A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

How's Your Atmosphere?

2012-01-27T09:03:00.004-06:00

I have been in some of the most beautiful homes, with the finest of furnishings and decor, and found the atmosphere to be lacking, filled with stress, strife or anger. Other times, I have been in the poorest of homes, that lack in adequate furnishings for the family, and yet felt the atmosphere's sweetness, cheerfulness, love and relaxation. It truly does not matter what your home looks like, as much as how your home feels!

The atmosphere in a home is not created by the physical beauty of its belongings, as much as the emotional energy it holds. As mothers, we often are directly responsible for that atmosphere! We need to be pleasant, sweet, and loving, perseverant even under trials, in order to have an atmosphere that blesses all those that enter it. We are able to do this, as we lean into God, who loves to love through us..

I found this lovely encouragement on Facebook the yesterday from Above Rubies. What a wonderful reminder about the importance of atmosphere in the home!

You can get Above Rubies Magazines free HERE.

May you be blessed as you build up your sacred homes for the Lord!

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The Worth of a Homemaker

2012-01-26T09:11:00.000-06:00

Valuable read over at my other blog, Raising Homemakers.

Sweet Lauren of My Corner Pillar is sharing:

A Homemaker is Worth How Much?

Enjoy!

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Precious Daughters and Link-Ups

2012-01-25T08:49:00.002-06:00

Daughters are precious and in the Fuentes household we have three! We are always on the look out for great resources to put in front of them and thought we would share a few with you. Some books that my older daughters have enjoyed are:

Before You Meet Prince Charming-now on sale for $10.50

This is a wonderfully inspiring book about saving yourself before marriage and preparing yourself with lots of biblical reference. Sarah Malley is the same author of Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends.

Beautiful Girlhood Companion Set

The book deals primarily with the Christian character development, moral virtues and manners of pre-teen and teenage girls. It is one of the best-selling titles in the homeschooling community.

What’s a Girl to Do about Boys Set (2 Books 3 CDs)

is now on sale for 41% off and only $39!

This package provides young women and their parents with an even more comprehensive overview of marriage preparation and godly womanhood.

This set includes:

If you don't see anything you like here you can
also visit my list of recommended books here:

Book Lists for Daughters

Now onto our linkup!

A Wise Woman Builds Her Home is a place to be encouraged in your high and noble calling of role of wife and mother and daughter to the King and we want to encourage each and every single reader out there to build up strong Christian homes to the glory of God.

If you have a post you would like to share regarding the topic above or that has to do with building up your home, homemaking, character, hospitality, femininity, family, tea, New Years goals, organization,etc. we would love to have you share it with us!

When you link up here please use the image below to let others know that you have linked up here so that they might join in the fun and be encouraged as well:

(It's easy--just copy and paste the code in this box!)

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The Truth About Discontentment

2012-01-24T10:01:00.003-06:00

"If only we could have a bigger home, a bigger salary, an extra car, better appliances, obedient children--then I would be happy. It seems like everyone else has these things, why can't I?"

The young mother grumbles under her breath as she attempts to clean her tiny home. She has rehearsed this in her mind so many times and now she is entertaining these thoughts:

"If only my husband would work harder"

"If only I had married someone else"

"I can't stand being around the children"

"Why is my life so hard?"

Then she becomes depressed and discouraged, often crying herself to sleep at night.

Her husband comes home and they argue about money and she is quite irritable with children too.

But the truth is that this dear mama needs to guard her heart.

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Proverbs 4:23

And she needs to take captive her thoughts:

"and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5

We have to check our discontentment---is it leading me to do good and change my life and behavior for the better or is it causing me to sin in my own life, against others and my God?

And when materialistic discontentment rears its ugly head in our lives, we also need to ask ourselves the hard questions..

Am I discontent with what the Lord has given me?

This is a hard truth to wrestle with, but at the end of the day, do I pass the test of thankfulness?

