GOD-Identity.
Who are YOU in Christ?
Sorry it's been a while since I last posted...many great things have been happening and opening up, so I am now back to share a little of what is going on.  

I've started a new trail in this journey and it's enhancing what I've begun in Proverbs and filled in a few gaps as I walk in the Beatitudes from Matthew 5 and read on till chapter 7.  Here's a bit of what I've been discovering...

Today's reading took me into Chapters 5and 6 where (in The Massage)God tells me to "Grow up and live in the God-created identity He gave me!  He wants me to live in God-reality, with God-initiative and under His God-provision.  WOW!!!  I KNOW that the woman of Proverbs knew this!  She HAD to in order to really be all that's described of her. And these verses were written far after her time on earth.  Her time (because Proverbs is in the Old Testament) was before Christ was a reality in the world and only a hope of the Jewish people.  I am also reminded that this passage in Proverbs isn't just about women alone, but the whole of his believers.  That these traits are for all of us as His bride.  So what is YOUR God-identity?  Sit and meditate a bit on listening to God and hearing from Him about who He wants you to be and what His reality is for you, what provisions He has waiting for you to accept. What are the tasks He  has for you and are you ready to dive into and initiate your God -reality?  In all of this...it's about giving to Him for who HE is, not just taking care of your earthly family, but praising God as you do the tasks He has given to you.  It's also about lifting up the Kingdom of God for non-believers to see and turn to when they are in need and searching for their God-identity.  Here are the verses that I've based this input upon...
(from The Message)
"In a word, what I'm saying is Grow Up.  You're kingdom subjects, Now, live like it.  Live out your God-created identity.  Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you."
Matthew Ch. 5 verse 48


"What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving.  People who don't know Gd and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works.  Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provcisions.  Don't worry about missing out.  You'll find all your everyday, human concerns will be met."
chapter 6 verse 30-33

Do you enjoy who you are?

As I read through this passage again, I get the sense that this woman is really happy with who and what she is.  I get the picture that she enjoys every aspect of her whole day...even if something is a bit of an obstacle for a short time, she is happy to use her negotiating skills to work it out and go forward.  Have you ever had one day like this?  I have had a rare few....and not recently.  I look forward to my girls being home over the summer because I have some "plans" for us to have a terrific summer and loads of growing closer and being stronger as a family.  I want to have many of these days that I think the Proverbs woman had regularly!
Do you have a skill or task that really just is so difficult or frustrating to you?  I do...my youngest is still struggling with toileting and we seem to battle with each other several times a day.  So much so that we've seen medical professionals for suggestions on how to conquer this.  Overall, it's a mind over matter issue and when we butt heads...well..you get the picture.  I can't WAIT to get this solved!!!  Then I can begin to really enjoy the many things we like to do with out worry about any more accidents!!
Today I want to challenge you to ENJOY YOU and who you are!!!  If there is something that you are challenged with and have hit the limit of your frustration .....seek out help from others who have conquered it. Whether it's a parenting issue, a household issue, learning a new skill...whatever...just find a different source, seek out a professional's opinion or just set it aside so you can get a new or fresh perspective.  Always put your efforts toward praising Him and the rest will follow....Easier said than done, believe me I know that, but when I do this....everything else follows so much more smoothly.  Let me know the results of your day...tell me what made your day so special and please..ENJOY YOU TODAY!!

What kind of Diamond are You?

Lost and Found....what have you found while reading this description of the Bride of Christ?

"A good woman is hard to find"

