Book Review: "A Christian Woman's Guide to Hospitality."

Five out of five stars! *****

I've got to admit that when I picked up this book, I was a little unsure. In my journey to become a homemaker that glorifies my King, I realize than the idea of homemaking in this fashion has become antiquated and unfortunately so has a lot of out resources. And truthfully, the cover looked old and cheesy. Nevertheless, I tried it and it proved that old saying 100% right. You just can't judge a book by it's cover. This book was an inspiration to give unto the Lord the small apartment we love in now and serve those He brings to our doorstep faithfully, not worrying about appearance nor cooking taste, but rather considering our guests "better than ourselves," as Scripture instructs us to. Nevertheless, it encourages every Christian to participate in the ministry of hospitality. It is not only a guidebook, it is a wealth of knowledge on Scripture and what I believe is the Lord's heart on the matter. It also encourages us to pursue the life of the Proverbs 31 woman, mainly in the preparation for the end times. She speaks of learning to barter and stocking up on non-perishables. It really surprised me, but I'm super glad I read it. I can honestly say I learned A LOT. Stay at home mommies and wifeys, this is absolutely a must-read. :)

"A Christian Woman's Guide to Hospitality" by Quinn Sherrer and Laura Watson

surrender

“When my heart was embittered and I was pierced within, then I was senseless and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand.” -Psalms 73:21-23

I’m learning that part of dwelling successfully in Mommyhood and especially in Wifeyville is the art of surrender. I feel as though I’m in this season of my life right now, where pruning and sifting is taking place, but it is not your regular sifting and pruning. It is an intensely personal pruning that is touching every part of myself, including my marriage and my role as a mommy. It has been the toughest time of my life and yet in this season I am learning that God is calling me to surrender completely and utterly unto Him. Offense and hurt comes from a place that isn’t dead (and therefore “alive”) within us yet. If then, being a wife is about my husband, then wouldn’t it make sense that every part of me “dies” and I am then called to give up my illusion of what I call “my rights”? God is calling us to surrender every reality and every illusion. It is only there we find truth, liberty and intimacy with our first Husband. It is all about surrender; giving up what we consider a right for the reality that He is wise and in control.

Mommy’s Learned Lessons,
Nicole

Mommyhood begins in Wifeyville

“She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.” -Proverbs 31:12

I know. There are plenty of single mothers out there who are fantastic mothers in “Mommyhood” without being part of “Wifeyville.” Yes, I know. And I totally agree. But this is about my journey, and my journey starts in “Wifeyville.” The longer I’m married, the more and more I realize that marriage is nothing about me and everything about my partner. Marriage is about giving of yourself without reservations regardless of the outcome. It is about loving the way Jesus loves. It is about a love that covers a multitude of sins. I have to admit, as women it is very common for us to become critical and bitter with husbands because of unmet expectations. It is easy to drift off and fantasize and wish our husband was “as spiritual as Suzy’s.” Well, I have recently learned that is operating and tolerating a spirit of Jezebel. Not to mention, how selfish of us. God has given unto us a “good thing,” a husband and father unto our children and the moment he shows a sign of humanity and weakness, we emotionally bail and check out. It should be our honor to fight for our husband’s spiritual welfare. Our wedding vows included “for better or worse.” It’s “the worse” part we pretend doesn’t exist when everything hits the fan, but it is this season of night, or this time of winter that produces and makes way for the warmth of dawn and the beauty and fragrance of spring. So, to whomever is reading, as I encourage myself through writing this blog, my prayer is that you’ll be encouraged as well. As the spiritual barometers of our home, my prayer is that we will honor our husbands by praying for their spiritual well being and that, in everything we are thankful for them. The dawn of spring will come, and oh what a beautiful day that will be!

Mommy’s Learned Lessons,
Nicole

I'm baaack!

I apologize about my long silence. I have not forgotten about you, nor do I plan on leaving. Pregnancy was a difficult time and the adjustment period thereafter has been interesting. It's also been hard because my access to an actual computer has been limited. Nevertheless, I'm back. :) Thanks for your patience. I also started an additional blog that is a little more personal as to what I'm learning throughout my journey in the Word, so I encourage y'all to check it out and to subscribe to it!

http://www.tearinreligion.blogspot.com/

[enter in discouragement]

Okay, so at almost seven months pregnant (four more days of my second trimester) I feel like a ridiculous failure. The bulk of my pregnancy has been spent in a melancholy state and/or in a state of chaos. I am so ready for life without these crazy hormones. I really feel done.

I began this blog as a way for me to record this homemaking journey I knew I was to make. And instead of becoming a better homemaker, I feel discouraged, stressed and (evidently) frustrated. Maybe it's the standards I'm holding myself to, maybe it is these crazy hormones, but maybe it's the call to something deeper that I can't understand. Regardless of which one it is (though I'm beginning to think it's a little of all three) I'm ready to not feel like this. Ready to have my cup "runeth over" once again and not feel like everything I'm doing is a total wreck.

Forgive my Ecclessiastes moment, however I must say "There is nothing new under the sun! Solomon, I feel ya brother... If there's anyone out there actually reading my blog, I'm asking for prayer. Seriously. This rut has held me far too long, and I'm so ready for normalcy and fulfillment again. I want to be content with the life and the calling the LORD has given to me. So, with that being said... cue out discouragement, and please, enter grace...