WeWriWa - D is for Dedication

From the WeWriWa site:  "Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors! Sign up below with your name, blog and email and share an 8-sentence snippet of your writing on Sunday. Your post needs to be live between 12:00 noon on Saturday 07/05/14 and 9:00 AM on Sunday 07/06/14. Visit other participants on the list and read, critique, and comment on their 8sunday posts.

Spread the word. Twitter hashtag #8sunday. "

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Cooking a meal takes effort; cooking 18,615 meals (3 meals a day x 365 days x 17 years) takes dedication.  Facing danger requires effort; facing danger every day for 730 days during a two-year deployment takes dedication.  Writing one blog post takes effort; writing a blog post starting with each letter of the alphabet during a single month takes dedication.

When we put forth effort, we receive reward.  Maybe it is money; maybe it is satisfaction at a job well done or from making a difference.  One reward we get from dedication is reputation.  When one cooks a tasty meal, one hears, "That was a great meal!"  When one cooks 18,615 tasty meals, we hear, "You are a wonderful cook!"

WeWriWa-Proverbs 31 - Energy

Weekend Writing Warriors is hosted at WeWriWa.com.  Sign up below with your name, blog and email each week from M-Sa, then share an 8-sentence snippet of your writing on Sunday. Your post needs to be live between 12:00 noon on Saturday 08/23/14 and 9:00 AM on Sunday 08/24/14. Visit other participants on the list and read, critique, and comment on their 8sunday posts.

Spread the word. Twitter hashtag #8sunday. 

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The "Proverbs 31 Woman" appears to be a bundle of energy.  Where does she get it all...and can she send me some?  She maintains her health insofar as she is able:  she gets enough sleep, and eats food that will fuel her body.  She knows (or can discover) what her purpose is, and does it willingly.  Fulfilling one's purpose gives energy; fighting one's purpose drains energy.

...I believe God loves us regardless of our age, gender, eye color, skin color, level of education, etc etc etc.  I believe as long as we are fulfilling our purpose, we are not 'eating the bread of idleness'.  Let's face it.  It's a big world with a lot that needs to be done.  The world needs people with energy of mind, body and soul.

~~~oOo~~~

This is basically word for word from my original Blogging from A to Z post from April ... with a little creative editing.  I've been working at collecting the posts and making them into an e-book to giveaway.  This week I've hit a bit of a snag.

I wanted to add some quotes for each quality, in addition to any Proverbs 31 verses that happen to fit.  A large quantity of the quotes for "altruism" are really quite negative - anything and everything from blanket questioning people's motives to saying the world would not survive if people kept practicing altruism.  So, I've had a little funk for a couple of days and now I'm picking up the pieces and getting on with it.

Anyway, I talk a lot about purpose in the #8sunday lines.  How do/did you know when you find/have found your purpose?

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The whole reason I'm doing this project is to help inspire women when life is bringing them down.  There's loads of inspiration to be found at Create With Joy, so click the button and give them a read!
 
It's been far too long since I linked up with Kendra at the Living Proverbs 31   And since for the future my WeWriWa posts are all about Proverbs 31, it just seems natural to party with this great group of bloggers!  Go congratulate Kendra and her husband on their little baby boy!  (This hop also takes place on Monday)

WeWriWa - D is for Dedication

Welcome to another edition of "Weekend Writing Warriors", hosted at the "WeWriWa" blog.  Click the cool graphic I snagged from the site to go there and see how you can join too!

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My 8 sentences today are from the "Proverbs 31 - D is for Dedication" entry posted during the "2014 Blogging from A to Z Challenge":

Cooking a meal takes effort; cooking 18,615 meals (3 meals a day x 365 days x 17 years) takes dedication.  Facing danger requires effort; facing danger every day for 730 days during a two-year deployment takes dedication.  Writing one blog post takes effort.  Writing a blog post starting with each letter of the alphabet during a single month takes dedication. ...

When we put forth effort, we receive reward.  Maybe it is money; maybe it is satisfaction at a job well done or from making a difference.  One reward we get from dedication is reputation.  When one cooks a tasty meal, one hears, "That was a great meal!"  When one cooks 18,615 tasty meals, we hear, "You are a wonderful cook!"

