"She works with her hands in delight" Proverbs 31:13

Reflecting on God's Goodness

"So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." Genesis 1:27

         This morning, I was walking around in the yard, reflecting on the verse that I had memorized this week. I cannot tell you the amount of encouragement that I have felt this week just from a simple yet important verse from the beginning of Genesis. It is a wonderful reminder to me of how I do indeed have an important calling now and in the future as a female. This verse gives me encouragement to know that I was created for those roles as a woman, and is a reminder to me of how much I should embrace them.

         As I was walking, I began to remember a time of discouragement and great discontentment. A time, four years ago, when I decided to pursue the working world and a full-time job. Some of you may not know this, but four years ago, after the completion of my education, my parents and I decided that, in order to be productive, I needed to search outside of the home for some way to make use of my single years. I definitely knew that I wanted to be a wife and mother one day, but I wasn't sure how to spend my time until then. After all, it's either a full-time job or college according to society. I failed to search God's Word for my answer and chose to work at a small nail care clinic that was, what I thought, run by a Christian married couple. I later found out that they didn't necessarily practice what they proclaimed to others.

         This morning, I remembered the sense of emptiness and unfulfillment that I had felt during those two years of painting fingernails. :) I also thank the Lord for allowing me to feel that emptiness because He was working on my heart...trying to turn me back to His ways instead of my own. I am thankful for having to wake up at the crack of dawn before my family, for the lonely 45 minute car ride at night, for the daily lunch breaks where all everyone talked about was the hippest bar hangouts, and the same rock songs playing over and over again on the radio. I am thankful for the emotional, mental, and physical distress that I felt after being convicted about my need to come home. I am thankful for my cussing bosses, the ungrateful clients who used me as a "listening ear" regarding their most recent affairs and upcoming divorces. Thank you Lord for the many days away from my family, for only being able to see them for 2 hours at night, for the tears shed in the car, for the panic attacks that you allowed me to experience. If I hadn't experienced all of these things, if the Lord hadn't used those two years to show my the wrong of following the world, I wouldn't be home with my family today. I have done nothing. I give God all of the glory for what He has shown me.

         After overcoming the fear of quitting...to take that leap of faith to come home, I left my job to become, once more, a daughter at home...where I should be. As soon as I came home, a tremendous sense of worth, purpose, and fulfillment flooded my heart. It was like I had been given a clean slate to start all over with. The Lord brought me home so that I could embrace His design for success and purpose as a woman, instead of what I thought was right at the time. It's silly because it honestly doesn't feel like I had ever left home to work for those two years because that time was so meaningless to me. But, that time was vital in that I now know what it feels like to step out with the flow of the world. Coming home has given me more fulfillment than I could ever imagine for myself.

         I just wanted to share with you all what the Lord had laid on my heart to share this morning. This verse has made me want to cling even more to the goodness of God's Word and the specific roles that He has created me, as a female, to fulfill. I would encourage each of you to swim against the tide of society and instead hold fast to the contentment and peace that can only be found when we rest in the Lord!

        It's funny that I should be writing all of this because it just occurred to me that this upcoming April 24th will mark the day when I officially quit my job in 2006. I turned in my key on April 25th (my birthday!). So this will be my second-year anniversary!

The Danger of a Foolish Woman

"The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down." (Proverbs 14:1)

I had always looked over this verse, thinking that it didn't really apply to me because do not have my own house yet. Today, I came across it and saw it a bit differently. The word "house" in this verse does not mean just a physical house, it actually means "family" in Hebrew. All women have a "house" or an immediate sphere of influence around them. Married women have the great power to influence their families and others around them. Single women are also surrounded by family, extended family, friends, neighbors, members of the community, and so on that they can influence- either for better or worse. In our society today, we see women all over the place who are using their influence to damage our nation and the families therein. No longer do we see modesty, gentleness, quiet spirits, discreet behavior, chaste speech, and femininity. Instead, today's foolish women are immoral, adulteresses, immodest, independent, boisterous...I could go on! Most importantly, they are drifting further away from God's Truth, seeking their own independent lives, and failing to embrace God's calling as women.The word "foolishness" in this verse is translated "silliness" in Hebrew. I certainly don't want to tear others down around me with silly behavior! 

After looking through Scripture, I found some characteristics in Proverbs 7 where the author is describing a foolish, immoral woman.

A foolish woman:

"...flatters with her words." (Proverbs 7:5)

has the "...attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart." (7:10)

is "...loud and rebellious, her feet would not stay at home." (7:11)

is "...lurking at every corner." (7:12)

has "...enticing speech..." and "...flattering lips..." (7:21)

"...has cast down many wounded, and all who were slain by her were strong men." (7:26)

"Her house is the way to hell, descending to the chambers of death" (7:27)

Yikes! I encourage you to read all of chapter 7 to really see the damaging effects of a foolish woman. I also encourage each of you to consider who you influence on a day-to-day basis. We have to take into consideration the way we dress, the way we act, what we say, and if we are projecting to others the image of Christ. Seek to build others up with an encouraging influence by following the example of the wise woman who, "opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness." (Proverbs 31:26)

Spring

"For behold, the winter is past,The rain is over and gone.The flowers have already appeared in the land;

The time has arrived for pruning the vines, And the voice of the turtledove has been heard in our land.

