Monday, February 18, 2008
Proverbs 31 verses 10 - 12 OLD NOTES
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Ladies, I began yesterday by thinking it would be instructive to read Proverbs 7 in "The Message" to see how closely it aligns with my old notes.....and I was appalled. I spoke to my husband about this version that our small son (age 12) has and we are praying this thru. SO the post I had prepared regarding that is currently just a draft.....and may never be published, depending on what my husband decides about this .....book. I will not comment further on it until my husband and I have made a decision about it. With that being said, I decided to continue to post the notes from my old study that did not make it into the previous comments I posted, beginning last month. Here are the first 3 verses, complete with word study definitions. This study is taken from the KJV. We will start with verse 10. 10. Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. Virtuous-host, valiant, strength, riches, wealth, power, substance, mighty, strong, excellent, to be exalted of God. Price – value Rubies – precious jewels Our paraphrase: Who can find such a strong, excellent, efficient, exalted of God woman? Her value is more than precious jewels. The word virtuous is usually referred to in the masculine, such as with an army, a man of valour or being valiant. I find it curious that the woman we admire most, and hold up as the example to follow in the Bible is known throughout the ages and in all the world with a masculine term, virtuous. Perhaps it is a cultural idiom, since men, especially valiant men of war, were considered superior and of great value to others at the time this was written. 11.The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. Heart – mind, understanding, inner man, seat of emotions Trust – have confidence Spoil – booty, that taken by war, plunder of war Our paraphrase: The inner man, deep inside, the part of her husband that has the most feeling, has safe confidence in her so he won’t have to worry about having to bring home the booty taken by war, since she didn’t spend money foolishly or complain about what she doesn’t have, that he would have no way of getting for her, except to go to war for it. Isn’t this what I want from my husband, his “most feeling part”, the “emotional” part of him? Maybe my husband can’t trust in me, so he won’t give me “all of him”? Many times, I have complained about my husband not understanding me, or sharing his “real” self with me. I have to think: do I do things that make him not trust in me? Why would he not want to share his innermost thoughts and self with me? It is simply stated here: He has to be able to trust me. 12. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. Let me say here that I have always been taught that the words “shall” and “will” denote a command in the Bible. This is the only verse in the description of the Proverbs 31 woman that is a command………we have no choice but to obey it’s command. Good – this word used in this verse means the same as the goodness of God. This points to the fact that this is a saved woman, for an unsaved person would not have the Holy Spirit indwelling them, thus, they would not understand how to manifest the goodness of God. It is also noted that God’s goodness appears in 2 things: giving and forgiving. Evil – wickedness, mischief, hurt, trouble, affliction, adversity, (some pastors have defined evil as premeditated hurt) Our paraphrase: She will (this is a command, there is no choice in the matter) give to him and forgive him and not do him any premeditated hurt or give him trouble or be unpleasant or be unkind or vicious in disposition or cause misery, distress or injury ALL the days of her life. Ladies, I read this as needing to give to and forgive my husband ALL the days of my life, not just when I want to, or when he’s been nice to me, or when I want to get my own way, or if it isn’t that certain time of month or……….well, you fill in the blank. Think: When do I keep back a certain part of myself or when do I purposely give him the cold shoulder if he has done something I don’t agree with? I think I was working on brevity and being short and sweet during this phase of my life. I DO have a tendency to 'go on'. Much more could be commented on regarding these passages. However, I have WAY too much on my mind and I am NOT getting any clear leading from God.......too many jumbled thoughts today, and I have learned that when that spirit exists in me, to not make any judgements or decisions, especially about the Bible. Sigh. This being a woman thing is sometimes difficult, no? I do plan on writing a new overall synopsis of the Proverbs 31 woman soon. Hopefully, my head will clear and things will settle down somewhat to the extent that my thinking will be clear and God-ordered. Thanks for understanding in advance. I am currently working on a project to present at a ladies conference, am trying to get small son back on track with school (along with reading many books on certain subjects) AND am trying to make arrangements to visit my older children in a few months......for the birth of our 6th grandchild AND to get to know the 5th one, whom I've never held in my arms yet. So.....to say I am a little preoccupied is like saying the Grand Canyon is a hole in the ground. Denise aka The Domestic Angel |
Friday, February 15, 2008
Proverbs 31 contrasted with Proverbs 7
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THE PROVERBS 31 WOMAN A study prepared by Denise Lower The word “Proverb” means: a description by way of comparison. This tells me that the Proverbs 31 woman is a metaphor, actually, the embodiment of certain “descriptions” in one woman to which we are to compare ourselves. Plainly speaking, this woman has all the attributes which we should strive to have, but to have them all at the same time, would be nearly impossible. I believe we should constantly be working on all of these traits found in Proverbs 31, however, we should not berate ourselves if we fall short of any goal on any given day. We are “works in progress” ,Philippians 1:6 “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” ***Author's note: After my closer look at this passage with "The Message" version of the Bible, I can almost see where many of these 'job descriptions' could BE accomplished at the same time in life.....still 'out to lunch' on that one!!!!**** The words in Proverbs 31 were most likely written to Solomon. These words are addressed to Lemuel, an unknown king, however most Bible scholars believe this to be Solomon. I find it fascinating that these words were written to Solomon by his mother, Bathsheba. Perhaps reflecting on all she had seen over her lifetime, including the death of her first child with David, she instructs her son, the wealthiest man in the world, on the attributes of a “good woman”, one you cannot put a price on. In essence what Solomon’s mother was saying, was that even if you had all the money in the world, and it appears he did, you could not buy this type of woman. In my study, I found there were various verses dealing with several different areas of life. I have listed these by area, and recorded the scriptures I think deal with that area, however, I’m sure if you thought about it, you could come up with more. Verses About: Food: 14, 15, 16 Clothing or Dress: 13, 21,22,24,25 Character: 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 Homemaking: 13, 14, 15, 21, 22, 27, 29 Business or Commerce: 13, 14, 20, 24, 29, 31 Relationship with Husband: 10, 11, 12, 23, 28 It seems to me, that if you look at just the way these verses are recorded, that being a woman of character would be most important to God, then husband and family, not to mention the community. Next would be the homemaking skills, business, husband, clothing , and food preparation. This should not be taken as an order of how to have our priorities. The order of a Christian Woman’s priorities are as follows: ***(and I DO have scripture for these priorities) 1. God 2. Husband 3. Children 4. Family 5. Church 6. Others WOW!!! Sort of a pre-cursor to the Titus 2 Woman. Maybe the Titus 2 Woman of the Old Testament?? In this next section, I've taken verses from Proverbs 7 and done a word study on them, as a contrast to the Proverbs 31 woman. The Proverbs 7 Woman What we do NOT want to act like In sharp contrast to the paragon of virtue in Proverbs 31, we look quickly at the woman of Proverbs 7. Sometimes it is helpful, if not instructional, to examine how we should NOT be, in order to avoid doing just those things. I would like to take a brief moment to look at the characteristics that define the Proverbs 7 woman. These verses are found in Proverbs 7:5-21. In verse 5, the strange woman is defined as a harlot or a prostitute. I do not want to have any of the qualities or attributes of a harlot. Let us look at what some of those qualities are. In verse 9, we see that she is out in the twilight, in the evening and in the black night. These are defined as early morning, the period following sunset and the middle of the night, respectively. There is certainly a reason they call them “ladies of the evening”, although I think lady is a generous and inappropriate term. Sin and evil are constantly referred to as black and it is even stated in Pro. 2:13 and in Pro. 4:19, that the “way of wickedness is as darkness”. When we leave the paths of righteousness, we always follow the paths of darkness. There is so much available to us in this day and age on a 24 hour basis. Grocery stores, ATM machines, theaters, drugstores, gas stations. It seems Satan has advanced this world to a point where you can do anything you want all night long. I do not like to drive at night, and I do everything possible to avoid being out after sunset……I know in the winter in this part of the country, it is nearly impossible to get things completed by nightfall. I know this sounds narrow-minded, but I try to be home at night, unless I am out with my husband or family. We were in downtown Chicago one evening, on a “date” for my birthday, and I was literally appalled at what I saw on the streets late at night, and it wasn’t even really that late, around 9:00pm, I think. That experience certainly made it clear to me, that not much good happens in the darkness. In verse 10, we see that there is definitely an “attire of an harlot”. There is much controversy over dress in the Christian world, but in Isaiah 47: 2b and 3, the Bible says: “…..uncover thy locks, make bare the leg, uncover the thigh, pass over the rivers. 3. Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, thy shame shall be seen.” These verses are discussing the daughter of Babylon, and in Rev. 17:5, we see, “And upon her forehead was a name written, mystery, Babylon the Great, the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth.” I, as a Christian lady, endeavoring to be a Proverbs 31 woman, do not want in ANY way to appear a daughter or mother of harlots, so I choose not to dress in the “attire of an harlot”. The word “subtil” in this verse means keeper or watchman and the “heart” is the seat of the emotions…….this wicked woman watched over her own heart….probably had a hard heart, while destroying others hearts. I need to be so careful about guarding my own heart, yet being watchful over others hearts too. Verse 11 states that she is loud – clamorous, boisterous, turbulent, raging, disquieted. I need to be discreet, calm and of a “meek and quiet” spirit (I Peter 3:4)….there are reasons the Bible gives us word pictures. I catch myself wanting to be like women of the world, with their loud and boisterous ways…many say they are just “spirited”. I need to conduct myself in the way the Bible says. Verse 11 also states she is stubborn – rebellious, backslidden, away. When I am stubborn and wanting my own way, I am conducting myself in the ways of an harlot…..Strong words, but ladies, this is Bible. Verse 11 states further, “her feet abide not in her house”. This woman was not content to stay home. Abide means – remain, inhabit, rest. She was a “gad-about”, as my mother used to say. This verse alone has convicted me to not do so much “running around”. There is so much to say here, but if I am concentrating on being a “keeper at home”, I guess I need to be there a majority of the time. Verse 12 says..”now is she without – meaning outside, in the fields, highways, streets, the outside. My mother used to tell me I wasn’t going to “run the streets”. As a Godly woman, I see TWO verses here that tell me I need to stay at home. Taking care of a family is a gift from God. I will respect it as such, and stay off the roads all the time and stay home, where I belong, and where God wants me to be. In verse 12, we see, “lieth in wait – ambush, in verse 13, that she has an impudent – strong or hard face and in verse 21, we see she uses “much fair speech”- persuasiveness. When I first read these verses, I thought, “I’m not like that”, but upon further examination, I see that sometimes I do wait to ambush my husband with a request when he is too tired to think, I make my face “hard” when I don’t get my own way, and I can be very persuasive when I want something. How is that any different than the harlot, portrayed in these verses? One of the things my husband first notices about someone is their face. We had met with the realtor who had this house listed, a woman, and one of the first things he said about her was,”My, she has such a hard face.” I believe the sin we have done in our pasts can make our faces hard, and it does show on our faces. I will say it now, and I will say it again in reference to a passage in Proverbs 31, the best beauty treatment in the whole world is living right. PHEW!!!! That was what I wrote as an introduction to the Proverbs 31 study over 6 years ago!! Comforting to me is the fact that I STILL think the same things about those verses. So much more could be said and I could expand on every one of those verses, but I feel it best to leave that alone for now. Depending on what you all think, I might take a few days and expand on those verses. Let me know what you think. Denise aka The Domestic Angel |
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Further study of Proverbs 31 postponed due to illness - just temporary
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Sigh. Small son is sick. Have no idea what it is. HIGH temp. Pop over to my other blog to read about the award I gave myself - "BAD mommy of the YEAR". Anyway, until we figure out what this is......I've delayed the posting of my old notes. I might sneak in here later today and post a verse or two.....IF this child ever goes to sleep. I thought when you ran a fever you slept more? NOT so with this child. He was still wandering around at 12:30 last night......and was up this morning a little while ago at 7:30. Not good. Body needs sleep to heal. Only symptom, runny nose and high fever. Huh. A stumper. More later. Denise aka the Domestic Angel (who needs to be the Domestic Nurse today!) |
Thursday, February 7, 2008
And.............
