Project 31: Fear the LORD

Today will be my last post for Project 31. Have any ideas about what you would like to read about for future posts? Tell me on my Facebook page!

...a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30

‘A woman who fears the LORD...’ What does that really mean? To fear the LORD means to have reverence for Him, to be in awe of Him, and to obey Him. We must fear the LORD before we can ever become the woman of Proverbs 31. We must realize that God alone is God. We are not. Our husbands are not. Our pastors are not. They will let us down; we will let ourselves down, but not God. He is faithful and true and righteous and pure. He will be there until the end; others may not. To fear the LORD we must love, honor, respect, and be submissive to Him. We must lay down our life to the LORD and let Him have control.

Proverbs 1:7, 9:10, and 15:33 all say that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline.” Proverbs 1:7

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10

“The fear of the LORD is what wisdom teaches, and humility come before honor.” Proverbs 15:33

Do you desire to be a capable wife (Proverbs 31:10)? Do you desire to have strength and honor as your clothing (Proverbs 31:25)? Do you desire to have wisdom and loving instruction (Proverbs 31:26)? Do you desire for your children to call you blessed and for your husband to praise you (Proverbs 31:28)?

Fear the LORD. It’s where we should all begin.

Fear of the LORD is the beginning of

becoming the woman of Proverbs 31.

Project 31: Beauty is Fleeting

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30

This is a verse worth memorizing. Charm is deceptive. Beauty is fleeting. We shouldn't focus our attention on outward beauty. It's the inside that counts. Look inside yourself. Do you like what you see? If not, work on that first. Because that which is inside will always find a way to show itself on the outside.

We need to teach our daughters and teach our granddaughters. Outward beauty will not last. You know the saying 'Can't take it with you when you go'? I think the same can apply to beauty. You cannot take your outward beauty with you to heaven. You can't take your spray-on tan. You can't take your blonde highlights or your manicured nails. God isn't looking for that. He's looking for your inward beauty. He's looking for your fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Do you see that in yourself? If we don't see these things in ourselves, we should definitely start working on getting those things in us. Because once we have those in us, they will radiate through us. They will radiate Jesus Christ through us, and that's the most beautiful thing of all.

Project 31: Her Children Arise

"Her children arise and call her blessed...." Proverbs 31:28

I hope and pray that this verse is true for me when I have children. For some reason I want a lot of boys and one girl; maybe that's because I never had a brother and would have liked to have one. So I want to give my little girl brothers. I don't know the reason, but like I said, I do want at least one daughter. So for this post, I decided to write a letter to her. 

My daughter, 

     This world is an ugly place, but you are such a beautiful blessing. Be a light to this world and to everyone you come in contact with. This world is hard to live in today; I can only imagine what it will be like when you are reading this letter if things don't change soon. But don't let yourself get discouraged. Remember to be strong and courageous {Deuteronomy 31:6}. We are here for a purpose: to spread God's Good News! Figure out your unique way of doing that and never look back. It will be hard, rough, and sometimes you will want to give up. Christ never promised us an easy life. He promised persecution {John 15:20}, but He also promised us life with Him in eternity if we believe in Him {John 6:47}. Believe in Him! Trust Him! He loves you more than you could ever imagine! 

     As do I! I hope and pray you grow up to be a strong Christian woman who has a passion for the Lord. And I hope and pray that I can be the mother you need to lead you in that direction. Because I love you so much, and because I am a mother, I must include this list {I am sure by now you realize I am obsessed with lists! : ) }

- Grow up to be yourself; not who I, your father, or anyone else wants you to be.

- Read your Bible and hide it in your heart {Psalm 119:11}.

- Do you best; not just enough to get by.

- Stay on the narrow road {Matthew 7:14}.

- Keep in step with the Spirit {Galatians 5:25}.

- Guard your heart {Proverbs 4:23}.

I love you,
Mom

Project 31: Faithful Instruction

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. Proverbs 31:26

She is wise.
She is faithful.
She is a teacher.
She is a mother, a daughter, a sister, an aunt.
She is fun.
She is creative.
She is strong.

