Titus 2

Our church has been blessed beyond measure with many women with many talents, gifts, and wisdom.  Last year, a special lady in our church family pressed hard to begin a Titus 2 ministry amongst the women. The Lord reminded her heavily of the responsibility of the older women teaching the younger.

"Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored."  Titus 2:3-5

She began the organized meetings by having one of her five daughters (who is a chef by profession) come and teach us how to make a particular meal that was healthy, not time consuming, and even kid friendly.  She gave us a few VERY HELPFUL tips of how to simplify your menu, yet keep it healthy.  I was so challenged and excited, I couldn't wait to recreate the very same meal.  So that Friday night, guess what my family had for supper....oh yes...Chicken cutlets topped with fresh mozzarella, sauteed tomatoes, onion, and fresh garlic.  

The meetings continued on with very practical and cheaper ways of taking care of the things in your home.  We had a night where we were taught how to make homemade cleaners, a night where we were taught how to sew a hem into pants and how to sew a button back on.  All of these things I have gleaned much from and used something from each of the meetings.  Not only that, but these lessons have taught me to think more about the things I buy; could I create some of these things on my own so I can save some money?

Not only have we been taught about the practical ways to take care of our homes, we have also been challenged spiritually on how to love our husbands, how to love, grow, and teach our children, and how to delight ourselves in the fact that we were created as women and what a special thing that really is.  Many other ladies have stepped in and began to run with this idea.  It is really such an understatement to say how important this has been in my life.  Before all of this began, I was clueless on how to do most things in the kitchen, it was very much so a trial and error for me.  I was very guilty of neglecting my role as a woman in my home and leaving it to fast food restaurants, television, and wal-mart to take care of the needs of my family.  What a difference one woman being obedient to the commands of Titus 2 has made in my life and will continue to make in the lives of my two growing girls.  

Some of my new endeavors since Titus 2 has sparked a challenge and desire to be obedient:

Making my own household cleaners

Sewing Pillowcase dresses for my girls

Homeschooling

Organizing my home to make it more functional and practical for living in...not just decorative.

Couponing

Growing herbs

All sorts of cooking and baking:

Cake Mix Cookies

Homemade Apple Pie

Homemade Mochaccino Cupcakes with homemade buttercream icing

Making my own salad dressings

Making my own cream of...soups

Pan fried chicken cutlets topped with tomato and garlic garnish

Pork tenderloin with blackberry (and have used blueberry) reduction sauce

Crab cakes

Parmesan crusted chicken

Mexican Chicken

Crock pot BBQ chicken

Homemade Cinnamon rolls...trying my hand at this tonight or tomorrow...we'll see.

These are all things I've been adventurous to try...something I would have NEVER done before!

There are numerous things I could add to these lists, but the point of sharing this is to document a life changed by the obedience of ONE to fulfill the commands of Titus 2.  How many more lives will be reached due to this One's obedience.  There is a new spirit in my home.  One of joy, peace, and patience.  There is an order that hasn't been there before.  I look forward to this year's continuation to Titus 2...what will God do with families returning to their roles as husbands and wives??? My belief is...SPARK REVIVAL IN THE CHURCH!

Here are just a few pictures capturing some of the things listed above.

I pray those words that are just black smudges on a page to her now will ring forth in heart very soon...this picture delights my heart as I continue to pray daily that He will sanctify her with His truths because His word is truth!

One of our Week 2 accomplishments from homeschool...

I have realized that if I do things joyfully and without grumbling and complaining...she desires to do the same.  She wanted to help feed Hannah this morning.  Hopefully fostering a love for serving her little sister with a joyful heart.

This one is so full of curiosity...I pray I can teach her diligently!

This homemade apple pie was oh so delicious!

Beginnings of Cake mix cookies...simple...but a great thing to take to the new neighbors.

Finished product 

Mochaccino Cupcakes...delicious

Finished product...I learned a valuable lesson about using self-rising flour in the place of baking powder...cupcakes don't rise.  

Pan Frying Pork Tenderloin...you could top this with anything...we topped with the reduction sauce...FINE!