What Sundays Were Like In the 1950's

On the Rachael Ray Show I was dubbed a "1950's Wife". But my grandmother (pictured above), a mother of 4 (one baby is not born yet in this photo), is the REAL 1950's wife. She is ALSO a Proverbs 31 woman.

Let's take a look at what her Sundays looked like compared to ours.

Life was different in the 50's. In Ohio, there was a Blue Law that required stores and most places of work and business to be closed. This made it possible for most people to be in church. My father recalls that almost everyone went to church. This social expectation even crossed into the classroom. My father recalls his public school 5th grade teacher asking on Monday mornings who went to church and they had to raise their hands. His family sometimes missed and he was a little embarrassed he couldn't raise his hand - could you imagine that now in our schools?

My grandmother usually spent her Saturdays preparing for her Sunday day of rest. This meant that she cooked her Saturday meals (usually simple hamburgers) plus her Sunday meal (usually a roast and sheet cake). After attending church on Sundays, she merely reheated the prepared food and served it.

Following the meal they spent time with friends and relatives. They would talk and visit all afternoon and then return back to Sunday evening church. My father's family would often go on a Sunday drive to look at the countryside or skip rocks in a lake.

Sunday dress was very different. Men would not even consider going to church without a suit jacket and tie. Even the little boys (as pictured above) wore suit coats. And on 90+ degree days, in churches with no air-conditioning, the men just sat there sweating. The women also wore their best dresses and shoes and hats too.

What can we learn from Sundays in the 1950's?

1. Worship must be a number one priority. It has become culturally acceptable to not attend church on Sundays (and trust me no teachers are asking!) or to miss for less than urgent reasons. Sports, amusement parks, boating, or doing yard work is generally an acceptable way in our culture to spend our Sunday mornings. While we do not have a legalistic God - and this list is rather legalistic, I just want to point out that God's word says these things must not be a "habit". I do not want to impose needless guilt on anyone - so the question you need to ask yourself is - "is this a one time thing or a habit?" Only you can answer that question for yourself.

Hebrews 10:25 "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Acts 20:7 says "On the first day of the week they came together to break bread."

2. Prepare ourselves for the day of worship. Your temperament on Sundays affects your families and their ability to enjoy Sundays. If your mornings are CRAZY and everyone is on edge because you have not prepared on Saturdays - nor gotten up early enough on Sundays - determine to set time aside on Saturdays to have all your ducks in a row. Proverbs 31:27 says a wise woman "watches over the affairs of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness." Do not let your idleness on Saturday night effect the Lord's Day of worship. Be diligent.

3. Make Sundays a family day. Our culture is very active and busy. Families become disjointed as each individual does their own thing. Families are breaking down as a result. Sundays are a great day to slow down and reconnect. Be purposeful in thinking through how you can create a simple day for the family to be together.

4. Dress your best. Now again - here's where I do not want to cross the line into legalism. I know in many churches jeans are acceptable and God truly is judging our hearts not our outer wear BUT that being said. Put some thought and time into what your family wears on Sundays. If you were going to meet the President today - what would you wear? Be sure you don't respect the President more than God. More importantly - modesty is a HUGE issue in church today. In the 50's women were modest in church. If you are a mommy of little ones - be sure your dresses are not too low or too short. Too often men get an eye full when moms are leaning down to pick up babies. I know it can be completely unintentional. Just guard your body and modesty. Double check your dresses by leaning over in the mirror - if cleavage shows - put a tank on under your dress.

I don't want to return to the 1950's, but I do think there are a few things we can learn from the Titus 2 women of the 50's. Try to implement one of these things this Sunday! I'm working on number 2 - being more prepared so the mornings can go real smoothly. What do you need to work on?

Walk with the King!

I am linked up here today:

Word Filled Wednesday's and Wordful Wednesday.

Comparing Myself to a REAL1950's Wife

On the Rachael Ray Show I was dubbed a "1950's Wife". But my grandmother, a mother of 4, is the REAL 1950's wife. She is ALSO a Proverbs 31 woman. On Mother's Day we sat in the Cheesecake Factory and I had my notebook and pen in hand and I wrote and wrote and wrote about what life was like in the 1950's. Here's some of what I learned.

My grandma had a weekly schedule that my mother rattled off as quickly as my grandmother did!! So this must be where I get my scheduling tendencies - it's in my genes lol!!!

Mondays - Wash Clothes (by hand in sudsy water, ring it, rinse it, ring it, hang it outside to dry. This took all day.)

Tuesdays - Iron ( Iron everything - shirts, pants, and underwear. There was no permanent press - everything was very wrinkly. This took all day.)

