Proverbs 31:10- 31
10 Who can find a virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.
15 She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.
20 She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She watches over 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 daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates.
We all know of the virtues or worthy woman. She takes care of her home, her servants, and the needy. She is not idle, she works outside the home, she is honest, kind and wise.
This past Sunday the man delivering the lesson to us (Josh) spoke on these verses (click here to listen). But, he had a twist on them. Instead of this worthy woman he talked about the worthy man. I have studied these verses and taught on these verses many of times. I have never thought of the man "behind the scenes". I would like to share with you some things I got from the lesson and a few more thoughts I had after it.
In verse 11 we see he is a one woman man. In todays society we see men (and women) getting married deciding that person is not "the one" and leaving just to go find someone else. We also see people not satisfied with there relationship and seeking pleasures outside their home. Sometimes with multiple people. This man has one woman and he trusts her. Also, we can notice the worthy man chose to spend his life with a worthy woman. He went seeking for this worthy women so he does not have to seek a perfect life elsewhere. She is all he wants.
The virtues woman we see plants a vineyard (v 16), extends her hand to the poor and needy (v 20), She has her own business of selling things (v24), and she watches over the ways of her house or manages the affairs of her house (v 27). All of these things we do not see the man in the equation. It appears to me the woman is doing all of this while her husband is out being the "bread winner" for his family. I would like to submit the husband does have a major role in it. The worthy man supports his wife in her ways. Without the support of her husband she would not be able to do these things. The man is the head of the family and women are to submit to there husbands (Eph. 5:22-23). If he preferred her to stay home, or decide her time outside of the home was taking away from the family then I think she would have to respect his wishes. Along with this showing the worthy man is supportive, it also shows he leads with love and is not a tirant. He could take being head of the house to his head and contro the wife but he shows love and support.
Lemuel means "of God; devoted to God". In verse 23 we see he has a good reputation. He is known among the gates and sits with the elders. In the gates men come together and have basically like a city council meeting. The elders of the city are like representatives that make decisions on the town peoples behalf. This man sits among them. He is trusted among the town and people think highly of this man. He has a good reputation among the people and he is a servant of God.
Finally in verses 28, shows this worthy man leads his family well and sets an example for them. "Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:" These children did not just get up one day praising there mother. I think she taught them manners but the learned to do this from some one. Their father also rises to praise and call her blessed. the children see how he treats their mother and mimics him. Also, I would like to say he probable trained them to do so. Children learn by telling and by example and the worthy man teaches his children and is the example they need.
Sometimes I feel like I ramble on about things and I feel like I do not get my point across but I hope men and women alike can get something out of this.
Please let me know what your thoughts are on this worthy man and woman.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Baby Shower
Well the first of two showers down and I think I am supplied for a good long time. With about 37 (if my counting is any good) in attendance and some amazing hosts it was a big success. I am so blessed to have so many people who love me and support me in all things. This group of women are the best in the whole world, I could not ask for a better group of people to be the main influence on my children's lives.
Of course it was a boy theme and the hosts worked very hard to get everything together. the next few pictures are of the party.
The sash They made for m to wear.
Melted chocolate in diapers had to figure out what kind a candy bar it is. It was amazing how real it looked.
One wonderful women made this for the party. Marie's mom Karen.
THe girls made all of these (they molded them all by hand.....in a mold sorry kind of an inside joke)
Sarah (my niece) insisted on helping me with the gifts. then she would ask me "what is that for?" or "what does that do?" Once I had to sit back as she dug everything out of a basket putting it on my lap while i explained everything that was in it then she said ok now we are done no more, then threw everything back into the basket (not gently at all) then said ok next. She can be a character, I guess this just is teaching me patience early.
The three amigos. These two planned a lot of the party and did the decorations. Also, at this time all the other ladies should be mentioned. Thank you goes to Hannah, Marie, Nina, Heather, Katie, Karen and Roxanne. Also for Nina's son Isaac who I'm sure had to help make sure the house was in order for all of us. Then to all the ladies who brought there gifts. It would have been nothing without all of them.
God has truly blessed me richly! I have a wonderful family. My parents and John's parents are always there for us. Also, I have a wonderful christian family. I can call on any one and they will be there no matter what. Amos is one lucky little boy.
This is what I came home with. I had to make the picture bigger to make out what all was there. I only have duplicates of three things. Those will get taken back and I am going to get something I need.
Thank you again to all of you. I love you all!!!!
Of course it was a boy theme and the hosts worked very hard to get everything together. the next few pictures are of the party.