~~~oOo~~~

What people or things in life have earned your dedication?  Have any suggestions, critiques, compliments?  Comment below; I comment back! :O)

WeWriWa - C is for Compassion

From the WeWriWa site:  "Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors! Sign up below with your name, blog and email and share an 8-sentence snippet of your writing on Sunday. Your post needs to be live between 12:00 noon on Saturday 07/05/14 and 9:00 AM on Sunday 07/06/14. Visit other participants on the list and read, critique, and comment on their 8sunday posts.
Spread the word. Twitter hashtag #8sunday. "

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When I think of compassion, for some reason how we treat those who are grieving dominates my thoughts.  We take them food, sit with our friends or neighbors, talk with them if they want to talk.

We have many opportunities each day to give a word of encouragement or congratulations to those with whom we interact.  Not just those who are grieving, but those who are feeling overwhelmed or unsure.  We've all been there.

Yes, so we've all heard "Proverbs 31 Woman" or "Proverbs 31 Wife".  While in context, it's a mother giving her son advice on what kind of woman to marry, I put it out there that this is actually a good set of guidelines for us all, female or male, to follow ... to help make our time on this rock a little nicer.

I'm all for a healthy self-love, but a person who acknowledges that there is something greater than him or herself in the universe, and treats other people with respect, honor and compassion has a value "far above rubies.

~~~oOo~~~

So, what did you think?  Did I use the word "we" too much in these 8-sentences?  (That's what struck me after reading this again after a long break.)  Anything else you particularly liked or would change?  Let me have it (nicely?) in the comments!  I appreciate your time!

This is from my 2014 A-to-Z Challenge series post on "Compassion" and originally posted in April of this year.

Weekend Writing Warriors (#8sunday) - Being Bold

I found the link to WeWriWa (Weekend Writing Warriors) on Sue Ann Bowling's "Homecoming Blog".  You share an 8-sentence snippet of your writing between Saturday at noon and Sunday at 9 a.m. (unsure which time zone as this is my first time), link it up at the site connected to the button above, and share reading, comments and critiques with the other participants.  Join in!

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Here are my eight sentences for the week, from my #atozchallenge post on "Proverbs 31 and Being  Bold":

25) Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

This thing we call life is not a kiddie ride at the amusement park.  It takes strength of body and/or soul.  As I read this verse, I think of an ancient soldier getting ready for war by putting on his armor.  Having that protection, whether it be armor or honor or prayer, can help us lunge into the fray with BOLDNESS.

27.  She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

Why do you think financial professionals always talk about having a six-month cushion of savings?  Why are 'prepper' shows so popular?  Because sometimes, you-know-what happens and if you are prepared for the future (insofar as you are capable), you can act take care of yourself and your family BOLDly even if that same stuff hits the fan.

What inspires you to be bold (even when you're not totally feeling it)?  Thanks for stopping by.  Feel free to leave a link in your comment to your #8sunday post! 

Weekend Writing Warriors-A is for Altruism

I found the link to WeWriWa (Weekend Writing Warriors) on Sue Ann Bowling's "Homecoming Blog".  You share an 8-sentence snippet of your writing between Saturday at noon and Sunday at 9 a.m. (unsure which time zone as this is my first time), link it up at the site connected to the button above, and share reading, comments and critiques with the other participants.  Join in!

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Back in April, I participated in the "Blogging from A to Z  Challenge" wherein I wrote a post every day but Sundays during the month, the first starting with "A", the second with "B" and so on. This year, I wrote around the theme of "Proverbs 31".  As it is my intent to compile and rework these posts into an e-book, I thought that would be a good subject for my first foray with the Weekend Writing Warriors!

So here are my eight sentences for this week, from my post on "Altruism":

These are the people we know - our family, our friends.  We get up early to make them breakfast, we stay up all night with them when they are sick.  We drive across town to give them a ride when their car is not working.
...

It's not a matter of time, talent, or money.  Everyone has something they can give or do to make someone else's life a little better - today! Maybe it's a meal for a homeless family.  Maybe it's money for a cause or arts organization.  Maybe it's a kind word to someone who has had a hard day.

Every single person reading this post, every single blogger participating the the A to Z Challenge, every single person in the world can do something to make the world a little better ... for everybody.

I realize the first sentence sounds a little strange as is.  In the original posts, I quoted a couple of verses from Proverbs 31:10-31 before the 1st and 2nd samples.  Should I include them from now on (for the Warriors posts)?  Any other thoughts or suggestions?

Have a great week, y'all!

#AtoZChallenge - Productivity and Proverbs 31

Productive - being able to produce, generate and/or create an item or service

19.  She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

I have to admit that I could not have told you what a distaff was, so I looked up the definition.  (It is what the 'raw' fibers are attached to when spinning threads for weaving, knitting, etc.)

We all can be productive in whatever work we are given to do.  I know a young-ish man with profound autism.  Unless he was eating, bathing or being taken somewhere, he would sit in the same chair in the same corner of the living room all the time.  Then someone taught him how to feed papers into a shredder.  He fed those papers into the machine like it was the most important thing on the planet, and even learned to change out the bag.  Important, valuable work?  Well, we may not think so.  For the most part, I believe people are driven to create, to be useful, to feel needed.  But this man's work ethic would put many of us arguably more 'capable' folks to shame.

25.  Strength and honor are her clothing, and she shall rejoice in time to come.

Strength is the capacity to do our work, whatever it may be.  Honor is the invisible force compelling us to move from being able to do something to actually doing it.  If we are working on a project, and do not have a needed skill we can either: go out and learn it ourselves, or ally with someone who does have that ability.  If we need help to finish, it is better to ask for that help than to stew and leave the job incomplete.  It doesn't matter what our calling is, when we work it to the best of our ability, and complete it, we can look back with satisfaction on a job well done.  

Today is "toot your own horn day"!  Tell us of an experience where you were productive in an endeavor (professional, creative, family-oriented, etc.)  Have a great day!

