Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Called to Lead an Army




You are as much serving God in looking after your own children,

training them up in God’s fear, 

minding the house, 

and making your household a church for God,

as you would be if you had been called to lead an army

to battle for the Lord of hosts.



- Charles Spurgeon


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.

We would love for you to link up with us---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, etc. we would love to have you share it with us!

If 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!)




And the winner for the Norwex giveaway is Rebecca! 
Congratulations--please contact me asap!

COME AND LINK UP!










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Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Homemaking 101: Vision, Encouragement and Instruction for Young, Christian Wives



I was recently blessed to view the new Homemaking 101: Vision Encouragement and Instruction for Young, Christian Wives DVD by Jennifer Ross. Jennifer is the mom to 11 children ages 19 months to 21 years old and wife to author, Jason Ross. She is owner of the blog, Renewing Housewives, and author of the ebook, Encouraging Challenges. She has a heart for her family and homemaking and this new DVD is one that they had their heart set on making for  years.


 Now I enjoyed  this DVD so much, I even had my daughters watch it! She included everything on how to cook, clean, organize, manage, decorate your walls, budget, pay bills and much more. It is so refreshing when new godly movies are made that bless moms in their invaluable roles of helpmeets, and that is exactly what this is! Jennifer lovingly instructs, humbly encourages as she gives us an inside look into the workings of her home. Also featured is  an older "Titus 2" lady who shares her heart, thoughts and wisdom throughout the entire movie. I am looking forward to to seeing the next parts in the series!

Here is the lovely trailer:




 (Note: please turn off the music at the bottom of the blog)

Friends, Homemaking 101 is a quality product and wonderful glimpse inside of a Christian home that is well-managed and organized. Jennifer Ross has done a wonderful job breaking down homemaking into bite-sized encouragement for the rest of us. I definitely recommend this helpful and inspiring resource to new moms, moms who are looking for encouragement and for daughters in training!

"...I was encouraged by the warm, engaging and gentle manner of instruction. The presentations, suggestions and practical applications will inspire mothers that loving and productive homemaking is not only very doable but desirable! Truly, this series is not simply a reference to, but a pleasant and practical demonstration of, the admonitions found in Titus 2.3-5..." Pamela Spurling

Homemaking 101 is priced at $15.95 but Jennifer is graciously offering a special 25% OFF discount to our readers! Just use the discount code:
25off

This would make a wonderful Christmas gift!

You can find Homemaking 101 at Family Vision Films (great place for getting your family movies!) also you can follow them on their Facebook fan page.

You can following Renewing Housewives on Facebook here.
and on Twitter here..


Thank you, Jennifer!







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Monday, November 28, 2011

Simplifying Christmas Gifts and Ideas

Many of you want to simplify Christmas this year and  that means making something homemade, homespun and from the heart. Some of you are just so crafty that you would not dream of a Christmas that did not have something that you created with your own hands. Today I am going to share some simple gift giving that we can do from our homes that have a special personal touch to them.


Homemade vanilla, cocoa, cookies...


and don't forget the fudge in ornament tins...


Love this Ice cream Sundae kit below! So easy, even I can do it!


Family Movie Night in a bag or you could even do a basket with popcorn and goodies.


For a little girl you could sew up a tea party with homemade napkins, placemats, tablecloth, etc.


Or if you have a bookcase, why not just make a dollhouse?


I also like this teacup idea---seems very simple and elegant.





You can find all these great ideas and their tutorial backlinks over at my
Homemade Christmas Pinterest board!

Also, for those of you who are NOT crafty or too busy and need some *real* ideas, here are some helpful links:




JM Cremps (excellent Christian store for boys)






Hope these ideas help!


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Sunday, November 27, 2011

Sunday Reflections



Oh, the depth of the riches
of the wisdom and knowledge of God. 
How unsearchable His judgements
and His paths before tracing out!

Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been His counselor?
Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay Him?