How do we know if we are a "good" woman....Difficult to determine from within and not have a big ego about yourself, but I think with a few points for direction you can decide where you fall on the overall scale of good or not good. Obviously, your friends and family with help with this determination, but how do you?
Do you have a strong relationship with our Lord?  Have you consistently put time into this relationship and built it BEFORE and DURING your marriage WITH your husband and family.  Going over the many points of Proverbs 31, have you worked these into your life?  It's not hard to see why we think we have to be "super women" but do you also see that when you build your relationship with the Lord and continue to grow in your faith that these attributes are natural outcomes?  You will BECOME the DIAMOND of UNTOLD WORTH!  As I started this journey, I looked up what it takes to make a diamond....and three factors are key in the building of diamonds.  Pressure, time and heat.  And an enormous amount of each of these is necessary for a diamond to burst forth from the depths of the earth and rise to the surface as the untouched beauty we now use as a symbol of unending love and value. Diamonds come in all kinds of colors and shapes...we humans have placed dollar values on the different colors, sizes and cuts in order to grasp in our human minds just what something of unimaginable beauty could worth. It takes a lot of work and dedication to be a "good woman" and I know that we all want that for ourselves and our families.  This work is worth "far more than diamonds" to our Lord when we dedicate our efforts to it and to Him.  Remember....in His eyes  you are already diamonds!!  You are already PRICELESS...BEYOND THE WORTH OF DIAMONDS!

Challenging words...let me know what you find out about your neighbor!
There is always someone worse off than you

" She's quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor."

How many times have you had phone calls asking for money for any number of causes and you just hung up?..I admit...I do it all too often and I know that the person on the other line is just "doing their job".  I try harder now to be nice when I say..."I'm sorry ,we just can't swing an extra dollar your way this time."  But money isn't the only way we can help out the needy.  Thank God, cause otherwise no one would be getting much assistance from me!  When faced with helping others, sometimes you have to do some harsh reality discussions before progress is made.  Other times, it's simple a cup of coffee and a tearful unloading to listen to in order to help someone onto the best path. Most times, it's a way out of my feeling sorry for myself!!  I can always make an afghan as a present for someone, or cook a meal, watch their kids or help in researching something on the net.  Maybe assist in making out a resume for job hunting.  And being "money poor" isn't the only definition of poor.  There are those who are poor in spirit and poor in health that can need your assistance..and sometimes we are rewarded by this in soooo many other ways than money!!  These are the events that also help to shape your children's sense of gratitude, charity and "love thy neighbor". Children learn much more from our examples than they do from anything we say.....not to say we should be mute when teaching our kids right from wrong...but they are far more perceptive to our actions and that they match what we speak than we give them credit for.  Your challenge today is to find some way to help another through a difficulty or provide the answer to a need...and see just how far your spirits get lifted!!

It's a great day for a Parade!!

What exactly do I DESERVE?
"Give her everything she deserves!!  Festoon her life with praises!"

Well, for starters...probably a good kick in the butt for each time I "break out" of the Proverbs 31 mold.  I'm not always pleasant and kind....I don't always keep my cool when my kids misbehave...especially in the mornings when I"m not fully awake before having my 1st cup of coffee.  So I deserve.....not grace or mercy, but that's what I'm given by our loving Father each and every day!!!  Again...I think in this verse God is talking in his "church as his bride" attitude.  I believe that we as his church, his bride, are given all we deserve and much we don't because God really does LOVE US and wants to truly lavish us with our hearts desires!  And as believers our hearts desire is to please our Father in Heaven!  To follow the plans He has for us and to spread His Word among the nations so that ALL may be included in the family of Christ!!

When I think of "Festooning" someone I am reminded of parades for dignitaries.  Where the confetti just blurs the picture of the one being honored and adored.  God wants us to honor and festoon Him with our praises and to treat each other with the grace and mercy He bestows on us each day!  WOW!  I don't think I would want to follow that parade and clean up the mountains of confetti and streamers that would create!!  But in Heaven, there won't be a mess..I'm convinced I won't need my expert cleaning skills there...THANK YOU!  Make a parade for each of your family members today....Festoon them with praises and give them all they deserve!  Life is going to be such a fun party when we all start in on that stage of Worship and Praise to our Father in Heaven!!

SMILE...You're on God Camera...
And HE LOVES to watch over you!!!!

"Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile."

