{Garbage In - Garbage Out}

Although I'm very aware that this blog post will not be appealing to all the eyes that may read it - The Lord has laid it on my heart to press on & write it anyhow. So, I'm praying that those who may be offended by my post can just take it as The Lord pricking {convicting} their heart {as He did mine} rather than taking offense & being angry at the words below...

Garbage In - Garbage Out ....

Most of us have heard this saying many times. A lot of the time - as children - it comes from our parents or guardian who have raised us. 

What about now - as adults? Did we really take that saying in as a child? Probably not to heart ... are you teaching this to your children now? Are you practicing what you preach? 

Garbage In - Garbage Out .... Hmmmm ....

If The Lord (in flesh) decided to knock on your door this evening after you came home from work .... you go to the door to see who it is, look through the peep hole and realize it is your Heavenly Father .... would you panic? Would your heart drop? Would you feel the need to hide something? A wine bottle opener? The beer in the fridge - in case He wanted something cold to drink? Something recorded on DVR - in case He got a hold of the remote? Would you hide a magazine or book that had been sitting out? A not so modest outfit you wore last night? A receipt from a bar you went to? Etc. Etc. Etc.

What would make you panic? What would you not want Him to see?

The funny thing is - we all probably have at least one thing. I know I do. But, the fact is .... He is with us now - He knows all, sees all, hears all, etc. - why are we allowing those things {of the world} to be in our homes anyways? He knows they are there without physically being in your home and looking ......................

If He showed up (physically) at the movie theatre to sit by you at the last movie you went to see - would you shutter to have him watch the things you were watching? Would you leave because of the things He might see next?

Our eyes take in images that our minds cannot erase. As do our ears take in things we choose to listen to that cannot be unheard....

{Philippians 4:8}

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things"

What are our standards for ourselves? What are they for our children? What are we allowing them to see and hear? What standards are we setting for them, for their future choices that they will make on their own? 

{Proverbs 22:6}

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

If something is on your mind right now that you are thinking of because of what you've just read ... let it go ... if you wondering whether it is worldly or not ... let it go ... if you are convicted about something you are drinking, reading, watching, listening to ... LET IT GO ... 

{Romans 12:2}

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

{Matthew 5:14}

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid."

Give the worldly things to God... we should be the LIGHT of the world... set apart from the things of this world...

Challenging you {as I'm challenging myself} to be set apart from this world, to shine for our Heavenly Father & be the light He tells us to be. Not just today, but until we meet Him.

{Linds}

{Verse 13 - Point 4}

Proverbs 31:13

“ She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands."

…She seeketh wool and flax…

Wool:  the fine, soft, curly hair that forms the fleece of sheep and certain other animals, characterized by minute, overlapping surface scales that give it its felting property.
 Flax:  a slender, erect, annual plant having narrow, lance-shaped leaves and blue flowers, cultivated for its fiber and seeds.

The virtuous, godly woman "seeks" wool and flax, these two basic materials to use in making clothes and garments.  The term "seek" could mean that she "seeks with care" or "cares for" the wool and flax. She carefully collects and gathers and cares for the wool and flax that she will use in making clothes for her household and perhaps for others as well.

Nowadays, we do not go seeking wool or flax, nor do we carefully gather and care for it… so how do we think about this part of the verse in THIS century? I think the key thing to think about is her desire to provide what she could for her family. It’s not like she could go to the store and buy all she needed, she was willing to put forth the work to give the needs of the home.

 Are we willing?

If something needs to be done around the home as a Mother or Wife … are we willing to do it? This can include so many things that apply to our lives now. Cleaning, cooking, getting groceries, making sure our husband & kids have appropriate clothing, laundry… think about what you can improve on in this modern day world we live in. This means that I can’t focus on learning how to crochet doilies (not that there’s anything wrong with that), sewing every piece of clothing my family owns, or dressing in couture to greet my husband at the door when he gets home from work (not that there’s anything wrong with that). But, I need to acknowledge and incorporate tools and issues that are apply to the lives of us 21st century women. It’s different for us all; none of us live the same lives… But, in general, there are things we can focus on to be a better help-meet to our husbands & mother to our children.

