Stay-At-Home Daughters

Introducing...

2008-10-20T07:48:00.001-05:00

www.stayathomedaughters.com

Be prepared for the launch...

2008-10-11T13:17:00.001-05:00

of the new Stay at Home Daughters!
Monday, October 20th, 2008.

A survey for Homeschooled girls ages 17-32!

2008-09-24T18:47:00.003-05:00

Taken from LadiesAgainstFeminism.com:

Click here for the survey.
Last fall Tricia M. interviewed over 500 public-schooled girls in her hometown about their life and career choices. She hopes to get at least that many responses from homeschooled girls in order to compare the results. This survey should only take two minutes. Please send this on to your friends, and thank you for your time! [Note that you can also share this survey with friends through Facebook. Pass the word!]

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We're still working on the new Stay at Home Daughters, but in the meantime I wanted to pass this along to our readers!

Surprise!

2008-09-09T18:15:00.003-05:00

Hello faithful readers! Just wanted to let you know that we haven't forgotten about you! Actually, quite the contrary. We're in the process of redesigning and reconfiguring the entire site premise, so hang tight! It's sure to be a change for the better. ;)

Tuesday Talks: A Maiden In Waiting

2008-09-02T09:37:00.005-05:00

Today is Tuesday Talks here at Stay-At-Home Daughters.

I am reviewing "A Maiden In Waiting", compiled by Crystal Paine.

This booklet is really good. Basically, it is filled with articles and testimonies from young women just like us, sharing what they are learning in their single years about contentment.

Some of the articles include:
"Trust and Obey" by Genevieve Smith (now Genenvieve Smith De Deugd)
"Her Price is Far Above Rubies" by Annie Kolb
"Service: The Key to Contentment" by Sarah Race
"Wait on the Lord" by Victoria Lind
and several more!

I really enjoyed reading this. I know you will too!

We would love to read your reviews! Leave your link below and don't forget to comment! :)

God bless,
~*~Courtney~*~

Wise Insights from a Fellow Stay-at-Home Daughter

2008-09-01T18:19:00.005-05:00

With all the hullaballoo about the new vice presidential candidate, stay-at-home daughter Jasmine Baucham shares "Ten Reasons why I Don't Want to Be VP."

I thought you would be delighted and encouraged by this post, so I'm linking you to it!

Here's reason number 9 in Jasmine's post, just to get you interested,

As a woman who hopes someday to be a wife and mother, I want to give my household 100%; not 80% for the nation, 20% for my household; not 50% for the nation, 50% for my household; not 90% for my household and 10% for the nation; I want to give everything I can to the home I have been called by God Almighty to guard (Titus 2:3-5), to the family He may make me the mother of.

While on the issue of Sarah Palin, these are very much worth reading, from some of my very favorite bloggers.

"Woe to My people..."

McCain's Biblically Unqualified VP Pick a "Feminist for Life"

Wake Up and Smell the Manipulation

Reader Question

2008-08-26T13:26:00.004-05:00

Bethany T. writes:

Hi, I had a question for you guys. If you could give me some insight, I would really appreciate it. I am the only SAHD in my church. How might I balance keeping my beliefs and opinions to myself to not offend, and being honest and giving folks a different perspective outside of the college/career path? I don't know what sort of sympathies you have in your church, but any insight you might have would be helpful. Thanks, Bethany T.

My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be greatlyshaken. Psalm 62:2

I'm going to share a little bit of encouragement for Bethany, then I'd like our readers to chime in with whatever they feel appropriate!

First of all, Bethany, I know just how you feel. There are quite a few stay-at-home daughters in my church, but I know many others who are not at all understanding about my current position. When you are living your life to the glory of God, you are going to have people look at you funny now and then. If not, then you are doing something wrong. I take comfort in that daily!

Don't worry about offending others. Live your life the way the Lord leads you! As long as you are displaying a gentle and quiet spirit, the Lord will take care of the hearts those around you in his perfect will. When asked about your situation, or your convictions, explain in the politest way possible, answering every question with as much insight as you think will best benefit the inquirer. Don't get into a confrontation - if someone is getting pushy or trying to sway you, let your father (or mother) handle it. Most of the time, this will not happen. I usually have people get very quiet or try to change the subject.

Simply modeling a biblical worldview and a gentle and quiet spirit will show others that you are different from the average college aged girl. Most people who ask will have a genuine interest in your beliefs and why you do what you do - even if they are not likeminded.

Trust the Lord, Bethany, model your beliefs in your behavior and answer other's questions politely. Don't be afraid to offend others. Let them be offended if they wish - you're not telling them what they have to do with their life, you're simply living as the Lord leads you.

I hope this answers your question! If you have any extra, or more specific questions feel free to comment! Readers, please chime in with your thoughts on this matter, I'm sure you can be much more eloquent and helpful than I can!

Tuesday Talks: Treasury of Vintage Homemaking Skills

2008-08-19T08:48:00.007-05:00

Hi everybody! Sorry we've been MIA lately, we've been very busy and struggling with internet issues. Today I'm reviewing a wonderful book, "Treasury of Vintage Homemaking Skills."
It's not really a book you would sit and read straight through, it's a resource. Have you ever heard of a "Homemaking Journal" or "Homekeeping Notebook?" My mother researched it once and was going to build one to keep track of everything that she needed to get done in the home, but she never found the time to do so. It's understandable, especially since she's running a home with six children, four dogs, a garden and a cat!

Well, voila! The Treasury of Vintage Homemaking Skills comes to the rescue! This is laid out very similarly to a homemaking journal - only better! The Treasury of Homemaking skills has so many more housewifely things listed and organized in it that I would never have thought of!

For example, here's the table of contents:

Homekeeping

Cleaning

Scrubbing

Bedding and Linens

Laundry

Ironing

Hospitality

The Hostess

Preparing Hearth and Home

The Fare

Our Merry Guests

Home Duties

Reflections

Daily Duties

Duty Ever at Hand

Children's Duty to Parents

Snippets and Clippings

First Aid in the Home

Medicinal Cupboard

Emergency Care

Burns and Wounds

Home Remedies

Family Medical History

Resources

Gardening

Garden Basics

Vegetable Gardens

Herbs

Planting Records

Garden Sketches

Old-Fashioned Flowers

Harvest Bounty

Resources

Cooking and Baking

Meal Times

The Pantry

Kitchen Tools

In the Kitchen

Well-Planned Menus

Measuring

Butcher, Baker, and Homemaker

Family Recipes

Reserves for the Family

Preparing for Emergency

Home Canning

Dehydration

Freezing

Recipes for Preserving

Reserve Records and Recipes

Handiwork

Sewing Basket

Basic Skills

Embroidery

Tatting

Stitching Projects

Quilting

Crocheting

Knitting

Patterns

Business of the Home

Simple Home Repairs

Documents and Necessary Papers

Home Inventory

Frugality

Family Records

Sacred Union

Genealogies

Births

Marriages

Deaths

Family Crest

Family Creed

Mementos

There are blank pages, blank schedules, and blank lines for you to fill in to help organize your homekeeping. And, all the pages are decorated with lovely little vintage illustrations. It's just adorable!

Here's the description on the back of the book:

Reminiscent of the old-timey home journals kept by homekeepers of the past, this treasury is to be passed from mother to daughter. This will be a treasured album of homekeeping skills, something fast becoming a lost art in our day. Filled with inspiration for the homekeeper, with plenty of room to paste snippets and clippings and to journal in your own handwriting, keeping the way "Mother always did it" from becoming forgotten in this ever-changing world.

I have a copy of this book in my hope chest, and my mother has a copy as well. It's very helpful and I highly recommend it. You can purchase it from our Amazon Astore (in the sidebar).

Do you have a review you'd like to share? Leave your link below!

Tuesday Talks: Raising Maidens of Virtue

2008-08-05T08:49:00.010-05:00

I hope you are having a great Tuesday! Today I'm reviewing "Raising Maidens of Virtue" by Stacy McDonald.

Here is the description from the book's website:

More than a fill-in-the-blank Bible study, Raising Maidens of Virtue is an engaging tool for mothers to use in training daughters who are approaching womanhood to think biblically. Through stories, conversational teachings, illustrations, and memory-making projects, Raising Maidens of Virtue covers topics such as guarding the tongue, idleness, sibling relationships, honoring parents, contentment, modesty, purity, cleanliness, and feminine biblical beauty.

This is an excellent resource and very encouraging! It's excellent for mothers and daughters to work through, or older daughters and younger sisters, or just for a daughter or mother to read on their own. I've used it when giving a devotion to a group of young girls - each chapter can stand on it's own, but the whole book is designed to work together to encourage feminine loveliness. I recommend it highly, it's one of my favorite books!

You can purchase it from Vision Forum, or our Astore in the sidebar.

Do you have a review to share? Post your link below!

Bloggy Giveaway Winner!!

2008-08-01T16:52:00.004-05:00

The winner of our vintage pattern is...

Mama Hill

Congratulations!

Thank you to everyone who entered, we've enjoyed participating in the summer Bloggy Giveaway carnival!!

Tuesday Talks: Fuji FinePix A805

2008-07-29T09:19:00.005-05:00

Good morning on this beautiful Tuesday! I hope all of you have had a wonderful week so far.

Today I am reviewing the Fuji FinePix A805 camera. This is a just a regular point-and-shoot camera, easy enough to use for the beginner, yet with enough features/mega pixels for photography students as well.

The price is great, especially for the quality of the pictures that it takes. Here are a few examples:

Featuring a high-quality LCD (liquid crystal display) screen, you can easily compose your picture. I have had a lot of fun taking pictures with this camera.

This camera does not have a view finder, so every shot is composed with the screen. I am a glasses wearer, and having the screen versus a view finder was a definite plus for me.

At 8.3 megapixels, this camera has a very high resolution, that is high enough to sell your pictures online if this is something you are interested in.

I would definitely recommend this camera if you are looking for a good point-and-shoot! :)

Do you have a review to share? Leave your link below!

Happy Tuesday!
~*~Courtney~*~

It's a Bloggy Giveaway!!

2008-07-27T21:13:00.008-05:00

Thanks for all your entries! The comments are now closed. To see the winner, click on the header to refresh the blog!!

It's giveaway time again, and we at Stay-at-Home Daughters can't resist an opportunity to offer a fabulous prize to our readers! This time we are giving away a vintage 1950's dress pattern!

This is a never been used, pattern from the 1950's, with all the pieces! Perfect for making a gorgeous 50's dress to prance around the house in, complete with high heels and pearls of course!

To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment with a valid email address. Duplicate comments will be deleted. On Friday, Aug. 1st we'll choose a winner using a random number generator. If the winner does not respond within three days, an alternate winner will be chosen. Good luck!

The pattern is in a size "18", which in the 1950's means:

Bust - 38 in.
Waist - 30in.
Hip - 40in.
Back length (neck base to waist) - 16 3/4 in.
Finished back length of dress - 44 1/2 in.

For more great bloggy giveaways, visit bloggygiveaways.com.

Happy sewing!!

This Is Our Father's World

2008-07-23T13:01:00.001-05:00

This is my Father's world, and to my listening ears

All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.

This is my Father's world: I rest me in the thought
Of rocks

and trees,

of skies

and seas;

His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father's world, the birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white,

declare their Maker's praise.

This is my Father's world: He shines in all that's fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass;

He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father's world. O let me ne'er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.

This is my Father's world: the battle is not done:
Jesus Who died shall be satisfied,

And earth and Heav'n be one.

This is my Father's world, dreaming, I see His face.
I open my eyes, and in glad surprise cry, "The Lord is in this place."

This is my Father's world, from the shining courts above,
The Beloved One, His Only Son, Came a pledge of deathless love.

This is my Father's world, should my heart be ever sad?
The lord is King let the heavens ring. God reigns let the earth be glad.

This is my Father's world. Now closer to Heaven bound,
For dear to God is the earth Christ trod.
No place but is holy ground.

This is my Father's world. I walk a desert lone.
In a bush ablaze to my wondering gaze God makes His glory known.

This is my Father's world, a wanderer I may roam
Whate'er my lot, it matters not,
My heart is still at home.

The Hand that Rocks the cradle...

2008-07-19T11:48:00.003-05:00

If you're like me, you'll be inspired by this post.

Tuesday Talks: The Reverse Edition #2

2008-07-14T20:54:00.002-05:00

Hello to all of you on this beautiful Tuesday! I hope your day is going beautifully!

Today is a very special Tuesday Talks! You get to ask about a book, movie, or music that you would like to know more about, and others can come by your blog and give their opinion!

I am wondering if any of you know of a good book on cake decorating. I am a very visual person, so I am looking for good illustrations/pictures. Cake decorating is something that I have played around with now for a few years, and I am ready to take it to the next level. I would love to hear your suggestions! :)

Now, it's your turn! Help us make "Tuesday Talks" a success!! Leave your link below!

~*~Courtney~*~

Scheduling

2008-07-11T14:15:00.004-05:00

A wonderful way for a stay-at-home daughter to serve her family is to create and maintain the family schedule! This week I surveyed everyone in my home about what they wanted to get accomplished during the week and compiled a list.

Following the example in the Maxwell's book, "Managers of Their Homes," I gave everyone a color and built a master schedule, from 6:00am, through the entire day until 11:00pm. Listing mine, and all the children's school hours, piano practice, chores, reading, and free time.

Scheduling really makes all the difference in our house. When we have nothing to govern our day by, the children are wild and unproductive, often resulting in punishment. When we have the schedule, they are productive and self-disciplined. They can't wait to rush to the schedule to see what they are supposed to be doing.

We re-do the schedule every few months to keep things new and interesting. It's like getting new school supplies, you'd be amazed at how enthusiastic a child can get about getting his or her work done efficiently!

Of course, we don't always get everything done, and there is a lot of room for flexibility. If Nana calls and asks us to meet her for lunch, we are free to do it - especially if everyone has gotten their things done up until that point. It's truly a blessing, and a wonderful thing for a stay-at-home daughter to work on for her mother, also very good practice for when she is a wife and mother herself!

I'd love to hear about your schedule or scheduling plans, please leave a comment!

God Bless,
Flibby

Tuesday Talks: Bible Commentary

2008-07-08T07:15:00.005-05:00

Good Morning! Today I'm reviewing my favorite Bible study tool, Matthew Henry's commentary of the whole Bible.

Matthew Henry wrote his commentary in the 1700's, yet it is very easy to understand and really brings whatever I'm reading in God's Word to a whole new light. I've discovered so many things that I never saw before - even in the passages of scripture I've read countless times.

I recieved my Matthew Henry Commentary (in six volumes) for a graduation gift from my church. My pastor highly recommends them as well as many members of our church.

You can purchase this commentary anywhere, and you can even read the whole thing online!

It's perfect for furthering your Bible study!

I'd love to hear about your Bible study/quiet time tools and routines, please leave a comment!

Do you have a review you'd like to share? Leave your link below!

Rules and information on Tuesday Talks can be found in the sidebar.

Violin Practice

2008-07-02T14:13:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite things to do is practice my violin. It has only been two years since I received it, but it feels like forever for me.

When I was four, I heard someone playing the violin at a homeschool day that we attended. I loved the sound of it, and decided that I would like to play the violin as my choice of an instrument.

A few years later, Mom and Dad put me into piano. I took piano for 5 years, and then I began self-teaching myself the rest of what I needed to know (I am still learning ;) ).

We began looking at violins, to see what the price ranges were. They were way over budget for me! I began to pray about it, and we found one very low-priced on the internet. I was thrilled! I can remember checking to see when it would arrive every day on the shipping tracker online.

When it arrived, I actually cried. I could not believe God had seen fit to give me one.....

Now, I am learning to play, teaching myself. It is going slower than it would if I had a teacher, but I am not screeching as much, so I suppose I am improving! :)

I thought I would share a few pictures from today's practice:

With God, anything is possible. I had only dreamed of this, but how much more God wants to give us if we just ask!

Wishing you a lovely day!

~*~Courtney~*~

Tuesday Talks: The Peasall Sisters- Family Harmony

2008-07-01T02:19:00.005-05:00

Hi Everyone! I hope that this Tuesday finds you well!

I am reviewing: The Peasall Sisters- Family Harmony, by Franklin Springs.

This wonderful documentary tells about the Peasall Sisters and their family working together in perfect harmony.

You can watch the trailer here.

The three girls, Sarah, Hannah, and Leah Peasall, sing and play instruments together. Sarah plays guitar, Hannah plays mandolin, and Leah plays the fiddle. They have put out two albums, "First Offerings" and their newest, "Home To You".

The DVD includes the documentary and a full concert, plus, there is a unreleased studio track too.

My family loved this DVD! I know your family will love it too.

Please leave your link below!

Rules and information on Tuesday Talks can be found in the sidebar.

~*~Courtney~*~

Guest Post: "Of God's Grace and Words"

2008-06-26T15:54:00.003-05:00

Submitted by Meghan G.

“Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me,” goes the old and untrue saying. Words are very powerful things no matter how they are used. They can sway opinions, encourage, hurt and influence whether in writing or spoken. Hurtful words are almost indelible; they hurt so much and if more hurtful words are flung at the victim it makes an even heavier mark that stays with the victim for years.

Many times a day I hurt my sister with my words and my mother reprimands me for my behavior but in my weak flesh I do it again and again but by God’s grace and my sister’s grace I am forgiven. Though I am forgiven by both the Lord and my sister my words still leave a mark on my sister’s heart and in turn, she is sometimes unkind to our younger siblings. It is not her fault but my own. If I had simply held my tongue instead of lashing out at my sister, the hurt would not mark my sister’s heart and she would not have lashed out at our younger siblings at a later time. Psalm 55:21, “The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart; His words were softer than oil yet they were drawn swords,” accurately describes how our words can hurt and this verse also directly talks about what the next paragraph is about: our tone of voice.