Most days, I don't think ANYONE would describe me as elegant....even on a Sunday morning.  I am a person who really doesn't go in for all the latest fashions and you will NEVER see me in high heels.  So how will I obtain "elegance"?  Most days I am in a t-shirt and jeans or shorts.  I on and off will have some makeup on...depending on what I'm up to that day or the degree of heat and humidity and the number of hotflashes I've suffered through while getting ready to face the public.  I don't "perspire" I SWEAT" so watching my makeup slide down my face wouldn't be a pretty sight.  I am thankful for clear skin and good clean sing products from Mary Kay.  Also that I tan well, so as to hide some of those not so nice flaws.  I can't grow my hair to fit the latest couiffer, so I keep it short and very simple.  If it weren't for my curves (more generous than I'd like) you'd think I was of the male persuasion!

I do, however choose to open the door for others if I see that we may crash and I choose to teach my children manners (even though it doesn't always show).  I try to remember to thank people for their gifts and generosity or help when being given. I speak my mind...fairly bluntly most days, but I try to be tactful. I truly love to listen to folks as they recount a past event in their family or local history. (I LOVE to do family tree research).  I even try to make sure I do my best in what ever project or task I'm working on because, of course, it's all being done, said or praised up to God!  I gave my all in all I do...or I at least try...and think that this is the elegance God would prefer to have.  Something done in all sincerity and love for Him than a swank new dress and heels with the latest updo and fashion accessories.  Now, I think I might need to figure out that "high tea" ritual!!

Facing each new day with a smile....EASY...HIS mercies and grace are NEW EVERY MORNING!!!!  I'M ALWAYS forgiven and given mercy for the many little slip ups and mistakes I've made along the course of each day.  And my husband...he does so much worrying that I don't have to think about it most days.  I've had a peace about many situations because I know God has us covered.  May not be exactly what I was thinking of as a solution, but He's never let me or my family down, so..why start worrying now?!!  I don't deserve many of the things, relationships or grace and mercy I have received...none of us do, but we have it...everyday...new EACH AND EVERY morning...so there is NO EXCUSE not to smile at each new day!!

Good Morning Sunshine ( An earth shattering challenge awaits you!)
"Her children rise up and called her blessed her husband also and he praises her"

I don't know about you, but my kids don't "rise up" easily each morning.  One moans and groans her way all through the process of breakfast and getting ready and the other one is a screamer about  being "cold" and "I don't wanna go" and struggles to get even a few bites of breakfast in before the next step of dressing for school.  It's not like they have much to choose from in way of clothing...they wear uniforms.  And then there is the nightmare of too many people using too few bathrooms.  Fortunately, by 7:30 or so they are out the door and the house is again the quiet sanctuary it never has been before!!!  Even my oldest was never the morning person  school required her to be.  She just was "uncommunicative" until about 10 am or so.  Now, if allowed to wake on their own, they are lovely children and then I just have to unglue them from the television or a computer game.
As for my husband...He's SO NOT a morning person!!  At least he's quiet about his disgust for the am routine and realizes that it's a must in order to accomplish his task list for the day, but I let him get himself ready and not ask of him to do much with the girls as this slows him down thereby making everyone a bit later than warranted.

The praising me part?  Both my girls LOVE hugs and LOVE TO GIVE those hugs to all and any who will accept them..  they are a testament to me because, although they are crabby and grouchy in the morning, their teachers really enjoy them in their classrooms, many family and friends report back to me that they are the sweetest little things...(I only wish this behavior was more prominent in our household) and can't see how they could be soooooo much the opposite! Spending a day in my shoes to view my kids would SO open their eyes!!! They also brag to their friends about me and I've had many a compliment via a conversation with other moms about what my girls said about me to others. That's my biggest blessing!  I have never heard from anyone negative reflections about me from my husband and he is always telling me how grateful he is that he married me and that I'm doing such a wonderful job with the kids.  How he would be TOTALLY lost without me if he had to deal with the kids on his own....(he would, too) and that I cannot die first as he wouldn't know any of the phone numbers he would need cause I have them all memorized in my head. (I have a funny memory that way)

Today...try to say at least 4 nice things about and to your husband and children....let me know the outcome cause I think the change could be earth shattering!!!

