A Gentle and Quiet Spirit

In my first women's ministry class at Bible college I had to write a paper about a passage in Scripture which mentioned womanhood. I chose 1 Peter 3, a passage about submission to husbands. The verses that I really wanted to study were 3 and 4.

"Do not let your adornment be merely outward-arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel-rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God."

I feel like I have spent years trying to figure out what it looks like to have a 'gentle and quiet spirit'. I am not sure where my paper is. I would like to read it, but I remember some of my findings.

The phrase 'gentle' is actually referring to the word 'meek or humble'. This word was also used to describe Jesus himself. The preceding verse mentions physical looks. I used to get caught up on this. Is it really saying that we shouldn't fix our hair and wear jewelry? I was okay with that. I am sort of a plain Jane. I do not really like wearing jewelry. Sounds good to me. Well I looked closer, and I realized the word 'merely'. So it is saying that we should not only fix our hair and look pretty, we must also exemplify a gentle and quiet spirit.

So what does this look like on a daily basis? Studying these verses has been convicting for me. Here is what I got from this study.

First, I think the only way we are going to be meek and humble like Jesus, our Lord, is to walk with Him daily. We must start each day in prayer and communion with God through His Word. If we do not know Him deeply, how will we know how to live like Him? Drawing close to the throne of our humble Lord is a humbling experience.

Second, we must remember that this verse is talking about the women submitting to husbands. Her quietness refers to how she acts and reacts to her husband's leadership. This also applies to single women. We must submit to the authority around us. Also, we must submit to one another in love. I personally need to be more aware of my interactions with others. Ever since the garden, women have been tempted to usurp the authority of their husbands. We must remember to submit in a loving and humble way.

All we can do is draw near to Christ, and He will show us the way to live. Our love for Him should overflow and shine through our gentle and quiet spirits.

Food

I have been cooking since I was 10 years old. That is a whole 15 years of active time in the kitchen. Sometimes I think that I am an expert, but oh boy do I have a lot to learn. Recently I made a Kentucky Butter Cake for the Derby. Too bad it stuck to the bundt pan :(
It happens....

So I am going to share some recipes and tips as I work in the kitchen. This is part of my summer fun plan.

First, let me start with a summer dessert which is so easy!

Fruit Cookie:

Roll out sugar cookie dough and bake as directed. Top with flavored cream cheese (strawberry) and top with your favorite fruit!
(A brownie variation of this is good also)