I have been asked: "Do you REALLY stay home most of the time?" Is that strange to you or do you run about to every activity that is offered at your church and in your community?

If you do and can manage it - I am not speaking ill of you, but I've seen mothers feel guilty because they live way out of town - not close to where "IT" is happening and running about consumes their time.  They feel strongly that they need to be "keeping home" but if they go to it ALL they feel guilty for not doing it ALL at HOME as it is impossible for their season in life.

They go on a guilt trip because of all the little ones at their feet at home -- they are not able to go on church visitation or teach a Sunday School class.  I've heard them say - everyone is screaming to me, "Get out of the house, get out and reach people for Jesus and here I am just barely keeping my head above water with the cleaning, cooking, dirty diapers, homeschooling, etc...So how do you reconcile being a KEEPER AT HOME with not forsaking the winning of souls and being a testimony to the world?

So here is my answer ~

Dear Mommas,

I am not sure I will be able to express to you my heart here but I will try. I grew up as a MK (Missionary Kid) so I know all about the burden to win souls. I am now of course a married woman (28 years) and my husband is not a "missionary" - at least that is not his official title...but that does not mean he does not witness....he takes every opportunity at his job to speak a word to those he meets - so he really is a missionary....but then me? I am home, not on an "official mission field" and have a home and 11 children to serve and rear and care for, cook for, keep clothed, --- no need to explain to most of you what is involved in that.

 

I have had those same thots of guilt ( about weekly visitation etc..that the church had going on - programs, etc) but for me it was just not feasible to be involved -- 11 children to rear, a house to keep - living 30 minutes drive from the church etc. I have had thots going thru my mind over and over about *am I doing what I am supposed to be doing?* and then I would see women give testimonies about all these women they were discipling and leading to christ out on visitation etc..and the guilt would sweep over me again.

 

I have come to the contentment that God's will for my life is to serve my family, STAY HOME, ( the only places I am out and about for is to church for both Sunday services, grocery shopping and every now and then to get other items we need, PO of course to mail out your orders, etc.) I have had in the past a number of ladies over to my home at different times for what I call Titus 2 Times ( where we shared, edified and encouraged one another) so it is not like I am in a world of 4 walls and nothing else...but my family is MY LIFE. It takes all I have to do my best with them and with my home business. I simply CANNOT go to everything they have at church even though our church is very family orieneted and does not have near the "goings-on" that others have...but they still have some and usually "I am NOT there!"

 

The thought came to me once in a service where an evangelist was saying: "Have you even 1 soul to offer the Lord" "have you ever even led 1 Soul?" And everyone immediately thinks of their past times on church visitation but I thought to myself - if I can teach and lead each of my children to the LORD that is ELEVEN souls I can offer to Him!! I dare say, many soul-winners that are full time may not even have that many souls...(even though we must remember that we are to tell- and God gives the increase!) I have made it my life's goal to bring each of my children to the LORD ( a true personal relationship with Jesus Christ) - I have but one desire that our family circle be unbroken in eternity. So YES - I stay HOME - I LOVE to stay HOME - I rarely go to Ladies meetings, here. there and never gad about. Some of you may - and that is just fine and not wrong for you to do so - but HOME is where my husband wants me and where I want to be - it is my place of protection and I love being here. I always get asked how I accomplish so much - it is because I am here all the time. I found this poem once in Crowned With Silver magazine. I absolutely just cried when read it -- Yes, my HOME is MY Mission Field. Here it is... I hope it will bless you too. Be faithful in your calling to your HOME - KEEP IT - serve your family - one day your children will rise up and call you blessed.

 

From Crowned with Silver Magazine
www.crownedwithsilver.com

 

 MY MISSION FIELD

 

After marriage God called me to the Mission Field.
A little bundle needing all my care.
A disciple in touch with my life, obedient to all he hears.
Then came some more, all in a row.
Everywhere I went, eleven little arrows in tow.
God had to call me again to His Mission Field.
I answered, "to China, to Africa, to Israel, oh where?" His voice was clear, soft and gentle.

My ministry arranged, "My child you are to polish these arrows, preparing them for my call,
to spread my Words of life for other nations to see."

"LORD", I cried, "Loneliness surrounds my soul, no other women stand with me answering your call, the sacrifice is great. Women give way to another's voice, pulling them away from their homes, far from the quiver, full of dust."

 

Once more I pleaded, "May I go too, Lord?"

I feel the call to share with the lost life giving words - to feed the hungry a satisfying meal."
"My child, Jesus replied, "You share with your children salvation and truth. Feed them meals under your roof. Discipline them, train them and lie down at night in peace, for sacrifcial love you have gievn to make the world better. Arise in the morning, open my Book, teach them into my eyes they must look."

 

"Yes, Lord," I replied, "But should I serve you in a more obvious way?"

 

"Child, my sweet child" God spoke once more. I annoited you to this work, to the HIGH CALLING of MOTHERHOOD, to show our children the need for my love."

 

"LORD, I sought out, not fully convinced, "Should I sew for those in thread barren clothes, a Dorcas, a Martha?"

 

"Sit at my feet, my child, Listen to me! Your daughter needs dresses, your sons warm shirts, the button of your husband's coat still lies on the table. Pick up your mantle, the rod of Aaron. Lead women back to their home."

 

"Yes, LORD." Filled and content, I took my position in God's mission field. Hungry faces graced my bedside. Clothed in God's mantle around my shoulders, children at my side, I prepared breakfast.

 

From Crowned With SIlver Magazine by Mrs. Paul Muller.