Book Talk Thursday

Today we will continue reviewing Chapter 4: "Womanly Dominion In The Old Testament". I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this :)

This week's women of dominion are five sisters; Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. They were daughters of Zelophehad from the tribe of Manasseh (Numbers 27:1-4). He had no sons and died in the wilderness. In the culture of their time land was kept in the family by passing it on to sons for generations. This would leave Zelophehad's daughters without any land or assets. Did they just sit back and complain about their situation? No, they took action. "They fashioned a compelling legal argument, marched unitedly through the tent city and "stood before Moses and before Eleazar the priest and before the leaders of all the congregation, at the doorway of the tent of meeting" (Numbers 27:2) Reading between the lines, a flabbergasted hush came over the crowd. They then spoke with the utmost dignity, respect, and eloquence" (Chanski, page 67). Moses was impressed with their assertiveness and brought their case before the Lord (Numbers 27:5). We read in Numbers 27:6-8 that the ladies won their case and inherited the land!

Chanski sums it up by writing, "Surely "a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God (1 Peter 3:4b) does not mean that a woman is obligated to act like a passive doormat who is willing to trampled upon by unjust circumstances. The Lord loves to see women of dominion courageously step forward in the name of truth and justice."

Next week we will take a look at Deborah.

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom/I've Been Featured!!!

James 5:13
"Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms."

In Matthew Henry's Commentary on The Whole Bible he writes, "Our condition in this world is various; and our wisdom is to submit to its being so, and to behave as becomes us both in prosperity and under affliction. Sometimes we are in sadness, sometimes in mirth; God has set these one over against the other that we may the better observe the several duties he enjoins, and the the impressions made on our passions and affections may be rendered serviceable to our devotions."

Today I have been featured at Seeds of Faith. Every Wednesday they host iFellowship. It is a great way to meet other Christian women bloggers and have fellowship in blogworld. If you haven't linked up, check it out. Just click here.
Also linking up with Women in The Word Wednesdays at Good Morning Girls.
Happy Wednesday!

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... it was dark. Today was sunny and brisk. It did warm up to the high 40s though.

I am thinking... I want a cup of tea. I guess I should get up and make it :)

I am thankful for... laughter and silliness with the kids.

From the learning rooms... the kids had some extra art and music time this morning. They put on a show for my husband and I. It was very cute.

From the kitchen... roast chicken, gravy, stuffing and mixed veggies.

I am wearing... jeans and a light green V-neck.

I am going... to acupuncture on Wednesday, book club on Friday, soccer on Saturday and church on Sunday.

I am reading... the Bible, Womanly Dominion: More than a Meek and Gentle Spirit, Overcoming Fear, Worry and Anxiety by Elyse Fitzpatrick.

I am hearing... Ms. Pacman. My husband is playing and I am next!

One of my favorite things... tropical fruit. Today I had pineapple and frozen mango chunks from Trader Joes...so good!

A picture for sharing (the pizza I am making this weekend)...


Click here to visit Peggy and The Simple Women's Daybook

Book Talk Thursday

Today we will begin reviewing Chapter 4: "Womanly Dominion In The Old Testament". I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this :)

The chapter begins with Elizabeth Bunyan. Sound familar? She was the second wife of John Bunyan, author of Pilgrim's Progress. Bunyan's first wife had died when he was 30 leaving him with four small children. A year later he married Elizabeth. While she was pregnant he was arrested and put in prison for refusing to not preach. During this trial she miscarried. While her husband was in prison, she went to the authorities and pleaded with them to release her husband. She didn't sit back. She was a woman of dominion who boldly subdued and ruled, even in this stressful, difficult situation.

Mr. Chanski writes about six women of dominion in the Old Testament. This week we will take a look at the first, Sarah.

Sarah is described in the book of Genesis as a very beautiful woman. Sarah is given as an example for us women in 1 Peter 3:3-6:
"Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror."
Sarah was a woman who faced her fears head on. In Genesis 12:5 Sarah's husband, Abraham was called by God to uproot and move from their home in Ur to the land of Canaan. She courageously went. "Here is the tonic for the devastated high school-aged daughter whose father's job transfer to another state will painfully uproot her from precious friends and activities. Providence brings to women all manner of causes for fear and trembling" (Chanski, page 65).

Sarah also dealt with bearing a child, Isaac, at the age of 90! She longed for a child for many years and at this old age God gave her a son. "Imagine that, dear forty-something reader, who may find yourself unexpectedly pregnant!" (Chanski, page 65)
"Then upon birthing this specially loved boy and nurturing him toward manhood, providence conspired to brutally snatch him from Sarah's embrace. God called father Abraham to sacrifice their son on Mount Moriah (Genesis 22:1-8)" (Chanski, page 65).
Chanski describes what loving mothers go through as "fearful heart piercings". He writes "Godly mothering isn't for cowards!" It is much more than having a meek and quiet spirit.

Next week we will take a look at Zelophehad's Daughters.

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom

James 5:7-9
Be Patient and Persevering
7 "Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. 8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
9 Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned.[a] Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!"