She listens.
She loves.
She hugs.
She laughs.
She smiles.
She encourages.

She is my mother.

My mother is like no other I know. I remember growing up that our house was the place to be. My two sisters and I rarely went to a friend's house; they always came over to ours. Our house was fun. Our house was full of love.

As far back as I can remember, she was always the first to rise {unless Daddy was going hunting : ) } and the last to lay down. She cooked, she cleaned, she washed, she picked up, and she still had time to play with us three girls. Even now that all of us are out of the house, she hasn't changed. When we are all able to go home, she cooks, she cleans, she picks up, and she still has time to spend with us.

Her actions are the fruit of the Spirit. She is loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled. If I can be half the woman she is, my husband will be a lucky man.

I love you, Mom!

Project 31: Days to Come

 She is clothed with strength and dignity; 

she can laugh at the days to come.  

Proverbs 31:25

Source: flickr.com via Jamie on Pinterest

Sunday, August 28, 2011, will be my husband and my anniversary. We will have been married one year. I still get amazed sometimes at the fact that I am married. I remember starting college like it was yesterday.... But it has been a wonderful first year of marriage. I am so blessed to have a husband like Ragan, and I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for us in the years to come!

I saw this photo (above) a while back and have been wanting to do something like this for Ragan for our anniversary. The photo is of a couple writing their pledge for each other. 

His pledge to her: "I will kill the spiders. I will share my fries with you when you’ve finished all yours and are still hungry.  I won’t ever pop my collar. I will never be rude to your tummy- when I hear it growl and gurgle, I promise to bend down and reply respectfully.  I will eat the mushrooms when we order the supreme pizza.  I will kiss the papercuts. and the door-slammed finger. and the counter-bumped hip. I’ll try my hardest not to get annoyed when you whisper questions and comments during movies. I will be the big spoon. I will let you win at wrestling. sometimes. other times I will not....."

I'll share a few of mine with you if you promise not to tell him and spoil the surprise! : )

My Pledge to Ragan
I promise to take care of you when you are sick.
I promise to ask questions when you are done talking, not interrupt you while you are talking.
I promise to try not to talk during movies.
I promise to order 1/2 supreme, 1/2 pepperoni when ordering pizza.
I promise to let  you have what's left on my plate when I don't eat it all.
I promise to go to the river with you at least one weekend a month.
I promise to cook more vegetables because I know you like them.

That's all I'll share for now... : )  What are some pledges you would make to your husband?

Project 31: Vigorously Working

She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. Proverbs 31:17

I am definitely a schedule and list type of person. I love making lists, and I think everyone should have one, or two, or three, or.....  I just don't understand how someone can get anything done without having a list to check off.

Some of my lists:
- grocery list
- to do list
- blog idea list
- creations idea list

That's one reason I like Pinterest so much! It is like my own online lists that I can get to anywhere! It wouldn't work so well for grocery lists or to do lists, but it's great for my creations list or a wishlist! If I see a craft I would like to make, I just add it to my Pinterest 'list' or board. You can see all my boards here. If you would like an invite to Pinterest, just let me know! You can also share these lists with others. So if you've made a wishlist like I have, you can share it with family and friends, and then everyone knows what you want for your birthday or Christmas!

I think we all need lists to keep us on track and our priorities in order so that we can 'set about our work vigorously'. If we don't have lists - be they mental, handwritten, or saved on our computers - then we'll just wander around our house wondering what to do first or surf the web instead of answering important email messages. Then before you know it, we will have wasted two hours doing nothing!

So if you aren't in the habit of making lists, but want to or need to - don't fear! I have vigorously set about making you some adorably cute planners and lists! You won't be able to resist making a list or planning a schedule now!

I hope you have as much fun using them as I did making them! Here are some other great places to find lists and planners!
- AmyBayliss.com
- Time-Warp Wife
- Inspired to Action


Download the PDFs here.
The PDF of the monthly calendar and birthday calendar includes every month of the year.
The birthdays list was created to be cut apart and to be used as bookmarks somewhere.

