Proverbs 31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
Now a days we can go to our nearest Target store, or our favorite choice, and get sweaters, jackets, and even thermals to keep warm during cold, rainy, or blistering winds. However, as we read in verse 19, these women used to make their own material and clothes as well. The case of not being afraid here comes from the peace of mind her hard work has brought her. If this woman would not have taken time to be making comfortable cozy clothing for her whole family, they would have to weather the storm - be very cold during the Winter season. However, I am thinking that her work was not over then, for if her family and herself were in need for the next season, she would still be at work during the winter season. I think maybe, individuals then really had to take care of their clothes. Not like some of our "disposable" fashion now a days. Now, scarlet is important to note. Scarlet is a red color. So, not only did she have to make her own clothing but she would dye her clothing. Details = love. Maybe it was not the most expensive color (purple), but she put in time for her family with what she had/could afford. Remember the acronym of J.O.Y. meaning Jesus, others, and yourself... as we apply this in chronological order, everything seems to set itself in order.
Shalom.
Meditate.
Activate.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
p.31:20
Proverbs 31:20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
Action. Compassion. Considerate. Thankful. Gracious giver. Here we see that while we are to be busy loving God (whatever you do wether you eat / drink do it all for the glory of God) at home and with our families, we are to consider others and their situation. We must feel blessed and thankful to have the blessings and comforts that God gives to us graciously, and we must act. Jesus walked this Earth and would say "I will" to those who would say to Him: "Jesus, Son of God, if you will, heal me". Jesus did not just think about healing them, He took action, once even making mud and putting it on a blind man's eyes and commanding him to go wash his eyes to receive his sight. God tells us to think of others better and before us, do we do this when we see someone in need? Also, God commands us to be gracious givers... are we extending His heart in this matter? Another food for thought is to simply go back to any situations in your life where you have been in need, and see how God has always provided and sustained you.
Shalom.
Meditate.
ACTIVATE.
Action. Compassion. Considerate. Thankful. Gracious giver. Here we see that while we are to be busy loving God (whatever you do wether you eat / drink do it all for the glory of God) at home and with our families, we are to consider others and their situation. We must feel blessed and thankful to have the blessings and comforts that God gives to us graciously, and we must act. Jesus walked this Earth and would say "I will" to those who would say to Him: "Jesus, Son of God, if you will, heal me". Jesus did not just think about healing them, He took action, once even making mud and putting it on a blind man's eyes and commanding him to go wash his eyes to receive his sight. God tells us to think of others better and before us, do we do this when we see someone in need? Also, God commands us to be gracious givers... are we extending His heart in this matter? Another food for thought is to simply go back to any situations in your life where you have been in need, and see how God has always provided and sustained you.
Shalom.
Meditate.
ACTIVATE.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
p.31:19
Proverbs 31:19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
For an example on what is a spindle, distaff, and how they are used watch this youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFSdZdHCh40
Time. One of the best ways to show love and care to someone is to give of your time. I had always read proverbs 31:19 with no idea of what really a spindle or a distaff even looked like. I did consider something to make clothes, but as you can see, it is more than that. Spindling is creating the material that you will use, making string is how i see it. This might be incorrect, I do not know much about it, but with half hour viewing of youtube videos I watched in order to write today about this... its an idea. So, that is why I consider it important to mention the value of time. Mothers used to take the time to go to the market and buy the cotton, etc that they were going to later take the time to spindle and later make clothing out of. Can you imagine that? We don't want to even iron now-a-days... makes me think that that is probably why at times mothers used to go to sleep later before... as we saw in verse 18. If I were to spindle, I would probably not be "late" night blogging, I would be using a spindle and a distaff. But all this also makes me think about how much more then people would value what they had, after all they had to not only work for the money to use to acquire that material they were going to spindle, they also had to make their clothing themselves. Imagine now, if it was a large family who you had to spindle for. This without considering dyeing clothing, imagine having picky teenagers like we sometimes have today? Just kidding, I was once a picky teenager too.
I'm not stating we have to make our own clothing, you can if you want, but, I think we should consider the process, time, care it takes and used to take (even more before) of what it was to be a mother, a wife, a helper. Use your time wisely.
Psalm 90:12 says: Teach us to number our days,that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Live for God.