Because if ultimately everything I have is because of Him, I need to acknowledge that. Whether it is good or bad. I also need to acknowledge that if I am discontent and unhappy with what He has provided that day then that is sinning against Him. Is He and His grace not enough (2 Cor 12:9)? Am I not thankful with the food and shelter He provided (Matthew 6:25-34)?

"Godliness with contentment is great gain." 1 Timothy 6:6

Sinful thoughts in us can lead us to tearing down our homes and wives, Satan as well would love to steal the joy from us and our flesh is weak. He would love for the root of bitterness to grow in our lives. We can become prime targets aiding his attempts to destroy the our homes--and know that he will try to sneak his way in their somewhere! We cannot and should not allow it.

So next time, dear ladies, when you find yourself in the seat of discontentment, ask yourself if you are thankful with what He provided that day.

Examine your hearts to get to the bottom of the motive of your thinking and ask the Lord to shed His light and truth on your situation.

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A Wise Woman Builds Her Home Trailer

2012-01-23T09:30:00.001-06:00

Last week I had announced on Facebook that I was working on a special project--I was actually working on a video trailer for this blog so we could spread the word about it over at YouTube, Facebook and on your blogs!

Well now it is all done and I am happy to share it with you!

We also have a new trailer for our eBook True Christian Motherhood:

Let me know what you think and feel free to share them too!

Have a blessed day!

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Love Around the Block Facebook Party

2012-01-23T08:14:00.008-06:00

Since Valentine's day is around the corner we are having a virtual party with five other bloggers to celebrate on February 7th so be sure to save the date!

Love Around the Block Facebook Party

The Hostesses and Topics

A Wise Woman Builds Her Home - Love of Hospitality
Like a Bubbling Brook - Loving the Body of Christ
Far Above Rubies - Loving Your Home
The Modest Mom - Loving Your Children
Raising Mighty Arrows - Loving Your Husband
Under the Golden Apple Tree - Homeschool Love

Watch the video:

The ladies and I will share insightful tips, answer questions, have fun, AND giveaway
HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF PRIZES ON OUR FACEBOOK WALLS AND BLOGS!

Some of our many sponsors include:

Vision Forum
Dayspring
Doorposts
Adorabelle Designs
Wise Woman Consulting
A Great Impression

and much more!

You can join us and view details of the event by clicking HERE.

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Wise Hearts, Wise Tongues

2012-01-21T09:50:00.007-06:00

Do you struggle with anger towards your children?

Nancy Wilson of Femina shares some wise words on anger:

"Now how can a sweet Christian woman get angry and say “evil” things to her children?

Does that mean she has “evil” in her heart?

Unfortunately, that’s what it means.

We all have evil in our hearts.

No one is good.

So we all need gospel grace day in and day out..."

Read her article on 10 ways to have a wise tongue.

You can find great books by her HERE.

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Warrior Mothers-Guarding Home

2012-01-20T08:51:00.012-06:00

Kelly over at Generation Cedar wrote an important reminder today:

"The home is a concentrated point of attack from an enemy who seeks to steal, kill and destroy.

In battle, a known point of attack would be heavily fortified and guarded. I find it no coincidence that “keeper” as in “teach them to be keepers at home” from Titus 2, is translated from a Greek word meaning “to guard”.

Sadly, our enemy has done a stellar job at offering all the right decoys, blinding us to the very NEED to defend home.

We are warriors in the greatest, spiritual sense. Fighting for our homes, our marriages, our children and our own integrity as women of God.

This isn’t about “well, good for you but I’m not made for that sort of thing…it’s not my calling”.

If we have homes, we are called."

Read the rest here:

Warrior Mothers-Guarding Home

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Need more encouragement as a mother?

Get our eBook- True Christian Motherhood

Blog Design On a Dime Review

2012-01-19T09:45:00.008-06:00

How many of you know sweet Jacinda from Growing Home?

She has the prettiest little blog that you should visit:

Jacinda sent over her new ebook for me to review, Blog Design on a Dime:

Since I am a blogger AND an experienced blogging consultant, I was really looking forward to reading this ebook! Can I just say that this ebook really delivers? When I first got it I pored over its pages and read it from beginning to end. Here are my thoughts...

