A Gilded Birdcage? I Think Not!

   There used to be a time in my life where I saw my dwelling at home akin to being in a gilded birdcage.  Though I wanted to be a keeper at home, not only because the Lord and Dear asked it of me, but because of the inner desire of my heart, I found myself "lacking."  I would readily find reasons to "escape."
     Since we do not have any children, yet, I am not as occupied as a mother would be.  I do seek ways to fill my time.  I am finding more and more ways in which to do it; as I look for ways to beautify, sanctify, and industrialize our home.
     Nevertheless, I would run out to visit, run errands, go shopping (retail therapy), etc., all to fill my time.  I would stare at my four walls thinking to myself, "Okay, what can I do now?  All the chores are completed.  I've already read the blogs for today.  I've called everyone with whom I wish to speak.  What's left for me to do?"  Such woes had I!
     Having such a habit is costly.  Not only does it eat away at the finances, it eats away precious time and energy.  I was not being a very good steward of that which God enabled me to use.  I was giving it all away, rather than investing it in the life of my home.  Not very smart budgeting, huh?
     Lately, though, I have found myself longing for home all the time.  I do enjoy visiting with folks, running errands, going shopping, etc.  I don't begrudge those activities:  only if they keep me from home too long.  I find such pleasure being at the homestead, finding ways to occupy myself here:  preparing for Dear, creating/following new recipes, reorganizing so that the home flows better, taking in all the blessings bestowed upon us, writing, and so forth.
     I appreciate all the opportunities wherein the Lord has gifted me.  I know that I am able to assist folks who need it, because He has allowed me to do so.  Yet, I find myself longing for home.  My haven, my abode, my life:  my home.
     One day, Dear and I will have children, by God's good grace.  When we do, I greatly anticipate being with the children, and that I can be home with them all the time!  I cannot wait to train, love upon, and interact with any children the Lord puts in our lives!To be home, and be home with children, would be such a blessed dream come true.  To live such a life that has such purpose, such meaning...Wow!  I cannot imagine having children, only to send them away for most of the day to have someone else care for them for me.  They'll be gone soon enough--I want to enjoy them while I have them.
     Being able to be home with them gives me such a joy.  Seeing our home full of the love of Christ, love of family, love of home, love of church, love of life...Aah, sweet nectar indeed!  I know I am blessed to be able to start my keeping at home now, so that whenever children do arrive it'll all flow so smoothly in the transition.
     I am glad that God changed my "stinking thinking," as Debi Pearl has put it.  I am glad that God has put such a strong desire to be at home and do all I can in the role of keeper at home He has given me.  I don't want to work for another man.  I don't want to work for anyone else but God, and Dear.  :)  I don't want to dwell out in the world, but in the home, the life that God intends for me.  That place is home.
   

PROVERBS 31 WOMAN:  SUCH A GODLY EXAMPLE IS SHE TO ME!

10Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

   11The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

   12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

   13She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

   14She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

   15She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

   16She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

   17She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

   18She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

   19She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

   20She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

   21She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

   22She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

   23Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

   24She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

   25Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

   26She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

   27She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

   28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

   29Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

   30Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

   31Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

     One of the blessed creations I was able to make for dinner last night (thanks to being able to stay home and be imaginative!) was so simple, yet so delicious!

Renee's Pulled Turkey Sandwiches

2 - 3 cups leftover roasted turkey meat

2 cans Manwich Sloppy Joe sauce

3 - 4 Tbs. Hot sauce (or season to your liking)

Shred leftover turkey meat.  Add all three ingredients in pot over medium heat on stove.  Heat until warm.  Serve on buns (I got a sesame seed French bread loaf, cut up in different sizes, and slopped on the goods.  Yum!)  Enjoy!