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The Ministry of Homemaking Series

The Ministry of Homemaking: Email Challenge

This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my disclosure policy here.

The Ministry of Homemaking Series @ AVirtuousWoman.org

Homemaking is so much more than cleaning a house, cooking food, and making sure your family has clothes to wear. Homemaking is about nurturing a spirit of warmth, comfort, and love in your home.

She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:27

As women we are called to the ministry of homemaking. Whether you work outside the home or stay home full time, you are a homemaker. You have been called by God to make the place where you and your family live a home.

Have you lost your calling? Over the next days and weeks we are going to challenge ourselves to look at homemaking differently. To see each ordinary activity in the home with new respect, recognizing how honorable it is to be a homemaker. We’ll be looking into the heart of the matter, where God meets you as a homemaker.

It’s a new year, a fresh start and I’m looking forward to seeing what God has in store for each of us as we tackle bad attitudes and discouragement and find peace and contentment in our homes.

Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God. Titus 2:3-5 NLT

The Ministry of Homemaking Series @ AVirtuousWoman.org

The Ministry of Homemaking

[Tweet “Join me for The Ministry of Homemaking: A Series for Christian Women at AVirtuousWoman.org”]

I hope you’ll join me! Let me know what you’d like to read about or any questions you have in the comments below {or email me} and I’ll try to answer them in an upcoming blog post.

Just fill out the form below and you’ll receive The Ministry of Homemaking series right in your email!

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Homemaking is so much more than cleaning a house, cooking food, and making sure your family has clothes to wear. Homemaking is about nurturing a spirit of warmth, comfort, and love in your home.

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About Melissa Ringstaff

My name is Melissa Ringstaff and I've been blogging here at A Virtuous Woman since 2001. I'm a pastor's wife and homeschooling mom living in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of Southeastern KY. I believe in finding freedom from perfection and living life with purpose and I want to help you do exactly that.

I'm so glad you've stopped by to visit with me. I hope we can be friends!

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Home for the Holidays

This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my disclosure policy here.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Trish

    December 31, 2015 at 6:23 am

    This looks like just what I need! So glad you are willing to share your talents. Looking forward to starting! God bless! -trish
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      December 31, 2015 at 10:16 am

      I'm so glad to hear that. I am looking forward to getting started, too! :)
      Reply
  2. Maribel Hughley

    December 31, 2015 at 6:23 am

    I am so happy that I opened this email and read about this. This is exactly what I need. God is right on time. I lost myself for a bit when it came to the joy in being a home maker. I want my joy back and love to be home to serve my family. I want to gain deeper understanding to my calling. Thank you for this.
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      December 31, 2015 at 10:17 am

      Hi Maribel! I'm glad you're joining in. I know God is going to do great things in the coming weeks in our homes!
      Reply
  3. Illianna

    December 31, 2015 at 7:30 am

    Thank you for this series!!! I am just transitioning for being a full time worker to a SAHM (working PT from the house while the kiddos are at school). I have never had the aspiration to be home with my kids but God laid it on heavy this past year. I am so thankful for this series and will be staying tuned :) Thank you again.
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      December 31, 2015 at 10:18 am

      I'm so glad you're joining in. Be sure to let me know any questions you have!
      Reply
  4. Lisa

    December 31, 2015 at 9:09 am

    this sounds great!
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      December 31, 2015 at 10:18 am

      Lisa, I'm glad you're joining us!
      Reply
  5. Patti

    December 31, 2015 at 3:32 pm

    I am looking forward to the series. A possible topic that in the parenting stress is that many mom's have lost the fun of being with their children. I try to encourage mom's to find moments of fun each day - and especially if things are going poorly. Change it around and add in some joy when least expected. It makes a big difference in strained relationships. And by fun - it can be the simplest of things - playing a game together, having an impromptu picnic, a nature walk, or singing some songs together. Not to take away from serious issues, but a balance of some fun and laughs on a daily basis strengthens bonds, where as all stress tears them apart.
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      December 31, 2015 at 4:03 pm

      I so agree, Patti! Love these ideas. :)
      Reply
  6. Michelle M

    January 1, 2016 at 12:07 pm

    I am really looking forward this series! We are missionaries and there is often a push for both husband and wife to be heavy in ministry. Homemaking and homeschooling are the callings God put on my life. Right now we are on furlough for many months and it is hard to be deprived of my role as homemaker as we live with others during this time. I am very much looking forward to heading back to the field (Montreal) and having a home to make again.
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      January 1, 2016 at 3:43 pm

