Encouragement, Faith, Family, Marriage

5 Myths About Submission (Part 1)

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Embracing Marriage: 5 Myths About Submission

Last week, we touched on some of the distorted views connected to submission in marriage.  If you missed the introduction to this series, you can find it here.

Today, we are going to address 5 myths that keep wives from practicing the act of submission towards their husbands:

Myth #1.  Oppression: Many wives (or women) believe that if they yield to their husbands, they are giving up their individual freedom.

Truth #1: We are consenting to our spouses because we desire to honor God in our marriages.  This does not mean we are inferior; God has given us a protective covering through the authority of our husbands.  Furthermore, God is a God of order.   In his perfect design of the family, He has given our husband’s the great responsibility of being the head.

Finally, God loved us so much, He allowed Jesus to demonstrate for us the ultimate example of submission:

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. –Philippians 2:5-8

Myth #2. Fear: The ideal of being submissive causes women to act out in fear of being in bondage.  Instead of accepting our husband as an authoritative figure, we exert our own rights in the marriage due to the anxiety of being taken advantage of.

Truth #2: For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.   Fear is not of God.  When we submit to our husbands we are obeying the will of God.   Therefore, God is our greatest protection.  God has also given our husbands instruction as the leader of the family,  as we are to submit, our Husbands are to love us as Christ loved the church.  

Myth #3.  Become a “Silent Sufferer:” Quietly enduring abuse or other sinful actions is practicing submission.

Truth #3: It is unbiblical to passively endure sin and call it “submission.”.  The word of God has given us instruction and responsibility to approach our spouses if they sin against us.  In her book, The Excellent Wife, Martha Peace gives “Eight Resources For the Wife’s Protection:”

  1. Learn to Communicate Biblically. (Proverbs 16:23)
  2. Overcome Evil With Good. (Romans 12:21)
  3. Make A Biblical Appeal. (Proverbs 16:21)
  4. Give A Biblical Reproof. (Luke 17:3)
  5. Respond Biblically To Foolish Demands. (Proverbs 26:4-5)
  6. Seek Godly Counsel.  (Proverbs 24:6)
  7. Church Discipline (Matthew 18:15)
  8. Involve the Governing Authorities. (Romans 13:1)

If you are interested in learning more, I encourage you to purchase this book; it is a wonderful resource for Christian wives.

Myth #4. Close Your Mouth: Submission is demonstrated best by only speaking when spoken to by your husband.  Remaining silent will keep a peaceful marriage.

Truth #4:  Again, God did not create us to be inferior to our husbands, we are actually equals, “joint heirs of grace,” with distinct roles that produce a prosperous union before God.  Quietness is a skill, not a burden.  The Bible speaks well of meekness.  Using proper judgment on when and how to speak to our husbands is an art that should be sought after, as it is pleasing to God.

1 Peter 3:3-5 Says:

3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 5 For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, 6 like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear. Emphasis Added

Taming our tongues is probably one of the hardest areas to get under control.  However, responding and speaking to our husbands in a loving and edifying tone will help build him up, thus producing a fruitful marriage.

Myth #5. Approval from Others: I cannot submit because my parents or friends do not agree.

Truth #5: If you are a believer, than you have a responsibility to follow God’s Word and trust in Him.  Biblical submission is for our benefit, as mentioned above; it is a part of God’s perfect order for family.   We will be successful in our marriages if we follow His commands, and not man.

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10

Acknowledging that our sovereign God created and exemplified submission, provides us with the confidence and hope to display humility in our own marriages.

Did you have a false understanding of submission? What do you think about submission after reading this post?  Leave your comments below.  

