Summer Study Week 10

Week 10:
Reflection:
This week we read the Proverbs 31 women watching over the affairs of her household and how she is wise with her time.  I find this challenging.  It’s easy to let time slip away by doing meaningless things.  I want to know what is going on in my household and be an example to my husband and children.  Those things carry meaning.  The rest of the week focuses on being diligent with your work and your time. 

We are nearing the end of the study!  Only four weeks to go.  Keep it up!

Monday’s Read: Prov. 31:27, Prov. 13:1

S--‐ Write out the scripture passage for the day.

She watches over the affairs of her household and doesn’t eat the bread of idleness.

 

A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.

O--‐Write down 1 or 2 observations from the passage.
The reading from the ebook has great insights today!  It takes us through the verse

“She watches” – Her family is her priority and she sees and knows what is going on in her house.  She isn’t watching other things.  In our day in age this could be Facebook, surfing the internet, too much television. 

 

“the affairs” – This is the things that go on in the house.  This would be the habits, actions, routines of her family.  Are they healthy and God honoring?  As women, we have a powerful influence over what goes on in the household and they are watching us and the example we set!

“of her household” – She is concerned for this first.  She isn’t obsessed about what her friends, boss, or family think of her.  She is concerned about doing what is right for her own household. 

“She doesn’t eat the bread of idleness” – Because she is serving her family so wonderfully, she doesn’t have a lot of time to waste on things that are meaningless.  She focuses on what brings meaning and purpose to her family!

A--‐ Write down 1--‐2 applications from the passage.
The Proverbs 31 woman is amazing at managing her time.  To be honest, I do a decent job at keeping watch over the basic affairs of my household.  But I fall short in some areas.  For as much as I do in my home, I also do waste a lot of time on the internet!  I really need to set some boundaries about the time I spend on it.  I don’t think catching up on facebook and reading news is a bad thing.  But spending too much time doing those things takes away from my family.  I need to do a better job at this.  I would also like to make an effort to eat at the dinner table without the tv on =-)  This will be especially important to me as my daughter gets a little older. 

Watching where our time goes will always be an area for improvement!  It’s easy to let priorities slip!

P--‐ Pray over what you learned from today’s passage.
Lord – Help me to be aware of where my time goes!  Help me to use my time in a way that is pleasing to you and not to waste it on things that are not important. 

Tuesday’s Read: Prov. 9:1-2; Prov. 6:6-11

S--‐ Write out the scripture passage for the day.
Wisdom has built her house; she has set up its seven pillars.  She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table.

Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest —  and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.

O--‐Write down 1 or 2 observations from the passage.
The women in Proverbs 9 is resourceful.  She runs her house wisely and is prepared. 

We need look no further than an ant for a good example of a hard worker.  The ant doesn’t have a boss telling it what it needs to do.  It knows that it must work to stay alive.  If we are lazy and don’t work hard we will experience poverty.  In my opinion, it may not be true monetary poverty.  It may be poverty relating to your character or relationships.  If we are diligent in our lives we can experience these other kinds of poverty. 

A--‐ Write down 1--‐2 applications from the passage.
This just reinforces the value of work.  Since starting this study I have challenged myself to be wise with my time.  I don’t always keep myself from distractions but I am better at managing my time.  I am getting more done as well as having the ability to spend “quality time” with my family.  I want to continue to work on being wise with my time. 
P--‐ Pray over what you learned from today’s passage.
Lord – Thank you for teaching me about how you want me to use time.  You have given me enough time each day for the things you want me to accomplish.  Please help me to trust in you to guide my time each day!