1 Peter 2:16 says As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
Shalom
Meditate
Activate
For an example on what is a spindle, distaff, and how they are used watch this youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFSdZdHCh40
Time. One of the best ways to show love and care to someone is to give of your time. I had always read proverbs 31:19 with no idea of what really a spindle or a distaff even looked like. I did consider something to make clothes, but as you can see, it is more than that. Spindling is creating the material that you will use, making string is how i see it. This might be incorrect, I do not know much about it, but with half hour viewing of youtube videos I watched in order to write today about this... its an idea. So, that is why I consider it important to mention the value of time. Mothers used to take the time to go to the market and buy the cotton, etc that they were going to later take the time to spindle and later make clothing out of. Can you imagine that? We don't want to even iron now-a-days... makes me think that that is probably why at times mothers used to go to sleep later before... as we saw in verse 18. If I were to spindle, I would probably not be "late" night blogging, I would be using a spindle and a distaff. But all this also makes me think about how much more then people would value what they had, after all they had to not only work for the money to use to acquire that material they were going to spindle, they also had to make their clothing themselves. Imagine now, if it was a large family who you had to spindle for. This without considering dyeing clothing, imagine having picky teenagers like we sometimes have today? Just kidding, I was once a picky teenager too.
I'm not stating we have to make our own clothing, you can if you want, but, I think we should consider the process, time, care it takes and used to take (even more before) of what it was to be a mother, a wife, a helper. Use your time wisely.
Psalm 90:12 says: Teach us to number our days,that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Live for God.
1 Peter 2:16 says As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
Shalom
Meditate
Activate
Thursday, September 13, 2012
p.31:18
Proverbs 31:18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
How many of you gals have had to get rid of spoiled rotten and forgotten food from the refrigerator? How many have come home with loads of fruits and vegetables you already had in the refrigerator? Do you know exactly what you own? How many pair of black shoes do you own, or will you end up buying black boots for this fall again? All in all, do you know what you already own? Many times, because we are so busy and sometimes too disorganized, we tend to go shopping for more of what we already have. This does not help us, specially those who are known to shop much. We overspend, we toss out, we do not wear all we own, and it all is a waste of resources. With this in mind, and today's verse, I encourage us all to perceive that what we owe is good. Make sure you have it because its a need, in some occasions a want, a desire. Then, make sure that it is not just there taking up space, and if its in good conditions, and that it was a good purchase. Be wise, know what good to buy with the money your husband, or even both of you, work so hard to save. Now, the second part, is both something I enjoy and dislike at the same time. Staying up late, I find that many times, my creativity flows like waterfalls at night, however, if I am dealing with something that I don't enjoy, it seems that staying up late is just beauty sleep wasted. You and I need to be focused and scheduled on what duties we are to do for the day and night, and if need be, we need to stay up late a little and get it finished. You won't be the first or the last one to have to do this to stay on track.
Shalom.
Meditate.
Activate.
How many of you gals have had to get rid of spoiled rotten and forgotten food from the refrigerator? How many have come home with loads of fruits and vegetables you already had in the refrigerator? Do you know exactly what you own? How many pair of black shoes do you own, or will you end up buying black boots for this fall again? All in all, do you know what you already own? Many times, because we are so busy and sometimes too disorganized, we tend to go shopping for more of what we already have. This does not help us, specially those who are known to shop much. We overspend, we toss out, we do not wear all we own, and it all is a waste of resources. With this in mind, and today's verse, I encourage us all to perceive that what we owe is good. Make sure you have it because its a need, in some occasions a want, a desire. Then, make sure that it is not just there taking up space, and if its in good conditions, and that it was a good purchase. Be wise, know what good to buy with the money your husband, or even both of you, work so hard to save. Now, the second part, is both something I enjoy and dislike at the same time. Staying up late, I find that many times, my creativity flows like waterfalls at night, however, if I am dealing with something that I don't enjoy, it seems that staying up late is just beauty sleep wasted. You and I need to be focused and scheduled on what duties we are to do for the day and night, and if need be, we need to stay up late a little and get it finished. You won't be the first or the last one to have to do this to stay on track.
Shalom.
Meditate.
Activate.
Monday, March 5, 2012
p.31:17
Proverbs 31:17 She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.
After reading various books in regards to partners, relationships, marriage, I have come to realize this with this God's help,strength for a woman comes ONLY, I must repeat, ONLY, when she trusts God.
Selah.
