Nancy Leigh DeMoss concluded her messages on the passage of Proverbs 31:10-31 yesterday. However, the series "True Woman Makeover" continues for 20 more days. I enjoyed her message today on 1 Timothy 2:9-10 "Women in the Church".
However, I'm still mulling over, chewing on her messages about Proverbs. I have also been applying what I'm learning to my life with incredible results. DH and I had a long conversation last night about the changes he has seen in me. When I told him about everything I've been learning that has been the background for the changes he's seen actually said to me, "Other than, 'I do' that is the best thing you've ever said to me." Wow. I am so thankful that God lead me to this series and is helping me make the changes I need to make to be the best wife, mother and homemaker God wants me to be.
I am blessed as I wrestle with these truths. It ain't easy but it's right.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
Real Woman Makeover- Day 10
In today's message in her "The Counter Cultural Woman" Nancy Leigh DeMoss says:
"So many times in our own lives, we’re holding onto our lives: my rights, my time, my privacy, my peace of mind, my space. If we live selfish lives now, we will reap the fruit of our own hands.
A woman told me last night that when she first became a Christian as a young wife that she determined she was going to go home and be this model wife. She was going to submit to her husband; she was going to be meek and quiet-spirited. She said, “I went home and I just tried and tried.” After two weeks, we could just see in her face that she was exhausted. She said, “I realized I couldn’t do it.”
Today I am being put to the test about all these things I've been learning. It's almost as if God is asking me, "Have you REALLY heard me? Are you ready to apply what you've been learning?" Here are some of the things I'm being challenged with:
1. Monkey is still sick and getting worse. His breathing has become really shallow and it freaks me out that he will get an infection! I have to take him back to the doctor this morning to check for pneumonia.
2. Bear has broken a tooth and I have a dental appointment for him right after Monkey is done at the doctor. What adds mental anguish to the "broken tooth situation" is that Bear broke the tooth while trying to pull out a permanent tooth. He read a story about a little boy losing a baby tooth and getting money from the tooth fairy and he decided to try and make some money for a new video game. He has been making a lot of poor decisions lately (lighting matches and putting the lit match back in the matchbox, pulling his hair out to be like "Horton" in Horton Hears a Who, acting out in class, etc). So something is going on with Bear but DH and I can't seem to understand it and Bear (who has autism) can't explain to us what's going on.
3. Baby Girl hasn't had much attention all week as I've been taking care of Monkey while trying to keep the house together and she is acting out.
4. My husband is having a horrible week at work and he's having some stomach problems. Which means I have to be very careful in what I make him to eat as not to aggravate his problems.
5. On top of all this my lower back is screaming in pain. My lower back often aches because of the way my spine curves a bit at the bottom giving me a "duck tail" butt but the pain is worse than it's ever been.
Honestly, there's more things crashing down on me right now but I will stop here because what I've mentioned already is enough to explain the pressure I'm under. I feel exhausted, worried, frustrated, trapped, alone and burdened. Okay, I think I've made my point that I need God's help to get through today more than most days!
I have two consolations in all this mess. One my God is faithful to provide everything I need to get through today. He has boundless supply of wisdom, energy, encouragement, etc and has put it at my disposal. All I have to do is ask and trust Him. Two, Dear Husband is being really encouraging and as understanding as he can be. He has been listening to me and helping out where he can. I am trying to remember that he is having a tough week too at work and asking God for the strength to support DH as he supports me.
I have to lay it all down this week. I have to find my strength in Him who loves me and knows my needs before I do. He knew this week was coming, He is prepared to help me with all of it and more!
Here is the interpretation of Proverbs 31:10-31 I read today from the Message:
10-31 A good woman is hard to find,
and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
and brings back exotic surprises.
She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast
for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it,
then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
diligent in homemaking.
She's quick to assist anyone in need,
reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn't worry about her family when it snows;
their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing,
and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected
when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them,
brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her;
her husband joins in with words of praise:
"Many women have done wonderful things,
but you've outclassed them all!"
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
The woman to be admired and praised
is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
Festoon her life with praises!
"So many times in our own lives, we’re holding onto our lives: my rights, my time, my privacy, my peace of mind, my space. If we live selfish lives now, we will reap the fruit of our own hands.
A woman told me last night that when she first became a Christian as a young wife that she determined she was going to go home and be this model wife. She was going to submit to her husband; she was going to be meek and quiet-spirited. She said, “I went home and I just tried and tried.” After two weeks, we could just see in her face that she was exhausted. She said, “I realized I couldn’t do it.”
Let me say, the moment you come to realize that you cannot do what God has called you to do by yourself, that is one of the greatest discoveries you’ll ever make. That’s the starting place to victory."
Today I am being put to the test about all these things I've been learning. It's almost as if God is asking me, "Have you REALLY heard me? Are you ready to apply what you've been learning?" Here are some of the things I'm being challenged with:
1. Monkey is still sick and getting worse. His breathing has become really shallow and it freaks me out that he will get an infection! I have to take him back to the doctor this morning to check for pneumonia.
2. Bear has broken a tooth and I have a dental appointment for him right after Monkey is done at the doctor. What adds mental anguish to the "broken tooth situation" is that Bear broke the tooth while trying to pull out a permanent tooth. He read a story about a little boy losing a baby tooth and getting money from the tooth fairy and he decided to try and make some money for a new video game. He has been making a lot of poor decisions lately (lighting matches and putting the lit match back in the matchbox, pulling his hair out to be like "Horton" in Horton Hears a Who, acting out in class, etc). So something is going on with Bear but DH and I can't seem to understand it and Bear (who has autism) can't explain to us what's going on.
3. Baby Girl hasn't had much attention all week as I've been taking care of Monkey while trying to keep the house together and she is acting out.
4. My husband is having a horrible week at work and he's having some stomach problems. Which means I have to be very careful in what I make him to eat as not to aggravate his problems.
5. On top of all this my lower back is screaming in pain. My lower back often aches because of the way my spine curves a bit at the bottom giving me a "duck tail" butt but the pain is worse than it's ever been.
Honestly, there's more things crashing down on me right now but I will stop here because what I've mentioned already is enough to explain the pressure I'm under. I feel exhausted, worried, frustrated, trapped, alone and burdened. Okay, I think I've made my point that I need God's help to get through today more than most days!
I have two consolations in all this mess. One my God is faithful to provide everything I need to get through today. He has boundless supply of wisdom, energy, encouragement, etc and has put it at my disposal. All I have to do is ask and trust Him. Two, Dear Husband is being really encouraging and as understanding as he can be. He has been listening to me and helping out where he can. I am trying to remember that he is having a tough week too at work and asking God for the strength to support DH as he supports me.
I have to lay it all down this week. I have to find my strength in Him who loves me and knows my needs before I do. He knew this week was coming, He is prepared to help me with all of it and more!
Here is the interpretation of Proverbs 31:10-31 I read today from the Message:
10-31 A good woman is hard to find,
and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
and brings back exotic surprises.
She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast
for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it,
then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
diligent in homemaking.
She's quick to assist anyone in need,
reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn't worry about her family when it snows;
their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing,
and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected
when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them,
brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her;
her husband joins in with words of praise:
"Many women have done wonderful things,
but you've outclassed them all!"
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
The woman to be admired and praised
is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
Festoon her life with praises!
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