~~~oOo~~~

(thanks to Jeremy @ Being Retro for the original button design, to dictionary.com for the definitions, and to picmonkey.com for the ability to customize the graphics.)

#AtoZChallenge - Loyalty and Proverbs 31

Loyal - faithful to one's oath, commitments or obligations.

11.  The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

Do you know someone who always has your back?  How great is that?!?  I will venture a guess that we all have at least one friend who is loyal to us, and at least one to whom we are loyal.  This quality is essential in families as well.  It is how a parent can tell a child that they love them, even if they are angry with something the child has done.

12.  She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

When someone to whom you are loyal makes a mistake, in most cases you don't walk away and pretend like you don't know the person.  You walk with them through the valley.  Even if the wrong done crosses into the legal or criminal spheres, consequences will have to be faced, but you still want the best for the person.

Share with us today how you show loyalty or how loyalty has been shown to you!

~~~oOo~~~

(thanks to Jeremy @ Being Retro for the original button design, to dictionary.com for the definitions, and to picmonkey.com for the ability to customize the graphics.)

Also linking with:

  

#AtoZChallenge - Industriousness and Proverbs 31

Industrious - working energetically and devotedly; hard-working; diligent

13.  She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

We each have a gift and a responsibility to use that gift to make the world a better place.  We didn't sign a contract, and no one will come hunting us down if we don't, but think about it for a minute.  Go ahead.  I'll wait. ...

If we each make our own corners of the universe a little better by giving our best efforts, it also gets better for our friends and loved ones.  Even if the work we do does not affect people directly, it makes the big picture prettier to look at.

19.  She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

Some peoples' talents lie in the areas of arts and crafts.  I visit several blog link-ups each week where people share where their creative muses have been taking them.  Wow!  The efforts are somewhere in the area of inspiring and mind-blowing.  

I think there is something in the human psyche that drives us to create beauty with our hands.  It may be arts or crafts; it may be words or music; it may be a talent for organization of friendship - the list is endless.

SO, your mission today, should you choose to accept it is to go out and create something beautiful.  Inspire us in the comments with your ideas, past or present!