      Hi Michelle, as a pastor's wife I know how ministry affects the family. It's tough sometimes! Glad you're join in! Let me know if you have any specific questions! :)
      Reply
  7. NagQuita Winfield

    January 1, 2016 at 8:50 pm

    I am really excited about this study. A few months ago I went to the verses in The Bible that speak about what the Lord wants from me as wife and mother. I felt that I needed help in really understanding and breaking down the verses.
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      January 2, 2016 at 6:23 pm

      I'm so glad you're going to join me here. I'm so excited to get started on Monday! :)
      Reply
  8. Tia R

    January 2, 2016 at 5:40 am

    Am soooo excited about this, after a very rough year (sent email, i'm the one from not-so-sunny-devon) your Calm to Chaos has been fantastic, and this is looking even more brilliant!! There has already been so many blessings in my home since finding this blog but i feel as though i'm starting to sink low and not feeling joyful, i think this is just the thing i need.... roll on 4th Jan!!! Thank You :)
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      January 2, 2016 at 6:29 pm

      Tia, I am so glad you're here and I know God is going to be doing a great work in the coming weeks! Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions! :)
      Reply
  9. Candis

    January 2, 2016 at 8:31 am

    Melissa, I am really looking forward to this series. Your ministry is a blessing to me, and I just wanted to say thank you.
    Reply
  10. Cassie

    January 3, 2016 at 10:08 am

    Melissa, I stumbled across your blog while trying to find a printable grocery list for my meal planning. I am just in time to start this series with you. This is exactly what I have been looking for and NEEDING. I have never looked at my position of a SAHM as a Ministry! I am super excited to see what God has in store for me through this Series! Blessings to you Melissa!
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      January 3, 2016 at 11:33 am

      Hi Cassie! I am so glad you are joining in. God is so good to provide exactly what we need - when we need it. I'm looking forward to seeing how God works through this! :)
      Reply
  11. Dawn Michaelson

    January 4, 2016 at 10:04 am

    I'm really looking forward to your series. I'm a homemaker at heart but ... currently I am a wife to a student doctor along with finishing my own doctoral studies which includes part-time teaching. I struggle with balancing life with so much going on in our lives and hope this series will help me remember how much joy I get out of homemaking even when life gets so busy it seems like it is just another chore.
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      January 4, 2016 at 11:23 am

      Dawn, it does sound like you have a lot going on! I haven't had the same circumstances, but I've definitely been overwhelmed at times - years even - so I know what it's like! Glad you're joining in. God bless you!
      Reply
  12. Jasmine

    January 4, 2016 at 8:37 pm

    Woo hoo! So excited to get into this series. I just finished your 'A Time To Clean' challenge before Christmas and can't wait to see what else God's got in store for me as I embrace homemaking as my ministry. Thank you for doing this Melissa, you're such an encouragement to me:)! Also, a topic I'd like to hear from you about in regards to being a home maker is when to say no to outside commitments and how to judge if a commitment is worth it - so often as a stay at home mum I feel pressured to get involved in things (especially in church) and people assume that because I don't work outside of home I have heaps of free time. I've become better at saying no, but don't want to get into the habit of saying no to everything and miss out on being a blessing to others and using my talents.
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      January 4, 2016 at 9:22 pm

      Jasmine, I'm so glad you're joining in! And I will do my best to talk about that - you're right, it's an important issue a lot of women face. Thanks for the suggestion!
      Reply
  13. Barb Brandt

    January 4, 2016 at 10:08 pm

    Hi Melissa, I would love to join you in this new series, but I cannot figure out how. Will you please help me?
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      January 5, 2016 at 12:48 am

      Hi Barb! You can subscribe to the daily emails here: http://avirtuouswoman.org/subscribe-stay-connected/ or you can simply visit the blog each day to find the latest post. Also, I'd love to hear from you in the comment section and be sure to let me know if you have any questions or suggestions! I hope that helps. So glad you want to participate. :)
      Reply
  14. Malia F.

    January 14, 2016 at 10:32 pm

    HI Melissa! Not even sure how I stumbled upon your blog but I have been trying to figure out how to get back a little structure and bring more scriptures into my life. Growing up I've been involved in many religions and I've just slipted away completely. I wanna make time to devote my life and to bring my family closer to GOD. So am looking forward to joining you in this new series and hope to implement it in my every day life. Thanks for inspiring me! Malia
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      January 19, 2016 at 9:13 am

      Malia, I'm so glad you're joining in. Let me know how things are going with you and if you have any questions! :)
      Reply
  15. Chelsey

