Titus 2 women and desire for such

" ³Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. ⁴Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, ⁵to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God."  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Titus+2&version=NIV


I know there are movements for Titus 2 women organization. Where older women serve as guides to younger women- on how to be a Godly wife, how to take care of the home, how to.... live. Women often don't teach the younger generation these skills- we are a rushed society. We are a feminist society. (I do want to insert, for anyone who does know me, my family was there, and my home I grew up in was taken care of. I didn't learn- didn't want to, didn't have time.... It wasn't an issue to be passed down, for me.) I need to learn these skills- want support and help on how to do this.

How does one find a group? I googled seeing if there was a group called "Titus 2 women" in my area, and I didn't come up with anything. I know women that I can ask questions to (one is a friend's mom who is also a friend of mine.) I'm afraid of being a burden though.

Thanks for any thoughts!

Proverbs 31

Proverbs 31 (New International Version)

Proverbs 31

Sayings of King Lemuel

 ¹ The sayings of King Lemuel—an oracle ^[a] his mother taught him:  ² "O my son, O son of my womb,
       O son of my vows, ^[b]
 3 do not spend your strength on women,
       your vigor on those who ruin kings.
 ⁴ "It is not for kings, O Lemuel—
       not for kings to drink wine,
       not for rulers to crave beer,
 ⁵ lest they drink and forget what the law decrees,
       and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.
 ⁶ Give beer to those who are perishing,
       wine to those who are in anguish;
 ⁷ let them drink and forget their poverty
       and remember their misery no more.
 ⁸ "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
       for the rights of all who are destitute.
 ⁹ Speak up and judge fairly;
       defend the rights of the poor and needy."
       Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character
 ^{10 [c]} A wife of noble character who can find?
       She is worth far more than rubies.
 ¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in her
       and lacks nothing of value.
 ¹² She brings him good, not harm,
       all the days of her life.
 ¹³ She selects wool and flax
       and works with eager hands.
 ¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
       bringing her food from afar.
 ¹⁵ She gets up while it is still dark;
       she provides food for her family
       and portions for her servant girls.
 ¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
       out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
 ¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously;
       her arms are strong for her tasks.
 ¹⁸ She sees that her trading is profitable,
       and her lamp does not go out at night.
 ¹⁹ In her hand she holds the distaff
       and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
 ²⁰ She opens her arms to the poor
       and extends her hands to the needy.
 ²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
       for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
 ²² She makes coverings for her bed;
       she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
 ²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate,
       where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
 ²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,
       and supplies the merchants with sashes.
 ²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;
       she can laugh at the days to come.
 ²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
       and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
 ²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household
       and does not eat the bread of idleness.
 ²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;
       her husband also, and he praises her:
 ²⁹ "Many women do noble things,
       but you surpass them all."
 ³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
       but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
 ³¹ Give her the reward she has earned,
       and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Coupon-ing

I went to CCW (Council of Catholic Women) this week for the first meeting of the "year"(it runs August-July). I am by far the youngest woman there- it's weird. They do a lot of service projects, and I'm excited about stuff that's coming up. They have different speakers each month, and this month a lady from the church talked about coupon-ing. I was unsure about it at first but now I am really excited about it!

http://www.time2saveworkshops.com/ is the main webpage I'm looking at using. For example, If I shop at Publix, I can look at the Publix list. I can see what sales are going on- and what coupons you can use. For example, Publix lets you use 1 manufacturer coupon, 1 store coupon (or competitor coupon, and they double coupons worth up to 50 cents.)
So...
"Krusteaz Pancake/Waffle Mix $2.27 ($1.14)
Use $.50/1 from 8/22 SS
Get $.50/1 in Upromise Savings
(makes it $.14 plus Upromise savings!)"
So... the mix is usually 2.27, on sale for 1.14. I can use the 8/22 coupon from SS (southern saver I think) for 50 cents off of one. Publix will double it so it's a dollar off. So I would pay 14 cents for this mix!

I'm excited about using this to shop for us. I think about the Proverbs 31 wife. 

"13 She seeks wool and flax,
and works with willing hands.
14 She is like the ships of the merchant;
she brings her food from afar."

"16 She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard."

"18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
Her lamp does not go out at night."

 

I think part of it- she goes out- she finds good deals, she shops. She earns money for her family- and/or saves her family money in her work (coupon-ing can take 2-4 hours a week, but well earned!) 

I want to study more about how to be more like the P31 wife... and to apply it now, before having children. Then, when we have children, hopefully I will be disciplined and more Godly- and be able to pass on my knowledge to my children.

More on P31 I'm sure.

Failure at Ironing

I'm trying to learn how to take care of things around the house- having a clean home, a nicely set up table, washed clothes and linens. And the ironing..... I am not sure how I manage to iron MORE wrinkles into clothes than there already are. I'm not sure how to learn to do this better (without burning holes in all the clothes while I go over and over and over and over......) but it's really frustrating me!!


