Ladies Of Virtue Journal

February Printables for your Manager of the Home Notebook

2012-01-31T12:09:00.010-04:00

The new month is almost here! I love February....probably because it hosts the holiday for celebrating LOVE. And that is the theme for the whole month- LOVE. So if you return to visit LOV, that's what you'll get, some more love.

The February printables are ready for your Manager's of the Home notebook. No, there is not an "official" MH notebook, except for the wide three-ring binder that I use to hold all of my printables together. Did you get yourself one? Can't wait for you to see the darling images for this month- lots of fun. If you would like to read a brief explanation about why and how I use these printables, read this first.

After much duress, I have the link to my printables figured out. Well, maybe duress is exaggerating a bit, but not having you be able to find the printables was as frustrating for me, as it was to you! Soooo- hopefully these links will be smooth as my favorite peanut butter pie. Each print-out has its own link. The idea is make copies for the "Week-a-Glance," "Weekly Planner," and the sheets for "Today."

Please give me your thoughts about having used them, including any changes that may help. I want them to be adaptable enough that each of you can use them for your unique schedules, but I would make additions, etc., if that would help most of you.

Can I pray for you?

"Father, I pray according to the riches of Your glory

that You may grant this dear sister to be strengthened with power

through Your Holy Spirit in her inner being,

so that Christ may dwell in her heart through faith

-that she, being rooted and grounded in love,

may have strength to comprehend with all the saints

what is the breadth and length and height and depth,

and to know the love of Chirst that surpasses knowledge,

that she may be filled with all the fullness of God. In Jesus's name, Amen."

-Ephesians 3: 16-19

I consider it an honor and pleasure to bring you on the other end of this screen things that will lift you up and encourage you in this walk.

Have a blessed day.

Once again as a "thank you" for these free printables could you click "Like" on the Ladies Of Virtue FaceBook page if you have not already? Thank you.

Click here for~

February's Cover

February's Calendar

February Monthly Planner Sheet

February Week-at-a-Glance

February Weekly Planner

Today Sheets for February- I have three different sheets
(merely for variety).

One of them is by hours, which I especially like;

though you schedule is probably different that mine.

Today's Journal Sheet- Valentines

Today's Journal- Two Valentines

Today's Journal by the Hour

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Eternal Encouragement Newsletter

2012-01-30T08:11:00.000-04:00

How often do you need a word of encouragement?  I need a steady infuse of words that pick me up and direct me to the Truth. It was such day when I grabbed a CD on my way out the door. I was headed to a far destination; the trip offered plenty of alone time. I took the chance to fill up my soul.

The CD that I had grabbed featured Lorrie Flem. I had gotten it many years before at a homeschool
convention, I think.  The Holy Spirit had directed my steps that day as the words that Lorrie shared were just drink that my thirsty soul needed.

I was so moved that I searched Lorrie on the internet and discovered that she has an entire web-site housing her resources. The magazine that she edited had its titles changed to Eternal Encouragement.   Isn't that phrase in itself, refreshing? I wrote an email to her, sharing my gratitude for her words. Soon after, I received a reply asking if I would consider being a Gabby Mama. I accepted the role, which means that once a month I receive a product through Eternal Encouragement, and as a "thank you," I get to share my thoughts about it with you all.

This month I want to share with you the e-letter that Lorrie sends out twice a month. I so enjoy visiting a blog and receiving words of encouragement (and hopefully you do too, which is why you are here!), but I also like to have a printed copy sometimes. (It satisfies that tactile need in me, I guess.) The newsletters sent from Eternal Encouragement can be read online as well as be printed out. (And what you are reading here, at LOV, can be printed out as well- look for the Print Button at the end of every post.)

I encourage you to sign-up. The newsletters are filled with encouragement for wives and mothers wanting to live a pleasing life to the Lord. Lorrie shares heart-warming stories, always filled with wisdom and her own humorous personality. You will be led back to the cross again and again all on a journey of grace.

And the news-letter is FREE! You can sign up through following this link- EternalEncouragment.com

Have a blessed beginning of the week. Please visit Tuesday and Wednesday as I will be posting February's printables for your Manager of the Home notebook and writing about February's theme.

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Tenderness

2012-01-27T08:17:00.001-04:00

Today is Friday and that means if I am writing, it is with The Gypsy Mama- you probably know that by now.

Hour is dark, mind still foggy with sleep, I excitedly visit The Gypsy Mama to discover what prompt she has put up for today. Today is TENDER. I have to think about that for just a minute.......- I am going to grab a cup of coffee.

OK- GO (for five minutes).

There does not seem to be much tenderness at all in this world of cold realities- checks overdrawn, deadlines due, traffic jams, cavities, cancer, teens that lead a path away, violence all too common every day.

When I think of tender at this moment, I think of the

soft stem of a young tulip flower, soft, pliable, yet having a thickness to endure, ready to bend to where the sun leads it.

I think of those gorgeous little blue eyes, white golden hair, that giggle that lights up my heart and softens any hardness that I may have been feeling.

I think of Jesus. Who beckons us to flock to Him that He may gather us as a brood of hens that He may protect. I think of His tender words, "Come unto me all You who labor and are heavy burdened and I will give you rest."

I hear a tenderness in his voice saying "Come, you who say, 'My way is hidden from the Lord.' I shall renew your strength and you shall mount up with wings like eagles."

His loving tenderness melts away the harshness both around me and within.

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Poem for Bonnie

2012-01-20T08:15:00.004-04:00

I wanted to write about an experience that I had the other day. Today's writing prompt from the Gypsy Mama is VIVID. We have a world around us that lives with us simultaneously. What is vivid to me? just my own sphere?

To Bonnie
I see you there
Drawing comfort from a chair
your thoughts seem far
as you sigh with care.

I ask if you are
soaking in some comfort
from a work break,
a needed pause,
you opted to take.

You need it you say,
after yesterday,
two girls left you hanging
in the middle of the work day.

As you rise from there,
to return to the bar
I see you bent over
with the heaviness of care.

"Are you alright," I ask
Hoping not to see a mask.
I have "MS," you reply.
"that is aggravated by stress," you sigh.