    January 19, 2016 at 6:32 am

    Hi Melissa, I am really enjoying your devo's and I absolutely LOVE my planner! You have already helped me so much with exchanging my chaos for calm. I hope all is well and can't wait to continue this series! Anxiously waiting for number 6. Re-Evaluating Your Life & Making Change!
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      January 19, 2016 at 9:10 am

      Re-evaluating Your Life and Making Change was posted this morning. I'm so glad you love the planner. I hope you are blessed by it all year. Glad to hear the devotions have been helpful. Let me know how things are going with you! :)
      Reply
  16. Rebekah | More Radiance

    March 23, 2016 at 12:37 pm

    Wow, thinking of homemaking as a ministry can really give you a change in perspective! I am not a homemaker yet - I still live at home. But I can definitely contribute to the atmosphere of the home... and I can be learning for the future :) Rebekah Joy www.moreradiance.com
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      March 24, 2016 at 7:29 pm

      I love your spirit and attitude! :)
      Reply
  17. Luba @ Healthy with Luba

    October 23, 2017 at 12:01 am

    Thank you for encouraging homemakers in a world where homemaking is often looked down on. We women need all the encouragement we can get to serve the Lord joyfully in our homes!
    Reply

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Hi There! My name is Melissa Ringstaff and I believe that being a Proverbs 31 Woman isn't about being perfect. Here at A Virtuous Woman you'll find freedom from perfection and the confidence to live your life with purpose.


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purposenotperfection

Freedom from perfection. 🪁
Live with purpose. ✝️
Proverbs 31 for modern women. 👱‍♀️
Wife + Mama + Homemaker + Kentucky
Life: @melissa.ringstaff