The tone of voice we use has a very heavy effect on our words even if we don’t intentionally try and sound that way. Countless times I ask for help with baking, schoolwork, my handiwork and I sound like I’m whining and though it was unintentional it effected the rest of my family in the form of my baby sister whining her head off if she did not get her own way. No matter what we say it’s how we say it that matters. Something as simple as saying ‘hello’ to a relative can show them our attitude towards seeing them. In the case of having relatives who are not believers your tone will tell them what your attitude is and they’ll think, “I guess their God isn’t as good as they all say He is if they’re acting so miserable.” What kind of a Christ proclaiming witness is that?

On another note, your tone of voice, words, attitude and everything you do is an example to your younger siblings if you have any, your friends and extended family. If, like me, you are an older sister, you have one of the greatest gifts God could give you: built in accountability partners. They watch your every move, copy you from time to time, and without thinking, they show you up and ask “why did you do that?” oh so innocently and sweetly. Psalm 133:1 says, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" Substitute the word “brethren” for “Sistren” and isn’t the verse true? How good it is for sisters to live together in harmony with their siblings? I know it would make parenting a lot easier for my parents, not to mention our family relationships would grow stronger and that would spill over to how we treated our friends. Unfortunately, in our weak flesh it cannot always be like that; that is where grace from God comes in. If we try our best to act selflessly and humbly to our siblings and to control our tongue with God’s help our family environment will be peaceful and happy.

Our tongue is so untamable but for God’s marvelous grace: James 3: 8-12 "But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh." Just in these simple verses, God shows us His grace; He wrote these words through James to speak to us and convict us. That alone is grace and mercy! Hebrews 4:16: "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Grumbling about chores, commenting about a sibling’s messes, grumbling about babysitting; the list of things we complain, grumble and comment about can be endless. Many times if we comment frequently we are reprimanded but I know sometimes is goes through one ear and right out the other. It all goes directly back to our weak flesh and our tongue. Our tongue is the hardest thing to tame; it all goes back to our pride and self-centeredness. We are so focused on ourselves that we think it’s a huge inconvenience to be asked to do the dishes after lunch or we think we’re higher than doing anything but what we want to do. When it all boils down, A proud and haughty man—“Scoffer” is his name; He acts with arrogant pride, Proverbs 21:24 and Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18.

2nd Chronicles 7:14 is the answer to pride: "if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." The key to holding your tongue is self control and humility and you can not have any of those things without God’s grace and forgiveness. "Surely He scorns the scornful, but gives grace to the humble." Proverbs 3:34
My sister is so important to me, as are all my siblings. She and I are very different but yet the same in a lot of areas. I wouldn’t trade her for anything! I wouldn’t trade all the nights of she and I talking until midnight, I wouldn’t trade the little tickle scuffles we have all the time for anything. I’m sure all sisters in the world have small arguments over stupid things but I know they all repent and ask forgiveness.

There is a verse in Ezekiel and I am not sure if it reads the same in all versions, but it reads the following in the New King James version: "You, who judged your sisters, bear your own shame also, because the sins which you committed were more abominable than theirs; they are more righteous than you. Yes, be disgraced also, and bear your own shame, because you justified your sisters," Ezekiel 16:52.

There are three examples of sisters in the Bible: Mary and Martha, Orpah and Ruth and Leah and Rachel. I believe they had their ups and down’s like any other normal human being. Orpah and Ruth were sister in-laws but they probably lived together with their husbands and got to know one another; Mary was the humble younger sister and Martha was the prideful sister who that her work was more important than spending time at Jesus’ feet and Leah and Rachel had the same husband and in the Bible it says they did not get along. Just because these women were in the Bible doesn’t mean they were perfect. When the sisters were younger I’m sure they bickered a lot like any other normal little girls but it doesn’t mean they were not disciplined and punished for their actions and words. Rachel was jealous of Leah and I’m sure they exchanged angry and hurtful words many times, but they did not have the grace of God as we are so blessed to have now.

God’s wrath was not satisfied until Jesus died on the cross and before the crucifixion; the people had to sacrifice animals annually to pay for their sins. It is important we thank God daily for our families, especially our sister(s) who is a built in best friend. God’s grace is so vast and even if we doubt why God put us in our family, it is His grace He did so! He has a purpose for our life, our family and we owe it all to Him alone.

In Christ Alone, my hope is found; He is my light my strength, my song. This cornerstone, this solid ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm. What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease. My comforter, my all in all. Here in the love of Christ, I stand.

One of my favorite hymns has a particular third verse that sums up everything about God’s grace:

O to grace how great a debtor Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter, Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it, Seal it for Thy courts above.

Only by God’s grace can we control our tongues and speak encouraging words of kindness to our sisters and brothers. But first we must realize we’ve done wrong in our Heavenly Father’s eyes, humble ourselves and ask for forgiveness from our heavenly Father and the person we’ve offended. The more we humble ourselves and ask for forgiveness, the easier it will be to hold our tongues and keep our comments to ourselves. Words hurt; sisters argue and hurt each other, but through God’s awesome (in the true sense of the word) grace, we are forgiven.

Meghan G. is a fourteen going-on fifteen young lady who loves to write, crochet, cross-stitch, read and watch old musicals. She is home schooled by her mother and is entering tenth grade-this will be her ninth year of home schooling. She is the eldest of her four siblings Sara who is twelve, Ronnie who is six and Anna who is three. Meghan loves receiving e-mails and getting to know other like-minded young ladies. Her e-mail is mmbbg72493@gmail.com

Tuesday Talks: Recipe Books

2008-06-24T09:47:00.006-05:00

Sorry to be late with this! Today I wanted to review one of my family's favorite recipe books. It's called "Hallelujah Simple Weekly Meal Plans."

We've tried almost every recipe in this book, and all of them rank in our favorites! The best part is that the book gives meal plans for an entire month, which is very helpful! And, everything is very healthy. Perfect for those trying to eat healthier, but need some meal ideas.

Here's the website's description of the book:

Simple Weekly Meal Plans By Marilyn Polk, is a handy month-long meal planner that will help everyone on the Hallelujah Diet & LifestyleSM – from newcomers to seasoned followers! Offering four weeks worth of menus, shopping lists, and recipes, this book is an excellent resource to help you transition to The Hallelujah Diet®, or add new recipes to your repertoire. And with the menus and recipes for holidays and special occasions, you can make every day a Hallelujah day!

We have lots of recipe books, but this one is our very favorite!! You can purchase it from the Hallelujah Acres website.

Do you have a review you'd like to share? Leave your link below!

Rules and information on Tuesday Talks can be found in the sidebar.

Open Discussion: Modesty

2008-06-19T15:44:00.004-05:00

I have a few open discussion questions for you today, readers! I've been thinking a lot about this lately.

Where do you find modest clothing in your area?

Do you think it's possible to be fashionable and still modest? If so, how?

Do you think it's harder to find modest clothing in the summer?

How do you keep cool in longer skirts/pants and sleeves?

What are some reasons why wearing modest clothing is important?

We'd love to hear from you! Leave a comment (or two!) below. After a day or so, I'll chime in with my answers to these questions. I love open discussions, it's always an encouragement to everyone involved. :)

Proverbs 31 Daughter

2008-06-18T20:18:00.000-05:00

This article was submitted to us by Bethany T. Thanks Bethany! If you would like to submit an article, you can email us at: sahdsubmissions(at)gmail(dot)com . Thank you!

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. Proverbs 31:10*

Who is the Proverbs 31 Woman?

The proverbs 31 woman is indeed an amazing individual. I am sure you have heard, at least once, of the qualities of the excellent wife that King Lemuel writes about. She is rare and precious and an asset to her husband. She is industrious and generous. She cares for those around her with a womanly strength. And, she is married. So, since she is married and I am not, I don’t need to bother with that chapter right? I need to be married before I can become a “Proverbs 31 women”. Wrong! A proverbs 31 woman is a woman who lives her life for Christ by serving others. You can be the virtuous woman King Lemuel writes about in Proverbs 31 even while you are yet unmarried.

Are You a Proverbs 31 Woman?

What can I learn from the proverbs 31 woman? Can she teach me things that I can use now? Yes! We as unmarried daughters can learn much from her example.

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.”

Are you trustworthy? Can others trust you not to gossip and to keep your word? Do you endeavor to serve your family and not just further yourself? You are a virtuous woman!

“She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.”

Do you make the most of your opportunities to learn and work and use the resources you have? Do you willingly help when asked, with a cheerful spirit even when it is not enjoyable? You are a virtuous woman!

“She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.”

Do you consider before you spend your time and money, that you may do it wisely? Are you investing and developing the skills and assets you possess that you may have more with to serve the Lord? You are a virtuous woman!

“She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.”

Do you take care of your body to be healthy and better equipped? Do you do your best in everything you put your hand to, and look for ways to go above and beyond what you are required to do? You are a virtuous woman!

“She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.”

Are you ready to assist not only those who are poor in material things, but also those who are poor in friends, poor in kindness, poor in joy? Are you willing to reach out to those around you who need the love of Christ shown to them? You are a virtuous woman!

“Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.”

Do you take into consideration the clothing of your behavior, and not just the clothing that covers your body? Will you look back on your life and rejoice, knowing you have done what you can to glorify the Lord with your actions? You are a virtuous woman!

“She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.”

Is your conversation edifying and true? Do you speak of things that will encourage others? Are you gentle with your words? You are a virtuous woman!

“She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.”

Do you care for your family first, and are you ready to do what is needed? Are you making the most of your time, and endeavoring not just to be busy, but to serve the Lord whole-heartedly? You are a virtuous woman!

Endeavor to Be a Proverbs 31 Woman

You, the unmarried daughter, can be a proverbs 31 woman! Husband or no, there are people the Lord has placed in your life whom you will be a witness to through the example of your cheerful attitude and loving service.

Let’s look at the last thing King Lemuel tells us about the proverbs 31 woman:

“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.”

Being a virtuous woman is not about outward beauty, or being admirable. It is about working the works of God. It is being a witness of Jesus to those around you. It is letting your service to the Lord show others what the work of Christ can do in an individual.

Above all else, fear the Lord and you will become a woman to be praised by God. Sow the fear of the Lord, and gather the fruit, wisdom. (Pro 1:7) Sow the fear of man, and gather the fruit, a snare. (Pro 29:25) Please, sow wisely! You will reap the fruit of your hands, whether good or bad. May Christ our Savior guide you in His path, and show you how to serve Him.

Daughter of God, strive to be a virtuous woman!

*All scripture quotations taken from the King James Bible.

Bethany T. is an eighteen year old stay-at-home daughter currently living with her family. She enjoys teaching and playing piano, being a mother’s helper, sewing, and investing in those around her.

Tuesday Talks: Piano For Dummies

2008-06-17T07:54:00.008-05:00

Good morning!

Today I am reviewing "Piano for Dummies" here at Stay-At-Home Daughters.

I am about to begin teaching piano to several of my younger siblings, and I wasn't sure where to start.

While at the library a few weeks back, I noticed this book:

and I decided to check it out.

I was surprised at how good it was! It is divided out into 8 sections:

Part I:Warming up to the keyboard
Part II: Getting Sound Down on Paper
Part III: One Hand at a Time
Part IV: Living in Perfect Harmony
Part V: Technique Counts for Everything
Part VI: So Many Toys, So Little Time
Part VII:The Part of Tens .

It covers everything from picking out your piano to finger positions and dynamics, and different mnemonics to help you remember the notes on the staff. There is also lots of sheet music sprinkled throughout the book.

I can see that someone could easily teach themselves a lot about piano. A definite thumbs-up for me!

Note: I do not think my siblings are dummies. :) Just clarifying!

Do you have a review you would enjoy sharing? Please leave your link below!

Rules and information on Tuesday Talks can be found in the sidebar.

Guest Post: "Common Examples of Kindness"

2008-06-14T13:02:00.008-05:00

Thank you so much for your article submissions! Keep them coming! We have recieved a few submissions which we will be publishing sporadically. First, a short, but lovely piece by Meghan G.

Kindness: a young granddaughter letting her grandmother lean on her while taking a walk.

Compassion: A schoolmarm bandaging a little boy’s knee after a scuffle.

Sympathy: A friend comforts a friend who has lost her grandmother. No words needed, just a listening ear and a shoulder.

Benevolence: a smiling face at a potluck supper cheers the grouchy old man who usually sits in the back of church.

Goodwill: After a slight, the girl just smiles and walks away without a smart retort.

Gentleness: A sister sits for two hours or more singing a lullaby to her baby sister without complaining so that her mother can get chores done.

Thoughtfulness: A girl stooping to help a old widow with her groceries even though the girl knows she’ll be a bit late for her sewing circle.

Kind words are different from proud words because they are usually spoken softly and tenderly whereas proud words are spoken loud and boisterous. In “The Primer Lesson” by Carl Sandburg, it says pride words wear long and hard boots but I think kind words would wear slippers, or a soft comfortable shoe such as loafers.

Meghan G. is a fourteen going-on fifteen young lady who loves to write, crochet, cross-stitch, read and watch old musicals. She is home schooled by her mother and is entering tenth grade-this will be her ninth year of home schooling. She is the eldest of her four siblings Sara who is twelve, Ronnie who is six and Anna who is three. Meghan loves receiving e-mails and getting to know other like-minded young ladies. Her e-mail is mmbbg72493@gmail.com

Article Submissions

2008-06-12T15:59:00.005-05:00

Hi everyone! I hope you have had a marvelous day. I want to apologize for the recent lack of posts on my end. I have been very busy working with my family on our garden and some other things.

Do you enjoy writing? We would love for you to send us your articles for submission.

If they meet our guidelines, we will publish them here on Stay-At-Home Daughters.

Not only would we like to hear from other young women, but we would love to hear from older women who have been down the path that we are currently traveling. We would love to share your testimonies, articles, recipes and anything else you can come up with.

Guidelines:
We will only accept content that meets the following guidelines:
1. We will allow only content that is Godly. No gossip, slandering, false doctrine, or anything else un-godly.
2. Please no slang, IM/text messaging terms, or foul language.
3. Please keep content clean for all audiences.
4. Please do not re-publish other people's articles without permission.

Once we receive your article, if it meets our guidelines, we will publish it here on Stay-At-Home Daughters. If you blog, we will be happy to link to you in the article.

You can send your submissions to: sahdsubmissions(at)gmail(dot)com .

We look forward to reading your submissions!

~*~Courtney~*~,
for all the Stay-At-Home Daughters.

Tuesday Talks: The Century

2008-06-10T07:59:00.003-05:00

Happy Tuesday! Today I'm reviewing a book called, "The Century" by Peter Jennings and Todd Brewster. It's an excellent historical resource.

The Century covers everything from 1900 to 1999. This near 600 page book is laid out in chronological order and is filled with full page photographs of everything from the Wright Brothers first flight, to World War II, Elvis, the Space program, and everything in between.

What I love about this book is that, even though it wasn't written from a Christian perspective, you can tell the writers took great lengths to hide any political biases and simply laid out the facts. Another thing I love is that on every few pages there is a story written from the perspective of someone who lived through the events being discussed, with pictures! It's amazing to read about the life experiences of these people.

Also, in the back of the book there is a 100 book suggested reading list that covers everything that happened in the twentieth century.

Here is an excerpt from the inside cover:

What was it like to watch the Wright Brothers soar into the sky? To hear the first crackling voice aired on the radio? To cower in the ghastly trenches of Europe during World War I? To lose everything in the stock-market crash of 1929, or experience the birth of rock and roll? To watch the Berlin Wall divide East and West, and then, twenty-eight years later, to see it fall under the weight of tens of thousands seeking to taste freedom? For the past seven years, researchers, reporters, and producers for ABC News have searched the world's archives for the rarest and most stunning photographs and images, consulted eminent twentieth-century historians, and discovered and interviewed hundreds of eyewitnesses and participants in the significant moments of the most eventful one hundred years in human history.

The result is this spectacular book... The Century features a narrative of extraordinary quality that tracks major themes -- the impact of technologu, the soaring of the imagination, the ghastly violence, the joy of entertainment -- through chronological chapters recounting the signal moments of each era in the century. From "Seeds of Change: 1901-1914" to "Machine Dreams: 1990-1999," each chapter is threaded through with fascinating first-person accounts of the great events of the twentieth century, and illustrated with over five hundred color and black-and-white photographs (many never published before) reproduced in exquisite depth and clarity."

I've found this book very helpful as an aid to the history of the 20th century, however there are a few things I'd like to point out. First of all, this book was not written from a Christian perspective so spiritual matters are left out as much as possible. Also, be aware that is covers everything, including some things that are not so admirable, like the 1960's drug culture, the outbreak of AIDS, and the growth of feminism. So, keep that in mind.

--Flibby

Read a book or seen a movie lately? Post your review below!

Rules and information on Tuesday Talks can be found in the sidebar.

Happy Birthday to My Mother!

2008-06-07T00:23:00.001-05:00

Today is a very special day. Quite a few years ago, my dear mother was born.

Just a few things I love about my mother:

My mother loves the Lord. She is one of His called, and wants nothing more than to serve Him and please Him all the days of her life. She has no greater joy than to see her children walk in Truth. She brought six lives into this world. She teaches them from His Word and prays that the Lord would call each of them His own.

My mother loves her home. She loves adventure and outings along with her family, but on most days, she would rather stay home under the comfort of our roof. She serves her family constantly, and usually unacknowledged, with a sweet and quiet spirit.

My mother is brilliant, and hilarious. She is a free thinker and never hides her opinions. She takes the time to talk with all of her children, in all seriousness, but she is also able to laugh at the situations at hand. She jokes and laughs with us on a daily basis. Her sense of humor is what makes life in the Kudzu house magical! She can match anybody with her wits, and she knows it!

My mother is spontaneous, as well as my father. With the both of them as our parents, we have come to appreciate the fact that spontaneity is the spice of life! Some of my fondest memories were things that happened without any planning whatsoever. While teaching and modeling the fact that it's certainly wise to plan and prepare, my mother also has fun with us simply by being herself and taking things as they come. She can also turn anything into a school lesson!

