Monday, March 7, 2011

That our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace(Ps. 144:12)

   Raising Maidens of Virtue by Stacy McDonald. This book has changed allot of my worldly thinking, the motives of my heart, and my relationships with my family. That is not entirely true, of course, for this book is not some new theolegy, but a bringing to life of the Scriptures, so truly, God's Word is ever changing my life. I enjoy such books, and I need to keep watch to not let them inspire me more then the soverign Word of God. What does this book have to do with this ladie's day out? In the spirit of being spare-of-the-moment, we had a Bible study. I decided to bring this book along for it is indeed a book for mothers and daughters (although I read it through by myself and skipped the discussion topics, and it was still very good.) . This book did create such wonderful discussions and good times, so us girls gathered a second time for another "Bible Study". It was all very wonderful! So the thoughts from this blog are not my own thoughts, but Scriptures, words, quotes, and practical tips from this book that  have challenged my life...
We met at 6:30 a.m. (Ahum, this was not the real meeting time, but this is how it went with ladies.:))


That They may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Titus 2:4-5


We walked a stately Florida bridge on that over-cast morning, we did.

And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.
Psalm 90:17


If you are in public and see a girl who is dressed in boyish clothing or carries herself in a masculine way, which of the following thoughts might come to mind?
~What a lovely young lady! She must be a Christian.
~Is that a boy or girl?
~I wouldn't want to make her mad! :)
 (We laughed at this! But this chapter was so good in encouraging us to dress in a feminine way, so that people's first impressions of us may perhaps be the first thing on the list above and not the two latter. Though still learning to live thus.)

A garden enclosed is my sister, my spouse; a spring shut up, a foutain sealed,
(Song of Solomon 4:12)


But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar-people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light.
1 Peter 2:9


Indeed a maiden of virture, my friend Amber. It was so sweet to shear our victories and struggles over this past week and go through these "tender years" with eachother's encouragment!


For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thougths of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Jeremiah 29:11



Chaste daughter, Miss Allison. So sweet and joyful is this friend! I so enjoy having sets of sisters for friends! I seem to be finding more and more of them.

Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name; worship the LORD in the beauty  of Holiness.
Psalm 29:2


I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion the the adversary to speak reproachfully.
1 Timothy 5:14


A damsel named Tianna, a dear friend that we brought with us from N.C. to visit her grandparents. It was simply divine the way the Lord worked out the whole week! I didn't know she knew Amber and Allison, but she did, I didn't know that Amber and Allison were going to be in Florida, but they were! And we were all able to encourage each other is the faith. It was such a joy to share heart-to-heart again with dear Tianna Joy.


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 for spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
 Proverbs 31: 10-12


And our wonderfully gracious mothers, that have taught us the sweetness of womanhood.

Thy wife shall be as a fruitufl vine b the sides of thin ehouse; they children like olive plants round about they table. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord... yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Isreal.
Psalm 128:3-4,5


Suggested Heroines:
~Lady Jane Grey
~Amy Carmichael
~Anne Boleyn
~Katie Luther
~Elisabeth Elliot
~Monica (St. Augustine's mother.)
~ Susannah Wesley
~Dolly Madison (She's one of my favorites! Truly enchanting!)
~Anne of Bohemia (Wife of Richard 11)
~Anne Bradstreet
 ~ Clara Barton
~Gladys Aylward
~ Florence Nightingale


Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by the hearty counsel.
Proverbs 27:9


As obedient chidren, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Becasue it is written BE YE HOLY; FOR I AM HOLY.
1 Peter 1:14-16


Behold, how good and how pleasent it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Psalm 133:1


Suggestions for sibling Love:
~Purpose to say somethin they have done well or something they have done that is helpful, or remind them of sweet memory form the past.
~Plan a "sister tea party" or a "brother tea party" (our sons like masculine English tea parties!) and invite the approprite siblings. Come prepared with edifying words and good discussion topics. With either brothers or sisters, this could be a real memory maker!
~  Write a fictional story and include all your siblings as characters. (Make sure they are not the villains of your story!)


~Write letters or notes of encouragement to your siblings. Buy a small package of sticky notes and write  verses of scripture or edifying comments that express your love for your siblings. Post the notes on their bathroom mirror where they will find them in the morning while brushing their teeth.



Radient Rose with her two darling daughtes.

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And He shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.
Malachi 4:6


My loving Mother and Sister.

I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or the does of the field, that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases.
Song of Solomon 2:7


Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols , will I cleanse you.
 Ezekiel 36:25

Indeed I enjoy elegant hats on special ladie's occasions. But the wind was boisterous on that morning and it was indeed a burden to remain covered! :)

Whose adorning let it not be the ourward adorning, of plaiting the hair, of wearing of gold, of putting on of apparrel.But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the orniment of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
1 Peter 3:3-4


We went for breakfast at The Breakfast House. A cute yellow house turned resturant!

She maketh heself coverings of tapestry: her clothing is silk and purple.
Proverbs 31:22

Set a watch, o Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.
Psalms 141:3


 "Excuse me ma'am, but your doctrine is showing!"
Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may aforn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
Titus 2:10
( He he, this is our new favorite pick-up line from the book.)




