Overcoming Temptations, Part 2

     I need not be ashamed for being the keeper at home for our family.  It is a rather silly idea for Dear to be in that position, since God did not create him for it.  It is a rather silly idea for me to go back to a secular job, considering all that being a keeper at home has to offer, all the blessings of God by being one, and all the opportunities to give Christ glory for being one!
     I know that if the Lord wills it, I may have to get a secular job again...if Dear passes and we do not have enough saved to sustain me; or, if I am unable to sustain myself at home doing some sort of home business; or, if I stay unmarried a while.  Now mind you, I do NOT wish to see Dear pass before me, but rather desire we go to the Lord together (preferably, during the calling away of the saints while serving Christ together!).  However, I know that my desires are not always lined up with Christ's desires, so I must be ready for whatever He does.
     Nevertheless, I need not be ashamed for what the Lord has called me to do:  be a keeper at home.  I used to be ashamed, but only when answering folks' questions as to what it is I do.  They did not agree with the decision for me to be one, since we had (and still do not have) no children.  Shamefully hanging my head, speechless at the naysayers, embarrassed around non-Christians and professing Christians alike, I simply tried finding ways to get them to agree with me by finding things that would appease them.
     However, the more I learn, the more mature God makes me, the less I care for their approval regarding something I have the wholehearted-approval from God and Dear!  Sure, having my peers' approval, sincere understanding, and even wholehearted-agreement would be splendid, but I realize that those desires are few and far between.  Do I still seek to please them?  Sure, sometimes I catch myself doing so.  Yet, I earnestly try not to do so.  I seek more and more to just live like God tells me to, be ready with an answer when questioned, then continue on in my life; all with meekness, too, (which can be hard to do when feeling as though I have to defend myself.  Easier to be meek when I realize God defends me quite well!).
     I would like to encourage my sisters in Christ to not hang your heads for what God has, in His perfect will, asked us to do if we love Him:  be keepers at home.  We all can list numerous things that fill our time, with or without children.  We can list innumerable blessings of living out a life as a keeper at home.  We can praise God together for the safeguards given when being one!
     I have seen Dear mature into the man he wants to be for the Lord, by what he sees God ask of him in Scripture, by God working in me as a keeper at home.  It was much more difficult when I was working in a secular job, and Dear as well.  Dear is unhindered in his stride in being a husband after God's pattern.
     I know that if something happened to Dear in which he was incapable of doing outside work, he would seek to do whatever he could in his handicapped position.  That is the kind of man God has made him, and I am HONORED to be his wife!  However, I would seek whatever the Lord would ask of me to help my husband, should that ever be our lot.
     When Dear comes in from working to provide for us, he can come home to a safe haven.  He does not come home to a mess (usually).  He comes home to dinner ready, almost ready, or ready in a while.  He can rest, (unless there are chores that he needs to do around the home that I cannot do, or he wants to do), we can enjoy one another's company, he can study more of the Bible (as that is one of his greatest pleasures!), he can enjoy a snack while waiting for dinner, etc.  There is no rushing around to get chores done so dinner can get done, then hurry off for bed so that we can get up to work our lives away outside our abode, never knowing each other well.  No, I can work at home, with a thankful heart, preparing to see my beloved come home and be blessed.
     Sometimes it can get overwhelming.  Sometimes I pout, get frustrated, or weep over it.  I would like to think it due to not being brought up with the mentality that being a keeper at home is a God-fearing woman's calling, or all the "tools" for the trade.  However, the blame lies with me.  Sure, Satan, the world, the flesh, etc., can tempt me to feel overwhelmed, situations arise that indeed are overwhelming; but, to give in to the temptation to sin is all my fault.  So, I must confess that sin for what it is, then get back up off my knees, and keep at it!
     So, maybe I did not get trained for this way of life, properly; I can learn.  So, maybe I am overwhelmed; I can take a break with God.  So, I feel embarrassed at times around those who disagree with my station; I can tell God and be encouraged.
     I can look around and count the blessings:

1. Our marriage is strong, founded upon Christ!
2. Our marriage is strong, for we obey Christ's commands!
3. Our home is peaceful, for we obey Christ's commands!
4. Our marriage can weather tempestuous storms, for we trust in Christ for salvation from them!
5. Our marriage gives God glory, for we obey His commands!

     If I took more time, I could list more things.  The Lord knows that I am thankful when I rise each morning, for all that I have; for, He has provided it all.  Maybe anyone who reads this article can list some of their own, for I would love to hear of them!  

     When I doubt, fear, or am tempted, I just go back to God's Word.  If I try to find answers in man, I will be disappointed.  God is the only clear, sure voice.  He is the only person who can calm my unsteady heart and mind.  

Titus 2

"But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:  That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.  The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 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.  Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.  In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works:  in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.  Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.  For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority.  Let no man despise thee."

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