Be Encouraged,


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Home, Home Management, Homemaking, Resources

Resourceful Links: Meal Planning Apps

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Resourceful Links

Not Interested in writing out your meal plans? Try these online meal plans or apps:

Food on the Table –  Plan meals, review recipes and create your grocery budget.  You can register on their website or download there app.  Personally, I like that this service sends you emails with meal ideas connected to sales items at your grocery store(s) of choice.  Free

Pepperplate- During a mid-week meetup a friend shared this site with me, thanks Jasmine!  She gave great reviews as it has helped her with organizing meals, as a new mommy and full time homemaker.  This app allows you to create and import recipes from your  favorite food websites.  Also, for your convenience, this app has  ”cook mode” timer feature to prevent your screen from dimming while in use.  Lastly, you can develop a custom shopping list for your benefit.  Free

SayMmm:  This app allows you to browse recipes.  Also utilize their easy-to-use calender template to display your meals.  SayMmm allows you to create a “smart” grocery list that can be viewed on your phone or printed before going to the store.  Free 

Plan to Eat:  This seems to be a popular service among Moms, I have seen great reviews on this service.  The website offers a drag and drop feature to conveniently move around your meals, a grocery assistant, and the option to add serving sizes, and costs.  What I like most about this site is that it is a family-owned small business.  ($3.89 a month/$39 a year)

All Recipes:  This website is one of my long time favorites.  They offer great recipes and reviews from subscribers.  Along with helpful articles and tutorials.  In addition, they feature a meal planning service.  Allrecipes.com is free with the option of going Pro for $9.95 to $22.95.

Do you use online meal planning services or an app?  If so, which one? What do you like the most about these services?

Have a great weekend!


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Embracing Health, Family, Health

8 Tips To Getting Healthy After Baby

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Healthy Mom

After giving birth this time, I was looking forward to exercising and getting back to a healthier me.  After my 6-week check-up,  I went right to work at  incorporating an exercise routine.  I am so glad I did not hesitate.   I feel better, have more energy and endurance to get through the day.

Here are 8 encouraging tips on getting healthy after having a baby:

1. Exercising will help you get fit and keep those hormones balanced.  After having a baby our hormones are so out whack we don’t know whether to laugh or cry.   The endorphins produced in our body while exercising, fights off depression by releasing chemicals that gives a positive or happy disposition.   As the saying goes,” when Mama’s happy, everybody’s happy!”

2. Choose an exercise plan that is gradual, starting off too hard can be discouraging and rough on your body.  Consider beginning with walking outside or on a treadmill, or a workout DVD with a modified routine option.

3. Strive to eat foods that will nourish your body and provide you with energy throughout the day instead of sugar-ridden foods that will provide a temporary energy fix.

4.  Drinking plenty of water will keep you replenished and hydrated.  Water also helps to identify true hunger, a lack of water may trick the body into thinking its actually hungry when indeed its dehydrated.  What helps me, is keeping a water bottle or a glass of water with we at all times.

Additionally, eating well and drink plenty of water is a must for nursing moms.

5. Planning out your meals and preparing them ahead of time, will make life easier and allow you to be more successful in meeting your health goals.

6. Be consistent and determined in becoming a healthier you. Try to stick to a wellness and workout routine for at least a month. “They” say sticking to something for 21-days or more creates a habit.   Practice makes permanent. Let’s develop good habits!

7.  Stayed motivated by creating a vision board and/or rewarding yourself with non-food items (i,e., new running shoes, work out gear, exercise equipment, etc.) when your meet a goal.

8.  Forgive yourself if you miss a day or a week, just decide to get back on the bandwagon!

I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me~Philippians 4:13. This scripture is largely written on my vision board.

*Be sure to get a clearance from your health professional before starting any new exercise activity.

Have you started a new health routine?  Share your tips or thoughts in the comment section below.  


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Encouragement, Faith, Family, Marriage

Why Submission is Necessary For A Strong Marriage

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Embracing Marriage

Not too long ago, I was having a conversation with an elder on the topic of submission.  During our conversation she expressed the negative experiences that she and her peers witnessed, with their mothers being “submissive” to their Fathers and being home full time.  Some of the phrases used to describe their mother’s role were:

  • “Mother was home with all of her kids and worked like a dog.”
  • “Mother was submissive to an abusive husband.”
  • “Father was a womanizer and “left her in the house.”
  • “Mother was stuck at home raising a house full of kids.”