"For ten years it was in remission,
But in December returned this condition.
Died my husband, my sister, my brother, and my dog."
Her life a dark fog.

Her body could not take the weight
of such a fate.

"Oh, dear," I reply
taking in all that she suffers
"I will pray for you"
hoping that my small words give her comfort.

She returns to the barista
to fix lattes with gusto
and I realize that in December
I had ordered soup or coffee
when world was turned asunder.

Yet not on her face
was despair or heartache.
She had handed me a mocha
fully aware of her place.
But, oh, how those days
her insides must have quaked.

I walk my way
saying heartfelt prayers for her that day
That she might come to know

His grace,

that so sweetly He does place,

comfort in the heart

of all that is hard.

I affirm that day

To take notice of place

for who else is in my path
is suffering from heartache
that I take no notice of
because I order my latte in haste.

So important it is
to share a word of routine
"Hello, how are you?"
Does not sound pristine
But it can be just those words
said with eyes that hear
That opens the doorway
to give comfort and cheer.

All His grace,
Nicol

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January's Theme- RENEWal

2012-01-18T10:04:00.002-04:00

Each month I would like to write a post about my focus for that month. A theme to go with the Manager of the Home" planners if you will. I know that it is already into mid-January- how did that happen? But I am still adjusting to the groove of a new year so you may be too!

When I sit with my monthly planner sheets before me, all blank waiting to be filled, I overview the entire month first. More often than not, there is a holiday which beckons celebration. The season of the year also offers its own frivolities and appeals. Also, the time of year may require certain attention in that month. Some examples would be Christmas in December is a holiday that directs the activities of most of the month. The summer is fun for picnics and January's snow brings sled-riding parties (oh, but we do not have any snow- yet.) When I look over the month awaiting to happen and consider all of these things, I get a feel for the month. All of this gives me a theme. No, I do not set this in stone and live by it perpetually. But I have found that taking this time to ponder about the upcoming month, gives me a perspective that enables me to live with purpose, pursuing my priorities with passion. (You will see this last idea a recurring one as it blends with a series I will be writing about who and what Ladies Of Virtue is.)

So with that introduction, I would like to share that January for me is about RENEWal. I used to follow the masses and view this month after Christmas with disdain. Yes, the days are shorter, colder -bleak even- routine. However, I now actually look forward to these days of January. Why? Because the cold gives me reason to get cozy with a hot mug of hot chocolate. The shortness of the days prompts me to crawl into my cozy bed with a good book. The routine and lack of celebration gives me time to rest and enjoy the simple things some of which I just mentioned.

We need calmness to balance out the chaos. We need quiet to counter the noise. January's schedule (compared with the rest of the year) offers that calmness and quiet, the is the perfect time for putting all of those "p" words into practice. A whole year awaits us of things that have never been, ventures never explored. In the calmness of January I can think. It is a month of renewal. I can gain my bearings again. Being the beginning of the new year, I can pause, ponder, pray, gain perspective, prioritize, and plan for the year ahead. All of which allows my life to be lived with purpose and passion. It is a month of new beginnings.

Do you need renewal this month?

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AWAKE to Stillness

2012-01-13T08:14:00.000-04:00

Today is Friday. Has it really been a week since I have said those words?
I AWAKE and go right to the writing prompt from the Gypsy Mama. I write with other lovelies and the commonality that we all share on Friday is that we can only write for five minutes. Gypsy Mama gives us the prompt.

Today's is AWAKE.

Go.
Nothing comes to mind this early morning, blanketed still with blackness. I must still be sleeping. My Golden is curled atop a sitting chair. She knows not to do that. But with night and darkness I assume she thinks she can get away with it When I enter the room and sit to stare at my keyboard, she slowly opens her eyes just long enough to took me, then nonchalantly closes her eyes again. I am not the Alpha dog here. Small moments pass and I hear a low growl. Who is she growling at? I realize that she is dreaming. The sound is so patterned I wonder if that is a dog snoring instead. (Our house is plagued by those.) No; the little "wuff" at the end of the growl tells me she is working out some story in her doggy mind.

The beeper goes of signaling that my coffee is ready. NOW I can wake!

I love this blackness, well more clearly the stillness. Just before a little girl wakes the other sleepers with her loud steppings on the hard wood steps and little songs sung from an extroverted thoughts.

In this stillness it is more easy to "Be still and know that He is God." Everything is a pure moment right now. All is calm. I know His love and holiness and might and power. HE IS.

I hope that I remember to take this with me today when all is awake- and fast, full of interruptions and expectancies, and chitter-chatter, and overlapping thoughts, and worries wanting to take prison my mind.

It remains -"I AM."

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Manager of the Home- January printables

2012-01-11T10:44:00.008-04:00

Good Morning Ladies! Today I have January's printables for your "Manager of the Home" notebook.

Yesterday, I shared with you a little about my learning experience as a home maker. I have learned that the longer that I am married, adding children to our family, life gets more complex!  Imperative for me to foster any kind of order to our home is executing the essentials of ponder, prayer, prioritize, and plan. Please click to download a short bible study that I have written on "Managing the Home."   This study will direct you into gain a biblical perspective of your home life. After all, being a Christian homemaker is more than changing diapers an cleaning toilets.

If you have never used a home planner, you may be a little overwhelmed at first. But soon I think that you will find it quite comforting to have your "brain in a binder" as someone has called it! Everything is there for you to see and plan for (even the margin of the empty space of free time for Life's many unexpected interruptions.) There are six different sheets for you to download for January's use. Print them out, punch holes in them, and place in a three-ring notebook. (I have found that Wal-mart sells these binders at a much cheaper price than the office supply stores. You may also want to get a three-hole puncher as well.)

The pages are:

January's cover
Monthly Calendar
Monthly Planner
Week-at-a-Glance
Weekly Planner
Daily Sheets

When you first sit down with all of your pages, the planning may seem like a lot. But with routine and use, the planner will be an effective tool for your home to flow smoothly. Before the beginning of a new month I sit with my planner and write the number dates on the monthly calendar. I add any known appointments or activities for that month. I use the planner page (which I place facing my calendar page, having its holes punched on the opposite side of it) to write in ordinary tasks and ones specific for that month. For example- This month I have written "Grandma's birthday dinner".   I will have "making Valentine's" on the monthly planning page for February.