Wednesday’s Read: Prov. 24:3-4

S--‐ Write out the scripture passage for the day.
By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established;
through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.
O--‐Write down 1 or 2 observations from the passage.
It takes a lot of diligence and wisdom to provide for a family and to give them the love, support, and guidance they need.  It takes knowledge to be able to provide for a family.
A--‐ Write down 1--‐2 applications from the passage.
I know I just need to keep praying for wisdom, understanding, and knowledge.  They don’t always come naturally and I need to rely on God to supply!
P--‐ Pray over what you learned from today’s passage.
Lord – I need you!  Please give me wisdom, knowledge and understanding.  Guide me in my day to day decisions as I seek to be Godly in the ways I manage my home. 

Thursday’s Read: Prov. 12:24

S--‐ Write out the scripture passage for the day.
Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.

Laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless go hungry.

Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing.

O--‐Write down 1 or 2 observations from the passage.
Hahaha… I think there is a very clear theme for the day.  Don’t be lazy or you will end up in forced labor, deep sleep, or starving!
A--‐ Write down 1--‐2 applications from the passage.
Don’t give into laziness and wasting time.  It’s easy to do but completely not helpful.
P--‐ Pray over what you learned from today’s passage.
Lord – Please help me to be wise with my time! 

Summer Study Week 9

Week 9:
Reflection:
This week was all about the tongue. That seems like a lot of time to spend on the tongue but I think it can be one of the biggest struggles for women.  While our tongues are small compared to other parts of our body they have the ability to do the most good or bring about the most damage. I think watching the tongue may be something that is especially challenging for women. It’s easy to let our talk become gossip or to say something that is critical. On the other hand, I think we can be some great cheerleaders for the people in our lives. I would much rather be a cheerleader than bring someone down with my words. This is easier said than done. Pride and anger can easily get in the way!

So how do we do this? I’ve tried on my own strength many times and failed. After reading this week I think that there are two ways to successfully do this. The first way is prayer. Without God’s help this is impossible. The second way is to guard our hearts. If we are more selective about what we see and hear from the media, I believe that will help us to be more successful in watching what we say.

Monday Read: Proverbs 31:26, Proverbs 10:11, Proverbs 12:18

S--‐ Write out the scripture passage for the day.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue

The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health.

O--‐Write down 1 or 2 observations from the passage.
The Proverbs 31 woman is good about watching what she says.  A wise tongue is a fountain of life and promotes health.
A--‐ Write down 1--‐2 applications from the passage.
I can easily say things that are sarcastic and hurtful.  I can get emotional and say things that I wouldn’t say otherwise.  Watching my tongue is probably one of the hardest commands.  It’s easy to let emotions get the best of you and let your tongue slip.  I can fall into gossip quickly.  I can be critical instead of uplifting.  There is no way I can accomplish watching my tongue by just trying.   It is something that I will have to commit to praying about daily.
P--‐ Pray over what you learned from today’s passage.
Lord – I give you today.  Help me to watch my tongue and say things that are pleasing and uplifting to you rather than things that are critical, sarcastic, and hurtful. 

Tuesday’s Read: Eph 4:29, I Tim 3:11, Proverbs 15:1

S--‐ Write out the scripture passage for the day.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

In the same way, the women^[a] are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
 

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

O--‐Write down 1 or 2 observations from the passage.
Watch what you say!  Words have the power to cause a lot of good or trouble. 
A--‐ Write down 1--‐2 applications from the passage.
I want to focus on staying encouraging things rather than words that are critical or angry.  To be worthy of respect, I need to be temperate and trustworthy. 
P--‐ Pray over what you learned from today’s passage.
Lord – I give you today.  Help the things that come out of my mouth to be encouraging and not critical.   

Wednesday’s Read: Luke 6:45, Prov. 4:23, Prov. 10:19

S--‐ Write out the scripture passage for the day.
A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.

O--‐Write down 1 or 2 observations from the passage.
What your mouth says is an overflow of your heart.  Because of that we need to guard our hearts.  Much sin comes from what we say.  Holding your tongue is a wise thing to do!
A--‐ Write down 1--‐2 applications from the passage.
There are many times when I say mean things because I’m angry or frustrated.  That really speaks to the condition of my heart.  I would be wise to spend more time with God and less time with media.  It’s important to guard my heart from the things of this world. 
P--‐ Pray over what you learned from today’s passage.
Lord – Help me to be wise about what I allow into my heart.  I want the condition of my heart to be rooted in you so the things I say and do are encouraging and uplifting.  Please help me to guard my heart today!