As I sat and listened, these women and daughters painted a picture of enslavement.  Which caused them to resent the idea of being home raising children while complying to a spouse.

Sadly, this was not my first time experiencing submission being viewed in such a manner.   I too grew up believing that being yielded to a man or being home was unacceptable. Since I had not seen a positive example,  I concluded that the ideal of being insubordinate to my husband was dangerous and distasteful.

As I got older and became a Christian, it seemed that the idea of submission was a struggle among married Christian women also.  Especially, when the advice to “just shut up” or “close your mouth”  is given as the proper way of having a healthy marriage and content husband.  Is this what being submissive in marriage through Christ really means?

Unfortunately, these two examples can be misguiding to the new and impressionable newlywed, or the older misinformed wife.

Distorting the true, God-centered meaning of submission will cause us to go down a destructive path.   This will not only affect our marriages, but our actions will influence generation to generation.

The purpose of this 5-part series is to reveal the truth behind god-honoring submission that leads to a healthy marriage, and to expose the myths that we so often accept that causes marital downfall.

How were you taught to view submission? What are your thoughts on submission today? Leave your responses in the comment section below.  


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Family, Health, Home, Homemaking

Creating A Meal (Part 2 ~Final)

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meal plan copy

Previously, I wrote about the basics of meal planning.  If you missed that post, I encourage you to begin here.  Now that we have the tools, let’s put together a weekly menu:

Here are list of items you can use to assist in writing out your meal plan:

How Much Time Should You Spend On Meal Planning?

As I mentioned before, meal planning is not one of my favorite things. Therefore, I try to get it done as quickly as possible.  With that said, I suggest at least thirty minutes to an hour. If you are a newbie, you may need an hour or more until you get in your groove.

Tips for making your planning more efficient:

  • Designate a place to work on your menu such as a desk or the kitchen table
  • Before getting started, set up all the items needed for the task at hand.
  • If possible, block out this time, and give it you undivided attention.

Other Tips

  • Compile a list of favorites from your prior meal plans.
  • Ask your family for personal requests to help fill in a week’s worth of meals.
  • Save previous plans as menu references on weeks you don’t feel up to it.
  • Add some excitement, try a new recipe each week or month.
  • Create food themes on certain days such as “Meatless Mondays,” “Pasta Tuesdays,” Soup and Salad Wednesdays,” “Fun Foods Friday, ” etc.
  • Take a day off, make one day of the week a “leftovers day” or “dine out night.”

I hope these suggestions will encourage you when organizing food choices for your family.

What are some of your meal planning strategies?

Happy Planning!


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Family, Homemaking

Creating A Meal Plan (Part 1)

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meal plan copy

In a previous post, I briefly wrote about meal planning.  If you missed the post on stewardship, please take a moment to read it.

Meal planning has been something I have done off and on, for the last several years.  This year I have decided to become more intentional, by making this task an important part of my home management.  I made this choice after realizing that planning a menu is a crucial component in properly managing our food costs, organization and providing well balanced meals.

Honestly, this skill does not come easy for me; it takes quite a bit of discipline for me to plan out meals consistently.   Some weeks I miss the mark, but quickly jump back on board and start again.  

Not convinced yet? Let’s begin with the benefits of meal planning:

  • Saves you time and money.
  • Makes grocery shopping less stressful.
  • Eliminates the frustration and worry of “What’s for Dinner?”
  • Helps you to prepare healthier meals for your family.
  • Your family is aware of the weekly meal options.
  • Gives you the freedom to be flexible in the kitchen.

I personally was not exposed to meal planning, until I became a Homemaker.

On average I make three meals a day, at least 6 days a week for a family of five (really four, our youngest is nursing); you can do the math.  I believe that having a plan is a wise decision.  There have been many a day when I did not have a clue what was for dinner and waited to the last minute to make something up; those days were (are) nerve wrecking!  I even found myself sending up a quick prayer to the Lord for a miracle! Sometimes, He did send one my way!   However, I know that He has called me to manage my home, and taking the time to prepare nourishing meals for my family is one of my responsibilities.

