Bible Study: The Psalms 31 Woman

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I made a mid-year resolution with my husband three weeks ago (or so) to do all the things every day that we wanted to accomplish rather than just waste the day in front of the computer, TV, or our phones. It’s just so easy to throw away hours at a time watching House rescue yet another leukemia patient or watch yet another documentary, or play one more try on Farm Heroes. Yet there is something definitely lacking in our lives, and we’ve noticed it. I used to write, read, create, make things, play violin, and I used to be good at these things. Mr. Fox is a writer by training and he also loves to read, carve wood, and bicycle long distances with ease. We also have things that we want to become; such as I want to be able to draw fantastically, paint majestically, and run without dying after a few seconds (no literally, just a few seconds). Mr. Fox would like to learn guitar, and would like to work out constantly. We both want to be more God-centered too.

Big Mid-New-Years-Resolution right? Right. Very big, very hard to keep up. I did it perfectly for a week, then things started dropping and now at week three, my morning Bible study is the only thing that I kept.

I’ve been getting up an hour earlier than I have to (a whopping 7am, I’m so hardcore) and doing a quick, ten minute Bible study. Women Living Well is where I found this guided study to how a wife should be. How she is rare and how people actually hate her for her perfection. So of course I’m all over that!

Here is the link to all the FREE VIDEOS that I followed, one a day.

Proverbs 31

10 A wife of noble character who can find?
    She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
    and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
    all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
    and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
    bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still night;
    she provides food for her family
    and portions for her female servants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
    out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
    her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
    and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
    and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
    and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
    for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
    she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
    where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
    and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
    she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
    but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

– Proverbs 31: 10-31

I hope that you gain all the hope, encouragement, knowledge, lessons, chastisements, and God-love from this that I did. If you’re a wife or about to be one, I encourage you to study this and write this on your heart. God has made a lovely, subtle shift in my life each day in how I act toward chores, how I act when my husband may not notice those chores, how I cook and prepare food, even how I view the tedious tasks of laundry. It’s such a blessing when God reaches out to your life and sweetly talks to your heart, telling it the things of His will.

Here are my notes:

  • Proverbs 31:10-11
    • Virtuous
    • v10: usually describes a warrior man
      • she is rare and hard to find
    • v11: the husband has full confidence in his wife
      • because she has her full confidence in God
    • “The phrase ‘a virtuous woman’ speaks of excellence, moral worth, ability, and nobility, not just marital fidelity.’ – Nelson’s NKJV commentary
    • Virtuous (definition): conforming to moral and ethical principles; morally excellent; upright.
  • Proverbs 31:12-14
    • v12a: she does him good
      • faithful with her husband’s money, children, everything
    • v12b: full confidence from husband
      • will be loyal always
    • v13ba: not above the work
      • today’s application: laundry, dishes, chores
    • v13b: not above tedious work
      • willing to work with her hands
    • v14: willing to go far to get good food
      • modern day equivalent of providing a healthy meal
      • not just a quick 10 minute deal
    • Do you laundry, grocery shopping, and chores with joy because these are the things a Godly wife provides.
  • Proverbs 31:15-16
    • v15a: early riser
      • provides food for her household
      • she doesn’t just do what’s easy
      • she goes far
      • far for healthy, good food
    • v15b: make lists and prepare for the day
      • maidservants are appliances and even children that will help
    • v16a: she considers and thinks about it
    • v16b: manages her money and makes wise purchases
    • “These verses emphasize both hard work and skill. The woman they describe does things she enjoys, finding her fulfillment in varied tasks.’ Nelson’s NKJV commentary
  • Proverbs 31:17-18
    • v17: strength or vigorously
      • she works hard and doesn’t give up
      • eager heart and diligence
      • work hard every day
        • the minute you’re not, it falls apart and piles up
        • however there is never a perfect home!
    • v18: it was quality and desirable
      • works into the night
      • her lamp does not go out by night
        • she stays up late
        • her door is always open
      • remember that we have artificial days, sun sets at around 7
        • the evening are for the Lord also
  • Proverbs 31:19-20
    • v20: she works hard, however isn’t so busy that she doesn’t see others needs
      • like the Good Samaritan, he was busy, but he stopped to help
        • God’s greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself
        • she loves her neighbor and helps them when they’re in need
      • “She works not to get rich, but to give to the poor. She can be concerned for others because she had provided for her family.’ Nelson’s NKJV commentary
  • Proverbs 31:21-22
    • v21a: not afraid of the being cold
      • thinks ahead and is prepared
      • fulfilling a basic need
    • v21b: expensive, yet not so much to take away from giving to the poor or others
    • v22a: beds. She makes sure that her family’s beds are clean and comfortable.
    • v22b: after giving to the poor and after giving to her family first, she doesn’t forget herself
      • how she dresses reflects onto her husband
  • Proverbs 31:23-25
    • v23: her husband is respected and she enables him to be so
      • because she keeps her home well, he is able to go out and work well
    • v24: yet another way she is bringing in money for her family.
    • v25: she had confidence in God
    • ‘Clothed in strength’ because she relies on God
    • ‘She shall rejoice’ she knows who is her Father, she is the daughter of a King
  • Proverbs 31:26
    • v26a: Proverbs 10:19 – when words are many, sin is present
      • don’t neglect the mind
      • seek out wisdom
      • if we feast our minds of things that aren’t God-likeness our tongues will reflect that.
    • v26b: she has a filter
      • didn’t say unkind things like it was a law
      • her words were filled with grace and mercy
        • this is how we should fill our children
        • so that daughters know how to act and so that sons know what to look for in girls.
  • Proverbs 31:27
    • v28: make time to sit and talk: ex. dinner!
      • she knows what’s going on with the people in her family
        • learn to slow down and focus on your family
      • time management
      • bread of idleness in NOT no breaks – her rest was productive rest!
        • use your time wisely – be careful that we pour good things into ourselves.
  • Proverbs 31:28-29
    • when her children have grown, they will call her blessed
      • if we aren’t getting that praise at home, are you doing enough at home?
    • This isn’t a promise, it’s a principle
      • your man may not be the 1st Timothy man
      • in the end, be who God wants you to be
    • This is a quote of the husband
      • what he’d say to the proverbs wife.
  • Proverbs 31:30
    • v30a: charm is what first brings you in – but it’s false
      • culture says that beauty is important
      • cannot put your self worth into our beauty
        • invest your beauty in the inside
    • v30b: living your life with respect of Him
      • God is always with us
        • be aware of His presence
      • you don’t need to give a ‘zinger’ back when responding to someone who is negative
        • God is in the conversation also.
        • for God’s glory and honor always
  • Proverbs 31:31
    • v31: hardworking, generous, kind, rare, God-fearing
      • hands are often seen in motion, in activity.
        • work of your hands
        • work hard and often
        • very busy lady
      • serving is a good thing
      • the world has lied, the joy of a woman is success in the home, not in the world.

Projects: Mature-ifying Our Apartment

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We have a gorgeous apartment, but not all our furniture and decor match that beauty, or match each other. We have hotel chairs, Ikea tables, Walmart shelves, etc. etc. College-y. Here my plans for how we’re going to update- slowly- update our apartment.

sketches

Bedroom

Right now one wall is completely occupied with plastic shelves, the other by our bed.

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Approx. Total: $250

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Approx. Total: $150

Living Room

k

Approx. Total: $150

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Approx. Total: $262

20140224_122615

Approx. Total: $170

Hallway

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Approx. Total: $85

Approx Grand  Total: $1067

We’ll see if it actually turns out to be that little… LOL!

 

Georgetown Hospital

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Sounds like I got sick, didn’t it?

Well breath easy readers, it’s actually the name for a hidden away area where crazy people go to climb up the side of exposed rock faces, clinging to two-finger holes and wearing hawk feet shoes.

