I want to talk to the women tonight! Where the ladies at?! I’m convinced my dad is the only male that reads my blog anyway, so, Pops, I’m asking you to hand the iPad to Mom.
I saw the coolest Facebook game today. Usually, I would scroll on by because, I could care less which women’s name’s appear on the “need a vacation” list. But this one grabbed by attention:
I’m a Proverbs 31 obsessor. This is my “how to” guide for happiness. We know we need more energy, less stress, perfect body, perfect children, happy husband, and sleep-this is how to have it all. This version is from the New International Readers Version:
uAn excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than vjewels.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She wseeks wool and flax,
and works with willing hands.
14 She is like the ships of the merchant;
she brings her food from afar.
15 She xrises while it is yet night
and yprovides food for her household
and portions for her maidens.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
17 She zdresses herself5 with strength
and makes her arms strong.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
Her lamp does not go out at night.
19 She puts her hands to the distaff,
and her hands hold the spindle.
20 She aopens her hand to bthe poor
and reaches out her hands to bthe needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
for all her household are clothed in cscarlet.6
22 She makes dbed coverings for herself;
her clothing is efine linen and fpurple.
23 Her husband is known in gthe gates
when he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes hlinen garments and sells them;
she delivers sashes to the merchant.
25 iStrength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many jwomen have done kexcellently,
but you surpass them all.”
30 lCharm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates.
Let’s break this down in 2018 terms:
10. YOU are precious!
11. Your spouse trusts you-never give him a reason not to.
12. Your husbands needs come before yours and your children’s needs. Sacrifice your wants to make him happy.
13. Okay, so I’m not asking you to start sewing all your own clothes, but use your hands and time for your family. And here’s the scary word used: do it willingly.
14. Spend some time on dinner! You will save money, calories, and time if you meal prep. Buy a cute picture frame, chalkboard the glass, BOOM you’ve got yourself a decorative, convenient menu.
15. You’re gonna hate me, but don’t shoot the messenger. Get up early! Get things done early so a) you’re not stressed rushing to get things ready and b) do your thing so that when the others wake up, you can do theirs.
16. Buy acres and plant apple trees. I’m kidding. I think this verse signifies that you need to be money savvy. Make sure your purchases are beneficial to your family. And profitable.
17. Be strong! In order to be strong and defend the Word, you must know the Word. Put on the armor.
18. Don’t be in a hurry to be “done” for the day. If your spouse of kids need to talk in the middle of the night, be there for them.
19. Be a good homemaker. I’m not saying be 1950s housewife and vacuum in pearls, but keep your house clean.
20. Treat the poor as if they are people-because they are. They are children of God like you and me. Make their needs a priority.
21. Be sure your family has the materials they need to endure harsh weather conditions; therefore, you won’t fear when those moments come.
22. Spend time on yourself. Basically, allow your self to be the hott mom and trophy wife.
23. Your husband is greatly respected by folks. Make sure you are his top respecter.
24. Again, not asking you to sew. But, provide for your family’s clothing needs. Think ahead. I’m a huge believer in online yard sales and semi annual consignment sales. Sell clothes to buy clothes-for cheap!
25. The Message quotes, “She always faces tomorrow with a smile.” Yup. Do that.
26. Speak truth. Speak kindness. Speak wisdom. Be VERY careful that your tongue is used for kindness, and that the words that come out of your face, are worthwhile.
27. Know everything that goes on in your house with the people that live there. We can trust our children, but we can’t trust the world they live in. It’s okay to be “overprotective” to protect them from the dangers of sin surrounding them.
28. Do things worthy of praise from your hubby and your kiddos.
29. You are a champion! Many women have tried to live up to the title you have set.
30. Beauty is but a season, and charm is not gonna take you everywhere. But doing everything in the Lord’s name, that kind of woman will be praised by God.
31. When doing these things, you will be given everything you deserve!
Today, I watched a sweet momma dove start building her nest.
She was working hard starting at 7am this morning. Ellie and I kept up with her throughout the day. Around noon, we noticed this.
I’m assuming this is the male bird. He helped her build this nest. He brought her food and sticks. They worked together to build their family. What a beautiful example of the kind of Proverbs 31 woman we need to be.
Ben thought I was nuts for “wanting to be like the birds”, but I wanted to spend time with him out of respect for him. We ate dessert-
(Yes, these are under 100 calories a piece)
And played corn hole with beanie babies once the kids went to sleep!
There is opportunity all around us to encourage us to stick to the Proverbs 31 example of a godly woman living in an ungodly world. Look for them, embrace them, act on them.
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