KEEPERS AT HOME – (Titus 2:5 ) – MATERIALISM and WORKING MOTHERS!

KEEPERS AT HOME – (Titus 2:5 ) – MATERIALISM and WORKING MOTHERS!

‘The Transformed Wife @godlywomanhood There isn’t one woman in the Bible who left her home all day to work for a boss & paycheck while her children were in daycare/ public schools whose purpose was to get mothers & children out of their homes, so children will be influenced by strangers rather than their own mothers.’

Author The Transformed Wife All of you who are arguing this post either don’t know or want to twist this verse to say something that it doesn’t. God commands younger women to be keepers at home so they don’t blaspheme His Word (Titus 2:5). He wants women’s work to be in their home!

The Steadfast, Home-Centered Woman – The Transformed Wife

Keepers at Home – The Transformed Wife

THE STEADFAST, HOME-CENTERED WOMAN

 December 13, 2023  Lori Alexander

What is a “homestead woman?” Literally speaking, the word homestead means to be steadfast at home.

I have been a Christian for 26 years, a wife for 25 years and a mother for 20. As the mother of six, I have experienced firsthand a particular dilemma in the lives of Christian women. We want to do the right thing. So, we volunteer, join, raise our hands and sign up, until our plates are beyond full. The end result is so many moms find themselves constantly on the go.

But, the secret desire of many of these women is just to be able to stay home more. These are not lazy women. They have lots of projects they want to work on. Start a fruit and vegetable garden; try their hand at quilting or other fiber arts; raise a few rabbits, goats or chickens; do some writing; putter in their kitchen; play with their kids; work on crafting projects and quietly mind their own home. They want the homestead life.

There have been several surveys taken among young, married women over the course of the last decade or so that have revealed unexpected longings in the hearts of 21st century wives and mothers. When asked to choose what would be their ideal existence, the majority of these ladies said they would prefer the lifestyle of the 1950’s or a “country life.”

Ah…I knew it. I am not alone. I am not some kind of freakish throwback to another era. Turns out, I’m in the majority. I am most content when I am busy about the affairs of my own home, hanging out with my family, or working in my garden or kitchen. But, the difference between me and a lot of those ladies is I know that this lifestyle is possible. It’s not just a fantasy that can never be realized.

If this describes you, then the New Harvest Homestead newsletter is here to encourage and support you.

Being Home-Centered is Biblical

It’s okay to want to stay home more. I believe the women in those surveys, especially Christian women, are acknowledging a truth in the core of their being; a design drawn on our very souls by the Creator Himself. If we have the courage to take an open-hearted, honest look at the portrait the Bible paints of a truly fulfilled, biblical woman, we will find some startling long-neglected truths.

Let’s try not to color these verses with our American cultural brush but simply let them say what they say. I’m not going to talk about a Christian woman’s inward, spiritual qualities because we’ve all been through those bible studies and I’m sure I can’t do better than any of them.

No, I am talking about what a biblical woman actually did with her time on an average, everyday basis. I am going to try to summarize verses from Psalm 128:3, Proverbs 14:1, Proverbs 31, 1 Timothy 5:9-10 and Titus 2:5. A praiseworthy biblical woman:

• Gives her husband children, if she is able, and makes their home a pleasant place.
• Puts her time and energy into the betterment of her own household.
• Takes joy in her daily tasks, as doing them unto the Lord; working with her hands to enhance her home and family.
• Puts a lot of thought and planning into how she can provide the healthiest food to her family for the best price, even if it means going some distance to obtain it.
• Takes extra time and care to prepare good, nutritious food for her household.
• Finds a “bit of earth” where she can grow good things for her household and others around her.
• Enjoys being creative and making beautiful things.
• Always keeps in mind those who are in need, sharing what she can with them. Is concerned for her neighbors.
• Does what she can with her own two hands instead of depending on others to provide.
• Finds creative ways to work from home to bring in a little extra income.
• Takes the management of her household seriously, trying her best to be prepared for the unexpected and make sure her family will not be in need.
• Watchful over her children, concerned with every aspect of their well-being.
• Opens her home to visitors.
• Welcomes believers into her home for fellowship.
• Available when someone might need her.
• Is the guardian, watcher, and gatekeeper of her home.

What do we truthfully see portrayed here? This is a home-centered lady who does what she does everyday first and foremost for the benefit of her husband, her children, and her home. She works with her hands, grows a garden, prepares good food. This is how it has been for the majority of women for thousands of years. It is only within the relatively recent past that there has even been a choice regarding whether or not a woman would do these things. They were necessary for the very existence of her family.

