Moving

The Proverbs Woman

My new blog.

I am combining this blog with my other other blog (against the money flow). Please visit there for more information.

Tidings of Joy

I’ve been amazed at God’s goodness these past few weeks…. I’m amazed at His goodness anytime, but He’s shown me a different side of His goodness lately. As you may have read in my last entry, I wanted this Christmas to be something different for my family. I really wanted it to be a Christmas that my children and Andy and I all really got a good taste of giving. As usual, God met that request and raised it way beyond what I could have imagined.

We had a pretty major bill come due the day right after Christmas, and we had no idea how we were going to pay it. We asked God to supply for the need and waited to see what He would do. His response was both extremely humbling and joyful. It came through my children. They must have overheard Andy and I talking about the bill, and without a word, they went and got their money they just got for Christmas, put it together and handed it to us. “It’s a Christmas present,” they said. I didn’t want to accept it. Every ounce of mother inside me said, “NOOOOO!!! THAT’S FOR THEM!!!” But, I knew deep down that this was God’s answer to my prayer. But, don’t be fooled into believing that they will not recieve a reward for this. When we are back on our feet (and that shouldn’t be too long now…things are looking up), they are getting every penny back with MAJOR interest.

Not only did my children learn about giving, they also taught me a thing or two. I didn’t like being that position, despised it, but it showed me that God doesn’t answer prayers the way I want Him to sometimes. I have had to remind myself that it is God who owns all the silver and gold. My children were merely obeying that inner voice in them that is God’s. As a mother, that was the best Christmas present that I could have asked for: having the knowledge that my children not only hear God’s voice, but act on it. They chose to put aside their own desires to help someone they loved. I know a few adults that could learn a lesson or two from them. I am a very proud mother.

Outside of that, this Christmas could have been a very joyless, sad Christmas for me. Without a steady paycheck coming in, we had no idea how we were going to pay for bills, food, anything and everything. We had no clue… except that we understood that God is our Daddy, and we could ask Him. We did, and He answered. Right when something was due, or when we had a need, the money just showed up. We didn’t go around telling everyone what we needed when we needed it. We just told God and He took care of it. There are a lot of people who will be receiving some major blessings from God. He said they would, I prayed they would, and I have no doubt that they will.

God answers prayer. He also takes care of His children. If I ever doubted that before, I don’t now. God isn’t some deity out in space that just waits for us to mess up so He can punish us. No. He is a very personal, loving God who walks with us through our hard times, celebrates with us during our good times…. and no matter what, He’s there holding our hand and writing us little love letters through His people and His creation.

I am blessed because He is my Daddy.

Just a Taste

I have a few things to write about, but I am on a deadline for another project I am working on and can’t do it at the moment. I did want to leave everyone with a little taste of what is to come though. It’s a quote:

“Prayer is not a lovely sedan for a sight-seeing trip around the city. Prayer is a truck that goes straight to the warehouse, backs up, loads, and comes home with the goods.” — John R. Rice

What a lovely thought.

Building Christmas

If anyone has been reading my other blog then you’ll know that money is tight right now in our household. I am not ashamed of that. It’s just money. I view it like this:

If I am working on a project and I have 5 boards and 12 nails to complete the project, then I have to utilize those boards and those nails to get the job done. I have a specific number of what I need.. It’s enough to get the job done correctly. It doesn’t mean that the finished project will be bad if I don’t nail in a couple more nails “just in case.” And, it certainly doesn’t make me any less of a person. It is what it is…

I think money is like that. I have this much. It’s a tool to get me the things I need (and sometimes want) in life. I have to manage it well so that the end project is what its supposed to be. What I have doesn’t say anything about who I am as a person. How silly it would be if I choose to look down on someone just because they happen to have 9 nails to my 12 to complete their project with!

After saying that, last year we started a new tradition in our home at Christmastime. Instead of buying, and buying, and buying for our kids we started a theme: Fire, Earth, Water, and Air. The kids will get four gifts each from us.

Fire = a gift to help them build their faith.. like a new Bible or a devotional.
Earth = a gift of necessity… like clothing.
Water = a gift to help them learn… like a telescope, a metal detector, an art set.
Air = the fun gift!

We also fill their stockings with little things like small toys, candy and the such.

Well, we’re doing the same thing again this year. Thankfully, I was smart and bought the majority of their Christmas months ago. Christmas is a big deal to me. I love it. To me its a time for family and friends to really think about each other. I don’t use it as a time to celebrate Christ’s birth.. I don’t… to me that’s something that should be done every day throughout the year… It’s just how I do it… Christmas… that’s the time of really showing brotherly love. It’s a time when I move myself to think much less about myself and much more about others… I know I should do this all year long, and I try… but Christmas is the time for me to really, really focus on it.

But, the hard cold facts is that I’m not that good at it… I’m not Jesus… not even close. I’ve been having a hard time this year especially. I want to buy everyone something special.. even something small… it doesn’t matter the size.. I just want it to mean something… but, I’m in a quandry… I don’t have the money to buy things, so I’m having to get creative. I’m having to remember that I only have 12 nails.. and they are all called for.

But, God has reminded me of something. If money doesn’t bring happiness, then neither do Christmas presents… it’s really all the same thing… The things that matter are showing each other the love of Christ. You don’t need money to do that. Seriously, Jesus didn’t go around giving people little red boxes with golden string to open. He just saw a need and filled it, and He did with a love so strong… so amazing… that people were mystified.. and not only did they have their needs met, but they also were filled up with that unconditional, incredible love that can’t be found anywhere else but through Him.