The fig tree has ripened its figs, And the vines in blossom have given forth their fragrance..."

Song of Solomon 2:11-13

One Of My Favorite Hymns...

What Wondrous Love Is This

What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss

To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,

To bear the dreadful curse for my soul.

When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,

When I was sinking down, sinking down,

When I was sinking down beneath God's righteous frown,

Christ laid aside His crown for my soul, for my soul,

Christ laid aside His crown for my soul.

To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing,

To God and to the Lamb, I will sing,

To God and to the Lamb Who is the great "I Am",

While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing,

While millions join the theme, I will sing.

And when from death I'm free, I'll sing on, I'll sing on,

And when from death I'm free, I'll sing on,

And when from death I'm free, I'll sing and joyful be,

And thro' eternity, I'll sing on, I'll sing on,

And thro' eternity, I'll sing on.

(click on the title of the hymn to hear what it sounds like :)

Respect and the Christian Woman

While I was reading through my "The Fruit Of Her Hands: Respect and the Christain Woman" book this morning, I came across a chapter that was really insightful on a topic that I am trying to improve on in my own life: showing respect.

Of course in this book, the authoress is speaking of God's command of a wife to show reverence and respect to her husband in the marriage relationship. Obviously, I am not married but I can't wait to put these truths into practice, if indeed God wants me to marry. In Ephesians 5:33, God gives wives this command : "Let the wife see that she respects her husband." Although I am unmarried, I can still be demonstrating this kind of respect as a daughter, "Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise..." (Ephesians 6:1) God has designed the husband to be the head of his own wife, and in the same way, God has placed the father as the head of his own family. As daughters, there are so many things we can be learning and putting into practice to honor our fathers as preparation for our husbands one day!

Can you imagine what the world would be like today if husbands were respected by their wives and if daughters demonstrated honor and respect toward their fathers? Can you see just how many wonderful works God could do for His Kingdom through a husband or father who is respected in his own household? It is so sad to see how many wives and daughters even in the Church are becoming rebellious and dishonoring toward those God has placed as authorities over them in their lives.

What spoke to me the most during my reading is that respect is not just a feeling that you may have toward someone. It is something that we feel ,yes, but it should also be something that we choose to do and involves action on our part. In the dictionary, the word "respect" is defined as an an action as well as a feeling: "To feel or show honor or esteem for; consider or treat with deference or courtesy; to show consideration for." I am daily working on this area: to actually "show" respect toward my father and mother. Even if I don't "feel" like showing honor and respect, I have been commanded to do so regardless. Ephesians 5:33 doesn't say, "Honor your father and mother sometimes...or only if you want to." A wife is not commanded to "see that she respects her husband if she "feels" like it." God wants us to show respect! I am to show respect now toward my father and mother, as the authorities God has placed in my life, and in the future toward my husband. Daughters, encourage your fathers and your mothers by showing them the honor that God has commanded us to give! By doing so, God will be able to do a mighty work through your family!

Proverbs 3:5-10

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.

Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty."

Graceful Designs

A few of days ago, my friend Hannah launched her own website, Graceful Designs, where she is now selling her beautiful hand-made stationary!

On her website you will find her photography cards, stamped cards, and watercolor cards! She is an extremely talented photographer (as you can see from the picture on the left :) and a wonderful artist!

Here is an excerpt from her "About the Artist" page;

Hannah G. Girotti lives in Virginia with her family. She is a graduate of home education and has had an interest in art since childhood. She enjoys capturing scenic and nature images, her photographic subjects ranging from historic bridges to old barns or from sunsets to the diverse array of flowers in her own garden.

Shooting with a digital Canon Rebel Ti camera, she then uses the photographs as the basis for many of her watercolor paintings.

Graceful Designs was begun as an opportunity to use her God-given skills while learning to run a business and being productive in her home.

Mom and I wanted to purchase all of her cards but decided that we should pace ourselves and not get too out of hand. :)

We bought this card called "Clematis Beauty" along with another called "Climbing Clematis" and can't wait to receive them! I love how most of her pictures were taken in her own garden. :)

Please head on over to Graceful Designs and take a look for yourself!

Something I Learned Today

"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16)

I wanted to share something that I learned about today! :)

True or False? The light of a believer's witness for Christ can never go out.

When we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are supposed to stand out in this dark sinful  world as effective witnesses for His glory. We are to do so in a way that will draw others around us closer to Him. However, our effectiveness as believers can be greatly hindered if we find ourselves conforming to the pleasures and carnal living that we see around us every day. So, the answer to my question is false. The light or "brightness" of our witness for Christ can most definitely be effected if we mix with the impurities of the world. "...God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth." (1 John 1:5-6) Satan can try to hinder our witness with things such as temptations, idolatry, pride, envy, vain conversation, lust, anger, bitterness, the compromising of our convictions, a disobedience to God's Word for the sake of not having to face persecution, etc.  If we watch trash on TV, listen to rap music,  fellowship with those who are not walking with the Lord, etc., how will we be an example of Christ's love and peace in the eyes of others around us?