My mother is beautiful. Literally, she is strikingly gorgeous. Truly. If you don't believe me, watch the video below. Actually, watch it anyway. I worked hard on it.

Not only on this day, but everyday, we rise up and call my mother blessed. She is worth more than all the precious jewels in the world.

Happy Birthday, Ma mére.

(Another little known fact about my mother: she loves blog traffic. And even more, she loves comments. Help make her birthday grand, head over to her blog and leave a comment! Lurkers, today is your day to come out and show your appreciation for the fantastic and whimsical, Lady Why!)

An Inspiring Article

2008-05-29T11:01:00.002-05:00

20-Something Reasons to Live at Home

"So Rachel," my new friend said, joking in that not-so-subtle way that meant she wasn't joking at all. "Want to move out and get an apartment with me next fall?"

I chuckled slightly and said, "Nope. I'm pretty happy at home." "But you could be so independent!" she insisted. "Living on your own is so great. You'd have your own space; the ability to do whatever you want; your own bills to pay. It really makes an adult of you."

I stuck to my guns. When she got to know me a little better, my friend changed her mind. Instead of asking me to move out, she expressed a desire to live close to my family. She saw something in our home that she wanted to tap into...

[Read more...]

Tuesday Talks: Prince Caspian

2008-05-27T07:46:00.006-05:00

Sorry to be so late with this! We've been having internet problems today.

Happy Tuesday! Today I'm reviewing the recently released sequel to the movie, "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe".

Prince Caspian was a pretty good movie, all things considered. It wasn't quite as wonderful as the first movie, though. The first one was perfect. It kept to the book almost perfectly, and was very well done. It was just like projecting what I had been imagining as I read the book onto the big screen! I loved it.

Caution: This is going to contain spoilers!

With "Prince Caspian" they swayed from the book quite a bit. The first thing that bothered me was the fact that Prince Caspian was made out to be a 23 year old hunk, rather than the timid 13 year old he is in the book. In the book, Peter comes back and helps Caspian become ready to take up his throne as the rightful king of Narnia. In this movie, Peter and Caspian are always at each other's throats, since both of them are kingly figures in Narnia.

Something that I loved about the book, and a friend of mine pointed out to me yesterday, was the fact that (in the book) when Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy come back to Narnia, most of them have lost faith in Aslan. Lucy has the strongest faith, and therefore sees Aslan first. As the book, and their faith progresses, one by one, all of them see Aslan -- except for Susan. She takes the longest to recover her former faith in the great lion. She finally sees him. In the movie, Lucy sees Aslan at the beginning and the others don't believe her, as in the book, but then they all see him at once later. It wasn't quite as meaningful that way.

Of course, the most obvious annoyance with this movie is the subtle romance between Susan and Caspian that was definitely not in the book! They kiss at the end.

Other than those few things, it was a pretty good movie. I love what they did with Reepicheep, they really captured his personality from the book. All the mice were hilarious. ;)

I give this movie a three and a half out of five stars.

Do you have a review? Leave your link below!

I'm going to seek His face, by fearing the Lord and keeping His commandments, for this is the whole of man.

2008-05-20T18:45:00.008-05:00

Ah. This weekend I had the most wonderful, God-honoring graduation ceremony. It was truly a sight to behold, and I wanted to share some of it with our readers here at Stay-At-Home Daughters.

If nothing else, fast-forward to the message. It's about 25 minutes in.

("right-click/Save Target As" to download)
Click here for the audio of the ceremony.

Wow. I was speechless and overwhelmingly grateful to God when I heard the message preached on Saturday. The graduation ceremony was much more meaningful than I had expected and the message was given so straight-forward, and so eloquently that everyone listening had no means to contradict.

Our pastor gave Scripture to support everything he was saying, and praised the high-calling of women to be wives and mothers. No one could have thought of giving me grief about my decision to forgo college after that.

Since there was also a young man graduating this year, our pastor also preached on the role of the man as leader.

It was truly amazing. I’m grateful to God for such a wonderful church family, and wonderful parents who care enough to bring their children up in the fear and admonition of the Lord.

My mother, Lady Why, also put up a wonderful post about it on her blog. And my sister, Poppy, posted pictures.

While on this topic... Carmon, over at Buried Treasure, also re-posted a very timely article just yesterday on her blog. Head on over and take a look!

Tuesday Talks: Stepping In The Light

2008-05-20T08:21:00.003-05:00

Today is Tuesday Talks once more!

I am reviewing the "Stepping In The Light" magazine.

Published bi-monthly, this is a wonderful magazine just for young women. This magazine has articles, crafts, testimonies, recipes, and all sorts of other things.

My favorite part is probably all the stories that other girls share about what God is doing in their lives, and how they are growing closer to Him, but I enjoy the recipes and poems too! :)

One neat thing is that older women share their testimonies and life experience so that we can learn from their mistakes and gain wisdom.

To learn more about "Stepping In The Light", you can visit the website.

I would love to read your reviews! Leave your link below!

You can read the rules by clicking the link in our sidebar.

~*~Courtney~*~

Thursday Thoughts: Sibling Spats

2008-05-15T14:46:00.002-05:00

As most of you probably know, I am the oldest of 9 children. My siblings are such a delight to me each and every day. We all love one another very much, but even so, there are some sibling spats, as we are not perfect.

While I have been reading more and more about sibling rivalry, I have been trying to apply some new principles to decrease the number of "issues" that come between us, therefore, creating greater harmony here at home.

Step back and take a deep breath. Give both parties some time to cool off.
Really listen to what the other person is saying, don't plan your next statement while they are talking.
Ask forgiveness, even if you don't think you did something wrong. Make sure you don't just say it, but really mean it.
Talk to God about your problem. Ask Him to guide you through this hard time.
Ask if there is anything you can do to help. Everyone needs a helping hand sometimes. This person may just need a listening ear.
Apply the verse "do not let the sun go down on your anger". Do your best to solve the problem before it gets worse.

For more great ideas on getting along and truly loving your siblings, I recommend "Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends", available through our Astore.

I hope these help you stop fights with the siblings in your home. God bless you on this Thursday.

~*~Courtney~*~

Tuesday Talks: Dear, Dear Livy

2008-05-13T08:04:00.004-05:00

Wow! Is it really Tuesday again?

Today I'm reviewing a wonderful book, "Dear, Dear Livy." This is the biography of Mark Twain's wife, Olivia Langdon. She was an amazing and noble lady, devoted to her husband and family and always thinking of others.

The book is wonderfully written, detailing her romance and life with Samuel Clemens - who's pen name was Mark Twain. Livy was her husband's only trusted critic and she accompanied him on tours with their children in later years.

The accounts of Livy's life, her trials, her heartbreaks, are extremely touching. The ending made me a bit misty-eyed.

I'd highly recommend it! I don't know if it's still in print or not, but if you can get your hands on a copy, do!

It's not a hard read, I finished it in just a couple of sittings, but it's well worth it.

Do you have something to review for Tuesday Talks?
Leave your link below!

Information on Tuesday Talks can be found in the sidebar.

Tuesday Talks: Facing The Giants

2008-05-06T08:02:00.000-05:00

Today is Tuesday Talks here at Stay-At-Home Daughters.

When "Facing The Giants" first came out, I wasn't really interested in seeing it, because I am not a fan of sports. I figured it was "just a football movie", and that it couldn't be very interesting, because it was "just about sports".

I was totally wrong.

Yes, football is a large part of the movie, but it is used more as an example of the principles that are presented during the movie.

It was a little cheesy in parts, but overall, still a wonderful movie!! 5 stars!!

If you would like to participate in Tuesday Talks, leave your link below!

~*~Courtney~*~

A Couple of Links

2008-05-01T08:44:00.004-05:00

As you might have noticed, as we've grown increasingly busy, Stay-at-Home Daughters has been a tad silent! Yikes!

While we get back on the bandwagon, I want to share with you a couple of articles that have been a blessing to me in the recent past.

First is a wonderful article called "The Merry Future Homemaker" from Ladies Against Feminism.

Here's an excerpt.

"A few years ago, I embarked on a new phase in my life. In the summer of 1999, I completed my formal academics, and that autumn was an adjustment for me. When people inquired what grade I was in, I replied with a phrase that seemed strange to my ears: “I am graduated.” Graduated? What exactly does that mean?
To any young woman who desires a joyous life of serving the Lord, family, friends, and, Lord willing, building a new family for the glory of Christ, it means something entirely different from the worldly ambition of a selfish life of pursuing a career for a “better, happier life that won’t tie us down.”
People often ask me what I am doing now that I am finished with my formal academics. I happily reply, “Training to be the best wife, mother and homemaker I can be.” And what better way to be trained and prepared than to continue practicing those household skills that my mother has so carefully taught me—right here at home?"

[Read more...]

The second article is called "Daughters at Home" from Stacy McDonald's blog. This is an excellent one!

"What is a corner stone?
A cornerstone is the foundational stone at the corner of two walls. It is not used in just any structure, but is typically found in temples, churches, mansions, or elaborate buildings. A cornerstone is set in a prominent location and typically has an inscription that communicates to others the details of the structure’s history.
So by looking at the cornerstone you should know who designed the structure, how old it is, who built it, who owns it and possibly what its worth as a historical monument....
...For the record, a maiden isn’t called to be weak or helpless; she is literally to be a pillar of strength – His strength. She is also to be beautiful – to radiate His beauty with all purity and love. She obtains this type of loveliness through His faithful craftsmanship of her character and demeanor; not from her own vain efforts at the fading kind of beauty—though her outward appearance in not unimportant."

[Read more...]

I hope these are encouraging to you!

--Flibby

Tuesday Talks: Above Rubies

2008-04-29T08:17:00.004-05:00

Wow! It's already Tuesday again? Sometimes the week just flies by!

Today I'm reviewing a great resource for Christian women, Above Rubies.

Above Rubies is an excellent magazine and website devoted to encouraging women in their high calling of wives, mothers, and homemakers.

Their magazines are full of great articles and encouragment, as is their website. They also have great Women's devotionals and forums. Subscription to their magazine is free! So if you haven't already, head on over and subscribe!

Here's the website's description of the magazine:

Several times a year, the Above Rubies Ministry publishes the "Above Rubies Magazine" designed to encourage women in their high calling as wives, mothers and homemakers.

It's purpose is to uphold and strengthen family life and to raise the standard of God's Truth in the nations.

This valuable resource is available to you at no cost and is jammed packed with:
Encouraging articles
Stories
Recipes
Poems
and much, much more.

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

--Flibby

Care to join Tuesday Talks? Please, leave your review below!

Giveaway Winner!

2008-04-25T18:17:00.003-05:00

Sorry, I'm a bit late posting this but, the winner of our lovely Ribboncraft book is...

Ashley R.

Congratulations!

Thanks to everyone who participated in our giveaway. :)

--Flibby

Tuesday Talks: MaryJane's Ideabook, Cookbook, Lifebook

2008-04-22T07:04:00.005-05:00

Today is Tuesday Talks here at Stay-At-Home Daughters!

I am reviewing "MaryJane's Ideabook, Cookbook, Lifebook."

This book is perfect for the farmgirl in you. I learned so much with this book! There are sewing patterns, LOTS of ideas for crafts, lots of information on organic gardening, and beautiful photographs throughout the whole book.

Sometimes, I just pull this book out to read it, because it is a very endearing book. The photographs are so lovely, with a simplistic, whimsical, old time feel. There are even directions on how to make a hammock! :)

The Amazon review follows:
"The Martha Stewart of the West proves that not only is she proficient at organic farming, carpentry, food preparation, and much more, but also that she can sell with the best of them. Her delivery is clear and forceful. She seems like someone you might like to have as a neighbor or as a manager running your company. Tender moments such as sewing a last-minute Christmas rag doll for her daughter share air space with the organization of a vendor sale. She happily provides Web sites of products she likes as well as her own. So what if you don't need to know how to keep an outhouse smelling fresh--this is a great listen. J.B.G. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --"

This is a wonderful book for anyone! You can purchase it through her website, and if you order it through the website, you will receive the book autographed by MaryJane herself!

Have a review to share! We would love to read it! Leave your link below!

Happy Tuesday!

~*~Courtney~*~

It's a Giveaway!

2008-04-21T08:10:00.006-05:00

Last time we did a giveaway, one lucky individual won a beautiful apron from Stay-At-Home Daughters!

This time we are giving away something even better!

Yes, that's right! This time around you can win a beautiful book on Ribboncraft! This is just the sort of thing we love here at Stay-At-Home Daughters, so it's perfect for our giveaway.

This book includes 22 projects with wonderful instructional color pictures that follow each project step by step. It educates on all the different types of ribbons and has three sections: Home Accents, Gifts and Keepsakes, Wedding and Baby.

To enter, simply leave a comment with your email address or a similar way to contact you. We'll draw our winner on Friday, April 25 at noon CST.

Good luck!

For more great giveaways, visit Bloggy Giveaways!

Fruit of the Spirit: Peace

2008-04-16T09:55:00.002-05:00

It's time for another Fruit of the Spirit installment! We've already covered love and joy. This month's Fruit is Peace.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23

The kind of peace that I'm going to talk about is the kind that passes all understanding. The peace that only the Lord can give. When you have this peace from God, the world can see it. Children of God don't have to worry about death, or circumstances beyond their control. The Lord is sovereign!

I have seen so many people fall into worry and stress when they are not leaning on the Lord's guidance. You may have a false sense of security, a lot of money, you may have a lovely home, or a wonderful family, but without the Lord's hand in the lives of His children, we would have nothing.

I can't even explain how grateful I am to the Lord for choosing me and allowing me to be born into a Christian home with such wonderful Christian friends. It's the greatest encouragement of all to me. Whenever I start to feel tense about anything, whether it be large or small, all I have to do is remind myself to keep my focus and trust on Jesus. He is my rock. Without Him I would be nothing.

To those who are truly walking with the Lord, the petty things of this world don't matter. It doesn't matter whether or not others are pleased with your actions, as long as you are obeying the Lord's commands, all other thoughts can be put into perspective.

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help" Psalm 121:1

When things seem to be falling apart, and stress and sadness threaten to overcome, I find that crying to the Lord and keeping my focus on Him and Him alone is the only way I can find true peace.

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls" Matthew 11:28, 29

It's not possible to express in words how at peace and delighted in the Lord I feel when I think of the fact that His eye is on the sparrow, so I know He watches me.

Nothing can touch me that God does not allow! Everything is according to His purpose. It's the most reassuring feeling. When we give everything to the Lord and keep Him the number one priority in our lives, God's peace is granted.

Today, I want to encourage you to revel in the peace that comes only from Christ Jesus.

God Bless You!
Flibby

"The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace" Numbers 6:26

Tuesday Talks: The Elsie Dinsmore Collection

2008-04-14T20:02:00.004-05:00

I can't believe we've never reviewed these before today! The Elsie Dinsmore books are some of my very favorites!

Set in the 19th century, this series follows Elsie Dinsmore from her young childhood to her days as a grandmother. She is a wonderful example for little girls and adults alike. Elsie becomes a child of God very early on, but she is persecuted and mocked by her relatives and father. She handles it with grace and wisdom that is far advanced for her age and throughout the series most of her family members gradually become believers because of her influence.

She and her children, and her grandchildren have many adventures and life milestones that are charming and wonderful to read about! These books are wonderful to share with younger siblings, especially sisters! I have enjoyed this whole series time and time again, and it's easy to become so involved that you can't put them down. They are written beautifully and very intelligently, but still easy for younger children to understand.

The Elsie Dinsmore Collection is very high on my list of recommendations for Christian girls and stay at home daughters, as well as sisters, wives and mothers! This is a series that I think everyone should have in their book collection. I can't wait to read them to my children someday.

You can purchase them very easily through Vision Forum.

Speaking of Vision Forum, I love their description of this series:

In the nineteenth century, millions of readers learned the meaning of godly womanhood from a little girl named Elsie. Her commitment to principle in the midst of adversity and her passionate love for Jesus Christ were the theme of twenty-eight volumes spanning her life. These are the original twelve volumes presented just as a young lady would have found them one hundred years ago. Over the last several years, I have heard hundreds of reports from home schoolers and Christian families about the blessings these books have been in their lives. Elsie raises the standard of godly womanhood to new heights. Feminists will not be happy with Elsie. She is a God-honoring young woman who strives to solve problems while working through biblical authority structures. By Martha Finley...>

I hope you and your family are blessed by this recommendation!

God Bless,
Flibby

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Rules and information on "Tuesday Talks" can be found in the sidebar.

Happy Birthday Poppy!

2008-04-13T20:27:00.001-05:00

It is my dear friend Poppy's birthday! She is such a shining light and example to everyone around her about God's love. I wish her many blessings and good wishes over this coming year.

Happy Birthday Poppy!

Leviticus 26:1-15
Reward for Obedience

"'Do not make idols or set up an image or a sacred stone for yourselves, and do not place a carved stone in your land to bow down before it. I am the LORD your God.

'Observe my Sabbaths and have reverence for my sanctuary. I am the LORD.

'If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands, I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees of the field their fruit. Your threshing will continue until grape harvest and the grape harvest will continue until planting, and you will eat all the food you want and live in safety in your land.

'I will grant peace in the land, and you will lie down and no one will make you afraid. I will remove savage beasts from the land, and the sword will not pass through your country. You will pursue your enemies, and they will fall by the sword before you. Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand, and your enemies will fall by the sword before you.

'I will look on you with favor and make you fruitful and increase your numbers, and I will keep my covenant with you. You will still be eating last year's harvest when you will have to move it out to make room for the new. I will put my dwelling place among you, and I will not abhor you. I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians; I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads held high. "

~*~Courtney~*~

A Thought For Thursday: J is for Joy

2008-04-10T16:28:00.000-05:00

This is a neat little memory tool for prioritizing your time and how you spend it:

J- Jesus First

O- Others Second

Y- Yourself Last

Although it seems so simple, JOY is a great way to remember to put the most important priorities first.