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..........I have decided to post my old studies on the Proverbs 31 woman from 6 years ago here on this blog. After much prayer, the Holy Spirit convicted me yesterday the God gave me these thoughts, these talents and these words.....and I would be selfish not to share them. BUT........I will begin doing it in it's entirity beginning next Tuesday. I mentioned our Mid Winter Break and it is AMAZING the things I do not have done yet. Yesterday we DID manage to complete putting the bookshelves together, shuffle some things around from the laundry room/computer room/ sewing room/office back to the basement.....there just isn't going to be room for all of my sewing in there!!! AND I emptied out several (and I do mean SEVERAL) more cardboard boxes of books, books, BOOKS onto those shelves my hubby so kindly finished putting together for me!!! It is nice to have the living room with a 'completed look' now. It occurred to me after observing others living rooms the past few weeks that mine had that "unfinished, looks like we're just storing our furniture there but using it in the meantime" look. Just not used to that much space, I guess. Plus, a few more miles on going around that afghan, dinner, a movie and then a game of Battleship with small son and I was EXHAUSTED!!! Oh, did I mention laundry?? Anyway....on the slate for today is trying to straighten, consolidate and get into order the basement and then lay down the rugs and set up the family room.....THAT could take a while......sheesh. I also need to make some homemade whole wheat crackers (sort of like wheat thins) for hubby and for snacking AND I need to finish that afghan. I got up right at 5:30 this morning even though we're on school vacation, just to work on the computer for a while and then DIG IN!!! I'm thinkin' school would be alot less work right now!!! Anyway.....I will begin posting my original Proverbs 31 woman study beginning next Tuesday. And......due to some recent happenings here at the Lower ranch.....will be making some extremely pertinent comments regarding actions I was led by God to take this week that goes right along with being a Proverbs 31 woman!!! Probably do that tomorrow. Busy weekend coming up. We have "Fun Friday", a homeschool activity tomorrow and then a Talent Show/Benefit presentation Sat. nite with the same home school group. SOOOOO......even though I'm incredibly busy......I'll try to keep up! You ladies are all such a blessing and an inspiration to me! Denise aka The Domestic Angel |
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Proverbs 31 woman - Day 14 (and probably final)
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I say 'probably' final, b/c I still have several pages of notes from my old study that I haven't included here yet. Still musing on whether to bore everyone with all that.....let me know what you think. The old study is taken from the KJV and the Strong's concordance and some of Matthew Henry. Just to let you know. And a little from yours truly, too!!! In the meantime...... "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." Festoon. I just love the sound of that word. And I find it rather ironic that the editors of this version, supposedly the 'hip/now/with it/totally contemporary/TODAY' version of the Scriptures, uses a word that I'm pretty sure is Victorian. I mean, how many 'with it' teens or young adults do YOU hear saying, "Man, I really need to festoon that jacket with some Harley decals" or "Dude, did you festoon your ride with spinner wheels or what?" Oh, well. I am reminded of a very sad, serious incident in our lives when 'charm' DID mislead us. It does not necessarily need to be a woman. Men, acting as agents of Satan, can 'charm'. And let me tell you.....it can mislead you. A VERY important reason to be 'prayed up' so to speak. Beauty soon fades. Don't we know it? And spend boatloads of money to try to get it to NOT fade or at least to slow it's process. I am sure the writer was referring to the beauty of youth here. NOT the inward beauty of a life well lived, devoted to God. And notice that the woman who should be admired AND praised is one who lives in a different world. A different planet. A different plane from women of the world ........she lives in a place called "Fear-Of-God". Which to me means this woman bases her decisions completely on whether what she is about to do is pleasing to God. Does it fit HIS guidelines as outlined in the Bible? I am sure this word 'fear' means 'reverence' as in how we are to 'fear' our husbands. It's quite a different place to live and to be 'coming from' that the world's view of where a woman should live. Everything she deserves. I am CERTAINLY glad that I do not get everything I REALLY deserve. But, after examining the Proverbs 31 woman, there is a beautiful reward for a life well lived. And in that respect, it is that life that can be 'festooned' with praises, not only from her family, but others as well. This small sentence makes me think of the flower arrangements that many leave for a loved one at the time of funeral service. For a while, it seemed like all we did was go to funeral services. And I found a strange phenomenon happening there. At almost every one, the women relatives of the deceased would walk around and literally 'show off' the different flower arrangements to each guest. "this one is from the people she worked with at the blah, blah company" or "now this really big one over here is from the neighborhood where she served as block watch captain for a while" or even "these are from her children.....aren't they just lovely?" Festooning her life with praises. AFTER she's gone, which is appropriate, but I personally would like my family to festoon me with a few praises while I'm still here!!! Need to really keep this Proverbs 31 woman in mind, I think. I happened to glance at my old study and decided to include it here: ****30. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Favour – grace, charm Deceitful – lie, falsehood Vain – breath, vapor Feareth – reveres Praiseth – made to shine Our paraphrase: Charm and grace are lies, beauty is but a vapor, but a woman that reveres God will be made to shine. “There is no beauty course in the whole world that can make you as beautiful as a clean life and a close walk with God.” A quote we have all heard, I'm sure. Which basically means, that everything that we see on the commercials, the movies, even in some of the books we read, telling us how to be beautiful, are nothing but lies. I could go to charm school, learn all the proper etiquette, dress in the latest most beautiful fashion, be seen with all the “right” people, even culture my voice, but unless I love God, fear his commandments and think of others first, I can use all the make-up in the world, but it is not going to make me shine…..only the love of God inside me will make me truly beautiful. I think of that song….”Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me”. 31. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates. Fruit – reward, product of Works – deeds, labor, undertaking, enterprise, work Our paraphrase: Give this woman the reward of her own hands and let her labor and work boast of her in the entering in places of the city. You know the saying, “Well, that _______ speaks for itself.” I wonder if this is where that saying came from. You know many of the colloqoialsms that we use on a daily basis have their roots in the Bible. I guess if we were to “cut to the chase”, this verse would say that I should not have to seek the praise of others, that what I do for others and for the Lord will speak for itself, in places where it matters. Like in church, or my home. I see in this passage that her husband was known in the gates, but this woman, it was her works and the product of her own hands that were known in the gates. I see this as meaning I need to keep a low profile and not try to gather attention to myself. I should only seek to glorify God, my husband and my family and let my works speak for me.**** Think about that. Not gather attention to myself. TOTALLY and completely diametrically opposed to how today's society says a woman should live. All in all, I would say this Proverbs 31 woman, whether from the KJV or this version, The Message, is a woman that I should seek to emulate. It has been a fun and somewhat humbling journey. I will see if I am led to put the rest of my old study up here. We are currently on a "Mid Winter Break" from school and trying to accomplish things here at the house that sort of just stopped upon the death of my husband's father. I have been extremely remiss to not be commenting, especially to you wonderful ladies who have been following this study. One of you lovely ladies asked if she could print these out and share them with her friends and I have not personally answered her, and I will, but let me say that if anyone would like to use these in that fashion, you may, I only ask that you credit me with the work. As an author, I have learned to protect my writing with copyright. Sorry. Sad fact of life. I am humbled to think my writings would be used in that way. All to the glory of God!!! I have done much praying and thinking about that issue and currently, that is where my husband requests that I stand. I had planned a self imposed break from the computer and internet and even our phone, due to a financial crisis......but hubby assured me that we could keep the internet. SOOOO.....I'll have to be praying and see what God will open up to me for here. Or I may just be 'chatting' about our homestead journey for a while. We'll see. Denise aka The Domestic Angel |
Monday, February 4, 2008
Correction
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It was brought to my attention by Mennobrarian about a word choice I made this morning while creating my most previous post. I said something to the effect of "giving up my life" to raise my children. I do NOT think in those terms. I look at rearing children and being a help meet as my ROLE in life. I am sorry. I inadvertently slipped and used the terminology of the world. Sigh. Such is life. The world believes if I stay at home and fulfill my God given role as help meet, wife, mother or as a single woman, staying home and waiting for God's role for me to be revealed, I am giving something up. How sad. I look at it as giving something up if I have to work outside the home and let others educate my child or fulfill my roles at home. As to Mennobrarians comment about the Proverbs 31 woman being a working woman, I agree. I just agree that she worked FROM home. It is the only way she could have done all or even PART of what is listed in Proverbs 31. I thank you so much for bringing that slip regarding my wording to my attention. I have many things on my mind this morning and did not reread what I wrote with the same critical eye I usually do. That being said, I will be finishing the Proverbs 31 woman reflection.....probably tomorrow.....and then I will be 'on vacation' for a while. I might pop back in now and again to keep in touch with you wonderful ladies. I suspect it might be until later in Spring. Thanks for all your encouragement and wisdom. Denise aka The Domestic Angel |
Monday, February 4, 2008
Proverbs 31 woman - Day 13
