Wednesday, November 05, 2008

The Citizenship and Kingdom of the Home

Our citizenship in the home, is where our own dear kingdom exists. It is here where we are free to rule ourselves according to heavenly principles. The home is where our attention to duty and honor will determine our future.
In this kingdom, a men and women rule their own houses. They are not there because of the amount of votes they got. They are not the rulers because they were elected. They are there by divine appointment. God created the home, the first kind of government there ever existed. The home suited the spiritual, social, economic and physical needs of its own citizens, and it still does.
The nation of the home is so important that it cannot be put out of office by popular vote or law. Whatever the current trend or rage is, the home remains the same. The home is a husband and a wife, even if they have no children. It can be a mother or father that have, through sad circumstances, been deprived of their mates, but still have their children. This is still a home. A home can be a widow living alone, but it is still her home and can be ruled by her own beliefs, with no interference from other kingdoms or governments.
Although our position in the home as mother or father or child is not voted on, we do cast a vote daily in this kingdom. We vote for strong marriages by our loyalty. We vote for good children by the way we train them. We vote for a future government in our land by the what we allow our children to be taught. If we turn them over to someone else to train their thinking, their judgement and their knowledge, they will vote for things that will tear down the kingdom of the home. If take the responsibility to teach them ourselves, they will stand by the old paths, where is the good walk, that will bring peace to our little kingdoms of the home.
In these kingdoms, there is more freedom than anywhere else in the world. It does not matter who is elected or who is king in any other country, because in our own homes, our rulers are servants as well. No one can legislate how clean our houses will be. No one can legislate how we will develop our talents and skills or how much we can learn at home. No one can interfere with our clean air laws in the house. No one can limit our potential in anything we put our minds to. The home is such a wonderful place, that great artists and composers and architects of the past developed most of their work from their own homes.
In a kingdom, an election
To "elect" means to pick out, to choose, or to prefer. As women who guard, guide and rule the workings of the home, we can elect to do the following:
Elect to have at least one place that is orderly and lovely. This is one reason that I admire the idea of the Victorian parlour so much. It was a place set aside to be lovely and orderly for things that were special. Jane Austen wrote many of her novels by listening to parlour conversations. Visitors left their calling cards in the parlour. The parlour was furnished with the family's best.
Elect to be organized. This is a difficult one, but it can be accomplished if the citizens of the kingdom understand long-term goals and how to reach them, little by little. Some things done today, and some things done tomorrow, will add up to completed goals. Set aside a few minutes each day to eliminate some clutter and simplify.
Elect to correspond more by post. There is something about sitting still and putting pen in hand and writing words that the mind directs, that is very calming. A racing mind can be settled down by spending some time writing letters and sending out hand made cards.
Elect to be creative every day if possible. Try making something this year, whether small or large. Creativity is essential to reasonable thinking. When you feel rushed, or foggy in the mind, just make something or make up something. I love to sew and work with cloth, but I find paper crafts give quicker results, and that is kind of a warm up to something more creative.
Elect to straighten up the house before you retire at night. This is so refreshing the next day and makes you feel renewed.
Elect to eat foods that God created, as close to their natural state as possible. These real foods increase health and mental ability.
Elect to dress beautifully, every day, not just for special occasions. The kingdom in which you dwell, has other citizens which can be inspired by the way you look.
Elect to have someone over for tea this month. Keeping the teatime ceremony alive is essential to civilized life. I have been doing teas for a long time and have never had a rude guest. Tea parties tend to refine people and draw hearts closer together.
A citizen is a dweller or inhabitant of a place. Those who obey the gospel are citizens of a better country and they serve a higher king. In doing that, they ultmately will be good citizens of any earthly country, and better dwellers at home. Children who obey their parents and honor them are good citizens of the kingdom of the home. If they cannot be good citizens at home, they will not understand how to be good citizens anywhere else.
Citizenship is the state of being invested with the rights and privileges of a citizen. As citizens of the home, we have the right of arranging it as we like and conducting our families the way that is the most convenient for us. Those who have become citizens of the kingdom of Christ have the privileges of blessings bestowed from the One whom they serve, but they must obey His written will. As citizens of a country, we have the responsibility and right to make our elected servants obey the Constitution, which is the law of our land.
Citizenship, like love and service, begins in the home. It is here that the most important issues of life will be developed. That is why the home must be attended to and not abandoned or neglected. Women are needed at home. There is no career that will give them the fulfillment and love that will last through the generations, like the work of the home.
To those who were pleased with the results of the election in their district, please remember to be vigilant, and pray for those in authority * that we may be able to mind our own business and be free from interference.
The prophet Elijah did not shrink from admonishing Ahab, the king, to do what was pleasing to God. Remember Jonah, whose warnings turned an entire country to God, and the King humbled himself. Daniel refused to participate in unholy things in his country and the king was so moved by him that he declared that only the one true God would be served. Paul taught King Agrippa, and in like manner, we need to keep our elected officials hearts tuned to God's will by reminding them to do what is right so that we can be safe in our own country and in our homes. When Mary, Queen of Scots, was often urged by a preacher to do what was right in the sight of God, she said, "I fear the prayers of John Knox, more than an army of 10,000 men." Be sure to remind our elected officials whenever they are about to make a decision, to do what is right in the sight of God, so that we may have the liberty to exercise our faith and do our duty.
To those who are unhappy about the outcome of the election in their district, God knows how you voted, and He will honor that. You will have abundant blessings in your life if you did the right thing by the choices you made on the ballot, even if you did not choose a "winner." You are citizens of a greater country and you can make your calling and election "sure" by working the work of the one who sent you. In the home, you have greater power than you realize, for homes create countries that love their homes. The home must be restored. It is the highest office of the land. It would take another long post to explain it.
*1Ti 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 1Ti 2:2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 1Ti 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 1Ti 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth

30 comments:

Little Missy Homemaker said...

Beautiful post! Truly something I needed to hear today, thank you.

Anonymous said...

Your post is wise and filled with valuable truths. Thank you so much for sharing these thoughts and insights. I plan to quote you on my blog for surely I cannot say it better.

Blessings!

Caryn

Lydia said...

anyone can post anything they want from this blog, on their blog, if they like.

Anonymous said...

That's a sensible way to look at it.

Myself, I was surprised by how disappointed I was in the outcome of this election-- it wasn't exactly a surprise.

And I even couldn't bring myself to vote for the "other" guy, either.

So why be disappointed about it when all I can control is what I can control?

BessieJoy said...

Oh, what wonderful, wise, encouraging words! You put into words exactly what I determined this morning to do.

I've been rejoicing today, yet grieving for my country. God is good and He is on the throne!

Thanks for the permission to share your articles. I will! And I will be sharing this with our homeschool group.

Thank you so much for taking the time to share this with us.

May God bless you as you have certainly blessed me!

Anonymous said...

Truly an inspiring post! Marie

Lydia said...

If you voted for a third party, you've no reason to be discouraged, because you knew it would not win, and you can't be blamed for the policies of the popular choice. Third party voters do make progress, each year, as these parties get a greater percentage of the vote and it sends a message to the other two parties that there are some changes needed.

Anonymous said...

It's funny how so many of us feel a renewed since of God's power after the results of last night's election. I'm glad it's over, so I can refocus my energies on taking care of my husband's needs, my children's education, my home, and my community.

One positive element of last night's election is the impact that it must have on young black men and boys today. How exciting to know that nothing can stop them from achieving anything if they want it. They can be president, too. That had to be part of God's plan in this.

candy said...

This was a good post and so true.

Candy

Aelwyn said...

Very encouraging! A word about parlors...my grandmother had a parlor, not a living room. It was kept behind closed doors partly to save on heating. We had to ask to go into it, and, I remember as a child thinking it a sanctuary. It was kept for guests and special occasions. Family time was around the dining room table.

Anonymous said...

This is truly a beautiful, timely post. Thank you so much. I would like to link it to my blog.
Thank you again,
Kim

Marqueta (Mar-kee-ta) G. said...

Dear Lady Lydia,

Thank you so much for your words of wisdom! I only wish I had the energy to do all of it with my little ones at hand (and at feet!)!

Bless you for all you do to encourage others,

Marqueta

Anonymous said...

Beautiful and encouraging!--Thank you. (o:

Anonymous said...

Oh Lady Lydia! I have been checking this post every 10 minutes today to hear your words of wisdom. Thank you for reminding me that God is in control. I needed so to hear your voice today. And although I was heartbroken over the election, Robin above said something that made so much sense. I will stop focusing on my grief and the way i think this country is headed, and instead focus on the fact that on this day, young Black boys and girls know for possibly the first time that they can do anything. That in itself if nothing else, has to be a gift from God.
Kathie

Lydia said...