For from Him and through Him
and to Him are all things.

To Him be the glory forever! 
Amen.


-Romans 11:33-6



 

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Saturday, November 26, 2011

Loving Daughters



Mothers should naturally be very good at raising daughters because, after, all they are women like we are. But sometimes mothers can become exasperated with their daughters for that very reason: they are so much like us.

The first things mothers must remember is in raising young women is to be kind. A critical spirit is a destructive thing and mothers must not be too hard on their girls. Mothers are naturally prone to be easier on the guys, but this must not be.

Mothers must not attribute motives to their daughters, nor take offense, nor lose patience, nor take things personally as they are raising their daughters. Rather they should put on tender mercies. This is a tall order, but we must not cut ourselves slack when it comes to holiness.

Women are the role modes for their daughters, and they must teach them about meekness, submission, respect, deference, courtesy, and holiness by example. This does not mean that a mother of sons does not have to model these graces. But daughters must look to their mothers as primary examples of their future callings.





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Friday, November 25, 2011

Victorian Rose Soap Company


Have you visited Victorian Rose Soap Company? They specialize in homemade goats milk soap and body butters and use only the finest ingredients. Not only that but there soap look and smell amazing--I still remember the first time I tried them. They left my skin feeling super soft, they also looked and smelled amazing.

Here is a peek at some of her new pretty soaps for Christmas:







Winter Wonderland Victorian Snowflake--$3.95

Doesn't this look good enough to eat? This is their Almond Biscotti Swirl soap:


My all time favorite will always---always be these:


Victorian Rose Soap Company soaps make fabulous Christmas gifts (we cannot highly recommend them enough) and today they would like to give our readers a 15% discount on any order using the discount code "wisewoman". 

Happy shopping!




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Thursday, November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving!


May the Lord bless this special day of Thanksgiving!

May you all find that quiet part of the day to just get alone
and thank Him for all that He has done
for all that you have
for all that He has abundantly given.
To say a special prayer of thanks
for the very miracle of life
the love of family;
His unfailing faithful providence.


I am also so grateful for each and every one of you!



Have a great and blessed day!


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Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Thanksgiving Fun



Today is the last day before Thanksgiving, so be sure to create some fun memories for your family! We spent some time making sure we did plenty of crafts this past week and we will do more today. Here are some things we have been making or will:


 Love this easy one from Impress Your Kids (she also has lots of other great ideas)

 This is today's craft...


 Last week we built a huge Mayflower out of a big box we had and printed out pilgrim people to put on the boat and add oars with shish-ka-bob skewers. My boys loved this project. A reader suggested using a big refrigerator/appliance box--what a great idea!



My four younger ones made these for Dad yesterday--super easy and quick! If you have several children like I do, you know from experience to keep the crafts low maintenance!

All of these ideas and their backlinks can be found over at my Pinterest board! I will also post a few more posts later today so come back and check in.

Have fun making memories!


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Monday, November 21, 2011

Building a Home at Thanksgiving



The Thanksgiving rush is on and we are bombarded with images of the perfect turkey and the perfect Thanksgiving table--but  we need to remember what is most important this time of  year. It is easy to feel pressured with the demands of what the season dictates but there there is definitely a greater goal to be sought.

We need to know that the point of all this preparation is not to impress our guests or family members but to share our hearts of gratefulness and build relationships.

If we are busy rushing around, hurrying, ignoring and even becoming cross at our family members then we are not achieving our goals of building our home or having a successful holiday.

We need to relish the time--part of the Thanksgiving or any holiday experience is the preparing. We want our families to remember having great memories even preparing for Thanksgiving and having the heart of joy and servanthood as we do this. We do not want memories of stress-but instead, we must remain calm and seek the Lord. Remembering that the ultimate goal is to serve and love on those relationships around us--and share the love of Christ with them.

