Wisdom in the Garden

Today is a grey day, low clouds, a messy house, and bills to pay and mail, not to mention two little girls who want my undivided attention. So like any responsible adult I made a list of the things I need to do today and then completely ignored it and bundled the girls up and took them outside to work/play in the yard (as long as is isn't raining it is the number one place we want to be, even in January). We had a great time, Rowyn in her walker exploring on the bumpy grass and Rumer running after me with her little shovel "helping" move piles of dead leaves and weeds to the burn pile and asking a question a minute (those moms of young ones out that know I don't exaggerate). When all of a sudden she looked down at the dirt, pointed and said, "God made that" (the ground). Coming from a little girl who is just learning the Genesis account it made me smile. What a sponge two year olds have for brains.

Life as a stay at home mom can become boring and monotonous, but it's when you take a break out of the daily grind and spend time connecting with those individuals who share your days that life opens up to become thrilling and rewarding. And now at least one part of my yard is kind of ready for spring. And both girls took really good naps, so I got my list done after all.

The Foundation

Now we come to the most important part of our house...the foundation. With out it we have a heap of building material and no structure. In these tours we will discover the deep love our God has for us, and how we can get to know Him.

"Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting but a women who fears the Lord is to be Praised."

The Front Door

Parenting...This is probably the most rewarding yet painful part of life. 

We spend many years loving, teaching, disciplining these little people only to one day watch them walk out the front door never to be under your authority again, they will start a home of their own.

But while they are under he roof of your husband and in the walls of your love and protection you have a lot to do! in these posts we will speak of the joys and heartaches of motherhood. Your responsibilities to God and those little ones He has entrusted in your care. The balance of parenting with your husband and also how to prepare for the moment you and your husband watch, side by side, as your child walks out your door.

"Her children arise and call her blessed."

Our goal as mothers is foe our children to look back at your house
(their childhood) and say,

 "That's the way to do it. I am going to build my house just like mom did!"

The Grounds

Nothing sets off a house more then a beautiful yard. In this section I will be exploring ways to build up an inviting lawn that stretches out from your home and reaches those around you.

"she stretches out her hand to the poor and she stretches out her hand to the needy."

This women doesn't wait for them to come to her she goes to them. She sees a need and acts on it. She has a special devotion to her home and also those not fortunate enough to be in her home. We will talk about getting involved in the lives of those around us who have needs, need for money, clothes, food a shoulder to cry on, a friend...

She is generous as a neighbor. She is an utterly selfless women to all; friend and stranger.

Windows

This is my favorite...Windows, their job is to let in sun light, many are made with a special gas inside the two glass panes that lets the light of the sun in but keeps the deadly ultra-violet rays out. Without windows a house would be dark and depressing. And if windows didn't have the protective gas all of the light would come in fading our furniture and potentially burning our skin.

As mothers we have the same job as windows. We let in light to our household, teaching our children in all kinds of learning, that of the soul; kindness, compassion, justice, patience, honesty and also of the world; respect for authority, reason, responsibility, disciple and yes even how to have fun. 

She also filters what comes into the house. What is watched on TV, the language that is used, and even that question about sex. She decided what is suitable for her small children then her teens all the while equipping them for adulthood.

"She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue'"

She connects with each of her children several times a day. She knows their struggles and helps them find victory over them. Yet she also lets them make mistakes (oh the joy of natural consequences). She also knows their joys, what makes them light up during the day. She helps to cultivate a hunger for learning and a love and respect for people (yes, even their own siblings) and God. 

In a few words she is teacher, protector.

The Furnishings

Well, now we come to the feathering of our nests, financial security. 

"Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value."

      A huge percentage of couples separate while struggling fincially. No matter who in your family brings home the bacon, there needs to be a mutual trust between the two of you. We will be looking at realistic ways to accomplish this. Also setting goals for the future, laying aside a little for a rainy day and for children's futures, paying off and staying away from debt, creating a practical budget for your family and even getting to a place where you are comfortable helping others who are in need: these are things a women needs to take into consideration for her home. Once there is security in this area you will be amazed at how comfortable the "inside" of your house will be.

For a great resource check out daveramsey.com