Satisfied

After many weeks of studying the virtuous woman, we've come to the final verse of Proverbs 31. "Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates."

The Virtuous Woman is Satisfied.

By satisfied, I don't mean that she is not still seeking to learn and grow both personally and spiritually. However, I think because her priorities are in order and she focuses her time and talents on the things that profit her family, she is content in the knowledge that she is fulfilling the purpose that God has for her.

While the benefits of her prayers, actions and attitudes may not appear at this moment, what she does for her husband, children and others in her sphere of influence counts for eternity. She is not searching for fulfillment outside of her calling; rather, her place in the home brings her gratification.

Thank you for joining me as we've traced the virtues of this woman described for us in Proverbs 31. Let us follow in her footsteps today as we love our husbands, train our children and reach out to others, for the satisfaction we reap from our efforts will reward us immeasurably in the days to come.

Adding to My List of Favorites

Reading has been a great way to pass some of these cold winter evenings, as well as time spent waiting through piano lessons and after-school art class! At this rate, I'll be done with my reading list for 2011 in short order!

The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer was another quick read. However, when the first paragraph contained a word which I didn't know the meaning of, I knew I was in trouble! Just when I had decided to skim through the book and be done with it, I found chapters nine and ten to be the best of all. Chapter nine addressed the sin of pride or self-love (something I seem to struggle with often) by dealing with meekness. Chapter ten reminded me that there's no distinction between the secular and the sacred; our every day tasks, like laundry and cooking, can be gifts to God if done in an attitude of service.

I skipped ahead on my list and read The Generosity Factor by Ken Blanchard and S. Truett Cathy. This was another short book that's written as a parable. It teaches, in story form, that life is a gift and we should look for every opportunity we can to give back to God and others through sharing our time, talent, treasure and touch. I was reading this book the same day that I published my post on generosity, so I was doubly challenged to think of more ways in which I can give to others.

I also found a book that is now classified as one of my all-time favorites. It was not on my reading list, but was suggested to me by Deanna at The Story of Us. Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss is written in a journal format and covers a woman's life from the age of sixteen forward. The honesty expressed as she confronts her sins (including pride!) spoke directly to my heart. As she matures, her love for Christ becomes more real. To see her growth as her relationship with Him deepens through joys and trials is truly remarkable. This is a book that I will read again and again; I think there's so much to be learned from it and I highly recommend it.

Is there a particular book that has strengthened you in your spiritual walk? Maybe I'll find another favorite!

Being Crazy with My Heart

It was"Crazy Hat Day" at school. "Wear the craziest, biggest and funniest hat you have!" the flyer proclaimed.

The night before, she was so excited about how she'd turned a summery white church hat into her own goofy creation. I admired her active imagination, along with the hat.

As she climbed out of the car the next morning, I thought I heard a hint of doubt in her voice as she wondered aloud how many other kids would wear crazy hats. I knew exactly how she felt - except that she's much braver than I am. I would have been one of the "safe" students, sporting a traditional baseball cap or a tame straw hat.

As I drove away in the car, my heart walked with her - down the breezeway, up the stairs, through the hallway. "Like her hat," I silently pleaded with her classmates. "Admire her handiwork," I mentally begged the teacher. "Don't let her be crushed," I prayed as I sat at the stoplight, wondering how her entrance to the classroom had gone.

Oh, how I long to protect her from ever being embarrassed or feeling out of place! I yearn to keep her self-confidence blooming and her individuality in tact. I admire her for stepping out boldly, displaying a hint of vulnerability, and refusing to take the safe, predictable route.

But I guess it's part of life, another scene in the movie of growing up - taking risks and not knowing how you will be judged by your peers.

I just know that when I pick her up from school this afternoon, I hope she's still wearing her hat.

photo courtesy public domain pictures

Linked to Mama's Heart hosted by It's Grace.

His Burnt Offerings, My Prayers

Most of know that Job of the Old Testament was, to quote the Bible, "perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil." If you read a bit further in the first chapter, you'll find out about his possessions as well as his ten children.

In verse five, we see the heart of a loving, Godly parent: "....Job sent and sanctified them [his sons and daughters], and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, 'It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts.' Thus did Job continually." Job considered the spiritual condition of his children and did all that he could as their father to make sure they were right with God.

While neither you nor I will be sacrificing burnt offerings for our children today, I'd like us to consider one of the greatest things that we can do for our children. In the spirit of this verse, I believe it is to pray for our children.

These souls that have been given into our care need our prayers every day. Safety, protection, a heart that is receptive to God's Word, and good health are lifelong prayers.

Some requests pertain to certain seasons of their lives. There are times when they just need to learn to obey or to live peaceably with their siblings. As they become more independent and spend a part of their day away from us, we begin to ask for them to have wisdom to make right choices.

When an emotional hurt from friends or peers occurs, we can beg God for comfort on their behalf. A stage of fearfulness or an illness bring about more opportunities to intercede for them. Beginning to pray while they are young for their life's mate (should that be in God's plan), as well as purity in all their relationships, helps us realize the importance of allowing God to lead them. Asking Him to help them find His calling for their life is yet another area in which we can ask God to work.

I am blessed to have parents, brothers and a sister that I know uphold my children in prayer. I am confident that teachers, church family and others may mention their names in prayer as well. But as their mother, what a privilege I have to continually bring them before the throne of God, asking His blessing and laying my petitions for them at His feet, that He might work in these children for His ultimate glory.

Marinara Sauce With a Kick

In my quest to continue learning new things in 2011, my project for January was to make homemade marinara sauce for use with spaghetti, as pizza sauce, etc.

I didn't realize how simple this process was! I tried a couple of different recipes, and this one is the winner so far. I clipped the original recipe from a magazine and adapted it a bit. Not wanting to have an abundance of sauce that we might not like, I halved the recipe. Next time, I'll double it to have extra to use in other dishes or to freeze for later.

Marinara Sauce

1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 large can (28 ounces) tomato sauce

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Sea salt and black pepper

1/2 tablespoon oregano

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the onion and garlic until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomato sauce, red-pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a dash of pepper. Simmer, covered, until thickened, about 25 minutes. Stir in oregano, season to taste with additional salt and pepper, and serve.

Thanks to those of you who shared your sauce recipes when I posted about this last month! I'm going to try a couple more before I settle on my favorite.

I was surprised at how much we liked the "kick" the red pepper flakes gave the sauce. Do you have a secret ingredient that you add to make yours special?

photo courtesy public domain pictures

Linked to Tasty Tuesday hosted by Balancing Beauty and Bedlam.