Thursday’s Read: Prov. 10:31, Prov. 4:24,

S--‐ Write out the scripture passage for the day.
From the mouth of the righteous comes the fruit of wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be silenced.

Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

O--‐Write down 1 or 2 observations from the passage.
Stay away from perverse talk and keep corruption away from the things you say. 
A--‐ Write down 1--‐2 applications from the passage.
I want to be an example by what I say.  It’s easy to say whatever comes to mind but it takes maturity to watch your mouth.  I want to be an encourager rather than someone who tears people down. 
P--‐ Pray over what you learned from today’s passage.
Lord – Help me to be an encourager today rather than to be critical.  Sometimes I find that a stumbling block to this is my pride.  Please help tear down that pride today. 

Summer Study - Week 8

Week 8:
Reflection -
When I reflect back upon this week a few things come to mind. Her husband is respected due to her. Because she manages their house so well he is able to focus on being a leader.

She is a hard worker and uses her talents to benefit her family! She doesn’t waste her time and it really benefits her family because of it.

She is a woman of dignity and strength. She doesn’t fear the future because she knows her confidence is in the Lord. She trusts in Him to meet their needs. She doesn’t waste time with worry or fear. She doesn’t spend time thinking about inadequacies. She is confident in her skills and doesn’t second guess herself! If I could pick something about the Proverbs 31 woman that I envy the most it would be this! I can get lost in fear at times. I want to be able to let it go and laugh at the days to come!

Monday’s Read: Proverbs 31:23, Proverbs 12:4

S--‐ Write out the scripture passage for the day.
Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown,
but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.

O--‐Write down 1 or 2 observations from the passage.
When affairs are in order in the home it is easier to make a difference outside of the home.  A women who lives in a way where her home is accounted for, is truly a huge blessing to her husband. 
A--‐ Write down 1--‐2 applications from the passage.
I have to say that these verses are great but sometimes women have influence outside the home.   The ebook makes is sound like you need to do everything you can so that your husband can have influence outside the home.  I agree with that wholeheartedly but I also feel very strongly that women have roles in their communities and churches.  I am one of the leaders of the Women Ministries at our church.  Because of this role my husband has actually had to make sacrifices.    We have actually talked about this together.  We know that in our family we cannot have big roles in the church at the same time.   I work ¾ time and he works full time.  We just cannot both commit to big roles.  As I step back from leadership it is my hope that I can encourage him to step up into larger leadership roles. 

With that being said, I do want to lead a life and manage a home that brings respect to my husband.  But I have to find a way to balance with it with both of our work schedules, dreams, leadership roles, and our family.  I know I have said this before, but it is hard to be a Proverbs 31 woman when you have to balance working outside the home, volunteering, family and managing the inner workings of your home.  The Proverbs 31 woman’s full time job was to manage her home.  Now that definitely took a lot more work than it does today.  At least we can buy our clothes and pick up our food at the local grocery store a few blocks away. 

P--‐ Pray over what you learned from today’s passage.
Lord – Help my family to find a balance in serving you, working, managing our household, and raising our children.  Help me to bring my husband respect by the way I stand with him and how I take care of our home.  Thank you for the ability I have to make a difference by managing my household.  Help me to do it to your glory!

Tuesday’s Read: Proverbs 31:24, Prov. 10:4

S--‐ Write out the scripture passage for the day.
She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.

Lazy hands make for poverty,
but diligent hands bring wealth.