After having done the monthly planning, I concentrate on the upcoming week. I write general activities first, then I can see what open spaces of tine is available for extra things. I also use the weekly planner. This current week, I wrote on to call garage to make an appointment to have our car's oil changed. Every Saturday or Sunday, I sit down for a few moments and look over the upcoming week. This also provides a great tool for meal planning. You will be able to see when you simply do not have time to make an involved dinner and perhaps want to do a crock-pot dish that day, etc.

Finally, the daily sheet. After looking at the week, I write myself a daily sheet. You will be surprised by how much little open time you have when you write down what are actually accomplishing in a single day! Even folding one load of laundry and putting it away can take up to 20 minutes. If you do only two loads a day that is 30-40 minutes of time!

Another way in which I use the planning sheets is to see where I can add activities that I do not usually get to do, but would like to. For example, I like to make jewelry but have to find a place where I can fit that it somewhere in the schedule. If I do not make time- it just does not happen.

So there you are. A brief introduction. To reiterate- this planner has saved my sanity! I hope that it will be a blessing to you too!

"She looks well into the ways of her household,

She laughs at the time to come."

~Proverbs 31:27, 25

Yesterday there was some trouble with downloading the study. The January printables I have placed in one folder. When you click the link you should see a page that has all six titles of each pdf. Click on that title- wait a second- and a page will appear with a "Download" button. You will have to download each page at a time. (You should NOT have to log in or register) PLEASE let me know if you are not able to do this. I certainly want you to be able to access them!

As a "thank you" would you "like" LOV on the FB page? There is a link on the right bar here. And pass the word on to your friends; I want to bless others.

Have a great day and happy homemaking!

For January "Manager of the Home" free printables- click on the title pages above.

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Managers of the Home Study

2012-01-10T10:16:00.010-04:00

Hello to all. I am excited to share with you today something that I think could be life-changing for your home.

I have had twenty plus years to grow at being a home-maker. Not just a woman who lives in a house co-habitating with other members who share the same blood. Nor simply a cook, or laundry washer, ironer, budgeter, shopper, chauffeur to children and teens.

A maker of HOME.

   Four walls with a roof where love is fostered, creativity blossoms, dreams emerge, comforts laid, lessons learned.   Four walls that are beautified with generosity, appealing hues that set the ambiance of a cozy library or sunny kitchen. A sanctuary from the world and a place of welcome with hospitality.

     So many areas that make a home. So many areas to balance. God made us women the managers of this multi-faceted responsibility; our brains are wired to think of different subjects simultaneously. If you have ever confused or tired your husband by talking about the dress that you got on sale at the store, which will save you money to put away for Junior's lessons which reminds you that you have to call Jennifer because you need her to carpool with you tomorrow....you know just what I mean.

   Womens' minds can think globally and in a detailed manner all of the same time. Yet, even the most clear headed woman can benefit from a list. You know the classic "To-Do" list. I cannot remember a time when I did not use one. Early in my marriage, I used post-it notes. Then notebooks with pretty covers. When I started to homeschool my children the daily tasks became more routine and complex. I think that I would have forgotten to brush my teeth if I did not write it down! Not really. But I probably would have forgotten to buy the frozen blueberries for a fruit crisp recipe or to order that present for Grandpa's birthday, if I did not write it down somewhere.

   In recent years my "to-do" list has developed into a Home-Manager Notebook. The demands of having children whose ages span a decade having their own activities that accompany each differing age, their schedules, mine, my husbands, activities we would like to do together, appointments, etc. I found it essential to have a calendar with a planner together. Though, I could not find a planner that was 1. pretty and 2. fitting to my personal needs. Yes, both are important. So through the years I have developed a planner of my own made up of a set of monthly sheets.

   Tomorrow I will post these printables for you to use. They are for the month of January. Please come back as I am sure you will love them!

   Today I want to share with a short bible study that I have written on managing your home. Before tasks are written in their appropriate spot, I have found that there are some essentials that cannot be overlooked if I am to have a happy home. (Meaning a home where Momma is happy because she is not over-stressed! And a well-planned home makes for an orderly, lovely home.) Those essentials are pondering, prayer, prioritizing, and planning.

   This study, "Managers of the Home" is six pages in length and I encourage you to prayerfully use it over the next few days. Pondering your family life, prayerfully asking for wisdom, prioritizing areas, and planning, helps you prepare your home for family life. You will be able to confidentially say as the virtuous woman from Proverbs, "She looks well into the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness....and she laughs at the time to come." (Prov. 31:27, 25.)

   Your home is a reflection of Him. I pray that my words will point you to Him.

    As a special "thank you", I ask that you would simply "Like" Ladies Of Virtue on the Face Book badge to the right and share LOV with your friends.

To download the study click here-Managers of the home.

Remember to come visit tomorrow for January's printables.

~Nicol

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Listen for the ROAR

2012-01-06T07:51:00.000-04:00

Today is Friday. Already! I look forward to blogging Fridays. I link up with The Gypsy Mama who gives a writing prompt. We can only write for five short, sweet minutes. I like writing within these parameters because- 1. I know that I will get a post up! 2. I will write stream-lined from my heart. And as now as the sky is still cloaked in blackness, that means I am still sleepy, so it is sure to be stream-conscious. 3. No editing allowed!!! (Of course, I DO go over my too common misspellings.)
So today, the 6th day of January of this new year in 2012, the prompt is ROAR.

THAT wakes me up a little!

GO.

I cannot help but connect "ROAR" to thoughts that I have been having all week of the New Year. My thoughts have been about pondering, praying, and planning. But when I put "ROAR" in the same thought of the New Year...I cannot help but feel the whole resounding impact of

ROAR!!!!!!

A lion roars when he wants to be heard, right? And being very direct about it. This New Year has engulfed us six days in, and I am wondering what it will roar to me and what I will roar back.