It Will Take Commitment

I know Proverbs 31 can seem somewhat unrealistic to a lot of us, but do you know why I think that is? Not because it is impossible to fulfill, but because we as a culture have gone so far a field from the traditional/biblical model of family life that we just don’t recognize it anymore.

What we have come to accept as “normal” is living in our SUV with a day planner, breathlessly running from meeting to meeting, activity to activity. This is a relatively recent phenomenon for women – ask your grandmother! And, I’m not even talking about working women. These are stay-at-home mothers who don’t really stay at home very much!

Therefore, since most women nowadays do not fill the majority of their time with domestic pursuits, these verses come off as some kind of unattainable ideal.
Well, sisters, I am here to tell you that this is definitely not an outdated, old-fashioned way of life. In fact, I have come to believe with my whole heart that taking God at His Word and pursuing this home-centered path results in greater peace and contentment than you may ever have known, both for you and your family. It is an abundant life.

A woman whose heart is firmly anchored in her home can from that center point stretch herself out in many different directions. Her home can become a hub of creative activity and ministry. She has the freedom to listen for the voice of the Spirit and blow in whatever direction He may lead on any given day. Always, her first priority is her husband, her children, and her home.

If you find yourself aching for this less complicated and more restful existence, you can have it. But, you are going to have the really commit yourself to this goal. The enemy of our souls does not want you to have peace, rest, and joy and he will try many different tactics to steer you off of this path. You have to want this and let nothing deter you from getting there.

Where Did the Time Go?

One of the first things we need to do is step back and honestly evaluate where we might be giving away too much of our time and energy. If the various activities and commitments in your life are leaving you too worn out to meet the needs of your husband, children and home, then something has got to go. Obviously, it’s not going to be the husband, children, and home! 😊

Take a good look at your calendar. How many hours will you be away from your home in a typical week? Can you remember the last time you spent at least two consecutive days at home? Are you cheerful every time you pack up the kids, walk out the door, and head off to the next meeting, lesson, outing, appointment, practice, etc? Are your kids happy? Or, do you look at your busy calendar with dread and are your kids crabby and cranky when you are out so much? Do you manage to keep your house in a reasonable state of order? Does your family sit together around the dinner table more than two times a year? Does your husband get enough of your time and attention?

These are all questions I stopped to ask myself many years ago because I was burned out and frustrated and I needed answers. I decided to take a really hard look at what the Bible teaches about women. What I found was a portrait of quiet, humble commitment to excellence in domestic life. I finally admitted to myself, my God, and my peers that I really didn’t enjoy involving myself in dozens of outside activities. I realized that I needed to be home most of the time if I wanted to aspire to that biblical ideal.

Surprised by Joy

And so, I began to disconnect from the activity-filled lifestyle which was modeled all around me. I had no idea up until that point the depth of satisfaction waiting for me in the daily work of the “homestead” life.

I have experienced real joy in the simple act of baking an apple pie or gazing at a row of canning jars filled with vary-colored jams. I have heard the voice of the Spirit whisper in my heart while I did nothing more than quietly hang a load of laundry on a warm spring morning. There is a deep sense of purpose and contentment in this humble work which can be found nowhere else.

In his book “The Pursuit of God” A.W. Tozer had this to say:

“The simplicity which is in Christ is rarely found among us. In its stead are programs, methods, organizations, and a world of nervous activity which occupy time and attention but can never satisfy the longing of the heart.”

This easily describes the majority of Christian women I have known at one time or another, including myself. We seem to be prone to the “Martha Syndrome,” always busily rushing about trying to live up to the expectations of others or those we load on ourselves. Truth be told, many of us are just wiped out.

Jesus held out Martha’s sister, Mary, as an example for all of us. If we could just slow down and get quiet, like her, we too, might hear the still small voice of the Savior saying, “Be still. Sit at my feet. I am all you really need.”

This is not a life of servitude or drudgery. Nor is it about having the perfectly appointed home. If joyfully embraced, this home-centered life will lead to freedom, peace and fulfillment. We will become the wife and mother we were created to be.

I am certainly not advocating we isolate ourselves and our children. The paradox here is that when we learn to say no to a lot of outside commitments and focus on our domestic life, we can actually become more useful to the Lord, as we are available to follow HIS timetable and leading instead of someone else’s. The Lord will begin to bring before us a myriad of different ministry opportunities, some of them right in our own neighborhood or family, which we couldn’t see before because we were too busy elsewhere.