This is an invaluable book for any blogger beginning or seasoned. She covers the basics of how to design headers, buttons, social media images, installation and more while teaching us several tricks on the way. The best part? She teaches us how to do this for FREE! Yes, FREE. Not a penny, no fancy software, just through her simple tutorials and creativity. This is wonderful because now anyone can have a pretty blog and not have to pay expensive designer fees to get it.

I also want to add that her tutorials are very simple. You won't get lost trying to understand technical jargon, Jacinda teaches us simply using every day language that even my daughter , who is just fourteen and interested in designing, understood everything.

The best thing is that it is not a long and drawn out book. I am a busy mom and don't have time to read long books as much as I'd like or have in the past, I appreciated the fact that it was an easy read PLUS puts valuable skills into any blogger's hands in a quick fashion. No fluff, no wasted time--just getting straight down to business! That's my kind of book!

I highly recommend this book for every blogger---as a consultant I advise bloggers to have a beautiful, eye-catching blog for their readers. It is important, as you only have a few seconds to impress and if you don't you can lose new readers. Get this book and change that!

You can get this book here at the low price of just $4.99!

That is a steal!

AND---

since I am talking about blogging I am also going to extend the Wise Woman Consulting: Learn to Make Money Blogging in 2012 sale for ONE MORE DAY! The sale is for 15% off and now just $85, you can read about the details or sign up here. We were overwhelmed with the response to this sale and want to thank everyone for signing up! We look forward to consulting with each and every one of you!

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On Slowing Down and Link-Up

2012-01-18T08:13:00.006-06:00

Hurry is a pace of life

that is seldom conducive to godliness,

to relationships,

to anything

that ultimately matters to us.

-Nancy Leigh Demoss

Mothers, sometimes we need this ever important reminder
to remind us to slow down

and evaluate what is really important.

Now while you are thinking about that we would love for you to link up with us.

A Wise Woman Builds Her Home is a place to be encouraged in your high and noble calling of role of wife and mother and daughter to the King and we want to encourage each and every single reader out there to build up strong Christian homes to the glory of God.

If you have a post you would like to share regarding the topic above or that has to do with building up your home, homemaking, character, hospitality, femininity, family, learning, how-to, etc., please share it with us!

When you link up here please use the image below to let others know that you have linked up here so that they might join in the fun and be encouraged as well:

(It's easy--just copy and paste the code in this box!)

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REMINDER:

Don't forget that today is the last day for our Blog Consultation Sale
on learning how to make money blogging in 2012
- it ends at midnight!

Learn to Make Money Blogging in 2012

2012-01-17T08:07:00.010-06:00

**UPDATE: THE SALE HAS BEEN EXTENDED FOR ONE MORE DAY-NOW ENDING AT 1/19 AT MIDNIGHT!**

I love the New Year.

It is a time for fresh starts.

It is a time for all things NEW.

Amazing things have happened here on the blog and one of them was learning how to make money to help my family by bringing in some supplemental income. We have 8 children and it is *such* a blessing, I cannot even begin to tell you.

This past month we made six times more than we did the previous December--God allowed us to earn over $3000 in just one month. I hesitated to share here, not wanting to seem as if I were boasting (we only boast in the Lord) at all as it is easy to get that impression when you can't hear the tone our voice of a person through their writings--but it is the truth, we couldn't believe it ourselves! When I asked good friends their opinion on sharing this information they told me I definitely should share it so that people so that people would really know what the possibilities are to be made blogging. The truth is, there are bloggers out there making even more than me! Some make a six digit income a month!

I had always thought you needed the "right connections" etc. to be able to do it, but you really don't. I am now teaching women all over the globe how to make money blogging and would love to teach you too! Will 2012 be the year you start earning some part-time income from your blog?

Is your blog making what it could?

Could you help to bring in money from the comfort of your home while doing something you enjoy?

