Simple Homemaking for Christian Women - Proverbs 31 Woman, Homemaker, Hygge, SAHM, Decluttering

Do you admire the Proverbs 31 Woman who seems to get everything done?
Do you compare yourself to the Proverbs 31 Woman and realize you fail miserably?
Do you feel guilty because you know that God wouldn't ask you to do something that you couldn't do, and yet you're having trouble doing it?
Well, friend, then this episode is for you. Come in for a cup of tea, and let's get to know this famous Proverbs 31 lady.
 
Today I share with you:
a sweet story of beginnings
a few false expectations about marriage
the dual traps of comparison and guilt
the truth about being in authority and under authority
the story of the centurion as our example
what some believe to be the #1 essential quality of a good wife
3 ways to implement into our lives the qualities of the Proverbs 31 Woman
 
RESOURCES
 
Scripture
 
Proverbs 31:11-12
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
 
Matthew 8:5-13 (the story of the Centurion)
 
Ephesians 1:4
According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.
 
Psalm 139:1-2
1 O LORD, thou hast searched me and known me.
2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
 
I John 4:10
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us…
 
Psalm 16:11
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy: at the right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
 
Ephesians 3:20-21
20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.
21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
 
Luke 1 (the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus)
 
Philippians 4:23
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
 
Ephesians 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.
 
Hebrews 13:5
…for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
 
Film
The Princess Diaries, 2001
 
Rice Experiment
Masaru Emoto’s rice experiment. To learn more: The Hidden Messages In Water (2004)
 
CONNECT
If you have found value in this episode, I invite you to share it with someone else who may benefit from “Simple Homemaking for Christian Women”. And, if you’ll leave me a review in Apple podcasts, I’ll know better how to serve you.

Have you ever taken a dress out of your closet, say to wear during a new summer season, only to put it on and it's, oh, much tighter than you had remembered?
What happened there? 
Did the dress shrink? You couldn't have gained weight--could you? You liked it better when it flowed a bit around your shape. You were comfortable in it, and you enjoyed wearing it.
Well, today we're going to talk about how to put your house on a diet--how to get it back to that feeling of your home flowing about you a bit. You want to once again be comfortable in it, and you want to enjoy being there.
If you can relate, then this episode is for you!
We're talking about the problem of procrastination and decluttering and how to have a simple formula to get to fewer things and more comfort in your home. 
 
If you've been mad at yourself because you keep putting off going through a pile of "things", you may be wondering about a simple way to make some initial decisions.
 
We are made in God's image and we have been given the ability to create order and beauty out of chaos. We'll explore that today so you will more easily be able to decide what to keep in your home.
 
 You'll learn how to ask yourself 3 questions--only three--to get a jumpstart on deciding which items no longer serve you well. These questions ae easy-peasy, and we ask them without judgment or criticism.
 
Whether you are a SAHM with young children, or a seasoned grandmother, this episode will encourage you to get up and get started SOMEWHERE  so that you can see immediate results.
 
If you're struggling with self-condemnation, the feeling of never "being enough", and are simply tired of seeing disorder in your home, you don't have to figure it all out on your own.
 
Welcome in, sister.
 
 RESOURCES
 Scripture:
     Genesis 1:27. So God created man, in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
      Colossians 2:10. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.
       I Corinthians 2:16. For "who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him." But we have the mind of Christ.
 
If you like this episode, you may also like:
Episode 5 // 4 Tips to Finally Gain Visual Peace in Your Home Without Decluttering
https://cindyjoneschatham.podbean.com/e/05-4-tips-to-finally-gain-visual-peace-in-your-home-without-decluttering/
 
Episode 11 // Step by Step Tutorial on How to Clear the Clutter on the Floor So Your Family Can Walk Safely
https://cindyjoneschatham.podbean.com/e/11-step-by-step-tutorial-on-how-to-clear-the-clutter-on-the-floor-so-your-family-can-walk-safely/
 
 
CONNECT
If you have benefited from this episode, I invite you to share it with someone else who many enjoy "Simple Homemaking for Christian Women". And, if you'll leave me a review on Apple Podcasts, I'll know better how to serve you.
 
 

Have you ever looked around at all there was to do and shaken a finger at yourself and said, "You've GOT to get on top of things!"
Have you ever looked at your to-do list that had 12 things on it for the day--or 26!--and tried to hype yourself up, saying, "Yep! I can get all those done today!" only to look at your list at day's end and see that you have checked off exactly 3 things, and you let out a silent, "I knew it! I knew I wouldn't get it all done again!"
And have you EVER berated yourself because you have seen all that is around you that is your responsibility to do and simply sat down and watched a movie?
If you have, then let's talk, my sister. Do I have a story for you!
 
In this episode I'll share:
1 fun story about a Ferris wheel
2 questions to ask yourself
3 sources of nagging
4 possible answers to the question, "Why can't I get of top of things?"
the practice of "tucking in"
 
RESOURCES
Benjamin Franklin: "Anyone who stops learning is old, whether 20 or 80. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young."
 