We need to be...HUSHED AND NOT RUSHED... during the holidays. So this year I want you to cement in your mind with me, not what the world  focuses on this time of  year, but the things the Lord would have you reflect on:

Sitting at the feet of Jesus.

Being in awe of all the wonder around you.

Enjoying and be in the minute of everything.

Not allowing ourselves to be robbed of the joy these holidays have the potential to provide.

Building strong relationships and reaching the hearts of those around you.

Loving eachother because the days are short.

Taking time to reflect on the special meaning of this day and...

Ask the Lord to show you how to make your celebration special and different this year from year's past. How can you improve on it? How can you love others more? Can you give out more hugs--more smiles--more grace? Share words of healing and forgiveness? Breathe refreshing life into the home? Make a difference in someone else's life?


May the Lord bless you all, each and every single one of you, as you prepare your home AND  your heart for this special day--Happy Thanksgiving!


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Sunday, November 20, 2011

The Sunday Blessing



Because of the Lords' great love we are not consumed,
for His compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for Him.

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him,
to the one who seeks Him;
It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

Lamentations 3:22-6



Do you know for sure if you are going to heaven? 



Be sure to join us on Monday--
I have a BIG surprise for you!


(Also, the winners for the Inspired Design Giveaway is
Ana at anablystra@
and Natalie at nataliemeester@
---CONGRATULATIONS! Please contact me asap!)

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Saturday, November 19, 2011

She Does Him Good and Not Evil



Have you been struggling lately with respecting and encouraging your husband?

Maybe just need a little nudge, reminder, or some good old-fashioned practical help in just how to do it?

I encourage you to read  through


The 30 Day Husband Challenge


Even if you don't do it--it is definitely a refreshing reminder!

"The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
so he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good and not evil
all the days of her life." 

Prov. 31:11-12


Book recommendation: The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace
(now also available in audio)

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Pssssst---I have a special surprise for all of you--I am also going to have the BIGGEST giveaway I have ever had on here on Monday! Stay tuned!






















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Thursday, November 17, 2011

Preparing to Keep Christ in Christmas and Doing it in a Budget Friendly Way


(Jesus is the Gift mug-half off $4.99)

I know that it is not Christmas yet! But if you are like me, you are already playing the Christmas music, making plans of where to put the tree and have started your shopping. I don't like confining Christmas to just one day. No, the Christmas season, I feel, needs to be stretched out as looooong as possible!

Honestly though, we will be in full swing of the holidays in just 8 days! This year I have been thinking about making the holidays meaningful and have several thoughts floating around in my mind: how can we serve more,  how to bless neighbors, and even how can we decorate with Christ as the center in ways that are budget friendly and then I stumbled across these...



I love how special touches truly make a memorable experience for our loved ones...



(Jesus is the Gift Snowflake Apron--50%  off now just  $9.99)

Homemakers everywhere preparing their home to celebrate the Savior's birth...


(Words for the Heart Ornament--50% off and now $3.99)

Reminding themselves of what life is really all about...


 (Handprint ornament--$3.99 half off)

Rejoicing and proclaiming the Good News--
yes, everywhere and especially on the tree!



These Jesus gift bags (start at $1.99) and these Jesus Snowflake gift tags (set of 10 pictured below) for just $1.25 make a wonderful reminder and way to share Him with everyone at Christmas and at such a steal!




 A Wise Woman Tip--orders of over $25 get FREE shipping!
Promo code: SHIPPING25

I am excited and also have many ideas, tips, and thoughts that are free or low budget that I want to share with you for Christmas that will be coming up very soon!

Have you started planning, shopping, or creating gifts for Christmas yet?


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Saturday, November 12, 2011

The True Wife's Kingdom


Home is the true wife's kingdom.