Are you daily blogging away with little traffic, growing discouraged, not earning a dime and ready to throw in the towel with the whole thing?

If you have thought of any of the above, I would love to consult with you!

My heart is to see moms being able to help moms make money at home. I know that especially in these challenging times with the economy not looking good that this information can be very helpful so I would love to help everyone to be able to do the same.

.
My normal fee is $100 but I am having a sale now for just $85
(everyone keeps asking when the next sale is, so here it is!)

Services will include:

-personal critique of your blog/or how to start one

-how to build/grow traffic to your blog

-1 personal phone consultation

-how to advertise and do giveaways

-how to charge advertisers and rates samples

-private consulting through email, instant messaging or phone (optional)

-access the private site for my personal notes

-other ways to earn income through your blog

-1 week worth of corresponding via email after phone consultation to help answer any extra questions

-valuable tips and resources

-and much more!

If you are interested you can contact me at: wisewomanconsulting@gmail.com or leave a comment with your email address below. Or checkout here:

I am also offering payment options so if you would like to pay half now ($45)) and half later ($40), whenever you can before our phone consultation) you are more than welcomed to, just contact me and I will send you an invoice.

Here is what a satisfied client had to say:

"Mrs. Fuentes gave me clear and precise instructions on how to advertise on my blog. The information she shared with me is invaluable. Since implementing a few simple tips, my blog traffic has increased by 50%. Mrs. Fuentes consulted with me via telephone and email. The services I received was well worth the money I paid. By the end of our time together, I knew exactly what to do to begin advertising. I highly recommend Wise Woman Consulting to any woman looking to work from home. It is hard work, but effort and diligence will pay off in the end. Wise Woman has successfully proven that making money from your blog is profitable and rewarding."

- Mrs. Jasmine Cucuta, Far Above Rubies

Note: After a few short weeks, Mrs. Cucuta has already begun successfully advertising as well!

Read more testimonials here.

I would love to consult with you!

If you have any questions I would be happy to answer them!

(Sale ends 1/18 at midnight)

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"Men, Will You Vow to Lead?"

2012-01-16T18:08:00.003-06:00

I love when godly men call on other Christian men to lead:

Pastor Mark Driscoll share his thoughts here and
also has a free downloadable poster--

Click here to get it.

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A Home for the Homeless

2012-01-16T09:14:00.013-06:00

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:
to look after orphans and widows in their distress
and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

--James 1:27

One of the things I really want to do this year is showcase different ministries to get the word out here of different needs and how we can all help in some small way. One ministry I wanted to share was

AdoptUSKids.org

for adoption that apparently allows you to adopt children for free and give you a listing by state of every child that needs to be adopted (just click Meet the Children on the site to view the many children who need a home). I read through some of the children's profiles and it was really hard to hold back the tears.

On the subject of adoption, I also wanted to share a story of a Christian family who is currently trying to raise money to bring their daughter, Kayla Joy, home. They are having a fundraiser along with Paula Ramm of Lilla Rose AND a wonderful giveaway full of beautiful things to win.

Please read the rest of their story HERE.

There are several ways to help out this family--you can donate, spread the word by sharing on Facebook, blog about it, tweet, email, about this, enter the giveaway, etc., please consider and be prayerful about how you can help in some small way.

Also be sure to grab their button and put it on your site:

Please share this post using the social buttons below so we can get the word out
remember it takes one person to help change the world.

Let's bring this daughter home!

THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts and

have a blessed day!

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Let Her Beloved Be Content

2012-01-13T10:15:00.008-06:00

She asks not how her behavior may please a stranger,

or how another’s judgment may approve her conduct;

let her beloved be content

and she is glad.

-Charles Spurgeon describing the excellent wife

I was perusing some archived posts and saw this gem of a quote
and thought we needed to pull it out again as a reminder

to put our best foot forward for our marriages in 2012.

