The Excellent Wife, Ch 1

I have joined a reading group, created by Leslie, Lux Venit Reading Group and when I figure out how to create a link, I will do that: http://luxvenit.blogspot.com/. I have to say I am still a bit reticent about having and maintaining this web log "blog" but this is the very reason I finally took the plunge. So that I could start this community with Christian women who, along with me desire to become more like Christ.

There is so much in the bible about the role of a wife and I am looking forward to weeding through them all with this book, The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace and this group.

Chapter 1 had plenty in it, several things that struck me in particular.

"God's will for every Christian wife is that her most important ministry be to her husband (Genesis 2:18). After a wife's own personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, nothing else should have greater priority. Her husband should be the primary benefactor of his wife's time and energy, not the recipient of what may be left over at the end of the day. Whether her husband is a faithful Christian man or an unbeliever, God wants every Christian woman to be a godly wife - an excellent wife."

Yes, I know this, BUT. And but. And but. Well, when it comes right down to it (which I'm afraid this book is going to do more and more!) those buts are sin.

"[Sin is] failing to trust in and do what God's word says. Sin is wanting to do things [my] own way rather than God's way." It presumes God will help me even when I've neglected His truth and it is thinking I am ok without God's help.

God's but: "God made Him (Jesus Christ) who knew no sin to be sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God" 2 Cor 5:21 AND "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness" 1 John 1:9. Amazing love and mercy!

Thankfully, He hasn't left me to figure it out on my own and "give it my best shot". He has given me the Holy Spirit to help me obey what His word says and "everything pertaining to life and godliness".

Little Girls

Shaun has been working on priming and painting the girl's room. Amanda thought she should have a hands (and mouth!) on experience with it! Paint is non-toxic, right?!
I twisted Avery's hair last night while it was wet and she slept that way. This morning when she awoke, this is what it looked like. Just this week she was introduced to Shirley Temple, so she thinks it looks pretty cool. Plus, her daddy has told her several times how pretty she looks!

Best Friends

I'm so thankful for my little girls. They are together all day long...this is about how far apart they ever are during the day, except of course during naps, when I separate them into different rooms!

Our trip to Florida

We just returned from Florida and had a really nice time. The three days we were there got packed full of activities. We went on a Dolphin cruise and watched two swim right beside the boat for quite a distance. In fact, the resident expert, Nana, said it was the first time she had ever seen that. After, we visited a small aquarium at the Pier and had ice-cream. Later that night we were treated to an incredible dinner at The Melting Pot. Thursday was a roadtrip to Ft. Meyers to watch the Red Sox play a Spring Training game. Friday ended up being a day at the Zoo in Tampa, which we all enjoyed, especially the girls.

Avery got to read lots of stories with Nana and it warmed our hearts to hear the two of them giggling in the other room as they played "Who-know". She's so blessed to have a large extended family and the benefit of grandparents and great-grandparents in her life who love her and support us.

This is Miss Independent 15-month old, who "makes her desires know" as Nana and Grandpa John put it. And really...who could say no to that face!?

New Beginnings

And so it begins. After much browsing, a little soul searching and some peer pressure, I've decided to try out this blog thing. Through the readings I've done (mainly with a narrowed search of Christian moms) I've been inspired, uplifted, challenged and educated. And, since this is a blog, let's be totally honest...I've also had fleeting feelings of inadequecy. How do some of these women do it?!

Hi, my name is Jane. I homeschool my 15 children, I'm a great cook and keep an immaculate house. My husband adores me and in my spare time I teach a bible study, visit orphanages and somehow find time to post thought-provoking, inspiring entries in my blog...just kidding! In all sincerity, I have been challenged to better the areas where I am weak while finding contentment in where I am right now. I am interested in getting to know some of those whose blogs I've stumbled upon and have pulled truths and inspiration from. It seems setting up my own blog will help toward that end....community and 21st century mentors!

So...I make no promises with this, only that I will give it a shot. I hear it really is not as time-consuming as it seems, which is key to me. However, I think it is safe to say that you can count on pictures with most of my posts for a myriad of reasons, not the least being that I think my girls are cute and sweet and want to spread the love to family and friends, both near and far.

To that end, here's a couple pictures from this week to get you started (and so I can figure out how to do it):