The 31st
{credit}Can someone please tell me where August went? All I know is that I woke up this morning & it was gone! Tomorrow will be September & the next day will be October. At least that’s how it feels. Fall is knocking at my front door, wondering where my autumn wreath is. Changes are coming, as they do every fall. Very soon, we’ll get out the sweaters & boots, Starbucks will add my beloved Pumpkin Spice back to their menu, and the 90 degree weather will turn cooler. And there are other changes. For some of you, fall means you dropped your baby off at Kindergarten & then went home to try to figure out who you are now. And some left their baby in the college registration line, trying to remind yourself that this is what you raised them to do. Some of you are just starting out with a brand new baby at home, trying to get off the emotional roller coaster & wondering if you’re the only one who ever found themselves stuck on it. Some of you just got married & you feel like your life has finally started. Or maybe your marriage has ended & you feel like your life has, too.Changes. They’re happening to us all. I was thinking about all this this morning as I read through Proverbs 31. Many of you probably read it too, if you like to read the chapter in Proverbs that corresponds with the day of the month. This comes at a perfect time in light of all the changes that the end of August brings. This chapter is such a great, concise job description for the Christian woman. Or maybe the better term would be “life description”.If it’s been awhile since you’ve read it, read it here:
Proverbs 31
1The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him. 2What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows? 3Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings. 4It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: 5Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. 6Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. 7Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. 8Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. 9Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. 10Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 13She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 14She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. 15She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 16She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 18She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. 19She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. 21She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. 23Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. 24She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. 25Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 26She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 29Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. 30Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. 31Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. As I read over it again, I let it remind me of what I’m here for. And when I’m trying my best to juggle the schedule of 6 different people & running a taxi service for everyone all around town, I need to focus on “looking well to the ways of {my} household”, even when it seems impossible. And when I cross paths with a difficult person, I need to “open {my} mouth with wisdom” instead of giving them a piece of my mind. And when I wake up to the alarm clock out of a deep sleep & still feel exhausted from the day before, I need to think of this woman who “riseth also while it is yet night”, so I can get breakfast out & lunches packed for all of them. Although I don’t have any servant girls to feed. Hmmmm. That would be handy.And when I pass by a mirror and see that my make-up’s worn off & my hair needs to be zzushzed (you know what I mean, don’t you?), I’ll remind myself that beauty is vain anyway. No matter what phase of life you’re in at the moment, or if you’ve gotten so busy you’ve lost focus, this passage can help you get back on track. And if Christ is not a part of your life, I guarantee you’ve been missing Him, even if you never realized it before. If this is you, please contact me. I’d love to help you find Him. And for any Christian woman reading this, encourage yourself with this life description & know that you’re here for a purpose. Now go get ready for fall!
NanaDiana
August 31, 2010 @ 5:00 pm
Julie- I could so identify with what you wrote. Life is just a Season of changes, isn't it? Some good, some bad…some just ARE! I can remember just about every feeling you describe and could add some. Thanks for reminding me that we are all connected by our emotions as women. Hugs to you- Diana
AlliT
August 31, 2010 @ 5:20 pm
Great post… And a little birdy on twitter told me that Pumpkin Spice was added back already… Enjoy!!
Melissa
August 31, 2010 @ 5:29 pm
What a fabulous and timely post. Thank you so much for writing from your heart!!
Sarah
August 31, 2010 @ 6:01 pm
I needed this…thanks! I'm the emotional first-time mother 😉
meg duerksen
August 31, 2010 @ 6:08 pm
awesome.
Lois@frugaldecormom
August 31, 2010 @ 6:33 pm
Amen! Such a good reminder. Thanks for sharing.
Sharon Cohen
August 31, 2010 @ 7:25 pm
I am so grateful that I joined the Tuesdays Unwrapped linky this week. Your words are inspiring.
I have recently been pondering my role as a woman, in God's plan for this earth and in my own individual sphere – especially in my marriage. Because of what God wants for me – what He designed for me – I have found such joy in these autumn years of my life. I also celebrate fall!
Oh, in my home I am the Pumpkin Spice.
Blessed Mama
August 31, 2010 @ 7:46 pm
I can't tell you how much I needed that today. Have to doubt that your leading to post this was a "God thang", as I call it. I am the hurried mom of 3 kids and a way-too-busy-and not-so-frequently-home hubby and I feel like I sway between meeting myself coming, and crashing on the couch, and feel guilty either way. Thanks for the reminder that, when it is all said and done, I am a beautiful (even when my hair is a mess and I am still in my pj's at 3:00) child of God and I am fearfully and wonderfully made…regardless of the saddlebags, stretchmarks and dark circles that my children cause. (I love them, by the way…:)
Blessings to you Proverbs 31 woman!!!
Wandering On Purpose
August 31, 2010 @ 7:46 pm
Stopping by from Tuesdays Unwrapped – thank you for this great reminder filled with wisdom and a little bit of humor.
Jennifer
August 31, 2010 @ 9:23 pm
Friend,
Were you here with me today as I cried while I cleaned? Because that is just how I have been feeling today – I needed this!! Thank you for being my friend – I am blessed and honored to have you in my life as an example and a friend..I miss you and wish this blog wasn't the way I connected with you on a daily basis – instead I wish it was because I popped over and we decided to go get a pumpkin spice latte together! And, oh how my crafty skills would benefit from living by you and Denise!! I love you!
Lyndsey Crandall
September 1, 2010 @ 1:49 am
Oh Julie, bless your heart for sharing such intimate feelings. I just praise the Lord for women like you who are willing to put themselves out there and share both the good and the bad of life. I'm a new follower of your blog, but have been thoroughly impressed with your creativity and your faithfullness to our Father in Heaven.
Blessings!
Southern Gal
September 1, 2010 @ 3:04 am
I've been convicted lately about the state of affairs in my home. I feel like I'm slowly climbing out of the clutter that is a stay at home, home school, lived in all the time house.
Thanks for the reminder of where to find my strength in this present job.
Manda
September 1, 2010 @ 3:06 am
Oh goodness… can I relate. I feel summer has slipped through my fingers. But I am excited for what September brings to life… routine, freshness, and of course that lovely pumpkins spice latte. Yep, that's right… Starbucks here in Canada has it out already!
The Heskew Happenings
September 1, 2010 @ 4:55 am
I have always felt that I could never live up to "The Proverbs 31 woman" but as I have grown older I realize as long as I am giving it my all and raising my children in a loving Christian home and surrounding them in Christ as much as possible then I am doing a pretty decent job! Thanks for this! I read the Proverbs 31 passage at my grandmas funeral! She was an AMAZING woman!
Elizabeth
September 1, 2010 @ 11:20 am
Beautiful post, thanks for sharing. Fall is my favorite time of year, but it can get busy; I am reminded now to slow down and enjoy it all with focus and intent.
Cherri Engle
September 1, 2010 @ 1:55 pm
Love this scripture and try to pattern my life after it daily. Sometimes it's hard, but nonetheless, I try. Thanks for the encouragement this morning. I too was wondering where August went…Time is flying and sometimes it's hard to keep up. Have a blessed day!
Jennifer @ Serendipity
September 2, 2010 @ 2:50 am
Wonderful to see such words of truth!!! Thank you for sharing your heart and reminding me of my calling as a wife and mother 🙂
Julie
September 2, 2010 @ 12:38 pm
@Jennifer
Thanks, Jenny! Praying for you…