…And worketh willingly with her hands…

The word "willingly" is from the word meaning "delight, pleasure."   She takes great delight in her work.  Rather than being a laborious and boring chore, it is pleasant and enjoyable. 

Like I said earlier about crocheting & sewing… Most of us women don't delight in making clothes with our hands, maybe an every once in a while kind of hobby… but it’s so much easier now to shop for clothes at the mall … Instead of learning from us mothers how to sew and knit and crochet and mend, many children are too busy watching television or playing computer games.  Now, please do not take this as you should be doing all of those things, but instead look at the principal of that statement. Do we spend more time at the mall shopping for clothes with our husband & kids, or are we taking our free time to really bond and spend time with our loved ones? Possibly teaching our children something new, learning something about our soul mates … HOW are we spending that time with them? Are we putting it to good use, or could we do better? I think we ALL can do better & some are already better than others at this & it may come quite naturally to you, but I think in every woman there is room for improvement. So, think about that this week – challenge yourself & use time management wisely - try to work on your problem areas!
 ;-)

“The wise woman uses her time
 and individual resources in
the best way SHE can.”

L. Adams

{25 Prayers for My Husband}

Hey Ladies!

This list of twenty-five prayers could easily become a prayer for each day of the month if you personalize it with five more specific prayers from your husband on topics he may be dealing with at work, in your family or marriage, and so on.

25 Prayers for My Husband

I pray…

1.      that he continues to grow spiritually through the disciplines of Bible study, prayer, and quiet times. (Proverbs 4:23)

2.      that his relationship with God will bear much fruit in his life, and that he will be a man who seeks wisdom and understanding. (Proverbs 3:7, Psalm 112:1)

3.      that he would walk humbly with God, and would always be convicted quickly about any sin in his life. (Micah 6:8)

4.      that he will continue to grow as the leader of our family, and that God would be glorified in our marriage. (Ephesians 5:25-29)

5.      that he would have a teachable spirit and a servant’s heart, and that he will listen to God and desire to do His will. (Proverbs 15:33)

6.      that he would always look to the way of escape from any kind of temptation, and that he would rely on God to remain faithful to our marriage, and to God. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

7.      that he would safeguard his heart against inappropriate relationships with the opposite sex, and this heart would pure and undivided in his commitment to me and to our marriage. (Proverbs 6:23-25)

8.      that he would continue to be able to provide for our family, and that he will not become discouraged by doing work he does not enjoy.

9.      that money would never become a source of discord in our family, and that we would be wise in handling finances and in stewardship. (Luke 16:13)

10.  that the words he speaks will build our family, and reflect a heart of love. (Proverbs 18:21)

11.  that our physical intimacy would be a positive reflection of selfless love. (Song of Solomon 7:10)

12.  that the men in his life would encourage his accountability before God, and that he would be a godly influence on his friends and coworkers. (Proverbs 13:20, 27:17)

13.  that he would choose healthy foods and activities, and honor God by taking the best possible care of his body as the tabernacle of God. (1 Corinthians 6:19)

14.  for his strength — physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. (Ephesians 3:16)

15.  for him to have wisdom and discernment in training/disciplining our children, and that You would enable him to love them unconditionally. (Ephesians 6:4)

16.  that he would always have an eternal perspective, and make the most of however much time he has in this life. (Ephesians 5:16)

17.  that he would always be a man of peace, who allows the Holy Spirit to lead his responses in all situations. (Romans 14:19)

18.  that he would have a balanced life in regards to work and play, and that he would submit his schedule to You. (Proverbs 16:9)

19.  for him to find favor with the Lord, but also with people he knows and interacts with. (Luke 2:52)

20.  that he would enjoy peace and refreshment in his relationship with the Lord. (Psalm 16:11)

21.  that he would always be courageous in his stand against evil and injustice, and that he will protect our family from Satan’s attacks. (Ephesians 6:13)