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"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!" Her children RESPECT her? And then BLESS her? WOW. Sure doesn't sound like most of our society today, does it? With many children left to raise themselves while the mother goes out and "finds" herself or seeks fulfillment outside the home in the form of an extra paycheck (which in and of itself speaks to the level we women have allowed ourselves to become degraded), is it any wonder that respecting one's mother is an "old fashioned" idea? But my Bible, even this version written for "today"......still states it. Plain and clear. So much here can be said for respect, but I will leave that to the theologians. I am speaking as a wife, mother and Daughter of the King. I think my children would be more apt to respect me and bless me if I in turn give of myself so they have something to respect, rather than only please myself by my goals and ambitions. God is the ultimate "parent". What did He do? Gave everything He had, His only son. And I think by giving up 18 or 25 or 37 (as in my case) years of my life while raising my children for God is too much to give? This has become such a self centered society, that this concept is thought to be foreign, archaic and even wrong.......or even "mentally unhealthy". Sigh. So much for doing things God's way, huh? And I think when the husband states that she has "outclassed" them all, he means she is set apart and in a class all by herself. Certainly what most people think of me, when they find out I ENJOY living in the country, that yes, we ARE home schooling this last child of ours who is only 3 years younger than our oldest grandchild and that our plans for 'us' in our golden years of retirement (whatever THAT is)......are to help build mission churches in other countries. To take and use the supreme example of Jesus........there is no "u" in "service". And I believe this husband was simply noting that by saying his wife 'outclassed' others by standing in a class all by herself. Again, phraseology common to today's society, something they can 'understand'. There really is so much more to say on these two verses. I have notes from my older study, but am not sure about posting them here. Just one of those.......things. Will pray. Denise aka The Domestic Angel |
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Just a 'word' thing.....
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Hmmm. Thought I had lied to you all by stating that the Bible never mentions diamonds. It does. 4 times. And I never said that, I checked. I think I just THOUGHT it, b/c somewhere along the line in my life I had heard it. What jogged that thought was the first day of my musing about the Proverbs 31 woman I mentioned the whole 'diamond' thing. The KJV uses the gem 'rubies' for their comparison. I got to wondering the difference while reading the last 2 books of Exodus, Moses and those other men making the breastplate and all that stuff for the tabernacle and there in the first row was a diamond. Huh. I think I had been led to believe it was NOT in the Bible b/c it is nothing more than compressed coal. Ok, try to follow this pea brain of mine on this journey. I decided to look up how many times the Bible mentions diamonds. 4 times. All in the Old Testament, twice about the breastplate in Ex., once as a sharp writing instrument in Jer., and once in Ezekiel when he was describing the anointed cherub (Satan) and how beautiful and CORRUPT he was. Then, I thought "how many times does it mention rubies and in connection to what?" So, I looked THAT up. 6 times. 4 of those times in connection to WISDOM. Once in our Proverbs 31 passage and once in Lam., as an adjective, describing the color of something. Huh. I'm not sure about you, but I think I would rather have my character referred to in the same light as wisdom, not Satan. And yeah, I know, I know, God had them put it on the breastplate, but how many of you even KNEW that?? And I may be WAYYY off base here......and I'm sure The Message was just using a gem they thought more people would identify with as far as beauty and worth in today's society...... And I'm SURE they didn't suspect people like me sitting around looking up words and their origins. But......think about it. Look it up for yourself. I've ALSO been told that REAL rubies (not the synthetic ones you can pick up at K-mart for under $100 for a ring or bracelelt) were considered (and still are, I think) more precious (and ultimately should be more expensive) b/c they are harder to mine b/c they are softer AND are harder to find.....there just aren't that many of them and they can only find them in unusual areas. Whereas diamonds are pretty much a dime a dozen. EVERYONE has one in some form or 'nuther (or weight) and they are fairly easy to find. They even are still finding them in Arkansas at the one Crater of Diamonds park. Look up the history on THAT sometime......whew! Huh. NOW you know how my mind works. Pretty weird, huh? But......if a virtuous woman is hard to find.....wouldn't that make her more like a ruby, than a diamond? And much of what is written ABOUT her, bears out that she was an extremely WISE woman, AND beautiful. Rubies AND diamonds?? Huh. Denise aka The Domestic Angel |
Friday, February 1, 2008
Proverbs 31 woman - Day 12
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"She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive." PHEW. Now, I know that back when this was written, this woman had servants. So, she not only kept her children occupied and PRODUCTIVE, but the household staff also. After writing today's entry over at my other blog about small son and his school day yesterday......I have SO much respect for this woman. Well, I always have, but this verse really brought out her.....mettle, her.......organizational skills......and I bet they didn't call them that back then. It's just what she did!! I glanced at what my old study said and here it is: (today's comments to follow)........ ****27. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Looketh well – watches ways, doings (don't know what the blank's all about. Computer glitch?) Household – family Eateth – take in Bread – sorrow, tears. Use figuratively, because it forms so great a part of life Idleness – laziness, sluggishness Our paraphrase: She watches the goings on of her family, and does not take into her life laziness, because it would form a big part of her life. This woman was always so busy concentrating on the things of others, here, her family, that she literally does not have time to be lazy. I feel like the second part of this verse means that she purposely did not participate in things that would bring laziness, because she knew this would encompass her life, if she even began to “take it in”. I wonder if we are getting ourselves into more and more trouble as the “convenience” items in our life come along? I try to picture the great women who helped settle this country. As I read about their daily walk, I see there was absolutely NO time for what we consider leisure. Oh, there were times when these women would gather for a wedding, and as I’ve pointed out in other articles, they were seen doing many domestic things together, and included “fun” stuff before, during, or after the work. But nowhere do I see them filling their lives with completely selfish pursuits. These women did not leave the home on a daily basis (unless it was to work in the fields) in order to feel “fulfilled”, while others raised their children, cleaned their homes and took care of other domestic chores. The workout gym of the 1800’s was the garden and just daily life. Yes, I believe I should be healthy and as beautiful as possible for my husband, but in the previous verses alone, I am taught how to be beautiful. There are many advantages of living in today’s society. Transportation, medicine and many other things. God gave me a brain and I believe I am to use it. I believe the key to all this is exactly what we see in all of Proverbs 31. It is also the key to living a successful Christian life. When Jesus was asked which of the commandments was more important, he replied in Matthew 22:37-39, “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38. This is the first and great commandment. 39. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” That key is dying to self. Thinking of others. Doing for others, and letting God take care of you. Matthew 6:27-34 teaches us that. If I would just live by that principal, everything else will take care of itself.**** Well, THAT certainly sums it up well. My mother always had this silly little saying "Take care of the corners and the middles will take care of themselves". Meaning if I was careful to sweep the corners of the kitchen, the middle would automatically and by default be kept clean, since I was sweeping INTO the center. I think this principal is at work here. She was so busy taking care of instructing all her household, she had not time for depression or that sense of lack of fulfillment. Oh, that many today would heed these wise words of old. Including myself. So much else could be said........but........I rest my case. Denise aka The Domestic Angel |
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Proverbs 31 woman - Day 10 (11)
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....and I've 'goofed' somewhere in the counting of days.....sheesh. This is technically the 11th day. DUH. And may I say in reference to this next verse ..........OUCH! I know I promised to be cheerful, and I will, but his verse just stepped on ALL my toes regarding an issue I have ALWAYS struggled with......my tongue. Here's the verse: "When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly." I can literally hear my mother's voice in my ear RIGHT NOW......."If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all". OR, the OTHER version and slightly more male approach (it's actually what she used to say to my Daddy), "It's not WHAT you say, it's HOW you say it". That certainly fits the 2nd part of that verse, no? Man, where did I go off the mark? When did I get to a point where I thought what I was taught wasn't worth following? (I could go on and on here about the world's influence thru media, but .....you've heard it before). Here's another one: "what goes around, comes around." (Usually to bite you in the..........well........to be Biblical, netherparts.) So as Christian wives and mothers, why DON'T we always speak with kindness? Why don't we remain silent if we really have nothing good to say? Pride. At least, that's what my Bible tells me. WE want OUR opinion to be heard and it is more important than anyone else's. SELF. Putting what we have to say above others......how does that line up with "prefer one another" or "esteem others higher than yourself"?? OR we're trying to make US look better than someone else, so we're will to dish dirt on anyone else but us....PRIDE.....wanting to be "NUMBER 1". Getting ahead. Coming in first. As the King of Siam said "etcetera, etcetera, etcetera......" I could go on and on......... Years ago I began a study on "the tongue" and only got thru one installment of it on another website, when for reasons unknown to me (yeah, right), I just couldn't finish it. It's called conviction. I was going to start spouting all the verses that come to my mind about the tongue, but honestly.....there are just TOO MANY. 126 in the KJV. And that's just the ones that make reference to the TONGUE. There are many, many more that talk about our speech, speaking, talking, jesting, boasting.......all of which we do with our TONGUE. I used to have this little poster I myself bought when I was about 15-16 years old. (I must've known I was doomed even back then). It said "Engage brain before starting tongue". I may cross stitch it on every pillow in this house. And since I've gone back in my old study to see how things "compare".....I once again see no reason to rehash what I taught 6 years ago. I will simply paste it here with a few thoughts after it. ***26. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. Wisdom – prudence Tongue – language Law – direction, instruction Kindness – mercy, goodness, faithfulness Our paraphrase: She speaks wisdom and prudence. Her language is the instruction of mercy, goodness and faithfulness. A while ago, I was seated near some women at a church function. At least one of these women was the wife of someone who held an office in the church. I have never been so convicted about how I sound to others as I was that day. These women started their conversation with a fairly neutral topic, however I noticed they seemed to dwell on how much an item cost, and how the one woman was fortunate to have received this item at a fraction of it’s cost, due to a flaw. Now, I shop for bargains all the time, and I certainly do not hesitate in passing on any money saving information I find. Rather, it was the tone of this conversation that began to raise the hairs on the back of my neck. Well, to make a long story short, which is difficult for me, I left that room feeling almost dirty and defeated after hearing most of a conversation I wished I could have gotten up and left from. I probably should have left, but was in a position where I was fairly trapped into staying. I believe we are responsible for what we hear, even if it is something we “overhear”……sometimes I believe God uses these overheard conversations as lessons for us, or warnings. Remember Paul’s nephew in Acts 23:16? “And when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul”. The end result of this is Paul’s nephew reported what he heard to the proper authorities, and saved his uncle’s life. Ladies, do you know the word “gossip” is NOT in the Bible? The only reference I could find was slanderer or talebearer. The information that Paul’s nephew carried to the soldiers was not slander, nor was it a “tale”…..it was the truth. These women I was forced to listen to were not really slandering, neither were they mourning, meditating or recounting something they had heard, which is the definition for telling a tale. They were just talking. No wonder the book of Proverbs is just filled with examples of the problems a loose tongue can bring. Which brings me full circle to “in her tongue is the law of kindness. Were these women instructing each other in mercy, goodness or faithfulness? No. Were they speaking wise things? No. They were just speaking. Minutes and minutes of nothingness. But God had me to listen to their empty pratter for a reason. I have always had a problem with my “tongue”, and am first to admit that. I pray nearly daily for control in the area of my speech, I literally have to give it over to God on a daily basis. I did not purposefully speak harmful things on any occasion, however, I need to reflect on how much harm I did to myself, my “witness” for Christ, His Father, and their glorious Church, if someone overheard what I was saying? I think so many times we just babble on about things that don’t really matter to us, but how is what we are saying affecting that new church member, or that new babe in Christ? And if we don’t fill our minds with “good things”, Phil.4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever thngs are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”, what is it we are going to be talking about? Maybe we will talk about the latest news story. Maybe we will talk about whatever it is we’ve seen on the tv, or in a magazine. But ladies, we will talk about something, and if we are not filling our minds with God’s word, or the work of the church, or the good, lovely and pure things, then what is going to come out? So, was this conversation I overheard gossip? No, not really. I believe it was a warning to me, and I have been impressed by the Holy Spirit to pass on what I’ve learned to you. I am responsible for what I overheard. Did I hear about a murder plot? No. Did I need to warn someone of imminent danger? No. But I do believe that God, in His always wonderful, omnipotend, omniscient way, was intructing me about my tongue. And then the very shortly after hearing this conversation, I needed to sit down and finish this lesson. How wonderful is our God, to even supply us with the words we need to speak.*** Empty talking. Idle speech (THAT'S Bible). Something we are going to have to account for someday. WOW. EVERY idle word. I'm afraid there isn't enough ink or paper for mine. I have a friend who just happens to be a pastors wife. We went to Bible college together and struck up a friendship that has lasted, oh, these many years. And it is NOT just b/c she's a 'pastor's wife' that I say these things, nor do I think pastor's wives are the only ones who should behave this way. It is for ALL of us, ladies. Anyway, I just LOVE to talk with this friend. Every time I hang up the phone, I tell my husband, "I just love talking to ______". I look forward to the time when I know she will call. I do not call her often enough, for which I am very chagrined. I began wondering just WHAT it was about speaking to her that I enjoyed so much. I figured it out. Her speech qualifies for that verse!!!! YES, a woman!!! One of us. We talk about books we've read recently. And how they apply to us as wives and mothers. We talk about the work of her husband's church. The growth, the POSITIVE aspects of it only. We talk about recipes, our children, medical remedies.....ONLY the good things. It hit me like a ton of bricks. We do NOT slander, nor do we bear tales. It is uplifting and encouraging. I feel REFRESHED when I get off the phone. (They live in a far southwestern state now). For a long long time, I did not hear from her, either by phone or email. I finally asked 'what's up'? Know what she told me? "I'm not in a very good place right now and am afraid I wouldn't say the right thing". When was the last time I had that much self control? What do people say when they hang up the phone after speaking with ME?? I am SORRY I'm beating up on myself again......but......it's the verse. I will put a positive spin on it. I am going to pray that God leads me to speak ONLY when I have positive, encouraging, life giving, Phil 4 words to say. I'm actually looking forward to it. I am turning my tongue over to God, for his control. How about it ladies, wanna come with me? Denise aka The Domestic Angel |
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Proverbs 31 woman - Day 9 WARNING - Long
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I know I mentioned a 'word study' of sorts concerning these next several verses, but I really don't see how to do it with the version "The Message". So.....if you will excuse and bear with me, I am using my old study for the KJV as the Word Study today. I thought it would be interesting to see how it 'compares'. Here are my old notes, new comments will be underneath those. ***21. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. Scarlet – of the firmest of dyes – not easily washed out Our paraphrase: She has no fear of cold or winter, her whole family wears clothing of scarlet. I think this is another passage that points to the care that this woman had for others, in this instance, her own family. Easton's Bible Dictionary states that snow can be seen year round on the mountains of Lebanon, and it must have been a fearful thing to think of being stranded there and not properly dressed. Since scarlet was a firm dye, and with what I know about textiles, it would seem you would need to use a pretty sturdy cloth, such as wool, for the dye to “set”. I find it interesting that in Isaiah 1:18, we see, “though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow”, and that the dye scarlet was very difficult to wash out. Yet Jesus has taken our sins, and in one selfless act, washed them away and made them as white as snow. I am not a Bible scholar or theologian of any kind, yet I think this analogy must have something to do with, once again, this womans unselfish acts, of caring for her family first and foremost. It certainly puts me under conviction about what I put first in my life. 22. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Tapestry – a spread or coverlet Clothing – garment, apparel, raiment Silk – damask:silk cloth manufactured in Damascus In Proverbs, silk should be fine linen, bleached white Purple – red-purple Our paraphrse: She makes her own bedcoverings and her clothing is made from the finest material around. I have always known how to sew. I have a sewing machine. For years I worked in the “professional” field, and bought my clothes whenever I needed them. I thought this was a sign of success. Upon reading this passage, I am humbled to realize that the finest clothing I can array myself with, would come from my own hands. I also find it curious to see that she made her own bedcoverings. Maybe the women back in poineer times with all their quilts were true Proverbs 31 women and didn’t even know it, or maybe they did, and we need to use them as examples. Just last night, my husband was talking about when I was making some certain project, and he said, “Isn’t that when you were making that quilt for me out of those little tiny squares?” I truly believe, after speaking with many women, and hearing comments from different people, that my husband absolutely loves it when he sees me working on something “domestic”. A few years ago, a friend and I attempted to start a “ladies needlework club”. We met on Friday afternoons and brought our handwork and had “tea” in real china cups with little snacks. My friend found an article in a needlework magazine. I will quote the first paragraph :” There was perhaps, no sight so endearing to a Victorian husband as that of his wife at her needlework……….she became the embodiment of all the feminine virtues middle-class Victorians expected from the “angel of the house:” domesticity, delicacy and, not least of all, patience." We called ourselves the “Angels of Fancywork”, and met for several months, but could not get anyone else interested in our “pursuit of domesticity”. I hate to belabor a point, but something at the end of that quote struck me. The word patience. Maybe I am living in such a time where I do not want to take the time or have the patience it takes to make something for myself……..when it is just as easy to go to the store and buy it. But as I stated in an earlier verse, most people I have come in contact with would rather have something homemade, which I made with my own two hands, which directly relates to what I said about verse 21, that when we use both our hands, it takes more time, thus making it a more selfless gift. Today’s “instant society” would have me believe that I am wasting my time with the “home arts”. Flashy ads tell me to get a credit card, buy now, pay later, use it once and throw it away. I wonder why no one appreciates my instant potatoes, microwave salisbury steaks, frozen vegetables, store bought from the deli apple pie, paper napkins, paper plates and can of soda for dinner, but I believe I would be more appreciated (and have a sense of satisfaction from that) if I spent more time on dinner preparations, like the Proverbs 31 woman did in verse 14, I would be more appreciated and feel more satisfied. But unfortunately, even the Christian woman in a good church has fallen for the devil’s lies. I need to get my priorities in order in light of the Bible, not the world. I think, if I listen to my husband, and get out that quilt that I know I started at least 5 years ago, that he would have much the same reaction as the Victorian husband of old. And I want my husband to be proud of what I do…..although the most lasting benefit I receive is the satisfaction I get from knowing I made the item in question. I spent far too much time seeking my sense of satisfaction outside the home, when all I needed to do was get the needles or material our and spend some time making something for someone else, or even myself. I know there will always be the woman who has to work, but ladies, I need to make sure I’m not just looking for a better sense of satisfaction. I also need to make sure I am not listening to the world’s sense of logic and the way the world does things. I need to only use my Bible, and what my husband says as my guide. 23. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. Gates- heaven or entrance of a marketplace, public meeting place, city, town, palace or temple Sitteth – abides, tarries, continues Elders – old, elder (of those having authority), senators Land – country, territory Our paraphrase: Her hubby was well known, had a good reputation at the entering in places of importance when he tarried with those in authority in the country. WOW…….how well is my husband known at our church, or even at the bank? That one got me right there…..The “gates” were references to places of importance and I thought almost immediately of a bank. Why? Because too many times, I have caused my husband to have to have a bounced check, or a late payment because of my selfishness. In fact, the above verse just says, “he is known in the gates”, but how is he known. In a positive or negative way? Will we be able to go back to that lending institution if we desire to purchase another home? Or will our credit be a mess, is that how my husband is known there? What do the people think of my husband where I go to church? I would hope that they hold him in “high esteem”, or have the negative things I’ve said about my husband, even in jest, broken down anyones opinion of him? Ladies, husbands are known by their families and especially their wives. I truly only want the best for my husband in our local church, but will people think of him negatively or positively? I remember one class I had at Bible college. The teacher used this verse to emphasize the fact that we need to brag on our husbands every chance we get. She said even if the only thing good we can say about him on any given day, is that he chews with his mouth closed, then we need to creatively make that the most special thing anyone has ever done. “My husband is just SO sweet, why, he treats me like a queen when we eat”, (meaning he wouldn’t eat like a slob in front of royalty). I have learned also that one way of not sounding insincere is by not saying anything at all. In fact, I was raised on the principal of, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” I need to learn to build up my husband every chance I get, because there are already people out there trying to tear him down. And important people may be listening to whatever it is I am saying, which may have a bearing on how “the elders of the land” or people in authority may react to him. 24. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it, and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Delivereth – sells Merchant – to migrate, traveller – did their trade by bartering Our parapharase: She makes cloth (by spinning, v. 19) and sells it. She also sells the money belts she makes to travelling salespeople, who then sell it abroad. Here is yet another instance of this woman making not only useful items, but selling them in a creative way, allowing her to be home and take care of her duties there. And she does this by making the cloth herself, once again a very frugal and thrifty way to be. 25. Strength and honor are her clothing: and she shall rejoice in time to come. Time to come – days following, hindermost, furthest away Strength – power Honor – glory, majesty, honor, beauty, excellency Rejoice – play, laugh, merry Our paraphrase: Power, glory and beauty are her garments and she shall laugh and play in the last days of her life. Wow, I just think of this verse and I get goosebumps. What I get out of this, is that even though is seems like this woman does absolutely nothing for herself on a day to day basis, look at what her clothing is as she goes through those days, and what she is promised in the “hindermost” part of her life. It reminds me of Palm 126:6 “He that goeth forth, and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Upon inspection of this verse, it means very nearly the same thing as Pro.31.26. I think of today’s society and the women who “want it all”, and they want it right now! BUT....they spend years getting an education and thousands of dollars climbing the corporate ladder, then stop in their mid-thirties when they feel their biological clock ticking away, and “quit” to have a family. To me is seems like they are taking a job away from a man who might really need that career to support his family….but I know I will be criticized for that view. Just a few days ago, I read an article about women in corporate positions, especially in the “fashion” industry, who are hanging up their Nine West pumps and Chanel suits and exchanging them for jeans, t-shirts, sneakers and low-keyed positions in less “trendy” positions. This article stated that these women literally spent thousands just on their hair, in order to maintain a certain image……sort of a keeping up with the “Joni’s” (vs. the Jone's). I just read an article yesterday in Time magazine, that quotes a clerk at one of the trendiest, most expensive stores in New York. She was asked the question: what type of clients does this store cater to? The answer, “International women, women with rich husbands or boyfriends, and prostitutes.” One woman had spent $4,975 on a pair of jeans “with holes cut out from the ankles to the waist”…….can you imagine how many missionaries could be supported with that much money? Someone, somewhere (Hollywood, perhaps) has made it acceptable for wealthy women to dress like ladies of ill repute…..the opening sentence of this editorial was: “I can’t tell the difference between rich women and white trash.:…and the only way I can infer class is by the size of the dog they’re walking.” That certainly doesn’t sound like someone who is “clothed in strength and honor”, and I’m wondering what she will be doing in “time to come.” Wealth used to presuppose the ability to get the “finer things in life”…why in the world are these women submitting themselves to the fashion schemes of the devil? I compare that lifestyle with that of the Proverbs 31 woman. This Manhattan career woman exchanged beautiful clothing for tatterted garments……wow, what a contrast to this verse. Being selfless and working hard clothes me in a beauty that cannot be bought.*** Ok, those are thoughts of mine from SIX years ago.....but I stand by them still today. THAT was refreshing! So let's take these verses from "The Message". "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 sweaters she knits to the dress shops. Her clothes are well made and elegant , and she always faces tomorrow with a smile." Again, she makes sure her family's winter clothes are mended and warm. I'm sure if you live in Hawaii or Africa, this could mean just keeping the clothes in good repair. And there's that "makes her own clothes" thing. I'm wondering if there were other ways to obtain clothing back then? Like dress shops, etc? Could you pay someone ELSE to make your clothes for you? I'm sure there was. BUT, it seems to me if it's in here, that it's more "honorable" or respected or something if you do it yourself?? Then there's that whole husband thing again. Ditto from 6 years ago. ANOTHER verse that states my clothes are well made and ELEGANT?? Do jeans and a sweatshirt qualify? I hope so......I really DO need to work on how I dress for my family, especially my husband. He sees women at work that certainly dress better than I do. I 'dress up' whenever I leave the house for whatever reason, makeup and all....I should probably pay more attention to that. And there's that 'faces tomorrow with a smile' thing. Probably a reflection of not only how she views life and what she accomplished, but how she views herself. Maybe the psychologists of this day should take THAT apart and analyze it. Seems being unselfish and taking care of oneself goes hand in hand AND goes a long way to ward off not only depression but probably keeps hubby happy at home too!!! YEARS of therapy in just a few verses, eh? Sorry this was so long. I probably should have split it up. Denise aka The Domestic Angel |
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
SIDEBAR to last post
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Please let me be clear about the last post...... I not only think the Proverbs 31 woman's husband was 'revered in the gates' or 'greatly respected', JUST because of the way she DRESSED, although there seems to be a big emphasis on it. It was the care and concern she always treated her family with AND her own personal attitude "greeting tomorrow with a smile", that made matters all the more better for her husband. Just had to say that........sorry if I inferred other than that. The OUTSIDE is NEVER as important as what's INSIDE......although the OUTSIDE is what everyone sees!! Denise |
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Proverbs 31 woman - Day 9
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Ladies, ladies, ladies, PLEASE let me apologize. For being such a 'grumpy gills' (cue 'keep on swimming' music from "Finding Nemo"). Seriously, I had NO idea I was being so hard on everyone, including myself, until I had this little meltdown yesterday. After it was all said and done.....I had some serious 'knee time' (opposite of "me" time) and God impressed upon my heart what a grumpy, combative Gus I've been lately. And it's reflected in my writing, which it always does. So, I've been properly chastised by GOD......(ouch) and I really am going to try to focus on being a little more JOYful and grateful in future. Ok, now I can start today's Proverbs 31 woman reflection. "FUN VERSE, FUN VERSE"!!!!!!! "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 sweaters she knits to the dress shops. Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a SMILE" OK, I just HAD to include all of that today......for LOTS of reasons, but mainly for that last sentence......"she always faces tomorrow with a SMILE". Boy, did I get THAT wrong yesterday. I would like to point out one VERY helpful thing that God shined about this verse. That sentence is the FUTURE tense. NOT "today", but "tomorrow". Which told me that even though I blew it yesterday.....I could go to bed last night and determine, with the help of God, that I could smile TODAY!!!!! THAT was such a 'picker-upper' and so God like and SO RELEVANT to MY needs.....I just had to share that. God is SUCH the God of the second and third and bazillionth chance. If we've blown it today, we can start tomorrow with a smile! We can ever start thinking about starting tomorrow with a smile! I often read thru several verses as I'm doing this study to determine which ones to comment on and where to draw the line. Sometimes there is just one, sometimes there are 2 or more.....and today God impressed upon me this whole 'bunch' for a very unusual reason that I had not noticed before. Ok, so......we're buzzing along reading thru Proverbs 31, reading about all the "things" this woman does, is in charge of, accomplishes, etc. Then we get to a set of verses about her sewing skills and RIGHT SMACK IN THE MIDDLE of those verses is this phrase "her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers". HUH? So, what's THAT all about?? I mean, seriously, I thought some time warp had occurred or something. I'm sewing my clothes, I'm mending for my family.........BOOM.........my husband is respected..........I'm designing gowns, knitting sweaters.........sheesh. And no 'aesthetic pause', either....just SMACK, there it is. Well, one thing I've learned about God over the years, is He always does things FOR A REASON. So......let's look at this with that in mind. WHY would God just plop that verse there in the middle of all this talk about what my clothes look like? I examined the above and below verses (which I will refer to them as) and tried to put them together in my mind. With God's help of course. Above verses state: My family isn't running around in tank tops and shorts or winter coats that have huge holes in them when it's snowing outside, I've already taken care of that. MY clothes are absolutely beautiful.......colorful.......linens and silks? (I wonder if denim and cotton counts?) Then BELOW that statement about my husband I see I'm designing gowns and sweaters to be sold and AGAIN.....MY clothes are described AGAIN.....well made, elegant.........and finishes up with a smile for tomorrow. Is it possible that the REASON my husband is "greatly respected" is not only because I take good care of my family, not only because I am industrious and contribute to the family income, not only because I face tomorrow with a smile......but because I present myself dressed in beautiful garments that I made myself? Then I got to thinking about that whole modesty issue. And THEN I got to thinking about men in power or places of authority in this country and even in my town. I think of the legacy that Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis left us. ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS clothes. Big black sunglasses. Classic, tailored lines. I think about the current Presidents' wife. She is ALWAYS dressed very modestly. Her hair and makeup is NOT severe. I even think about some officials I've know in past, when I worked for gov't. The men I had the most respect for had wives that dressed well. And I don't mean just spent alot of money. I mean their clothing was subtle. Not flashy, like they'd just walked off the set of some soap opera. THEN I though about men who I had little respect for.......one man in particular that comes to mind had a wife who thought she had to wear her entire jewelry box at the same time. She sparkled, clinked and shined to the max every time I had occassion to see her. She ALSO thought she needed to dump and entire bottle of perfume over her every day......and her clothes.......can we say "trendy". I am SURE she never wore anything after that season. Sharp lines, fussy ornaments, brassy accessories. And her husband? Didn't care for him. Not because HE did anything wrong or immoral. I just didn't like his flashy, trophy wife. Huh. So, maybe there IS a reason this verse is stuck in here seemingly like a mistake, eh? Just struck me this morning, that's all. Maybe you all have some different ideas. Let me know. I also know without a doubt that GOD gave me the last verse as a hope verse for today and for all that happened yesterday. "She always faces tomorrow with a smile". Gonna go practice that. ALSO, I will be going back thru these verses with a word study starting tomorrow. I'm being led that way and I'm SURE God will have something in there that I need. Denise aka The Domestic Angel |
Monday, January 28, 2008
Proverbs 31 woman - Day 8
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"She's quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor." Hmmm. This is one of those verses that I usually just skim past. You know, it doesn't really apply to me. Well, I'm going to MAKE it apply to me today. After all, isn't this pretty much the main principal that we, as followers of Christ and children of the King, are supposed to be modeling to a lost and dying world? Aren't we supposed to be different? Stand out? Be the one your neighbors think of if someone they know is in need of help? Like, "Oh, I'll call Suzy Smith over on the next block, she'll know what to do about XYZ situation". Years ago, when working for the Prosecutor in a small rural community, I became known as the 'answer lady'. Certainly not because I had all the answers to life, like some guru on a mountain top, but because I was "plugged in" to a fountain of resources to help people in our small community and beyond. I mostly worked with the victims of crime. Lots of domestic violence. Lots of poverty in the county I worked. Poverty seems to create problems in and of itself. It begets some of the issues that create need in many. So, if in my secular position I helped the poor and assisted those in need......how'm I doin' in the spiritual realm?? Not so hot. Last Sunday evening our Pastor spoke on this subject. Of reaching out and helping those in our community. In a very basic way.....like with food, shelter, job training, etc. I had gotten waylaid on the way out after service and hubby had already gone out and started the truck (since the subzero temps were unbearable). It was several minutes later when I finally walked out to our vehicle. As I was climbing in the truck, my hubby was saying "Didn't you see her, didn't you see the lady I was talking to?" I thought he meant someone in the church......"Didn't you see the lady I was just talking to....she was standing beside the truck for quite a while".....I mean, my normally very calm husband seemed pretty worked up over this woman. Seems she came up to him in the almost empty parking lot of our church and started asking him for money. Now, what you need to understand is our church is in a very middle class neighborhood.....but I have NEVER seen street people there. She gave him her 'story' in very quick order and even tho he explained he had no money (he really didn't, he NEVER carries cash......symptom of working in Chicago), he told her HIS WIFE worked with this other woman and helped people in situations like this and if she'd just stick around, I could tell her where to go to get help. NOW, this is significant. My husband has never acknowledged to ANYONE what I've done in the past with my friend (this a completely different entity than when I worked for the PA). NEVER seemed to even pay attention to the various 501 C3's I helped found in the past 10 years, since my 'retirement' from civic duty). Did nothing but moan and complain about the time I spent helping others.....so much so that I eventually backed off and do nothing but "consult" in the background now......and here he is telling some freezing woman that I can help her?? Huh. I have NEVER seen my husband so worked up about anything. He was like a mad man, telling me "we've GOT to find her.....we've GOT to go find where she went, she said she needed gas for her car, that she was LIVING in her car"......this as he screamed out of the driveway of the parking lot of our church...... He just kept saying "THIS is exactly what the Pastor was talking about......I saw her actually talk to a _______ (person of authority in our church) and he told her to go to the POLICE STATION.....what is that?? How is THAT helping?? She told me she'd BEEN to the police station and they just gave her a list of agencies.......I KNOW there are those out there that take advantage and I'm sure this church gets it's share of those.....but isn't this JUST WHAT OUR PASTOR PREACHED ON????" He was incredulous to think that these fine, warm and well fed people could just dismiss this woman. As was I, I just had been there, seen all that and not much surprises me any more. Long story short.....we found her standing in a gas station down the street from the church, asking another woman for money.....who was handing her a $5 as we drove up. My husband let out this HUGE sigh of relief, put the window down, hollered for her, looked at me and said "tell her".....although I'm quite sure he had no idea what I was going to say. I was able to tell her of an emergency shelter she was not aware of. She sounded like a very intelligent woman. Had a job interview the next day, or so she said. Had been sleeping in her car and showering in truck stops.....when she could panhandle the money. Had been on several other job interviews.....but job hunting isn't the best in the Midwest in January......if she was even telling the truth. She was well dressed, actually. Told her story somewhat again.....believable. On the way home, we got VERY quiet. I'm sure even small son was taken aback to actually see someone in that state of need. Not sure he ever has. I began wondering. Yes, there are scam artists and users all around us. But when was the last time I asked God to give me discernment to KNOW which of those I should help and which ones are actors? I think I've become just like the rest of the world, thinking things like "oh, they probably DESERVE it" or "they should just go and get on welfare".......and other worldly thoughts like that. QUICK to assist ANYONE in need. Which means I need to be prepared with knowledge. And prayed up to be able to tell the shills from the real thing. Reaches out to help the poor. Funny thing about that word "poor". I did a word study on that YEARS ago, along with my older Proverbs 31 woman study. Here is what I wrote 6 years ago..... ****20.She stretcheth out her hand to the poor, yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. Poor – afflicted, weak, lowly Needy – subject to oppression or abuse, needing help, deliverance from trouble, especially as delivered by God. Our paraphrase: This woman reached out one hand to the poor, possibly this means the giving of money, yet she reaches out both hands to those in want, or subject to oppression or abuse. Ladies, I got so excited when I read this…….do you realize this verse is the Old Testament authority to reach out and help wounded and abused people…..people who are in trouble, meaning the enemy or oppressor, which we know as Satan? People who are abused are suffering directly the evil deeds of someone else who is operating under the power of Satan. I will let Sharon address this subject more thoroughly, but the word needy does not always mean financially bad off. The first part of this verse may specifically address the fact that she donated money with one hand…..I realize there are many other things we can do with one hand, but as a word picture, doing something with one hand seems to conjure up an image of something easier than doing something with one hand. It would be easier for me, and take less time, for me to donate money with one hand, whereas it would take more of my time if I were to do something with two hands…..such as help someone clean their house, hold them in my arms if they need a hug, or held together, or physically DO something for someone. I just get a sense that what would take two hands would take more of my time, than to just donate money, although there have been times I have needed to do that, mostly because of lack of time.**** Yes, it means monetarily, but it ALSO means 'poor in spirit, poor in emotional need, poor in spiritual need...........there are more ways to be "poor" than just financially. Then yesterday in our Sunday school class, our teacher spoke on reaching out to those in our class who are hurting. He said in this room (of about 20-25 people) there is at least one person who' heart is breaking for some reason. Our pastor quoted Billy Graham in saying if you always minister to broken hearts, you will always be not only doing the work of Christ, but you will always be busy.......interminably so. How often do I step out of my sterile, well ordered world to help someone else, WHATEVER that need is?? Whether it be financial or otherwise?? I've prayed several times this past week for that woman my husband found. We didn't even get her name. The cold snap has broken. If she's still living in her car, she's warmer at least. Then, this verse today. How often do I sidestep or ignore the prompting of the Holy Spirit when I see a situation I could 'help' with? Does that grieve Him?? Am I hindering MY spiritual life b/c of it?? Wow. And I thought I wouldn't have much to 'say' today. I believe God is truly working not only in my heart, but especially in my husbands. These lessons have been put before us for a reason. I am praying we learn them well. Thinking back to a statement I made at the beginning of this post.....how "plugged in" am I to the ULTIMATE resource?? And how willing am I to 'pass it on'?? Could be the difference of life and death to someone. Not just a warm bed some night. Denise aka The Domestic Angel |
