Friday, February 23, 2007

To Be A Good Wife:

A few years ago, this was posted on a forum that I visit---all the ladies laughed at it and thought it was silly. I on the other hand loved it--and I stated that I loved it. I just don't understand why some women, have such a hard time accepting that they are women and their rolls. We are not men, we will never be men so why do some feel the need to act like men? I love being a girl---I am so happy God made me a female and not a male. I don't think there is one thing I can honestly say, I am unhappy about being a woman. From wearing dresses, having babies and scrubbing the kitchen floor--there is nothing I would rather be doing then being a wife and mother.

Okay, I have printed this article out and it is in my notebook right in front. I like to see it and read it---it always makes me smile:)




The following is an excerpt from a home economics textbook used in Ontario during the 1950'S. Each excerpt is followed by a Bible quotation.


Get your work done. Plan tasks with an eye on the clock. Finish or interrupt them an hour before your husband is expected home. Your anguished cry "are you home already?" is not exactly a warm welcome.

"She...worketh willingly with her hands." Proverbs 31:13

Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal on time. This is a way of letting him know you have been thinking of him and are concerned for his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospects of a good meal are part of the warm welcome needed.


"...She bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens." Proverbs 31:14,15


Prepare yourself. Take 15 min. to rest so that you will be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking. He has just been with a lot of work weary people. Be a little gay and a little more interesting. His boring day may need a lift.


"She maketh herself covering of tapestry; he clothing is silk and purple. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come." Proverbs 31:22,25

Clear away the children. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives, then run a dust cloth over the tables. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order and it will give you a lift too.


"She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness." Proverbs 31:27


Prepare the children. Take just a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces if they are small, comb their hair and if necessary change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part.


"Her children arise up, and call her blessed..." Proverbs 31:28


Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate noise of washer dryer, dishwasher, vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet.


"And that ye study to be quiet..." I Thessalonians 4:11


Be happy to see him. Greet him with a smile and act glad to see him.


"...Her husband also, and he praiseth her." Proverbs 31:28


Some don'ts, don't greet him with a problem or complaint. Don't complain if he's late for dinner. Count this minor compared with what he might have gone through during the day.


"The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her..." Proverbs 31:11


Make him feel comfortable. Have him lean back into a comfortable chair or suggest he lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him. Arrange his pillows and offer to massage his neck and shoulders and take off his shoes. Speak in a soft, soothing, pleasant voice. Allow him to relax to unwind.


"Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all." Proverbs 31:29


Listen to him. You may have a dozen things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first.


"She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness." Proverbs 31:26


Make the evening his. Never complain if he does not take you out to dinner or to other places of entertainment. Instead try to understand his world of strain and pressure, his need to be home and relax.


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

The goal, try to make your home a place of peace and order where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.


"She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life." Proverbs 31:12


13 comments:

Barb said...

There's not a single surprise here, Julieann. It's very apparent you love your role in this life. Me too. I can't imagine being anything other than a wife, mother and nana. Very nice post. :-)

Kelli said...

Julieann, I have been in similiar group settings where lists like this get laughed at too. I always enjoy reading them and improving on certain areas. I'm like you, I love being a wife and mother!! Have a great Friday!
Kelli

Julieann said...

Barb---am I that obvious?..(giggles)

Kelli--I knew you would like this post:)

Candy said...

I read this in a few books before..I believe Emilie Barnes and Elizabeth George books. I agree with it 100%!! And I can attest that doing these simple and loving acts DO actually make a differance to a marriage, it makes it even better! If more women would just put a little extra effort maybe there wouldnt be so many divorces and broken homes out there in world. Its not even effort, its LOVE and its fun if you ask me :)
LOVED this post!

~ CANDY :)

Anonymous said...

At one time I was a card carrying member of NOW (nat'l organization of women)..until our Lord intervened and brought me to **true** liberation as a woman of God! Talk about a 180 degree turn! Since then (eons ago) I've met Christian women who absolutely disdain the idea of being a helpmeet to their husbands, and a devoted homekeeper. How very lost they are and in need of fervent prayer.

TO BECOME said...

I love being a homemaker and and wife. Most of my motherly duties has ended since all five of my children or grown and married with children of their own. But the days I spent as their mothers and the moments I have spendt as a wife for the last 45 years have been the greatest blessings I could have ever had. Connie from Texas

Lady of the house said...

Neat list Julieann!

I was talking to another SAHM from church, and I mentioned that I give my husband a back rub every night before he turns in(I don't remember how it came up, but I promise I wasn't bragging). Anyway, she told me I sounded like one of those "brainwashed 1950's housewives" just because I do that and actually ENJOY taking care of my home and family. I was completely taken aback. She didn't say it in jest, by the way, but quite disgustedly.

I pray for her and others like her. Maybe her situation is really bad. I don't know, but it sure is nice to know I'm not the only "brainwashed, 1950's housewife"! Said in jest!

Cherish the Home said...

I've seen this before but it was wonderful to read it again!

I am so glad I found your blog because I really enjoy myself here. (o:

Blessings,
~Mrs.B

Chrissy said...

julieann -

I wholeheartedly agree with everything on that list. It's so sad to me that there are women who've bought into the idea that a woman at home is a doormat. Not true at all! And feminists say we're the ones who don't have a clue...

Anonymous said...

I have seen this list in various places, too, and I always love to read it. It really is excellent advice. When I was working part time, it always suprised me how many of the girls I worked with thought it was silly to love their families this way, and to honestly enjoy being ladies. We really can set the tone for our entire family with our actions and attitudes! :-)

Julieann said...

Thank you all for reading and enjoying this post---like I said before, I always get a smile on my face when I read it---I keep it in the front of my notebook so I see it all the time. ((Gentle Hugs)) To all my friends here!!!!

Jodi said...

Julieann - this is beautiful! Thank you for sharing it -- I do believe I'll borrow your idea and put a copy of it in my notebook! :o)

Liz said...

So glad to see this posted somewhere where it wasn't meant as a joke. I really enjoyed your site. :)