Friday, April 29, 2011

LAF website asks to help this family, the Crawfords


Dear Readers, we need you to pray for Kelly Crawford of Generation Cedar who is also an LAF contributor.
We have heard that they just lost their home, and their parents home, due to a terrible tornado passing through. Apparently they had taken refuge in their basement with a few families. Praise God that they are okay and pray that the Lord would comfort them, strengthen their faith and provide during this difficult time.
A Wise Woman Builds Her Home is taking donations to help their family.
If you would like to send something to help,
PLEASE share this on Twitter and Facebook or post about this on your blogs so we can get the word out to help them! Please spread the word at your churches to pray for them as well.
UPDATE: I have just been notified that you can also help by donating to other families struck by this horrific disaster through Providence Church who has set up a Tornado Relief  fund.

-Originally reported on Ladies against feminism, beautiful womanhood website. By Mrs June fuentes.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Super Hero

  Recently, well, it really depends on how you view "recently" (it was two whole summers ago..) I went to Disney world with my Uncle, Aunt, and cousins as a graduation gift. it was fun. the reason why i mention this is, while I was there I bought each family member a gift, and I bought my daddy a cup that said "you are My hero".
  Is your daddy your hero? Mine is! He is always there for me!If i need someone to talk to , I can talk to him; If I need someone to take me Places (even if he doesn't particularly enjoy the activity), he brings me.
    On my part though, I am no hero. (or heroine, or whatever I'd be) . Are we as open to our daddies as we should be? They are our spiritual protectors! Do they Know what we have been reading or writing about? What God has been teaching us?
      Now, I don't suggest you get into arguments with him.  To be submissive,  while arguments do happen sometimes, it is our job to avoid them. God teaches women to be submissive, therefore, when we speak, do we speak graciously and without fire? (fire not as in spiritual zeal, but anger.) We should talk to him as he has authority. One would never argue with a boss, or a superior with an angry tone, so we should not argue with our God given authority in a angry way either.
    Some daughters have the struggle that they do not see eye to eye with their daddies. The Bible, while it teaches submission, doesn't say we have to actually be in total agreement with every minor conviction. An example would be contemporary vs hymn music. The Bible doesn't speak very specifically on this topic,so it really doesn't need to incite an argument. Now, if  there is a difference in opinion on whether or not a sensual song is okay, it's not, Because the Bible says it is wrong to dwell on such things, or to Give the devil a foot hold. Even in such situations, a godly daughter must not angrily reply: it turns off the listener. Now,  Expressing your concerns in a kind , gentle way, that works. Perhaps you can talk to Him privately if something he does is bothering you (if, like I said, it is definitely un scriptural, ), then approach him kindly and say something like this : "Daddy, i was worried about you, because when you listened to that song in the car, it was very sensual. It was talking about things that are not pure or true or virtuous, like the things Paul reminds us to keep on our Mind in Philippians 4:8. can you not listen to that , at least around me anymore?"
   It is sweet, presents a biblical point, and does not go outside of submission. You are not telling him what to do. You are just telling him how you feel. This can well apply to married women too. If he continues to do the thing you talked about, Just pray for Him, God will deliver him. Remember too, that you are not perfect, and you have flaws yourself.
      Let Him also talk to you about things without getting angry. In Proverbs, it tells us How we are to submit to our parents, and one thing it says often is to accept correction. When daddy tells you that your dresses are too immodest, don't stomp to your room and slam your door and cry about how daddy only wants you to wear feed bags. that is not accepting correction.  Accepting correction would be not wearing the outfit in question anymore, and re evaluating your modesty standards.

 Now, getting back to the main point. My daddy Is my hero. He is my night in shining armor. I want to respect Him in all the ways I can and help him to be the best hero he can be. I can help him best By respecting his opinions and convictions, assisting My mother in the house hold to help it run smoothly, and being kind to my brothers and sisters,and babysitting so they can have alone time. Lastly, I can  Help him By challenging him.
   This is best for wives to do. Again, it is the way I mentioned above, a sweet, godly, and submissive way.
  But this time, it is a challenge. Again, you are not telling him what to do, you are just presenting a goal he can try for. An example of that could be for the Husband who doesn't have time to pray. You can encourage Him with a challenge: "Honey, I was thinking lately. you don't seem to have time to Pray, But perhaps, maybe you can just take a half hour at night to do it. I can take care of things, and the  bedroom will be left alone, so you can focus. Would you like to try that for a month and see if it makes a difference? "
    Once again, sweet, submissive, But to the point. That is what women were created to be: submissive, and assistants to their husbands or fathers so they may be the best heroes ever!

