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Thursday, May 29, 2008

Playing

I have been sick (and so have Landon and Marcus) for almost a week. I am finally starting to feel better.. woo hoo. Just a little residual cough and a mild sore throat so I think I have reached the tail end of this thing. Anyway, my kids have been cooped up in the house with me for a few days while we were all recovering. Yesterday was nice out, so I let them run around and get filthy dirty and I played with my new (to me) camera. I have no idea how to work it. I had an SLR camera a few years ago, but apparently I must have used the automatic features. So I have been spending my last week and half scouring the internet for information on photography and digital SLR cameras. It has been a slow process, but I think I got a few good pictures yesterday.



I concede that they are not the best pictures in the world, but the fact that they are mostly in focus is my big accomplishment for the day!

Thursday, May 15, 2008

I’m Married to A College Grad!








… and I am so proud. That's right. My handsome husband graduated college this past Saturday with a bachelor's in Political Science. The poor guy still has to finish up his last two classes, but he walked early. He has a brain that I envy and has helped him to accomplish so much. What a feat to graduate with honors, work a full-time job, and take care of a wife and three kiddos.

He motivates me to put my heart into what I do. Thanks to his great work ethic and natural smarts we have decided to remain in the Air Force and try to go officer. He exceeds the requirements, so the only real thing that could stand in his way is the field in which he received his degree. So please keep that in your prayers as he will be submitting his package at the end of the year.



Okay enough boasting about my brilliant man. All of that is to say that this is the reason I have not been blogging (or contacting friends who just had babies – bad me!!). Last Wednesday his family began to trickle in and by Friday night we had 9 guests - all in from out of state - for his graduation. It was a really great time. I have to admit that entertaining that many people in a very small base house was quite the challenge. Thankfully no one slept here, so I was able to tidy back up before they arrived again the next morning. Jeff's older sister and her family came in and her son is just a doll. He is four months older than Marcus and I was happy to get a chance to love on him. It breaks my heart that my nephews live in different states.



The whole crew left around noon on Mother's day and I dang near dropped instantly from exhaustion… I'm such a wimp! Then my Jay-ball got sick. My poor thing started running a really high fever for 24 hours (like around 103 consistently) and by Tuesday afternoon I rushed her off to the ER when it spiked to 104.5. We sat in the waiting room for 3 hours and then waited another hour in our glorious ER trauma room – boo – just to get two rectal temps and be told they could find nothing wrong and send us home. Yesterday she was fine and is great again this morning. So apparently she was spiking a fever just to give me an ulcer.. ha ha.



Well, that is the happenings of my life in recent days. I really did miss blogging, it is such an outlet for me. Looking forward to the HOT weather predicted for the weekend. Going to BBQ at a friend's house and at home and play out. As always, the Lord is good. Be blessed.

Friday, May 2, 2008

Becoming a Virtuous Woman





You Can Become a Virtuous Woman
by Sheila Herron

"Who can find a virtuous woman, for her worth is far above rubies" Proverbs 31:10

The "Virtuous Woman", Proverbs 31:10-31

Many of us, being women of God, strive to be the "Virtuous Woman". We are the wife, mother, and companion to our immediate family. Not to mention, the homemaker, taxi cab driver, and all of the other assignments that go with the job. In contrast, there are many women who back away from this passage of scripture because they feel that her shoes are too big to walk in.

Although the "Virtuous Woman" wears many hats, so to speak, by applying her principles to your life, you too can be become a Virtuous Woman.

Proverbs 31:10-31 is a biblical foundation that all women, both married and single can live by. In this excerpt, I will share with you what I have learned through studying the character and conduct of the "Virtuous Woman".

As you read and study, you will learn how to apply this passage of scripture to every area of your life, so that you can reap the abundant living that God has purposed and designed for you as a mighty woman of God!

What Does It Mean to Be Virtuous? To be virtuous is to be moral, ethical, honest, noble, right, pure, and chaste just to list a few.

Following are some brief definitions of each of the synonyms of the word virtuous:

A virtuous woman is moral. This means that all of her dealings are proper. Whomever she does business with views her as a person of integrity.