~~~oOo~~~

(thanks to Jeremy @ Being Retro for the original button design, to dictionary.com for the definitions, and to picmonkey.com for the ability to customize the graphics.)

#AtoZChallenge - Honor and Proverbs 31

Honorable - worthy of honor and respect.

12)  She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

When you care for someone, you treat them with respect, and want the best for them.  There is no saying one thing and doing another.  You say the same things about them when they are not around or when they are right there with you.

31)  Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

To give an example, when someone creates something online - with words of power, with their camera, with their paints, fabrics or other medium, you give credit where credit is due - and give the artist the fruit of his or her hands.  

Honor does not mean you have to like or agree with everything you see or read.  And there is no honor in 'kicking a person when they are down'.  If you think something can be done better another way, of course voice your opinion openly and honestly, with respect for the other person's spirit.  In this manner, your own honorable ways will bring praise to your gate.  Actions speak louder than words.

Share with us today what honor means to you.  Thank you so much for being here!

~~~oOo~~~

(thanks to Jeremy @ Being Retro for the original button design, to dictionary.com for the definitions, and to picmonkey.com for the ability to customize the graphics.)

#AtoZChallenge - Gratefulness and Proverbs 31

Grateful - warmly or deeply appreciative of kindness or benefits received.

She considereth a field, and buyeth it:  with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. (Proverbs 31:16)

I think it is hard to get your hands dirty (or your gloves, if that's the way you roll) planting a garden and not be grateful for the incredible gift of life.  That you can take a little seed, mix it with some dirt, water, sunshine and a little bit of time and receive something that can feed you and your family.  How great is that?  (And if you buy food rather than grow it, you still get to count that because you support the work of the people who do farm.)

She is not afraid of the snow for her household:  for all her household are clothed with scarlet.  (Proverbs 31:21)

We can show our gratefulness for gifts we have received by doing what we can to prepare for the future.  It's a question of stewardship, or taking care of what we have.  We provide necessities for ourselves and our family first, so when the weather changes (and that can pertain to a lot more than climate), we are prepared.  There is nothing wrong with asking for, or accepting, the help of others when necessary; then when we are able to move to a place of providing for ourselves, that is a worthy goal.

Will you share 3 things for which you are grateful in the comments?  I'll start us off:

1.  My faith in God.  I would not be here today without it.
2.  My family.  I would be incomplete without them.
3.  The A to Z Challenge.  I'd be in bed right now if it wasn't for the A to Z (It's nearly 2am where I live).  I'm not complaining, though.  Last year and this year have been INCREDIBLE growth experiences for me as a blogger.

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(thanks to Jeremy @ Being Retro for the original button design, to dictionary.com for the definitions, and to picmonkey.com for the ability to customize the graphics.)

#AtoZChallenge - Proverbs 31 and Being Bold

bold - not hesitating or fearful in the face of actual or possible danger or rebuff; beyond the usual limits of conventional thought or action.

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Verses from Proverbs 31 that deal with being BOLD:

25) Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

This thing we call life is not a kiddie ride at the amusement park.  It takes strength of body and/or soul.  As I read this verse, I think of an ancient soldier getting ready for war by putting on his armor.  Having that protection, whether it be armor or honor or prayer, can help us lunge into the fray with BOLDNESS.

27.  She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

Why do you think financial professionals always talk about having a six-month cushion of savings?  Why are 'prepper' shows so popular?  Because sometimes, you-know-what happens and if you are prepared for the future (insofar as you are capable), you can act take care of yourself and your family BOLDly even if that same stuff hits the fan.