22.  that he would be a man of prayer, seeking God in purposeful ways. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

23.  that he will serve God and others with pure motives, and that God would be glorified in everything he does. (Colossians 3:23-24)

24.  that he would offer all this dreams to the Lord, and pursue only those that bring God glory, and that count for eternity. (Jeremiah 29:11)

25.  that he will recognize the lies of the enemy in his life, and that he will always be guided by the Truth. (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

Adapted From: http://seejamieblog.com/2011/09/25-prayers-for-my-husband/

{Choose Proverbs 31 |not| A Victoria's Secret Model}

Ladies:

Are you striving to be more like GOD or more like the world? Here's a challenge for you. STRIVE to be a Proverbs 31 woman rather than a Victoria's Secret model. Listen to this video, take a moment to read Proverbs 31 and really challenge yourself to strive to be unlike this world. The Lord knows your future and every day you should be preparing yourself for God's plans and what you're going through now.

DIG
DEEP into His word and find out what His plans are for you. Pray like you never have - HAVE that relationship with God.

 It is SO important!

Always here for you gals! Praying for EACH one of you!
 (Share with all your gal pals, especially great for teen girls!)

 Link:

http://youtu.be/4WAFFMF4iZY

{Verse 12 - Point 3}

Proverbs 31:12
"She will do him good and not evil all the days of
her life."

“She will do him good and not evil…”

The Virtuous woman’s’ husband can safely trust in her (v. 11) because he doesn’t need to worry about her being a financial “burden” & because he knows that she will do him only good, and not evil.

Proverbs 18:22
  "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favor from the LORD".

 Of course, every man wants to find a “good thing” right? Who doesn’t have ego & pride and who doesn’t want the best in everything? Men & women! But when that man makes a choice to have you as his wife … what does he see in you? What DID he see in you, that he loved so much to decide he wanted to spend the rest of your lives together?

Are those things that he sought after before marriage still there? Did he find a “good thing”?

Take a second and think about your marriage. Think about you and your husbands relationship. Are you doing YOUR part? Or are you worrying about everything HE is doing wrong? That is SO easy for ME to do, for sure! I get so side tracked harping on everything he could be doing better or right… When if I would just take a breath, a step back & really look at how I’m contributing to our marriage, I would realize that this is a team effort & I need to focus on MY wrong doings and what I can improve on to become a better wife and help meet for my husband.

Think about it.

The virtuous woman deals out to her husband that which is good.  She “dishes” out to him and serves him that which is good and not evil.  She wants only God's highest & best for him.  Her life & her deeds are a constant benefit & blessing to her husband.

Are we benefitting & blessing our husbands through our actions & words?

"...All the days of her life.”

In doing good to her husband she is consistent.  She doesn't serve him that which is good one day and that which is evil the next day.  Her husband can count on her to do him good and to be a blessing to him.  He can count on her to do this today, five days from now, one year from now, ten years from now, and all the days of her life.  She is not up and down, hot and cold… wishy-washy...  Her godliness is marked with consistency. Now, don’t get me wrong… we ALL have our “bad” days… It is TOUGH to be consistent in some things, especially when it’s easier to just let that day go and not do good but do evil or say evil things to our husbands… Make it a DAILY goal to remember that we are to respect, love, honor our husbands. And, if that evil is outweighing the good … we should really get on our knees and ask the Lord to help us EVERY DAY to turn that around! Is it tough sometimes? Well, yes – we all know that. But is it POSSIBLE with the Lord on our side …. A B S O L U T E L Y!

Philippians 4:13
“I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.”


Is the good outweighing the evil?

Just how consistent are we?

L. Adams

{The 21st Century Proverbs 31 Woman}

Take a second to listen to this video! Comparing the Proverbs 31 Woman back then, to the Proverbs 31 of this century! Very Encouraging!

Are we fulfilling *OUR* calling? Not comparing to others callings, but are we fulfilling the things God has called us specifically to do? Think about it! :)

http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=DKD6WLNX