In Honor of International Women's Day

In honor of International Women's Day, 

I would like to honor all the women who are truly 

striving to be a Proverbs 31 woman.

Each day, as Proverbs 31 women, we rise early. We do so not to catch up on the latest gossip circuiting the news media. Many of us rise early just to catch a glimpse of what His instructions are for us written in His word.

We go into our secret place to pour out our souls to the One whom we rely on each day. Knowing that without Him, we couldn't celebrate this day or any other day; but rather succomb to the pressures of the latest trend which society tells us what a real woman is. While there in that place, we die to ourselves so that when our family looks at us, they see Him.

Some pity us because they have the tendency to think that our days are filled with drudgery. Yes, some days are hard because we are going against our selfish nature that wants to be catered to rather than catering to others. For the most part we look forward to serving our husband and training our children. Some may see us as women who sit around all day eating Bon Bons while watching the latest daytime drama on television. Truth be told, we wish we had a moment to sit and watch anything. We live our lives not being busybodies in other men's/women's matters, but rather spending our days being keepers in our homes.

At the end of today just like any other day, we will praise God for blessing our day. We will praise Him for helping us get through this day. If it's His will that we rise tomorrow morning, we will praise Him again. We live our lives to praise Him each and every day in all that we do.

  

I Miss My Time With You

Last Saturday Don and I went to the Dollar tree because I "had" to get me some Boston Baked Bean. I was so shocked when I enter the store because all I saw was Christmas display. The store did display some thing for the harvest season, but it got lost in the midst of the Christmas items. After a few minutes of dancing up and down the aisles because I was so excited about the holiday season I forgot what I came into the store for.

Within just a short time, I was able to focus on how I was going to decorate our place this year, the gifts I wanted to make and the ham that I wanted to put on the cute plate that was on display. Once I snapped back to reality, I went over and got my 5.5 ounces of Boston Baked Beans for a $1.00. Trying not to get distracted again.

While standing at the register to pay for my treat, I lost focus again because I saw the cutest wired trees that would look cute with a candle burning inside of it. I nudged Don and get tried to get him focused on my eyes delight, but he was determined to get in and get out. (Thank God for husbands at the Dollar Tree :)

The calming effects of riding in the car got me to thinking. I started thinking about how I can lose focus during the holiday season and totally forget about my time with the Lord. I can rise early in the morning to throw bread in the oven and bask in the aroma as I finish putting the hem in an apron from the night before. The night before I had burned the midnight oil because I wanted to do "one more thing" before I retired for the night.

I thought about how God is a jealous God. He doesn't want me to put anything or anyone before Him. I was doing all the right things, but I was still wrong. I had neglected the one who gave me the gifts and talents. He didn't give the gifts to me so that I can use them to neglect Him.

Father I thank You for the gifts that You have given me. When you created me in my mother's womb, You anointed my hands and gave me a creative mind. Forgive me for neglecting You during the past holiday seasons and putting other things before You. As I'm on the brink of a new holiday season, I hear You say not to get to busy because You miss Your time with me.

My Prayer For Homekeepers

Humbly I bow before You Father
On my bended knees I pray.
Matters of my heart are many, I have so much to say.
Encouragement my sister she needs,
Keeping her home with a family she feeds.
Embracing the changes occurring in her life,
Everyday she's serving as a mother and trying to be a virtuous wife.
Please Lord give her the strength to endure,
Even in her darkest hour You're there for sure.
Remind her of the great job she's doing,
Still on today Lord, let her hear You wooing.

By: Sandra King
Written on January 11, 2005

There are times I've neglected the most important relationship in my life. My relationship with the Lord. No, I haven't fallen off the band wagon or ran away from home to go find myself. But, as a keeper of my home, my days are filled with the many tasks that are set before me. I'll admit that days have gone by without me stopping to talk with the Lord. What I mean is, I can go without days going into my prayer closet. That secret place where I can just pour my love on the Lord.

When my husband makes a request for me to spend time with him, I'm quick to respond to his needs. What about the Lord? I must take the time to spend and go into that secret place. How can I do that with the kids and my husband wanting my full undivided attention? Let's not forget the house that needs to be tended to and meals that need to be prepared.

This morning I went to that secret place. Although physically I didn't go, but my heart was there. While making blueberry muffins and eggs this morning, my heart just became full. Full of love for my Heavenly Father who just wanted to talk to me even in the midst of making breakfast for my family. I stopped for just a quick minute and shared with the Lord out of a heart with gratitude. So much gratitude that words of expression couldn't flow from my lips. God knew that my words were few, but the tears were many. Expressions from a heart so in love with Him. Not only for what He has done, but for who He is.