Wednesdays - Mend and work on new sewing projects (She sewed patches onto pants and mended socks. My grandmother sewed all of my mother's clothes until she reached the middle of high school.)

Thursdays - Cleaning of bedrooms and bathrooms (They only had one car which was normal in those days. Grandpa did the grocery shopping and grandma worked the garden.)

Fridays - Cleaning of living room, dining room and kitchen (Grandma baked every day. She made cinnamon rolls, pies, donuts and cakes from scratch.)

Saturdays - Prepare for Sunday by cooking double meals and giving baths etc. (Grandma always made hamburgers for dinner on Saturdays because they were fast. Then she focused on the Sunday Roast and sheet cake that they would eat after church.)

Sundays - Day of Rest

Grandma's life was full and busy as she lovingly cared for her family. She served God by serving her family. She worked with eager hands (Prov. 31:13b), she set about her work vigorously (Prov. 31:17), she watched over the affairs of her household and did not eat the bread of idleness (Prov. 31:27). And the most beautiful part was she feared the Lord (Prov. 31:30).

Do I want to be a 1950's wife? Not really, I certainly do love my modern day conveniences. But if there's a 1950's wife I'd like to emulate, it's not June Cleaver - it's my grandmother. Her God and her family were of prime importance and her daily priorities show this to be true.

As Proverbs 31:31 says "Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."

My grandmother's works are worthy of my praise. And I pray that my generation too would be remarkable in our care for our families and homes and that we too would be worthy of praise. We must work with eager hands! The world may not praise us but one day our husband and children will rise up and call us blessed and our works will bring praise. So endeavor today to make your God and your family your first priority as my REAL 1950's grandmother did.


Walk with the King!

I am linked up here today:
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Word Filled Wednesday's and Wordful Wednesday.

Pity or Praise the Proverbs 31 Woman?

Word Filled Wednesday: Proverbs 31:31: "Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."


We have finally come to the end of the 21 week Proverbs 31 series! What an inspiration it has been to study this amazing woman who does not eat the bread of idleness! We have seen her diligence in every aspect of life - from caring for her husband, children, servants and even the poor. We've watched her rise early, stay up late, plant a vineyard, sew her own clothes, her family's clothing, the tapestries and beddings! In the end, what does she get for all of her hard labor? A prize, trophy or plaque? No, she receives the praise of those around her declaring indeed she is rare.

Let's reflect for a moment on the above list. Do you think she wanted to be pitied for the lowly work she had to do? Do you think she moped around imagining that the grass was greener for the lady down the road? She had to wake so early to care for her loved ones. She had to work so late at night to get all of sewing work done. She helped the poor, while still making sure her family was warm and fed. She had to be exhausted! Should we pity the Proverbs 31 woman?

I mean where are the spa days? Disney Land vacations? The raise with the corner office and bonus checks? Proverbs 31:31 says - "Give her the reward she has earned." So what has she exactly "earned"?

Proverbs 31:28 says "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also and he praises her." Her reward is the praise of her closest loved ones. And so we must ask:

1. What do your children think of you?
2. What does your husband think of you?

Some may say, "Praise is not much of a reward." But truly, how many wives do you know who long for their husband's appreciation and acknowledgement of what they do. How many parents do you see struggling with the rebellion of their teens. The Proverbs 31 woman does not face these struggles. Wouldn't you take the peace, love, and harmony of a warm cozy home over a free family vacation filled with strife?

Let's switch gears, I have said many times on this blog "Who you are at home is who you really are." But I want to add - you cannot be warm to those inside your home and cold to those outside your home and be like the Proverbs 31 woman.

Her character was clearly seen by those outside of her home. Verse 31 says: "Her works bring her praise at the city gate." Not only is she praised by those inside her home, but now we see her being praised by those outside her home! Double bonus!

So, at the end of the day, do we pity or praise the Proverbs 31 woman? I suppose it matters what you value? Money, status, power, or people?

To me, life is empty without the people in my life. And though I never want to selfishly seek praise from others - we see that it is the natural outcome of a woman who lives her life poured out for her family and friends.

Does God pity or praise the Proverbs 31 woman? He praises her. It is God I ultimately desire to please. And though this world may be confused by our dreams, visions and goals, one day when we stand before God's throne on judgement day it will all be clear.

Proverbs 31:10 says, "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies." Indeed sweet Christian sister, you are rare and your worth is beyond any earthly treasure. Now go treasure the people in your life and pursue pleasing God.

Walk with the King!

I am participating in Seven Clown Circus Wordful Wednesday and Internet Cafe's Word Filled Wednesday.