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Stay at home daughterhood: is it in the Bible?

  The truth is, I am not a full time stay at home daughter,I have a job at a local pizza store for 8 hours a week. it is hard to figure out exactly how to apply stay at home daughterhood. while there is freedom in the Bible to live as a stay at home daughter through different applications, I often find myself and people wondering about my social abilities and laziness that could come about through "being home" all the time. personally, I can see why.I have a history of complaining and sitting around doing nothing. I want that to change. Currently, I am in the "early stages" of stay at home daughterhood. My time is spent now on trying to figure out where it is found in the Bible. My family is very theological, and often has discussions in which I have a hard time backing up my points. this is the reason why it is important to show exact backup for my points from the Bible. People want to see me telling them from the Bible, not just from so and so's reasoning .(not that it is wrong to read books on the subject: i am a advocate of such things!)
     Truth #1- In the Bible, women stayed home and were commanded to be taught to be "keepers at home". Isn't it amazing how silent the bible is on unmarried women? it says "young women", which people always take to mean  "wife". It does not say "wife" though?does it?  My sister points out that the Greek word (used in Titus 2 verse 4) generally means "woman" and could mean old, or married, or young woman, or just plain woman. the verse before it, which says older "women" also is the same word. Perhaps the Greek word is general. But when we say "woman" in English, it also can mean any of those things. ("the woman down the street" could be old, or young, or married, or unmarried...etc) but by translation, throughout multiple translations, including modern ones like NIV or ESV, "young" or "younger"woman is always used. Why not "wives"?  I looked at Bible gateway at many translations, I even Google translated the Chinese verses in Titus 2, and still, it says "young woman". many of them say "admonish" or "train" or "teach" all of these skills to them. it is a little late to "teach" someone or "train" someone for something they already have to be able to do, wouldn't you say?
     Truth # 2- the Bible never really mentions a "godly woman" who went out and made a life for herself. Dinah went out of her house and went out into the town: She was given to fornication. there is nothing indicating she was raped. this happens to many women who go out to see "the daughters of the land" (worldly friends, worldly entertainment etc).  Jezebel also wanted to make a name for herself: she was said to be an evil woman.  many people come to a few contradictions with these thoughts.
     Firstly, they recall Ruth. the Girl who worked in the fields and randomly came across a relative. well, first, she collected donations, she had to "go out" to get them, but she did not work for wages as a man would. she did not get a job. she accepted donations. she was protected by Boaz, now, this did happen By Grace,but one thing is true, she was donated to, and was protected under the Biblical laws of gleaning. after she found her kinsman, she did not leave his protection. later, she married him.
   next, they may recall the women who followed Jesus. they were all married, but "wondering about" with Christ. they were like female missionaries. these women, though traveling about, were ina feminine role. they did not teach or preach, but they prepared him food and care while he was around. they also came from somewhat unbiblical situations. one of them was possessed by demons, the other was the wife of Chuza, who served Herod,(if Chuza really loved Christ, would he not leave that high position? perhaps his wife had been persecuted and she needed the safety of Christ to protect her)  Susanna is the only one that we do not know much about. But in general, things were different While Christ was on earth, in the New Testament, men were told not to leave their wives for long periods of time (1Corinthians 7:5), But the disciples, some whom were married, traveled all of the time. these are not contradictions, but things which needed happen during this time to teach the people God's plan of salvation.
     Fact#3: The idea of women leaving their homes for a "job" is not condoned in the Bible, But a woman working from her home is, and is in fact, encouraged (proverbs 31).

   Does this mean a woman can never go outside her home? NO!
  It means, in general, her Job is her family.God gave her that job, While God gave men the job to provide for their families physically, spiritually, and emotionally. men is any male, married or unmarried, and woman means any woman, married or unmarried. God is a God of order, he does not give commands for unmarried men with married men, and not do the same for woman.
   are you not married? Not in the Business of raising children? Serve your mother and father. help with your siblings. assist a new mother with her child and house work. you can get out and do things, but in a different sphere. go grocery shopping for mom, be a hostess to your neighbors by having them over for dinner and some fun. we are living Bibles. Have tea parties with ladies at church in your home or their homes. there are lots of social opportunities! (you can even write a blog as a ministry where ministry opportunities are limited.lol!)
   Remember too, that when it comes to marriage, you will not likely meet your husband in the world. the best place to find a drunkard is a bar, and the best place to find a godly man is through ministry. get involved in a church if one is available to you.My family is trying to find a godly Church now, but for now, the only opportunities for ministry is in My home. but I know God has perfect timing, and one perfect man for me. he will bring him to me in his timing, no matter where! so going to church and having godly friends is important!
 