The stresses of life roar at me constantly and I sometimes roar back as loud as I can. Sometimes that helps and sometimes not- my throat just gets soar. Sometimes instead of roaring I cower.

I do not feel like roaring at the moment. But there are times when it is necessary isn't it?

The Holy Spirit whispers to us in a gentle quiet voice. If I ignore Him, He beckons me still. That soft voice a can become a soft, yet clear roar in my soul. What will HE SPEAK to me this year? Words of love, words of encouragement, words of correction and direction. I will listen and with clear voice roar what I have to share.

Have you roared lately?

STOP.

Image courtesy of blingcheese.

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New Year Aspirations

2012-01-03T12:32:00.009-04:00

Happy New Year to you!!!! Doesn't the ring of that, bring a jingle to your heart? I love those two words together- New Year. A blank book of pages waiting for our hopes, dreams, and memories to fill them.

If you are like most of us, Christmas decorations are being put away till that glorious time arrives at the end of THIS year. Too soon the bliss of the holiday is set aside in our minds, as the routines of work and daily living and academic lessons resumes. Actually, I am looking forward to the monotone hum that daily living brings. But this first week of January brings change like a hurricane. One day we are eating the delicacies of the season with abandon, the next day fine-tuning our new exercise regimen and diet. One day we are spending and giving with bliss, the very next day taking account and getting ready for taxes. Children lost in the pleasure of days filled with playing, now need to rise early to attend school. (One of mine does tomorrow. The other still gets to sleep a little later!)

Organization beckons to us, as over-swelling refrigerators with holiday left-overs and garbage cans overflowing with cardboard boxes that housed all kinds of toys, yell at us that they need attended to. Every organizational tool is for sale in the stores currently. The sale flyers yelling at us to "get yourself in order!" As if one human being could organize cupboards closets, garages, budgets, diets, schedules, and our lives- all within a few weeks!

I love to set things in order. Really. I love to plan and carry it out- making a mess into something clean and crisp. The starkness of January, right after the full revelry o December, is a perfect time to do this. But I am telling myself and exhorting you: Remember to give yourself time to adjust. And give your children and spouse the same room and patience.

As the end of a year closes, I begin in prayer to ask the Lord what my focus should be for the upcoming year. I make a prayerful assessment of all of the aspects in my life and family's, and prayerfully re-prioritize. I consider my inward character needs, and the outward behaviors, activities, distractions, and things that I would like to venture into. I use this time to gain what balance I can possibly maintain with a husband, three teens, a daughter, and a dog.

By listening to the Holy Spirit, I am guided into a main focus for the year. This year, it is to be "Sow, till, weed, and work." To me, this means I am to keep doing diligently that which I have been doing, and continue to give my all in it. Sow more. Dig deeper. Weed more stringently. And continue to work where I am. For me, that work is being a help-meet to my husband as manager of our home, mother of our children, help with bookkeeping for his businesses, director of the home education of two of my children, teacher a class at co-op, hostess and leader o bible study groups, student at the university, and writer for Ladies Of Virtue. Whew! Really, I am not a type-A person (which is fine if you are!) I simply have been given a lot of responsibilities. This year I am reminded to be faithful in them. I share this with you to help you understand what I mean by focus. Your focus will be totally different. Our Abba knows us and our situations intimately. He will guide you just as you need directed. Do yo have an idea of where you are being led this year?

"Aspirations"-

"an ardent wish or desire, chiefly of spiritual blessings;
to to rise or tower with desire"

from American Dictionary of the English Language, Noah Webster, 1828.

I encourage you to pray about your life and the upcoming year. You have aspirations for yourself and family; do not throw yourself back into life's routine with no thought. I always ask the Lord for a scripture to confirm this focus. Ask. He is faithful to speak to you. Just for your understanding, last year my focus was "DeSTRESS." Nothing seemingly spiritual about that. But I can tell you that life's circumstances can rob you of the fruit of the Spirit in you. I cut back on activities, situations, perspectives, and emotions that robbed me of peace and joy. I made adjustments to my schedule and my children's. Of course, I could not get rid of ALL stress; but having that for my year's focus, I was on a path to live more fruitfully this year.

Always one to write things down, I made a list of ponderings for myself that I have used the past few years. I keep it in the front of my home planner to peruse throughout the year, as a compass so to speak. Below I am attaching one or you and encourage you to prayerfully use it. If you do, would you please let me know? I would live to hear what your year's aspirations are.

"And the Lord answered me and said, 'Write the vision and engrave it so plainly upon tablets....'"

~Habakkuk 2:3 Ampl.

May your 2012 be richly blessed.

To download 2012- Yearly Aspirations click here. And please share your vision with me.

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It's Christmastime!

2011-12-24T12:17:00.004-04:00

Probably like yours, my time this week has been filled with grocery shopping, wrapping presents, addressing Christmas cards, menu planning, shopping again for the one thing that I forgot on the first run to the grocery store, and doing some cleaning of my house for company. Whew! My time online has been limited.

Yesterday, my Mom, sisters, and two girls baked and decorated sugar cookies. My Mom always says that a messy cook is a good cook- so we must be super great! And our results were works of delectable art!!! Yum!

Some in the family are more conscientious artists at work.

Sand-tarts~ Great Grandma's Brown's recipe.

Sarah made a special cookie just for Santa.

As we are in the midst of this holiday season, I wish you the

Merriest of Christmases and a very Prosperous New Year!

Enjoy the simple pleasures of colored lights, smells of pine and chocolate cookies, and a roaring fire in the fireplace, children's laughter of delight, and warm hugs from loved ones. And may the magic of the Christ Child, grab your heart in rapture once again.

I will see you in the next year with fresh ideas of starting my year with perspective, purpose and passion. Look for my study of "Mom's Planning" and free printables for you. See you soon!

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Giving Blessings

2011-12-21T12:08:00.001-04:00

What a perfect time of year to bestow blessings!!!!

It is grand to GIVE and it is GREAT to receive!!! (Come on- I know that you like a gift as much as I do!)