While a single lady trusts God to choose her husband, a married lady trusts God and shows her trust in God when she does what God tells her she as a wife must do and lets God (by trusting God) to help her husband do his part. She doesn't nag at him to suggest a change of/in him. Do your part (obey) and let God do His part in your husband's life.
Words that stand out:
She girds - she acts upon girding herself
definition
girds: enclose/encircles/secure with a belt or band
In other words, it could read, from what we have seen...
she [encloses/encircles/secures] herself with [trusting God]...
see God's goodness for you?
there is security for us in God's commands for us. <3
ps: the part of strengthens her arms ... reminded me personally to lift weights, for thats what i've been wanting to make part of my routine, jijiji :P OHH and wanting to let you guys know, since I mentioned that I've been getting knowledge, and with God's grace, maybe even a little wisdom, with books I've read, in regards to relationships. But I know it must be harder than I know or maybe imagine - marriage. I must say, Im not a pro, not that anyone is even if married, but, I am NOT married yet so, if anything, I hope to just shine a little insight into womens lives, married or not. I mean, maybe an outside perspective helps (thats me), plus, 1 Timothy 4:12 states Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit,[a] in faith, in purity.
Shalom.
Meditate.
Activate.
After reading various books in regards to partners, relationships, marriage, I have come to realize this with this God's help,strength for a woman comes ONLY, I must repeat, ONLY, when she trusts God.
Selah.
While a single lady trusts God to choose her husband, a married lady trusts God and shows her trust in God when she does what God tells her she as a wife must do and lets God (by trusting God) to help her husband do his part. She doesn't nag at him to suggest a change of/in him. Do your part (obey) and let God do His part in your husband's life.
Words that stand out:
She girds - she acts upon girding herself
definition
girds: enclose/encircles/secure with a belt or band
In other words, it could read, from what we have seen...
she [encloses/encircles/secures] herself with [trusting God]...
see God's goodness for you?
there is security for us in God's commands for us. <3
ps: the part of strengthens her arms ... reminded me personally to lift weights, for thats what i've been wanting to make part of my routine, jijiji :P OHH and wanting to let you guys know, since I mentioned that I've been getting knowledge, and with God's grace, maybe even a little wisdom, with books I've read, in regards to relationships. But I know it must be harder than I know or maybe imagine - marriage. I must say, Im not a pro, not that anyone is even if married, but, I am NOT married yet so, if anything, I hope to just shine a little insight into womens lives, married or not. I mean, maybe an outside perspective helps (thats me), plus, 1 Timothy 4:12 states Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit,[a] in faith, in purity.
Shalom.
Meditate.
Activate.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
p.31:16
Proverbs 31:16 She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.
Words that stand out: Considers, Her profits, Plants, Vineyard.
Why these words stand out for me is the following:
Consider: It is something that we might forget to do before we act in any way.
Her profits: We will see what she does with "her" profits.
Plants: No she does not get her profits and goes to the mall and buys the most expensive mascara, shoes, or bag. No, she plants, taking the time, getting on her knees, getting her hands dirty, and plants!
Vineyard: You might say: yes, well maybe it was necessary in those times; I mean who plants vineyards now a days?
May I suggest that planting could still be a very useful technique in saving money! Make the most of the yard you have, whether small or huge, plant lemons, radishes, watermelons, strawberries, potatoes, tomatoes, a banana tree.... ha! just making sure you are awake. Plus! like we discussed before, sometimes we don't feel like going to the store, and well, if you have a lemon handy in the backyard, that might just save you a trip to the store, some money, and add to your day a little more time.
Have fun!
Once again, youtube.com is a great source to look up videos for things like: how to plant your own garden.
pray.
meditate.
activate.
Words that stand out: Considers, Her profits, Plants, Vineyard.
Why these words stand out for me is the following:
Consider: It is something that we might forget to do before we act in any way.
Her profits: We will see what she does with "her" profits.
Plants: No she does not get her profits and goes to the mall and buys the most expensive mascara, shoes, or bag. No, she plants, taking the time, getting on her knees, getting her hands dirty, and plants!
Vineyard: You might say: yes, well maybe it was necessary in those times; I mean who plants vineyards now a days?