The Proverbs 31 Woman's Beauty Secret

Word Filled Wednesday: Proverbs 31:30 "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."


Next week the Proverbs 31 Series comes to an end! What a joy it has been to study this lovely lady with you! We have seen her beauty shine as she serves her husband and children with every bit of strength and love she has.

As we come to verse 30, we are reminded that this chapter was written by a mother telling her son what to look for in a wife (found in Proverbs 31:1). Ladies, if you have sons - listen up to the warnings you must give your sons!

1. Charm is deceptive - Charm is the use of the womanly ways of displaying kindness, agreeableness, flattery and affection to hook a man. Then once she is married, the real woman comes out and it was all a lie. For the charming woman is not nearly as kind, agreeable or affectionate as the woman the man fell in love with. This poor husband is now trapped in this marriage that began as deception!

2. Beauty is fleeting - Men desire something beautiful to feast their eyes on and guess what ladies? God made us all with eyes, hair, and curves that please your man. But marrying a beauty will not make a great marriage! The beauty will fade and if she is not beautiful on the inside, this husband is trapped!

Remind your sons to not fall into the traps of charm and beauty! But rather remember:

"A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."

The woman who fears the Lord will have a God conscienceness. She will be aware of God's presence in her home at all times. She will work tirelessly and sacrificially to create a home that is filled with peace, joy and comfort. This woman loves the Lord and desires to please him. She serves her husband and children because of her higher desire to please the Lord. When marriage difficulties arise, this woman remains unwavering in her faith and dedication to pleasing God. She does not respect and submit to her husband based on her husband's worthiness but out of her love and fear of the Lord. She knows when her husband is acting ugly that there is a God in heaven who loves her and whom she serves and so she presses through those difficult times remaining unwavering in her dedication to him.

This woman's faith is her beauty secret.

Her faith makes her gorgeous, desirable, praiseworthy, admirable, noble and indeed RARE!

It's the charming and beautiful women, who grace the cover of magazines. Have you seen the picture of a woman who fears the Lord on the front cover of a magazine lately! Nope? Me neither!

This world has fed us lies about beauty! And for far too long we have fallen for them! Why do we so painfully compare ourselves to these faithless, deceptively, fleeting beauties? We have been fearing man rather than fearing God.

Listen to me - your faith makes you beautiful! Your faith makes you praiseworthy! We must teach this to our sons and daughters!

Walk with the King!

I am participating in Seven Clown Circus Wordful Wednesday and Internet Cafe's Word Filled Wednesday.

Be The Woman Your Man Needs

Word-Filled Wednesday: Proverbs 31:29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."


Today's verse is absolutely my favorite verse from the Proverbs 31 passage!


We are on the home stretch of our Proverbs 31 woman series - with just 3 weeks left to go! For the last 21 weeks we have seen the Proverbs 31 woman pour her life out for her family - from caring for her husband, children, servants and to even caring for the poor. We've watched her rise early, stay up late, plant a vineyard, sew her own clothes, her family's clothing, the tapestries and beddings! And here we find her reward: Her husband praising her.


Let's just stop right here! I know what some of you are already thinking, "Courtney you are in lala land - my husband never praises me. All he does is criticize me!" You are imagining that I have a husband who daily says remarkable things about what I do in the home, with the children and the blog. Nope! That is not the case - though I do have a husband who I know is pleased with me. He does not go around pouring out praise.


I live in a normal marriage where my husband sees my flaws and will even mention things that need to be addressed that are being neglected. And when he points those out it's like a dagger to my heart. I take it very personally and seriously. That's something he wishes I would not do. But I have said to him before - "I'm striving to be the Proverbs 31 woman whose husband praises her. So if you point out my flaws I've failed!"


You see, no amount of positive reader comments, worldly accolades, praise from my parents, friends, pastor or even praise from the kids can compete with my desire to please my husband.


The Proverbs 31 woman knew her husband's needs, met them and as a result he praised her. If we neglect what our husbands ask for, ignore their advice, withhold action in the bedroom, and refuse to submit and respect them -it's inevitable - we will not get a whole lot of praise from our husbands.


We can be the best room mother, best career woman, best servant at church, or best friend another woman can have but when we come home - if our husband's needs are not met - we have failed to be like the Proverbs 31 woman.


Every husband has different needs. Every marriage will look different as a result. We need to listen to our husbands.

Do you need to work on being the wife your husband needs? Then join me every Monday from June 7th through August 9th for a summer series titled: Completing Him Challenge - Be the woman your man needs.


