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A Woman of Noble Character

This book shows practical ways of keeping house, while also focusing on Godly character for women. 

News From the Nest

June 2008

"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also and he praises her: Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Proverbs 31:28-29

It has been some time since I have actually written using one of the Proverbs 31 scriptures as my reference. However, the Lord has now led me back to the place where I left off. (See the scripture above.) Although these particular scriptures can be very encouraging, I also see them as a challenge. They challenge us to take a look at what others see in us because our true character shows through to people. The way people see us can sometimes be a way of examining our own character.

Last month we had the privilege of celebrating Mother's Day. Most people who are able honor their mother on that particular day. In the scripture, I believe it is talking about more than just a day of honor. It says that her children "arise and call her blessed." The word arise is a verb that requires action. This is not just standing in our honor, but honoring us with their life. Now I can tell you from experience that children, just like adults, have a mind of their own. Sometimes all of the love and examples in the world cannot guide a child to make the right choices. However, when we as mothers set good examples, we will usually be able to see some evidence in our children. Our ultimate goal is to lead, guide, and show them just how to make the right decisions. When we do this, they can call us blessed with the lifestyle they lead. What a great legacy!

The scripture also speaks of our husbands praising us. Again, keep in mind the phrase, "Mind of their own!" Seriously though, I truly believe that most husbands appreciate their wife's character, even if it is not spoken. I believe that they can see when we are at least trying to possess Godly characteristics, and that they are grateful for it. If you look back to the beginning of Proverbs 31, it talks about Godly character being a rare thing. Men know this too. I do feel blessed to have a husband who appreciates me, even with my many faults. If you do not feel appreciated, just listen to the things your husband says about you to your children.

There is another area in which we can examine our character - by looking at how the people in our area of influence see us. If you have been in the world at all, you can easily see that not everyone has Godly examples in their home. I feel that we are all called to share these qualities with everyone we come in contact with. We can have a huge impact in the lives of people around us, just by setting the right examples. Think about the people/kids in your neighborhood, classroom, church, or even in public - store clerks or bank tellers. People are always watching. What do they see?

Read the verses again, and take them as an encouraging challenge to impact others. Appreciation is nice, but it is not our motivation. Seeking to be the best not only for our families and the people around us, but for our Lord is the true reason for our efforts!

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Positively Feminine Column

My May article is entitled, "Sowing & Reaping." This topic keeps coming up for me. After I started writing the article, something a little discouraging occurred at school. A friend of mine came down and used the same "sowing and reaping" topic to encourage me.

The inspiration verse for this article is:

Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

http://www.positivelyfeminine.org/domestic/ss/sowing.htm

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Just for You!

* I know I have mentioned walking before, but I have found the secret - get an MP3 player and load it with your favorite songs. My husband & I (who have never enjoyed walking) are loving it. It can even turn into a praise & worship time.

*Choose a "girly" place and go to lunch with your best friends - at least once a month.

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And the day came when the risk it took to remain tight inside the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.
Anais Nim

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Upcoming Events

Last month I mentioned a special "Benefit" that I was planning for a couple of events. It is finally ready! In an effort to raise money for my husband's mission trip to Uganda this summer and to send one of my 6th grade students in need of intervention to a football camp that includes character building as well as football, I am running a special benefit.

Several Christian businesses have donated electronic products to help with these causes. I am also including my ebook, The ABC's of Proverbs 31 for Girls. Click the link below to see what all is offered. There are ebooks that cover teaching ideas, homeschool, Christian communication, parenting, recipes, resources for girls, and more. You will find the links to all of the products when you click on the link below. This is being offered on a trust issue and for a donation of any amount.

Thank you for making an eternal difference in the lives of many!

http://www.outofthenestandbeyond.com/list_of_vendors.htm

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Tips & Ideas

*Anytime you go out to eat, order water instead of a drink. Several places charge up to $2.00 for a glass of tea. With a family of 4, that is $8.00 just for drinks when water is free of charge and calories.

*When you write an appointment in your planner, include the phone number as well, just in case your plans change.

*To quickly remove the core from a head of iceberg lettuce, bang the bottom on a countertop. Turn it over and twist the core, which should come out easily.

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Recipes

Chicken Spaghetti

3 Cans of Chicken
1 Family Size Can of Cream of Chicken Soup
1 Can of Rotel Tomatoes, drained
4 T. Butter or Margarine
Salt & Pepper, to taste
Garlic (optional)
1 Pkg. of Angel Hair Pasta
2 Cups Grated Cheddar Cheese

Add all ingredients except spaghetti and cheese to a large pan and heat. Stir often. Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Add prepared spaghetti to the chicken mixture and mix well. Pour into a greased baking dish and top with the cheddar cheese. Bake at 350 for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Sopaipilla Cheesecake
(Several of you already have this, but I have had a request for it)

2 Pkgs. Crescent Rolls
2 (8oz.) Pkgs. Cream Cheese
1 C. Sugar
1 t. Vanilla
1 Stick of Melted Butter or Margarine
1/2 C. Sugar
Cinnamon

In a 9X13 pan, unroll 1 package of crescent rolls and line the bottom of the pan. Mix the cream cheese, 1 C. of sugar, and vanilla together, and spread over the crescent rolls. Place the 2nd can of crescent rolls onto the cream cheese mixture. Pour the melted butter over the entire dish. Sprinkle the 1/2 C. of sugar over the butter and top with cinnamon. Bake for approximately 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

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Jacob's Corner

Jacob does more "cooking" than baking. Therefore, there are no exact measurements, and only basic directions.
Creamy Potato Leek Soup

3 Large Potatoes, Peeled and Cubed
1 Leek, Cleaned well and Sliced into thin strips
Milk
Salt & Pepper to Taste

Boil the potatoes and leeks in enough water to cover them. Once the potatoes are tender, add enough milk to make the soup creamy. Season with salt & pepper. Let this simmer for 10-15 minutes on low. Before serving, puree the mixture with a submersion mixer or in a blender.

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Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.
I Timothy 4:12
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Featured Ministry

Arbonne with Tiffany Burns

My husband, James, and I are the Young Adults leaders at our church, and I am currently a public high school math teacher. We have such a strong calling to YA to ministering and serving them! Earlier this school year, I expressed how frustrated I was getting with the public school system and I wanted to spend more time at our church. I was looking for a change! I wanted a job with flexible hours, wonderfully positive people, and something to support us financially in our ministry. I wanted to enjoy going to work everyday! Also, we want a big family, including adopting some children, but how were we going to do that on a minister's salary?

We began to pray for an opportunity to open up. One day I was telling my Pastor's wife, Nancy , about needing a change. She encouraged me to attend an Arbonne meeting with her. I immediately said NO! I am NOT a seller! I cannot do that! James asked her if she was really having success and she smiled very big and said "Oh Yes!" My husband told me to just go and try it out; he thought I might end up liking it. For two weeks I dreaded the day I had to go to this meeting. Then God began to open my heart and mind, and showed me what He wants to do in my life! I met so many wonderful, successful people that night! I saw SEVERAL white Mercedes (the company car)! After a lot of questions and research, James and I decided this was the company God had brought to us! Arbonne has such a great opportunity. Better than most network marketing companies! I have seen such a change in myself. I am confident, positive, and happy!!! I LOVE going to work! I cannot wait to talk about Arbonne and how God is using me! I plan my own hours... and I LOVE the product!!! I would love to tell you more about the opportunity or the product!

Tiffany Burns
817-925-7059
burns987@gmail.com