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Proverbs 31 woman - WEEKEND EDITION
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"She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking." I've decided that in honor of my birthday today, that I would put some words to some thoughts I've been having about this next verse. Of COURSE I thought "Fun verse, fun verse", but then my over analytical mind went into hyperdrive thinking about the words "hearth" and "diligent" and even "crafts". Hey, my English major mind even started wondering about "skilled", "home" and "homemaking". Before I get into this, I actually FOUND my study from 6 years ago. I did not realize it had been THAT long since I had done that in depth look at the Proverbs 31 woman for a study for a Bible study group a friend of mine and I had started. AMAZING how fast time flies. In it, I speak of small son being 6 years old....oh, my. Anyway, I found some interesting facts I just thought I'd share with you all here about the 'breakdown' of verses. This is lifted right out of my notes of 6 years ago. ***In my study, I found there were various verses dealing with several different areas of life. I have listed these by area, and recorded the scriptures I think deal with that area, however, I’m sure if you thought about it, you could come up with more. Verses About: Food: 14, 15, 16 Clothing or Dress: 13, 21,22,24,25 Character: 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 Homemaking: 13, 14, 15, 21, 22, 27, 29 Business or Commerce: 13, 14, 20, 24, 29, 31 Relationship with Husband: 10, 11, 12, 23, 28 It seems to me, that if you look at just the way these verses are recorded, that being a woman of character would be most important to God, then husband and family, not to mention the community. Next would be the homemaking skills, business, husband, clothing , and food preparation. This should not be taken as an order of how to have our priorities. The order of a Christian Woman’s priorities are as follows: 1. God 2. Husband 3. Children 4. Family 5. Church 6. Other endeavors (job, ministries, etc) WOW!!! Sort of a pre-cursor to the Titus 2 Woman. Maybe the Titus 2 Woman of the Old Testament??*** I guess what got me to thinking about this breakdown is that I had remembered that there are SEVEN verses, at least that I see, that deal with homemaking. WOW. Sounded pretty important for God to put it in there, huh? I also LOVE to do word studies, must be the English major/wordaholic that I am. So I decided to do this verse like I did all of them 6 years ago, only with this version. skilled - having acquired mastery or skill in something (as a technique or trade) crafts - 1. skill in planning, making or executing; 2. an occupation or trade requiring manual dexterity or artistic skill home - 1. one's place of residence; 2. the social unit formed by a family living together (and I'm sure this is the politically correct, sanitized version....wonder what the older dictionary says?? Maybe something about mom, dad, etc??) hearth - a vital or creative center (NOT just the fireplace, ladies!) diligent - characterized by steady, earnest and energetic effort (OUCH) homemaking - (1876) one who manages a household esp. as a wife or mother After I look up all the main words, then I sort of put together a little paraphrase of my own. Like this: "She has acquired a mastery of her occupation of managing her household, which is a vital, creative center of life and earnestly and energetically plans and executes these duties at her place of residence". Sounds like a full time job to me! You know, years ago, many occupations did NOT require college degrees in order to be hired. Judges, police officers......and I'm sure many other, but these are familiar to me. NOW you need at LEAST a 4 year degree to be hired by most law enforcement divisions and a judge?? GOOD GRIEF. You have to at LEAST have a law degree, not to mention the requisite bazillion years as a practicing attorney. MANY years ago, my father's father (my grandfather, but I never knew him), was the "Justice of the Peace" in the little mountain community in Kentucky where my father was raised. And I KNOW he didn't have a 'degree' in anything. SOOOO, is it possible we could 'acquire a mastery' of our CHOSEN "profession" of homemaker without going to college? How about the hallowed halls of HOME and EXPERIENCE?? How about raising our daughters to take pride in the fact that they have spent MORE years that the standard 4 for a BS, than their contemporary counterparts who have that sheepskin? Like, since they were old enough to imitate mother holding their little broom or needle until they walk the aisle for marriage.....now THAT'S the ultimate PHD, I'll tell ya!!! They have been at mom's side for a plethora of years, learning and honing the skills for a creative center that will be THEIR family home someday? I am SO dreadfully tired of the phrase "Oh, you're JUSTA HOUSEWIFE??" Like I'm married to my house?? I don't think so. We all need a quick lesson in pride of station. NOT the 'haughty' type of pride, but the knowledge that we have something WORTH something. That we accomplish more in one day's time than many of those 'professionals' out there do in a week.....or longer. And what excites me the most about this.....it's ALL GOD'S PLAN for ME. For my role as wife, mother and keeper of the home. Phew, talk about a good retirement plan, eh? Seriously, just take a moment and let all those definitions sink into your brain. Meditate on them throughout the day. How much more.....diligent.... would we be in our occupation if we took those words seriously? If we DIDN'T let the media of today snap us away from our God given professions by dangling STUFF in front of us?? By shouting the lies of the devil all over any media form?? Even in churches today. (yeah, yeah, I just went from preachin' to gettin' personal).....There is always this REASONING.....this excusing why we as women can't stay home. And don't get me started on all the reasons, but think of all you've heard..........college for the kids, the hubby left, we want vacations, the house payment, the new car, the boat, or my personal favorite "oh, I just like to spend money".....and yes, ladies.....THESE ARE IN THE CHURCH.....not my friends from the world. Maybe if we truly taught our daughters to line up their priorities correctly in the first place, instead of chasing after glory of their own.....we'd have more women fulfilling their roles at home. And actually being FULFILLED (since that's one of the 'reasons' to leave the home too.) This is the Proverbs 31 woman we're talkin' about here. Qualities we as Christian women should all be striving for and holding up for our daughters (and the rest of the world too) as virtues to be obtained. "She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking". I think I'm going to cross stitch that phrase on a plaque for all my granddaughters. So they don't forget. So I can pass on the Proverbs 31 woman desire. So they can hang it in their rooms.....inSTEAD of the Hannah Montana poster. Denise aka The Domestic Angel (I guess I've revealed my heart today, huh?) |
Friday, January 25, 2008
Proverbs 31 woman - Day 6
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"First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started. She senses the worth of her work, and is in no hurry to call it quits for the day." PHEW. Just reading that makes me tired!!! But, there it is AGAIN ladies.......early to get up, last one in bed. Sigh. I'm doing pretty good with the first part, lark that I am and all. It's the keeping the eyes open after say.....7 or 8 at night I'm having trouble with. Hubby says it's because I'm not 'healthy'. Now, what he means by that is: we don't eat right (can't right now due to finances), we don't exercise and we just don't have that 'mentality'. I'm sure proper nutrition AND proper physical activity would go a LONG way toward keeping my little peepers open past 7. I just don't know how to accomplish that on the budget we're on right now. I know, I know.....exercise costs nothing. Yah. SHHHH. I'm in denial. Seriously. I'm the gal that used to say "exercise is against my religion" (not really) or "my mother taught me it was not lady-like to sweat" (and she really, REALLY did!) We can glow or glisten, just not sweat. I've used the verse in the Bible that says 'vain are the legs of man' and other avoidance tactics. And I wonder where small son gets it?? And I KNOW I "hear" Flylady in here......first thing in the morning, getting dressed (don't forget the shoes!) I think the most important part of this verse is WHY I struggle with staying up later. "She senses the worth of her work". I think people who sense that their work is worth something tend to put more into it. Take it more seriously. IN EVERY aspect of life. Here's where the feminists of this age have sold us a bill of goods, and unfortunately, we've bought into it. They cheapen and demean the keeper at home title. They tell us we're nothing unless we put on the Chanel suit and Nine West pumps and leave the home hours a day. They make jokes and laugh at us when they see us in the stores in our sweats or jeans, dragging multiple children. They see what a terrible state we're in and have decided they do NOT want that for themselves, so they belittle and deride our 'occupation'. And we've allowed them. If we truly 'sensed our worth'.....we would keep ourselves, our homes, our children and especially our husbands in better shape. We would NOT feel inferior when the nice smelling lady stands next to us at the check out with her Lean Cuisine and chai tea in her little basket over her arm. The worth of what we are doing as help meets and keepers at home FAR exceeds her measley little position at some corporation that eventually will be gone.......while ours will remain!!! Why not make something of what we do?? SENSE it's worth? Realize that same woman climbing into that expensive foreign car ALSO had a mother. She came from somewhere. Maybe her mother was a keeper at home who did NOT sense the worth of her work and because of that her daughter saw that she did NOT want to be one of those frumpy housefrau's......so she took what the feminists had to offer and ran with it with all she was worth. SO much can be accomplished when we sense the worth of whatever we're doing. If I sense the worth of my marriage, then I will put more into it. If I sense the worth of what my children will become, then I put more into raising them, become more 'active' in their lives. If I sense the worth of my ministry, whether it's cleaning the church once a week, sending out emails or cards to the shut ins or even singing in the choir, leading a Sunday School class or working in the nursery, then I will make more of an effort and