I will be giving a weekly principle from scripture along with a challenge to apply in your marriage. I believe if we listen to God's word and apply it in our marriages our husbands will one day say "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."


Take the plunge with me and Walk with the King!

I am participating in Seven Clown Circus Wordful Wednesday and 5 Minutes for Mom Wordless Wednesday.

What Do Your Children Think of You?

Wordful Wednesday: Proverbs 31:28 "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also and he praises her."


We are to week 20 of our Proverbs 31 woman series and today's verse hits home with me! Isn't this what we all dream of? Our husband and children praising us? We have seen this woman pour her life out for her family - from caring for her husband, children, servants and even the poor. We've watched her rise early, stay up late, plant a vineyard, sew her own clothes, her family's clothing, the tapestries and beddings! And here we find her reward - "Her children arise and call her blessed"!

I am going to address the husband's "words of praise" next Wednesday because it correlates with next week's verse and it's a HUGE topic for me - I can't wait to write on it!

Today we will solely look at the children.

1. Who is praising her? It's not the people in the PTA, nor her church Bible study group, local newspaper, co-workers or neighborhood association. It is her children!

2. Who you are at home is who you really are. If you find that all of your accolades come from sources outside of your home - and inside your home is a train wreck? Then you can be sure that your priorities some how have been derailed!

3. If you have little ones and even teens, this may not be the season where they arise and call you blessed so be patient! The words "arise up" mean that the children are full grown. Often times, it's not until children gain a bit of perspective in life that they realize how much their mother has sacrificed for them.

4. Arising and blessing their mother is not just about the "thank you" but about them arising and living honorable, noble, God fearing lives. This fruit is evidence of a mother's hard work. This is a mother's true reward!

What are some practical ways to get to this point?

1. Do not focus on raising your children to be straight "A" students, captain of the basketball team, doctors or missionaries. Focus first on raising children who fear God and desire to serve him. And let their success and vocation be left in God's hands.

2. Pray daily for your children to love God and desire him more than anything this world has to offer!

3. Work on creating order, fun, memories, warmness, and a haven in your home. Make your home a place where children feel comfortable to open up their hearts and talk, where they are free to laugh, make mistakes, be silly, yet always sensing the presence of God. We must first have God's word present in our lives in order for the children to sense the presence of God in their lives. Read the scriptures together, memorize them, sing them, and delight in them.

4. There is no room for giving up, giving in or surrendering to the wayward child. We must continue to parent our children - not until Jr. High, not until they are 16, not even until they are 18. They will make CRUCIAL life altering decisions between 18 and 25 - their vocation and who they will marry. Stay in the game with a fierce face! Persevere in guiding, praying, loving, talking, and creating special time with your children. Your children need you.

5. Remember - you are irreplaceable. They are YOUR responsibility to train, instruct and release. Walk humbly and fearfully as you fulfill this high calling!

A huge challenge lies before us today as we consider our parenting skills? Have we blown it? Apologize. Have we failed to pray? Start today. Have we been too wrapped up in our own lives to spend meaningful time with the kids? Turn off the TV and computer and give your children the best of you.

Let me close by arising and calling my own mother blessed! If you are reading mom "THANK YOU" for all of the sacrifice and unconditional love and for riding out every wave with me. Since I was a baby you have taught me the truth of God's word and role-modeled what that looks like lived out in high heels! You are deserving of high praise - I love you!

Walk with the King!

I am participating in Seven Clown Circus Wordful Wednesday and 5 Minutes for Mom Wordless Wednesday.

Managing Our Time, Family and Home

Wordful Wednesday: Proverbs 31: 27 "She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness."

We are to week 19 of our Proverbs 31 woman series and today's verse sums her up! She does not eat the bread of idleness! We have seen her diligence in every aspect of life - from caring for her husband, children, servants and even the poor. We've watched her rise early, stay up late, plant a vineyard, sew her own clothes, her family's clothing, the tapestries and beddings! And the cherry on top of all of this woman's work is excellence!


The Proverbs 31 woman knew that homemaking was her God given role and she OWNED it! She didn't idly sit by and let the clutter and laundry pile up! She was busy embracing her highcalling. She was busy managing her time, family and home well!

Proverbs 31:27 says:
1. "She watches" - this means her eyes are fixed on her own family as her first priority. She's not watching what others are doing. She's not watching Oprah or the status updates on facebook. She's watching closely her home and the needs that are there.


2. What does she watch over? "the affairs (or ways)" What are your family's ways? What are their habits and routines? Are they healthy? Are they glorifying to God? Is everyone getting their rest, getting time in the Word of God, getting enough tender listening time, love and affection, enough exercise and healthy food? What are your family's ways? You shape the ways of the home by your influence.


