Summer is upon us, and with its advent, opportunities abound for us to expand our horizons through travel. Kelsey’s Korner provides you with practical tips on how to travel smart by following the role model of the wise woman described in Proverbs 31:21-22 and Proverbs 31:26. These verses clearly suggest that she was prepared for unforeseen circumstances (31:21-22) and prudent in her decisions (31:26). Possessing the character quality of prudence suggests that she is practically wise, cautious and careful of the consequences.
One of Kelsey’s recommendations focuses on your clothing selection. As a Christian woman, modesty is a critical part of being an accurate representation of your heavenly Father (1 Corinthians 12:23; 1 Timothy 2:9; 1 Peter 3:3-4). Besides dressing modestly, a smart travel wardrobe includes making provision for your spiritual clothing. May I encourage you to pack these garments in your suitcase?
- The Armor of Light (Romans 13:12)
The protection that practical righteousness provides
- The Lord Jesus (Romans 13:14; Galatians 3:27)
Continuing in your sanctification progress on your vacation. Plan ahead to avoid any behaviors that would discredit your Christian testimony.
- The Full Armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-20)
Satan seeks to discredit your testimony whenever he can. Daily dress in the full armor of God to stop his attacks and to be prepared to always be a representative of your heavenly Father.
- Truth (Ephesians 4:25)
The garment of truth allows us to be an instrument our Lord can use to further His kingdom.
- Honesty (Ephesians 4:28)
A reminder to only keep the items that belong to you and to be a careful steward of other’s property while you are using it.
- Timely and Edifying Words of Grace(Ephesians 4:29)
Focus on your speech being instructive, encouraging, and uplifting among your family and to those with whom you are interacting.
- Kindness (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12)
Exhibit a gracious spirit to your family and those who serve you.
- Forgiveness (Colossians 3:13)
Keep short accounts with your family and friends. Be quick to overlook the unkind actions of others.
- A Heart of Compassion, Humility, and Gentleness (Colossians 3:12)
Be willing to endure injury or insults rather than to inflict hurt on others.
- Longsuffering (Colossians 3:14)
The opposite of quick anger, resentment, or revenge, this garment is a true reflection of Christ.
- The Peace of Christ (Colossians 3:15)
An attitude of rest and security regardless of the circumstances, remembering that all circumstances that occur are allowed by our gracious heavenly Father.
- The Word of God (Colossians 3:16)
Daily infuse your spirit with the inspired Scriptures.
- A Gentle and Quiet Spirit (1 Peter 3:4)
The godly reactions to life.
Now that your spiritual wardrobe is packed, Kelsey’s timely tips provide you with practical advice for your journey. Happy traveling!
KELSEY’S KORNER
Are you traveling this summer? According to a recent article, you, along with 72% of Americans, will vacation during the summer season, spending a bank-breaking $1,000 per person! With so much travel, money spending, and excitement heading our way, I have only one pressing question: are you “travel smart”?
I define travel smart as “taking the necessary precautions to travel safely and financially wise”—a simple definition and yet a tall order! Adopt these simple safety and financial tips for your summer sojourns and become more travel smart!
- Safety: Tourists are often targeted by criminals as easy victims for robbery and other crimes. Research your destination to discern potential dangers.
o Research the local crimes. For example, Italy is known for their skillful and deceptive pickpockets who often dress as businessmen to seem inconspicuous and work in teams to steal money from tourists. For your vacation do you need to buy something to keep money and valuables safe, such as a money belt or cross body purse? Do you need a steering wheel lock to help avoid car theft? As a woman, are there places you should avoid without a man present?
o Research what to wear. Dressing like a local will get you respect and will often draw mischievous eyes away from you (and onto more obvious tourists). Should you avoid certain colors due to gang activity? Are there clothing customs or traditions to follow? What about the weather—are you prepared for the climate?
o Research the best modes of transportation. In many places, driving is more like a suicide mission than a viable option! Investigate forms of transportation the locals use, being careful to avoid any unsafe subways or trams, especially at night.
o Research food safety. There is nothing quite like getting food poisoning on vacation to ruin a trip. Research what/where to avoid.
o Be leery of street vendors. If an offer seems too good to be true, it usually is. Look up common tricks of the trade that vendors may use at your destination.