~~~oOo~~~

Please share with us how you are BOLD, how you will be BOLD or a situation in which you would like to be BOLD.  Somebody visiting the porch today needs to read what you have to comment!

~~~oOo~~~

(thanks to Jeremy @ Being Retro for the original button design, to dictionary.com for the definitions, and to picmonkey.com for the ability to customize the graphics.)

#AtoZChallenge - Altruism and Proverbs 31

(thanks to Jeremy @ Being Retro for the original button design, to dictionary.com for the definitions, and to picmonkey.com for the ability to customize the graphics.)

altruistic - unselfishly concerned for or devoted to the welfare of others

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Two verses from Proverbs 31 show altruism:

15.  She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household and a portion to her maidens.

These are the people we know - our family, our friends.  We get up early to make them breakfast, we stay up all night with them when they are sick.  We drive across town to give them a ride when their car is not working.

20.  She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

Most of these people?  We probably don't know them.  When asked to deny ourselves or change our goals for the welfare of someone we don't know, it gets more difficult.

~~~oOo~~~

It's not a matter of time, talent, or money.  Everyone has something they can give or do to make someone else's life a little better - today! Maybe it's a meal for a homeless family.  Maybe it's money for a cause or arts organization.  Maybe it's a kind word to someone who has had a hard day.

Every single person reading this post, every single blogger participating the the A to Z Challenge, every single person in the world can do something to make the world a little better ... for everybody.

So, how are you going to altruistically change the world today?  Inspire us in the comments!

Proverbs 31:28-29

    Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

I think I'm a little off-target on this one, as on most things.  Do my children wake up and call me blessed...well....not exactly.  Granted, my daughter still stumbles out of bed sleepily in the morning and comes to Mom for a quick hug and snuggle.  And my teenage boys (15 and 16) will still submit to the occasional motherly hug...in public, no less!
Is it something I have to wait for until my children have children of their own?  How else will they be able to make an informed decision on whether or not my parenting skills are up to snuff?  Maybe, if they have some vision of what their future holds, they can/will judge on the basis of how and what I teach them and whether it will bring them happy, productive adulthoods.
And oh, my poor husband.  Now this is partially due to my depression, but sometimes I don't give him a whole lot of actions to praise (or, to 'brag on', as we say around these parts).  But I have been making strides in showing my appreciation for him, which is something I think he lacked growing up.  Why?  He had some learning differences before they were given that name, and was therefore labeled a 'lazy' student.  When he was preparing to go back to college a little over a year ago, I heard people express concern over his ability and determination.  I told him I would support him however I could and for the most part I have lived up to that bargain.  In his first two semesters he has achieved a 4.0 GPA each time!  Yay him! :O)
And, well, I know I will never excel everyone at being a Proverbs 31-style wife and mother.  But that's ok.  Most of the time I do my best.  When I fall off the bike, I get back on.  And the cool thing about that?  My children, my husband, and my Father in Heaven love me regardless of whether I'm "Mrs. Proverbs 31" or not!
So, this week, I'm going to ask my family to describe their perfect days.  Then I'm going to take a step (for each one) in seeing how I can help them get a little closer to it.  How will you serve your family this week?

Proverbs 31: 26 - 27

    

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; 

and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

She looketh well to the ways of her household, 

and eateth not the bread of idleness.

Verse 26 seems to me to warn about 'idle talk'.  But to leave the analysis there would be to leave out far too much meaning.  Gossip is an obvious target.  If a subject or bit of information is bothersome enough to pass along to friends and acquaintances, it also needs to be brought up in our prayers.  In even more intimate communications, wisdom and kindness in our words are even more important.

Who better than our husbands, children, families and ourselves with whom to share our well - considered, kind words? No couple, no family is 100% happy 100% of the time, not this side of heaven anyway.  Words spoken in the heat of anger cannot be retracted.  Feelings take time to heal.  Wouldn't it be better to think before we speak?  There's a lot of wisdom in the theory of 'counting to 10' before you open your mouth.  While your active mind is counting, you subconscious mind-librarian is searching furiously for the right words to say.

I'm going to have to watch my own-self talk after being soundly convicted by verse 27.  Part of me wants to cry when I think of the hours (ok-days) I've wasted playing games online and spending time on pursuits of little eternal worth.  A little entertainment is enjoyable and arguably necessary ... but it is not life.