Many times (and I am guilty of this myself!), we put ourselves first, without thinking about others and what they might need. There are so many people who are hurting or just need a helping hand, and we are so occupied with ourselves that we miss the bigger picture. God wants us to help and be more mindful of others.

Sometimes we shove God aside, saying or thinking things like: "I will read my Bible later" or "Praying isn't that important".

God is the very backbone for my life. If He wasn't here, my life would be totally different. He loves and cares about me. If I truly loved Jesus, why would I put Him aside? I try to remember this before thinking of my own time.

JOY has really helped me place my priorities in order, and I know this will help you too! :)

You can feel free to place the graphic in your sidebar.

Wishing you all a lovely day!
~*~Courtney~*~

Tuesday Talks: The Ultimate Gift

2008-04-07T21:07:00.010-05:00

Today is Tuesday Talks!

I am reviewing "The Ultimate Gift".

Last week, my family and I enjoying watching this movie. It was a pretty clean movie, with the exception of a few outfits that were a little skimpy in a couple of scenes, and a reference to a curse word. Also, Abigail Breslin is portraying a girl with cancer, and is a little rude in some scenes, as is Drew Fuller, who is your typical rich kid in the beginning of the movie.

The Amazon review reads as follows:

"The Ultimate Gift is a tale of one man's tumultuous journey toward personal growth and fulfillment. Surrounded in life, and death, by avaricious family members fueled by a sense of entitlement, billionaire Red Stevens (James Garner) wants to bequeath at least one member of his extended family "the ultimate gift": something he perceives as immensely more valuable than material wealth.
Red's arrogant grandson Jason (Drew Fuller) holds a deep-seated hatred for his newly-deceased grandfather, so he's surprised to learn from his grandfather's friend and lawyer Mr. Hamilton (Bill Cobbs) and assistant Miss Hastings (Lee Meriwether) that he's been mentioned in his late grandfather's will. Far from a straightforward gift of cash, land, or stock, Red's bequest comes in the form of a series of mysterious recorded instructions, the first of which requires Jason to hop on a plane for Texas the very next morning without a hint of the trip's purpose or the nature of the gift that awaits him.
Dropped into a life of hard physical labor on a ranch in the middle of nowhere, Jason's bad-tempered fury eventually turns to resignation and he finds himself engaged in, and even taking pride in, the first real manual labor he's ever done in his life. Unbeknownst to him, his journey toward claiming the ultimate gift has only just begun.
When he returns from Texas, Jason finds his home cleared out, his car confiscated, and instructions to produce one true friend. While Jason is reduced to sleeping in the park, a young child name Emily (Abigail Breslin) and her mother Alexia (Ali Hillis) make his acquaintance and lead him to re-examine his personal prejudices and perceptions of what's truly important in life.
Jason's journey of self discovery continues throughout a series of other trying experiences and, in the end, Grandpa Red's "ultimate gift" of life lessons profoundly and permanently improves the quality of Jason's life. What's more, Jason's new perspective of his place in society has a very positive affect on the larger community. This very powerful film is funny, heartbreaking, and intensely thought-provoking."

I thought it was a pretty good movie. The comedic parts were funny, and there were some tear jerker scenes as well. This is one that I definitely recommend, but do take to heart the warnings above. 4 out of 5 stars for me.

You can learn more about or purchase the movie at the official website.

Do you have a review you would like to share? Leave your link below!

~*~Courtney~*~

Tuesday Talks: Music teaching CDs "O Sing a New Psalm" and "Songs of the Remnant"

2008-03-31T19:42:00.003-05:00

"O Sing a New Psalm" is the first of two instructional music CDs that teach families and church congregations how to sing in four-part harmony.

These are wonderful CDs which my family has enjoyed very much! There are 50 tracks on each CD, ten songs. The first ten are the songs sung in full harmony. Tracks 11-20 are just the soprano parts, tracks 21-30 are the alto parts, 31-40 the tenors, and 41-50 the bass parts. It's laid out quite well, and so easy to learn with!

My family loves singing and we have thoroughly enjoyed singing these Psalms in harmony. They are even easy enough for the littlest of our family to be able to pick up a tough part!

There is also an accompanying songbook for those who like to read the music when learning. This is exceptional for family worship time!

We have really loved these CDs and recommend them highly!

You can purchase them from The Genevan Foundation, or Vision Forum Ministries.

Do you enjoy Tuesday Talks? Leave a review for others to see! Paste your link below.

Tutorial: Sewing a tag blanket!

2008-03-27T16:04:00.007-05:00

My baby brother loves to rub tags. Whenever we give him a stuffed animal, he immediately goes for the tag and he's been known to reach inside clothes to find the tags! So, I made him a "taggie" blanket like this one:
It's very easy to make and it makes a great gift! I made up this pattern as I went, but I think it turned out pretty cute, don't you?

So anyway, here's how I did it.

Step 1:
We're making this for hugging and playing with, not for covering with so you can make it pretty small. I used one yard of fabric for two blankets. This is a charming polka-dot flannel. :)

Before you start, you'll want to wash and iron your fabric.

First, I folded it twice and cut across the seams to get four same size pieces of fabric.

Step 2:
Next, I took some satin blanket binding and measured it around the fabric loosely, you want some extra when you cut it, just in case.

Step 3:
Now, since we're putting tags in-between the fabric pieces I cut down the crease of the blanket binding so I could use it for both sides of the blanket.
Step 4:
Take one piece of blanket binding and one piece of your fabric and line them up for sewing. I wanted a pretty skinny edge so I let a lot hang off, you can adjust it to fit your preferences. Sew all the way down to the corner.I didn't use pins for this particular project, I prefer to "eyeball it" by pulling it tight to see if it's straight. Feel free to use pins if you'd like.Step 5:
When you get to the end stop and spread out the fabric and binding. I'm going to show you how I fold the corners.Bunch up the fabric and turn it so it lays straight across the next edge.
Like so:
Sew straight up the seam to hold it in place.Step 6:
Continue sewing and doing the corners just like that until you reach the end. Then, just fold the remaining binding under and sew it like the other corners. Cut the excess off.Step 7:
Voila!
Now make another one just like that for the other side.

Step 8:
Set out your tags and place them around the edging in the proper places and work out the spacing until you're happy. I used various types of ribbon and ric-rac for the "tags," you only need two inches or so of each kind.Step 9:
Once you're happy with the placement of the tags, turn both sides of the blanket inward (good sides together) and pin the tags in place. You'll want the loop of the tags facing inward.
Leave a little space (about 5 inches) un-pinned so that you can turn it right side out before you sew, just to check and makes sure everything looks right. This is where you'll need to adjust things like how far the tags stick out, making sure they're all flush.

Step 10:
Flip it back to it's inside-out state and sew right about where you placed your pins. Watch the seam that you made when you attached the binding to make sure your binding is the right width and your seam is straight. Don't forget to leave a space open for turning it right-side out!

Step 11:
Flip it right side out. To close the open edge, fold the fabric and binding inward so that it lines up with the rest of the blanket. Sew straight across (adding any extra tags in) and continue to sew a line all the way around the edge to finish it!

It's done!

You want to be careful ironing it, because satin binding and some types of ribbon will melt very easily. ;)

I hope this has been informative! I'm not the best at sewing, and I usually make up my own techniques, but I love it!

I'd love to hear about your sewing projects, leave a comment!

Tuesday Talks: Knifty Knitting

2008-03-24T23:11:00.009-05:00

It is Tuesday Talks once more here at Stay-At-Home Daughters!

As always, we would love for you to participate by leaving your link in the Mr. Linky below!

I am reviewing the Knifty Knitters by Provo Craft.

These are the neatest little looms! I have made several little hats with the round looms and I am currently working on a pretty blue scarf on the long purple loom.

The incredible, lightweight looms are perfect for any age! My little sister Jessica (who is 10), is in the middle of a project right now as well. I have found that I can knit a project much quicker than traditional knitting (with needles), and that the projects are things that you can actually use!

There are several books and looms that you can purchase for very little.

I was impressed greatly by this particular book:

It has lots of patterns in it- I am going to try the hooded chick blanket in there next!

I know that you will love using this! If you would like to know more about it, Provo Craft has a site filled with info and patterns.

Help us make "Tuesday Talks" a success! Leave your link below!

~*~Courtney~*~

The Service Of The Lord

2008-03-24T16:57:00.002-05:00

The Service Of The Lord

I love being in the service of the Lord.

I may not be a missionary, a Bible study leader, or a prophet.

but, I love being in the service of the Lord.

My ministry consists of my home and neighbors,

and I love being in the service of the Lord.

I may not be a minister to the poor or the mentally distressed,

but I love being in the service of the Lord.

I love to encourage others as they walk along the same path.

and I love being in the service of the Lord.

I thrive from moments spent in His loving word,

and I love being in the service of the Lord.

Wherever He places me, I shall go, joyfully pondering each monent along the way.

And, I love being in the service of the Lord.

--Ellie Arnatt

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

"The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever."

~*~Courtney~*~

Open Discussion: Managing Finances

2008-03-21T11:53:00.003-05:00

I thought today would be a great day for an open discussion! I'm always interested in learning more about budgeting and managing money and I'd like to hear what our readers have to say about this. So, here are a few questions to get you started.

How were you taught to manage your finances wisely?
What are some ways a daughter can help her family in this area?
Does your family live frugally?
What are some ways a stay at home daughter can earn money from home?

I'd love to hear some of your experiences and thoughts on this matter! Later we'll chime in with our thoughts, but we'd like to give our readers a headstart! Leave a comment!

Also, if you have a topic you'd like discussed or a question, click in the sidebar and email us!

A Few Brief Thoughts on Hospitality

2008-03-19T13:59:00.008-05:00

Many people I have come into contact with believe that the best place for a women to use her talents is out on the mission field. What they don't realize is how effective a girl can be in sharing the gospel from her home! This is why hospitality is so important for a stay at home daughter, as well as a stay at home wife and mother.

Being hospitable is not just the outward actions of entertaining guests and strangers, but it's also a matter of the heart. The home reflects the actions and attitudes of it's inhabitants. If you are cross and unfriendly, no one will find your home warm or inviting! If your house is God-centered, your home will be warm and comfortable to outsiders. This is one of the best ways a young girl can minister to the lost! It's also an indispensable tool for discipleship. Your home is not a place to hide away and block out the world. If you act like someone is imposing on your time or space, you will have lost your opportunity!

"Use hospitality one to another without grudging." 1 Peter 4:9

I've had many wonderful chats with friends and neighbors about our lifestyle and such at various parties and gatherings. If you are shy, or nervous about answering difficult questions the best way to become more at ease is to practice! Don't worry about what others think of you. Simply speak from your heart and rely on the Lord.

When done with the whole heart, homemaking is an art form! Cooking, cleaning, and decorating either for guests, or just your family can be a pleasure if you choose to see it as such! Sometimes, hospitality is simply helping with these things rather than actually interacting with the guests.

Hospitality is not always done from the home. The ministry of your home can also be doing things like cooking for invalids or new mothers or helping at your church. It's not necessary to be confined to your house, just as long as your family is centered from your home, which is centered on God.

"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." Hebrews 13:2

Do you have anything to add? Leave your thoughts in a comment below!

Image from Allposters.com

Tuesday Talks: Princess Ka'Iulani

2008-03-18T08:57:00.004-05:00

Today I'm reviewing "Princess Ka'iulani: Hope of a Nation, Heart of a People. I love biographies and this is an exceptional one!! Princess Ka'iulani is such a wonderful example of a true princess.

Toward the beginning of the book, the author explains a little about the hawaiian language and it really helped me to understand how to pronounce the names in the book. It's written so well that it's easy for one to never realize that they aren't reading a non-fiction book at all!!

I highly recommend this book. It's an excellent resource about a wonderful Christian princess.

You can purchase it from our Astore, Vision Forum Ministries, or a bookshop near you.

Do you have a review? Help make Tuesday Talks a success!! Leave your link below.

Information and rules on Tuesday Talks can be found in the sidebar.

Happy Birthday Flibby!

2008-03-15T08:05:00.001-05:00

Today is Flibby's birthday!

I have known Flibby for several years now, and look up to her as a great example of Godly daughterhood. She is always serving others and ministering to people- I can't wait to see how God uses her this coming year!

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

A Time for Everything

"There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace. "

Happy Birthday Flibby!
~*~Courtney~*~

Fruits of The Spirit: Joy

2008-03-12T09:34:00.004-05:00

It is my turn to write on a fruit of the spirit! Last month, Flibby reviewed love. You can read that posting here.

Galations 5:22-23 reads as follows: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

~Joy comes from the Lord, as we can see all through scripture. It tells us of how we are filled with joy because Christ has saved us, or how we are filled with joy with the thought of Him, or sharing with others His blessings- clearly, joy comes and is given from the Lord.

~He is freely ready to give it to us, if we only ask! One of the things that I have been working on lately is finding God's joy in the simplest of things, for I often find that by overlooking those little things, I miss the bigger picture.

Psalm 16:11- "You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."

~ One of the sources of joy comes from knowing what is right and rejoicing in it. Jesus has told us in John 14:6-

"Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

~ We should be joyful and rejoicing in the Lord and the path that He has given us.

~We should also be joyful in praising the Lord and telling others about Him and His works, because the Bible says:

Psalm 95:1- "Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation."

Psalm 98:4- "Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music;"

Psalm 107:22 -"Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy."

Psalm 126:3-"The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy."

A fun way to dig through the scriptures is to get a notebook and write down every verse that has the word "joy" in it or references being joyful. You will memorize lots of verses, and find more insights through the scriptures, even in passages you have read over and over again!

Joy is one of the most precious gift that God has given us. I highly encourage you to find and show joy every day!

Many blessings!

~*~Courtney~*~

Tuesday Talks! The Reverse Edition

2008-03-11T10:34:00.006-05:00

Today is a very special Tuesday Talks! You get to ask about a book, movie, or music that you would like to know more about, and others can come by your blog and give their opinion!

For me today, I would like to know if anyone can recommend a movie version of "Emma" by Jane Austen.

Last weekend, my family enjoyed watching the A and E movie version of "Pride and Prejudice" together. We really liked it, and we also like the "Pride and Prejudice" movie with Kiera Knightley.

We were not as impressed with the "Sense and Sensibility" by Emma Thompson however, so if you have a good recommendation for another version, I would love to hear that too! :)

Now, it's your turn! Help us make "Tuesday Talks" a success!! Leave your link below!

~*~Courtney~*~

We've been tagged!

2008-03-07T11:36:00.007-06:00

~Poppy

My dear mother over at Where The Kudzu Grows has tagged Flibby and I to participate in a very fun looking meme!

Okay, I'll go first!

~I've flown all the way across the country to visit all the best theme parks in California. The highlight of the trip was riding a 255 ft. tall roller coaster.

~I can do a Cockney accent, and am quite often known to talk that way for an entire day :)

~I ate raw oysters for my 13th birthday.

~Flibby and I have met, talked to, and had our picture made with Charmian Carr. If you don't know who that is, she played Liesl in The Sound of Music!

~I am a complete perfectionist and I always pay very close attention to detail.

~When I was about 5 years old I was deathly afraid of 'The Tin Man' from 'The Wizard of Oz'.

~Before I started piano lessons, I took voice lessons for 2 years and I sang at many recitals. I also sang 'The Lords Prayer' at a wedding when I was 10.

Okay Flibby, it's your turn!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~Flibby

Here are a few little known facts about me:

~When I was 11 years old I traveled with my Nana all the way to Greece! We visited the site of the first Olympic games, saw all the major cities, and cruised to all the islands. It was the trip of a lifetime and I stopped to pet every stray cat.

~I've ridden the "Tower of Terror" at DisneyWorld 13 times in one day.

~I remember the first time I ever cleaned up anything by myself, the first time I lost a tooth and the first time I ate an ice cream cone without getting it all over my face. My earliest memory was from age 2.

~I've stood on the stage at "The Grand Ole Opry" and met a few of "The Radio City Rockettes"

~Poppy and I have met Susan Egan, one of my favorite Broadway stars who originated the role of "Belle" in "Beauty and the Beast" on Broadway and voiced a few characters in Disney movies.

~When I was little, I thought my dad was the coolest guy EVER. I still think so.

~Between the ages of 10 and 15, I was incredibly shy. I wouldn't even talk to a cashier to pay for something or answer the phone. My mom would find stuff for me to do that forced me to talk to strangers until was cured of my shyness.

Now, we tag:
My cousin Dory over at Seedlings to Sunflowers
Smokestack at Progress of Pilgrims
Southern Belle at Wisdoms Way of Learning

Being Productive during your Single Years

2008-03-06T11:17:00.006-06:00

Today I thought I'd share some ways that a single girl can live a fulfilled and productive life at home!

Sometimes it's easy to be unproductive or fall into slothfulness. I struggle with this from time to time. My natural self is lazy at heart and it takes a lot to conquer this fault! Some things I do to get motivated, particularly in the morning during chores and school are:

Do your quiet time - When you start your morning with quiet time, the whole day goes better. It's much easier to be pleasant and productive when you have had your morning Bible reading and prayer time. Asking the Lord for help being productive is so very important.
Get dressed - This may seem very obvious, but when you are homeschooled and don't leave the house as much, it's convenient to stay in your pajamas all day! It makes me feel much better and much more productive if I'm dressed and matched, with shoes, jewelry and makeup. It's truly amazing what this does to one's disposition.
Put on some music - Music helps everyone feel peppy and happy! Singing is so much fun when working and Snow White was right, whistling while you work helps too!
Wear an apron - Whenever I wear an apron I feel so much more feminine and productive. It's amazing what a little piece of cloth can do. It doesn't have to be anything fancy. Plus, it's harder to get your clothes dirty! ;)
Just get to work - When all else fails and you just aren't feeling very productive, just start working. Chances are, once you are in the middle of the chore it will be easier to get motivated to finish!
Find a quiet place - When doing schoolwork, it's essential to find a quiet place to work. It's near impossible to be productive when so many distracting things are going on around you. I usually go outside, in my room, and I've even been known to do my schoolwork in my closet! Anywhere that you can concentrate.

