I’m back!! Let’s Gab About It has been put to rest, and I’m thrilled to introduce you to my updated blog, The Modern Homemaker. 

I believe that this name is far more fitting for the content that I share here. My hope and prayer is that my posts bless every home owner, renter, mother, father, someday parent, and empty nester that stumble upon them. I pray you smile, laugh, and are inspired on a regular basis. 

So what makes a homemaker modern? Glad you asked. A modern homemaker comes in all shapes and sizes, and these days, there are no rules. Listed below is MY identity as a modern homemaker:

1. I wear many hats.  

Proverbs 31:10-31 NIV

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Okay. That’s a long one, I know. But I’m willing to bet its familiar. Outdated? Only in literal context. I might not sew (very well). I might not choose a field and plant a vineyard. I might not sell garments. I have a job and contribute to the needs of my family and my home. I buy the groceries and I cook most of the meals (I’m blessed with a husband that’s pretty handy in the kitchen!). I love to create an environment that is welcoming to guests. I know the fatigue of waking half a dozen times a night to tend to my child. The point, to me, is that a homemaker’s work is never done, and that we must wear many hats. The beauty of it is that it’s our joy to do so! 

2. I strive to set an example in my household. 

Psalm 127:3-5 The Message 

Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift? the fruit of the womb his generous legacy? Like a warrior’s fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth. Oh, how blessed are you parents, with your quivers full of children! Your enemies don’t stand a chance against you;  you’ll sweep them right off your doorstep.

Deuteronomy 6:5-9 ESV 

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

These two verses are a reminder that being a parent is as big of a responsibility as it is a blessing. It’s not always easy. In fact, it’s rarely easy. It’s messy, emotional, confusing, scary, and uncertain. 

We strive to raise our children the way they should go, and are blessed to do so. One of the best ways to do this is through the example we set in our day to day lives for our children.  We work hard, we play hard, and we pray hard. The coolest thing about it is that it goes BOTH WAYS. I’ve learned more about God’s love and about pure joy from my child than could have ever been taught to me. I am blessed to be a parent! It has given me a greater depth of understanding of how deeply I am loved by God. 

Mimicking the purity of faith, love, and joy that comes from a child is one of our most beautiful God-given weapons against the enemy. You do NOT have to be a parent to practice this type of faith. 

Luke 18:17 ESV 

Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

3. I work hard to remind myself to be a servant. 

Luke 22:27 ESV

For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.

Philippians 2:1-4 ESV 

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 

We are called to be like Christ. He was a servant, washing the feet of His disciples. Likewise, we should strive to serve our family and those we come in contact with. This means I put my husband and my child before myself. I go out of my way to bless and cater to those who enter my home. It’s a never ending job that requires a lot of sacrifice. But the reward of knowing that they are taken care of and feel loved is overwhelming. 

4.  I take care of myself. 

This is not to contradict being a servant. Taking care of oneself; physically, emotionally, and most importantly: spiritually, has a very important place as well. 

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV 

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

Romans 12:1-2 ESV 

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

For me, this means setting aside a little time to rest, renew, and recharge. Whether it’s a set time each week I get to be alone (I grocery shop alone while daddy and daughter get time together!), sneaking in some devo time during naps, or simply taking a nap, it’s necessary for my well being. 

Other ways I take care of myself is by keeping up with my fitness and grooming. This can be a slippery slope. The goal is to be healthy and presentable, not to fall into vanity. It’s also harder to fit into the schedule, but I promise you, it’s so worth it. 

Here’s the thing: that’s just me. The way I do things is probably different from the way you do things. We likely have different priorities, different values, and different goals. We probably parent differently and our children develop differently. We have different styles. That’s okay. At the end of the day, we have one thing in common: we want to be the best version of ourselves; not just for ourselves, but for those we love. 

With that- THANK YOU for joining me on this journey called life!! 

What is YOUR identity as a modern homemaker?