Summary: To ensure safety, thoroughly research your vacation spot, even if it’s in the States.
- Finances: food, lodging, and airfare are three of the main expenses when traveling. Learn to spend smart and extend your vacation!
- For lodging, search websites such as Airbnb for bargains on privately owned apartments, guest houses, and spare rooms. Although many amazing deals can be found, only choose places with great (and multiple) reviews. Don’t take chances—it’s not worth compromising safety to save a few extra dollars!
- Some Airbnb locations come with kitchens, providing a great opportunity to cut down on food costs by cooking “at home” for a few meals. Plan a simple menu and bring the essential pantry goods like salt and oil, buying the fresh stuff at your venue.
- For flights, believe it or not, there are cheaper times to buy.
- For peak travel: During peak seasons such as June, July, August, Thanksgiving, and the December holidays, it’s best to purchase tickets two months in advance.
- For International fares: Shop between 5 ½ months and 1 ½ months before departure.
- For U.S. domestic tickets: Shop between 3 months and 30 days before departure.
- Check out prices on Tuesdays at 3:00 PM. This is the weekly time that deals are posted for most airlines.
- Always use sites that compare prices, like Kayak.com, to find the best deals.
- For lodging, search websites such as Airbnb for bargains on privately owned apartments, guest houses, and spare rooms. Although many amazing deals can be found, only choose places with great (and multiple) reviews. Don’t take chances—it’s not worth compromising safety to save a few extra dollars!
Summary: Be creative! Just a little planning may save you hundreds of dollars.
Doing the work to travel smart could make or break a vacation. So this summer, as you vacation on sunny beaches or in scenic villages, we pray you travel smart and stay safe!
THE EVERYDAY HOMEMAKER’S MONTHLY MEDITATION THOUGHT
God has said, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26).
Therefore, I may boldly say, “Since God’s Spirit is resident in my life I can hear God’s voice as He guides me through all circumstances.”
AN INVITATION
The “Building a Culture of Biblical Femininity Conference in the Home, Church, and Community” October 5-7 on the campus of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary will allow you to deepen your understanding of Biblical Femininity. If you would like to know more about the Conference contact me through the “Send Pat a Message” feature at the bottom of the Home Page. I am excited to introduce you to the Key Speakers. We pray that you will choose to join us in our March for Biblical Femininity in October!
MARY LEE BAYLY
Mary Lee Bayly is the director of Women’s Ministries at Clearnote Church in Bloomington, Indiana. She and her husband Tim, who pastors the church, have been married for 41 years. They have 5 children and 21 grandchildren. Having fallen prey to the lies of feminism herself in younger years, she works earnestly to help women embrace their God-given calling as set forth in Scripture. When she is not taking care of grandchildren she is counseling women, reading, sewing, or attending births as a doula.
BARBARA HUGHES
Barbara Hughes is first and foremost a lover of Christ, wife, mother and grandmother. She has served the Lord alongside her husband in ministry for over fifty years. Her energies in this regard were devoted to the work of women's ministries, Bible study and hospitality.
Barbara is co-author and author of several books most notably, Disciplines of a Godly Woman. She has a passion for personal evangelism, gardening and oil painting.
RACHEL JANKOVIC
Rachel Jankovic is a wife to Luke, mother to seven busy children, and an occasional writer. She is the author of two books, Loving the Little Years, and Fit to Burst. She can usually be found up to her elbows in the work of feeding all the people she loves.
REBEKAH MERKLE
Rebekah Merkle has dabbled in a number of occupations ranging from running her own clothing label to designing fabrics to becoming a full-time high school humanities teacher. Author of Eve in Exile and the Restoration of Femininity, her proudest accomplishment is her crew of five high-speed teenagers. Her favorite role is that of wife to her similarly high-speed husband Ben. Click on this link to read a recent article: http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/throw-like-a-girl
Blessings on your day as you focus on making your house a home!