Melissa Ringstaff
Not gonna lie. 2020 was a hard year. And not just Not gonna lie. 2020 was a hard year. And not just because there was a pandemic. Our family has faced many trying times in the past but 2020 gave us some doozies.  I’m looking forward to a new year. The beginning of the new year always feels like a fresh start to me. It feels like HOPE.  But the truth is, whatever heartaches and hardships you and I were facing on Dec. 31 will most likely still be there on Jan. 1.  That’s why it’s hard to keep New Years resolutions. It’s easy to feel motivated for a few days or a couple weeks until we realize life hasn’t really changed and things are still hard.  But if we want to see real change it takes hard work and real effort. It takes showing up every day - even when it’s hard.  Whether that means working on your fractured relationships or setting healthy boundaries or cultivating self disciple... whatever that hard thing is that you need to work on ... it will only get better if you work on it.  We aren’t promised an easy life. But we are promised an “Ever Present Help in times of trouble.” Psalm 46:1  *
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#faithblogger #faithfulness #faithandfamily #bibleverseaday #christianbloggers #dailyverses #christianlife #jesuscalling #shereadstruth#proverbs31women #proverbs31life #10virtues #daughteroftheking #jesuslovesme #womenoffaith #faithquotes #proverbs31
We’re coming into the new year with all the same We’re coming into the new year with all the same problems we had in the last year. And that’s okay! Life doesn’t have to be perfect to still be amazing. Perfectionism is a joy stealer. Let’s determine to enjoy life right now in all its messiness.  I believe you can find freedom from perfection and the confidence to live your life with purpose. #purposenotperfection  #christian #Jesus #love #quotes #quoteslife #quotestoliveby #godisgood #votd #lifequotes #inspirationalquotes #life #motivationalquotes #inspiration #bible #bb #bestoftheday #happiness #wordofgod
🏠 Being a homemaker is such an important role. 🏠 Being a homemaker is such an important role. It’s a ministry to your family and all who enter your home.  But I want you to know: You don’t have to be perfect. ❤️  There’s a fine line between teaching your children to be neat and insisting on perfection. No one can meet that kind of standard and it can be detrimental to the emotional health of your family.  What we want for our homes is to provide a space that is neat and clean enough that your family and friends feel comfortable and well loved.  There is freedom in accepting the fact that you’re not perfect. Not to make excuses for slovenliness - but to give yourself grace.  It’s when we recognize our weakness that we find ourselves reaching out to Jesus to receive the power that comes only from him. As homemakers, when we can find grace for the moment when we accept His Gift.  “But now for a brief moment grace has been shown from the LORD our God, to leave us an escaped remnant and to give us a peg in His holy place, that our God may enlighten our eyes and grant us a little reviving in our bondage. Ezra 9:8  Let His Grace wash over you, cleanse your weary heart. Homemaking isn’t about creating a perfect space. It’s about creating a home where loved ones feel cared for and nurtured. 
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#proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #purpose31 #10virtues #homemaking #homemakingministries #happyhomemaking #homemaking101 #cleanhome #cleanheart #fromchaostocalm #housekeeping #cleaningroutine #inspiredhome #makingahome #lovewhereyoudwell #homemaker #homebody #biblicalHomemaking #wearethehomemakers
❤️Your attitude about homemaking matters.⠀
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A homemaker by definition is someone who manages and makes a home. 🏠⠀
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But, anyone can clean and organize a home. ⠀
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☑️ Homemaking is about more than checking off the items on your to do list.⠀
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Learning how to be a homemaker means you learn how to make your home feel like haven of peace and love. You seek out ways to make your home feel inviting. You work at it.⠀
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There is no easy button for homemaking. There are easier, more efficient ways to do chores, but the chores still have to be done. If you live in a house, you will create the need for the house to be tidied every day and cleaned on a regular basis.⠀
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Having the right attitude about homemaking is the first step in learning how to be a homemaker.⠀
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The good news is, even if you’ve been struggling with your homemaking, you can always go to God and ask Him for help. ⠀
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He sees the unseen work of your hands. And He loves you very, very much. He wants to help you succeed. ⠀
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#proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #purpose31 #10virtues #homemaking #homemakingministries #happyhomemaking #homemaking101 #cleanhome #cleanheart #fromchaostocalm #housekeeping #cleaningroutine #inspiredhome #makingahome #lovewhereyoudwell #homemaker #homebody #biblicalHomemaking  #youngwife #housewife
🙏 If you’ve found it difficult to have a regu 🙏 If you’ve found it difficult to have a regular time with Jesus every day, you’re not alone. Lots of busy Christian women struggle to find time for a daily prayer and devotion time. ⠀
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But I still want to encourage you to start your day with God! ⠀
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⏰ If it’s hard to spend 30 minutes in the morning for a quiet time, I want you to remember you can still begin your day with God – even if that means saying a short prayer before your feet hit the floor in the morning.⠀
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✝️ I also want to encourage you to memorize this verse:⠀
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“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.⠀
Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” Psalm 143:8 📖⠀
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In the morning you can recite this verse and say a prayer. It doesn’t have to take a long time. Although – if you do have time – you will be greatly blessed by spending more time in prayer and devotion.⠀
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📌 Free Printable Morning Prayer Prompts on the blog today: https://avirtuouswoman.org/morning-prayer-prompts/  #linkinbio ⠀
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#faithblogger #faithfulness #faithandfamily #bibleverseaday #christianbloggers #dailyverses #christianlife #jesuscalling #shereadstruth #Christ #Church #Christian #Jesus #Jesuslover #JesusChrist #JesusisLord #CreatorGod #Devotional #verseoftheday #Love #Faith #biblestudy #God #dailydevotional
🏠 As a homemaker, one of my goals is to be inte 🏠 As a homemaker, one of my goals is to be intentional with how I plan our days. I love any opportunity to create a good memories at home for my family and guests. ⠀⠀
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📌 If you're looking to make this holiday season really special, you need to be intentional. Goodness knows 2020 has had a lot of ups and downs. And maybe you feel like it's been mostly downs. ⠀⠀
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🎄 But the holiday season is a chance to focus on celebrating the life we have right now. Things don't need to be perfect for us to celebrate life right now!!⠀⠀
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☑️ Inside the pages of my Purpose 31 holiday planner, you'll find 8 weeks of planning and cleaning all laid out for you. Recipe pages, journaling pages, and more - 120 pages total. ⠀⠀
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✏️ The Purpose 31 Holiday Planner is by far one of the most popular resource I produce each year. ⠀⠀
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Thousands of women have downloaded it over the last four years I've offered it.⠀⠀
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So, even though it's early still, you can go ahead and downlaod it. Print it out and then set it up so you're ready to go.⠀⠀
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I usually take my holiday planner down to Office Depot and have them spiral bind it with a plastic cover for about $5.00. This year, though, I just bought a new 3 ring binder at Walmart, printed off extra cover pages to slip in the clear sleeve, and created a binder with it. ⠀⠀
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📌📌📌 If you use the planner this year, be sure to share and tag me in your photos! ❤️⠀  Download: https://avirtuouswoman.org/holiday-planner/ #linkinbio
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#proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #purpose31 #10virtues #homemaking #homemakingministries #happyhomemaking #homemaking101 #cleanhome #cleanheart #fromchaostocalm #housekeeping #cleaningroutine #inspiredhome #makingahome #lovewhereyoudwell #homemaker #homebody #biblicalHomemaking #christmas #holidayplanning #planningaddict #plannercommunity #freeprintables #thanksgiving #christmastree  #plannerobsessed
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