Leaving a Legacy

Peggy Noonan, the former speech writer for President Reagan and Bush 1, wrote a book called “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” In the book, she recounts a conversation with her brother-in-law in which she asked him what the best thing was about his mother when he was growing up.

“And, immediately he said, ‘That she was there.’

‘There for you,’ I said.

‘No,’ he said, ‘actually there. In the kitchen. For twenty years she stood in the kitchen stirring the gravy. Every day I came home from school, she was there. When I came home with a broken arm or blood coming out of my lip, she was at the door. That’s a big change. Kids have no one home now. I don’t mean one-parent families. I mean two parents and both are out. And we’ll never go back to the old way again, ever.’” (1)

I wish I could tell that man that he’s wrong. The “old ways” are not gone; they’ve just been out of sight for a while. These ways are written on the pages of scripture for anyone who has a heart to seek and heed them. These ways exist within the soul of every woman who quietly devotes herself to hearth and home, hidden away from the popular culture, but shining forth in the kingdom of her Father in heaven.

Let’s be the ones of whom our sons and daughters will be able to say one day, “My mother was always there.” Give your whole heart to your family and home and you will find a treasure rarely enjoyed in our times. You will leave a blessing with your family that will last a lifetime and beyond.

(1) From Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness by Peggy Noonan, Adams Publishing, 1994 Share Tweet

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Keepers At Home, New Harvest Homestead

BibleView934Email.pdf (openthoumineeyes.com)

