Proverbs 31 Woman-Part 1(Givens)

Hello Friends and family,
Today is March 31 and at the last minute I am determined to get my monthly post in. I do not think a coincidence that on this 31st day of March God has prompted me to discuss the 31st chapter of Proverbs. It is the very last chapter in that great book in the middle of the Old Testament. Proverbs gives us so much wisdom and discipline about doing what is right and just. In the last chapter we read about the "proverbial" (funny huh?) woman. This chapter fills many a godly woman with fear and frustration. Why? Because this woman seems perfect in every way and we know that even the most godly woman we know still falls short. God has given some valuable insight about this woman that I hope will help you overcome your fear and frustration and truly set you free to do and be all that God desires you to be.
If you are a man reading this don't think you are off the hook. Please continue reading so you can see how you fit into the picture.

Lesson#1-To begin to move toward the idea of the Proverbs 31 woman you should know that there are certain "givens " or things you should not neglect. You should keep your relationship with God fresh and growing by daily communication. This will look different with each woman so do not compare yourself with anyone else. If you work and have a crazy schedule with your kid's activities then turn off your cell phone in the car on the way to work and spend some quality time with your Savior.
Your next priority is your husband.... not your kids. This will make some ladies mad I know and believe me I have not always done a very good job of this myself. You must remember that one day those kids will be out of the nest and you will not know the rooster and it will be him that might just fly the coop as well. It is your job to encourage him and build him up and support him as he supports you and the kids. Have regular date nights and go away as much as possible together to reconnect. Talk and plan and dream about your future together and always pray together.

Now we come to those very demanding children. Yes, they are demanding, that is why we end up putting them first sometimes. The squeaky wheel gets the most attention but it shouldn't in this case. Children need to be taught patience and self-control and when we do whatever they ask as quickly as they ask, we are doing them a disservice. They need to see us putting their father ahead of them at certain times so they can learn to value marriage and the relationship between a husband and a wife. I have told my children that when Daddy and I go away and leave them it is really a blessing to them because Daddy and I get closer and that will benefit them to have a mommy and daddy that love each other. Another thing that is a "given" is teaching our children things that only a mom can teach them. Basically, how to be independant. Learning to take care of their basic needs...it begins in the bathroom and continues to cooking,cleaning,washing clothes, putting gas in the car and making deposits in their bank account from checks they earn at their very first job. My oldest is 21 and it gives me such joy when she calls home and needs a new recipe or has a question about how to do something in her little apartment.

At last we come to the "whatever" in Col.3:17." And whatever you do , whether in word or deed,do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus,giving thanks to God the Father through Him." We all have different "whatevers". Some of us are stay at home moms so our house is our whatevers and it may be more organized or cleaner that the moms who have to work outside the homes. If you have a job and you do it with excellence and integrity, that is your whatever. If you have been blessed and you have extra time to give and volunteer with a ministry or PTA then that is your whatever. The Proverbs 31 woman is to use her time wisely no matter what her whatever is. Sometimes using your time wisely is resting and being good to yourself. Believe me, this benefits everyone... because "when mama ain't happy,nobody's happy."

This concludes Part 1. I will be posting part 2(Ought To's) next week during a nice rest during Spring Break. Have a beautiful RESSURECTION SUNDAY!!!! Please ponder the amazing miracle of Life after death and know that if you believe in Jesus... you too will RISE AGAIN!!!!! denise