God has truly blessed me richly! I have a wonderful family. My parents and John's parents are always there for us. Also, I have a wonderful christian family. I can call on any one and they will be there no matter what. Amos is one lucky little boy.
This is what I came home with. I had to make the picture bigger to make out what all was there. I only have duplicates of three things. Those will get taken back and I am going to get something I need.
Thank you again to all of you. I love you all!!!!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Wonderful friends
1 Samuel 18:1-Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.
I have always loved this verse and the example of Jonathan and David. The thought of having a good friend that is closer to you than any other person on this earth. A person who would do anything for you. If you remember Jonathan helped David escape his father, Saul. This could have gotten Jonathan killed (if Saul was a better aim with the spear) but he still stuck up for David and helped him through the worst of times.
I am very blessed to have friends I can say we are knit together and love each other as ourselves. Hannah, Marie and I We have known and been together for at least 10 to 12 years ranging in ages (roughly 15 years difference between the youngest and oldest, I guess the youngest was just that mature;). This never bothered us, we always had fun no matter where we were or what we were doing. These girls have all my "deepest darkest secrets" that no one else knows about, and I trust them completely with them. They have helped me through the rough times in my life and have been with me to celebrate through the good times. We have burned more calories laughing mainly at our selves and each other (early in the morning/late at night make everything funnier) than we have walking or anything else.
Due to marriage, moving away and soon to be baby we do not get together as often as we like, but we do as much as we can. We got together just last weekend. We spent most of our time sitting and talking (and eating). We just stayed at Marie's house, made our own food and talked with a little bit of games (none of of are competitive at all ;) Not just laughing, but encouraging and giving advice where needed. I always walk away from our time together feeling up lifted, and closer to them.
I have many friends in the area and they are wonderful people and christians and I feel encouraged when I talk with them. I laugh and have a good time with them. I love my time with them and I am very close to some. But, there is nothing like Hannah and Marie time. I love these girls and would never give them up!!!!
I hope everyone has at least one friend like this!!!!!!
I have always loved this verse and the example of Jonathan and David. The thought of having a good friend that is closer to you than any other person on this earth. A person who would do anything for you. If you remember Jonathan helped David escape his father, Saul. This could have gotten Jonathan killed (if Saul was a better aim with the spear) but he still stuck up for David and helped him through the worst of times.
I am very blessed to have friends I can say we are knit together and love each other as ourselves. Hannah, Marie and I We have known and been together for at least 10 to 12 years ranging in ages (roughly 15 years difference between the youngest and oldest, I guess the youngest was just that mature;). This never bothered us, we always had fun no matter where we were or what we were doing. These girls have all my "deepest darkest secrets" that no one else knows about, and I trust them completely with them. They have helped me through the rough times in my life and have been with me to celebrate through the good times. We have burned more calories laughing mainly at our selves and each other (early in the morning/late at night make everything funnier) than we have walking or anything else.
Due to marriage, moving away and soon to be baby we do not get together as often as we like, but we do as much as we can. We got together just last weekend. We spent most of our time sitting and talking (and eating). We just stayed at Marie's house, made our own food and talked with a little bit of games (none of of are competitive at all ;) Not just laughing, but encouraging and giving advice where needed. I always walk away from our time together feeling up lifted, and closer to them.
I have many friends in the area and they are wonderful people and christians and I feel encouraged when I talk with them. I laugh and have a good time with them. I love my time with them and I am very close to some. But, there is nothing like Hannah and Marie time. I love these girls and would never give them up!!!!
I hope everyone has at least one friend like this!!!!!!
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Cleaning and Keeping it Clean (I Hope)
Our house was empt for a long time. We started with squirrels in the attack, a mice infestation (I think we killed like 20 of them and that is not much of an exaggeration), spiders and of course the thing found in every house DUST. The squirrels were shot, the mice were caught and killed (one being shot, why John thought that was a good idea no one knows), the spiders are slowly being taken care of, and as for the dust I think there are layers on the walls and ceiling that releases once a day. I wil dust and the next day it does not look like it. I am about to go crazy and want to give up.
I was talking with a lady on the phone one day and she was saying she deep cleans her house once a week. That means dusting, sweeping, moping, vacuuming, the whole works. My thoughts at that time were -you are completely crazy, I think retirement made you a bit loopy or something- I did not tell her this because well one its not a kind word to a friend (so it really should not have been thought) and two I started to think she probably has the right idea. John and I have really bad allergies to the dust and everything it brings with it. Dusting really should be my number one priority. But lets face it, who really likes to go around dusting their house? I sure don't!