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Wise Woman Hot Tip:

It's homeschool sale time at Vision Forum! Right now save 25%-50% off Web list pricing on all homeschool curricula and supplemental resources. Plus, through today only receive free standard shipping on orders of $50 or more when you enter coupon HOMESCHOOL while viewing your shopping cart. Click HERE for all the details!

Decorating with Tea Cups

2012-01-12T09:24:00.002-06:00

In honor of National Tea Month, as promised we are having a week of posts full of tea inspiration. Today I am taking a look at decorating with teacups and have found some inspiring ideas over at Pinterest. These first few photos are my favorite I love the idea of a teacup chandelier:

This is truly breathtaking...I think if I saw this in person I would just stare at it for a long time!
During the holidays I like to deck mine out with ornaments but it looks no where as impressing as this one.

Pearls, teacups and pink are always a favorite and would even look cute in a girls bedroom.

We have all heard of tea candles, but this picture shows tea candle lights! I love how it can be pretty AND safe if you have lots of little children around and still add a glowing ambiance.

Or use one for a pretty display of jewelry on a dresser--

or in one!

Stately on a buffet...

or even dangling from a tree!

(Don't forget, you can find all the links over at my Pinterest board.)

Also, if you need a good book to learn about tea try this one:

Afternoon Tea by Susannah Blake

I have been admiring these lovely Gracie China Rose Chintz teacups for awhile now (hmmm...I wonder if they will fit on my chandelier) and will probably pick up a set of these soon. You can find these and more here.

Hope you enjoyed the inspiration!

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The Organized Homemaker and Link Up

2012-01-11T09:56:00.009-06:00

Homemaking is quite a challenging job and many of us want to do it well this year with big hopes of this year being better than last. Homemakers are in charge of quite an abundance of responsibilities and we are wise when we put thought into the process and make plans of how we can execute them.

I like to use a planner to guide me through the month, this way I can plan long and short term projects without keeping all the details in my head which can ultimately end up overwhelming me. When you get things on paper it frees up mental space to attack the present. You are free to think clearly because you have "organized your thoughts", if you will. I don't get very elaborate but just jot down the basics and it helps my day to go alot smoother.

Here are some planners that might be helpful to you:

The Well Planned Day Family Homeschool Planner

(click on the link to link inside)

Amy Knapps Big Grid Family Organizer

(click link to peek inside)

The Ultimate Homeschool Planner

(Click above to look at how well and inspiring they have everything laid out)

We hope these suggestions will be helpful for you. The Scriptures exhort doing all things to bring glory to God and we also want to do this with how well we manage our time, our home and our family! While we will never be perfect at it all, we can truly try to do our best for Him. My prayer is that we would do this well without melting down, getting impatient with our families, etc.--organizing our lives can help with that alot.

Now onto the link-up:

When you link up here please use the image below to let others know that you have linked up here so that they might join in the fun and be encouraged as well:

(It's easy--just copy and paste the code in this box!)

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Beautiful 1800's High Tea Birthday Party!

2012-01-10T00:27:00.008-06:00

I love teas and just love sharing lovely tea parties with you here on the blog, and to celebrate National Tea Month in January we are going to have a week of tea themed posts AND get a chance to kick it off with a priceless look at a beautiful 1800's birthday tea party! Isn't that just so exciting? Indeed! So here we go...

The first thing you need to know is that all the credit goes to Muriel Hedgcock. She created this lovely event for her daughter and here is what she had to say:

"We enjoyed planning and working together as a mother and daughter team preparing for my daughter's 18th Birthday High Tea. To add to the decor we each did a painting. Caitie painted an 1800's style self-portrait for fun, and I did the backdrop of a window scene of an English rose garden. We made place cards and attempted making sugar roses for the first time. It gave us a lovely mother and daughter time of fun & challenge. Our guests all came dressed up for the occasion and brought beautiful poems, songs and musical pieces to share with us. We all joined in the regency dancing my daughter had prepared, which added to a delightful afternoon that will be a most memorable one."