May I suggest that planting could still be a very useful technique in saving money! Make the most of the yard you have, whether small or huge, plant lemons, radishes, watermelons, strawberries, potatoes, tomatoes, a banana tree.... ha! just making sure you are awake. Plus! like we discussed before, sometimes we don't feel like going to the store, and well, if you have a lemon handy in the backyard, that might just save you a trip to the store, some money, and add to your day a little more time.
Have fun!
Once again, youtube.com is a great source to look up videos for things like: how to plant your own garden.
pray.
meditate.
activate.
p.31:15
Proverbs 31:15 She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.
Ok, so this is very interesting to me. The fact that a wife, a mom especially, NEEDS to wake up while it is yet night. I see how this is true. With so much to do in the never-ending "to do" list; and most importantly, to have a personal time with God every morning, a woman must indeed plan her waking up. She is to rise with enough time to have her personal time with God, and be ready for the day ahead.
The part that says that she provides food for her household may or may not imply, depending in family, that she works to "bring home the bacon" and be able to help buy groceries, but most importantly, I believe, just the loving attitude of serving her household with a meal.
The third statement: And a portion for her maid servants, brings a smile to my face... why? because maidservants are mentioned, meaning, the requests of a wife, if needed, and possible, for help is suggested... and what wife/mom can't use the help :) Ok, but also, most importantly is, that we should treat everyone with respect, and genuine and pure love. Don't mistreat others for what they do for a living, remember James 2:1-6 "My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. 2 For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, 3 and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool,” 4 have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. "
... Be God's representative to all :)
Meditate.
Activate.
love.
Ok, so this is very interesting to me. The fact that a wife, a mom especially, NEEDS to wake up while it is yet night. I see how this is true. With so much to do in the never-ending "to do" list; and most importantly, to have a personal time with God every morning, a woman must indeed plan her waking up. She is to rise with enough time to have her personal time with God, and be ready for the day ahead.
The part that says that she provides food for her household may or may not imply, depending in family, that she works to "bring home the bacon" and be able to help buy groceries, but most importantly, I believe, just the loving attitude of serving her household with a meal.
The third statement: And a portion for her maid servants, brings a smile to my face... why? because maidservants are mentioned, meaning, the requests of a wife, if needed, and possible, for help is suggested... and what wife/mom can't use the help :) Ok, but also, most importantly is, that we should treat everyone with respect, and genuine and pure love. Don't mistreat others for what they do for a living, remember James 2:1-6 "My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. 2 For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, 3 and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool,” 4 have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. "
... Be God's representative to all :)
Meditate.
Activate.
love.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
p.31:14
Proverbs 31:14 -She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.
Ok, so, I had a really hard time adapting this reality, but it helped to pray. I am not saying that this is the ONLY meaning of this, but this is what God spoke to me in regards to this verse: the first part (the merchan ship) driving your car to get groceries, and the second part (brings her food from afar) is the act of taking the groceries back home. I know its a little funny, however, it helps, especially when you think about how sometimes, going to get the groceries is the last thing we want to go do AGAIN!
meditate,
activate,
pray, and comment below if God reveals anything else :)
be blessed, be a blessing,
much love
Ok, so, I had a really hard time adapting this reality, but it helped to pray. I am not saying that this is the ONLY meaning of this, but this is what God spoke to me in regards to this verse: the first part (the merchan ship) driving your car to get groceries, and the second part (brings her food from afar) is the act of taking the groceries back home. I know its a little funny, however, it helps, especially when you think about how sometimes, going to get the groceries is the last thing we want to go do AGAIN!
meditate,
activate,
pray, and comment below if God reveals anything else :)
be blessed, be a blessing,
much love
Friday, February 24, 2012
p.31:13
Proverbs 31:13 - She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.
Words that stand out (WSO): Willingly, Works, Her hands
You aren't crafty? try Michaels, Youtube, Walmart, etc. Seek opportunities to be creative. Yes, this implies sowing a button. Ok, maybe even more, doing laundry, ironning, sowing, etc.
Willingly: remember this attitude, its important (see Philippians 2:14).
Works, yes, it will take some of your time, practice, diligence, WORK! And do it yourself... "HER HANDS",the wife's hands, not paying a seamstress to do it.
PS: many DIY (do it yourself) videos on youtube, just saying.
meditate.
activate.
much luv.
Words that stand out (WSO): Willingly, Works, Her hands
You aren't crafty? try Michaels, Youtube, Walmart, etc. Seek opportunities to be creative. Yes, this implies sowing a button. Ok, maybe even more, doing laundry, ironning, sowing, etc.
