House on the Harbor, by T.C. Chiu from Lovely Whatevers
While there are many artists that are easily recognizable by certain aspects of their style, T.C. Chiu paints in many different ways. You cannot say "Oh, that is the man that paints the scenes of the Carribean," or "He paints hummingbirds," because his 1000 or more paintings on the web have so many color schemes and themes.
T.C. Chiu, whose homeland was China, came to America in 1974, where he continued painting his colorful scenes. This artist is as adept at painting a seascape as he is a child's room. Painted phrases like "Love Never Fails" (Ist Corinthians 13) and "In Everything Give Thanks, For This is the Will of God," (Ist Thessalonians 5:18), or "God Bless Our Home," as well as beautiful paintings of open windows or shelves of family heirlooms, show a love for the home.
This art depicts fresh scenes of flower shops in France and beautiful homes from the Victorian era in America. You can go to Lovely Whatevers to enjoy some of the paintings of this versatile Christian artist.
Art for the home does not have to be "storebought." It can consist of a child's drawing or scenery torn from a country magazine. Its purpose is to reassure the family and inspire the heart. Women at home naturally watch for the souls of their loved ones. Good art that elevates the soul will help them develop stability and a love for the home.
I recently came upon an interesting book review from the year 1837, called "The Civilization of the Human Race by Women," written by L. Aime Martin. The review suggests that the woman contributes something more important to the world when she uses her heart to guide the home and care for the souls of her loved ones:
"...her honor is most promoted by excellence in her own sphere, as a wife, a mother, the guardian of the young, mistress of the home, arbiter of society."
You can read part of that review, here on this post:
http://homeliving.blogspot.com/2003/05/womens-sphere-of-influence-on.html
It might interest women that the same ignorance existed regarding women's purpose then, as it does today. The book warned of the folly of getting too distracted into careers, and neglecting the most important kind of education there is for a country.
This book showed one aspect of marriage: that it pevented the lesser fates for women, those of being regulated to a boarding school, or being forced to become a governness. As I have said before, marriage is a great protection from being bossed around by the rest of the world and having to go from one institution to another. It is a domain all her own, where she decides how her day will be ordered, and where she can create respect and honor.
If you are concerned about recent events, you may get some knowledge that will be helpful here:
Dr. Mercola
update http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/05/05/Swine-Flu-Update.aspx
11 comments:
Dearest Lydia,
This is wonderful and oh so true. I pray my husband will be happy for me to step down from my one day a week of study to come home fully. I have prayed on this, and two summers ago we almost came to blows on it. I wound it back, doing my utmost to arrange things so the home doesn't get neglected. This is in God's hands, and, while I'm there (in class) I do what I can to encourage the younger ladies to truly think. I ask all to pray that a full homecoming will be possible; all rests in God's hands. thankfully, its not far from home (travel time & expense), and I won't have racked up ruinous debt. At home I feel safe and secure. In these magnificent golden Autumn days, I simply revel in my garden, enjoying our little patch of tranquility. Sydney's climate is very mild, even in our winter (think LA temps, for ladies in the US) and I'm able to maintain a winter garden for vegetables, the last of the strawberries are coming through, two mandarins are ripening and our poor, struggling lemon is fruiting (though, do any ladies know what it means when the leaves begin to become puckered and parts of the smaller twig-like branches swell into spherical callouses about the size of a peanut (not in the shell).
Well, all this rambling simply to say ladies, if you learn the joys of home while young, cleave to them, because, children or no children, it is a far better place to be than an office (been there) or a learning institution (am there) even if said institution is a Christian one (not even the most conservative touch upon the home sphere).
Blessings,
Sarah.
what a wonderful quote that is.. and how interesting that women faced some of the same issues "way back then." I truly had no idea!
Lovely art, and a good reminder to focus on "...whatever is lovely..."
It is easy enough to get caught up in today's bad headlines. Last fall it was the stock market and now it's flu pandemics. Thanks for the link to Mercola.
Jesus comforted his disciples by saying, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me" (John 14:1) I have been focusing on this scripture whenever I feel depressed with the "world news".