Just remember:

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." Colossians 3:23-24

Another thing I'd like to discuss, along the same lines, are some things other than schoolwork a girl can work on, particularly after high school graduation. These are things like:

Homemaking Skills - It's very important for a girl to use this time in her life to learn the things that she, Lord willing, will need in the future as a wife, mother, and homekeeper. These include cooking, cleaning, all kinds of needlework and sewing skills, gardening, canning, making gifts, shopping, managing money and other various life skills.
Helping your younger siblings with their schoolwork - This can be a great help to your mother, as well as a blessing to your siblings. It's also wonderful practice for you if you one day have the privilege of becoming a homeschooling mother!
Reading and Writing - After graduation, this is the best way to further your education on your own. All you really need to be thoroughly educated are good books and a willing mind. Writing is a wonderful way to express yourself and what you've learned. You can write on a blog, which is the easiest way to publish your thoughts, or you can be adventurous and submit an article to a magazine or a popular website. This allows you to share your talent and passion with many others.
Investing your time in your family and your church - This is perhaps the most important area of a girl's life. What a wonderful way to spend your single years! Instead of focusing on yourself, share your energies and talents with those around you. Doing for others is extremely rewarding and lots of fun!
Journaling - I quite enjoy journaling. There's no pressure for me to write exceptionally well or collect my thoughts. I simply write what's on my mind or what's happened during the day. It's very nice to have that recorded for later use. I can come back years from now and see exactly what day this happened, or what I was thinking about when I was thirteen. I've kept a multitude of journals over the years and it's really a fun activity!
Running a Home Business - This is a great way to start saving for your future. I run a very small graphic design business from my home computer and I'm also going to start teaching piano lessons to beginners. Just take some time to think about your strengths and use this time at home to expand those skills or learn some new skills that could one day be marketable. You can be such a blessing to others by running a home business. These are skills that can help you be a helpmeet to your future husband as well.
Have fun! - This is a wonderful season of your life! Play with your family, get together with friends, socialize at church and use these years without the responsibility of a family of your own to the fullest. Never take any of it for granted. The Lord has been so good to me! I have no reason at all to be anything but thrilled.

May the Lord bless you during your years as a stay at home daughter!

--Flibby

Tuesday Talks: "Home Comforts" by Cheryl Mendelson

2008-03-03T20:35:00.006-06:00

Today I'm going to review a wonderful book that is quite a valuable resource for keepers at home and stay at home daughters. It's called, "Home Comforts" by Cheryl Mendelson.

This book is more of a reference book and isn't exactly meant to be read from cover to cover. It's filled with 884 pages of practical tips on the keeping of the home.

Here is the book's description:

The classic bestselling resource for every American home. Choosing fabrics, cleaning china, keeping the piano in tune, making a good fire, folding a fitted sheet, setting the dining room table, keeping surfaces free of food pathogens, watering plants, removing stains -- Home Comforts addresses the meanings as well as the methods of hands -- on housekeeping to help you manage everyday chores, find creative solutions to modern domestic dilemmas, and enhance the experience of life at home.

Further topics include: Making up a bed with hospital corners, Expert recommendations for safe food storage, Reading care labels (and sometimes carefully disregarding them), Keeping your home free of dust mites and other allergens, Home safety and security, A summary of laws applicable to the home, including privacy, accident liability, contracts, and domestic employees and more in this practical, good-humored, historic, philosophical, even romantic, guidebook to the art of household management.

The general chapters are:

-Food
-Cloth (includes ways to get tough stains out of various fabrics)
-Cleanliness
-Daily Life (with chapters like "fireplaces","images and recordings", and "pets")
-Sleep (with ways to make beds and care for different types of bedding)
-Safe Shelter (ways to make your home safe and hazard-free)
-Formalities

I refer to this book quite often and re-read chapters from time to time. I believe it's a must have for any young woman! It's also a great book for a hope chest! I highly recommend it.

You can buy it from our Astore or your local bookstore.

--Flibby

Help us make Tuesday Talks a success! Write a review on your blog and leave the link below. Information and Rules can be found in the sidebar. Thanks for participating!

Discontentment

2008-02-29T16:23:00.000-06:00

In the past, I have really struggled with contentment, even though I had not realized it until lately. Several times I thought about how I wished this or that in my life would change.

I was getting bored with school, chores, and other trivial things. I couldn't understand why, because I have always loved school and taking care of my jurisdictions in our home.

I was experiencing discontentment at its finest. I can see now that God had been trying to show me for some time, but I had been too busy wishing for change that I wasn't paying attention. I missed the bigger picture! He wanted me to rely on Him!

Jesus wanted me to lay my discontented spirit at His feet, and place all other things aside. He wanted me to have a servant's heart, and through contentment in Jesus, I am now excited for new things headed in my direction, and I have learned to enjoy every moment- even the little things.

Since I laid that discontentment down, new opportunities have been coming my way. It is incredible what the grace of God will do if you simply listen and obey.

When I begin to feel discontentment creeping in, I take those feelings and talk to Jesus, and through His grace, I am humbled and restored.

For His Glory,

~*~Courtney~*~

On the Gift of Song...

2008-02-27T09:21:00.003-06:00

Mine is a very musical family. This is not to say that we are particularly talented family, but simply one who takes great joy in music and the making of it. My siblings and I love singing with each other and each of us devotes an hour or so a day to the study of the piano and sometimes other various instruments. Music is an extremely worthy and fulfilling hobby for a young person, especially the stay at home daughter. It allows one to express her sincerest emotion or simply to relax after a long day.

Classical music is quite soothing and provides a pleasant atmosphere to the home during the daily duties. My mother loves to put classical music on during school hours. Whenever one of us has a lag between subjects we can quietly comment and converse about the composer or the particular section in the song. It's a very easy way to learn about music and their composers.

Apart from classical music, my family also enjoys opera. My mother's current favorite is Paul Potts, but we love most opera in general. Poppy and I love show tunes a lot, and we sing them constantly. We are quite fond of musicals! But, I think the best kind of music is the kind that you make yourself. Playing an instrument is a very satisfying past-time. We start our music education from birth, we've been singing to Noah his whole life! He loves music and smiles from ear to ear whenever we sing or dance. We make up little songs for him and sing all the little rhymes we used to hear when we were little. My mother and father also make up songs on the spot, as do my siblings and I. We actually have quite a few songs that we sing which are only known by our family and singing in the shower is considered a necessity by those who occupy our household! (Except for my dad ~wink~)

Once the children turn five, they start piano lessons. I help my younger sisters during the week and when the work is finished, we play fun songs and sing. Reading music is an excellent skill to have and it's as easy as learning to read English! It comes in quite useful. In our church young girls play the piano during the services and a few of them teach piano lessons as well.

Singing is also one of our favorite things to do. I've done some research on the proper breathing techniques and such, and Poppy has taken some voice lessons in the past. We love to teach everyone to sing in harmony or rehearse a number with choreography to perform for Noah! Talent is not important, it's only necessary to have fun and glorify the Lord in your music. The quote, "God said, 'Make a joyful noise' not a beautiful one." is one that I've remembered for so long I don't even remember where it's from.

Music is mixed into every one's daily lives. Whether or not you consider yourself a musical person there is always some points in the day when you are exposed to it. Whether or not you pursue music as a hobby, it can still make your life most enjoyable. I encourage you to take a moment to appreciate the music around you, it is quite a marvelous gift of the Lord.

May the Lord bless you and fill your heart with song.

--Flibby

Tuesday Talks!

2008-02-26T15:01:00.004-06:00

Tuesday Talks is here once more!

I am reviewing "Coming In on A Wing and A Prayer".

When I first saw this book, I thought it was a boy book about airplanes and war- things which are somewhat boring to me.

Little did I know that I was quite wrong. This is a wonderful book, written from the perspective of a Grandmother writing to her grandchildren about her Grandfather's legacy, therefore passing the legacy down through many generations. She writes of his time in Iwo Jima and about the hardships and duties there.

There are several photgraphs and little notes sprinkled throughout as well. You do not want to miss this book!

The Amazon review reads as followed:

"He was only five years old when a local barnstormer offered to take young Bill Brown for a flight in a biplane in exchange for one of his mother’s home-cooked meals. That day birthed a life-long fascination with aviation. As a young man, he grew up near the home of the man who would become the most famous pilot of the Second World War — Jimmy Doolittle of the “Doolittle Raiders.” By twenty-one, Brown had earned his own wings and found himself as a flying P-51 Mustang fighter pilot performing daring raids from battlefields like Iwo Jima. Ultimately he was shot down during a combat mission over Japan, but would live to become a dynamic servant of the Cross. Featured in the film, The League of Grateful Sons, Bill Brown is now the subject of a thrilling story of combat, faith, and fatherhood told through the eyes of granddaughter Kelly Brown. In Coming In on a Wing and a Prayer, a beautiful, pictorially rich book, Kelly recounts the life of her flyboy grandfather as a letter to generations yet to be born. One of the most encouraging books you will read this year. Hardback. 55 pgs."

This very sweet and wonderful story is written by Kelly Brown (now Bradrick), and is available through our Astore or Vision Forum.

Would you like to post a review? Leave your link below!

Have a great Tuesday!
~*~Courtney~*~

Tuesday Talks: How To Be A Lady by Harvey Newcomb

2008-02-19T07:34:00.006-06:00

It's Tuesday again!! Today I'm going to review a wonderful and insightful book, How To Be a Lady by Harvey Newcomb. This is such a great resource for young girls of all ages! Here are a few of the chapter titles:

On Childhood and Youth
Piety, as the Spring of Action and Regulator of the Soul
Treatment of Brothers and Sisters and others in the Family
Behavior at Table
Behavior at Family Worship
Private Prayer
Keeping the Sabbath
Habits
Education of the Heart
Education of the Mind
Reading
Writing
On finishing what is begun
On amusements
On the art of agreeable and profitable Conversation
On the Importance of being able to say No
On being Useful
On being Contented
Union of serious Piety with habitual Cheerfulness

As you can see, this book covers some very practical issues as well as matters of the heart and mind. I absolutely love this book! It was originally written in 1850, and has been reprinted. You can purchase it from our astore, or Vision Forum Ministries.

I love what is printed on the back of the book:

What you are while you are a girl, you will be when you become a woman. Your character is constantly forming. It is your buisness to keep out of the way of bad influences, and submit yourself to the moulding of the good. Keep in mind the great truth that you are forming a character for eternity. Some years ago, there were found on the banks of the Mississippi River the tracks of a human being, deeply imprinted in the solid rock. These tracks were made in the soft clay, which in time became hardened, and formed into stone. Now, the impression is immovable. You now resemble this soft clay. Every thing with which you come in contact makes an impression. But, as you grow older, your character acquires solidity, and is less and less affected by these influences, till at length is will be like the hard stone, and the impressions made upon you at this season will become confirmed habits.

Do you have a review to share? Leave your link below! Help make 'Tuesday Talks' a success!

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Enjoying Everyday Moments.....

2008-02-18T14:58:00.004-06:00

Hello to all of you! I hope that your weekend was refreshing and blessed!

Yesterday, I woke up to to a somewhat rainy day. I simply just listened and watched the raindrops rolling down my window, and reflected on what a precious gift God has given us with rain. No two raindrops look alike, and every rainstorm has its own unique features. I said a silent prayer thanking Him for this sweet and wonderful gift, and went on with my day.

I never realized how many little moments can slip through your hand if you are not paying attention, or how lovely these little moments can be.

I find that I have several of these moments everyday, whether I realize it or not.

Somtimes it is the beautiful sunset, the baby's sweet little smile, a little hand held in mine. Perhaps it is little Emma (who is 2), singing her cute little songs, or maybe it is watching viewmaster reels with your family on Friday nights.

It is so important that we do not take life for granted. On any moment, things can change so fast- we do not have forever.

Do you have an "Everyday Moment" to share? Leave a comment below!

Wishing you a lovely Monday!
~@~Courtney~@~

Finding Joy in the Home

2008-02-15T11:41:00.003-06:00

One of the pitfalls facing young ladies today is the yearning for something outside of the home. So many young ladies say, "Oh, if only I could get out of this house and travel the world!","I need to use my skills in the workplace!","I could accomplish great things!" It's easy to lose focus and become distracted with the glamorous temptations of the world. Satan can make so many things look appealing and harmless. Proverbs 23:17-18 says, "Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long. For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off." Remember that God's calling for women is to be in the home, whether as a daughter or a wife and mother.

A lot of girls have trouble being content in their role as daughter. "I'll be happy once I have a husband." If you aren't happy in this season of your life, you won't be happy in the next season either... contentment must be cultivated early. God wants us to make the most of our time now, not when we finally get married. Spend your time making the most of being an unmarried daughter by serving your family and your church with joy and not pining away the days yearning for marriage and children.

Though marriage is most commonly a lady's calling, sometimes God calls girls to singleness. While this may strike terror in the heart of many young ladies, it's important to keep your heart soft and turned to the Lord for His guidance. If He were to call you to singleness, would you be content? If you are content as an unmarried woman now, it will be much easier should you be called to remain single.

As much as I hope to be married one day with my own children, I absolutely adore my family and would be happy to stay here forever. A very wise lady once told me, "Bloom where you're planted." And that's exactly what I try to do on a day by day basis by serving my family within my home. I find great satisfaction and joy in cooking a simple dinner, clearing land for a garden, and playing piano with my siblings. Finding joy in my work is the first step to finding joy in the home. My mother has been teaching us to do our work cheerfully ever since we could walk! No matter how we hated to do the chores, if everyone did them with a cheerful heart, soon we were all smiling and conversing with each other during our work - which made it much more fun! Whether or not your work is a pleasure or "household drudgery" is up to you.

I would encourage you not to dwell on the petty inconveniences that come with homelife. Let those things be quickly forgotten and sometimes even laugh at them! Take time to step back and not only analyze the big picture and true vision, but keep the wonderful aspects in the forefront of your mind. In my house, there is absolutely no way anyone can be in a sour mood when my baby brother has a laughing fit! Everyone of my family members has a brilliant personality and is a tremendous joy! Our home is filled with music, laughter, and playful drama. When the weather is nice, I love nothing more than to be outside with my family enjoying God's creation. Sometimes it's the small, simple things that can bring the most joy to my heart. Most importantly, I take joy in my work because I know it's a blessing to my family. It's just another way I can show God's love to them through my own attitude of contentment simply by finding joy in everything I do!

Look to the Lord for your strength and your encouragement. With constant prayer and trust in Him, He will grant you a truly contented heart.

For those of you who are already content in the season of unmarried womanhood, praise the Lord! It is so wonderful to have blessed friendships with like-minded Christian girls. It has been such a blessing to glean wisdom and encouragement from other girls following the same path. My mother has always been the most influential person to me in this manner as well. I especially love to sit at the feet of the older Titus 2 women in my church. They have so much to share about their lives and their spiritual journeys. It's amazing to look back and see how far the Lord has brought them, and it reminds me how far I still have to go!

The Lord is good!

But godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6

Guest Blog!

2008-02-15T11:38:00.004-06:00

I was published on Crystal's blog yesterday! In the midst of her Valentine's Day contest, she posted several guest blogs that pertained to the topic of unmarried daughters.You can view my article here, and be sure to vote for the winner of her annual Valentine's Day contest for the unmarried!

Graphic taken from Crystal's blog - from Allposters.com

The Blessing of Younger Siblings...

2008-02-14T14:16:00.005-06:00

My baby brother and I enjoyed a beautiful day on Tuesday!! I just love having younger siblings. They are such a wonderful blessing!

Tuesday Talks: The Princess and The Kiss

2008-02-12T07:53:00.000-06:00

Today is Tuesday Talks here at Stay-At-Home Daughters!

I am excited to be reviewing The Princess and The Kiss by Jennie Bishop.

This is a wonderful story about saving your first kiss for your husband, and shining with radiant purity!

The story begins with a princess who has a first kiss. Her parents have kept it carefully guarded, and she wants to save it for the right person. Several tempting suitors come along, and she wonders who her Prince Charming will be. Will it be the handsome suitor, or the strong suitor? Will she follow God's plan and wait for the right man under the wise counsel of her parents?

The description reads:
"The Princess and the Kiss is a marvelous parable of God's gift of purity that will touch the heart of parent and child alike. A loving king and queen present their daughter with a special gift from God-her first kiss-to keep or to give away. There is much to be learned as you observe the wise young princess following the counsel of her parents, keeping her kiss safe for the man she will perhaps someday marry. This simple story reveals that purity is a special gift from God which is given to every precious princess. It will also help every king and queen begin to explain the importance and beauty of a pure heart to their little princess, and it will encourage her in her pursuit and desire for purity."

This is a wonderful book, and although the description reads that it is for little girls, I think that young women would gain a lot from this book as well.

~@~Courtney~@~

Have a review to share? Leave your link below!

Valentine's Day for Stay-At-Home Daughters

2008-02-11T19:58:00.000-06:00

Valentine's Day has always been one of my favorite times of the year! Even though it's emphasized as a holiday for couples, we always make it a wonderfully fun day for everyone in our house! Each year we make our own home-made Valentines and pass them out to everyone in the family... it's become quite a fun tradition! We try to 'out do' last year's Valentines with new fresh ideas!

Here are some of the cards I made for my family this year.

I can't wait to see what the rest of my family has come up with!!

Recently, I've been thinking about ways that a stay at home daughter can reach out to others on Valentine's Day. Last year, a good friend from my church held a Valentine's bake at her home. All of the single girls in our church got together and had a wonderful time socializing while baking cookies for the older members of our church, as well as those who were stuck at home or sick. It was wonderful fun and those cookies were such a blessing to our church members! I also love to voluteer at the local assisted living center and nursing home. The people there love to hear hymns and I love to play them on the piano. It's so much fun to spend time with older people-- they are so wise and have so much to tell!