I am pleased and excited to announce that Ladies Of Virtue has been awarded a new blog award from Rebecca over at Rebecca's Hearth and Home. Thank you, Rebecca! What a sweet surprise! And what a blessing! Thank you!

This is LOV's second award. The definition of "award" is to "bestow merit". The two blogging awards given to LOV is an acknowledgement from one blogger to another that they value and bestow honor to my blog and writing. I, in return, have the honor of bestowing these awards to fellow bloggers that I value. For that I am so very thankful Rebecca!

In another way, it is for us to connect with other great blogs and the women who are writing behind the screen. In my acknowledgement of receiving it, I have to list seven random things about myself. So let's see what comes first to my mind.

1. I absolutely love to get a Chinese massage. There are few luxuries that compare, except-
2. very hot baths to soak in!
3. very strong coffee with enough cream to color it caramel (with sugar too, of course)
4. and milk chocolate, white chocolate, dark chocolate, and any other kind of chocolate!
4. I love indulging!
5. I lived in Venezuela for a year.
6. I sleep with socks on almost year round.
7. I love to snuggle in flannel sheets and cotton comforters.
8. "Last of the Mohicans" is my all-time favorite movie.
9. I am currently in college studying to get a degree in English, History, and Women's Studies
Oh! that is nine- I was on a roll! LOL

"Versatile" means able, accomplished, adaptable resourceful, skilled, flexible, gifted, ingenuous". So with that in mind, with the intention of warm blessings, I give the Versatile Award to~
(and I am shortening the list to five for time's sake):

~ Wanda from Watered Soul
~ Natalie from Mommy On Fire
~ Jes from Heroines of the Faith
~ Kasey from These Five of Mine Plus Two
~ Stefanie from Uplifting Words

Please visit these ladies and, while you're there, please, be sure and leave them a comment, or as Shelby calls it, some blog sugar (isn't that precious?). And, Rebecca, thanks again so much! To quote you, "This was a super fun meme!"

If you have received the award please-
Thank the award-giver and link back to them in your post.

Share 7 random things about yourself.
Nominate a group of fellow bloggers and let them know about it.

Linking today with

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Connected Pages of Life

2011-12-16T08:37:00.003-04:00

I awake to another Friday- only this one is a bit different. It is my birthday. And while I have the slightest twinge of anticipation because the day is planned with fun and relaxing activities, I have to tell you that I am not thrilled at all with this hallmark in my life. I had to consciously tell myself while lying in morning darkness, before I let my feet hit the floor, "This is the day that the Lord has made; I WILL rejoice and be glad in it."!!!!! I will myself to rejoice!!!

What is my dilemma? simply a number. Today marks my full duration of four decades plus one on this earth- I have had a year and I have not reconciled with the four decades yet. Oh, I know. "Age is relative." "You only are as young as you feel." "You are still young!" .....but the time has come when I hear my own thoughts of "Be thankful for your health." "Wait forty more years and you will understand how young you are NOW." "The gray hairs of a wise head are an honor." (Well, I do not have any of those yet, but they are on their way.)

But, it's my party today and I will cry if I want to. So bear with me a few more lines while I try to reconcile my thoughts this morning.

Today is Friday, when I have been habitually participating with other bloggers who write for five minutes. The Gypsy Mama gives us the prompt. Almost always, the words flow like water from the recesses of my brain and heart onto the screen. No premeditation. That feels good- to just let the words topple out that have been crammed inside me and not have to worry about editing to make them "just right". I edit everything in my life way too much.

Today's prompt is CONNECTED.
Here goes.

The middle chapter of the book. Just into the thick of things. The beginning already written, and the plot established. I like the beginning. There is not much that I would change. "Tweak" maybe- some choices that I have made or words that I would like to take back. But all in all- I like my story; it's made me into, well, me. Doesn't it say in the book of Acts that each man has been placed in just the"time and place that we may grope for Him"? Here I have been put- into this plot. All events turn me to Him.

The ending is what I am concerned about. I have only so many blank pages to fill and then the book is shut. But there is so much that I want to do! and experience, and live. If only I knew when I was younger what I know now! Oh, another proverb being fulfilled.

But the best is yet to come. I cling tenaciously to any signs of youth still in me. And I think that is God ordained. From the moment we are born, our fleeting lives are beginning their end. We are created to be vibrant youthful beings- forever. The desire is for the secret of life. But, oh, I have it- Life! and it is in Jesus. So while my physical clings to youth, my heart and soul stay connected with the cause of eternal life. Where there are not enough books in all of the world to house all of the happenings that await me after that silver cord is loosened.

Happy birthday to me. Excuse me, I have to go and start to write on my page for this day.

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Colors of Life

2011-12-09T08:34:00.000-04:00

Today's five minute writing prompt is COLOR.
Go.

Color. Red, blue, orange, yellow, pink, green. Magenta, crimson, sienna, and ochre.

The hues of red poinsettia, of azure skies lightening, warm glow of yellow candle light, the caramel color of me coffee. How the color around me adds variance to my scene. I visually drink in the colors and my mood enlivens, or becomes subdued, depending on the hue.

Imagine a world of only black and white. How bland, how sad. We would not have the intoxicating hues that enrich our world.

Experiences can be like colors.

The birth of a baby brings the red and orange of excitement.

The calm blue of ordinary days of routine.

The gray of sorrow.

The warm red of deep love that sets the heart on fire.

The days of chaos and stress are those crazy days of colors all mixed into muddy brown.

The green of new dreams being birthed.

Some colors backdrop life's painting. Some accent and punctuate the colors of memory. And some compliment.

If we did not have dark purple, how would we fully enjoy bright yellow? Without the fire of red and would the peace of blue satisfy us?

Enjoy your life's colors today.

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Tired or Not

2011-12-02T08:26:00.001-04:00

Today is five minute Friday- where we word-crafters are given a prompt by the Gypsy Mama and we type in our thoughts for five minutes ONLY. That is the fun of it. What can pour from my thoughts onto the screen in just five minutes? There is an excited anticipation about it because I do not know WHAT I will write until it is on the screen. So with the timer minding my limit and fingers sprung ready I begin. And did I mention there is no editing? Well....no, I do not edit content but I have changed some spelling errors so that you could understand my words!