  Titus 2 also says that we are to live this way so that the world has no reason to blaspheme God. That is a big assignment!
    So remember, it is a Biblical command. How we apply it may vary, but it must be applied, with all dilligence!

God Bless!
-Delighted daughter

Friday, April 15, 2011

Tips from Mama on procrastination

Sometimes I too struggle with procrastination. I find that one of the best remedies to procrastination is to just do the next thing. Most of our household tasks do not require hours of preparation and organization. You don't need a plan of attack, just pick up those dirty clothes, make that bed and sweep that floor. and before you know it the room is clean. Just a little lesson learned, from a former procrastinator. :-)

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

dealing with Mount Fuji

    Let me warn you... this article has nothing to do with the beautiful mountain in Japan. though you may have hoped to read about the geography of a mountain with the sun rising against it's soft grey rock, you aren't going to.. at least, not now.
     Sometimes one can sit and wonder what to do. They may plan to do something, prepare to do it, rev themselves up for it, but then, run out of time to actually do it. I have this problem. I can only count how many times i wanted to read, and I would prepare by fixing my bed to make it comfy, getting a cup of tea, picking the book up and putting it on the bed in a attractive way, perhaps with a pencil lined up beside it in an artistic way before i even sit down to read. then it is too late, and I learn nothing.  the same with cleaning my room. I might read about cleaning, put an apron on, pick out a nice work dress, fix my hair in such a way, pose with the broom, and "motivate myself"; in the end, however, i still need to get the room clean,  and the day is far spent. so i put it off till later.  the root of this really is procrastination.
    I tend to procrastinate, especially on cleaning my room. that little room makes me crazy! (in fact, the  mount Fuji of stuff is sitting in my room right now...) there is only one thing I could do about it though... do it!
   Another thing that turns me away from doing my work is my sometimes negative attitude.  I will go in, look at mount Fuji (the mess) , then decide that it wasn't my fault the room is a mess. the room is small, and little ants probably carry stuff out of their place at night while I'm sleeping (well, I'm not that crazy! LOL!). sometimes I decide to dwell on problems and blame the mess for my negative attitude.  it is really a cycle, isn't it?
     I am sure there are lots of girls who have the same struggle ( at least, I hope so! Otherwise I'm crazy!). The best thing you can do when you are stressed out about this is pray and take some time to read the Bible. (don't let yourself get out of your job though!) then , look at the mess and say "We are more than conquerors through him that loved us, And I'm going to conquer this mountain, and defeat it once and for all!" (well, at least until next time the mountain rises up again.)
   Another thing you can do is put nice music in the radio and let it play while you work. make sure it's nice music though, like soft instruments or classical. the whole loud singing thing doesn't help a stressed out mind.
    it may help to have a to do list as well, especially with big projects. for example, you need to clean your room, so, first you will go through the stuff the right corner of the room, then you will tidy the dresser, and put all the clothes away that are laying on the floor. etc.
     lastly, don't let your mind fill up with negative thoughts. that is one of my biggest distractions. the thoughts that God must have forgotten about you because he let your room get messy (which He didn't), or that your mom should have told you to clean it four weeks ago when it wasn't so bad (and, again, you could have done that yourself!), or that your brother made the mess when he borrowed your Bible yesterday (now, maybe a part of the mess, but Mount Fuji isn't rising because of  a borrowed Bible unless you have bad organizational skills.. then that needs to be fixed..)
     So, Just remember, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13), and defeat the Mount Fuji before you, because you can in Christ.
  

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Shining stars magazine and book giveaway!

A wonderful magazine for Christian women and young ladies! It is free to subscribe and is encouraging every step of the way! I love this magazine because it encourages me to be a woman for the Lord. There is a link for it here:
http://shiningstarsmagazine.com/
    They are currently having a book give away, so subscribe to the magazine then go to the giveaway on their website, or click here to go directly to the giveaway.
   it would be helpful if you donate some money to the ladies to keep the magazine going. prayerfully consider it!

