Pure Religion

"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." 

~ James 1:27

Sometimes we can get so caught up in keeping ourselves "unspotted from the world" that we forget the act of service written about which is visiting the fatherless and the widows. Why not make a special mother and maiden time once a month or so and visit some of the aging widows that God has placed in your lives? I am sure there are many in your family and in the church that would be a blessing to see. Bringing a cup of coffee or tea on the commute will make mother and maiden visiting time extra special. These moments will be spent living out your "pure religion" while creating a time of bonding and memories together. To think that one day your daughter will reflect of the good times she spent with her mother visiting those in need! What a beautiful legacy to leave...

The Hope Chest

GIRL INSPECTING HER HOPE CHEST by Poul Friis Nybo

These days, the thought of a hope chest leaves people thinking old fashioned thoughts. However, there is still a great use for these lovely boxes of carved wood for your daughters. They can be a special place to store special things for their future. Perhaps it won't be the exact items you would find a century back but it can be just as prized. Here are a few ideas of what you can store in them...

• Mother's favorite books of encouragement for her daughter to enjoy as an adult
• A special family Bible
• Scrapbook of her childhood pictures to treasure
• Scrapbook of family ancestors with interesting facts about their forefathers to share with future generations (like a picture style family tree with narration)
• Quilts that have been passed down or other family heirloom treasures
• Mother's wedding clothing
• Recipe book for her future household with all the family tried and true recipes (Printables here)
• Items that reflect your family culture (For example, if you are Russian you may want to put in some Russian nesting dolls, etc…)
• Store handmade objects that mother and daughter have prepared like potholders, tea towels, etc.
• A tea set

Some books that may enhance this project are:

• The Hope Chest: A Legacy of Love by Rebekah Wilson (for older girls)
• The Running Rooster (Grandmother's Hope Chest, Volume 1) by Rebekah Wilson (picture books for younger girls)
• Lucie's Snowflakes (Grandmother's Hope Chest, Volume 2) by Rebekah Wilson (picture book for younger girls)
• Personal Help for Girls Hope Chest Series Volume 1 (Ages 9 & Up) by Pearables
• Preparing Your Hope Chest Volume 2 (Building a Foundation of Godly Character for Tomorrow's Mothers) by Pearables

"Faith is the very first thing you should pack in a hope chest."

~ Sarah Ban Breathnach


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

                                                                       

Girl Chopping Onions

Girl Chopping Onions by Gerrit Dou

Doesn't she look like she has her work cut out for her? But she looks used to it, doesn't she? The artist who painted this, Gerrit Dou (1613-1675) was Dutch. Can you think of any other famous Dutch masters?

Questions for the ladies:

• Why do your eyes burn when chopping fresh onions? Wouldn't it be nice to finally have some scientific information about this under your belt? Research this little mystery and leave me your answer in the comment box…
• Based on what you see in the painting, what do you think she is preparing for dinner?

Pamela's Prayer

Pamela's Prayer (The Movie)

Description:


"This motion picture portrays the unique and heartfelt story of Pamela Bucklin from her birth in 1969 to her wedding day in 1991. It also contrasts two Christian girls and their different outlook toward purity and dating. All of Pamela's friends were dating. She was not. And it seemed unfair that her father insisted on such a high standard of purity. Yes, it seemed unfair...until the day she married." ~ by Dave Christiano Films

Highly Recommended…

Against Evil Company

Against Evil Company

Why should I join with those in Play,

In whom I've no delight,

Who curse and swear, but never pray,

Who call ill Names, and fight.

I hate to hear a wanton Song,

Their Words offend my Ears:

I should not dare defile my Tongue

With Language such as theirs.

Away from Fools I'll turn my Eyes,

Nor with the Scoffers go;

I would be walking with the Wise,

That wiser I may grow.

From one rude Boy that's us'd to mock

Ten learn the wicked Jest;

One sickly Sheep infects the Flock,

And poisons all the rest.

by ~ Isaac Watts

Far Above Rubies

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

~ Proverbs 31:10

These gems are truly beautiful but the Scriptures place the higher value on the virtuous woman since she is more than a mere ornament which sits upon a case as an idle onlooker… No, the virtuous woman herself is not idle, she is BEAUTY IN ACTION! She makes the world a better place and her existence in a man's world is a blessing… To look at beauty is one thing but to experience it in the acts of love, service and strength is priceless…

Thought for the day ~ 

What kind of gem are you? Do you sit stagnant upon a shelf waiting to be adored or are you actively beautifying the sphere that God has placed you in?

(Linked up to: Raising Homemakers)

Beautifully Biblical Picture Books for Daughters

What your daughters read will help to create who they become… Books are like private tutors. Give them the best in books to inspire godliness. Here are some of our favorites… all are beautiful hardcover editions.

Godly Character

• The True Princess by Angela Elwell Hunt
• A Little Girl After God's Own Heart: Learning God's Ways in My Early Days by Elizabeth George
• God's Wisdom for Little Girls: Virtues and Fun from Proverbs 31 by Elizabeth George

Purity

• The Three Weavers, Edited by Mark Hamby
• The Princess and the Kiss: A Story of God's Gift of Purity by Jennie Bishop

Wisdom in Choosing a Husband

• The Princess and the Three Knights by Karen Kingsbury
• The Garden Wall: A Story of Love Based on I Corinthians 13 by Jennie Bishop

Motherhood

• My Mommy, My Teacher by Johannah Bluedorn
  
• Just Like Mama by Beverly Lewis

Manners and Grace

• A Little Book of Manners: Courtesy & Kindness for Young Ladies by Emilie Barnes
• A Little Princess in the Making: A Royal Guide to Becoming a Girl of Grace by Emilie Barnes

Home Economics

• The Running Rooster (Grandmother's Hope Chest, Volume 1) by Rebekah Wilson
• Lucie's Snowflakes (Grandmother's Hope Chest, Volume 2) by Rebekah Wilson

Hospitality

• Let's Have a Tea Party!: Special Celebrations for Little Girls by Emilie Barnes
• Princess Tea Parties: Royal Gatherings for Little Ladies by Michael Sparks

Historical Role Models

• A Light Kindled ~ The Story of Priscilla Mullins by Tracy M. Leininger
• Unfading Beauty ~ The Story of Dolley Madison by Tracy M. Leininger
• The Land Beyond the Setting Sun ~ The Story of Sacagewea by Tracy M. Leininger
• Nothing Can Separate Us ~ The Story of Nan Harper by Tracy M. Leininger
• Corrie Ten Boom: Shining in the Darkness (Heroes for Young Readers) by Renee Meloche
• Corrie Ten Boom: Are All The Watches Safe (Little Lights) by Catherine Mackenzie
• Amy Carmichael: Can Brown Eyes Be Made Blue (Little Lights) by Catherine MacKenzie

Beautiful Girlhood Collection

For some inspiration in selecting books and media for your family...

click here ~ What to Read and What to Watch?

(Linked up to: Raising Homemakers &
A Wise Woman Builds Her Home)