This year, I've already been preparing and planning ways that I can glorify God on Valentine's Day as an unmarried daughter. First of all, I made Valentines and wrote lengthy letters to some of my more distant relatives telling them all about what our family is up to now and how much they mean to us. I know they'll love to receive those, especially my great-grandmother and great-aunt! I also helped my younger siblings with their letters and valentines for our relatives.

I love to serve my family by cooking and baking, and this year (shhhh, don't tell) I'm making a surprise Valentine's day dinner complete with a fancy cake. I even bought a special tablecloth to decorate our table.

Be sure to check back, I'll post pictures of the finished cake (and supper). Hopefully it will turn out well! I've already bought some frosting.... mmmm....

Another way I've helped others celebrate Valentine's Day is by babysitting for my family or the neighbors so that parents can enjoy a night out together. While their parents are gone, I help the children make special messages for their mom and dad... and leave them on their pillowcase! My parents love to receive cards and surprises from us!

These are just a few ideas for an unmarried young lady to be a blessing to others on Valentine's Day! I'd love to hear your suggestions! Leave a comment below!

Crystal from Biblical Womanhood is holding a great Valentine's Day contest for the unmarried, the deadline is tomorrow! Head on over there and take a look!

--Flibby

Tuesday Talks: "Mother" by Kathleen Norris

2008-02-05T07:12:00.000-06:00

It's Tuesday Talks again! This week I'm going to review a wonderful book, Mother by Kathleen Norris.

Mother is a fictional story about a young woman who is desperate to get away from her home for a "more fulfilled" life in the city. She is embarrassed by her large family and her mother and longs to get away to make her own life. God begins to change her heart, and by the end she has changed dramatically and returns home to her family. She realizes how fulfilled her mother always was in her place as wife, mama, and keeper at home. How wrong she had been living all those years with such a feminist mindset! The book has a wonderful ending, but I don't want give anything else away.

It includes a wonderful introduction by Jennie Chancey and is extremely well written.

If you haven't already read this book, I'd highly recommend that you do! It will bless you as you continue your quest to become a god-honoring stay-at-home daughter. You can purchase it from our Astore (in the sidebar) or from Vision Forum Ministries.

--Flibby

Now it's your turn! Review something on your blog and leave the link below!

Rules and Information on Tuesday Talks can be found in the sidebar.

Why I Wear A Dress

2008-02-04T14:00:00.000-06:00

A lot of people ask me why I wear dresses, and why I prefer them to pants. I decided to post some of the most common questions I receive about the dress/pants issue.

Why would you want to wear a dress/jumper/skirt? Wouldn't you rather have the "freedom" of wearing pants?
I find that I can still do everything I could do in pants in a skirt or dress. I can do home construction, ride a bike, mow the lawn, and do it all in a skirt! There is very little that I "can't" do in a skirt. Right now, I can't even think of one thing.

Pants are more comfortable and less constricting, right?
For me, I found that this was totally different. There was actually more room to move about in most skirts. There are some skirt styles that do have less leg room, but I find that it helps me to take small, lady-like steps.

OK, I like the idea of wearing dresses, but I can't find anything decent!
Most of my skirts/dresses are found online or secondhand. I also have sewn many of my skirts/dresses. One of my favorite skirt patterns can be found for free here, and I would also like to make this pattern here. It really is easier than it looks.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A few reasons I like to wear a skirt
They are more feminine
They are more comfortable
They can be dressy or casual
They twirl so nicely
My list could go on and on!

How about you? Why do you like/dislike dresses and skirts?

Have a great day!
~@~Courtney~@~

Bloggy Giveaway Winner!!

2008-02-02T13:38:00.000-06:00

The winner of our apron is.....Rebecca!

Congratulations! I'll be emailing you very soon.

Thank you all so much for participating!

God Bless,
Flibby

Fruits of the Spirit: Love

2008-02-01T13:27:00.000-06:00

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23

We are beginning a new series here on Stay-At-Home Daughters! Every month check back for the next installment of our fruits of the spirit series. February's topic is love. How fitting! I'm going to share practical ways a Stay-At-Home Daughter can show love to her family, friends and those who persecute her.

The hardest aspect of love, for me, is being able to show love to those who hate you, persecute you, or wish to show you harm. When presented with a challenge or accusations, I answer them gently and cautiously. As the Proverb says:

"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." Proverbs 15:1

Sometimes those you love turn from the ways of the Lord, and can become what the Bible calls, "a heathen". Matthew 18 explains how to deal with this,

Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
Matthew 18:15-18

I have various extended family members from whom we have had to separate ourselves. Many other family members argue that we are "not showing Christian love" when we don't support the lifestyle of the rebellious. On the contrary, biblically this is the only way we can truly show Christian love to our brethren, by following biblical example and demonstrating the fact that their lifestyle is not okay. Though this may seem harsh, ultimately we have to answer to an almighty God for our actions, not our family members. The best way to show Christian love for them is to pray for them. We pray for our lost extended family members and friends, and those who try to convince us that we are in the wrong.

For some girls, loving those closest to you can be tough. I thought I'd share some ways to not just get along with your siblings and family, but to show the love of Christ to them in everyday life.

Simple gestures of kindness mean a lot! My mother loves it when I bring her a glass of tea, start the laundry, iron, clean out the refrigerator or any other simple task without being asked. A lot of times, your family won't even notice the small things you do for them, but that's ok! The Lord will take notice! Remember -- character is who you are when no one is looking. Not seeking recognition for something is a wonderful way to exercise selflessness. The most important way to show love to your parents is to be submissive to them as your God given authority, and show cheerful obedience and respect. Sometimes when I want to do something helpful for my mother, I take my siblings and do something to keep them occupied. This is a great way to not only show love for your parents, but your siblings as well! The way your younger siblings will pick up on how much you love them is by how much time you spend with them! Playing with them may not be the most fun for you, but to them it's such a thrill!

My little sister loves when I make cards for her. Just a little piece of paper folded with a flower drawn on the front is enough to make her smile! It's easy to tell what things your siblings love when you spend time getting to know them. Every once in a while I prepare surprises for my little siblings, like a treasure hunt! They get so excited over such a simple thing! My little siblings also love it when I read to them, or sing to them. I love to be able to tuck them in at night and tell them I love them.

My sister (Poppy) and I are best friends. We talk about everything, joke, laugh, and share the same interests. The Lord was so good to put her in my life, but I know that everyone has different situations. Some of you may have siblings that are older, or very close to you in age. The best way I've found to show love to older siblings is to listen to them, being sensitive to their wishes and needs, and show them respect. It's much harder to get into arguments if you have their best interest at heart. Spend time learning things together! My sister and I have spent the past few months mastering the splits. It's so much fun to stretch together everyday! She and I exercise with my mom regularly, we shop together, we take piano lessons together, and we write this blog together! We have quite a few differences, and we have some disagreements, but we love and respect each other.

Overall, to learn how to truly apply this fruit of the spirit to your life, you have to learn to put yourself last! Selflessness is a trait that isn't easy to master, but the Lord can make it your second nature. Also, pray for your family, your friends, and fellow man, pray for the lost and the weary and pray for the Lord to help you show His love to the world.

God has blessed me with an intense love for those around me. It's such a blessing to be able to find joy in simply spending time with people!

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.
When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13

Bloggy Giveaway!

2008-01-27T16:06:00.000-06:00

EDITED TO ADD: Tuesday Talks is on hold for this week, because of the giveaway. But, be sure to check back for Tuesday Talks next week and have your reviews ready if you're willing to participate!

We are hosting a give-away here at Stay-At-Home Daughters! The winner will receive this beautiful apron!

Here is a picture of the detail:

To enter, simply leave a comment below! We will use a random number generator to select our winner at noon CST on February 2nd! Please leave your email address in your comment and enter only once, we'll delete duplicate entries.

For more great giveaways, visit Bloggy Giveaways.com!

Tuesday Talks

2008-01-22T11:08:00.000-06:00

Today is Tuesday Talks!

My review today is on "Experiencing the Joy of Young Womanhood", by Sarah Maxwell.

I can't even tell you how many times I have listened to this CD. Filled to the brim with practical insights and suggestions for young women, this is one of my favorite things to listen to!

The description reads:

"Young ladies, what are your goals in life? Are you waiting for something to happen? Courtship? Marriage? An exciting opportunity? Sarah, age twenty-one, shares truth from Scripture and true-life testimonies about the importance of God-given goals for your life and resting in Jesus. She gives practical applications for joyfully serving the Lord. This session is great for young ladies eight on up."

One of the things I loved was an example Sarah gave about goals. She said she had always wanted to get married and have lots of children, but that her Dad had brought up a good point, asking her "what if she didn't get married?". Sarah said that she immediantly began to re-evaluate her life goals, and one of her new goals was to become a woman after God's own heart.

I don't want to give anything else away, but I can't recommend this CD to you enough!

This CD is available through Titus 2 ministries.

If you would like to participate in Tuesday Talks, leave your link below:

I look forward to reading your reviews!
~@~Courtney~@~, for all the Stay-At-Home Daughters!

Dealing with "The College Issue" and Other Difficult Questions

2008-01-18T12:34:00.000-06:00

As a follow-up on the last post, I'd like to address how I deal with difficult questions from family members and nosy neighbors. ~wink~

The most popular questions I get are:

The college question: This comes in the form "What college are you going to attend?", and more indirectly, "What are you doing after you graduate?"

For all questions I follow a simple rule of thumb: if the inquirer is genuinely interested in my convictions, I answer gratefully and sincerely all of the questions they ask. The purpose is then to benefit the inquirer. If, on the other hand, the inquirer is asking for the simple reason of trying to question my sanity, be rude, or they simply think it's their responsibility to make sure I "get started in the right direction", I answer briefly, change the subject, or "smile, nod and back away." I find with most people, when I state that I'm staying home after I graduate, they can't change the subject fast enough.. (My mother wrote a wonderful post on answering questions here.)

I usually answer with, "I'm staying home after I graduate and furthering my education on my own." and leave it at that. I have very rarely had to expound, because most people don't care. (my thoughts on this issue can be found here, here, and here.)

Testing: This is when someone tries to test me and my siblings by asking various academic questions. This is usually only performed by those who are against homeschooling or want to make sure my mother is doing what she should. I never answer these questions, it's simply not their place to test us. I have had to intervene when my siblings were being tested before. I never want to be rude, but I usually say lightheartedly that they get enough testing in school. It aggravates me that people try to mess them up by putting them on the spot. Most often, my parents intervene before this goes too far.

So, what do you do?: People ask me this question now, since I'm not bombarded with extracurricular activities, and I'm sure I'll get this question much more after I graduate. I answer truthfully with all of the things I do to help my family around the house. There is quite a lot when you think about it! Courtney wrote a lovely post about this very question recently.

"When are you going to get a job/your driver's license/etc.?": This comes from people who are quick to assume I'm not content at home. Once again, I answer with discernment, depending on what exactly their intentions are and I let them know that I am perfectly content to be at home with my family. (I am going to get my driver's license soon. But, the reason for having a license is not to be "free" from being tied down to my home, as most assume.)

Sometimes I get a snide comment which I have to answer. For example: "I know you just can't wait to get away from all these kids." (talking about my siblings). Most of the time, I ignore snide comments completely.

Whenever I know I'm going to be around those who are not like-minded, I prepare by reminding myself why I believe what I believe. Though, it's not very often that I get questioned thoroughly, always being prepared is a help to me. There was one evening when I stayed up very late into the night studying and reminding myself how to answer tough questions. I knew I was going to be around my extended family for a long period of time, and I was very glad to feel prepared. I never want to be prideful when asked questions like this, nor do I want to feel disheartened.

I don't answer correctly every time. When I was first asked to defend my convictions I made many fumbles and embarrassed myself continually. I was always too passive. I had to practice and learn to stand firm in my beliefs, without being rude, and now I can answer much more clearly and confidently. I still make mistakes from time to time, but I trust the Lord when I'm feeling inadequate.

Some very wonderful answers to some of these questions (namely the college question) can be found here at Visionary Daughters, the blog by the authors of So Much More and the documentary, "Return of the Daughters".

I hope this has been a help to you! God bless you as you live for the Lord as a Stay-At-Home Daughter.

~Flibby

Cultivating Convictions

2008-01-18T12:22:00.000-06:00

My convictions were cultivated in me by the grace of God. When I began to think back to write this post, I realized that so many circumstances that seemed very random actually worked together to shape me into who I am today! My parents certainly played a large part in this. Their example has always been wonderful and I know it's been because of their prayers and discernment that they have been able to raise me in the way of the Lord. I was always taught to be like the Bereans by searching everything out through the Scriptures.

Ever since I was a little, little girl I wanted to have a lot of children and be a mother when I grew up. While all my public school friends were deciding they wanted to be doctors, or teachers I found myself frustrated. I didn't want to be any of those, I wanted to be a mother with lots of children. This was long before my family's convictions changed or we even had more than three children. I remember my friends teasing me because I once said that I wanted to beat the world record for most children born to one mother (at the time the world record was 69, by the way. That included 4 sets of quadruplets and 16 sets of twins I believe. =D). Babysitting was (and still is!) my favorite past-time. Whenever a baby was around, I stuck like glue. One of my friends gave me a charm bracelet with a baby carriage on it, because I was the one who wanted to break the world record. Something funny happened to many of those friends. Though none of them wanted to be the world-record holder, they all talked about how they wanted to get married and have lots of babies when they grew up. Now, they not only want little to no children, but many of them don't even want to get married and have turned more toward a feminist mindset. I believe I didn't go in that direction due in part to my family's decision to homeschool.

I was in public school during kindergarten, first, and second grade. Even at my young age, I remember some things very distinctly about public school. There were always the "popular" girls and two girls who feuded every year. I don't remember doing schoolwork in public school. I'm sure we did it but I don't remember it at all! When we started homeschooling I was eight years old. I didn't know the reasons why my parents decided to start homeschooling, but I knew that I never had to get up and go to that awful school again and that thought delighted me! We moved to this house and I was so excited as the basement was transformed into our schoolroom. My mother had previously been a teacher so she created our very own school at home complete with colorful posters, bulletin boards, and desks. I didn't know the spiritual benefits or the Scriptural commands about educating your children at home until much later.

Good literature has also been a key element in shaping my convictions. Some of the most important ones were So Much More, Raising Maidens of Virtue, Beautiful Girlhood, Mother, etc. (You can see and purchase any of these in our Astore in the sidebar.) So Much More really opened my eyes to the whole issue of attending college. Scripture is quoted throughout the book and I found myself with a lot of "Aha!" moments. Why didn't I see it before? The Lord was opening my eyes! My conviction about women and college started with me before my parents even considered it. When I was about 14, I decided I never wanted to go to college. In fact, I was scared to death at the thought of being out on my own and having to fend for myself (part of this was because of a phase of unbelievable shyness that I was going through at the time). My parents just laughed and said I'd grow out of it. When I read the college chapter in So Much More, I was mostly relieved at the fact that I had found an excuse to stay home! I joyously went and showed my mother. But now at nearly 18, this is a heartfelt conviction rather than an excuse. My parents read the book and their convictions changed dramatically.

My heart has always been at home, and I believe that every little girl has this desire from birth. It is only when the combination of bad parenting and her flesh take over that the world is filled with radical feminists and the likes of Britney Spears. I am completely content at home with my family in this season of my life. It's such a blessing and when I think back over what the Lord has done for our family, how He's changed our convictions and given us discernment, I am in awe. My calling as a godly daughter pursuing biblical femininity is the most rewarding place my life could be right now.

I'm so blessed to be able to enjoy the freedom of life in Christ rather than the shackles of the world!

"And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness." Romans 8:10

Tuesday Talks: Goodbye is Not Forever

2008-01-14T20:24:00.000-06:00

This Tuesday I want to review an excellent book called, Goodbye is Not Forever by Amy George. It's an amazing true story about a Russian family's trials and sufferings during World War II.

The story follows Amy from her birth. Her father was arrested before she was 3 years old and taken to a camp in Siberia. Amy and her siblings were raised solely by their mother during the devastating war. So many things happen to Amy's family as they are moved and tossed about by Hitler's officials.

The most incredible part of the story is how Amy is led to the Lord and is able to see her entire family saved as they are reunited! Amy sees how the Lord's providential hand was there throughout the hardest periods of her life.

Disclaimer: Being the recollections of the horrors of war, there is some graphic content describing what Amy witnessed and was subjected to as a child.

I don't want to give away anymore, but I loved this book and would definitely recommend it!

~Flibby

Have you read or watched something that you would like to review?

Leave your link below!

For rules and information on "Tuesday Talks", see our link in the sidebar.

So, what do you do?

2008-01-11T19:33:00.000-06:00

Hello there!

I hope that this Friday finds you well. I know that our day has been lovely.

Several people have asked me about what kinds of things I do while serving here at home. I thought I would answer some of those questions tonight.

First of all, a typical daily schedule for me looks something like this:

5:00 -I get up for the day and I do my Bible/quiet time, and then start my school work, and continue school until 7:00.

7:00 - Make bed/clean room/get dressed, and if Mom hasn't started a load of laundry, I start one.

7:30 - Straighten zone (my zone is the kitchen, and I usually use this time to clean glass, wipe out the refrigerator, dust, etc.)

8:00 - Eat breakfast/kitchen clean up, swap laundry out (I usually just load the washing machine, most of the time my younger siblings take care of loading/unloading the dryer),and I usually do some school reading here (currently it is Tithing and Dominion, and it is a great book!)

9:00 - Read-alouds/school work

10:00 - School hour with little ones (I do the music lessons and phonics lessons)

11:00 - Piano practice

11:30 - Violin practice

12:00 - Eat lunch/kitchen clean up/straighten house quickly, and do some school reading

1:00 - Finish school, start web work (my family owns several web based businesses)

3:00 - Straighten house, and then we usually go outside for a little bit. I usually to some school reading here as well.

