Anyways, sometimes as women we try to measure ourselves up against other moms and wives. We try to be the best at crockpot meals, or dinner ideas, or we try to always have the most fun crafts or the best ideas for snack time. I have an amazing friend who has so much talent in baking and crafts. If I tried to compare myself to her as a mom I would fail miserably every time. I've learned that instead of feeling sorry for myself I need to embrace the fact that she is my friend and she's here to teach me her fun ideas and encourage me to do my best. Rather than be jealous or covet other women, we have to learn to model our behavior after our prime example in Proverbs 31. As long as what we do is to glorify the Lord, it doesn't matter if we're excellent cooks or our kids have nationally acclaimed preschool worthy activities to do daily.
Don't beat yourself up for allowing them to watch a little too much Nick Jr. Don't tell yourself you aren't a good enough mommy if you occasionally need a nap while your child is playing. If you don't always serve the most healthy meals for their lunch it's not the end of the world. If sometimes you just don't want to clean up the mess left from a craft project or you would rather not get out all those manipulatives and learning toys today it's okay.
We are not going to be perfect. If we were what need would we have for a loving Savior? He expects us to do our best to serve Him and through that our family is also taken care of. He never asked us to wear ourselves to the bone being the "parenting magazine" definition of mom. We aren't supposed to be experts to the world but rather just experts in our own home. No matter who you are if you are trying you are already an expert in your own husband and children. You know them more than anyone else does and I bet that they appreciate all the things you are doing for them more than they can say.
Who does your son go to when he falls down? Usually it's mom. Who does your daughter cry to when her heart was broken for the first time. Usually mom. Who does your husband come home to after a bad day and just stand in the kitchen hugging for several minutes. His beautiful wife. So don't compare yourselves to others. Don't try to measure yourself to their level. Do YOU, Be YOU, and serve your Father to your best. And if you want an example to follow look to Proverbs 31 for that example and not to other women around you.
Hugs and love to all you moms!
The Virtuous Wife
10 Who can find a virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.
15 She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.
20 She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates.
For her worth is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.
15 She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.
20 She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates.
P.S. I am going to try to have a friend of mine guest post on here with information on her excellent exercise programs. I believe the scripture states we are to strengthen our arms, meaning exercise and take care of our bodies. I would like her input as a fellow Christian and a wonderful personal trainer so stay tuned.
P.S.S. I also wanted to mention the title of this blog. Proverbs 31 Woman in a "Girl Power" world. I really believe we live in a world that is more about us having power over men or equality to men. I think this takes our focus from being the best God made us to be and puts it on being better than others. We are amazing as women but we were created by God as a "helpmate" to men. We were not designed to be above our husbands, nor better than them. We are their helpmate, companion, to be loved and cherished but not to be the authority, leader, or the power holder. Not saying women are to be abused, or that men can wipe their feet on us at all here. Just that "Girl Power" to me isn't the type of woman God wants for us. He wants us to shout "to GOD be the glory" not messages that the glory should be ours to own. Live your life as a reflection of Christ in you. We are not powerful, God is powerful through us and in us. I hope that makes sense to everyone.
P.S.S. I also wanted to mention the title of this blog. Proverbs 31 Woman in a "Girl Power" world. I really believe we live in a world that is more about us having power over men or equality to men. I think this takes our focus from being the best God made us to be and puts it on being better than others. We are amazing as women but we were created by God as a "helpmate" to men. We were not designed to be above our husbands, nor better than them. We are their helpmate, companion, to be loved and cherished but not to be the authority, leader, or the power holder. Not saying women are to be abused, or that men can wipe their feet on us at all here. Just that "Girl Power" to me isn't the type of woman God wants for us. He wants us to shout "to GOD be the glory" not messages that the glory should be ours to own. Live your life as a reflection of Christ in you. We are not powerful, God is powerful through us and in us. I hope that makes sense to everyone.
Very well said. Best of luck and many prayers on the new adventure in your blogging.
ReplyDeleteKim said
ReplyDeleteGirl power world...
I tend to disagree. Although, I do see this girl power thing being used in the media. I firmly believe that we live in a very hedonistic world. Men and women are encouraged to be selfish and do what FEELS right to them as individuals. Many times the so called feminism, girl power is attributed with the ills in the world today. However, the truth is that people (men and women) are extremely selfish and pleasure seeking. With that being said, I enjoyed your post. Proverbs 31 is one of my favorites.