In Matthew Henry's Commentary on The Whole Bible he writes,
"The Christian patience is not a mere yielding to necessity, as the moral practice of some philosophers was, but it is a humble acquiescence in the wisdom and will of God, with an eye to a future glorious recompense."

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... it was snowing this morning! 75 degrees on Friday and then snow today. It turned to rain and warmed up though.

I am thinking... about how I don't like conflict.

I am thankful for... a husband perfect just for me.

From the learning rooms... the basics, my daughter was crocheting and my son did some crafts.

From the kitchen... steak and melted mozarella cheese on Italian bread from the bakery, broccoli.

I am wearing... black Old Navy pants and a light blue shirt.

I am going... to soccer on Saturday and church on Sunday.

I am reading... the Bible, Womanly Dominion: More than a Meek and Gentle Spirit, Overcoming Fear, Worry and Anxiety by Elyse Fitzpatrick.

I am hearing... my kids practicing soccer (in the living room since it is rainy and wet outside).

One of my favorite things... Guava Cheese Puffs from Entemann's. They are so hard to find. I discovered them about 15 years ago while working in the city. My husband came home with them the other day and I was so excited!

A picture for sharing...

Click here to v1isit Peggy and The Simple Women's Daybook

Book Talk Thursday

Today we will be reviewing the last part of -Chapter 3: "Womanly Dominion Deceitfully Assaulted". I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this :)

I am continuing in chapter three this week. Satan wants us to leave our dominion mindset and take on a victimization mindset. Isn't that common in our society today? So many fall into the victim mantality. Mr. Chanski goes on to list four contemporary lies. Last week we reviewed the first. Today we will be reviewing the fourth.

4. You’re a Maternal Victim
Mark Chanski writes "Here's a final hiss: "I know God's called you to give yourself to childbearing and nurturing, but that old patriarchalism degrades and belittles women. Surely this is just another example of your getting the short-end-of-the-stick. Who can blame you for seeking self-affirmation in a personally fulfilling career? Look! It's good for the ego, a delight for the eyes, and desirable to make you wise. You go, girl! Get out there and score for yourself."

He writes about Linda Hirshman, author of "Get to Work: A Manifesto for Women of the World". She, a law professor who is a mother herself says that women who choose their children over an independent career life are simply wrong. She says "I think one could argue that these women are letting down the team". She is not alone in her thinking. There are women who drop their young children off at daycare each morning so that they can "not waste their education on wiping noses and bottoms all day".

"Many eyes are opening to the fact that the unbiblical feminist mantra of careerism is a primary source of much female denigration today. Hirshman-style feminism has actually deflowered and violated the very women it claimed to defend and protect. It has trampled their beautiful and God-endowed femininity and imposed in its place a macho perversion." "In presently growing numbers, educated women are concluding that true, lasting fulfillment is not found in shuffling papers or downloading emails in an office building, but in nurturing their own children in their own homes" (Chanski, page 59).

While I am not saying that it is wrong for a woman to ever work, I do agree with Mr. Chanski. It is so easy to listen to the lies and believe that a woman is not using her potential by just being at home with her children. I have been on both sides and I can say that there is no greater calling than being a wife and mother. There is no better place for me to use my talents and gifts then at home with my children. When I was a schoolteacher one of my favorite sayings was "To teach is to touch a life forever". It is true. A mother is the greatest teacher a child can have!

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom

"God in His love always wills what is best for us. In His wisdom He always knows what is best, and in His sovereignty He has the power to bring it about." Jerry Bridges

Yesterday I posted an Irish Soda Bread recipe. I will be making more for tomorrow :) If you missed it, you can find it here.

Irish Soda Bread

Irish Soda Bread (Recipe from my mother-in-law who was given it from her friend's mother who was straight from Ireland!)
4 cups white flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 lb butter
1 cup raisins
1 1/3 cup buttermilk
1 egg

Sift together first five ingredients. Cut in butter until well blended. Add raisins and mix until well coated. Add buttermilk and egg. Mix until well blended (I use the paddle attachment on my Kitchen Aid). Place in ungreased round cake pan. Use your hands to shape it. Cut a cross in the top (about half way down).


Bake in a 375 degree oven for one hour.
Enjoy!

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... it is dark out. Today the sun was hiding. It was not as warm as this weekend.

I am thinking... I have to get up and clean the kitchen from dinner still.

I am thankful for... my family and the priviledge of being my children's teacher.

From the learning rooms... lots of math today.

From the kitchen... pot roast, gravy, mashed potatoes and string beans.

I am wearing... gray yoga pants, and a navy shirt.

I am going... to acupuncture Thursday and church Sunday. Other than that, no plans.

I am reading... the Bible, Womanly Dominion: More than a Meek and Gentle Spirit.

I am hearing... my husband and son wrestling.

One of my favorite things... pushing my kids on the swings.

A picture for sharing... this came from my blogging friend, Michelle. It is a great reminder of The Trinity; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. You can visit Michelle here.
Click here to v1isit Peggy and The Simple Women's Daybook

Book Talk Thursday

Today we will be reviewing another part of -Chapter 3: "Womanly Dominion Deceitfully Assaulted". I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this :)

I am continuing in chapter three this week. Satan wants us to leave our dominion mindset and take on a victimization mindset. Isn't that common in our society today? So many fall into the victim mantality. Mr. Chanski goes on to list four contemporary lies. Last week we reviewed the first. Today we will be reviewing the third.