Traditionally, a married woman would be judged on the state of her household, at least in terms of organization and cleanliness.  This is not to say that individual women can or even should be responsible for each little chore that needs to be done to keep a home running smoothly.  For the first 10-12 years of my marriage, I was the one that went out, worked and brought home a paycheck.  It might not have been ideal, it might not have always been what I wanted, but that was the way it was...and it wasn't all bad, either.

In a case like that, or if there is a single-parent family, some of the household management chores of necessity fall on the other members of family.  And it is a good thing if children take on duties as well.  This will teach them order, time management and give them a sense of 'ownership' of their living area.  This process is part of "looking well to the ways of the household".

The best thing I've got going for me in this (and any) area is the love of God.  He loves all women, regardless of whether or not our pictures are ever pinned to the "Top 10 Proverbs 31 Women Ever" board.  But if our goal is to move in that direction, He is there to help us every step of the way.  We just have to ask.

Proverbs 31: 24 - 25

Proverbs 31:  24-25
24 - She maketh fine linen, and selleth it;  she delivereth girdles unto the merchants.
25 - Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in the time to come.

First of all, I'm glad to be back on this series of Proverbs 31, after taking April off for the Blogging from A to Z Challenge.  Regardless if you are re-visiting, here for the first time, or hanging around after the show as it were, welcome!  I'm glad you are here!
OK.  Here we go.
A Proverbs 31 woman is able to make beautiful things with her hands (or nowadays her keyboard as well - for the tech-savvy amongst us).  It is an honorable profession to be able to create things with our abilities and knowledge and to receive just compensation for our efforts.  Sometimes the money must go for the support of the family; sometimes items may be donated to charitable organizations for fundraising, or as gifts for family and friends.  Each person in our society has an innate need to be able to contribute and receive in our society and economy.  The rewards may be concrete or intangible; the fact that it is there is often, but not always, more important than what form it takes.
As P31 women receive value for their creations (even if it seems to come only from God), so must they put forth their best effort, moment by moment.  Everyone has good days and bad days, but when you exercise a muscle, it becomes stronger.  When you practice strength of character and honor, your ability to exhibit and use these qualities also increases.  At this point, some will say, "But I can't do as much or as well (or as whatever) as so-and-so can.  We're not running against each other.  As long as we put forth the best effort we can at the moment it is required, that is 'enough'.  
Even if we are starting from 'ground zero', the important thing is to start.  I used to work with adults who had mental retardation and developmental disabilities.  Some of them may take years to learn the skill of pulling a comb through their hair one time.  Most of us do this many times a day without much thought.  But the moment they do this, even one time, means as much to God as Moses parting the Red Sea.  It doesn't matter what level we are on when we start our journey, we just need to put one foot in front of the other until we get there.
Many years ago, I started going to a gym before working in the International Department of a bank in downtown Salt Lake City.  There were Stairmasters and that was my 'weapon of choice'.  The first day, I aimed for 5 minutes of exercise.  I know, laughable, right?  And I was winded and sweating at the end.  But I did those 5 minutes every day that week.  The next week I did 10 minutes.  Towards the end of the week, it would seem to be too easy almost, and part of me wanted to bump up my time, but I held to my plan.  After many weeks, I was up to 45 minutes a day.  If the gym was busy on a given morning, maybe I could only do 30 minutes due to a time limit.  But I did my best each day.
When you have strength and honor as your clothing (or an essential part of your daily routine), you can have the satisfaction that only comes from giving your best.  You don't have to worry what each day will bring, because you have laid the groundwork and prepared for eventualities.  Sometimes bad things do happen to good people, the unexpected storm of life takes us by surprise.  Depending on the situation, we may even need a period of time to grieve.  But the skills we have developed, the honor with which we conduct ourselves, will have become second nature by that time, and when the right time to proceed appears, we will be packed and ready to go.

Proverbs 31: 18-19

PROVERBS 31:  18-19

18.  She perceiveth that her merchandise is good:  her candle goeth not out by night.

19.  She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hand holds the distaff.

*+*+*+*+*

Whether my "merchandise" is a product or service to sell, or meals, cuddles, gardening and the like in a home setting, a Proverbs 31 Woman works to provide the best for her customers or loved ones.  She knows how to make or provide what her family needs, in the best way for each group's circumstances.  If there is something she does not know or a skill she does not have, she works to develop those abilities.

