers inside plastic page protectors

so that the recipes can be wiped after in case you have specks of flour,

pasta sauce, etc., which tend to splatter on your pages.

Of course, you can add any other categories you think useful.

I have included main dishes, side dishes, salads, appetizers, breakfast, yeast dough/breads,

desserts and food preservation in my free printables.

The stick on tabs make it easier to find a recipe.

Just attach them to the proper category page.

I also included a back cover page to insert inside your binder for

extra decoration and divine inspiration.

Running a household with purpose and skill requires planning and organization. One of the main tasks of the keeper at home is meal making.  In order to make this an easy operation in your future home life or current household, it helps to have a storage of supplies. In this case, a selection of tried and true recipes along with some inspiration. I used food and hospitality inspired Scripture (hence the name "Inspirational Recipe Book") to personalize my collection into a binder which is a great reminder that when we prepare a meal for our loved ones, the fellowship around that table should be in remembrance of our Lord.

And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you;

do this in remembrance of Me.”

 ~ Luke 22:19

Dear maidens, now is the perfect time to glean all those good recipes that have been useful in your current household and prepare it for your own home one day. This will be a priceless treasure to possess in your future home.

Dear mothers, you may want to create such a book for yourselves or start now with your younger daughters. Every time they learn a new recipe, add it into the book and they will have a repertoire to use for dinner making practice.

Print out your favorite recipes, place them inside plastic page protectors, attach subject tabs to title pages provided and place them in a three ring binder, filed in the proper categories.

List of recommended supplies:

• Three Ring Binder
• Plastic Sheet Protectors
• Index Tabs with Printable Inserts
• Printables (see below)

Simply download and print. Please let me know if you have any problems printing.

Noah's Knowledgable Daughter-in-Laws

The Dove is Home with Us by Mary Jane Q Cross

Noah's daughter-in-laws have a special place in my heart as the unsung heroes of the Bible. What can we say about them that is actually written?

We can focus on this truth:

These maidens were godly or they would not have been spared from the flood...

God warned them of the trials that would be coming. They would be going inside an ark and beginning life anew! What do you think they did until that final and fatal moment? My guess is that they prepared diligently with their hands and prayed with all their hearts. They learned skills. They were virtuous women. They were of the lineage that could have inspired the Proverbs 31 woman!

They undoubtedly acquired knowledge in sewing, gardening, animal husbandry and food preservation. They must have been educated in the uses of herbs and plants (which they were probably quite proficient in as it was the only God-given food source at that time) for medicinal purposes. Let us not forget the art of making oil from olives, creating pottery for dishes and weaving for clothing.  These women must have been intelligent and skilled for didn't their very lives and loved ones depend upon it for survival?

Dear ladies, we must glean what we can from these godly women. Though little is said, much is known! Hard times were on the way and they were prepared. We are placed in a similar position. Is not Christ's coming closer each day? Are not the signs on the wall? Our future as His return comes closer, is actually likened unto the days of Noah:

"But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." ~ Matthew 24:37-39

Jesus tells us that some intense moments will appear as His return draws closer:

"For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows." ~ Matthew 24:7-8 (The list goes on but I have shortened it for the sake of space.)

We are warned of the spiritual battle that will be taking place as well:

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." ~ 2 Timothy 3:1-7

Are we prepared spiritually? Daily we hear of natural disasters, loss of jobs, sickness and immorality... Are we grounded in the Scriptures to stand strong when calamaties come and test our faith?  Fill your heart, soul and mind with His word. His truths will sustain you (John 8:31-32).

We are promised that it is not easy to follow Him (Luke 14:26-27). Ask Noah's daughter-in-laws if those days aboard the ark, mourning the loss of family members, with the waves crashing against them, pungent smell of animals twenty four hours a day and a lack of fresh earth under their feet was easy. When they landed, the hardships were not over, they had to begin civilization from scratch. These women were warriors of God!

In recent history, we can learn from the matriarchs who lived during the Great Depression. Many of the women were modern at this point in time, relying on the cities and stores to provide their needs. But, hard times came and they were able to put their tucked away skills to use. They planted victory gardens, preserved the bounty, brought small live-stock back into their decorative yards, fashioned clothing for their children out of feed sacks, they patched, scrimped, remade and repurposed.

We don't know what the future holds for any of us but the woman who is prayerful, prepared, skilled and works willingly with her hands, "has no fear for her household"… (Proverbs 31:21 NIV)

"She is clothed with strength and dignity;

she can laugh at the days to come."

~ Proverbs 31:24 NIV

Dear reader, my purpose is not to scare you but to inspire you to embrace those lost arts and skills of the homemaker for we never know when they may prove useful in these uncertain times.

Will be linked up with the following:

Handful of Heart Link Up

Domestically Divine Tuesday

Raising Homemakers

Wise Woman Link Up

Deep Roots at Home

Keepers at Home ~ Historical Home Tour

"Home! The place where all man's best and happiest hours are passed.

Where in our language shall we find a word of four letters that stirs the sweet pulses of life,

like this of home - our home?"

~ Sarah Josepha Hale

Chawton, Nr Alton, Home of Jane Austen

“Ah! There is nothing like staying at home, for real comfort.”

~ Jane Austen

Rocky Ridge Farm, Home to Laura Ingalls Wilder

"Home is the nicest word there is."

~ Laura Ingalls Wilder

Orchard House, Home of Louisa May Alcott

“The power of finding beauty in the humblest things makes home happy and life lovely.”

~ Louisa May Alcott

Dorset, Summer Home of Elizabeth Prentiss (Photo Credit)

“The best convent for a woman is the seclusion of her own home.

There she may find her vocation and fight her battles,

and there she may learn the reality and the earnestness of life.”

 ~ Elizabeth Prentiss

The Biblical Home

"That they may teach the young women to be sober,

to love their husbands, to love their children,

To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good,

obedient to their own husbands,

that the word of God be not blasphemed."

 ~ Titus 2:4-5

Keepers at Home

Oh, the sweet sentiments of home!

What a blessing to be a "keeper"

where your dear ones roam.

You have the honor to govern the place that all hold dear,

Embrace this beautiful role with love,

beauty, godliness and great care.

~ JES