3. Whose ways does she watch? "her household" Let me reiterate -she is thinking of her household first. She is not thinking about pleasing her boss, pleasing her mother-in-law, or meddling in other's business. She is focused on her household because she understands and embraces the powerful role she plays in the home.


And then the verse ends with a kicker! "She does not eat the bread of idleness". This statement is so powerful. The Proverbs 31 woman knows how to manage her time, family and home! As she resists idleness, she embraces her work and she serves her family.

Do you see how irreplaceable she is in this home? She is the one who is making everything run smoothly! It is her watchful eye and her diligence that makes her home a pleasant place.

The appearance of your home doesn't lie. It is very clear to the eye when a home has been neglected. And I am convicted by my own post today.

I want to encourage you, do not grow idle in your mundane tasks. Manage your time, family and home well. Mundane tasks are the hidden treasure to creating a home that is a haven. Watch over the ways of your family. Embrace this hidden treasure as the Proverbs 31 woman did and you too will be blessed!


Walk with the King!

I am participating in Seven Clown Circus Wordful Wednesday and 5 Minutes for Mom Wordless Wednesday.

Putting Order On Your Tongue

Word Filled Wednesday: Proverbs 31:26 says "She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness."


Over the past 18 weeks as we have studied the Proverbs 31 woman, we have seen her put order into every aspect of her life. We've watched her be a jewel to her husband, children, servants and even the poor. We've watched her rise early, stay up late, plant a vineyard, sew her own clothes, her family's clothing, the tapestries and beddings! And the cherry on top of all of this woman's work is excellence!

As she puts order into her home, we find that she also puts order on her tongue. James 3:2 says "If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man." This is no small task to put order on her tongue. She is not perfect but she is diligent to make every effort to filter her words!

We find two rules of order that she followed:

1. She spoke only wise words.

2. She spoke only kind words.

Where does her wisdom flow from? From her walk with God, from her life experiences, from wise mentors, wise friends and perhaps good solid literature.

Are you walking with God daily? Are you pondering your life experiences long enough to gain wisdom from them? Do you have a wise mentor, mother or grandmother? Do you have wise friends? Are the things you are reading filled with wisdom?

OR are you too busy to read your Bible? Too busy to reflect on your daily happenings to pull wisdom from them? Have you chosen poor friendships? Do you choose to fill your mind with the world's wisdom through television, magazines and websites filled with celebrity gossip?

If you lack wisdom start by digging into God word TODAY in the book of Proverbs. Start in chapter one and get reading. Then pray. James 1:5 says "If any of you lacks wisdom he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."

Now think of those in your family who are affected most by the words you say. Have you considered that they too are weary pilgrims in a dry desert who need a fountain of life pouring forth wisdom and kindness to survive. You can know a woman's character by her choice of words.

Would your family say you are kind? It doesn't matter how pretty your hair, make-up or clothes are, it's the words coming out of your mouth that determine your true beauty. What can we do to work on kindness?

1. Practice self-control with your emotions. Try to not be overly emotional and speak rapidly when you are angry. All of those rapid words are unkind.
2. Watch sarcasm - it usually reveals a bitter heart.

3. Watch critical remarks - they are red flags revealing a proud heart or envious heart or selfish heart or an angry heart.

Here's your to-do list for the day!

1. Let your husband hear you teaching your children God's wisdom.
2. Be gracious with your words towards others.
3. Be gentle with others.

4. Be quick to notice others strengths and slow to point out others flaws.

5. Purify your heart through the reading of God's word and put aside all anger, bitterness, malice, slander, envy, and self-pity.


Put order on your tongue as you Walk with the King!

I am participating in Seven Clown Circus Wordful Wednesday and 5 Minutes for Mom Wordless Wednesday.

Let Me Help You Pick Out Your Clothes

Word Filled Wednesday: Proverbs 31:25 "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come."


So we press on into week 17 of our study of the Proverbs 31 woman! We've watched her be a jewel to her husband, children, servants and even the poor. We've watched her rise early, stay up late, plant a vineyard, sew her own clothes, her family's clothing, the tapestries and beddings! And the cherry on top of all of this woman's work is excellence!


This week we add a couple new character traits:

1. Strength
2. Dignity
3. Laughing at the days to come

When I look at these three qualities I have only one thing to say. This is a confidant woman. She is strong, she is dignified, and she is not fearful of her future.

Do you struggle with fear - maybe of being rejected, failure, saying something stupid, not being good enough, pretty enough, organized enough, or just plain enough.

I do.