Be sure to read the new post at www.thepleasanttimes.blogspot.com to see what is happening with that pesky family next door; those hicks.

Anonymous said...

Well said, Lady Lydia. I really liked the allusion to parlors and Jane Austen. :)

-Christine from Arizona

Anonymous said...

Many thanks, Mrs. Sherman. :o)

Brenda

Mrs. Anna T said...

How encouraging. Thank you for taking the time to write this.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing the wonderful gift of encouragement the Lord has given you. Your faithfulness in this means so much to so many!

Anonymous said...

It is easy to get too wrapped up in the politics of the day for sure. If for nothing else, I am thankful that the election ended swiftly and decisively, so we did not have to endure recounts and courts an all of that!

Really, taking care of the home is the most important thing we can do. Just imagine a world where we all did it properly. Sure would take care of a lot of the problems that our politicians are saddled with.

Thank you for another wonderful article Lydia! I know I will be coming back to this one and your one on contentment often.

~ Ann

Anonymous said...

When I woke up Wed. to read a pres. prayer line I choked up to find Obama won. I could only think of the little babies in danger. I know the other issues were on my mind but that was the first thing that I thought of and then my home school rights.
So when you reminded me God knows how I voted it was a comforting.

I listen to talk radio, maybe to much, but like they said after an Obama pres. people are going to be sick of it.
I look at it now is God is setting us up for something better in 4 yrs. I just wish I knew who that next person would be but then once again that is in Gods hands.

Gail said...

Thank you for helping many of us to regroup and get back to the business at hand - running our own little kingdoms. Life will go on. We must certainly focus a lot of prayer, however, on our leaders, and be willing to stand up for Christ and His ways whenever we can.

May the Lord God be loved, praised and adored from the loftiest throne to the humblest home.

Anonymous said...

Lady Lydia, I so appreciate your straight-forward posts. Some are challenging, but all have a measure of encouragement in them. I am enjoying "The Five Aspects of Woman" study at church. I often repeat to myself when I feel paralyzed by my tasks or stuff, "I am the Mistress of my domain!" I have been given the authority and responsiblity to bring my domain under control and make it fruitful. (This would include my character as well as my "stuff".) Thank you again for practical and lovely ways to do so.

Farrah said...

Thank you for your lovely post Lady Lydia. It's a comfort during this time. I'm so glad the election is over and now maybe people can stop talking about it!

I love to write letters though do not as much as I should. I think when I'm done here I will tidy up, invite a friend over for tea, and write a letter to my grandmother.

Can you please write more on being organized and having the right spirit to do it? I struggle with this. My husband is always complaining that everything is cluttered. We have 4 people living in a 1000sq ft apartment and I don't know what to do with stuff. Thank you!

Lydia said...

Farrah,

We have 8 people, sometimes 9, in a similar space. I have great sympathy and feel the same challenge of keeping things orderly. I will try to write on it sometime, and I am sure there are others who have good articles about this on their blogs, if they would post the links here. Today I wanted to do an altered box, and I have two more articles in my files coming up, so it may be the end of the month before I can address the subject. In the meantime, you might benefit from something we are trying here:

The Bare Floor Policy. All floors and carpets must be bare except for furniture. There are too many peole with different needs, that could be hurt by toys or shoes laying around.

The Clothes and Shoes Rule: All personal articles go to the personal space of the person. If they share a bedroom, they should have a box for their own things. No sox or shoes under the table or kicked off in the living room. The minute you see them, call the culprit and make them pick them up personally and take them away. The plastic see through storage bins come in all sizes, and can fit under beds or used as end tables.

Coats and boots: These get put immediately in a space near the door, whether the nearest closet or hooks made for hanging them, on the wall by the door. Boots are put upright in a row. Every child can learn to do this. Children love order and love to have things that are important, to do.

Laundry: Each person scoops up their own laundry and towels after using the shower or bath, and takes it to a laundry bin or straight to the laundry area and deposits it in the proper basket, not on the floor. Laundry never lays in a room, but is picked up daily.

The front room must always be accessible and clean. No toys can be left in the living room. If they have a doll or truck or blocks, they have to be played with or it goes back to their own personal space. This is the one room that needs to be bare.

The bare table policy: After home teaching or meals or sewing or other projects, the table has to be cleaned off. It is set with table cloth and a centerpiece inbetween times it is being used.

Kitchen Legislation: Use dixie cups for drinking and do not allow clutter all over the kitchen surfaces. Clean up after every meal and sweep the floor. If you do not do this, dinner comes and there are no dishes to eat from. Pull a chair up with the back to the cabinets and let a child stand on it to help you wash and dry and put away dishes.

