I'm reminded of my parents. They came from a time when money was scarce and people made due with the little they had. My grandparents (on my mom's side) raised eighteen children through the great depression, which meant that they learned to be resourceful or go without. In fact I've been told that my grandfather made my grandmother's wedding ring out of a silver dime. Wish I had seen that one!
This mindset carried on throughout the years when my parents set out to start their own family. As a result we experienced everything from a bedroom door made out of a cardboard box to toys made from upcycled spools. (Dad would have been quite the hit on Pinterest!)
Many of those creations weren't worth more than a handful of change, but they were priceless relics nonetheless. A towel rack below the sink, where Mom could dry her hands, hooks beneath the cupboards to hang our cups, a bicycle rack made from scrap lumber... These are the love notes that were printed on the canvas of her heart.
When times got better and they could afford more, Dad continued to create Mom gifts by the work of his hands.
It got me thinking about my own love notes. What am I writing on the canvas of Michael's heart? What do I bring to my children? When I put care into serving my family and all that I do, I'm weaving my presence throughout the tapestry of our home. With every sock that I wash and pants that I hem I'm inscribing my heart upon theirs.
Next time you're inscribing a love note in your home, consider the value of virtue. A gift may cost merely a handful of change, but your price dear one, is far above rubies!
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. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. ~ Proverbs 31:10-15, KJV
You are loved by an almighty God,
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I really loved this. That picture is such beautiful statement of what marriage should be. Makes me stop and think if I am portraying that to my sweet husband. It's so easy to get caught up in the busyness and stress of the everyday, and forget to nurture relationships. Thanks, Darlene.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Jennifer. Me too!
DeleteLove this. Less is so often much more. Is it from my heart? or my pocketbook?
ReplyDeleteLove the way you said that Joii. It's so much easier to give from the pocket some days.
DeleteFabulous post, Darlene - I was raised by a thrifty set of parents...and my father was a gifted craftsman and woodworker. Each of his gifts to me, to my children, are such a treasure. Your post about fostering a sense of devoted caring to one another as a way of creating a tapestry of family life and love is spot-on and appreciated. God bless!!!
ReplyDeleteAwe, thanks so much Marianne. That's sweet! God bless you too, girl!
DeleteWhat a beautiful post. Yet again, another reminder of the purpose found in serving our family. Love it!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Darlene!
DeleteDarlene,
ReplyDeleteHave you heard of the book trilogy, 50 Shades of Grey? I am wondering why there is not an out cry from the christian women leaders on this. Many, many young women, christian women, are being sucked in by this porn! I am outraged!!! We must tell them how terribly wrong this is. They are opening up their mind to this evil! God help us...we must not ignore!
Anonymous, I have heard of it. Actually when the book first came out there were so many bloggers that were posting about it. Everywhere I looked I saw another post. I didn't feel lead to. One reason is because in order to review the product I'd have to give my attention to it, and the other reason is that any publicity--whether good or bad draws more attention to the book. Because of it's controversy so many women have likely picked it up because of the curiosity factor alone. There was one book I stood against a few years ago that no doubt was far worse. It was about child molestation. By mid day, the horribly written book was an Amazon best seller. Eventually Amazon took it down, but not before it got into into the hands of thousands of readers.
DeleteI should add to that by saying that I'd like to inspire women to pursue purity and abhor evil--period. We are surrounded by temptation and lust at every turn. If we keep our eyes on Jesus we'll learn to steer them away from the world. Hope that addresses your concern.
DeleteOh Darlene, thank you so much! I really needed this encouragement and a small reminder! Your words were perfect for my heart!
ReplyDeleteOh, Darlene, thank you so much! This post was really good and encouraging for me!
ReplyDeleteWonderful post Darlene! I just completed a study of the Proverbs 31 woman with Courtney and Angela of Good Morning Girls and this is a wonderful summary of all that we learned. We've lived on a pretty tight budget since I stopped working to be a SAHM..its meant that our children couldn't have all the material stuff that their cousins and peers had. Its sometimes made me sad and made me feel that I'm shortchanging them in some way. Thank you for this awesome reminder that its about what you give of yourself that matters. I've seen proof in these last couple of years as my two eldest girls have ventured into the working world and are more concerned with giving to their siblings and us than to buying for themselves. It has been so gratifying to see that they've learned important life lessons from their home life that couldn't be taught anywhere else.
ReplyDeleteGod bless!
Darlene, thank you for sharing this post with us!! It is truly an inspiration :) I love the fact that you finished it with Proverbs 31...it fits my Mom to the T. She is a wondeful Proverbs woman. Even at 87 years old, she still takes care of her house (as much as she can) she bakes, cans, cooks, cleans and crochets for all her loved ones. And is still very much devoted to my dad, they just celebrated their 67 year anniversary! She has been a true role model to me.
ReplyDeleteWow, that's awesome. Congratulations to them!
DeleteI have loved your blog since the first time I read your posts. You encourage women to be godly wives and mothers and I love that! I love it so much that I even have you on facebook, so I don't miss anything. lol But I just found out today that you're on pininterest so of course I'm following you on there now. lol Thank you so so so much for the 31 Prayers printable s. They touched my heart so good and reminded me that I should pray more specifically for my children. You are such a light to so many women! Keep working for the Lord and know that you are appreciated and your work is not going in vain. God Bless <3
ReplyDeleteVery good blog you have here but I was wanting to know if you knew of any user discussion forums that cover the same topics discussed here?
ReplyDeleteI'd really love to be a part of online community where I can get suggestions from other experienced people that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Thanks a lot!
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Thanks for this great reminder! We live pretty frugally and sometimes I am really caught up in the stuff I wish I could give to my son. BUT I so need to remember that life is not about having the newest and the prettiest and the best stuff, it's about loving one another and serving God.
ReplyDelete