You might be one of them.
But I’m okay with that.
I didn’t grow up with the desire to bake or sew. I wasn’t into gardening or anything remotely close to homemaking, cleaning or organizing.
Now I find myself drawn to each of these. It’s thrilling to bake bread from scratch, make my own soap, grow our own vegetables, organize my home and even sew on occasion for special products. Granted, I’m still new at a lot of these, but I really enjoy it and I want to keep it up and get better at it.
I find myself thinking weird things like: “Wonder how you make your own crackers?” So far I’ve learned to make a lot of things to save on the cost of their store-bought equivalents – like granola bars, french fries, hamburger buns, egg nog, and hopefully soon yogurt. I’m not the best cook, but I just keep doing it anyway. 
I also enjoy staying here at home, being the keeper, spending days in and days out here with my family. I like organizing and de-cluttering, keeping order around the house. I’m not going to lie, I don’t particularly care for washing dishes or mopping. But I do like that I have the opportunity to stay home and be a housewife – and I don’t find it demeaning or degrading or de- anything. To me, it’s a high calling. I’m not the best at that either, but I just keep working away at that, too.
Even with all that on my plate, I also enjoy homeschooling our children. It takes a lot of discipline and work. But I love it more than I can explain. In fact, I adore our children and love having them to care for and train and raise. They don’t always make it easy, either. Yet there’s nothing like a mother’s love is there? In fact, I’d even like to have another. Some people say I’m crazy just for that. 
I also love my husband, and I don’t have a problem with the word “submission” because I don’t see it as being defined as “doormat,” “servant,” “puppet,” “opinion-less,” “zombie-like” or “ignorant”… but rather I define it as “gladly serving under the leadership of.” I’m not always good at that, sometimes I screw up, but I don’t have a problem with it at all. It’s something I strive for.
I love God most of all. And sure, there are plenty of people who’d say I’m crazy for that. Some people, even other Christians, might look at me like I’m some kind of off-the-deep-end nut, because I completely believe that God is in control of everything, everything that happens is by God’s plan, everything that happens can be used by God for my spiritual good, and no matter what happens I will always trust in God for everything.
If you wrap that whole package up together, I guess I might come off as a little strange to some. Maybe you don’t get it. Maybe you do. I hope you do. But maybe you don’t. And that’s okay.
Raise an eyebrow if you must.
Just know that I don’t regret or dislike a single moment of it. I’m not brainwashed or brainless or backward.
I am, though, happy. Loved. Complete.
I guess what I’m saying is, that if this is what “strange” is… then sign me up.
{Originally published May 26, 2008; Republished December 23, 2008}
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18 Comments
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Deanne
You can add ‘encouragement’ and ‘inspiration’ to your list of ‘oddities’, for you are that to me. Some days I fear there is something wrong with me that I don’t feel all motherly or inclined to my children as I feel I should. The way you write about your life as a mother and wife encourages me to keep seeking and moving toward what the Lord desires and has for me. I appreciate your honesty and candidness as you write about your life. Thanks! And keep pressing on!
Nicole
I thank you for this post today! I couldn’t have written it better myself.
MamaNut
I’m so glad to see you write this post!
I’m in BIG trouble for the state of my home right now so I appreciate the encouragement to keep working at it because you know as well as I do that it only takes a few days for chaos to set in. So, sign me up for some strangeness, too 
Anyways… back to the kitchen…
Kelly
Sign me up too!
bimw
We are so much alike…I read this and thought, “thats me to a T!”
Wonderful post!!
mrs darling
That doesnt sound odd at all.
I will tell you that of all the things you listed that you have learned to make the one you havent made is the easiest! LOL That would be yogurt. It takes very little no how to make it.
mrs darling
should say “know how”
Becoming Me
I think are are wonderful and am thankful you wrote this.
Misty
i really enjoyed reading this today… my eyebrow is raised.. in sympathy and a little “why haven’t i thought of it like that recently.” i also love-but am not always excellent at-being a homemaker, hugh calling indeed.
Jack's Mommy
that sounds just like me! and I agree completely about the submission / husband thing.
Shoot…after being in a supervisory “leader” position for 4 years in the harsh business world…and being hated by many our employees because I had to do things they didn’t like… I gladly turn over my hat at home.
amy
Hey, Amber!
I’m just so blessed so have a sweet friend like you! It was the first time I read your blog, but I loved it. Keep it up, you’re an inspiration!
Amy Jane (Untangling Tales)
What a fun statement of declaration.
They are encouraging to write, and a blessed reminder to re-read when we’re less, hmmmm, content than usual.
Or less content than when we wrote it.
Thinking of you and stopped by to check in and wish you a blessed day.
Happy Summer!
vonny
Hi,
I’m Vonny, a young lady from Indonesia..
I found your blog very great^^
I like your everything here, from the sharing story about faith and thoughts about life – to the creativity..
You must have been inspiring people
Maybe I should learn from your experience too when I’m gonna be a wife and a mother..
wanna know you more if possible
..
vonny
Heather
I don’t think it’s strange at all. In fact, you could easily substitute me for you in this description and I quite like it that way. I needed the reminder today, though so thank you!
Heather’s last blog post..Dropps Giveaway!!
mrs darling
Aha, so this is where you disappeared too. LOL
Love the blog.
Have a Merry christmas and dont eat too much sugar!
mrs darling’s last blog post..Christmas Candy and Treats
Kristi
I love this post! I’m with ya- I never wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. I was pretty close to Christian feminism. And then God turned that upside down. I, too, have been known to bake my own bread (from fresh ground grain), make yogurt, granola, etc… But hey – if you’re going to do something, do it well! And why not homeschool to be a little weirder?
I figure, if I’m different from the majority, I’m probably doing something ok!
Kristi’s last blog post.."Travel mercies"
Prudent Homemaker
I saw a great post about making homemade crackers. I wish I’d added that blog to my favorites!
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