Even now, I have weeks in which I have not meal planned.   However, since I am purposefully implementing this task, on the days that I don’t have a plan; I have my old meal plans to refer to and an inventory of meals to choose from!  Oh, it is so great to have provisions, during weeks I have not planned meals!

How to Meal Plan- The Basics:

As I have mentioned before, you have to find what works for you and your family.  These are merely suggestions, from my own experience,  I hope you will find helpful and encouraging:

What is a Meal Plan?

A meal plan is the advanced planning of the menu for the next few days, or even the entire month. Complete meal planning involves planning the meals to be prepared, as well as the items needed to be purchased to prepare them. (Wiki Answers)

How often should you meal plan?

Meal planning can be done weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.  Again, you have to find what is most beneficial for your family.  Currently, I meal plan weekly with the goal of advancing to bi-weekly than monthly.  This may take a while.

What tools do I need for meal planning?

Your meal planning tools can be very simple or fancy; it depends on your personal preference.  Here are some options to get you started:

  • Notebook, pen or pencil:  This is how I started, and I still use this method occasionally. Purchase a spiral notebook, write the days of the week in the left margin, along side of each day, label three separate rows for  “Breakfast, “Lunch” and “Dinner.” In the right margin, write your grocery list.
  • Printables: There are many free, cute and detailed printables available online.  Take a moment to Google “free printable meal plans.”  Print them out and fill them in.  I currently use this tool, and place the sheets in my home management binder.
  • Refrigerator Magnet Notepad- Many craft stores or “dollar bins” at your favorite store carry them.  They are convenient for updating your grocery list, jotting down meal ideas and your menu is visible to the entire family. Hubby bought one for me, it includes a section for a meal plan and grocery list.  Mine are tear sheets, in which, I remove to take along with me to the store.
  • Note cards- Personally, I think this is more advanced.  Place the title of the meal on the blank side and the recipe on the opposite side.  Collect at least 15 to 30 meals. Voila! Now you have 2 weeks to a month worth of meals to choose from.
  • Computer- Create an excel spreadsheet,  designating a cell box for each meal (“Breakfast”, “Lunch” and “Dinner”) for each day of the week. This method is paper less and can come in handy when searching for recipes on the Internet.

* You can also add “snack”  as a category to your meal plan, this helps when you are providing a snack everyday to children.  

Ok, I will stop here for now. I believe this is enough to get you up and running.

Homework: Take a moment to decide what tool will work best for you, gather your supplies and put together at least three meals for the week. You can do it!

Meal planning is another area that we can improve our home management skills for the benefit of serving our families and others more effectively.

Do you find meal planning to be helpful? What are some of the your own meal planning tips you would like to share?


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Encouragement, Faith, Family

Motherhood Encouragement

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Motherhood

Our natural reason looks at marriage and turns up its nose and says, “Alas! Must I rock the baby? Wash its diapers? Make its bed? Smell its stench? Stay at nights with it? Take care of it when it cries? Heal its rashes and sores? And on top of that care for my spouse, provide labor at my trade, take care of this and take care of that? Do this and do that? And endure this and endure that? Why should I make such a prisoner of myself?”

What then does Christian faith say to this? It opens its eyes, looks upon all these insignificant, distasteful and despised duties in the spirit, and is aware that they are all adorned with divine approval as with the costliest gold and jewels.

It says,

“O God, I confess I am not worthy to rock that little babe or wash its diapers, or to be entrusted with the care of a child and its mother. How is it that I without any merit have come to this distinction of being certain that I am serving thy creature and thy most precious will? Oh, how gladly will I do so. Though the duty should be even more insignificant and despised, neither frost nor heat, neither drudgery nor labor will distress me for I am certain that it is thus pleasing in thy sight.” -Martin Luther

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Have a wonderful Mother’s Day!


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