Psalm 91:1-5
1 He that dweller in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God: in him will I trust.
3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flight by day.
 
Simple Homemaking Episode on Laundry
https://cindyjoneschatham.podbean.com/e/08-overwhelmed-with-a-mountain-of-laundry-4-homemaking-tips-to-move-the-mountain-every-single-week/
 
CONNECT
If you have enjoyed this episode, I invite you to share it with a friend who also may benefit from "Simple Homemaking for Christian Women". And, if you'll leave me a review in Apple Podcasts, I'll know how to better serve you.
 

Are you tired of the topic of decluttering? Of the whole of society, it seems, pressing into you the idea of getting rid of things?
Are you weary of even the suggestion of becoming a minimalist, even though you are aware you have far too many things?
And are you really wanting a simple, cozy home that you can enjoy all by yourself and, occasionally, with others?
If so, this this episode is for you, my friend. Come inland let's dream of some cozy hygge.
 
In this episode, I share:
a written description of hygge
1 real-life example of hygge
2 things hygge is not
3 areas where you can find hygge
how to cultivate hygge in your own life
one phrase that sums up how to creat hygge personally
 
RESOURCES
Victoria magazine: victoriamag.com
At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon. (This is the first book in the series.)
Scripture:
     Proverbs 3: 5-6
          5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own          understanding.
          6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
 
      Psalm 118:29
              O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
 
CONNECT
If you enjoyed this episode, I invite you to share it with someone else who would benefit from "Simple Homemaking for Christian Women". And if you leave a review on Apple Podcasts, I will know better how to serve you.
 
 
 

Have you ever needed an important document--say a birth certificate or a social security card--and not been able to put your hands on it immediately?
Have you ever forgotten to return an important document to its file folder and then not known where it was? 
And, have you ever blamed yourself royally for misplacing yet another important piece of paper? 
If you have, my friend, then this episode is for you!
 
Today I'm sharing with you the #1 way for the homemaker to keep important documents in order and easily accessible. 
 
You'll hear about:
The Notebook System
3 reasons why The Notebook System works
a Ready! Set! Go! approach of putting important documents in order
places to keep the Black Notebook accessible
6 directions to use the Black Notebook
 
SUPPLIES FOR THE NOTEBOOK SYSTEM
1. One 1 1/2" or 2" three-ring binder/notebook, depending on the size of your family, preferably black
2. 1 box of plastic sleeves
3. 1 or 2 sets of notebook dividers, depending on the size of your family
4. A few blank pieces of copy paper
5. Blue or black pen
6. Black permanent marker
7. White Label, or white paper and tape
8. Important documents
 
CONNECT
If you have found value in this episode, I invite you to share it with someone else who may benefit from "Simple Homemaking for Christian Women". And, if you leave me a review in Apple Podcasts, I'll know how to serve you better. 
 

Have you ever thought that you were a far cry from the famous Proverbs 31 Woman?
Have you ever read that famous chapter and told yourself you weren't going to eat the bread of idleness and you were going to consider a field and buy it--and then were disappointed in yourself because you didn't follow through?
Have you seriously considered how the Proverbs 31 Woman did all those things in managing her home when you can barely get through the day doing laundry and running after children?
Haven't. We. All. :)
 
Today, I'm sharing with you 5 Truths About the Proverbs 31 Woman and Why Trying Harder Doesn't Equal Greater Faith.
 
In this episode, you'll hear:
the actual scripture of Proverbs 31 read aloud
the backstory of the words describing the virtuous woman
a new take on the behavior of this famous woman
 
5 Truths About the Proverbs 31 Woman
Truth #1: The Proverbs 31 Woman founded her life on the fear of the LORD.
Truth #2: The Proverbs 31 Woman was wise and kind.
Truth #3: The Proverbs 31 Woman was clothed with strength and honor.
Truth #4: The Proverbs 31 Woman was not afraid.
Truth #5: The Proverbs 31 Woman worked willingly with her hands.
 
5 Truths About the Proverbs 31 Woman Personalized for Us 
Truth #1: The foundation of my life is my reverence for the LORD.
Truth #2: Because I have the Spirit in me through Jesus and I ask, I have wisdom and kindness.
Truth #3: Because I have the Spirit in me through Jesus and I choose to be trustworthy, I am clothed with strength and honor.
Truth #4: Because I have the Spirit in me through Jesus, and I have prepared, I am not afraid.
Truth #5: Because I have the Spirit in me through Jesus, and I am thankful, I work willingly with my hands.
 
REFERENCES
Proverbs 31
1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?
3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.
7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
8 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good; her candle goeth not out by night.
19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
 
I Corinthians 1:24. But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not: and it shall be given him.
Galatians 5:22-23 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance, against such there is no law.
Colossians 3:12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. 
Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them.Are ye not much better than they?
 
CONNECT
If you have found value in this episode, I invite you to share it with someone who can also benefit from "Simple Homemaking for Christian Women". And, if you'd like to let me know how I can better serve you, please leave a review in Apple podcasts.