Well, He said He’s given me that gift too. Not just a gift, but a responsiblity. And, I’ll be honest… from what I’ve been hearing and seeing these days the one thing that most people have needed isn’t a new sweater… or a new car (like I could buy that)… but to know that they are loved — no questions asked… just loved. That they are accepted for who they are… not necessarily for what they do… or what they say… just feel cared about… feel like someone out there appreciates them for who they REALLY are.. deep down… and what they have to offer… someone to encourage them.. believe in them..

However, there are some people… you know the type of person I’m talking about…that it would be easier, I think, to just crochet them a sweater.. They won’t accept that love because of so much hurt they’ve had before… and they don’t trust anymore.

I’ve been there. I think most people at one point or another have been there. And, I’m so glad that instead of giving me some superficial gift, someone had the bravery to step up to the plate and pour love into me….the real thing.. they allowed God to use them and pointed my attention back to Christ.

Well, that’s what I want to give this year for Christmas. That’s what I want this Christmas to be built of. And, hopefully, it, like our earth, fire, water and air, will become a new tradition for me… not just at Christmas.. but all year long.

If God owns all the silver and all the gold (all the nails), then as I’m pouring love into someone, then I am certain God will give me an extra nail to give them if they need it. God knows our needs, and loves to use His people to fill those needs. I have no doubt that if I come across someone who needs one more nail, then I’ll be able to reach into my Father’s pocket and find that nail to give to them… and if my attitude is right, and they can see that REAL love of Christ in me… then somewhere, they’ll be able to accept it…. because even though they might not realize it, somewhere deep inside they’ll know that it doesn’t come from me.. but from a God who is bigger than their hurt.

Yep. That’s how I intend to build Christmas this year. One nail at a time.

About Being a Proverbs 31 Woman

I long to be the wife, mother, and friend that God would have me be. I want to make a difference in this world.. not just sit on the sidelines and do a lot of talking. I figure the best way for me to start is to follow scripture to do it.

A few years ago I had a major awakening spirtually. God got my attention with the scripture in Proverbs 31:10-31. It has become my ideal… my mantra… my goal. I want to be THIS woman. When I got a copy of The Message Bible the words really spoke to me.

A good woman is hard to find,
and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She’s like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
and brings back exotic surprises.
She’s up before dawn, preparing breakfast
for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it,
then, with money she’s put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
diligent in homemaking.
She’s quick to assist anyone in need,
reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn’t worry about her family when it snows;
their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing,
and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected
when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them,
brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her;
her husband joins in with words of praise:
“Many women have done wonderful things,
but you’ve outclassed them all!”
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
The woman to be admired and praised
is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
Festoon her life with praises!

For now, I want to use this blog to journal my way as I work to become this woman.

Over the years since I’ve chosen to take on this goal, I’ve focused a lot on my role as wife. Being a wifey-poo is no easy job. Being a GOOD one… well, that’s HARD! Sharing my life with another imperfect human being… looking to him for support, for encouragment, for SO many things… well, he’s failed a few times… I have too. But, my question… the one thing that sticks in my memory… am I a wife that he can trust without reserve and never regret it? I hope so.

Because I know what the world thinks about family these days… because I know how hard marriage is… because I know temptation is around so many corners… I have tried with all my might to be vigilant. I’ve tried not to allow myself to be put in circumstances that would make my husband wonder where my heart is.

I want him to know how very, very dear he is to me.

I’ve discovered that when I focus on his shortcomings that I’ll find enough to keep my tongue lashing at him for all of eternity… He could do the same thing with me. But, I’ve also discovered that if I focus on his good points, I’ll find enough to fall in love with him all over again every day. It’s just a matter of keeping my focus on the positive. Afterall, I don’t want him to look at my faults and continually point them out. Why would I do that to him? The Golden Rule is especially crucial in marriage.

There’s an old proverb that says if you want respect, then show it to others. OOH, how true, how true!!

There was a time when Andy and I didn’t respect each other. We were on the edge of disaster… divorce was always right there… on the tip of our tongues. We were both so unhappy. While we were going through this, my Dad died. I needed hope, so I went to Scripture to get it. That’s when I fell upon the passages in Proverbs. I got my hope. The words in those verses sang to me. I realized that I NEEDED Andy. I needed a strong, healthy relationship with him. And, I realized that it would have to start somewhere, so why not with me? I memorized “the heart of her husband safely trusts her, so that he knows no lack of gain.” I repeated that to myself over and over and over. I tried to live up to that. I looked for opportunities to help Andy “safely trust” me.

As the weeks grew into months, and the months into years, I can safely say that it was worth it. We have a stronger relationship now than I ever imagined possible. He is my best friend. We don’t like being away from one another. I have no secrets from him, and from what I can tell, he doesn’t keep any from me either. We’re a team, a beautiful team.

But, I am no perfect wife, however. I have a long way to go. I don’t fare well in the mornings… my disposition is diplorable. I haven’t bought any “fields.” I haven’t considered the poor nearly as much as I should be. Staying up late doesn’t seem to be a problem, but getting up early… oh yes… that’s a major pothole in my life. These are just a few of the things I want to overcome. So, step-by-step, verse by verse, I intend to tackle them… take these beautiful words to heart, and use them to change my life and become the woman I really want to be.