Laundry: Dry laundry gets put in its place. Children become runners for the little piles of folded clothes. They love to go to the bathroom with a stack of clean wash clothes. Mother tells them, "take this to Johnny's top draw." "Put this on Mommie's bed" "Put this in the kitchen towel drawer."

In pulling yourself out of the mess in the first place, I would suggest getting everything off the floor that is not furniture and piling it on a couch or chair. Then, vacuume, and then start sorting the pile into sections: papers, books, toys, clothing, miscellaneous, kitchen items (cups, etc) and take it all to where it belongs.

The Self-Cleaning House: If people develop automatic habits, such as putting a bandaide wrapper immediately in the trash, or hanging a towel neatly on the rack after use, or rinsing the sink after use, or washing a dish immediately, or picking up things rather than passing them up, they don't have to wait for a cleaning day, and it saves time.

Anonymous said...

Just thought you would appreciate this comment on your post which I quoted on my blog: "To my very dear friend -
Thank you. How did you know that I needed just these words to re-assure my soul. I have just felt devastated today (like I have just lost my country), thinking of the path our nation has taken and what may befall us before our Saviour returns. I knew in my heart just where our nation stood, but my mind was still saying 'oh not yet - not this soon'. So, the results of the election just made it so plain where our nation stands in this last moment of time, and I thank you for these words of encouragement that have caused me to get focused once more."

Thank you once again!

Caryn

Anonymous said...

Thank you for this handy-dandy list. It reflects my own way of living which I have never put down on paper. How nice to have this to share. It works! I have always believed that it costs nothing to be neat and clean. What a joy it is to have a home, humble as it may be, that reflects the peace and beauty of the heart. I remember when we moved into our ancient, neglected house, that people time and time again would say they always came looking for solace and left relaxed and filled with joy. It was quite simply the warmth and beauty that you describe so well. Again, thank you, Lydia.

Caryn

Lydia said...

Dear Caryn,

I don't get time to see other blogs and I am glad you reminded me to go and look. Your blog is very calm. I used to get just as upset during the last presidency, because the elected officials did not represent what many of us had elected them for, so I remembered that we are citizens of another country, a kingdom established upon better promises. We have an obligation to rise above it all by living above the world. When we create peace and beauty around us, we receive blessings. One habit I have had over the years to cope with disappointment or persecution is to reward myself by doing something lovely. When there is a trial, I dress up and make a cup of tea and spread good cheer, like in the theme article on the side here, "When Queens Ride by." This queen would dress her finest and take out her carriage and ride down the middle of the street when there was discontent and unrest or threats of war, and show her subjects that she was strong, and all was well in the kingdom. I think homemakers should do that when there are disappointments. Be sure to read the latest Bumphrey article at my daughter's blog at www.thepleasanttimes.blogspot.com where she shows how those unsophisticated neighbors of ours voted. You'll get a good laugh, and laughter is the best medicine. Pray for the safety of the president, even if you didn't vote for him, and pray his heart will have the fear of the Lord and he will turn to God in all his dealings and not be influenced by the "invisible government" that surrounds him and tries to influence him. God will remember you and will heal our land.

Anonymous said...

A beautifully put post Lady Lydia! And, what a wonderfully wise and spiritual post about the Christian home :-)

Anonymous said...

02/02/11
For those of you that didn't have the candidate they vorted for win, always (always) be mindful that God knows who you voted for. And your vote is your seed, and you will reap what you sow. God will give a harvest even on our votes. It will soon be time for elections again, and our prayers can affect the nation regardless of who is or is not elected.

This morning my husband prayed for us and them for the homeless that are out in the weather as this winter is especailly severe. Our prayer is that the homeless have homes of thier own. I often pray that God will provide the means for every woman that wants a home to have a home of her own, one that more than adequately meets the needs of her family. I know I have an idea of what my dream home is, as I am sure many other women do. I understand qualifying and mortage, but I also understand that God wants for us to have the desire of our hearts.

This posting so speaks to me, as it is so easy for my house to get out of contorl and there are jsut three of us in what I think is a nice house, well over 1000 sq ft. Have patience ladies, as I too am praying for patience; God is not finished with us yet to borrow a line from a song.

Also thank you for the button to go to the previous post related to the current post. And please realize Mrs. Sherman, that your comments are appreciated as much as your posting.