Monday, January 14, 2008
The Proverbs 31 woman - an encouraging version
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Yesterday, small son received a Bible from his youth pastor. "The Message//Remix - The Bible in Contemporary Language" by Eugene H. Peterson. Not being real comfortable with the plethora of 'versions' there are today, I thought I'd just look and see what they had done to the Proverbs 31 passage. I thought for SURE they would have "Barbie-ized" her. You know, business suit, briefcase, successful business woman, probably divorced or never married......I was more than surprised. I am SO comforted by this version, that I want to share it with everyone. Proverbs 31: 10-31 Hymn to a Good Wife A good woman is hard to find, and worth more than diamonds. Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it. Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long. She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing. She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises. She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day. She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden. First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started. She senses the worth of her work, and is in no hurry to call it quits for the day. She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking. She's quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor. She doesn't worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear. She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks. Her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers. She designs gowns and sells them, brings sweaters she knits to the dress shops. Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile. When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly. She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive. Her children respect and bless her, her husband joins in with words of praise: "Many women have done wonderful things, but you've outclassed them all!" Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-Of-God. Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praises! WOW. As I sat and typed this, God impressed upon my heart to do a Bible study, or at least a self -reflective type of blog for a while. And much of this applies to Homesteading......almost all of it, actually. This verse jumped out at me "When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly"......whew. Go over to my other blog and read today's post......convicting words, to say the least. I read this portion out loud to small son and hubby last night, and when I got about a third of the way done, small son piped up and said "wow, mom, that sounds just like you!"......I was so surprised, I almost cried. I think I fail miserably with most of it, but with God's help, ask for the strength and the wisdom to do better. When discussing the past weekend's events with hubby over coffee this morning, I mentioned this to him. He said he agreed with small son, but that there are not many women around like me. I just smiled, thinking of all you out there, but also knowing in a way, he's right. Why aren't there more of us fighting for OUR "lifestyle"?? Where are the Proverbs 31 women?? Hiding? Where are all the Titus 2 women, that are supposed to be teaching the YOUNGER women the way of the Proverbs 31 woman?? Are we embarrassed to say we're 'just homemakers', when God deems it the best if not only occupation worth praise for women??? Sigh. So much to do....so little time. I have decided that in honor of my mother and Bathsheba (who taught her son, King Lemuel, these things) and my God, I will begin a study of sorts here tomorrow. Based on this version of the Proverbs 31 woman. I am hoping to discover more about myself. And more about what God expects from me. And more about my God given role of help meet, homemaker and daughter of the King. Join me, won't you? Denise aka The Domestic Angel (and proudly so, in light of The Proverbs 31 woman) |
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Monday, January 14, 2008 - Great!
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Posted by Monday, January 14, 2008 - Wow!
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Posted by Monday, January 14, 2008 - Untitled Comment
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Posted by Tuesday, January 15, 2008 - Untitled Comment
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