I decided to start my self on a new routine. I will spend one hour a day deep cleaning cleaning one room. I feel this way it does not seem like I'm cleaning all day and not doing anything else that needs to be done. Besides if I were to clean all day doing nothing else, I would be tired of it by the end and the later rooms do not get cleaned very well. So I started my own process (this works for me but may not work for others) I type/write everything out, and this helps me do it and know exactly what needs to be done. I sat down in each room and wrote everything out.
EX.
Bathroom:
-Dust (Cabinet, door frame, window seal, mirror)
-Clean sink, toilet, shower
-Dump trash
-Wipe down mirror
-Fill toilet paper holder
-Change towels
-Sweep/Mop
(Last monday of every month soak shower head in vinegar and use liquid plumer)
I did this for every room. This kinda gives me a list to check off so I can make sure everything gets done (especially when just starting a new routine). I then assigned each room a day ( I have more than 5 rooms so I had to double some. I put lighter load rooms together).
Monday- Bathroom (What better way to start a week with a clean bathroom)
Tuesday- Living room (It needs to be done so get it out of the way early in the week)
Wednesday- Kitchen/Dining room (If I wanted to have someone over after church or for supper before the kitchen has just been cleaned and the "important rooms" have been cleaned recently)
Thursday-Back room (our spare bed and my sewing room)/Nursery (no good reason for this day)
Friday- Bedroom (I change the sheets on friday so I put the bedroom on this day so I did not have to do something twice a week in this room)
After I arranged my "Daily cleaning" I started on my "Every day clean up and to-do"
I was talking with a lady on the phone one day and she was saying she deep cleans her house once a week. That means dusting, sweeping, moping, vacuuming, the whole works. My thoughts at that time were -you are completely crazy, I think retirement made you a bit loopy or something- I did not tell her this because well one its not a kind word to a friend (so it really should not have been thought) and two I started to think she probably has the right idea. John and I have really bad allergies to the dust and everything it brings with it. Dusting really should be my number one priority. But lets face it, who really likes to go around dusting their house? I sure don't!
I decided to start my self on a new routine. I will spend one hour a day deep cleaning cleaning one room. I feel this way it does not seem like I'm cleaning all day and not doing anything else that needs to be done. Besides if I were to clean all day doing nothing else, I would be tired of it by the end and the later rooms do not get cleaned very well. So I started my own process (this works for me but may not work for others) I type/write everything out, and this helps me do it and know exactly what needs to be done. I sat down in each room and wrote everything out.
EX.
Bathroom:
-Dust (Cabinet, door frame, window seal, mirror)
-Clean sink, toilet, shower
-Dump trash
-Wipe down mirror
-Fill toilet paper holder
-Change towels
-Sweep/Mop
(Last monday of every month soak shower head in vinegar and use liquid plumer)
I did this for every room. This kinda gives me a list to check off so I can make sure everything gets done (especially when just starting a new routine). I then assigned each room a day ( I have more than 5 rooms so I had to double some. I put lighter load rooms together).
Monday- Bathroom (What better way to start a week with a clean bathroom)
Tuesday- Living room (It needs to be done so get it out of the way early in the week)
Wednesday- Kitchen/Dining room (If I wanted to have someone over after church or for supper before the kitchen has just been cleaned and the "important rooms" have been cleaned recently)
Thursday-Back room (our spare bed and my sewing room)/Nursery (no good reason for this day)
Friday- Bedroom (I change the sheets on friday so I put the bedroom on this day so I did not have to do something twice a week in this room)
After I arranged my "Daily cleaning" I started on my "Every day clean up and to-do"
Make bed
Set supper out
Wash, dry and fold at least on load of laundry
Dishes
10 min tidy up before bed
Sweep kitchen
Wipe down bathroom sink and toilet
I don't know about others but my kitchen floor always has dirt or something on it, and the sink always has my hair in it. If I keep them up every day surprise visits will not be embarrassing.
I started this three days ago and I have done very well. I got behind yesterday because my daddy needed help so I was not home most of the day. But I will get back to work and clean the Kitchen, dinning room, back room, and nursery today. It is a good thing I keep up with the kitchen every day or I would be swamped when I get behind due to unforeseen events. I clean for a total of two hours (maybe) a day and the rest of the day I can do whatever else needs to be done. I would dread the day because I felt like I was always cleaning. This has helped me in just the short time I have been doing it and I feel I can keep up with it. I just think only an hour of "deep cleaning" and I will be done. I do not even think about the every day little things. I find it easier to wake up in the mornings. For some this may not work but if it helps you in any way use it. I can say John is happier with the house this week, more than he has been since we got married.
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