Today's prompt- TIRED

Go.

I make my uncooperative body break out of my warm toasty cacoon of comfort- flannel sheets, cotton quilts and comforters. How can it be morning already?

Before my feet hit the floor I am rehearsing my "to do" list full of busy tasks for a day full of work and play. My thoughts are layered with the dream I was just having five seconds prior about not being prepared on dress rehearsal time for the show I am in. No, I am not in a play. The show is my life. "Must get up!"

I push the button to begin making of brown liquid of "Good Morning" magic. Looking out at the still dark sky turning violet with promise of a cold, crisp sunny day, "Thank you Lord- it's beautiful."

Sit at my computer screen because I know that if I do not type out words in this moment it will not happen today. "Tired" is the prompt? "Exactly". I brush away the residue for Sand man, straighten my back and get he desired morning crack and I write...."Today is five minute Friday..."

Now my mind is already more clear.

The Gypsy mama was crying last night from feeling tired and overwhelmed. And it is only December 2nd.... Yes, it's the best time of the year. The hope and excitement of the season bring a cheerful welcome to me this morning as I am waking up.

Let's rejoice and appreciate the season of Christmas. The season will be over too shortly, tired or not.

(oops 8 minutes!)

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Organizing Happiness

2011-11-29T08:22:00.005-04:00

Few things avert the loveliness of a home and simplicity of routine as much as CLUTTER. We all have experienced this menace and some of you, such as myself, may do battle with it daily. Piles of paper, strewn toys, piles of books, discarded dirty socks, all littering the beautiful order of Home.

Sometimes, if I allow this clutter-monster to grow too big, I am at its mercy; the overwhelming feeling threatens to paralyze me. However, I am learning the skillful tricks to combat this menace: small, purposeful steps towards disarming it.

Mrs. Lorie Flem from Eternal Encouragement has written an eBook with just us clutter fighters in mind. With practical, concise steps, she disarms the mountain of menace one task at a time. When I read her eBook my highlighter almost went dry! "Organizing Happiness -Clutter Free" offers insightful advice for the conscious homemaker. Read and put her advice to use, and you, too, will find Happiness in Organizing! You may receive your free copy by subscribing to her "eternally" encouraging emails.

Visit Eternal Encouragement and please tell her that Nicol from LOV sent you!

Eternal Encouragement

Enjoy your homes, Ladies. And try to stop by in the nest couple of days to see LOV's new look for winter!!!!

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Thanksgiving & a Woman of Influence

2011-11-23T09:42:00.003-04:00

I have a wonderful idea- I hope that you will think so as well!

The degree for which I am currently studying at the university is a combined degree of English, History, and Women's Studies with the theme of "Women's Influence throughout History Upon Culture." With that subject so close to my heart, I would like to periodically post articles of Women Of Influence. Take courage dear woman --your sphere of influence ripples out into the vast ocean.

I have a perfect subject for the post today- the day before Thanksgiving.

Dear Reader,

You may be surprised to learn that we Homemakers of this current generation, can thank the Victorian mothers for the holiday of Thanksgiving. If it has not been for the influence of one tenacious lady with ideals of steel, we may not have been sitting around the table enjoying our Thanksgiving meal this Thursday.

Our Puritan brothers and sisters -the iconic symbols of the history of Thanksgiving- censured feasting and merriment. Their religious idea of seeking divine deliverance from trying predicaments was to seek the Lord through prayer and fasting. After having had their prayers answered, a day of Thanksgiving occurred with the observing of religious services. The holiday celebrated as we know it today took its form some two hundred years later.

However, in 1789, America's first national Thanksgiving Day was proclaimed by President George Washington. This observance was set apart to acknowledge the favor of the Almighty upon the newly formed country. The actual day, though, for which Thanksgiving was to be observed was a haphazard placement on the calendar, set as each of the state's governors reckoned it. The date of Thanksgiving was to continue without national unity for seventy five more years.
This confusion drove Mrs. Sarah Josepha Hale, then editor of the Victorian Godey's Lady's Book to devote three decades of her life to promote a national declaration of a one-day holiday to be observed as Thanksgiving. She tirelessly wrote to every state governor and ten presidents. (Talk about a woman with a mission!) Her plea fell on the deaf ears of male politicians. At last she realized her efficacious position as editor of America's most influential nineteenth-century women's periodicals. Mrs. Hale appealed to the women, wives, and homemakers of America. It is worth to note her appeal.

She wrote over one hundred and fifty years ago:

"I have thus endeavored to lay before my readers one of the strongest wishes of my heart, convinced that the general estimate of feminine character throughout the United States will be far from finding it an objection that this idea of American Union Thanksgiving was suggested by a woman. The enjoyments are social, the feastings are domestic; therefore this annual festival is really the exponent of family happiness and household piety, which women should always seek to cultivate in their hearts and in their homes. God gave to man authority, to woman influence: she inspires and persuades; he convinces and compels. It has always been my aim to use my influence in this womanly ways."

Amen, Mrs. Hale! And thank you for your tenacity; we all enjoy of your endeavors.

Mrs. Hale expounded on her idea featuring in the periodical elaborate menus of Victorian interpretations of Pilgrim food fare- roast turkey, giblet gravy, creamed baby onions, and cranberry sauce. She wrote spiritual stories of mercy and redemption which compel our hearts to give thanks. She advocated, "Let Thanksgiving, our American holiday...awaken in American hearts the love of home and of country, of thankfulness to God and peace between brethren."

In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the first national proclamation that the observance of Thanksgiving should be the last Thursday in November which we still enjoy today.

I am thankful for the influence of women.

Have the most blessed of Thanksgiving days!

Sources: http://www.womenwriters.net/domesticgoddess/hale1.html
http://www.misconceptionjunction.com/index.php/2010/11/the-pilgrims-did-not-celebrate-the-first-thanksgiving-in-america/

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His Presence

2011-11-22T10:51:00.000-04:00

I ponder this week about "Thanks" and "Thanksgiving". What am I thankful for? Family, friends, health, so many bountiful blessings. But as I consider the things that I am thankful for I remember the Giver. He is so good; all that is good.

