Proverbs 31 Woman

I am a beloved child of God. A follower of Christ. A Christian. I read, believe & try to live my life by the Word of God - the teachings in the Bible - what I believe is devinely inspired and written by God himself.

I live my life for my Savior, Jesus Christ, whose blood was shed for my sins. I am not perfect. I have many faults. I am a sinner. I always will be. We are all sinners. But through Jesus Christ, I am promised an eternal seat in Heaven, by his side.

He is the Lord of my life, and that means I submit my will & my life to His plan and purpose. He is my shield in the storm, my peace in turmoil.

I raise my child from a Biblical standpoint. I will train Him up right. This means I pray for him, I teach him, I guide him and I do my best to model Christ-like behavior to him.

I am a Godly wife. God has chosen to bless me with a loving husband, a wonderful child and a beautiful home. My family is the most important ministry I have. I manage my household, tend to my family, pray for, support and lift up my husband. He is a Godly man who loves, respects, cherishes, cares for and exhalts me.

This does not make me [who some would call] "old-fashioned". I am not a "weak" woman. I am not "afraid" of men. I am not stupid, nor am I "non-thinker".

I am strong. I am valued. I am respected, honored, cherished, exhalted, virtuous, smart, capable, more precious than rubies, enriching, trustworthy, energetic, helpful, dignified, wise, kind, full of laughter and love, and PRAISED by God.

I have heard a lot of woman say that the Bible is sexist; that woman do not hold as high of value as men. But, Genesis 1:27 tells us that both man & woman were created in God's image. Both man and woman are created equally. God created woman to be a helper for man. The Hebrew word used [for Helper] was ezer, which simply means to aid or to help. God is described the same way. Therefore, the word 'helper' is not meant to be subservient or deogartory. When God helps me, I do not feel better than God. I feel grateful and blessed that He has helped me.Women are described in the same as God!

Striving to be a Proverbs 31 Woman is not a "death-sentence". It does not mean that we are weak women who grovel at the feet of our husbands. Instead, we are to take charge over the care and needs of our family, and manage our homes and even maintain our own businesses! A Proverbs 31 Wife is not mistreated by her husband or children; she is praised and appreciated!Being a Biblical wife does not mean we are giving up our "independence" as women, or are we the "lesser" of the sexes. It means we are following God's perfect design.

I have also heard Epshessians 5:22-24 taken out of context: "Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord." The key words of this verse are "as to the Lord" - this means the submission must be within the context of God's will; if a husband asks his wife to do anything that does not line up with God's Word, she is not to do what he asks. If we read on to Ephessians 5:25, we will also notice that husbands are told to love their wives "just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." In this kind of love, a husband must give himself up, or sacrifice himself for the love of his wife: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives just as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, non one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church - for we are members of his body."

Looking at Jesus, we can see how God himself treats women. Jesus always respected women, and he gave us examples of how women should be treated. In the time of Jesus it was not customary, nor considered appropriate, for a Jewish man to talk with a Samaritan woman in public. But, Jesus did not concern himself with traditions or customs of the time! He talked to women in public and treated them as equals. He showed no favoritism between men & women; he forgave their sins and healed them just as he did men. After he was put to death, women were the first people to see the angels and the first to see Jesus resurrected from the dead. If God felt that women were responsible for anything other than serving men, he would not have chose women to be the first witnesses of the rebirth of Christ. They were the first believers in the Resurrection: technically being the first ones saved by Christ's blood. Women were in fact, the first born-again Christians!

Being a Biblical woman does not mean we are subservient beings, merely controlled by men. It means we are:

- Created equally as men; created in God's image.

- Have equal rights

- Are business & property owners, judges, leaders, fighters, heirs

- Are church founders, teachers and prophetess

- Are co-heirs in Christianity

- Are to be loved, respected, honored, cherished and praised!

We must remember that when something in God's Word seems wrong to us, it is not God who is wrong. God is perfect in all ways, and His Word lasts forever.

True Friends

Taken from my friend Laura's Blog - Life According To Laura. I thought this was GREAT and just wanted to share!!

As I sit and look at my "friends" list on Facebook... I wonder to myself... do I really have 220 friends? Granted, some of them are my family.... but seriously... 220? I don't think so.

So I looked for the definition of a true friend... and I found this:

A good friend will tell you what you want to hear.
A true friend will always tell the truth.

A good friend seeks to talk with you about your problems.
A true friend seeks to help you with your problems.

A good friend brings a bottle of wine to your party.
A true friend comes early to help you cook and stays late to help you clean.

A good friend hates it when you call after they've gone to bed.
A true friend asks you why you took so long to call.

A good friend wonders about your romantic history.
A true friend could blackmail you with it.

A good friend thinks the friendship is over when you have an argument.
A true friend calls you after you had a fight.

