Monday, May 28, 2012

Proverbs 31 Woman - Week 3

I'm joining my friend Amanda Pelser  in leading this Proverbs 31 study from Good Morning Girls

Proverbs 31: 12 "She brings him good, not harm, all the days of his life." 


I'll be the first to admit - I bring my husband good . . . most . . . of the days of his life. I have plenty of room
for  improvement.  I want to be this Proverbs woman we've been studying about - but there are times when
I know I fall miserably short. The person God has commanded me to be my best for - sometimes gets - 
well - what's leftover of my goodness. Sometimes he even gets the junk that's left after burn out from 
doing "good" elsewhere. That means that - sometimes - my priorities are out of whack! 

My husband hasn't ever complained about getting the short end of the stick. He supports me in my endeavors both in and outside the home. He seems like a pretty happy guy - yet - I know that I can -that I 
should do better. 

He's supposed to get my best - the very best of who I am and what I have to offer - then my kids - then 
the others in my life - people I want to encourage - friends - loved ones. 

He never complains. But I can do better!



Our study guide reminds us that in order to do our best - be our best- for our husbands, we need to be IN 
the Word of God on a regular - daily - basis. Through reading the Word, praying faithfully, and walking in 
obedience to the Lord - we can do this ladies! We can be the Proverbs women God wants us to be! 

Colossians 3: 23 "Whatever you do, work at it with 

all your heart, as unto the Lord, not unto men." 

This is important for all of us to remember - but maybe especially those who don't have perfect husbands. 
Oh, that's right, none of us have perfect husbands! It helps to keep this at the heart of the matter - no matter what kind of marriage you are in. We are not serving man - we are serving the living God. 

Proverbs 31: 13 "She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands."

My hands aren't always eager to do the dishes, the laundry, the cooking. Grocery shopping with three boys is not always a fun chore! I know that's hard to believe - but it's true. When my attitude is right and when I am working at it with all my heart - as to the Lord - I do a much better job - and here's another secret . . . I'm a much happier woman! 

I'm not sure why I can't just remember this all the time - but - I can't seem to always remember it. I need reminders. I need the Word - I need Bible studies, prayer and encouragement! 


Proverbs 31: 14 "She is like the merchant ships bringing her food from afar."

We've made sacrifices in order to allow me to stay home with the kids. I've had to get creative with our household budget and in the process I've become much more frugal with our finances. I love finding ways 
for our family to enjoy adventures together that are affordable. I enjoy finding a good deal that fulfills a need for my family. I'm feeling pretty good about my this part of the study. "Necessity is the mother of invention" and I've sure learned a lot about bringing my family what it needs through creative means. I 
always look forward to learning more! 

A few ideas I've picked up along the way: 
*homemade laundry detergent  *homemade liquid hand soap *wheat grinder for healthy bread 
*homemade jams (healthier and affordable)  *shopping with coupons *shopping BOGO items 
*storing up supplies when they are on sale and I have coupons  *re-purposing household items 
*blogging to provide for our homeschool needs! 

I'm so thankful for the opportunity to learn and grow with this group of women in our summer study! 

I'd love for you to share ideas for being a Proverbs 31 woman who provides for her families needs in creative ways with me in the comments!  

#1000 Gifts and beyond: 


#291- a husband who doesn't complain about my short-comings (there are many)
#292- study group of woman who encourage each other to keep growing
#293- joy of frugal finds for the family
#294- real love and passion for my husband
#295- Grace from the God of Creation as I try and fail regularly
#296- an adventure with my children this weekend
#297- selfless man who loves us
#298- praying - encouraging friends
#299- opportunity to work for Apologia this weekend at #FPEA Convention
#300- encouraging words from Rachael Carman of Apologia 

*Two of my favorite quotes from this past weekend were from Rachael Carman that is quite fitting for our Prov 31 group "Your family takes their cue from you ladies! Change your attitude and change the world!"
and also "It isn't about you - It's all about HIM! Choose Joy!"


The advice she gave that is for homeschool parents and for Proverbs 31 women alike - 

"Keep your eyes on Jesus!" 


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5 comments:

Unknown said...

Oftentimes I look at my husband for what I think I should be getting instead of what I should be giving. Keeping myself buried in the Word helps me discern what I should want from him and what I need from Him.

Unknown said...

How wonderful to have a husband that never complains. Beautiful! I am glad you are aware of things you want to work on. It sounds like you are on a great path. : )

Bernadette said...

Kelli- Brave Girl! I love this post, and wanted to share something that has amazed me over the last few weeks. I was praying for my three boys and their future spouses when I suddenly said, "Lord, please make me the kind of wife I am praying my sons will have." It was something that sprang out of my mouth without me thinking, and I'm sure it was from God because I have been DAILY and quite CONSTANTLY convicted! Isn't that amazing?
Blessings on your brave brood there, friend.

Bernadette

Unknown said...

Awesome comments from each of you- Yes Jen - we are to look to the Lord to meet our needs - such an important reminder!

I am blessed to have such a sweet husband - he's not perfect- but he's perfect for me.

Bernadette - my warrior friend- I love that - praying to be that woman & praying for your sons wives - great idea. I prayed for my husband while he was growing up - while we both were! :)

Pamela said...

I echo your "but I could do better." Working on that one day at a time! Thanks for the challenge and encouragement.