A virtuous woman is ethical; she is mindful of her conduct and decent in her attire. Although her concern is her inner beauty, she definitely makes sure that her outer appearance is appropriate for the setting. From her head down to her baby toe, including her fragrance, she is properly attired for any occasion. She is also a woman of etiquette; everything that she does is graceful. She is respectful and she commands respect. She is humane which causes her to be compassionate in giving. When she gives, she does it from her heart because it is her ministry.

A virtuous woman is honest, she can be trusted and she is committed to her assignment or task, no matter how big or small it is. She doesn't view it as being minute or immense; whichever one takes precedence is what she will commit to doing first. She is honorable, worthy and well known in her community.

A virtuous woman is noble and refined, however, she is not a fake and there is no facade, what you see is what you get. She is authentic. She will let you know what is on her mind, but she will do it honestly and with love. Most admire her, while others envy; but it is because of her unique ability of being meek and gentle, while at the same time firm in her beliefs.

A virtuous woman is pure. To sum up the many definitions of this word, she is to be sanctified and set apart. She lives a holy life before the Lord. She is a woman who carefully guards her heart and does not allow sin to reign in her life.

A virtuous woman is chaste. She is not loud or vulgar. She is meek and humble and she knows how to conduct herself wherever she goes; she is a woman of elegance.

Although some may depict her as being a weak woman, that is quite the contrary. This woman is a strong woman, verse seventeen says that she sets about her work vigorously and her arms are strong for her tasks.

A virtuous woman builds up her husband instead of tearing him down. She makes him known in the gates of the community.

Acquiring the title of "Virtuous Woman" is a big undertaking, however, it is attainable. And even through my study of her character I have not yet attained it, I strive to do so everyday.

This passage of scripture was given to me approximately 6 years ago and as I read it, I had to meditate on it constantly and literally see myself in the scripture. It is a part of my daily confessions. You see, just as with drama or acting, you have to study to become the part. If you do not study the character, then how will you know the characteristics of the part? God's word says in 2 Timothy 2:15, "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God".

Get into the scripture, take each verse and dissect each word. Meditate on it until it manifests into your spirit. What you put in your spirit will come out of your mouth and your actions.

When I first started to study this passage, the Lord told me to take the first verse and meditate on it until I grasped the real meaning of it. "Who can find a virtuous woman, for her worth is far above rubies". I thought, "hmmm, a ruby is an expensive and rare jewel and this scripture is not talking about just one, but many". Therefore, this woman is a rare find, there are not many like her. To take on her character would be impossible without living a holy and acceptable life before God.

Do you desire to be a virtuous woman? If your answer is yes, then go before the Lord and ask Him to search your heart and remove anything that is not pleasing to Him. Ask Him for a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him.

You also need to be yoked with like-minded people. I desired to be virtuous, therefore; I asked the Lord to bring virtuous mentors into my life. It is such a blessing to be around others that have the same goals and desires and that will pray and agree with you as together you press on to accomplish these goals.

Now I challenge you to start immersing yourself in these qualities. Become a woman of virtue and see the difference it makes in your life!

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Money Matters


As I wrapped up my quiet time in 1st Timothy the book ended with instructions about money. Something that I must admit I have been focused on recently. Life changes that are in our future present us with financial changes and so I have been thinking a lot about spending money, paying debts and having the freedom to not go to work until the kids are older. Right now – although I am afforded the luxury of being a stay at home mom, finances are always tight and debts only get paid down when bulk money comes in (tax returns and this new stimulus package payment). So the Lord is teaching me to live responsibly with money and be content with what I have.


"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." 1 Tim 6:6-10 (my emphasis added)


It is so counterculture to say, "I'm content and want for nothing!" It is not a sin to want, but for me I have been spending a little too much time wanting, and that is what I feel has been sinful.


Verses 17-19 summed up the money issue well, that it is not to be our focus but instead to spend time acquiring spiritual wealth:


"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of life that is truly life."


While I am by no means rich in American society all I have to do is look at other nations around the world and in comparison see that I live like a king. I have my every NEED met and many of my wants. The Lord has truly provided richly everything for my enjoyment. I feel so blessed.