I asked a simple question at the beginning of the meeting..."How many of you are already thinking about and preparing for college and a career?" Almost every girl raised her hand. Next I asked..."How many of you are preparing for the fact that one day you'll more than likely be a wife and a mother?" One hand was raised.
This was my story too! I knew from the age of 7 that I was going to college...it was talked about by my family as an accepted fact. I had chores to do around the home, but never lessons in running a home. I was an only child until I was 17, and rarely did babysitting...so I had no real experience with nurturing or caring for a baby or child. I had learned to wash dishes and keep a kitchen tidy, but basically entered marriage completely lacking in cooking skills. (In fact, my husband did most of the cooking because his food tasted so much better!)
I was prepared for success in a career...but not a home. By the Lord's grace, I learned on the fly.
Maybe you can relate to my story...and understand the need for preparing our girls for the most fulfilling calling of all, the calling of being a wife and a mother.
In the spirit of Homemaking, the activities for the day centered around setting up a table for entertaining. The girls baked and decorated their own cupcakes, completely decorated and set the tea table, learned a neat way to fold a napkin to look like a rose, and made seating cards.
I wanted to show this little YouTube clip during our meeting, but didn't have time. Susanna Wesley is an amazing example of the power of a godly wife and mother...please watch this with your daughter if you get a chance!
On a different note, I'm so thankful one of the older girls has stepped up to take a leadership role in several areas...leading worship, planning and leading activities, and coordinating group ministry opportunities. We'd like to serve together twice this year, once in the Fall and again in the Spring.
I'm excited to be starting our 4th year of Bellevue Bright Lights! I really appreciate your prayers for our little discipleship group :)
Bright Lights Set
Six Meeting One - Preparing to Be a Wife and Mother
Worship
Scriptures:
Genesis 3
Proverbs 31:
10-31
Ephesians 5:
21-33
1 Timothy 2:
9-10
Titus 2: 3-5
James 1:27
1 Peter 3:
1-6
Main
Concepts:
1.) We will find our greatest fulfillment in
life when we understand and embrace God’s design for us as ladies. Scripture reveals to us God’s design for
women: that we love our husbands, love
our children, be keepers at home and adorn ourselves with good works. (Titus 2: 4-5 ; 1 Tim. 2: 9-10)
2.) God’s design for women is different than
His calling for men. Our role is not
less important – it is just different! (Roles vs. Essence)
3.) The decisions that we make every day are
based on our goals for the future. We
need to purpose to pursue God’s goals for our lives and seek His will for our
future.
4.) Now is the time to prepare for the future!
5.) Be very sensitive to those whose mothers
may work outside the homes. While
emphasizing the beauty and fulfillment of embracing your call as wife and
mother, we must guard against judging those who, whether by choice, or necessity, work full time outside of the home.
“That they
may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their
children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own
husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.” Titus 2: 4-5
Activities
Tea