Since I've started caring more about my faith and morality, it's funny how much TV can bother me... it feels like every show is so.... inappropriate! Like one show with a married couple and kids- and how much society is running the kids instead of them. Or (one of my favorites...) everyone having sex with everyone. Where is the married, happy, couples? Where are the morals, the faith? Crazy.Or maybe I'm just paranoid...

Article: How my mother's fanatical feminist views tore us apart

She's revered as a trail-blazing feminist and author Alice Walker touched the lives of a generation of women. A champion of women's rights, she has always argued that motherhood is a form of servitude. But one woman didn't buy in to Alice's beliefs  -  her daughter, Rebecca, 38.

Here the writer describes what it was like to grow up as the daughter of a cultural icon, and why she feels so blessed to be the sort of woman 64-year-old Alice despises  -  a mother.

The other day I was vacuuming when my son came bounding into the room. 'Mummy, Mummy, let me help,' he cried. His little hands were grabbing me around the knees and his huge brown eyes were looking up at me. I was overwhelmed by a huge surge of happiness.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1021293/How-mothers-fanatical-feminist-views-tore-apart-daughter-The-Color-Purple-author.html#ixzz10Apod94n

Fighting the sick!

So... I've been sick for like 5 days- I think it's all sinus- no temperature or anything. Mostly drainage- which gives me a cough, and a slight stuffy nose. Go away sickness!!!!

This Sunday T and I skipped church the first time since we got married. I was feeling cruddy, needed to lie down before church- then went over to a friend's house (plans made in advance) and so we just didn't go... I feel terrible.

I'm not sure what else to say today. I have a lot on my mind, but not sure what to say. :-) I'll write tomorrow when I have more coherent thoughts.

Sept 15, a clean home makes me happy!

My kitchen/dining room area is coming together beautifully. We decorated in red/black with silver and white accessories. It's a mix of cafe/coffee house and Italian. The dining room table sometimes almost has a Japanese look sometimes but it still looks nice. T's sister gave us a silver wall-hanging wine rack. It hangs over our dinner table b/w two coffee pictures- 1and 2.  Kitchen pic. I made my first homemade bread in my bread maker. Homemade bread pic. I'm very proud of it :P

My living room, I'm working on. It's difficult b/c we have horrible ugly couch/ottoman/ chair  (like tan, browns, off-white stripes with wood on the sides.) I just can't get a "feel" for what our living room should be aiming towards. The ugly couch/ottoman/ chair and one lamp are all browns. The dog cage, another table-lamp, and entertainment center are all black. We have a random mixture of different types of instruments (both musicians, so people tend to get us unique instruments) and some wedding memorabilia. Then DVDs. It's cluttered and no "theme." And dusty! We got a few pictures in the living room (Midsummer eve by Edward Hughs) and (Spirit of the Night by Grimshaw)

Our bedroom is greens and browns. I eventually want to go for a forest- almost enchanted- feel. I registered for mostly sage and chocolate brown items. However, the bed frame and end table are black steel. There isn't much wall decor- just an necklace holder I made. I used an old pillowcase -care bears- and put it on a bulletin board. I'll get something more adult one day- but it was cute. :-) I'm turning one corner into mine- a necklace holder, dresser, mirror- area to do my hair, perfume, and just mine. I hope this isn't selfish! I've been cleaning out my closet and having T clean out his too- clothes that don't fit and whatnot. I'm happy so far with it.

The office- I haven't done anything. We are getting a futon frame today so I suppose I should go pick up there enough to put it in there!

So I hope these links work! It's the first time I've done them, but I wanted to show it all!

Let me know if you have any thoughts or ideas!

Oh, and I'm learning how to iron... I never learned. My stepmom always did it. T knows how. Now I'm learning, since I have more free time. It's weird it makes me happy.

Sept 3rd, a cut from LJ, adoration

I went to adoration the other day. It was nice- I'm proud I did. I was nervous and wavered for a good 10 mins, but I finally did. It was nice to have a quiet time to be with Jesus, and to just pray. I tend to get distracted praying- I have trouble with focus. This was a chance to focus more. Does anyone else notice they have trouble focusing while praying? What do you do to keep your mind where you want it?

Sept 1, Why Veil?

I'm wanting to veil, and people have asked why. Here is my research//thoughts so far.

It doesn't have to be a veil. It can be a hat, veil, hajab, etc...

There are several reasons...

1- The veil is historically part of church tradition- in catholic and protestant churches, until fairly recently.

2- It's a symbol of chastity and of purity.

    A- It is more covering- in church I prefer to not see mini-skirts and really low V neck shirts (which there is more and more of these days.) I understand it's the fashion of the times- I have a very large chest and it's hard to not show cleavage! But, I try. The best for God! Veiling is (historically) another layer- more covered, more modest- does this make sense?? (I just woke up...still forming thoughts in general today!)

    B- 1 Corinthians 11 talks about a woman covering her head while in prayer (such as in church.) This verse is sometimes controversial based on translations and on "opinions" of what this means. However, the basic idea behind it is that a woman covers her hair to show love/devotion/respect/chastity to her husband.