Leading Citizens....(even if it's just your own family in building of their faith)
"Her husband is well known, one of the leading citizens"

My husband isn't a "leading citizen" as in political circles, he has however placed himself in positions of some influence in our community. He is on the parish council and strives to put forth strong Christian values into his decisions and discussions with others in the professional circles in which he participates.  A leader doesn't have to be out in the public eye and I feel is better when not as noticed for his/her face, but for the effectiveness of their influence. When you think of it...Jesus wasn't as visually recognized by the public as his teachings....people from far away "heard of him" and followed...more than those who "recognized" his face!!  Now, just to be clear, I didn't marry my husband because he was well known or a big leader in our community, but I recognized that his profession and his desire to make a difference in the lives of our community meant more, even if not well known.

As such, I have always tried to promote his ideas of being a part of a group/council/board of professionals that is working toward a goal of community improvement in any way.  Being on such boards has made him a better known person in our area and therefore, a more positive influence on others.  We've built stronger relations with local businesses because of the work he has been able to do with each of them...and increased our circle of influence in this manner.  As example....a local repair shop has been a great place for our vehicle repairs...over several years and vehicles, including my daughters.  Because of this relationship, the shop owner contacted my husband for his services and established a stronger bond of professional courtesy and we have reaped some benefits over time for the services rendered from both parties!  We have also referred others to this business for repairs on their vehicles and thus increased business for the shop owner and my family/husbands reputation in the business world as well!  Kindness and good ethics make for a great way to grow in business, leadership and strength in the community and in your faith.  Not sure where in the bible it is stated, but "faith without works is dead" and we always try to ensure we work with faith-filled people and local businesses in order to spread His Word to all we encounter!!

  TRUST NEVER GETS RUSTY WHEN COATED WITH GOD'S ANNOINTING OILS!
Is your heart safe with your husband?  Is your husbands heart safe with you?

"The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil"

He completely trusts her to do all the right things!  No suspicion of selfish acts that would not include his heart in the consideration.  He could bring co-workers home for dinner unannounced and never worry about the dinner not being enough, that the house wouldn't be cleaned up and tidy, that the kids would not be well behaved!  AMAZING TRUST!!!  I know that if I sprung such a surprise on my husband, who by the way HATES change, I would be shot full of those evil eye looks that we give them!  I'd have so many holes through me I would look like Swiss Cheese!
Recently a friend confided to me about the flirtations of another man toward her.   She did not return these affections and told her husband that this man continued to make each encounter with him very akward. She really could not avoid some of these encounters as they were part of an ongoing activity she attended with her daughter.  Both my friend and her husband are deeply in love with each other and neither is concerned that she would stray from her marriage.....as akward as this situation is, the husband doesn't feel the need to confront the flirt, only trusts that his wife is sure in her love and trusts that she wouldn't betray his heart!  WOW...I'm overwhelmingly impressed with his trust.  So many others would eventually begun to flirt in return and then start that horrid downward trend into infidelity!  It is just this kind of diversion that takes our eyes from Christ that He is describing in Proverbs.  He has trust that once we are in a solid relationship with Him, we will not look elsewhere for our hearts desire....it will ALWAYS be with Him!!
I know that God trusts me as I Him.....I diligently am working toward His vision for me and I will follow His direction with it until it is completed.....I hope that other things will not try to  sway my heart from this...and trust that He will give me the blinders to stay on course with it.
It is only by trust that such a strong marriage can take place.  With a clear vision and direction from the creator, we are able to "finish" the job of raising our children up, trusting in Him to guide our steps, words and actions.

You HAVE SPARE TIME....this will challenge you to find it!!

"She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness."  KJV Prov 31 v 27

We are all busy!!  But with what?  I know that my schedule is loaded with "things I need to do", but is all my time spent in doing them?  What if I were to be productive during the times that I "play" on the computer?  What then would I accomplish?  I'm not saying that we all don't need some down time, but here's a way we can find it!  Take a good, honest look at your day...split it up into 15 min. segments and see if you can fill in each block with something that you're doing that is productive toward your goals for that day/week. Do that for say...three days....let me know what happens.  Then, start next week with your calendar and BEGIN with time for the Lord..., time for you, and then time for hubby and family.  DONT FILL IN ANYTHING ELSE before putting these things in first.  Then fill in your must do's (work schedule, appointments, kids scheduled activities and so on)  MAKE SURE YOU PUT IN TIME FOR YOU AND THE LORD!  Make these things priorities and I'll bet you that you'll find time for all that you need to do without difficulty!  I know that seems overwhelming to think about...I know I feel busy all day long, but I too need to "re-organized" my days and weeks every so often to keep up with what God has planned for me and my family. LET ME KNOW!!  I would LOVE to hear your results!!