A good friend, when visiting, acts like a guest.
A true friend opens your refrigerator and helps himself.

A good friend has never seen you cry.
A true friend has shoulders soggy from your tears.

A good friend doesn't know your parents' first names.
A true friend has their phone numbers in his address book.

A good friend expects you to always be there for them.
A true friend expects to always be there for you.

I can put faces of my friends in each of these scenarios. But how do you attract and keep true friends? It's Simple:

• First and foremost.... Be the friend you wish to have. Simple.
• Listen. The art of listening is one of the most difficult arts to master.... a true friend always listens... and not just hears.
• Trust. If you treat others as good and trustworthy people, they will treat you likewise. Believe in your heart that people are naturally good, even when they seem to be the opposite. People will feel how you believe in them.
• Know the right time to do things. Sometimes being a friend means mastering the art of timing. There is a time for silence. A time to let go and allow people to hurl themselves into their own destiny. And a time to prepare to pick up the pieces when it’s all over. Gloria Naylor
  There are so many more things that I could say... but I'm sure you get the point. Friendship is a very special gift, one I used to take for granted. In reality, friendship is a form of unconditional love. It's given without restriction, without condition and without the expectation of anything in return. Those of you who are true friends in my life... know it. You're loyal and love me for who I am.... craziness and all. Why? Because you know I'm there for you night and day... with open arms for a hug, a true listening ear... and Girl Scout cookies :)

October - A Collection of Photos

Our October

Making & decorating cookies to mark the beginning of October:

A day trip to Letchworth:

A tour of Fowler's Chocolate Factory:

Playtime fun with Teacher Kim at School:

A day trip to Ellicottville, with a stop at Pumpkinville:

A stroll through the warm & beautiful Botanical Gardens one dreary drizzly day:

A fun visit to the Science Museum with friends:

Crafts to keep us busy:

Tending our small pumpkin patch:

Carving jack-o-lanterns for Halloween:

A very cute little Autumn tree:

Trick-or-treating at Gramma & Papa's House:

Trick-or-treating in East Aurora:

Mugs of warm hot cocoa at Taste after a fun-filled Halloween evening:

September in a Nutshell

September - A Collection of Photos:

Warm end of summer days spent playing outdoors, exploring nature, and watercolor painting:

After-dinner evening walks at beautiful local parks:

Scrumptious dinner with best friends:

Colorful nighttime campfires:

Relaxing, resting and reviving with a week-long camping trip:

Enjoying family & the beauty of Lake Ontario:

A trip to Brown's Berry Patch for early Fall fun:

Apple picking:

A ride on the A&A Railroad:

A visit to Papa's camp to explore the woods and find peace in nature:

A daytime hike at Sinking Ponds:

30 Days of Thanksgiving

My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving!

While great food, friends and family (and the Macy's Parade... and football) make for a wonderful day, taking time out of my life to think through the many blessings and to express gratitude to God and to others is really why I love this holiday so much... an attitude of gratitude shouldn't be a once-a-year deal; being thankful and praising God for His blessings is the attitude we should bear at all times. Cultivating a thankful heart goes beyond one special Thursday in November.

It can't hurt to rev up our gratitude "engines" as we get closer to Thanksgiving Day, so here is a simple 30-day plan for you and your family that can help do just that. Are you with me?

Day #1 - 10/31 – Floral Thank You. Express your thanks to someone buy giving them flowers. This doesn’t have to be expensive - you can cut them from your own garden, if you have one.

Day #2 - 11/1 – Thanksgiving Invitation. Find someone you are thankful for and invite them to your family’s Thanksgiving celebration. If you’re not going to be home for Thanksgiving Day, invite them over for coffee and pie sometime around the holiday.

Day #3 - 11/2 – Thank God for Today. All we really have is today. Thank God for giving us this day. “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

Day #4 - 11/3 – Thank God for Silence. Due to the fast pace of our lives these days, most of us have forgotten the gifts of silence and reflection. Take a few minutes sometime today, find a quiet spot and think of things you are grateful for.

Day #5 - 11/4 – Thanks for Freedom! Thank God for allowing us to live in a democracy where we are allowed to vote. Today, we have the freedom to select our next President. Sure, we don’t live in a “perfect” country, but we can certainly be thankful for the many freedoms we enjoy that many countries don’t.

Day #6 - 11/5 – Thanks for the Encouragement! Today, think of someone in your past who has helped you to know God better. Mail them a note, send them an email or tell them in person that you are thankful for their help along the way.

Day #7 - 11/6 – Thanks for the Pain? We all have hard times, but God is with us even in the worst circumstance. Thank God for His presence, comfort and strength that has helped you get through a rough season in your life.

Day #8 - 11/7 – Laughter Day. There’s just something about laughter that makes it easier for us to be grateful people. So, make today laughter day in your home. Tell funny stories, jokes, watch a good comedy together and thank God that He gave us the gift of humor.