Another way that we as Christians can lose our effectiveness for Christ and even hide our light is if we are afraid of being persecuted for His sake. When we radiate the Truth found in Scripture to unbelievers, we don't always get a great reaction. :) Sometimes I am afraid to do some things or act a certain way in front of others because of what they might think of me. They may tease me, not talk to me, harm me, and such. Because of this fear, I have often not been as bright of a light as I should've been. Well, we are told in Scripture to expect to be persecuted for righteousness' sake, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." (2 Timothy 3:12) Christ even tells us to rejoice and be exceedingly glad when we are reviled! (Matthew 5:12) It should be comforting to know who suffered before us, and for our sakes! Christ had to endure the ultimate persecution for our sinfulness and even faced death. Did you know you can still be a wonderful witness for Christ even through times of reviling and persecution?

God will send trials and hardships into our lives in order to refine our faith in Him and make us stronger, just as gold is refined through fire. Instead of reacting to opposition with anger and bitterness, we must respond in a way that will bring honor to God and show His goodness to others. When we follow God‘s way instead of our own, He will give us the grace to overcome any fiery trial we may have to endure. In Matthew 5:11, we are told, “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.” God promises a blessing on those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. However, He will only bring blessings if we respond to our trials in the right way, with the right attitude, and with the right motives.

Even though Christ suffered, He did not seek to punish those who offended Him. Because we are to strive to be like Christ, we must not seek revenge or to get even with our offenders. 1 Peter 2:21-23 says, “…because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth: Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again: When He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously.” If we are faced with a trial, Satan will often cause us to react to it our own way instead of God‘s way.When persecution comes, we must act out of love toward those who have offended us so that God in heaven may be glorified.

As Christians, we need to be careful to not conform to the things of this world, whether it be because of temptations, compromising convictions, the pleasures of this world, or just because we're fearful of persecution. Satan can destroy our light in so many ways. In 1 Peter 5:8 we are warned: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” Be steadfast and do not hide or dim your effectiveness as a believer in Christ!

A Homekeeper

"The job of keeping a home is an honorable one.There is a difference between a housekeeper and a homekeeper. A hired housekeeper will keep the home clean and do the duties as expected of her employer, but a homekeeper does the duties in her home from her heart. She does it out of love for her family. She looks upon her duties as the most important job in all the world. It takes a lot of patience, skill, commitment and love to be a keeper of your home. Be faithful; in due time, your family will rise up and call you blessed. I am honored to be the keeper of my home."

~Mrs. Martha Greene

"Treasury of Vintage Housekeeping Skills: Collections of the Homekeeper"

Who Can Find a Virtuous Woman?

Who can find a virtuous woman, for her price is far above rubies. ~Proverbs 31:10

How does one become a virtuous woman?  Tonight I was reading over some notes I had written a long time ago in my journal from a Bible study on the Proverbs 31 woman, and I wanted to share some information that I found very encouraging. I used to think to myself, "I may never be as perfect as the Proverbs 31 woman!" "I have so much to learn!" Suddenly, the Lord made me realize how much I was only focusing on the achievements of the Proverbs 31 woman and not on a woman who fears the Lord. I saw the sewing, working out of the home, the buying of fields, the visiting of the needy, her beautiful coverings of purple and silk, etc. and was not focusing on what was really important.

Did you know there are only two women in all of Scripture who are truly called virtuous? Of course, the Proverbs 31 woman and then there was Ruth (Ruth 3:11). What made them virtuous? They had hardly anything in common, well almost. :) The Proverbs 31 woman had clothing of silk and purple, while Ruth was poor. The Proverbs 31 woman had a prominent position and a well-known husband. Ruth was a widow and had no position. The Proverbs 31 woman had children, Ruth did not. Ruth worked in a field, and the Proverbs 31 woman bought fields. As far as outward achievements, we can see that they were almost opposites. However, there is something that both Ruth and the Proverbs 31 woman demonstrated: they both feared the Lord and had a desire to follow His Word.

We can do all of the things listed in Proverbs 31 that were accomplished by the Proverbs 31 woman and still not be virtuous. Why did the Proverbs 31 do all that she did? Why did she attend to the poor, rise early to care for her family, speak with kindness, dress her household in beautiful clothes, and help her husband to be well known in the gates? Because she was motivated to do all that she did out of her fear of the Lord and the desire to keep His commandments! She embraced her God-given role as a wife and a mother out of submission to the Lord and His Word. She did all for His glory. "Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates." (Proverbs 31: 29-31) When we obey God, virtue will follow. We can only become virtuous women if we fear the Lord and strive to obey His Word in all things.

In my own life, I am constantly reminding myself to not focus on achievements and what I can do to measure up to what the Proverbs 31 woman did. It's very easy to be driven by accomplishments. My focus must be on making sure I am continuously fearing the Lord in ALL that I do and being obedient to His Word. I am by no means perfect in any of these areas! It's very easy to type these insights in a blog post but much more difficult to put into practice. :) I hope this wasn't too "deep", but I just wanted to share what the Lord has been placing on my heart these past few days. :)