Willingly: remember this attitude, its important (see Philippians 2:14).
Works, yes, it will take some of your time, practice, diligence, WORK! And do it yourself... "HER HANDS",the wife's hands, not paying a seamstress to do it.
PS: many DIY (do it yourself) videos on youtube, just saying.
meditate.
activate.
much luv.
p.31:12
Proverbs 31:12 - She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
Words that stand out: Good, Not, Evil, All, Her life
You better believe it. You as the virtous wife are called to do good to your husband... wait, you might be thinking, he should be the initiator, etc. No doubt about it, but here wives (which by now have been initiated into a marriage relationship by their husbands) are called to do good and NOT EVIL.
Evil: hmm, including but not limited to bad tempers, mood swings, mean jokes, jealousy, rough edges, and the list goes on.
What's more, the wife must do so all the days she is feeling good, she has no headache, pms, etc, NO! she must do so ALL the days of her life! Her life! not his life... hmm, yes, indeed... a challenge.
meditate.
activate.
trust God.
much luv
Words that stand out: Good, Not, Evil, All, Her life
You better believe it. You as the virtous wife are called to do good to your husband... wait, you might be thinking, he should be the initiator, etc. No doubt about it, but here wives (which by now have been initiated into a marriage relationship by their husbands) are called to do good and NOT EVIL.
Evil: hmm, including but not limited to bad tempers, mood swings, mean jokes, jealousy, rough edges, and the list goes on.
What's more, the wife must do so all the days she is feeling good, she has no headache, pms, etc, NO! she must do so ALL the days of her life! Her life! not his life... hmm, yes, indeed... a challenge.
meditate.
activate.
trust God.
much luv
p.31:11
Proverbs 31:11 -The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
WOW. Is it surprising to you, as it was to me, that the first thing mentioned in regards to a virtuous wife is this! On your face!-so to speak truth! So you thought that he is the one to cherish your heart, and the details that this entails, nope! You are to provide that security, that your husband may trust his heart SAFELY to you.
And whats more... he, when he trusts his heart to you, will have no lack of gain.
In other words, what more can a guy ask for than to trust his heart to you safely.
meditate.
much luv.
WOW. Is it surprising to you, as it was to me, that the first thing mentioned in regards to a virtuous wife is this! On your face!-so to speak truth! So you thought that he is the one to cherish your heart, and the details that this entails, nope! You are to provide that security, that your husband may trust his heart SAFELY to you.
And whats more... he, when he trusts his heart to you, will have no lack of gain.
In other words, what more can a guy ask for than to trust his heart to you safely.
meditate.
much luv.
p31:10
Proverbs 31:10 - Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.
Words that stand out: Find, Virtuous, Wife, Worth, Above rubies
I don't think it can be said any better, but will see more in detail what this entails. This speaks to me in regards that the man must do the seeking of a virtuous wife in order to FIND this virtuous wife.
The wife must be virtuous (will see more of what this looks like in the verses to follow this proverb).
Wife: meaning not a fling, a girlfriend (part time, no commitment), a partner, etc. I mean, if you are going to work at being this virtuous wife, should'nt there be commitment (I am not talking about having a ball of a wedding - but I will suggest that you would please God if you marry the person you are one with) - this topic can be discussed in a later exposition.
Worth: she is precious (see 1 Peter 3:3-4) to God, and above rubies (yes ladies above rubies! it seems that this was written more to communicate her importance to us ladies... you know what i mean.)
meditate.
Words that stand out: Find, Virtuous, Wife, Worth, Above rubies
I don't think it can be said any better, but will see more in detail what this entails. This speaks to me in regards that the man must do the seeking of a virtuous wife in order to FIND this virtuous wife.
The wife must be virtuous (will see more of what this looks like in the verses to follow this proverb).
Wife: meaning not a fling, a girlfriend (part time, no commitment), a partner, etc. I mean, if you are going to work at being this virtuous wife, should'nt there be commitment (I am not talking about having a ball of a wedding - but I will suggest that you would please God if you marry the person you are one with) - this topic can be discussed in a later exposition.
Worth: she is precious (see 1 Peter 3:3-4) to God, and above rubies (yes ladies above rubies! it seems that this was written more to communicate her importance to us ladies... you know what i mean.)
meditate.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)