This was our library time of mother-daughter Bible study.

What are some ways you can develop your mind while you honor  and serve your father at home? Discuss the following ideas for serving others while you grow spiritually and prepare for your likely future as a wife and mother:
~Help in the family home business or ministry
~Take correspondence or online courses
~ Help homeschool siblings
~Tutor homeschoolers
~Offer music sewing or other lessons to children
~Develop fine arts skills
~Study theology or pursue higher education
~Develop writing skills
~Pursue expertise in gardening, cooking, baking or arts and crafts
~Care for a sick relative or friends
~Assist overwhelmed mothers
 (this list does inspire and remind me of some little things I can do to further my knowledge and encourage others.So soon get side tracked and forget how I am to be truly passionate about serving my family and others.)

And after our long time of talking of ways to apply virtures and the journey of which we are on, we went to the loveliest  little resturant called "Station 400". An old train station taken from Indiana to Florida and assembled piece by piece to become a resturant! We were silly by then, laughing and taking in all the beauty of the outdoor weather and sweet atmosphere.

But Thou art making me, I thank Thee sire. What Thou hast done and doest Thou know'st well. And I will help Thee;gently in Thy fire I will lie burning; on They potter's wheel I will whirl patient, through my brain should reel. Thy grace shall be enough the grief to quell, and growing strength perfect  through weakness dire.
 ~George MacDonald
The king's daughter is all glorious within, her clothing is of wrought gold.~Psalm 45:13

Words one would seek to be known for:
Trustworthy, Kind, Meek, Beautiful, Virtuous, Praiseworthy, Maiden, Lady, Intelligent, Shamefaced, Productive, Compassionate, Excellent, Pure, Lovely, Gentle, Honorable, Chaste, Virgin, Wise, Resourceful, Loyal, Joyful, Modest, and Merciful.

Sometimes I become overwhelmed with books like this. Or even more when I see other people living it out! :) I have read a chapter in this very book and broke into tears after. So often one falls short of being all the virtues one desires to be. I can't say I like when the Lord reproves me for my ways of living, but I know it's His Spirit taking me to higher levels, though not always fun.So in the things above, I have not attained! Even as I looked at pictures from this post I see my own undoneness and vanity. And perhaps my weakness is not seeing my undoneness enough! But I do enjoy writing and seeing and reading of femine, proper, virtuous womenhood, because keeping it before my face reminds me of who the Lord will one day make me. Though He is trying to communicate to me to rest and let Him change and mold me, and enjoy the process! So take courage (I say to myself)! And know that "He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it!" For I am seeing that it is a joy to discover, one step at a time, how to be a woman that the Word of God says is pleasing to the King. I am accepted as a daughter of the Most High right now, no mattter what (Easier typed then believed,and truly lived. :))! But He is taking us all on a journey of how to turly act as a daughter of His would act.And oh, what fun it is to be taking princess lessons! I never understood princess movies that they despised being and learning to be come a princess or marry a prince! What and honor, I would think, how fun it would be to learn all that stuff! And I relish the thought of taking lessons of proper manerisms in the True Kingdom from a loving, understanding, patient, King. May you enjoy your princess lessons this week ladies!

Deborah Isabel
 
                                

8 comments:

  1. What sweet thoughts fill my mind as I reflect on the wonderful day we spent together....

    I, too, find myself falling short, and my weaknesses show forth. But then I remember I am clay in the Potter's hand, and that it will take some fire and chastening to become the vessel of HONOR He designed me to be.
    Keep pressing on, dear sister. I try and uphold you in prayer, when my Prince brings you to mind. It is a joy to know that there are other princesses striving to {truly} follow the path of righteousness. May we not grow weary and faint in heart. ♥ Much love ♥

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  2. Thank you for sharing your heart... It was very encouraging to me. May God's abundent blessing be upon you!!!

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  3. I like the composition of all of these! Everyone looks so happy, nice blog!

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  4. Wonderful!!! your relationship with God inspires me..... we need to talk. and wonderful pics also!.:)

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  5. Deborah,
    Thanks for the lovely comment! It was great to talk to you last night and I am exited to keep up with you on your blog!

    ♥Michelle

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  6. Your blog is so interesting!
    I do have a quick question-you mentioned Anne Boleyn as a suggested heroine. Do you mean the wife of King Henry of England?
    Thank you so much for your answer!

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  7. HUmm...I wish I knew the answer to your question! :) As I eluded to in the beginning of this post most of the writings on the post are taken from the book "Raising Maidens of Virture." Therefore I simply copied her list of suggested heros. So your guess is as good as mine! :) Blessings...
    Deborah Isabel

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  8. Dear Deborah,
    Allison shared your blog with me this evening and I've been inspired. You write as you live-so sweet, so sincere, so wanting to please God. And truly God has blessed you with the gift of creative writing! Thanks for all the kind things you said about your family. But the real reason I'm commenting is because your mother's friend, Rose, is one of my sister's dear friends! Isn't that amazing?

    Becky Bontrager

    Please come to IA again soon. :)

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