Monday, April 4, 2011

Spring Is sprung!

ahh, Nothing makes me happier than nice 65 degree weather, with sunshine and plenty of garden work! sometimes I like to compare myself with a flower, I need warm sunshine to keep me motivated! this can't possibly be true, because no matter what the weather is, you have got to keep going! i am the worst culprit for making excuses. "i feel tired today" or "ugh, the sun is behind the clouds, so I can't think.." These things are NOT excuses to keep me from going! my issue is one that i am sure that is universal and a common issue with many girls. How do we overcome this?
      Firstly, we must remember that God never gave up on His goals and purposes. He asked us to work hard, He didn't make excuses for cloudy skies. If He had done that, we would surely suffer! This is enough motivation to help us keep going: We do it to bring glory to Our Heavenly Father!
     Second, Remember that other people depend on us to do our work. Messy bedroom (my worst enemy!)?
  Well, what if mama want's to show her friends the house, how embarrassing it is to show off a messy room!
it may seem to be a "selfish" endeavor, believe me! I am one to put that off for any reason under the sun.
      Thirdly, It gives us a feeling of accomplishment. one sleeps better and is happier if they have worked hard. they know they got what they needed to get done, done. I always feel better and healthier when i finish a goal! what a relief!
         Remember, we must keep going! even when it is cold and cloudy and you'd rather stay in bed all day.
    God bless!
   -Dedicated Daughter

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Big Flirt

    "Hi Johnny, Your so cute...i like your sweater... it looks, so, handsome hehe!" Suzanna said. Johnny looked at her and pointed his finger at her. "hey, you look great too babe! i can see you are working out!"  Johnny replies pridefully. Suzanna winks at him, and sways playfully to the side. "of course babe, Anything for you!" ... This is traditionally  what is thought to be flirting. of course, I wouldn't talk like this. But let's Think about it... is flirting really only the words, accents and swaying we use when talking to the opposite sex? What does the Bible say? In reading the Song of Solomon, we come across a verse that is repeated over and over again:  SOS 8:4: "I charge you,O daughters of Jerusalem, that ye stir not up, or awake my love, until he please." This verse is found a few times earlier in the Book as well. This verse tells us something about the role of women in a relationship: They are not to initiate it.
    While a Woman can introduce herself to a young man, she is not to go and try to turn it into a "special Friendship".  If a girl has a "crush" or an "interest" in this "cute" guy, then she is best not going out of her way to introduce herself. Historically, a woman did not speak to men unless the man addressed her. though we cannot use history to defend our stance, it is true that even in the Bible a woman did not initiate a relationship unless she was spoken to, unless she was a harlot.
       Girls tend to get ecstatic when they aren't "dating" yet. They crazily go about dating boys, thinking that that is the only way a girl can get married. Many times a girl in this kind of relationship can get selfish, seeking gifts, special dates, constant conversation, and exciting thrills, and comments like "your eyes are so beautiful today." Is this how God planned marriage? No! people can get deceived into thinking that the relationship will always go smoothly, and that the marriage relationship is all going to be fun and games. God commands us to work, so the " ideal marriage" does not fit in this category. now, a woman is to be working from the home, running her household, caring for the needs of husband and children. But it still is work, and still takes focus and understanding. marriage is not a life long date, it is a loving submission on the wife's part, and caring dedication on the man's part. it is team work, and appreciation for one another.
       So, regular dating and woman initiated relationships are not the Biblical way. In the Bible, Men initiated relationships. Many people apply this today in the form of  "courtship". We will discuss that another time.
     Flirting also consists of trying to get the attention of the Guy.  Putting on certain clothes, hairstyles, and makeup are all ways we "flirt". flirting is not particularly the words, it is the heart attitude behind our words and actions. While we may not wear mini skirts or skinny jeans and a halter top, flirting, even while dressing modestly, is immodest .
      Things The Bible says is wrong:
           1. Winking  (proverbs 6:13)
           2.  Impudent (flirty) faces (proverbs 7:13)
           3. flirtatious behavior (Isaiah 3:16)
           4. Woman usurping the leadership of a man (1 Timothy 2:12)
    We should be Careful not to flirt. we should not dress in flashy clothes, put extra makeup on and look at them a certain way to get their attention, and of course, when should not talk about how they look, act, or behave unless it is to find out biblical standards (this eliminates "that is a cute shirt, you are so handsome, i like it when you do that" and etc.) . we should also make sure the man we are courting refrains from it as well. (he shouldn't say "your so beautiful, I like that dress on you, your makeup looks better today, or Your hair is so silky,). A man that does not hold our standards cannot be compatible with us .
       The Best thing a Woman can do is to wait patiently upon the Lord, and not "awaken his Love before he pleases." God will bring the right man into your life. if not, God has bigger plans for you, and in all things, wait upon the Lord.
  - Delighted daughter.

Notes: I like to refrain from using "guy" when talking about good relationships. it has a flirty and playful denotation which takes my mind off of focusing on Important things.