After that, we usually cook dinner and do a nice evening routine(including spending lots of time with Dad when he comes home from work)

This is a very loose schedule. In my spare minutes, I finish any leftover chores or school, help with the laundry, help my Mom with anything she needs, hold little Jon, spend time with my siblings, work on house renovations, sew or craft, blog, bake little goodies, enjoy corresponding with several pen pals, do additional music practice, and all sorts of things! We also have scripture cd's, lecture cd's and other misc. school cd's while we are cleaning or not doing sit down school work.

It is very easy to stay busy at home, which is my Biblical place. I enjoy helping my Father in business, helping Mom with the children or the house, etc.

Some of the questions I get are:

Do you ever get tired of being at home? Wouldn't you rather be out with your friends?

First of all, I never tire of being here at home. It is the best place in the world for me! There is always a batch of cookies to make, a neighbor to visit, a new pattern to sew, a bathroom to renovate, or a home business to help with! My house is the most exciting place in the world!

What about a job? Don't you want to have a job so that you can support yourself?

Why would I want to further a stranger's business, when I could be furthering my Father's business instead? I find great pleasure in helping my Dad with our businesses and being entrepreneurial with my family.

Which leads me to the next question,

What do you actually do for your business?

I learned to program HTML and ASP last year, so my brother and I are in charge of a lot of the background operations on our websites. I also help to take the pictures for the websites, and I am currently working on several Ebooks to be launched in the spring.

Well, helping your Dad is nice, but what if my Dad doesn't have a business?

There are lots of ways to help your Dad, even if he is not in business in a way you can help. Ask him about his vision for your family. Ask if there is anything you can help him with outside of doing business. When we were renovating the mstr. bathroom in my home, my Dad and I hung the cement board for the tub surround. It was a nice time simply to talk to him and ask him about things we planned to do for the next year or so.
---------------------------------

If you have any questions for me, you can leave a comment below, and I will get back to you asap!

Wishing you a good night,
~@~Courtney~@~

Works for me Wednesday: Backwards Edition!

2008-01-08T19:08:00.001-06:00

Today is Works for me Wednesday: Backwards Edition! Faithful readers, can you help me out?

My question is:

How Do you Make the Perfect Pie

Crust??

I have tried many different recipes and I still haven't found a homemade one that comes out right! What am I doing wrong? Any suggestions? I know y'all have bundles of fabulous recipes and tips, please leave a comment below!

Thanks!

~Flibby

Visit Rocks in My Dryer for more of Works for me Wednesday: Backwards Edition!

Tuesday Talks

2008-01-08T07:58:00.000-06:00

Today is the very first Tuesday Talks!

My review for today is for Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends. Written by a sibling trio, Sarah, Stephen, and Grace Mally.

This is a wonderful book, filled to the brim with good advice, practical applications, and a heavy dose of good humor!

Each chapter is divided into sections, including Sarah's Section, Stephen's Section, Grace's Section, I'm Perplexed..., HIS Story Applied Today, and A Self Evaluation Quiz.

If you are looking for a great book about building sibling relationships, this is the one! My brothers, sisters, and I have been reading through this book after school everyday, and everyone is enjoying it!I am definitely looking forward to applying the principles in this book.

Have you got a review to share? Link to us using the Mr. Linky below. We look forward to reading your reviews!

For information, scroll down to the "Information and Rules for Tuesday Talks" post!

~@~Courtney~@~

Information and Rules for 'Tuesday Talks'

2008-01-04T17:05:00.001-06:00

I thought I would take a minute and explain our new weekly feature, Tuesday Talks, to our readers.

This is a wonderful opportunity to gain some knowledge on what kind of entertainment is unsuitable and get some great recommendations as well! Tuesday Talks is a reader based feature where you post your reviews on your blog/website and link back here. Every Tuesday, you'll write a review (as quick, or as lengthy as you'd like) and post your link on our blog with help from Mr. Linky.

Review and share your opinions on anything you've experienced, whether it's the latest book or a classic movie!

Just a few easy rules that we request you follow:
-Link back to http://www.stay-at-home-daughters.blogspot.com/ in your review post.
-Please don't elaborate on graphic or inappropriate content in your review.
-Review books, movies, music, or theatre. No television shows, etc.
-No spamming.

Thanks so much, and we hope you will participate this Tuesday!
---------
Feel free to use the Tuesday Talks graphic!

New in 2008!

2008-01-02T10:33:00.000-06:00

We hope you all had a wonderful and safe New Year! We would like to share some topics that we are planning to cover and some exciting new features in store for the Stay-At-Home Daughters blog in 2008! We are also opening up the comment section for discussion and suggestions: what would you like to see at Stay-At-Home Daughters in 2008?

Here are a few topics we are going to cover this year!

Handling "the college question" graciously
Hope Chests and what should go in them
The blessing of a simpler life at home
Staying productive at home during the single years
The High School Graduation issue
Being a blessing to your siblings
Contentment in every season of life
Ways to bless your parents
The fruits of the spirit (this will be a long series on each fruit individually!)
Practicing hospitality
Feminine Modesty (a checklist)
Tips on keeping siblings occupied and happy
How To Start and keep a Homemaking Journal
Feminine hairstyling
Simple plans for quiet time
The art of letter writing
How to make a perfect cup of tea
Starting a home business
Tips on memorizing scripture

You can also expect some great new features!

A new weekly feature called, "Tuesday Talks"
Tutorials for sewing and other homemaking skills
A Week In Skirts (documented by each of us)
Open discussions (where we ask the question and you offer your advice and expertise)
An official monthly Stay-At-Home Daughters podcast! (Set to launch this February)

And of course, we'll continue to document our family life, and post recipes and encouraging quotes, poetry, and articles from outside sources.

This year is looking like quite an exciting one!

Now it's your turn! All of you lurkers please leave a comment below and let us know what you'd like to see this year on Stay-At-Home Daughters!

Words from the wise...

2007-12-30T16:41:00.000-06:00

Mr. Doug Phillips, President of Vision Forum Inc., always has such wise and wonderful things to say over at his blog. As we approach the year 2008, he had these things to say:

Three of the Most Important Things You Can Do at This Time of The Year

Dear Friends:

Life moves fast. If we don’t take the time to chronicle the providences of God, we forget them. If we don’t take the time to say thank you to those who have invested in our lives, we actually cultivate a spirit of ingratitude in our own hearts. If we don’t stop and make sure that we have a spirit of forgiveness toward others, we grow bitter, we lose the capacity to move victoriously into the future, and our prayers are hindered.

Here is a little practice that I was taught and would like to share with you. Each year, during the last week of December, I would encourage you to do the following things.

I. Outline and Chronicle the Many Providences of God

Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. (Hab. 33:2)

First, using simple bullet points, outline the key events for every week of every month of the year. Take the time to do the research which will help jog your memory and allow you to make an accurate record. I find that reviewing bills, blogs, journals, newspaper headlines, letters, and even organizing my photographs chronologically are enormously helpful tools. Those individuals who were faithful to journal or keep a diary will have little problem reconstructing key events. Give yourself a good week to reconstruct your own outline of the year. Also, by making this a family project, you will not only build your list with greater speed and precision, but (in the hands of a loving patriarch) the very act of chronicling the providences of God in your life is a blessed tool for family discipleship.

Every family will have a different set of priorities directing what they should record. In addition to recording the key events and providences of the year chronologically, I try to take the time with my family to record some of the following information on separate bullet lists:

1. Where did I/we travel?

2. What were the titles and key texts of sermons I preached?

3. What books/articles did I write?

4. What significant household projects did we accomplish in 2007?

5. What were the most important meetings of the year?

6. What special friendships were made this year?

7. Which children lost teeth, and how many?

8. Who grew in physical stature, and how much did they grow?

9. Who learned to read this year?

10. What diet and physical exercise regimen did I maintain to honor “my temple”?

11. What books did I read? Did we read as a family? Did my children read?

12. What Scriptures did my family memorize?

13. What loved ones died this year?

14. What were the great personal/ministry/national tragedies and losses of the
year?

15. What were the great personal/ministry/national blessings of the year?

16. What were my most significant failures/sins for the year 2007?

17. What unresolved conflicts/issues am I bringing into 2008?

18. What significant spiritual and practical victories did I experience?

19. In what tangible ways did I communicate gratitude to those who have blessed me and invested in my life?

20. What are the top ten themes of 2007 for my family?

This is just a sample of the article! To read the rest, visit Doug's Blog.

Merry Christmas from the Stay-At-Home Daughters!

2007-12-18T15:51:00.001-06:00

I think I can speak for Courtney as well when I say that we are very busy around here getting ready for all the Christmas festivities!

We'll be returning to posting after Christmas is over, check back!

In the meanwhile, have a wonderful and safe Christmas!