Not for women only!!

The description of the type of woman that King Lemuel's mom would like him to live his life with is what starts this chapter.  It's difficult to find the right spouse and then to have a relationship that will last for more than a few years...most especially now when divorce and living together is so rampant.  Recently a friend described to me a method by which a friend had approached her marriage and I was amazed....and awed at how simple and yet so difficult this process could be, yet so utterly successful and blessed when put into practice.  She approached it very suscintly.  With her intended she laid out what she expected...down to a "t". and if he chose not to comply with these concepts, then it was off!  No marriage and no more relationship!  something that is amazingly straightforward, and yet nearly no one does this anymore!!  Why do we not think long term when we consider marriage?  We as a society think only in the moment and no longer consider what happens because of one moment into the next!!  King Lemuel's mom knew this and warned him be very careful about giving away "himself" and avoiding drunken sprees as these will weaken his effectiveness as a king and ruler.
As a woman and spouse working toward attaining the Proverbs 31 virtuous woman, I couldn't agree more with the kings mom.....no king wants to worry about children out of wedlock or to have to make important decisions  while hung over and thinking more about the next bout of drunkenness and not fully aware of his surroundings and words.
I want a husband who is equally partnered with me and who has the same goals for our family and life!  Not only do verses 10-31 describe and individual, but I believe it subtly describes how Christ wants us as his "brides" to behave during our lives as his church!  So...this isn't just for women, but men can also glean a lesson on the ideal husband as well!!  Read it together and see if you can begin to realign your relationship in someway to the highest ideal  of marriage as we earthly creatures can imagine.  Our husbands are suppose to be able to handle that family matters first and foremost, but they won't be able to if we don't agree on what that's suppose to be and how to handle each matter.  It's a concept that isn't used anymore because we are such a selfish, me centered society, but WORK TOGETHER....it's a long ride and should be considered very carefully before entering into this world of marriage, parenting and leading our children into adulthood.

A challenge to you...find something you love to do...and give it away!

"Give her the fruits of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates"  verse 31 from KJV

Many times I have worked hard at something that I enjoyed doing and then got such thanks for the gift.  I LOVE to crochet gifts for others...blankets, sweaters, many other things...I just enjoy the craft so much and really love to give them to those I know will truly appreciate them.  I just gives me such a thrill!  Many people have made comments on how they like the gifts they've received or just on the workmanship.  I really feel great about how well I do these projects, but more than that...I've built a solid reputation for good craftsmanship as well...and have been specifically asked to make things for someone...which of course I do.

Recently I saw a story on the television of a little boy who kept trading things he wanted for the next bigger, better thing until he was able to get an all expenses paid Disney World Vacation!  He then gave this vacation to a family who had lost a loved one in the line of duty in the war!  What a kid!  Then when ABC did a story on this kid, they rewarded him with his own vacation package...which he gave away to another deserving family!!!!....When asked why he did this...he said he just wanted to make someone else happy and this is what he thought a family who was grieving would enjoy and make them happy.  WOW!!  and he was only 9yrs old!

Neither of these two little stories are were of great cost to those involved....they used creativity and thought out of the box to bring the love of Christ to another in some small way...and it was returned many times over!

My husband tells me that I at times go about accomplishing things in the most labor intensive way.  He likes to do things really efficiently and as quickly as possible.  There are some things that you really cannot do in any manner other than slow and steady.  In the end, your product is the best it can be and you'll be so satisfied and proud of the outcome that no one can say enough about the results of your work!!  To me...that's the highest praise anyone could give.  I know God is behind each of my skills and talents.  When I get the kudos for anything, it's because I did the work with the knowledge that God is in each and every inch of it!