*+*+*+*+*

Originally, I had thought to wait until next week to 'unveil' the habits/goals on which I will be working in March, on my journey to become more like a Proverbs 31 Woman.  But I just can't wait any longer!

Caring for Self - I want to walk 30 mins/day at least 3 days/week:

I obviously need more exercise.  I am older than my father was when he passed away and I have developed some of the same health problems that he had, among them high blood pressure.

Caring for Children - I am going to teach my oldest son, age 16, to drive.

This is something that Brian needs for his own independence.  When it comes time for him to either get a job, or move out for college, etc, especially if he stays in Kentucky, he will need to be able to do this for himself.  And as long as he is home, and we go as a family to visit the in-laws in Texas, it would be SO NICE to have a 3rd driver!

Caring for the Home - I am going to re-vamp our cleaning schedule.

 We are a very crowded family right now, with two adults, two teens, one tween, 1 dog, 1 cat and 6 puppies all in a 3 bedroom apartment.  The old way of cleaning just isn't working anymore.  (And if you know anyone that wants a puppy, feel free to let me know!)

Caring for Finances - I am reorganizing our food budget.

For a long time, I have wanted to prepare food 'closer to home' - baking bread rather than buying it ready made and sliced.  I also need to educate my family more on the benefits of a healthy meal plan.  There is diabetes and heart issues in the current or recent past generations of our family, and I want to make eating better food a priority.

Caring for Husband - I will make sure his study area is organized and clean.

Recently, my husband went back to college at the age of 45.  Growing up, he probably would have been diagnosed with ADHD, if such knowledge existed back then.  The upshot was that not many people believed in his abilities ... including himself.  While some of his subjects are out of my league, I can help him by checking grammar and math, and by keeping his study area free of distractions.

My Relationship with God - I will bolster my prayer life.

 I have never been particularly regular in my prayer life.  At times, I have been one of those who pray a lot when things are not going well, but not so much when the going is easier.  Not entirely sure how this will go, so comments with ideas that have worked for you would be much appreciated!

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Later today, I will post my new-ish "Mental Health Mondays" meme/link-up.  If you write about mental health topics, or know someone who does, I invite y'all to link up this afternoon or evening!

Proverbs 31: 16-17

PROVERBS 31 (KJV)
16.  She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
17.  She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
I was originally going to memorize more verses this week, but there is so much going on in just the above two, that I thought it wise to consider them more closely.
"She considereth a field and buyeth it...."  When a wife makes a purchase to increase her family's bottom line, it takes study and a wise decision.  To me, t his implies that she has some level of education or street smarts.  She doesn't necessarily ask permission from her husband, but the purchase is made with his welfare also in mind.  It doesn't even have to be land.  But land, or real estate, etc, is one of the few things that most people have to buy on credit.  Buying the latest car, gadget or style does not generally justify spending money you don't have readily available.
"...with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard."  Once a major purchase has been made, steps must be taken to maintain and/or improve its value.  In the case of a house, repairs or updates can be made or re-decorating can be done.  A piece of land can be used to plant a home garden, graze farm animals.  There is a local property that we pass every time we go to my in-laws on which there will be a day-long sustainability fair at then end of March.
"She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms."  A life close to the home, close to the land is not for the weak of limb nor the faint of heart.  So a wise woman will do several things.  Firstly, she will educate herself so that she can choose the best use of the land.  Secondly, she will have the proper protective gear so that her body and health are protected - gloves, pads to kneel on in the garden, a bottle of water to stay hydrated are just a few of the things that spring to mind.  Lastly, anyone who personally does the house and yard work know that it gives you plenty of load-bearing exercise.  So to mention some stretching and healthy eating would not be out of place.
I also want to honor and mention the women and men who work outside the home, also the soldiers and their families.  Neither work life (in or out of the home) is easy.  To paraphrase an oldish saying, "It takes a village ... to raise a village."
Please click on the button above and visit other great blogs linked to "Inspire Me Monday", "Matrimonal Monday" and "Marriage Monday".  I'd love to hear one thing you will do (or have been doing) to strengthen yourselves this week!