This was my daughter's Birthday address:

This 18^th birthday tea party has an 1800s theme, and this is not only for a chance to dress up and do things that are very different to usual. The 1800s was a time that had its problems, but it was also a time in which the differences between ladylike behaviour and unladylike behaviour, propriety and impropriety, politeness and bad manners, and a gentle, quiet spirit and a loud and rebellious attitude, were clearly defined in strong contrasts.

We have in the world today a crisis of femininity, modesty, and propriety. This party was meant to be an opportunity to display these virtues.

1 Pet. 3:3,4 reads, “Do not let your adornment be merely outward – arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel – rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.”

Prov. 31:30, “Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.”

I hope you all thoroughly enjoy this high tea, and we pray that it will be a great blessing to all of you.

(Absolutely stunning!)

Wow--Muriel, thank you so much for allowing us to to view and share the beauty of this day. All the time, hard work, and effort was well invested in your relationship in growing memories with your precious daughter.

We are sure this is one birthday that she will never forget!

Now, my dear readers, if you would like to see more inspiration for tea parties (perhaps you'd like to plan on this year for your daughter), feel free to click here.

TEA RESOURCES:

If you are looking for a place to get great tea to do some celebrating,
click HERE or HERE.

Looking for pretty tea china?

Heirloom quality tea set to pack in her hopechest?

We hope you enjoyed viewing these pictures!

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Linking with Far Above Rubies

Biblical Communication-Attacking the Problem

2012-01-09T08:38:00.002-06:00

As a first generation Christian one of things I struggled with was learning how to communicate biblically, as sinners this is something we all struggle with since the flesh seems to have its own mind at times.

I am so grateful for this post that share Four Rules to-

Biblical Communication

for a truly great reminder of how to bring glory to God in every situation,

and hope you glean from it and enjoy it too!

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Listening to the Voice of God

2012-01-08T21:54:00.003-06:00

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Fresh Homes and Purging

2012-01-06T10:03:00.006-06:00

This past week we have been busy doing the usual purging of toys that comes after Christmas. We threw away old toys, broken toys, and toys we didn't want to clean up anymore to make way for the new.

We also tackled some painting projects. We tackled three rooms at one time. How did we do that? I assigned each of my children to do a room themselves with me overseeing and managing. It was fun, it got done, it wasn't perfect, but now we have freshly painted walls in three rooms!

There still is alot to do (please don't look in my basement, we are tackling that next week) but we are so glad that we can start somewhere. January is really a great month to purge, declutter and get things organized.

A great motivator for us was stumbling across the show Hoarders. If you every want to get motivated decluttering your home, this show will do it for you:

(some things in the show series is not for children-use discretion)

Also, some books I would recommend for cleaning are:

Weekend Makeover:
Take your Home from Messy to Magnificent in Only 48 hours!

This one is my all time favorites! When I want to get motivated, I pick this one up and miracles begin happening around our house...

31 Days to Clean: Have a Martha House the Mary Way

Take the 31 day challenge and have Sarah Mae lovingly guide you through cleaning your home and having a vision to do it.

Large Family Logistics: The Art and Science of Manage the Large Family

This book is not just for large families, its great for small ones too! Everything you can think of to manage your home and life.

Home Comforts: The Art and Science of Keeping House

This book is a complete guide on how to clean everything you can think of in your home and perfect gift to put in a daughter's hopechest.

I know cleaning can be a struggle for many moms, it is hard to keep a space clean when you and your family are living there 24 hours a day.

With a big family, one of the wisest things I think I have ever done was reduce what we own. Throwing out items in order to bring more simplicity into our lives. It seems that because we are a big family that we need to constantly reevaluate what we have and somehow everything STILL multiplies! But for the new year my desire is to simplify my life and reduce what takes maintenance so I can make room for what really matters.

I am spending the next two days cleaning like a mad woman. I am taking advantage of the mood before it goes away!

What projects do you like to tackle in January?

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Purposeful Mothering in the New Year

2012-01-05T09:53:00.004-06:00

The mother is designed by God to be a source of great blessing to her husband and children; she is to be the "very soul of the house." And mothers underestimate the power in their hands to bring their families great good.