Very largely does the wife hold in her hands, as a sacred trust, the happiness and the highest good of the hearts that nestle there. In the last analysis, home happiness depends on the wife.
  • Her spirit gives the home its atmosphere.
  • Her hands fashion its beauty.
  • Her heart makes its love.
And the end is so worthy, so noble, so divine, that no woman who has been called to be a wife, and has listened to the call, should consider any price too great to pay, to be . . .

the light,
the joy,
the blessing,
the inspiration,
of a home.

The woman who makes a sweet, beautiful home, filling it with love and prayer and purity, is doing something better than anything else her hands could find to do beneath the skies.

A true mother is one of the holiest secrets of home happiness.

God sends many beautiful things to this world,

many noble gifts;

but no blessing is richer than that which He bestows

in a mother

who has learned love's lessons well,

and has realized something of the meaning

of her sacred calling.










~ J. R. Miller, "Secrets of Happy Home Life, 1894" ~






And as always, remember that Christ needs to be the center of the home in order for true peace, love and happiness to abound!

He is our everything!

Thank you Dallas @ Abounding Treasures

(An all time favorite---repost from ye olde archives) 






















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The Home of the Righteous



The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked,

but He blesses the home of the righteous.

Proverbs 3:33




























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The High and Noble Privilege



"What is that, oh Christian mother
God hath 'trusted to thy care?

In thine hand to love and nurture
Sweetly innocent and fair!

What a high and noble privilege!
Bring them up to know God's Word;

They in turn will call thee blessed
When they've learned to trust the Lord!"

-Mary A. Hayden


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Thursday, November 10, 2011

Wise Woman 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.

We would love for you to link up with us---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, etc. we would love to have you share it with us!

If 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!)















Monday, November 7, 2011

The Church in Thy House

 

"The church in thy house."

Is there a Church in this house? Are parents, children, friends, servants, all members of it? Or are some still unconverted? Let us pause here and let the question go round--Am I a member of the Church in this house? How would father's heart leap for joy, and mother's eyes fill with holy tears if from the eldest to the youngest all were saved! Let us pray for this great mercy until the Lord shall grant it to us.

Probably it had been the dearest object of Philemon's desires to have all his household saved; but it was not at first granted him in its fulness. He had a wicked servant, Onesimus, who, having wronged him, ran away from his service. His master's prayers followed him, and at last, as God would have it, Onesimus was led to hear Paul preach; his heart was touched, and he returned to Philemon, not only to be a faithful servant, but a brother beloved, adding another member to the Church in Philemon's house.

Is there an unconverted servant or child absent this morning? Make special supplication that such may, on their return to their home, gladden all hearts with good news of what grace has done! Is there one present? Let him partake in the same earnest entreaty.

If there be such a Church in our house, let us order it well,
and let all act as in the sight of God.

Let us move in the common affairs of life with studied holiness, diligence, kindness, and integrity. More is expected of a Church than of an ordinary household; family worship must, in such a case, be more devout and hearty; internal love must be more warm and unbroken, and external conduct must be more sanctified and Christlike. 



We need not fear that the smallness of our number will put us out of the list of Churches, for the Holy Spirit has here enrolled a family-church in the inspired book of remembrance.

As a Church let us now draw nigh to the great head of the one Church universal, and let us beseech him to give us grace to shine before men to the glory of his name.

---Charles Spurgeon Devotional, Bible Gateway 


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Saturday, November 5, 2011

Blessed Femina


Our dear Domestic Artist contributor, Miss Jen, is celebrating her 3 year blogging anniversary and having a delightful giveaway from my favorite soap company and sponsor, 


Stop by her encouraging blog,


  to congratulate her and to enter to win!


Have nothing planned this weekend?


Come and join us!



























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Friday, November 4, 2011

Pearls of Wisdom



"For every look at self

take ten looks at Christ."


-Robert Murray McCheyne

What a wise and timely reminder--we need to remember not to fix our sights on ourselves


or those around us

but keep our thoughts focused on Christ above.


Also, visit

Walking With Sarah who is sharing on how to

"Walk Alongside"

Great food for thought!



Have a blessed weekend!























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