A Godly Example Bill Brinkworth Mary, Jesus’ mother, was a remarkable woman God could use. Luke 1 speaks much of this willing servant God used mightily. Here are some of what the Bible says about Mary, the mother of Jesus: • God had planned to use Mary long before she was born. She was from the lineage of King David, which was the line where the prophesied Messiah would be born. • She was obedient in relations with men. She remained a virgin before she was married (Luke 1:27, 34). • God saw she had a good testimony. She was highly favored in His eyes (Luke 1:28, 30). • God had unique plans for her. She was going to have a child in a special way that would require her to have a good character and testimony (Luke 1:31). • God would use her child, Jesus (Luke 1:32, 35). • Mary was obedient. She was willing to do whatever the Lord required (Luke 1:38, 46). • Mary was humble. She did not think highly of herself (Luke 1:48). She would be angered at how people venerate her above Christ in some religions. • Mary admitted that God had done great things through her (Luke 1:49). • She knew about God’s mercy (Luke 1:50). • She knew about the mighty things God had done, His power, and His provision (Luke 1:51-53). • She understood the Bible (Luke 1:54-55). • She intended to marry a godly, obedient, hard-working man, Joseph, who paid his taxes and obeyed the law (Luke 2:4-5). • She humbly accepted what God allowed her to go through. She was willing to go through hard times and not complain about it. She had her baby in a barn (Luke 2:7). • Mary had at least four sons and two daughters (Mark 6:3) after Jesus was born. • Mary needed a Saviour. If she were the mother of God, as the Catholic church claims, she would not have needed a Saviour. She was a woman that God could trust to do His will. “And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.” Luke 1:46-47 —2— Mary was a godly vessel that God could use. Although no one will ever be used in the way she was, all can be used for God’s glory if we obey and allow Him to use us. “Most people want to serve God but in an advisory capacity.” — Author Unknown The Virtuous Woman Bill Brinkworth Throughout the Bible, there is much advice given from father to son. Proverbs 31, however, relays a mother’s counsel to her boy. Most likely, King Lemuel was a godly leader, as his name means “belonging to God.” His mother advised the King on how to continue to be a strong leader (Proverbs 31:3-9). The mother helped her son know the important values to consider when picking the right wife. She knew a wife could make or break a man’s and family’s success. In the rest of the chapter, she helps him with one of the most crucial decisions in his life. The mother’s advice did not include picking a woman for her beauty and sex appeal. She suggested picking a woman who would be faithful to her husband, a hard worker, pure, moral, and industrious. A good wife should be “virtuous.” Beauty will change (Proverbs 31:30), but good character and morality will last a lifetime and benefit many. “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.” Proverbs 31:10 Virtuous: practitioner of duty, accomplished, and moral According to this Proverb, a virtuous woman: • Can be relied upon and trusted (Proverbs 31:11). • Will do a husband good and make him a better man (Proverbs 31:12, 23). • Will be industrious, always helping and providing for her husband and family (Proverbs 31:13-15, 17, 27). • Will look to meet not only the family’s current needs but what will benefit them in the future (Proverbs 31:16, 21). • Is a hard worker (Proverbs 31:18-19, 24, 27). • Is kind, even to those outside her family (Proverbs 31:20, 26). • Provides for her own needs (Proverbs 31:22). • Is honorable and has a strong character (Proverbs 31:25). • Is wise (Proverbs 31:26). • Is respected and relied on by her family (Proverbs 31:28). • Is godly (Proverbs 31:30). This type of woman was not uncommon in the past. Today, perhaps because of the changed values of women in the 1970s, they are not as prevalent. Unfortunately, it has been drummed into many women’s minds that they can do better than being stay-at-home mothers and wives. Many have been brainwashed into believing being a —3— housewife is beneath them and they should seek a career in which they are worthy and is more important. Being a wife and mother is not a menial task. The incredible abilities and responsibilities given to women are the backbone of a family and nation. It is the mother who can mold young lives and strengthen families and, eventually, even society. She is the silent strength and selfless worker who may not get much limelight, but without her families and society stumble and crumble, as can be seen today. Despite what the “unisex” movement tried to convince women to believe, men and women are different. Women have strengths and abilities that a man does not have. Vice versa, a man can do things a woman cannot. It does not imply that one sex is better than the other. Instead of changing their created purpose and trying to be what they are not, society would benefit if the sexes would again not be confused about their strengths and gifts and fulfill the purpose and unique abilities God has given them. Since the confusion of the sexes proliferated, the divorce rate has skyrocketed. Many children now come from “broken” homes. Males and females are confused about who and what they are. An increasing number of couples are living together unmarried. Many children do not even know who their parents are. “Know-better-than-God” and making their own social guidelines have not worked! Humanity is suffering greatly. Man and woman must return to living the way God wants them to and be the man or woman He desires them to be. Men and women, especially those who want to please God, should be virtuous, content, and proud of who they are and be the best they can be! The Ephesians 5 Husband and Wife Bill Brinkowrth “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. 22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it … 28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: … 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. … 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.” Eph. 5:21-33 Ephesian 5 discusses a subject that bristles the hair on the back of many necks. It takes a position that has been hated and rebelled against for generations. Unfortunately, the refusal to follow God’s commandments in this area has resulted in a divorce rate of nearly 50%. In Ephesians 5:21-33, Paul discusses submissiveness between a married man and a woman. According to Noah Webster, submitting is yielding or surrendering to an authority. The first surrendering to an authority discussed in those verses is for both husband and wife to concede to each other (vs. 21) because they respect God’s commandments! —4— They are to submit to each other because God tells them to, and they should know God’s way is always best. God ordained the union between man and woman, so He knows how it will work. No other way will be successful! A wife is to submit to her husband (vs. 22). When she is humbling herself to do so, she is doing it “unto the Lord.” What a step of faith it takes for a wife to trust the Lord that way. I am sure most women shudder at that point, thinking about all kinds of situations: “What happens if I submit to him, and my husband mistreats me?”; “What happens if I let him be the authority and decision-maker, and he makes wrong decisions?”; “What happens if I don’t get my say?” and countless other scenarios. Those situations could happen if the husband does not hold up his commitments. That is why it is so vital that marriage is between believers (II Cor. 6:14). However, there are no retractions for bad decisions in marriage partners in God’s Word. No matter the spiritual status, one is still committed to holding up his part of the marriage, as the Lord commands. There are many marriage failures because couples did not adhere to God’s way but rather try to cohabit the way “everyone else is doing it”. When a marriage fails, it is usually because someone is not holding up their end of God’s commandments. Submission in a marriage is not just the wife’s responsibility. The husband also has a part in making a marriage work. His part is not just surrendering to his wife, but he is to love his wife as Christ loves His church (vs. 25) and as much as he loves his own body (vs. 28, 33). One should not want to do wrong to his body, so he must only want to do what is right and best for his wife. Marriage is a picture of Christ (vss. 23, 25, 27, 32) submitting His body to die for man’s sins. Jesus submitted to His Father and allowed Himself to be payment for our iniquities. As we submit ourselves to Christ, we should also submit ourselves to each other. God’s way works! “The husband should be the ‘houseband,’ binding all together like a cornerstone, but not crushing everything like a millstone.” — Spurgeon