Some encouragement for the dear mothers,

Even though I have never written to you before in this newsletter, I hoped to encourage you in this area. Time management…is this not something that all mothers struggle with at some point in their lives? When we stand before the throne of our heavenly Lord, will we have used our time wisely? Psalm 90:12 says, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” And Ephesians 5:15-17 says, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”

​A big topic that has been in our home lately is “Are you a ‘Martha’ or a ‘Mary’?” It all stemmed from a tape set that I recently purchased to help me with the #1 struggle I had been having over the last year….

Everyone has a different personality. I am a very goal-oriented person. I like to be accomplishing something all the time. There are many benefits to this, but along with the trait comes side effects that can be mild or severe, depending on the situation. J For example, I tend to get stressed over menial details or kinks in my schedule. Sometimes I become discouraged over the fact that I did not accomplish much a certain day, week, or month. I have also noticed that I occasionally base my “worth” on what I call my “productivity rate,” which is not right! (I am realizing that just because we are busy does not mean we are busy doing the right things—it’s possible to work ourselves exhausted and get nowhere, just as we would on a treadmill!) The Lord wants me to be a daughter of devotion more than a daughter of commotion! :) He loves me not because of what I do, but because of Who He is! Praise the Lord for that!
 
However, there is no excuse for laziness or slothfulness. The Scriptures tell us to redeem the time, to be diligent, and to serve our King! How is the virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31? “She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.” If you study this dedicated lady, you will quickly find that she was not sitting around. She did not waste the time that God chose to entrust to her. Instead, she used it fully for His glory and honor! So many people let time slip away as they spend fruitless hours watching television, playing on the computer, sleeping . . . you fill in the blanks! It is important that we do all activities in moderation—even things like reading, sleeping, exercising, cooking, studying, or cross stitch! It’s critical that we think of ways to wisely invest our time here on earth. I recently read in Psalm 39 these thought-provoking verses: “LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. Behold, Thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before Thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah. Surely every man walketh in a vain show: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them. And now, Lord, what wait I for? My hope is in Thee.” This challenges me to do things that matter for eternity, that will matter in the end. I want to invest my time in building treasures for heaven.
 
My goal in this article is to give you some practical ideas for how to set and accomplish your goals.... 

​Christmas—what a special time of year! For many, it is a favorite holiday. But the meaning goes far beyond cookies, music, and presents. It’s about the risen Christ Who has come to this world to save us from our sins. That is something to be excited about!

​Even though most of us are quite aware of this wonderful news, we occasionally take it for granted and do not joyfully share it with others. But Christmas is a time when we have ample opportunity to proclaim Christ’s birth, death, resurrection, and the Gospel message. Here I would like to share with you an idea of a way to do that.

What is Christmas? Is it just a national holiday? Where did it come from? First of all, what does holiday mean? 

Someday, if the Lord should will, I’d like to be a keeper of my own home....

With fervor, the young lady scrubbed the dirty dinner pot. She was growing frustrated with the seemingly enormous stack of dishes that awaited her attention, for she wanted to finish a sewing project after kitchen duties were completed. Her siblings had vanished after the meal was over, leaving her alone to clean up. Sharon inwardly grumbled in self-pity, when her thoughts were shocked to silence when her mom walked in the kitchen with a sober face. Her announcement was startling.

​Our Heavenly Father gives us many things to be grateful for. Just take a moment and make a mental list of those things you can thank God for.

​Your list probably included some of the following: family, friends, a warm house, food, salvation, etc. These things are easy to be thankful for, but did your list include: siblings that are difficult to work with? A little brother or sister who has a tendency to get into your things? Disappointment? Loss? Being sick? Those who persecute you and revile you?

It’s that time of the year again when we give thanks to our gracious Lord and Savior for all that He has done in our lives! Need some scrumptious recipes? Need a craft idea? What about a new tradition to start each Thanksgiving? Maybe these are some help to you! :)