Mrs. D. Thank you for that comforting reminder. Two other scriptures that give endless assurance are, 1. the words of Jesus in John 10:10
I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it MORE ABUNDANTLY.
and Romans 15:4
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures MIGHT HAVE HOPE.
I have been through so many years of the-sky-is-falling headlines that I just go back to my work. If it is indeed falling, we are to be found working, or doing our best, anyway. The time people spend worrying could be better spent on something that really makes a difference in their lives. Most of what we know about the latest disasters come from that box or the papers. When we used to have disaster around us a few times in our lives, dealing with those we know or those close by, we now have to hear about it all the time from the four corners of the earth.
Lydia,
You are so correct re the 'Idiot Lantern' and its non stop stream of woe. What on earth do we need with a 'news cycle' anyway? In my thinking, the only need to know anyone has about disaster after disaster is that which is necesary to enable us to help our brothers and sisters in some way. As for the rest, hmm; its unecessary. Bad news sells, ladies, that's the only reason its there - to keep the ratings of the television networks looking good (and provide space for advertisers). And its all in the tail-end of the gospel of Matthew anyway.
Another role of bad news is that of keeping the person in fear and on edge, worrying, in a perpetual state of anxiety that serves only to disable the mind, spirit and soul. It crowds out God's promises. the only need to know (of disasters, for instance) is to enable us to pray and give as we can to our fellows in need. EVen this act of praying turns the heart around, as it reorientates us back to our heavenly FAther, who is the source of all salvation, light and life.
Phil 4 is such a curative!!
brilliant!!
In some denominations, the television, radio and movies are prohibited; the minister informs the congregation of what is going on (in order to pray etc for affected persons). These denominations receive much scorn worldwide but perhaps there is a grain of sense to it after all. I can assure you all out there that practicing simple discernment when considering what to watch or listen to is so very wise.
Blessings,
Sarah.
Such beautiful pictures. Oh, btw, I have taken your advice about dresses from the 80s and have gone looking for them. I found a lovely flowered dress from the 80s at the Salvation Army for $1.50!! Love it. I, too, am old enough to wear what I want. I have also started wearing hats to church. I get many compliments, which makes it easier, although I don't expect any ladies to follow suit. Oh, well, at least I am having fun!!
Oh (I am known as Mrs. "Multiple Comments") and I completely agree about the news thing. It leaves me totally anxious all of the time, and I can't do anything about it anyway. Paying too much attention to it sure is not thinking on good things.
I do agree that we must NOT fret about today! It is in the Lord's control!
I am a Christian woman. I make my home, homeschool my babies, tend to my husband. I also study epidemiology. There is a great deal of misinformation going around.
I would offer that I have found some error and inconsistency on Dr. Mercola's site regarding flu and other things, and would, VERY respectfully suggest that one verify all facts, especially when fear is at hand.
I have resolved to no longer be troubled about the headlines, and put my focus on Jesus and what really matters.
I no longer watch anything nor do I read any daily paper and have discovered that it is possible to live a joyful life in this present world. Following Jesus makes all the difference.
I am beginning to feel that all this slavish attention to the news, with its fear-mongering, opens a door to mental illness of a spiritual origin. Yes, we know things are bad, and the majority of the people, it seems, not only tolerate but heartily approve the putrid agenda of our "leaders". All the more reason to shut ourselves in with the Lord and pray, pray, pray. There is just too much evil of every kind being foisted upon us, and it may be that "this kind comes not out but by prayer and fasting".
I love how Lydia says: "I have been through so many years of the-sky-is-falling headlines that I just go back to my work. If it is indeed falling, we are to be found working, or doing our best, anyway."
Lydia, you have it exactly right. In so doing we honor Him and prepare ourselves for what is to come. And while we work, we should practice the presence of Christ, commit our ways to Him, and ask Him to fight for us.
"When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him." Isaiah 59:19
He also tells us that the house that is built on a rock (Christ) will stand, and we just have to believe that in faith.
I am so thankful to be able to fellowship with you all on the web.
Be blessed!
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