"God's quest to be glorified

and our quest to be satisfied reach their goal in this one experience:

our delight in God which overflows in praise." -John Piper

I love getting lost in God's presence......"Your grace has found me just as I am, empty handed but alive in Your hands. Forever I am changes by Your love in the presence of Your majesty."

All of the problems, annoyances, stresses, and worries all melt away in His presence. Take a moment today and listen to the song below and get lost in His glorious Majesty.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEfD93Ci-U0&feature=related

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Liebster Blog- Friends

2011-11-19T14:32:00.001-04:00

Celebrating the

AWARD! Yeah!

This was new to me; I love the idea.

As Jennifer from "Renewing Housewives"

so graciously bestowed the Liebster Award to me,

I in turn choose five blogs that are as the German word "liebster" means

"dearest, friend, or love".

This award is shared and given to up-and-coming blogs that have less than 200 followers.

To be honest, the five blogs that I chose to bestow the Liebster Blog Award to, may have more than 200 followers. However, they are each "dear" to me in different ways and worthy of your visit. Please let them know that Nicol from LOV sent you.

My five chosen blogs are~

Makingajoyfulhome.blogspot.com - Amy has a very blessed way of finding joy in the journey.

angietolpin.com/category/blog- This Amy has the heart to Leave a Legacy Purposefully.

TheCrimsonCoveredFarmLife.com- And this Amy- a pure coincidence! has a safe haven for encouragement, especially reaching out to victims of assault and rape.

BeTwixtandBetweenblog.com- Shelley's vocation is to encourage mentoring for Moms and young ladies. Visit Shelley's home page then click on the top bar for the blog- you and your daughters will love it!

DeepIntoLove.com- Craig has incredible spritual insight and writes about it in a most creative, vulnerable, and intelligent way.

All of the above blogs are kindred spirits; they all promulgate godly living, homemaking, mentoring, and loving Jesus- all subjects close to my heart. Visit them and I am sure you will be as blessed as I am.

A Growing Award!

2011-11-18T11:50:00.002-04:00

Wow! Oh my goodness! Ladies Of Virtue Blog has received her first award! Thank You! What a wonderful surprise and encouragement! God is good.

The "Liebster" is a German word meaning "friend, love, or dearest". This award is shared and given to up-and-coming blogs that have less than 200 followers. THANK YOU Jennifer from Renewing Housewives- I do so appreciate it! Tomorrow I will discuss this "dearest" award and my five picks with you.

Today, I want to incorporate The Gypsy Mama's prompt of GROWING to share my heart with you.
This writing exercise is only to last for five minutes, so I will undoubtedly run out of time.

GO.

When you are passionate about something you want to share it with the world. Or at least influence as many people as you can.

A message, a topic, a vision which can change lives- "the Goodness of the Lord and the radiant life He gives us as Women."

So I pray, I write, I share, I ask for encouragement for myself through all of my life's blunders, I seek out wise women, I study, I live, I experience, and the passion grows stronger.

The numbers are small. My reach could seem insignificant. But YOU are reading (and I pray that you are encouraged). I read YOUR words and I am encouraged. Keep writing. I will too.

We water and we will grow as He adds to us.

STOP.

Have a blessed day dear friend.

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Blessed HOUSEwife

2011-11-16T08:03:00.004-04:00

Oh dear housewife, do you know that you -yes, YOU- have the power to influence the world?

For more on "housewives" read yesterday's a post below.

Today I want to encourage you concerning the most holy and sacred of vocations, that of Motherhood. The poem here says so eloquently than my words are unable to paint. The poem is over 100 years old written by a man. When first published it was titled, "What Rules the World."

The Hand That Rocks The Cradle
Is The Hand That Rules The World

Blessings on the hand of women!

Angels guard its strength and grace,
In the palace, cottage, hovel,

Oh, no matter where the place;

                                                      Would that never storms assailed it,
                                                         Rainbows ever gently curled;
                                                        For the hand that rocks the cradle
                                                         Is the hand that rules the world.

Infancy's the tender fountain,

                                                           Power may with beauty flow,
                                                       Mother's first to guide the streamlets,
                                                       From them souls unresting grow--
                                                           Grow on for the good or evil,
                                                       Sunshine streamed or evil hurled;
                                                         For the hand that rocks the cradle
                                                         Is the hand that rules the world.

                                                      Woman, how divine your mission
                                                           Here upon our natal sod!
                                                   Keep, oh, keep the young heart open
                                                        Always to the breath of God!

                                                         All true trophies of the ages
                                                    Are from mother-love impearled;
                                                     For the hand that rocks the cradle
                                                       Is the hand that rules the world.
                                                     Blessings on the hand of women!

                                                      Fathers, sons, and daughters cry,
                                                      And the sacred song is mingled
                                                        With the worship in the sky--
                                                    Mingles where no tempest darkens,
                                                       Rainbows evermore are hurled;

                                                        For the hand that rocks the cradle
                                                          Is the hand that rules the world.

                                                                  published 1865

William Ross Wallace

Oh that our country would esteem Motherhood the same way! Perhaps the morality of our culture would be so much for the better if that were so. But we know. And lest when dirty diapers, snotty noses, fights, and wining make you forget your sacred calling- look into the eyes of that dear one and consider the influence that you have upon that one life who will in turn influence countless people.

Print this poem out and keep it somewhere noticeable.

Have a great day -you house wife- who has the world in her hands.

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Housewife

2011-11-15T09:08:00.000-04:00

Are you a house-wife? Apparently, this can mean many different things to many different people. Also, the compound word -housewife- can conger up just as many different visages. What comes to your mind?

Housewife.

I usually do not get upset by what secular people say or write. I expect them to have a secular view point, what else can they? But I admit this article got me under the skin. Perhaps because it is about a subject that crosses from our spiritual lives into the mundane and vice-versa. And I am so passionate about this subject of HOUSEWIVES!