Looking forward to celebrating the birth of our Lord,

Flibby

~~~~Edited to add~~~~
Merry Christmas from me as well. I hope you have a lovely Christmas and a very peaceful week!

~@~Courtney~@~

Room Decorations

2007-12-12T10:02:00.002-06:00

Courtney requested that I post some pictures of my room, so here they are! It's a pretty simple room, but you might enjoy seeing it.

First, here's my room as it looks normally, without any Christmas decorations. There's a bookshelf out of this picture to the right.

I set up a nativity scene on my hope chest...

...and decorated a little tree on top of my bookshelf. It lights up, but you can't tell in this picture...

...and lastly, I interspersed some white lights on my desk!

So there you have it. I like to keep the decorating simple, although I would like to have had something on the window, I just couldn't get anything to look right up there.

Let me know what you think!

Questions For Suitors

2007-12-07T15:34:00.000-06:00

"Imagine...the day comes when a suitor appears on the scene. Great! What
next?

An excellent next step is to determine whether a marriage between you
and him would be an equal yoking. That is, if you were to enter into a
relationship or courtship, could it culminate in a marriage? Do you
believe the same things? Is there anything which would hinder the two of
you from marrying? For example, for me, I wouldn't marry a man who
didn't want to educate his children at home. So when my suitor came
along, that was one of the first questions my dad asked him!

Your suitor might be a complete stranger or at least you may not know
him well enough to know whether you'd like to marry him. So, as well as
learning about his beliefs and convictions, it may be that you would
like to get to know other aspects about him: his interests and
preferences, likes and dislikes, views on various things, practices,
personal history and family background, etc

This is where the following list of questions for suitors is helpful.
They can help you get to know him. And as you ask him these questions,
he might use them too to help him get to know you!

As you read through these questions, there may be some that will make
you think, "I don't care about that. I don't need to know the answer to
that question." That is fine! We all have different things we are
looking for and wondering about. Maybe as you read through you'll think,
"What about asking him this or that?" Excellent!

There are over 70 questions on various subjects below.
Use them as a launching pad to help you think about other things you'd
like to discuss with a suitor.

A way that myself and other girls have used questions that we have
compiled is to go through the questions with our parents/family. This
can be a wonderful exercise. It can iron out what is really important to
your family and can help you and your father communicate accurately
about what he is looking for in a husband for you and what you are
hoping for in a husband for yourself. If you do that with these
questions, you might come up with others you'd like to ask in addition
to or instead of some of these questions.

~Questions~

Entertainment

Are sports just something fun to do, or are they a big part of
your life?

What music do you listen to? (some examples) Does your family
like/enjoy it too?

What is your standard for Godly music?

What are your views on television in the home, and what is your
family's history with television?

What are your thoughts on computer/video gaming?

What's your favorite sport?

What kind of music do you like?

Family

What family traditions, holiday or otherwise, would you like to
incorporate into your family?

Do you want your children homeschooled? What role would you play
in that? Would a 'hodge-podge' of curriculum be a part of the schooling
plan?

How would you go about testing suitors for your daughters? Or
mates for your sons?

What are your ideas when it comes to medical vs. natural/herbal
remedies, or emergencies?

Is homeschooling a preference or a conviction and why? What does
your family think about it?

What methods of discipline did your parents and grandparents
use, and what is your opinion about this?

If a visiting child misbehaves in your home, how do or would you
handle it?

What are your family's holiday and anniversary traditions and
how do you feel about them?

As an adult living with or away from your family, what parts do
your mother, father and grandparents play in your life?

In your family, whose responsibility is it to mow the lawn and
take care of other yard work? Is that the way you think it should be?
How do or would you establish division of labor indoors and out?

Does your family have an history of health challenges, and what
is their and your view on this?

How would you discipline a child if the child needed it?

Would you want your children home educated or sent to a school?

Finances

Do you only buy/wear name brand clothing/shoes, or are finds at
thrift stores just fine?

Would you be the only money-maker, or could (I) continue one or
more cottage industries (which were begun before marriage), either
throughout the marriage or as needed?

Do you have a student loan or credit card debt? If so what are
your plans for paying it off?

Food

Do you like 'leftover' meals or something fresh for each meal?

What food(s) will you absolutely not eat? :)

When your family visits friends for a shared meal, what do you
like to do after you've eaten?

Do you ever do the dishes? When?

What are your views on nutrition and supplementation?

Personal Habits/Skills/Hobbies/Direction

Is there anything about your current lifestyle or habits that
you would change if there were children being raised in your presence?

What are your views and practices regarding male
dress/appearance?

Are you a home handyman, do you hire a professional, do you
expect your mother/sister/wife to fix it, or do you just ignore it?

Do you enjoy and initiate intellectual stimulation?

What is your view on speech standards, in regards to education
as well as uprightness? Do you alter your speech style when evangelizing
or amongst differing levels of society and for what reason?

Why have you chosen courtship over dating? Was it your parents'
view to start with, or have you dug deeper yourself, and as you have,
has God spoken to you about it?

Would you rather make a large difference in one person's life or
a small difference in the entire world?

What God-given gifts and talents do you have, and how do you use
or plan to use them for God's service?

What weaknesses do you have that I can pray about for you? How
are you trying to overcome them, and is there any way I can help?

What ministry(s) do you have?

Is there any way I would be able to help you in this
ministry(s)?

Have you travelled much?

Do you have a vision for your future family? What is it?

Do you play any musical instruments?

What do you like doing in your spare time?

Politics

What's your view on our present government? Do you think people
should protest against some of the laws that have been passed or may be
passed soon? Or would you rather only pray about it instead of moving in
action?

Do you ever criticize the leaders of our country?

Would you spank your children?

Preferences

Do you like the town or the country better?

What's your favorite animal?

What kind of books do enjoy reading most?

What's your favorite kind of take-aways?

Theology/Church

What part does the Bible play in your life, and what is your
view on modern translations?

What do you consider appropriate music in the church and in the
home and why?

How do you spend your Sabbath and why?

If your church leadership taught or promoted something you
considered errant, how would you respond?

What is your view on mid-week or evening church meetings that
require the presence of husband and/or wife?

What is your opinion of youth groups and children's Sunday
school?

What is your attitude and activity regarding missions and
evangelism?

Do you believe in pre-destination?

Do you believe in "once saved always saved"?

How much time do you spend talking to God? Is He always the main
factor in all of your decisions? How has He impacted your life? When/how
did you become a Christian? Are all the members in your family
Christians or not?"
--Issacharian Daughters, No. 067

I received this earlier in the week, and thought it would be helpful to all of you!

Have a wonderful day!
~@~Courtney~@~

Adding a Touch of Charm to Small Spaces!

2007-12-05T11:25:00.000-06:00

Today I'm going to share some advice on how to decorate a small space (like your bedroom) inexpensively.

This summer, my sister and I moved into a much smaller room when we were preparing for the arrival of family member number 8! We painted the room a lovely green color and then we had the task of decorating within a budget of virtually nothing. We were given some hand-me-downs from our dear friends and we didn't spend a single cent! But, I'm aware that this doesn't happen every time, so here are some tips for decorating on a budget. This is also helpful for those who'd like to make their room festive by decorating for Christmas! Often the living room, kitchen, and outside of the house get decked out for Christmas while the other spaces in the house are neglected. I love to decorate my room for Christmas! It's amazing how much Christmas spirit can be cultivated just by having your one little spot of the house decorated.

Anyway, when decorating on a budget, some of the most expensive things are the bedding and furniture. I am partial to handmade quilts as bedspreads! I don't have one, but I know that these are things that are specially made, and will last for years to come! Furniture can be provided inexpensively through garage sales and thrift stores. My family goes garage saling every Saturday and we have found most all of our furniture from these inexpensive sales. You can see many a testimony in the archives of Where the Kudzu Grows and Whiskers on Kittens. My father is great at finding things that people are throwing away near his office and he brings home some wonderful finds at times! It's a great feeling to refurbish a tired item back to its former glory. Sometimes all it takes is some repainting. It's frugal and satisfying!

Very small and subtle things can be done to any room to add some charm and beauty... cutting fresh flowers for a vase, for example. One thing I like to do is reuse the decorations that my mother has retired. The old garland and ivy branches that she's used year after year, and just can't seem to find a spot for would normally be placed back in the attic with the empty boxes until Christmas is over. But, I can use them to do my own decorating! It's so much fun to add your own style to your surroundings and it's great practice for when you are married with your own home to decorate. I like putting small decorations in my hope chest to use later in life. Another great thing to do is to make a notebook full of your ideas. I used to cut out tons of magazine pictures and save them in a binder, commenting on each aspect and what I liked about it. It was so much fun, and now I have a huge notebook that I can look back on and get some wonderful decorating ideas!

When you have a small space, the most important thing is to eliminate clutter. No matter how much beautiful decorating you've done, your space will still look disorganized if there is too much clutter. Making the most of every possible area and using all unseen areas for storage are helpful tips for this. I make a point to go through my things every few months and make sure that I haven't acquired anything that I don't need. My room is still quite cluttered though! This is something that is the biggest problem in my room, and I'm having to be resourceful to find solutions. With the exception of valuable keepsakes, if I haven't used it in the past three months or so, it's usually okay to get rid of.

When decorating an area, it's so much fun to play with color combinations! I love to find things in nature and use the colors from an object when coming up with color palettes. I do this when I make graphics all the time. Nature is an amazing work of art! The Lord is truly the best Designer!

The part that is the most fun about decorating is letting my own personal tastes show through. My mother and I seem to have very similar tastes, and I love to help her with the decorating around the house!

I hope this has been a help to you as you endeavor to make your space a beautiful one and as you polish your homemaking skills!

God Bless You!

~Flibby

Sugar Cookies

2007-12-04T16:26:00.000-06:00

Hi there!

We have been baking sugar cookies today.... aren't they lovely?

Everyone was working hard.....

Although one little cutie was just having fun eating the dough!

Stars waiting for the cookie sheet

Here are a couple of original designs

Our House

Daddy

Here is the recipe:

Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:
1 c. Butter
2 c. Sugar
1 tsp. Vanilla
2 Eggs
5 C. Flour
1 tsp. Salt
1 1/2 tsp. Baking Powder
1 tsp. Baking Soda
1/4 c. Milk

Directions
Cream butter and sugar together in a large bowl. Add vanilla. Add eggs and beat until fluffy. Sift flour into seperate bowl, Measure and add salt, soda and baking powder. Sift again. Add sifted ingredients alternately with milk. Stir until smooth. Chill in refrigerator for several hours. Roll out to 1/4" thickness and cut with cookie cutters. Place at least 1" apart on greased cookie sheet and bake at 400^ for 8-10 minutes. Makes 6 dozen (or so).

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We had such a wonderful time making these. We will be decorating them later today, with lots of colored icing!

(In case you are wondering about all the recipes, I am working to build a recipe file of my family's favorite recipes for my hope chest.)

Have a wonderful day from our family,
~@~Courtney~@~

My Turn!

2007-12-03T15:20:00.000-06:00

I am off to start reading "Passionate Housewives: Desperate For God". I am so excited! Flibby wrote an excellent book review here if you would like to read it.

Have a wonderful afternoon!

~@~Courtney~@~

A Yummy Recipe

2007-11-30T11:27:00.000-06:00

With the holidays quickly approaching, I thought it would be nice to share a favorite dessert recipe with all of you!

Peanut Butter Balls

Combine & mix:
1 lb. peanut butter
1 lb. powdered sugar
2 sticks melted butter (1c.)
Shape into balls & cool in freezer.
Combine in double boiler on low:
1/2 slab paraffin
12 oz. choc, chips
Dip balls in with toothpick or fork. Cool on waxed paper. Store in layers on waxed paper.

Enjoy!
~@~Courtney~@~

My Christmas Ideas

2007-11-28T15:43:00.000-06:00

I was excited to see Flibby bring up the topic of homemade Christmas gifts! One of my favorite things to do is to craft and sew, so I have very much enjoyed getting ready for this coming Christmas!

In addition to Flibby's, here are some of my ideas (and I will share more after Christmas):

Homemade Aprons-
For my younger sisters Jessica and Emma, I made two aprons, just right for helping to cook!

Hand-Stamped Notecards/Stationary-
These are so easy and very nice! Who doesn't like personalized stationary????

Ribbon Bookmarks-
I posted a tutorial for these here These are especially nice to send through the mail, maybe to cousins or friends who live out of town?

Crocheted Dishcloths-
These go very quickly, and are very, very, useful. They work much better than store boughten ones, and can be made in a variety of colors and patterns.

Knitted Finger Puppets-
My Mom has a wonderful selection of knitted finger puppets here

Needlepointed Chunky Alphabet Letters-
These are very cute and easy to make! You can click here for the pattern.

I hope these are useful to you in your holiday planning!

Have a great day!
~*~Courtney~*~

Homemade Christmas Gifts!

2007-11-27T19:21:00.000-06:00

Tonight I thought I would share some lovely ideas for creating special Christmas gifts at home! Homemade gifts are much more meaningful, often higher quality, and can save your family a lot of money this holiday season.

Last year, I embroidered a pillowcase for every member of my family. (Click here, here and then here.) It was a time consuming task, but it was wonderfully fun and I learned so much about the fine art of embroidery. I started the embroidery projects in August and they were finished by the end of November. Evaluating how complicated your project is, how skilled you are at the task, and how many people you intend to make gifts for will help you judge exactly how long it should take to complete the project before the big day!

This year, I had a lot of trouble trying to come up with Christmas gift ideas, so I thought it would be nice to post some suggestions.

- Bath salt

This is a wonderful and easy gift to make! It's great for jars and containers that need to be used. All you do is mix 1 cup of epsom salt, half a cup of baking soda, and a third of a cup of table salt together. For scent, add essential oils (the kind found in bath beads) and for color, add a few drops of food coloring.

- Scarf

Knitting is not as hard as it looks! Here is a website that will help you learn the different stitches. Making a scarf is fast, and can be made very simple or with a more complex design.

- Rice Socks

There are so many things that you can sew for a family member, but you can make a rice sock with very little sewing skills! You can make a little pouch yourself (out of a lovely fabric) or use an actual sock. All you have to do is fill it full of uncooked rice and sew it closed. You can get creative with these! Rice socks are perfect when heated in the microwave or put in the freezer for relieving aches and pains. They are wonderful gifts for pregnant women, and they are also loads of help when dealing with menstrual pains!

- Food!

For people outside your family, the best gifts are baked goods or other consumables! Food can be enjoyed by the whole family and it's so easy and fun to make! In the past, we've made homemade hot chocolate mix with chocolate dipped (plastic) spoons, loaves of bread with embroidered breadcloths, "bear" cakes, peppermints, and much more! The sky's the limit when it comes to food! Pretty packaging makes it a gorgeous gift!

- Redeemable "coupons"

When all else fails, your family would love to get a "coupon" from you to redeem whenever they want. My mother loves these! They can be for extra chores like cleaning out the car, or a "coupon" for something like a quiet nap (while you entertain the children). Anything you know the person will love!

These are just a few suggestions. There are so many homemade gifts you can make for your friends and family. I know Courtney will have some things to add! I'd love to hear your crafty gift ideas and past successes! Please, leave a comment below!

A thought on being a blessing to my siblings.

2007-11-27T15:02:00.000-06:00

I was playing with one of my little sisters the other day and she said "I hope I grow up to be like you!". When she said that, I was reminded of how much responsibility I really have! I am the older sister to two wonderful little girls and two wonderful little boys who are constantly watching and learning. It reminded me how much I really have to watch myself, and see the example I am setting.

Recently I have been trying to be a blessing to my little sisters (and brothers) by helping them with things, teaching them things and sometimes just playing with them. For example, every time I have baked something recently I always call Hannah B and Cindy Lou in to help me. They adore cooking with me, especially when I let them crack the eggs :P

Also, my younger siblings and I have been working on a secret project and they adore spending time together, helping and working on it every day. It is so much fun to just spend time with them laughing and enjoying ourselves.

I would rather be with my siblings any day than without. They are amazing. You wouldn't believe how special they feel when I let them help me sew, take care of the baby or even fold my laundry.

I hope I have encouraged you to stop what you are doing and give some time to your siblings. You wouldn't believe how much it means to them.

Poetry meant to inspire...

2007-11-25T19:16:00.000-06:00

To hold you over until the Stay-At-Home Daughters can get back to writing after the Thanksgiving holiday, here is a poem taken from 'Verses of Virtue.'

What does out country need? Not armies standing
With sabers gleaming ready for the fight;
Not increased navies, skillful and commanding,
To bound the waters with an iron might;
Not haughty men with glutted purses trying
To purchase souls, and keep the power of place;
Not jeweled dolls with one another vying
For palms of beauty, elegance, and grace.

But we want women, strong of soul, yet lowly
With that rare meekness, born of gentleness;
Women whose lives are pure and clean and holy,
The women whom all little children bless;
Brave, earnest women, helpful to each other,
With finest scorn for all things low and mean;
Women who hold the names of wife and mother
Far nobler than the title of a queen.

Oh! These are they who mould the men of story,
These mothers, ofttime shorn of grace and youth,
Who, worn and weary, ask no greater glory
Than making some young soul the home of truth;
Who sow in hearts all fallow for the sowing
The seeds of virtue and of scorn for sin,
And, patient, watch the beauteous harvest growing
And weed out tares which crafty hands cast in.

Women who do not hold the gift of beauty
As some rare treasure to be bought and sold,
But guard it as a precious aid to duty-
The outer framing of the inner gold;
Women who, low above their cradles bending,
Let flattery's voice go by, and give no heed,
While their pure prayers like incense are ascending
These are our country's pride, our country's need.

Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Adorned in Modest Apparel: It Begins with the Heart

2007-11-19T14:51:00.000-06:00

by Mrs. Crystal Paine

A few years ago, my goal in life was to fit in with the world. I didn’t want to look different or be dubbed "weird" by society. I fought against my parents’ wishes and desires for me...not always outwardly, but inwardly I very often resented the restrictions they placed upon me. Was I happy?

No.

The Lord began working in my heart little by little. After months of cutting and pruning away the dross in my life, He brought me to the place where I purposed I was going to honor Him in every area of my life—-no matter what. From that point forward, my life changed dramatically. No longer did my heart desire to follow the ways of the world. I wanted more than anything to please the Lord. I spent much time in God’s Word and in prayer. In doing so, the Lord convicted me of my need to examine every area of my life and hold it up against the penetrating light of Scripture. I realized there were many areas of my life in which I was walking contrary to Scripture. One of those areas was the way I dressed.

About this time, I was listening to a Bible tape while vacuuming the house. As I ran the vacuum back and forth over the carpet, I heard a familiar phrase from 1 Timothy, "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing Godliness) with good works" (1 Timothy 2:9-10). Although I had heard this passage numerous times before, I was struck with it in a new light. The phrase, "...that women adorn themselves in modest apparel..." kept ringing through my ears. In studying the original Greek meaning of this word, I found it meant, "orderly, decent, a citizen who is quiet in the land." Thus, I concluded that adorning ourselves in modest apparel would be apparel that does not draw great attention to one’s self. I am not saying we are to dress in black all the time (that could draw great attention to ourselves too, you know!), but that we not dress like we are going to a fashion show. Rather, we should dress in a quiet, neat, and inconspicuous manner. As Timothy Titcomb so poignantly expressed in his book, Titcomb’s Letters (©1858), "A woman was made for something higher than a convenient figure for displaying dry goods." In reality, clothes are only a reminder of our sin (Genesis 3), so we don’t have anything to be proud about in wearing them.

On the flipside, I believe Christians are ambassadors of the Most High King to the world. Would you expect someone who represented the highest-ranking official of a country to come dressed as a ragged pauper? No, they would be dressed in a neat, orderly, and professional manner. In the same way, our outward appearance is a reflection of Christ to the world.
I do not believe there is anything wrong or ungodly in taking the time to "beautify" ourselves in order to be a God-honoring representation of Christ to the world. But beautifying the outward appearance must never, ever become one’s focus or chief end in life. We must seek first the Kingdom of God...not seek first how we can become outwardly attractive. 1 Samuel 16:7 drives this point home: "...For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." We need to always cultivate first beautiful inner character before we seek to improve our outward man. God is much more concerned with the heart. "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price" (1 Peter 3:3-4).

Ask yourself, "Why am I wearing this? Does this outfit glorify God and honor my authority’s wishes for me?" If you do not know what pleases your authority, ASK THEM! You may be surprised to discover there are many things in your wardrobe that are not their first choice.

In further investigating the roots of the word "modest" I found it meant being sensible and self-controlled and voluntarily placing limits on one’s freedom. That hit me. How often, in all areas, am I pushing the limits of my freedom, instead of setting a higher standard so as not to be a stumbling block?

My wonderful husband, Jesse, told me after we started courting how much he appreciated the way that I dressed and how that actually was one thing that attracted him to me. He said he realized I was different, and he appreciated my willingness to stand alone. Then he looked at me and said, "Crystal, a girl can never dress too modestly." I want to encourage you girls with that. You can actually earn a young man’s respect by your modesty.

I am not going to come out and condemn or condone any clothing in particular in this article. I don’t feel that God has called me to do that. Rather, I challenge you to question yourself, "Is the way that I am dressing in accordance with the Biblical mandate that women are to be adorned in modest apparel?"

We are so influenced by society in this day and age. We nonchalantly accept what our forefathers would have blatantly protested against as "wicked." Let us not measure our lives by the world’s standards. If we do that, we will usually always come out all right. Let us be willing to measure our lives by the standards set in God’s Word. In eternity, we won’t regret it.

Crystal Paine is a 24-year-old homeschool graduate from Topeka, Kansas. She is the blessed wife of Jesse and joyful mother of Kathrynne. Visit her site, Biblical Womanhood, for books, articles, encouragement, and inspiration!

I found this while browsing around Mrs. Crystal's site, and I thought that it might be a good encouragement to all of you!

~*~Courtney~*~

Help Your Family With Holiday Cleaning

2007-11-18T15:23:00.000-06:00

Good Afternoon!

I am doing a quick posting, because my family has been busy preparing for our upcoming Thanksgiving. While working on that, I was inspired to post about some of the ways girls can help their families with cleaning tasks!

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1. When working on a task assigned to you, do it with a cheerful heart and countenance. - Your attitude greatly effects those around you. If you are complaining, whining or grumbling, you can be sure that soon everyone will be in foul moods as well. We are called to spread peace, not strife.

2. Work well with those around you. - Fighting over who does what is not only going to prolong the task, but again, we are to spread peace, not strife. (See Above, #1)

3. Ask if there is something you can help with. - Many times your Mom or Dad could use help, but are simply too busy to ask! You can be a huge blessing just by asking! Again, cheerfulness is very important!

4.Watch younger siblings. - Sometimes the best way to help is to watch your younger siblings. I babysit for my parents, and that allows them to go grocery shopping or do other errands quickly and efficiently, which brings us to #5:

5.Efficiency! - Wandering from room to room is not working efficiently! Picking things up from one place and sitting them somewhere else is not efficient. Being lazy is not efficient. Picking up after yourself, helping younger siblings to pick up after themselves, cleaning systematically, etc., are all good ways of being efficient.

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I hope these are useful to you, I know we are busier than usual in the holiday season, and these are good things to keep in mind!

Have a wonderful day!

~@~Courtney~@~

Passionate Housewives, Desperate for God - Book Review

2007-11-15T15:45:00.000-06:00

Girls, I have just finished the most fabulous book. Truly fabulous. It's inspiring, encouraging, exciting, amazing and convicting all in one.

Though it is written for wives, much is still applicable to the daughters of this generation. For example, one of the main themes throughout the entire book is selflessness. Learning to die-to-self is something that every Christian needs to learn, especially daughters who are hoping to become wives one day. It also touches on the concept of being thankful to God for everything, in every season of life, which is another important quality to cultivate in one's character.

There are chapters on embracing your calling, freedom from perfectionism, and whitewashed feminism. The book challenges (with the Word of God) those still seeking after self-gratification from a career or college education. The importance of bringing up and influencing the next generation for the Lord's glory is stressed, and myths like the "perfect 50's homemaker" and the "Stepford wives" are eradicated.

Mrs. McDonald and Mrs. Chancey model the Proverbs 31 woman with humble grace. They are truly an inspiration!

I won't give away any more, you need to read this book for yourself! Both Mrs. McDonald and Mrs. Chancey did a wonderful job staying true to the Word of God and I hope it will reach many women for His glory!

Dinner Rolls

2007-11-12T15:14:00.000-06:00

With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, we love to use some of our very favorite recipes for Thanksgiving dinner! This is one of the best roll recipes out there. I hope you love them just as much as we do!

~Dinner Rolls~

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Ingredients

1 package active dry yeast (or 1 Tablespoon)

1 teaspoon sugar

1 1/4 cups lukewarm water

2 teaspoons fine sea salt

About 3 3/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

Cornmeal (used to keep the dough from sticking to pan)

1 egg and a splash of milk (or water can be used)

Sprinkle fine sea salt

Proof the yeast using the first 3 ingredients.

Mix for about 2 minutes and then remove from bowl and knead for about 5 minutes by hand.

Transfer dough to bowl, cover with tea towel and let rise for about 40 minutes - the dough should rise slightly.

(The dough has risen)

Remove dough from bowl and cut the dough into four equal pieces.

Roll each piece into a small sausage-shaped roll (about 8 inches long). Cut each roll into four equal pieces.

Form each piece into a ball by rolling it between the work surface and the palm of your hand, slightly cupped, bringing the seamed edges under or on the bottom. Place balls on a baking sheet lightly sprinkled with cornmeal. Be sure to space your rolls about 2 inches apart.

You can also form the balls into knots by rolling them out into sausage links and then make a half knot and place on the baking sheet.

Cover with damp cloth and let rise again for about 40 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 475°F.

Mix 1 egg and splash of milk (or water) and lightly brush each roll with the egg wash.

Place baking sheet in the oven and bake rolls until golden brown - about 12 to 15 minutes.

Transfer the rolls to a rack to cool - this will allow the air to circulate under and around the bread to ensure a nice crust.

Quick Tip:

Keep an eye on your rolls towards the end of cooking time. You may need to turn your pan around to provide even cooking or browning.

Enjoy!

~@~Courtney~@~

Making Ribbon Bookmarks

2007-11-09T14:07:00.000-06:00

I love making ribbon bookmarks to include in letters and gifts, as well as to keep in my Bible and other books. I decided to post the instructions here so you can make your own!

First, you cut a length of ribbon about 10-20 inches long. Coat each end of the ribbon with clear nail polish or Aileen’s Craft Glue. Slide a bead onto the ribbon, then fold in half. Tie a knot under where your bead is.

Here is a picture to demonstrate:

Now, tie knots about an inch from the bottom of each loose end.

You are finished!
Here is what they look like finished:

You can put beads on the bottoms if you would like, but that is optional.

Enjoy!
~@~Courtney~@~

An Inspiring Message!

2007-11-09T12:55:00.000-06:00

Scott Brown posted a wonderful sermon on his blog today. He preached on his first grandson's name, Triumph Perseverence! What a wonderful name! In the message, Mr. Brown talks about the significance of a name like Triumph Perseverence, and elaborates on both biblical qualities.

Click here to listen!

(His grandson is absolutely adorable I might add!)

Have a blessed day!

~Flibby