Now, I have rock climbed inside before, I liked it! Especially when I could swing off the top and peg the landing! But outdoor rock climbing is like someone took the training wheels off.

A cute pair from our Small Groups (that Bible study Mr. Fox and I are a part of) are the super outdoorsy type (compared to Mr. Fox and I) and have been rock climbing for years and years! (We’ll call them Mr. and Mrs. Australia) I have never climbed outside before and let me tell you, I have a new-found respect for those dudes that do. It takes muscle and dedication and a raw will to cling to some of those rock faces!

I didn’t do too well, I got a few feet up and every muscle in my body said NOPE NOPE NOPE! Mr. Fox climbed a up couple of times, while Mr. Australia not only climbed every single opportunity, but he set up the ropes for everyone else. So he climbed without a rope three times! Maybe he should be called Mr. Muscles. Mrs. Australia did ten times better than I could ever hope or dream! I hope I can be as fit and active as her soon. She’s pretty cool. You guys should be jealous I know her.

We had fun! We are sore! My very fingertips are sore! Mr. Fox could barely get out of bed this morning. But you know, it was worth it. My favorite part of the whole day was that we’re finally finding friends!

(This happened a while ago, I’ve just been waiting for pictures, and I haven’t received them yet. So I just posted)

Home Management Binder: Printables

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I’m all inspired to get organized and to get home managing! But first, HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

I’ve been finding wonderful blogs through Pinterest via my Organization board that have all sorts of home management ideas and free printables. I’ll be using some of theirs and some I’ll be making for myself! (Cause you know me, can’t help myself but to remake lists into pretty graphic).

Cleaning Schedule:

I used the below for content, but I remade it in the image below, because pretty colors.

Weekly Cleanli-list

Weekly Meal Planning and Grocery List:

I used the lovely blog below for reference and inspiration, but again, pretty colors.

Weekly Meal Plan

Monthly Calendar:

Calendar

Week at a Glance:

Week at a Glance

Now I’m off to Austin! Yay! More to come!

(I’ll figure out how to make these downloadable PDFs soon, if you know how, please comment.)

Meal Planning

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That’s right, meal planning. The dreaded, the insurmountable, the seemingly ghastly, ever reoccurring chore of planning meals has started. However, maybe with a few tools and pretty graphics, it can be made just a little sweeter. Right? A girl can hope…

I downloaded the mobile app called Pepperplate Food on the Table (from the Google PlayStore). I’ve yet to see if it’s truly any good (will be field testing it soon), I don’t like this one already, I can’t seem to enter in my own recipes. I’ve tried a few other meal plan/grocery list apps and they seemed one sided or would only go so far before I had to start dropping the dough. I’ll give it a week or so.

So as you may or may not know, I haven’t ever cooked much, but I endeavor to do more cooking and I’ve always desired a good, healthy spread for my dear husband. Keep a sharp eye out folks as I chronicle the adventures of (dun-dun-dun-duuuunn) mean planning made fun! YAY! (gag)

Now, Mr. Fox is lactose intolerant, so everything I make has to be altered. Thankfully, Mootopia (a HEB brand of lactose free milk) cooks like a charm with only a slightly sweeter addition to whatever I make, which suites us perfectly.

Here is my recipe list on Pinterest:

These Recipes are Made for Cookin’

I’ll also be using these printables:

And this blog for more recipes: Mealplanning101

TO BE CONTINUED!

Home Management – The Setup

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I am not an organized person. (If my mother read that, she’d die laughing in the understatement of that sentence.) I would, however, like to change that. I believe that if I start keeping track of the home on paper, Mr. Fox and I will have decent, not last minute meals, and stop over drafting. I am a write-it-down type of person anyway. I used to make lists in school and never forget a thing (which was a miracle). So here goes the planning!