O--‐Write down 1 or 2 observations from the passage.
She is a woman of many talents!  She does it all!  In addition to all that she does at home she uses her talents as a means to support her family.  I love how this is further down the list after all the other things she manages.  It tells me something about her priorities.  Her motivation and diligence profits her family. 
A--‐ Write down 1--‐2 applications from the passage.
I like what the ebook says about this passage.  It challenges us to think about our talents.  How can we use them to benefit our families and others?  But it also calls us to be realistic.  Do we have the time to pursue those talents?  It should not come at the cost of our family. 

My secret hope someday is to take a photography class.  I love taking pictures but I know that I could get even better and learn more about the functions on my camera.  I would love to take pictures of families and scenic sites.  I know at this point in my life, pursuing that passion would come at the expense of my family.  But I look forward to the time in my life where I can pursue this passion more.  I love that the Proverbs 31 women is talented and uses those talents for the glory of God and for her family. 

P--‐ Pray over what you learned from today’s passage.
Lord – Thank you for my passions.  I love that they are something you have put inside of me.  I pray that I would be able to pursue them more when the time is right. 

Wednesday’s Read: Proverbs 31:25, Prov. 3:26, Psalms. 23:1

S--‐ Write out the scripture passage for the day.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared. 

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. 

O--‐Write down 1 or 2 observations from the passage.
She isn’t worried about the future.  She knows she can draw her confidence from the Lord. 
A--‐ Write down 1--‐2 applications from the passage.
I think that all women at some time in their lives have feared that they are inadequate.  We fear that we will fail.  We think we can never be pretty enough, smart enough, thin enough, fun enough, good enough, etc… I fear I’m inadequate at writing!  Yet I decided that if I make a few grammatical errors or spelling errors in my blog posts, it doesn’t matter in the long run. 

The Proverbs 31 women is confident because her confidence is in God!!  She doesn’t fear about the future.  She doesn’t fret about her inadequacies.  She puts her trust in God.  I need to move beyond my fear of inadequacy.  To be honest, we will all be inadequate at some point.  But God is big enough to work through our fears and inadequacies and make us more like him.  I want to trust in Him and find my confidence in Him. 

P--‐ Pray over what you learned from today’s passage.
Lord – Please help me to know that my confidence, strength, and dignity come from you.  Please help me to give my fears over to you. 

Thursday’s Read: Psalms. 37:3, Prov. 3:5

S--‐ Write out the scripture passage for the day.
Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart.  Lean not on your own understanding. 

O--‐Write down 1 or 2 observations from the passage.
We cannot see the future but we are instructed to trust the Lord with it. 
A--‐ Write down 1--‐2 applications from the passage.
I am seeing this theme a lot in this study!   It is essential to trust in the Lord and not in our own understanding. 
P--‐ Pray over what you learned from today’s passage.
Lord – I need to trust in you in every circumstance.  Please help me to trust in you for each day!

Summer Study Week #7

Another week down!  I'm going to start doing my reflection at the beginning instead of the end.

Reflection for Week 7 -

When I think about this past week three things come to mind – Plan ahead, trust in God, find balance in your life.

The Proverbs 31 woman was always thinking a step ahead to be sure that she is ready for the next season of life. She makes sure that her family is prepared as well!

Trials will come our way. In fact, the day we read that passage I had a work related “trial.” I don’t even work on Tuesdays and I had to take care of something that really made me anxious that day. I had to really focus and remember what I had learned that day. In the end I was able to get my anxiety under control.

Balance is important in life. Proverbs 31 talks about a lot of characteristics of this woman before she takes care of herself. Yet, she does pay attention to her own appearance and dresses with class. She knows the value of taking care of herself on the inside and outside. We can tell that while she takes care of her outward appearance she knows her true beauty comes from her character! Learning how to balance your family’s needs, other’s needs, and your own needs is difficult. Yet it is a good thing to trust that God will teach and instruct you in this.