"2 Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you. 3 But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife [1] is her husband, and the head of Christ is God. 4 Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head, 5 but every wife [2] who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since it is the same as if her head were shaven. (At the time, a woman would have her head shaved or cut short as punishment for bad behavior (sexually) )6 For if a wife will not cover her head, then she should cut her hair short. But since it is disgraceful for a wife to cut off her hair or shave her head, let her cover her head. 7 For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man. (meaning woman was created for man, because it was “not good for him to be alone.”) 8 For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. 9 Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. 10 That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. [3] 11 Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; 12 for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God. 13 Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a wife to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him, 15 but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering. 16 If anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God."

3- It is beautiful. When you wear it, you can’t help but to be in the mindset of church/prayer. It’s wearing the clothing fitting for the time. (does this make sense?)

I might come edit this later, but this is the idea.


EDIT on Sept 18:  http://feelinfeminine.com/?p=1001 a link I found today with more info on veiling.

Aug 27th, I'm subbing

I have this period off so I'm writing for a few.

That girl I was having problems with- that was a friend of T's.... we ended that for the most part. He finally wrote with her on FB and they are on an ok note. I never talked to her again. It's easier for me to not have friends like that. I need friends who can respect my believes- even if they totally disagree with them.

On that note, I was going to write a bit about me and Catholicism. I've gotten a lot more conservative in my expectations within the church. I bet that has a lot to do with the church I go to now- it's fairly conservative, especially the priest. A lot of women in the choir wear the veil (which I love!) But on conservative thoughts--- For example, went I went to a church in Biloxi, 5pm mass, the Eucharistic ministers were wearing jeans! I understand that the 5pm is usually a college/youth mass, but I feel that if you are involved, such as an EM, you need to be dressed nice. It's the body and blood! You are touching it! You need to be clean, dressed nice, and in a holy mindset! T's mom actually gave me a hard time about being bothered by that. I also don't get it when people are in short skirts, tank tops, low neck shirts, etc.... It's gotta be a distraction to guys- it is to me- a married female! I mean, come on! Dress appropriate to the occasion!!


I also really like the veils. Several women in my church wear them and I love it! It's so pretty. I know it's more historical church (pre-Vatican II) I asked Fr. about it and he said "In the early church wearing a veil gave a woman an authority she would not have normally been accorded. In terms of society at that time, this was a big deal and a step forward. Wearing a veil today can refer to one's chastity or virginity and thus is appropriate for those who have made the vow of chastity or live chaste lives in marriage (fidelity). But many women find it demeaning. I'm not sure why completely." So yeah- I always thought it had to do with "purity" but chastity makes more sense. Chastity is such an important and new thought- especially as married- but it's something I'm studying on some and I find interesting. Chastity within marriage- hadn't known there was such thing.

Anyways, I'm rambling so I'll log and write later!

August 26,

I keep meaning to write, but there feels to be so much, yet so little to write about!!!

Like I said before, our wedding was amazing. The church was gorgeous, my dress amazing, my bridesmaids beautiful, and the family priest was funny and reverent. It was such a beautiful ceremony! We had a full mass (the 3 readings, priest speak/homily, communion, flowers for Mary). It all went so smoothly!! I felt gorgeous. My dad loved it which made me really happy- I was worried about how he would feel.
Even our exit was perfect- usually it seems no one knows what's going on, but everyone blew bubbles! It was great!

Waiting the 9 months was worth it. We were exhausted that night, but it's nice knowing that we are full married and renewing our vows every time. It's so exciting and special! I feel like it's 100% worth it and I recommend others to do so also. Doing NFP is working well--> it ends up with us having times where we chose to not to, but it ends up making us closer. We make that decision every time.
I guess it all goes along with my becoming more conservative. Crazy. It's funny to see how I have changed/am changing. I'm scared the people in my life won't like me, but I can't help it. I want to be a little more feminine, conservative, Catholic.... this is another post that I'll write later. heh.

T's school year has started and is going well. We ended up fighting some- I shouldn't really go into it, but he is doing his marching band without my help and he is doing fine. I wanted to be involved with marching band, but I think he needs time to establish himself first. It's taken a long time to figure out- especially for me. I want to be there and help, but as a man he needs to do it himself for a while. I don't know if this makes sense, but.... I know it to be right, for now. I guess that's what matters.

I've been subbing and it's fun. I love subbing- the joys of teaching without lesson planning :D I do need a job though, as money is extremely tight. I was hoping after the wedding we could start catching up, but then I had more car problems and other (expensive) issues keep coming up and they needed to be attended to.

Overall I'm happy. I hope I get more comfortable with myself as I am growing and coming up with a new identity- a wife! I've been working on making our home more of a home- I'm beginning to love the small things that make it feel like a home. I know we won't  be here forever, or even very long, but I want it to make it ours! I don't want to look like a college dorm. I love having my tablecloth out, my place mats down, my cloth napkins... I love the homemade pancakes I make him in the morning before work. I love being married, being home, being me.

I'll want to add older posts

I'm learning how to use blogger right now. :D I have some old posts on LJ I want to move over here, and I could just copy/paste except I can't change the dates... I might date them myself and look like I did 10 or so today!