I was going to begin my long awaited study of Ladies Of Virtue (awaited by me, who has been procrastinating in writing it) but this article takes precedence. If you would like, you can click to read it now (just remember to come back) or wait until after you finish this post. http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2011/11/14/the-evolution-of-the-housewife/?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl25%7Csec1_lnk3%7C112411

Volumes could very realistically be written discoursing the various aspects of the house wife. I will try to be succinct. You, Christian woman -who live in your house with your husband and perhaps children- are you content in your role? Or would you agree with the secular media that you need liberated from the demeaning title of housewife?

Whatever the other work that we may do outside of the home, ministries in which we serve, or ventures that we partake of, scripture is clear that the home is the domain for the family with the wife being the overseer of its affairs. (See Titus 2 and Proverbs 31.)

Home allows us women to flourish-

We are managers

-accountants
-administrators

-counselors

-coaches

-judges

-law makers

-nurses

-cooks

-cleaners

-chauffeurs

-teachers

-communicants
-creators

to name some of our tasks and opportunities.

As for "wasting" my talents while being at home -I garden, paint, love decorating, and hand crafts (that I use to beautify my home); I have teaching opportunities through bible studies, book clubs, and homeschool co-ops; I do graphic art for the situations named above, plus for my own managing tools. I love to plan a meal, prepare it, and show hospitality to those who enjoy those efforts. I write on this blog (from my home) reaching women all over the world. My home is my realm where I can grow and flourish, not to mention providing that same disposable to others.

What are your talents and skills that you are using from home?

Dear Christian sister let us REVEL in our vocation of being a house wife. It is God's wisdom to confound the wise. Let us be HAPPY in our homes, not discontent and grumbling like the daughters of the world. Let us not be ashamed to be called "housewife" for to the discerning that word is a definition with infinite possibilities.

Visit tomorrow to read about one of the most important opportunities that we have as house wives.

Linking today with Time-warp-wife.www.time-warp-wife.blogspot.com

Unexpected

2011-11-11T10:44:00.006-04:00

Putting mumbled thoughts and words together onto the screen for five minutes today.The prompt from The Gypsy Mama is UNEXPECTED.

GO.

Eight days ago a group of men were living at the climax of their careers. Their lives full of the abundant fruit of their labors through the years.

Then the UNEXPECTED happened. Some brave soul spoke up. They spoke up for the tragedy that had occurred a few years before. A tragedy, that was so unexpected to them, could not be held back any longer. The silence is always broken by the sound of truth.

Now eight days after the fallout in the media three men are facing criminal charges. Two others, whose reputation for their culmination of dedicated work, were tossed aside like yesterday's old newspaper.

Truth always prevails- sooner or later. And what is expected becomes unexpected.

"Open your mouth, judge righteously,

And defend the rights of the afflicted and needy."

-Proverbs 31:9

STOP.

I have a vested interest in PennState University (I am a student there as well as my sister.) The shame I felt for the Univ. concerning the actions of this group of men was restored to pride in hearing the decision of the Univ. Board to displace its President. It is good to defend the needy and speak out against the injustice of the afflicted.

Prayers go for the victims and their families.

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Remember

2011-11-04T08:26:00.001-03:00

Tapping out words this morning for five minute only with ladies from The Gypsy Mama. During a breakout session at Relevant, a room full of bloggers got to do this 5-minute writing exercise. I love what Lisa-Jo told us, "There are no rules in 5-minute Fridays!!"

Today's prompt is REMEMBER.

GO.

The prompt is BECOMING.

I sit in this room full of other writers. I cannot help but notice the sound of tapping fingers onto key pad letters, getting banged with such velocity that my thoughts are hard to organize. Thankfully, not every woman brought a handy laptop with them, so most of us are scratching out words onto paper with old fashioned graphite. Before I know it the five minutes are up. Unusually I actually finish before the timer is sounded. I think having had this particular prompt before, the same subject matter comes to mind.

Becoming- each day is a challenge and a blessed opportunity to become more like Him- unto that final day when we see Him face to face.

As a handful of others ladies read aloud their words woven so beautifully, I am amazed by the giftings and talent. All have hearts to become more like Him.

I am thankful to have sisters encouraging me along this journey.

I will remember their words. And I pray that they REMEMBER to keep weaving their words into stories and exhortations because I need them.

The link to The Gypsy Mama.

Sisterhood

2011-11-03T11:10:00.000-03:00

HI Ladies,

I wanted to write everything that I was experiencing at Relevant as I was experiencing it, but the time was too full. Then I went home (don't you wish that you could stay on the mountain top a lot longer sometimes?), throwing me in the midst of Life. Figure that. And now it is four days and a page-turn on the calendar later! So I am grabbing a few moments this morning before I take my daughter to co-op to share some thoughts with you.

First, PLEASE- please -please- do not let any one's talk about Relevant or anything else make you feel "out of the circle". I know that some times when I hear about something great going on and I am missing it , then I can feel very isolated and lonely- or just not part of "it". But I have to tell you that that feeling of isolation is not uncommon among all women, and I believe that the Holy Spirit is doing a work in Christ's body of uniting women's hearts in the bond of Christ and sisterly love. THAT is one of the main themes that I had been pondering before Relevant and a recurring theme at Relevant.

The enemy wants us to feel all alone, but God's Holy Spirit is bringing to the forefront of our awareness that He wants His daughters to have an intimate bond of sisterhood. Imagine relationships without competition, without malice, without self-seeking. Aaaah- doesn't that sound refreshing? Imagine joining hearts and hands with your sisters, sharing each other's joys, sorrows, and burdens. That is what I see the Holy Spirit doing among us.

I am thrilled because that is what I wanted for LOV (Ladies Of Virtue) from the beginning- to create a community of women who are sisters in Christ, joining together on this journey of biblical womanhood, a distinct path with all the delights of living a godly life that is uniquely feminine. Will you join in spirit?

This is a picture of my dear friend Angela Dively and I. We were roomies. She writes at AltogetherHis.com when a fire is under her bottom.