In the beginning of blogging, I took every comment personally - especially the negative ones. I'm over it now! (but please be nice anyway lol!). I worry about my parenting - am I doing it right? I have moments where I think, if someone rang my doorbell right now, they'd be shocked at the messy condition they'd find my house in! I wonder, Am I good enough to write on Women Living Well?

Let me be really honest here. A few weeks back in my ladies Bible study I mentioned one of my "insecurities" and it was in regard to Women Living Well. I shared with the girls my fear of being "exposed". Not that I have skeleton's in the closet to hide but rather that I have failed on my blog to share my flaws. I share my "schedules" without sharing how I struggle to keep on them. I share what I've learned in marriage, without sharing some of the dark places we have come through to arrive in this place. And I rarely share about parenting because I just know one of my kids will surely embarrass me! Lol!

What's beautiful about the Proverbs 31 woman is she is human, flawed, but not exposed - she is clothed - she is clothed in strength and dignity. I pray when you see me, this very weak woman, you will see God's strength and dignity clothing my weaknesses.

When I take my eyes off of myself and put them on my amazing God - my fears flip to confidence. And he gives me the confidence to say to you my sister in Christ, you can be strong. Do not live in your fears. Do not wring your hands and lose sleep over today's troubles. Clothe yourself in God's strength. Be confident.

He who laid the earths foundations, marked off its dimensions, placed the stars in the sky, gives dawn its orders, keeps the storehouses of snow, and tells the lightening to disperse, loves you flaws and all. (taken from Job 38) And he has clothed you in his strength. Do not exchange your clothes for the rags this world offers! Because dear sister in Christ - those clothes you are wearing today are radiant!

Walk with the King!

I am participating in Seven Clown Circus Wordful Wednesday and 5 Minutes for Mom Wordless Wednesday.

Pursuing Excellence

Word Filled Wednesday: Proverbs 31:24 "She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes."

Is anyone else overwhelmed by the Proverbs 31 woman yet? Let me be completely honest - I am! Over the past 16 week series, we've watched her be a jewel to her husband, children, servants and even the poor. We've watched her rise early, stay up late, plant a vineyard, sew her own clothes, her family's clothing, the tapestries and beddings! And now we see that the Proverbs 31 woman knows she is capable of more and she does more! The cherry on top of all of this woman's work is excellence!

The lesson in Proverbs 31:24 is she is willing to use her talents to add to her family's finances BUT she does not sacrifice the family pursuing them.

The Proverbs 31 woman doesn't just make linen - she makes "fine" linen. She applies excellence to her work. Excellence is not perfection but rather offering quality work. And as a result - her product was in demand by the merchants. The merchants were most likely from Canaan and Egypt and most likely wealthy. So she could interact with people from all walks of life from the poor to the wealthy and she did it with excellence.

The Proverbs 31 woman's family, the merchants and the poor benefited from the Proverbs 31 woman's diligence in her home business. As you ponder this verse ask yourself:

1. What are my talents?

2. During this season of life, if I use my talents to benefit my family financially will I be sacrificing in other priority areas?

3. If the answer to number 2 is no, then am I performing my talent with excellence? In what ways could I be better trained or put more time into becoming excellent at what I do?

For some, this is not the season of life to pursue your talents to be used outside of the home. For others, now is the time to spread your wings and use your talents in a new arena. The lesson in Proverbs 31:24 is: she is willing to use her talents to add to her family's finances BUT she does not sacrifice the family pursuing them. Seek God and your husband's wisdom in this decision making process and then whatever you do - do it with excellence like the Proverbs 31 woman!

Walk with the King!

I am participating in Seven Clown Circus Wordful Wednesday and 5 Minutes for Mom Wordless Wednesday.

Help Your Husband Be A Man of Influence

Wednesdays In the Word: Proverbs 31:23 "Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land."


It's Week 15 of our Proverbs 31 Series. So far we have seen that the Proverbs 31 woman rises early, works eagerly, works vigorously, shops wisely, even in the evenings she is extremely productive, she extends her beautiful hands to the poor, she is prepared for every season and her clothing is a reflection of her character: classy.


Now we come to the point in the passage where we learn more about her husband. Who is he? he is respected at the city gate where he sits among the elders. This man is a man of respect, honor and influence. As the Proverbs 31 woman works vigorously at home serving her husband and family, she frees her husband to sit at the city gate in a position of influence. His wife and his well ran home bring him honor in the community.

Do you bring honor to the name of your husband by the way you run your home?

Are you mindful of the fact that the way you run your home is a reflection of your husband and his influence? If your husband cannot lead at home, how can he lead in the community?