-Nancy Wilson, Building Her House

We love sharing about blessed motherhood here on the blog, it is one of our passions! I remember as a young mom starting out and having no one to talk to and no where to go for guidance. The days felt long and no one had told me that motherhood was supposed to be a blessing.Thankfully I got saved early on and that changed my entire world around.

I heard little on motherhood in the church. Maybe a snippet here or there but not enough. Not what I was looking for or needed. What a blessing it was to eventually find good material on motherhood to help encourage, guide and direct me.

Many of us have goals for how we will mother in 2012 and some of it may look like this:

spend more time with my chidren
be more patient
be "in the moment"
enjoy mothering
read more to my children
training children and being consistent

and the list goes on...

Now I don't want any of you to get overwhelmed, really it is just taking it day by day and minute by minute, remember not to follow what others would have you do, but what the Lord would like you to do that measures true success.

We would also love to help you---today we are having our ebook True Christian Motherhood on sale to help you get focused in the new year. For just $5 you will get guidance, encouragement, vision and support and that is PRICELESS!

(Watch the trailer HERE)

Here is what others have said:

"I downloaded my copy yesterday and read the first few chapters. There was just one word which popped into my mind as I read - this is not just helpful and encouraging this is 'powerful'. I pray that the words that the Lord has given you will give those that read hope and a renewed vision for the role of motherhood and all that God intended it to be. When God is moving the church tends to point to crusades and short lived 'movements' but fails to see what is happening in homes across the world as the hearts of mothers are revived and fathers' hearts are turned to their children - as Angus Buchan, a man who preaches to thousands, once said 'Revival begins at kitchen door.'

Thank you June - I believe your book will not just be read, printed off and set aside but with God's help be lived out and be part of that kitchen door revival." -Ann, Austrailia

"This book is not for religious perfectionists, nor is it a "homeschoolers-only" book. It is written for all of us mortal, flawed sinners. But it doesn't leave us there. It encourages us to reach out for a little bit of heaven on earth, and a part of that occupancy that Jesus spoke to us about—God's Kingdom coming to earth into our homes and personal sphere of influence.

I wish that each of my readers could have a copy of this work —the fruit from that would be incalculable. She shares wonderful and practical insights to mothering and motherhood." -Mother of 15 blessings, Large Family Mothering

New Year Success Defined and Wise Woman Link-Up

2012-01-04T09:05:00.008-06:00

Many of us define success differently.

This new year I want you to think about what defines success for you.

For some it might be big bold dreams.

And for others it is achieving simplicity in life.

To love better.

Serve others.

Live joyfully in the dance of life.

Reconciling.

Taking baby steps.

Creating a haven and refuge for those we love.

Being still and listening.

Relishing the moment.

Cultivating gentleness and peace.

Sitting at the feet of the Father.

Growing in kindness.

Helping those in need.

Patience- taking it day by day with the children.

Giving grace abundantly (and still giving it again).

Building up instead of tear down.

Bring life and healing.

Valuing time with the children and being available for them.

Sharing Him more...

Whatever you do, don't let others define success for you.

The Lord has made each one of us unique and today is the day to slow down enough to listen to what He is speaking to your heart. His definition of success for you and not the worlds.

And take it day by day!

Now we'd love to hear from you and have you join our link-up:

A Wise Woman Builds Her Home is a place to be encouraged in your high and noble calling of role of wife and mother and daughter to the King and we want to encourage each and every single reader out there to build up strong Christian homes to the glory of God.

When you link up here please use the image below to let others know that you have linked up here so that they might join in the fun and be encouraged as well:

(It's easy--just copy and paste the code in this box!)

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On the Raising of Sons

2012-01-03T10:34:00.005-06:00

Sons run on respect just like their fathers, and it is important that they not only see their fathers respected, but they must receive respect in the home as well. It will look different from the respect that the head of the house receives, but sons need to be praised and admired for their achievements and accomplishments just like Dad.