This is my pathetic little budget binder that I put together in one shopping trip to Walmart after attending our church’s Faithful Finance’s class. All enthusiastic and bright-eyed about the budgetary future, I expected it to be easy if I followed the steps! IF I followed the steps. That required I write things down daily. So this is me, several months later, actually doing the writing down-ness part. I’m just wrapping up the rest of the household running with it. Two birds, one stone sort of thing.

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Next time I post on the Home Management Saga, I promise you that this little binder will look much more beefy and fleshed out and filled out.

What’s going into my binder in no particular order:

  • Calendar
  • To-Do list
  • Budget
  •        Debt Reduction plan
  •        Bill Payment Checklist
  •        Money Goal List
  • Project Management
  •        Project Budget
  • Meal Planning
  • Grocery List
  • Chore List
  •        Weekly
  •        Monthly
  • Planting Season List
  • Loose Paper Folder
  •        Important Documents
  •        Coupons
  • Vehicle Maintenance Record

Here’s what I’m reading on the subject:

I’m also very passionate about this image:

Source: mygreatchallenge.blogspot.com

Do they still make lamination? Think about making all those lists where you could reuse the paper month over month with a dry erase marker! Less of a footprint! YAY! I’ll be keeping this in mind… The problem is that I have no room for it… maybe.

Continued in my next post: Home Management Binder: Printables!

DIY Project: Hood-Mask

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Mr. Fox and I are showing our nerd by putting together Comic Con costumes for the Wizard Con in Austin in October. What are we going as? Ashitaka and San from Princess Mononoke. I’ve already done most the work on my costume, but I’m just starting his and since I don’t see very many Ashitaka DIYs, I thought I’d combat that.

Today we’re sewing up his hood-mask thing. I bought two yards of red cotton fabric, which turned out to be waaay too much, but since I messed up once, it worked out well.

What you’ll need:
– 1 yard of fabric
– ruler
– chalk
– scissors
– needle and thread

LET’S DO IT!

Measure around the head and from shoulder to shoulder. Vertical Line: half the length of shoulder to shoulder measurement. Horizontal Line: half the length of the circumference of the head.

Cut out your pattern and lay on top of fabric. Draw the outline with chalk, and cut fabric out. Cut out two copies.

After having my patient model wear the un-sewn hood-mask, some adjustments were needed.

Hem the two separate sections, then sew together.

Time to wear! I had to iron the hood-mask to make it lay right, and I’ll be adding snaps to the mask part (which is just a square of fabric that I eye-balled).

Tennis Concert Jan. 15th 2014

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If you’ve never heard of the band named Tennis, stop now and go here to listen to them: Official Music Video.

Tennis on a boat

Tennis on a boat

Mr. Fox is a huge fan of them thanks to his cousin. We had really gotten into their music two weeks ago when Mr. Fox stumbled upon The Parish’s schedule and saw that Tennis was playing for only $20 per ticket. Who could pass that up!? So we snagged us some tickets and got our friends to join us. We went to Waterloo early the next week to buy some old records for our new record player when we saw a tiny sign in the door that Tennis would be at Waterloo for free! Hallelujah! What a catch!

D-Day came and we left work super duper early and got to Waterloo and hour before Tennis were to play. The hour was nearly spent when I caught sight of Alaina through the window and our hearts were set to racing. Here were famous people, now two feet in front of us, saying hello. They walked in, set up all the while we hung around like a bunch of loons. She laughed at my joke. (The song for lady’s razors came on in the store). They were set up early, so they browsed the store for fifteen minutes. We worked up the courage and asked her husband for a picture.

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We waited for an hour or so for them to start singing, and once they did, they proved to be a true band. They can adapt, they can play without drums, they are a good, great, fantastic band. Enough of my chatter, however, here are the photos and videos I took!

Tennis at Waterloo

After they finished rocking out with the very best living room jam sesh ever, we got our record signed, and then we went to their second venue called The Parish; where we waited for an hour an a half in the freezing cold. We took the required glam shots to warm up, and to fill the time.

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And then we rocked out again!