Do you compete with your husband for respect or do you allow him to have the respect that is due him out in public?

Are you and your husband going two separate directions in life - each striving after your own pursuits or are you following your husband's lead?

This husband in Proverbs 31 is one lucky man! He has landed a wife that most men could only dream of landing! And it has catapulted him in life to a place of influence. You know the saying "behind every good man is a good woman". That is definitely the case here!

In our culture, we tend to bristle at the thought of staying out of the spot light so our husband can shine. Elizabeth George puts it beautifully here:

Proverbs 12:4 "A wife of noble character is her husband's crown"


"God's beautiful woman is pleased to be her husband's crown. Shunning the spotlight, she gladly gives her life behind the scenes so that her husband may be noticed and honored. She is glad when he is the center of attention, when he excels, when he is recognized, when he rises to the top. Indeed, she delights in living in his shadow. His promotion is her greatest reward. She desires that her husband be highly respected and esteemed, so she contentedly offers the supreme sacrifice of herself for him."

---Elizabeth George, Beautiful in God's Eyes


Follow in the footsteps of the Proverbs 31 woman today - your husband will be blessed!

Walk with the King!

I am participating in Seven Clown Circus Wordful Wednesday and 5 Minutes for Mom Wordless Wednesday.

The Proverbs 31 Woman Is Classy

Wednesdays In The Word:

Proverbs 31:22 "She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple."

It's Week 14 of our Proverbs 31 Series. So far we have seen that the Proverbs 31 woman rises early, works eagerly, works vigorously, shops wisely, even in the evenings she is extremely productive, she extends her beautiful hands to the poor and she is prepared for every season.

Today we will see that her clothing is a reflection of her character. After taking special care of her family and household she does not get lazy with her own appearance. But she takes special care to sew herself garments of fine linen and purple.

This fine linen and purple suggests a touch of elegance and class but not excessiveness because remember she couldn't run out to the mall to shop, she was a seamstress so she would have sewn her own clothing.

This detail about her clothing comes last, after a long list of many other tasks she accomplishes. She put her needs last. If she were selfish it would not be beautiful. And remember that this is King Lemuel's Mother telling him what sort of woman he should look for to be his queen. So before we quickly plan a trip to Ann Taylor, we must assess how well we are doing covering the needs of our family first.

On the flip side, there is no virtue in plainness - if that is your personality - I don't fault you but it is not more virtuous than trying to be attractive. Sometimes as a knee jerk reaction to this world, we may want to say that any attempts at beauty is sinful but that is not the case with the Proverbs 31 woman. She made everything from her home to her clothing, appealing to the eye. She knew that how she decorated her home and what she wore was a reflection of her husband and children. And though she made everyone else her first priority, when she did finally find time for herself she did not slack off.

She was not immodest nor trying to draw attention to herself, rather the Proverbs 31 woman was able to find the delicate balance of being classy with I Peter 3:3-4 which says "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit which is of great worth in God's sight."

Is your home well cared for, your finances in order, your family well fed, have you reached out to the poor? As you spring shop for the family - don't forget to purchase yourself a classy purple blouse! I don't believe I've ever encouraged my readers to go shopping at the end of the blog post before - but it's in the passage right lol! Let your purple shirt be symbolic of the inner beauty of the Proverbs 31 woman you are striving for.

Walk with the King!

I am participating in Seven Clown Circus Wordful Wednesday and 5 Minutes for Mom Wordless Wednesday.

Are You Prepared For Summer?

Word Filled Wednesday: Proverbs 31:21 "When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet."

It's week 13 of our Proverbs 31 series and I'm loving it!!! Thanks for sticking with me. So far we have seen that she rises early, works eagerly and vigorously, shops wisely, is extremely productive, she uses her evenings to get work done and she has beautiful hands that she extends to the poor.

Now we come to verse 21 which is all about preparation! "When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet."

The Proverbs 31 woman is prepared. She is prepared for the change of seasons and is careful to be sure that every single person in her household has everything they need. There's no scurrying for mittens, hats or boots - she is organized and prepared.

Every Christmas and Easter I make myself a little crazy trying to get my family matching outfits. I find great joy in picking a theme - this years theme was green as you can see in the picture above. This color was chosen because my daughter had a hand-me down dress which was white and green and my son had a sweater vest I bought last year on clearance for $2.99! (Love a deal!) So, green it was! Next I had to find my husband a matching tie - easy! And myself a matching dress - UGH- much more difficult.

After finding the dress, I realized I had a much longer way to go than I imagined. My daughter needed a cardigan in case it was cold, a hair bow, new white shoes, new white socks and on and on it went as I realized that having the family ready from head to toe means thinking everything through thoroughly!