Week 7:

Monday’s Read: Proverbs 31:21, Proverbs 27:23
S--‐ Write out the scripture passage for the day.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

Be sure you know the condition of your flocks,
give careful attention to your herds;

O--‐Write down 1 or 2 observations from the passage.
This woman was prepared.  There was no last minute rush to find clothes because the snow came.  They already had what they needed!  She knew the condition of their wardrobe and purchased what they needed ahead of time.
A--‐ Write down 1--‐2 applications from the passage.
I learned from our Proverbs 31 ebook that the word scarlet is significant.  It means their clothes were of good quality.  It’s fun to find a good deal but this woman found things that were made well.   I imagine they didn’t have a lot but what they had was well made and did not ruin easily.  I happen to like quality clothes but I also like finding the best deal possible.  I have also learned that if I don’t love the outfit not to buy it.  Why waste money on things I won’t wear later on because I find that I don’t like it!  I have also found shopping ahead of time is the best way to go.  Anticipate what you will need in the future.  That gives you time to shop around for a good deal and not just buy the first thing you find.  To sum up – shop early and shop wisely!
P--‐ Pray over what you learned from today’s passage.
Lord – Thank you that you want to meet our needs.  You have blessed me with so much.  Help me to be wise with my money and purchases.  Help me to be prepared and not racing around last minute for things! 

Tuesday’s Read: Psalms 36:1-2

S--‐ Write out the scripture passage for the day.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.
O--‐Write down 1 or 2 observations from the passage.
This Psalm makes the statement that bad things will happen – the earth will give way and the mountains will fall into the sea.  It’s a statement.  A fact.  We will have trouble.  But God will be our refuge and strength.  He will help us when we are in trouble. 
A--‐ Write down 1--‐2 applications from the passage.
I worry a lot.  It’s one of those character flaws that constantly follows me.  I have been working on addressing my fears and giving them over to God.  This passage is clear.  Because God is our help, refuge and strength we will not fear. 
P--‐ Pray over what you learned from today’s passage.
Lord – You command me not to worry.  You are worthy of my trust.  Despite what happens around me you will stick by me!  Help me to trust in that. 

Wednesday’s Read: Proverbs 31:22,

S--‐ Write out the scripture passage for the day.
She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
O--‐Write down 1 or 2 observations from the passage.
This woman takes care of everyone in her household but she also takes time to care for herself!  About time =-)  But she really tends to the needs of her family first.  She is not selfish.  Our ebook describes her as classy but not excessive.  She cares about her appearance and wants to look nice but is not obsessed with it. 
A--‐ Write down 1--‐2 applications from the passage.
How are we doing with getting our home in order?  This women has her home in order and pays attention to the needs of her family.  That is her first priority.  Then she takes care of herself.   Sometimes my priorities are out of order.   It’s a hard balance but I want to learn to do this well.  
P--‐ Pray over what you learned from today’s passage.
Lord – Thank you that the Proverbs 31 women recognizes the value of taking care of herself.  Thank you for the example she sets of caring for others and her family before herself, yet she still finds the time she needs to be presentable.  Help me to find that balance!

Thursday’s Read: I Peter 3:3-4
S--‐ Write out the scripture passage for the day.
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.  Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
O--‐Write down 1 or 2 observations from the passage.
What you wear on the outside should not be what makes you beautiful.  What makes you beautiful is a gentle spirit that is at peace with God.  While taking care of your outward appearance is certainly necessary it should not be done to excess so that people don’t take notice of who you are as a person. 
A--‐ Write down 1--‐2 applications from the passage.
It is important to find a balance.  God doesn’t want us to be obsessed with our appearance and spend too much time attending to that instead of other important things in life.  He also wants us to focus on letting our inner beauty shine.  There is something about a woman who is takes care of her appearance but also exudes Christ’s love.  That is what I want to be!  
P--‐ Pray over what you learned from today’s passage.
Lord – Help me not to focus all my energy on what is external.  Help me to spend time with you so that I may reflect your glory outwardly!