not get discouraged. Maybe if I sensed more worth in what I did for the Lord, I wouldn't be late for choir practice or find someone else to take my nursery rotation. Maybe I'll sign my child up for that extra class that I have to drive miles for or get up early because of. Maybe I'll listen to my husband more. Really HEAR what it is he's saying. Spend some extra time with him rather than with my friends or working on something I want to do. As the keeper at home, maybe if is sensed the worth of my work, my dishes would always be done, (or almost always, instead of the other way around). Maybe the house would stay picked up. Maybe I'd look for more interesting recipes. Maybe I'd even make some new curtains for the kitchen or take a real interest in what my husband likes the place to look like. I've really been mulling over what "senses her worth" actually means. Ultimately, I believe we are to 'sense our worth' thru Christ and HIS righteousness and what HE'S done for us.....not in anything we have done or accomplished. SO, putting THAT together with "do everything as unto the Lord".....it is HIS 'worth' in us that will come shining through. When we do anything. So, I'm not going to mind getting up early and getting dressed, because I'm doing it THRU his worth as UNTO Him. I'm going to roll up my sleeves, eager to get started.....because HE'S shining thru me. And I'm going to do everything.....the dishes, the mopping, the teaching, the loving and the running......like I'm doing it right in front of Christ, maybe with Him right in the room (and He is, you know)......showing HIM what I am capable of because HE'S "in" me with the presence of the Holy Spirit. That's it's not me at all.....ultimately, it's HIM. And yes, I will stay up that extra hour or so and COMPLETE that apron or that afghan or look for that extra project for small son or mend that shirt for hubby or even just sit and listen ........because I 'sense that worth' in those things.....because Christ is living in ME, which is the biggest "worth" of them all and I want to give back just a portion of all He's done for me. Whew. Sorry to get so emotional and deep, but that is just how this verse struck me. Yes, there's all the physical, outward 'doing' stuff, like getting up early, getting dressed, rolling up your sleeves (and I'm sorry, ladies, but I THINK that means we might get ourselves a little dirty or the work might be long and difficult and we might get tired). There's even the staying up late. But I don't think I could do ANY of it, without the sense of my worth that comes from who I am in Christ. None of this whole "self esteem" malarkey. It's "Christ esteem" in us that is MY worth. And that, I believe would turn the world on it's ear, if we keepers at home would just get ahold of it! And that Proverbs 31 woman knew it all those years ago!! Denise aka The Domestic Angel |
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Proverbs 31 woman - Day 5 (and an update)
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First, the update. Thank you all for praying for me whilst going thru this latest kafuffle. God is always good and has brought me thru. I may or may not comment on it in the future. Let's just suffice it to say that many times leaving something 24-48 hours before 'doing' anything about it is a good thing. Along with prayer and meditation and consulting with hubby. At least, that's what works for me. Also, the strange event with this computer is over with.....don't know WHAT on earth that was all about. My home school blog has an in depth explanation. SOOOOO.....we're back on track right now with that Proverbs 31 woman!!!! "She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden." You know, I get SOOOO tired of the feminists of the world telling us we're 'repressed'. That our husbands "control" us. That we aren't allowed to 'do' anything important. That we don't "work" (cue:  screaming!!!!)THIS verse, above all others, PROVES the depth of this womans not only business acuem, but the trust he husband puts in her with the finances. It ALSO points out that she had her "own" money, something the feminists say is the reason for their 'careers' that take them out of the home. Well, this verse proves otherwise! It also says to me that she was a pretty wise woman. The KJV says "she CONSIDERS a field"......here, she's "looking it over"...Wow, she must know her stuff, huh? Like, what would be the best place to even PUT a garden. Considering things like sunlight, shade, soil content, erosion, critters, etc. And here's the best part. She didn't even have to go begging hubby for money.......she had her own. HOW did that happen?? All that getting up early, staying up late, making things to SELL, contributing to the family income FROM HOME. But that's for future verses! THEN, she added frugality to wisdom.....and planted a garden. I'm thinkin' veggies and food, but what about flowers? Many of these verses speak to the fact that she loved and appreciated beauty. And shared that beauty with her family. I LOVE fresh flowers in my house in the summer. Why do we think only rich "on tv" people can have that? Let's put some of the verses we've already looked at together.....if I'm NEVER spiteful and treat my husband generously.....then he's trusting me without reserve. Which would mean if I found a plot of land to buy and already had my own money......if I'd conducted myself within the priorities God has laid out for me......that hubby would trust me to DO THE RIGHT THING. BUT. If I say......misappropriated funding (that's what they call it!) and bought frivolous things with the grocery money or brought things home I never use or pouted when I didn't get my own way or talked about my hubby behind his back about how mean he was and never let me buy what I wanted......WHY in the world would he trust me? "Without reserve"? NEVER having a "reason to regret it"?? WHEW. Sort of takes ya up by the short hairs, huh? At least it does me. This past year has been one of big things happening. At one point, I thought I needed to control my own life, so I went out and got credit cards, on my own, without my husbands knowledge. I was working.....because HE wanted me to, and .......I'd do what I wanted to with the money left over after I paid small son's tuition. Life changes. Things happen. Just pop over and read my other post about just yesterday and school. NOW, I'm NOT working. But the bills for those credit cards that I used to buy things I cannot even remember.....still come. For awhile, I had money in an account that I could pay the bills with, without having to actually TELL hubby about them. We used all that money to get in this place. Which I was more than glad to do. But the next month came and so did the bill......I finally HAD to tell him how much they were. I'll never forget how disappointed he looked. OR what he said. He said , "well, having to pay bills like that just takes things away from us". I never thought about it that way. BUT......showing the true grace of Christ, this man STILL hands me the grocery money every week. Still loves me. And still asks me my advice about financial things. I had purposed in my heart when I sent away for seed catalogs that I would begin making aprons and selling them on ebay and a website in order to finance our garden. The seeds and all. NOW, I need to use that money when it begins coming in to pay off a debt I never really needed to have. And I've determined that unless my husband says something else, I will NOT plant a garden until I have the extra money to do so. Gardens are sort of like pets. There's the initial cost......but then there's always the upkeep. I pray that I can put away money soon for our garden. But I pray and am very thankful that my husband is reflecting Christ. It has not always been so. And I am VERY glad it is even Biblical for me to be a 'business woman' of sorts. Denise aka The Domestic Angel |
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Little glitches
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Sorry about yesterday. Isn't the human value system a strange thing? What we put importance on and how we can take something someone says and make it so important. Sigh. Maybe I will be able to elaborate on this little glitch later. Also....something is definitely wrong with my computer and home school blogger. It's happened before, but now, something has taken over.....some weird site that tells me my renewal period has ended every 5 minutes or so.....not sure about my virus protection....think I'll be calling large son and checking into that. I got into this site, but get into home school blogger at all.....just weird, gives me a creepy feeling like big brother is watching me or something. And can't concentrate with this thing popping up on my screen all the time. HEY, if any of you know what's going on with this thing and can tell me what to do to make it stop.....email me or leave a comment, ok? It's driving me nuts. I'm afraid to leave my computer on.....so I'll be turning it off as soon as I'm done here and only checking back after school, I think. Ain't this just like Satan?? JUST YESTERDAY, hubby suggested us going to visit our grown children in Texas with the money from the taxes, instead of getting a new computer, which was our original plan.....family - computer? GRRRRRR. I HATE SATAN!!!! And he's ALWAYS used this computer or my printer......the stories I could tell..... to get to me. Still ruminating and extrapolating thoughts out of my head, and really want to do justice to this wonderful, inspiring Proverbs 31 woman, so I am taking a pass on reflecting and commenting for today. I will for sure be doing the next verse tomorrow. As long as I can figure out this latest 'glitch'. Thanks for understanding. Denise aka The Domestic Angel |
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Taking a slight break
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Something has come up which I will probably address either here or on my other blog over at eblogger. I need to 'process' some things and of course, pray. I will certainly get back to this lovely Proverbs 31 woman as soon as I feel suited to it. Might be just a few days, might be longer, might be tomorrow......thanks for understanding. And just pray, ok? Denise aka The Domestic Angel |
Monday, January 21, 2008
Proverbs 31 woman - Day 5
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"She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day". THAT'S IT.....THAT'S HOW SHE DID IT!!!! With the New Year, I decided to take a personal plunge into 'she riseth also while it is yet night' (as the King James version says). Yep, that would be BEFORE dawn. And if any of you fine ladies have ever been adherents to "Flylady", then you dutifully put on your "uniform" (got dressed) and even laced up those tennies!!!! Having been a devotee of not only Flylady, but the original Sidetracked sisters.....I KNEW this way of greeting the day was MUCH more beneficial not only to my family, but to myself......but......I had somewhat strayed off the primrose path! Having found myself in a personal slump, I decided to take the proverbial bull by the horns and just GET UP EARLIER. Not only did I need to get dressed earlier, start school earlier, but I REALLY needed to get honest with myself and spend more time with God.....quiet time, prayer time, devotion time. Just TIME. Without interruption. Only time that happens around here is before anyone else hits the floor!!! I assumed I would need to set an alarm. However, my menopausal body needs to get up and potty several times a night right now regardless of how little I drink after 6 pm, so the only disc |