I certainly am not going to say that the Proverbs 31 woman really cared for a second about matching outfits - but I will say that she carefully dressed her family. The term "scarlet" is significant because it signifies expensive and quality. She went for quality over quantity - I must admit I do quite the opposite in life. I love a deal and I love my hand me downs! But the reality is - managing all of my "cheap" clothes at times is a pain! If there is too much in the drawer, my children end up wading it up into balls and making a mess for me to fix regularly!

Are you prepared for summer? Have you thought through what your family will need, the quality of what you will purchase and considered your family's comfort as the Proverbs 31 woman did?

Here's a few things we all will need: Sunday clothes, shorts, capris, short sleeved shirts, sandals, sunglasses, hats, swimsuits, swim towels and sunscreen. Now is also the time to purchase items for next fall on clearance.

My oldest sister reminded me at our Easter Celebration to not wait to buy my children their sandals. Due to the economy, the stores are not stocking their shelves quite as full and they are running out of items more quickly and not reordering more in. She urged me to go get what we need for the summer now before they are sold out.

We must think ahead and be mindful of what our family is going to need in coming months. It's time to rotate the drawers from winter to summer clothes, wash up the shoes, clean the coats, box them up and purchase some Crocs (I have found Crocs to be the best sandals EVER! They are costly but they last. The fact that they can be washed easily is a bonus! My kids have already stomped through spring mud in them and they still look new because I rinsed them with the hose - easy, comfy, quality) "

I tend to be drawn toward finding deals and quantity - but the Proverbs 31 woman was really much more simple. She had quality items that were costly. Think how much easier the rotation process would be if we followed her lead. As summer approaches, make a list of your family's needs, simplify your purchases by getting quality items that will last and be prepared. This is your job as the manager of your home. Let's get to it - the time is now!

Walk with the King!

I am participating in Seven Clown Circus Wordful Wednesday. and 5 Minutes for Mom Wordless Wednesday.

PS. Your Hands Are Beautiful

Word Filled Wednesday: Proverbs 31:20 "She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy." NKJV

It's week 12 of our Proverbs 31 series and I'm loving it!!! Thanks for sticking with me. So far we have seen that she rises early, works eagerly and vigorously, shops wisely, is extremely productive and she uses her evenings to get work done too!

In Proverbs 31:20, there is a feature of this beautiful woman pointed out for the first time - it's "her hands". Up until now, her hands have been furiously working sewing, planting, cooking and shopping. And here they take center stage as she reaches out to those outside of her home with them.

Look down and examine your hands. Are they young or old? soft or calloused? sun spotted? Do your veins show? Do you think your hands are beautiful? Often our hands are one of the first places to show our age - they have worked hard serving our husbands, children, and the needy. What a blessing it is to have two hands!

My sister Jennifer, once shared this story with me and it so touched me I wanted to share it with you all - she wrote it out for me here: ******

"P.S. Your Hands Are Beautiful." This was what my in-laws wrote inside my birthday card at the end of their very nice note to me.

A few weeks before my birthday, I was at a family get-together, and something came up about "hands". I'm not sure how exactly the conversation went, but I know that I made the comment that the one place I have started to see my body aging is in my hands. When I look down at them, which I realized is frequently during the day, they have begun to look different, older to me.

My mother-in-law said that the one thing she remembered about her own mother was her beautiful hands. I remembered her sharing about this before, and I believe that she meant more than just the outside beauty of beautiful skin with perfectly groomed nails. Those who had the privilege of knowing her mother, Louise Oliver, know that her life was one of active service to our Lord and that she did have beautiful hands because they did beautiful things for His glory.

When I read my birthday card with the message, "P.S. Your hands are beautiful", the full meaning of that small statement touched me.




It reminded me of what Paul said to the church at Thessalonica. I Thessalonians 4:11 says, "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anyone."



These verses should cause us to look at the work that we do as women and ask ourselves, am I leading a quiet life?

Am I minding to my own business, the tasks that God has called me to do?

Am I working faithfully with my hands in my daily life as an act of worship to my Lord?

Is my work winning the respect of outsiders?

Am I bringing glory to my Lord with the works of my hands?



Would God think that my hands are beautiful?"

******

Dear Reader, Do not be discouraged as you toil day in and day out for loved ones within and outside your home. When we use our hands for God's glory he is pleased. Look down and examine your hands now a second time with a new perspective. Do not judge the beauty of your hands by the outside - but rather by lives they have touched.



Walk with the King!


Ps. Your hands are beautiful!