Day #9 - 11/8 – Reminder Day. Have a hard time remembering to be thankful? Put reminders up around your house, a note on your refrigerator, for example, that says “Give Thanks”.

Day #10 - 11/9 – Give Thanks for God’s Word. Offer up thanks to God today, for giving us the Scriptures. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

Day #11 - 11/10 – Wake Up and "Smell the Roses" Day. We all get so busy that we can ignore the wonders all around us – like the smell of coffee when we get up, or a friend who drops by to say hello. Today, take time to notice your surroundings and thank God for the things we often take for granted.

Day #12 - 11/11 - Thank a Veteran Day. Regardless of your views on war, there is no doubt that in our country we are surrounded by brave men and women who have served their country with honor. Find a veteran today, and say thank you.

Day #13 - 11/12 – Little Things Make a Difference. We often ignore the little things in life that make life easier and better for us. Today, make a list of ‘little things’ that you appreciate. For example, my list will include indoor plumbing, refrigerators and my laptop computer.

Day #14 - 11/13 – Positive Thoughts Only! Okay, this one will take some work, but strive today to think only positive thoughts about other people and the situations you find yourself in. You’ll be amazed at how this improves your day - and you’re likely to find how your positive attitude affects others as well!

Day #15 - 11/14 – Thank Therapy Day. Make a list of 10 people you are thankful for. Call one of them and tell them they are on your top 10 list!

Day #16 - 11/15 – God’s Work in You. It’s not uncommon to overlook the difference God is making in your own life. Take a few moments to make a list of things you appreciate about yourself. Remember, God is at work in your life – so thank Him for it! “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8

Day #17 - 11/16 – Knowing Jesus. I cannot explain to you how thankful I am that I have been blessed with the opportunity to know Jesus. The difference He’s made in my life - through knowing Him as Savior and Lord - cannot be measured. Today, give thanks for knowing the Savior!

Day #18 - 11/17 – Prayer Path Day. Today, say a quick prayer of thanks for everyone who crosses your path – like the cashier at the Burger King or the person delivering your morning paper.

Day #26 - 11/18 – Food, food, food! As you begin to think about that great Thanksgiving Day meal you’ll be eating in a couple days, take some time to thank God for food and the abundance most of us experience. Pray for those who will go without this Thanksgiving Day. Do something for someone less fortunate than you, if you are able.

Day #20 - 11/19 – Thank God for Learning! Something often overlooked in our lives is that God created us with the ability to learn. So, whether you are in school now, are learning a new hobby, or have learned a lesson from a poor decision, thank God today for the capacity to learn.

Day #24 - 11/20 – Heritage Sunday! Today, thank God for the long line of Christ-followers who have gone before us as well as those who share in and encourage our faith these days. Their faith and faithfulness to share it with us is a tremendous heritage!

Day #22 - 11/21 – Thanks for the Service! Today, make a special effort to say thank you to anyone who provides you with a service. The barista at Starbucks, for example, might be pleasantly shocked when you tell him or her how great a job they’ve done preparing your pumpkin-spice latte.

Day #19 - 11/22 – Experience the Moment! Too often, we focus more on what we need to do tomorrow or next week than we do on what’s happening today. Today, live in the present and be thankful for it – from raking the leaves to planning your Thanksgiving dinner.

Day #27 - 11/23 – The Blessing of Family and Friends. Tomorrow is T-Day! Make a brief list of why you are thankful for these people. Thank God by name for each person you will be spending tomorrow with. Tomorrow, tell each person why you are thankful for them.

Day #28 - 11/24 – Thanksgiving Day. Enjoy your celebration! Take time to reflect on the meaning attached to this day. Perhaps you can read one of the ‘Thanksgiving Proclamations’ that were written by our past Presidents, such as George Washington or Abraham Lincoln. They are easy to locate on the Internet.

Day #25 - 11/25 – Thanksgiving phone call. Call a relative or friend who will was away from you on Thanksgiving Day. Thank them for their presence in your life.

Day #21 - 11/26 – What I Like About You… Today, take a few minutes and make a list of the things you like about your immediate family members. Share your list with your family sometime during the day – and thank them for those things!

Day #23 - 11/27 – Quick Thanks. Today, jot a quick note or email to someone in your life whom you wish to thank for something they’ve done.

Day #29 - 11/28 – Take a Trip Down Memory Lane. You probably have photos or videos from Thanksgiving celebrations from the past. Take some time today to remember Thanksgivings gone by and thank God for the loved ones you’ve spent these holidays with.

Day #30 - 11/29 – Exercise! After the past few days, you’re probably in need of burning off some calories. Enjoy a walk, take a hike, or do whatever you can do and like to do. Thank God for your physical abilities. We might not be in the best physical condition, but we can still give thanks for the capabilities we do have!