3. You’re a Marital Victim
Mark Chanski writes, "Let's consider another hiss. "I know God's called you to be a helper suitable to your mate, but with that creep of a husband, He's got to be kidding!"
Before he gets into our responsiblity as wives, he gives a sample of what he writes in "Manly Dominion" to the husbands. And he doesn't go easy on them either!

It is a temptation for the woman to blame her husband. It is easier to point the finger at someone else than to take responsibility for our own actions. Jesus gives us the example in John 21:21-22 as to what we are to do:
"Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?”
Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”

The author goes on to point out how selfless the Proverbs 31 woman is. She goes about serving others and what does she get in return? Her husband praises her and her children rise up and bless her (31:28).

Nancy Leigh DeMoss responds by writing that the way the Proverbs 31 woman received all these benefits was by choosing the pathway of servanthood. She put God first and then meeting the needs of her family second.

The topic of husbands helping with the housework is addressed as well. I hesitate to approach this topic since it is a sticky one. There is nothing wrong with a husband helping his wife with the housework, cooking, laundry, etc. However, when we as women expect our husband to serve us by helping with these things and we are resentful when they don't, there is a problem. I have seen women boss their husbands around and demand that they help with these things. We must remember that Eve was created to be Adam's helpmate and we are our husband's helpers. Mr. Chanski summarizes by writing "Stop blaming your man, and start helping him!" What is your favorite way to help your husband?

Linking up with The Chatty Mommy today. Won't you join me?

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom

"Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7
In Matthew Henry's Commentary on The Whole Bible he writes, "Resolution shuts and bolts the door against temptation."
What are you resolving against today? (Just a question for private thought.)

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... it is a beautiful sunny day. It is breezy and about 45 degrees.

I am thinking... I hope my husband gets back from the store soon with my onion.

I am thankful for... smoke detectors. Mine went off today when I turned the wrong burner on. I was trying to boil a pan of potatoes and accidently turned the wrong burner on. I was wondering why the potatoes weren't boiling as I was sitting in the living room. I had a stainless steel burner cover on it and it roasted.

From the learning rooms... addition, multiplication, handwriting, parts of speech, etc.

From the kitchen... I am making stuffing and a roast chicken as soon as my husband gets home with my onion. LOL.

I am wearing... gray yoga pants, a coral t-shirt and purple flip-flops. I am dressed to exercise (minus the flip-flops)!

I am going... no plans for this week so far, except for church on Sunday.

I am reading... the Bible, Womanly Dominion: More than a Meek and Gentle Spirit.

I am hearing... my computer humming. It is so quiet for some reason :)

One of my favorite things... the sun shining in on me through the windows.

A picture for sharing... sorry, I don't have one today and I just heard my husband pull into the driveway :)
Click here to v1isit Peggy and The Simple Women's Daybook

Are You a Tired Mom?

Stacy McDonald at Your Sacred Calling has written a wonderful article today titled "Are You a Tired Mom?" Immediately I thought "Yes, that is me!". Her post is filled with lots of practical and helpful tips that I am sure you will enjoy. You can read it here.

Book Talk Thursday

Today we will be reviewing another part of -Chapter 3: "Womanly Dominion Deceitfully Assaulted". I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this :)

I am continuing in chapter three this week. Satan wants us to leave our dominion mindset and take on a victimization mindset. Isn't that common in our society today? So many fall into the victim mantality. Mr. Chanski goes on to list four contemporary lies. Last week we reviewed the first. Today we will be reviewing the second.

2. You’re a Circumstantial Victim
“Here is another hiss: “I know God has called you to rule the spheres of your life, but your difficult circumstances have made it impossible for you to succeed. That’s why you can’t do it” Chanski, page 50.

Mr. Chanski again quotes from Nancy Leigh DeMoss’ mailbox. Some of the examples given were the woman who didn’t know how to be a good mother because her mother never modeled it to her, the woman who can’t trust because she comes from an abusive childhood and the woman who can’t confront issues because her family always stuffed everything inside and pretended nothing was wrong. The author states that “I can’ help it” is why family and church relationships are in shambles. He goes on to illustrate several more examples of how this lie is played out in women’s lives. One example is the woman who struggles keeping commitments and constantly doing devotions because her parents never forced her to discipline herself. Another is a woman who blames her messy home on the fact that her house is small and congested. Oh, and this one is a good one…”My church is so cliquey. That’s why I shy away from social activities and harbor bitterness toward so many women there” Chanski, page 51. Just this week I heard a similar comment. It reminded me of Proverbs 18:1 "A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire..."

The world tells us that coming from an abusive or broken home means a shattered future. God’s Word tells us differently.

“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18

Mr. Chanski reminds us that women of dominion trample the serpent under their feet. “You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.” Psalm 91:13
Won’t you trample with me?

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom

"A wonderful life is measured by the number of lives nobly touched." Mark Chanski author of Womanly Dominion[more than a meek and quiet spirit]