 

Enjoy!

Project 31: "Her husband ..."

Sorry I'm late with this post! But here it is!

"Her husband has full confidence in her..." 

Proverbs 31:11

My husband is a unique man.
He's funny.
He's honest.
He's exciting.
He's handsome.
He's hard working.
He's playful.
He's patient.

But most of all he's completely in love with me, and he lets me know it. He lets me know that he couldn't imagine himself with anyone else. And he lets me know that he believes in me.

I have so many ideas about what to do with my time, money, and life, and every time he gives me his honest opinion. He'll tell me what he thinks it will take to pursue my idea or project. He tells me if he thinks it is a good idea or not. And then he tells me, "If you really want to do it, go after it. I am right there with you. I'll support you."

He is very supportive and encouraging. He makes me believe I can do any project I come up with or pursue any idea. But he'll also be honest with me. He'll tell me it may 'take some time', or 'cost some money', or 'be hard work', but 'I think you can do it.'

Those six words - "I think you can do it" - make all the difference in the world. I could climb a mountain when those words are said by my husband. And I have.

So thank you, my husband, for being such a wonderful encourager.

Project 31: What does beauty mean to you?

A new project! While exploring a new blog (new to me, not new in the blogging world), She Breathes Deeply, I came across Project 31. 

Project 31 is a challenge: "It is a collection of thoughts, ideas, and women who potray beauty in a inspired way.  "Project 31" is you celebrating your God given beauty, and celebrating the beautiful women around you." This project is taken from Proverbs 31:

10 Who can find a capable wife?She is far more precious than jewels.11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,and he will not lack anything good.12 She rewards him with good, not evil,all the days of her life.13 She selects wool and flaxand works with willing hands.14 She is like the merchant ships,bringing her food from far away.15 She rises while it is still night and provides food for her householdand portions  for her female servants.16 She evaluates a field and buys it;she plants a vineyard with her earnings.17 She draws on her strength and reveals that her arms are strong.18 She sees that her profits are good,and her lamp never goes out at night.19 She extends her hands to the spinning staff,and her hands hold the spindle.20 Her hands reach out to the poor,and she extends her hands to the needy.21 She is not afraid for her household when it snows,for all in her household are doubly clothed.22 She makes her own bed coverings;her clothing is fine linen  and purple.23 Her husband is known at the city gates,where he sits among the elders of the land.24 She makes and sells linen garments;she delivers belts  to the merchants.25 Strength  and honor are her clothing,and she can laugh at the time to come.26 She opens her mouth with wisdomand loving instruction is on her tongue.27 She watches over the activities of her household and is never idle.28 Her sons rise up and call her blessed.Her husband also praises her:29 “Many women  are capable,but you surpass them all!”30 Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting,but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.31 Give her the reward of her labor,and let her works praise her at the city gates.


So I am challenging myself to write weekly (hopefully) about beauty. I would love to have you join in, and any comments are welcome!! Enjoy!

What does beauty mean to you?

Beauty: the quality present in a thing or person that gives intense pleasure or deep satisfaction to the mind, whether arising from sensory manifestations (as shape, color, sound, etc.), a meaningful design or pattern, or something else (as a personality in which high spiritual qualities are manifest). 
- taken from dictionary.com

Beauty is waking up refreshed to sunlight streaming through your windows.


Beauty is dancing in the rain after graduating from college with the one you love.


Beauty is drinking a hot cup of cocoa in the middle of a cold winter night.


Beauty is driving home after a long day at work and seeing big beautiful sunflowers line your driveway.


Beauty is hearing the laughter of a child.


Beauty is the ability to say the name ‘Jesus’ and know everything will be okay.


Beauty is the feeling of a strong, rough hand take hold of your smaller, smooth hand.


Beauty is falling asleep with the sound of rain on a tin rooftop.


Beauty is smell of freshly cooked chocolate chip cookies.

Beauty is a man on a cross dying to give me everlasting life.