This means mothers treat their sons with courtesy and sister are taught to treat their brothers the same way. Courtesy excludes scolding, running down, picking on, or criticizing. Mothers should not share their son's weaknesses, failures, or sins any more than they should share their husband's. Rather, they should seek to build them up, encourage them, and praise them for their good work.

--from the chapter Mother and Sons,
Building Her House by Nancy Wilson

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Happy New Year Goals and Vision

2012-01-01T09:52:00.019-06:00

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.

The old has passed away; behold,
the new has come.

2 Corinthians 5:17

A Happy New Year to all of our special readers!

We are looking forward with great anticipation to what the Lord will do this new year in our life and yours. We know that He has great plans for each and everyone of you and we can't imagine facing a new year without Him. If you don't know Him, it is high time that you begin to. Just click here and read on.

With that said, I would like to share with you some links that might be helpful to you if you'd like to be inspired to plan out the year:

Kingdom Notes: Planning for a New Year

New Year Vision

It is okay not to make plans if you are not up to it, just know that God has made plans for you already! One year I was not up to making any plans, so I made one simple goal--to serve Him. That was a powerful year for our family indeed.

In 2012 I also believe the Lord will:

bring many lost to faith in Him
help us to have wisdom to serve Him faithfully
help and teach us to become better wives
help and teach us to become better mothers
help and teach us to be better homebuilders

and continue the mighty work He has begun in us as he continue to prune us and produce fruit in us for His glory alone.

There is GREAT HOPE that we have in Him
--not in our flesh, not in our strength, not in this blog or yours.
But to Him because with Him all things are possible.

This new year is no exception.

May we all bring Him great glory in 2012:

Shout with joy to God, all the earth

Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious!

Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds!"

So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you!

All the earth bows down to you ;

they sing praise to you, they sing praise to your name!

Come and see what God has done,

how awesome his works in man's behalf!

He turned the sea into dry land,

they passed through the waters on foot---

come, let us rejoice in Him.

He rules forever by His power!

As I have said last week, one of the main things I want to do this year is focus more time on my family. I am hearing all over from moms how they want this too, they are feeling pulled in all directions and distracted by things (like being online) and want to really be engaged with their families this year. I think this is a wonderful goal and very important to savor the time God has given us with these special people in our lives.

Also, if you haven't already read it, I wanted to share Three Things to do For the New Year, a wonderful way to reflect on the past year and begin the next:

And finally, if you are not involved in a church, this is the year to get serious. Find a sound church and get plugged in! This year the Lord led a group of people, including my family, to start a family integrated church, so if you are in the area, come and visit!

Here is a song that I hold close to my heart for this New Year:

(just brings tears to my eyes!)

I look forward to what this year holds--may this blog continue to be a place that encourages you and brings you vision and hope as we together embark upon this great and wonderful journey of biblical womanhood and motherhood...

SEMPER REFORMANDA!

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The Comparing Game: "Little Miss Perfect"

2011-12-30T08:42:00.003-06:00

We all know her. She is the woman who has it all together. She has the love of 1 Corinthians 13 down pat and she never falters. She always smiles at her husband and is his constant encouragement. She is gentle and kind and practices unwavering patience with her children.

And when difficult times come? She never doubts or even dares to question the Lord. Her faith stays strong and steady. We can almost bet on it that her home is orderly and constantly peaceful. She never reaches her limit. And her children!! So polite and helpful are the older ones, and the little ones so obedient and cheerful! Her husband adores her and is never cross at her. He must make a sufficient living, too, so they never go without.

We think about her, watch her and are amazed, but after a while of doing so we grow discouraged. “I can never be like her,” we say. “What is wrong with me to be lacking all of that in my life?” We compare. We grow frustrated and we may even begin to judge her. We may even go as far as deciding we do not like “little miss perfect”...

I found this gem while visiting Ladies Against Feminism, another blog I contribute at, please read the rest of the article here:

"If I Could Only Be Like Her"

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