On the Road to Proverbs 31 - Round 2

Proverbs 31 (KJV)
13)  She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14.  She is like the merchant ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
15.  She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
*+*+*+*+* To me, the above verses mean that a Proverbs 31 wife/mother procures or receives items that would provide for the temporal needs of her family and household.  That could be food, clothing, school supplies ... whatever. As an act of service, she goes out of her way to make sure the members of her household have these necessities.   Until a child can express preferences, a mother will buy or make clothing for their childr(ren).  She will prepare the meals, by herself as necessary, until the children are old enough to help.  Not a lot of us these days have in-home staff, but many people have a cleaning service or tech assistance with their computers.  Showing people that help you that you value their service is never in bad taste. The model Proverbs 31 woman, wife and/or mother knows that God recognizes her efforts; and really, what better recognition is there?  Most of that (myself included) are not there yet, and I think we could agree that it would be nice to hear a word of thanks every now and then. So, my challenge to you this week, is to express your thanks to someone who has helped you in some way. *+*+*+*+* Originally, I had planned to "move on" once each step indicated by the verses had been mastered.  But to me, that means perfect, and well, I'm just not going to get there anytime soon ... not soon enough for which it would be worth holding my breath while waiting....if you get what I mean. And I've tweaked my personal improvement project a bit, that I first mentioned in this post. AMETHYST - caring for myself
SAPPHIRE - caring for my children
PERIDOT - caring for my husband
AMBER - caring for our home
FIRE OPAL - caring for our finances
RUBY - my relationship with God
I found out that peridot (not aquamarine) is my husband's birthstone.  And I'm using colors associated with available Swarovski crystals, because if I'm going to make myself a bracelet or something to mark my self-perceived progress on this journey, it'll be more in our budget working with crystals instead of gemstones. So, for each of the above stones/colors/areas for improvement, I have decided on a goal or habit to develop in each of the next 12 months, starting with March 2013.  I'm not going to list them all here, because the lists will change over the course of the year.  It would also make this post unbearably long, and UGH.  Not going to do it. My plan for the moment is to "introduce" my month's goals the first week, then to review two of them each of the next 3 weeks.  If there is a 5th week, I'll probably post a picture, drawing or poem

MM - Working on Semi-Precious

I thought I had done a blog post about starting to memorize Proverbs 31:10-31 a while back.  Well, I can't seem to find it now, and so what will I do?  I'll start over.  And hoping to use this blog link-up to do a series and keep myself accountable and better-organized.

For the first week, I'm going to tackle Proverbs 31:10-12

10  Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

11  The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil

12  She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

I have never been the best wife and probably never will be - but then who wants that sort of competition thrown in amongst a group of women who ought to be supportive of one another?  No "Real Housewives" for me, thank you.  But I haven't even been the best wife I could be.  And that smarts.

The good news is two-fold...or maybe three.  I don't have to stay that way.  The process of improvement in this area of my life is not necessarily leaping tall buildings with a single bound, but smaller steps, consistently applied.  And God is patient, so there's still hope for me.

I won't bore you...yet (lol)...with a list of my failings as a wife.

But going with the whole rubies/gemstones theme, I have come up with a system to kind of mark my progress on this journey:  Amethyst - caring for self; Sapphire - caring for children; Aquamarine - caring for home; Amber - caring for finances; Citrine - caring for husband; Ruby - a humble heart, caring for God.  

A few random notes:  I chose aquamarine to fill the "green" part of the spectrum because it is my husband's birthsone.  I chose citrine for the orange part of the spectrum because there is no iconic orange gemstone (like amethysts are purple, rubies are red).  The only purposely-chosen color/meaning choice was the ruby-caring for God.  Because what better way is there to be the best wife for a particular husband if not being a woman of God?

More on the whole color scheme of my wifely self-improvement scheme after I've gone through the verses of Proverbs 31 in the weekly posts.  I'd sure LOVE to have you along for the ride, so come on back to the Porch anytime! :O)