His Princess. : January 2013

I wasn't really sure when I was writing this post if I really wanted to go into my religious beliefs completely or if it even belonged here but decided, Why not? Anyone who doesn't like it/agree can move on...no harm no foul. Enjoy.

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

I have long loved this passage in the bible and have read it more times than I know. There is so much to aspire to here, such beauty. I definitely have a lot of growing to do, and have not "arrived" at any sort of perfection but this is what I hope my husband will think of me as he looks back on our lives together. What I want to give him and what I think he deserves.

God knows if you take one look at my house over the past several months its a bit embarrassing! And laziness? Um yeah... I've been that too. Lots. When I'm asked to take care of something do I always follow through? No...I procrastinate and do things in my own sweet time. Like I said, I've got some work I genuinely want to put in. Becoming a great wife/mother is important to me.

My thoughts: First, I think its interesting its mentioned that a wife like the one described is basically a "hot commodity"...few and far between! Also, I think it would be hard not to notice the considerable focus on the wife's "drive" and determination. She is a busy woman. She's not the type that's wasting the day- getting out of bed at noon and wandering around aimlessly or doing things solely for herself. She has proven herself dependable and trustworthy. Her husband doesn't worry about her forgetting an important task, he knows it will be done and that gives him peace. She shows her love through her works in the home, foreseeing the needs of her family. She has time for her husband after a long day, "her lamp does not go out at night", its clear he is a priority. She doesn't respond to him with bitterness or complain she is too"tired" or nag him relentlessly. She makes him proud, her respect for him has filtered out to others (family, friends, co-workers) and they too respect/admire him. --I'm going to go off on a slight tangent here because I really think that last part is so important. I hear women, some of which are friends of mine, speak horribly about their husbands/significant others all the time. I have done it in past relationships myself. But what I realized is that while I was merely "venting", these were the moments that SHAPED the opinions of those around me. How often do you share the "He is so great, listen to what he said/did" stories? Again, not perfect here, but I really really think its important to lift up your spouse in a way that is honoring to them and your relationship. Remembering that the person you chose to share your life with is a direct reflection of who YOU are as well. Words are not just "words", they are powerful. End tangent.-- The woman described here is a true "lady", conducting herself in a way that conveys respect for herself and her family. She does not rely on outward beauty, but rather the kind of beauty that comes from holding the spirit and love of God inside you at all times and allowing it to pour out so that others might see that radiant love and want to experience it.

OK if you lasted through that whole thing, thank you. That was lengthy! And didn't really have much to do with DD...per se....except that I think many of the wives in this community are striving to become like the wife described here. (Even if maybe they don't know it!) We want to please our husbands/HOH's, and seek to do so through acts of submission and obedience. This submission is ultimately a sign of very high respect for the person its given to. It isn't always easy to do, especially in those times when you truly disagree, but is that not the beauty of the gift? If it was simple and easy and didn't require the least bit of strength or sacrifice I am positive it wouldn't mean quite so much. I am sure this is why God calls wives to submit and for husband's to lovingly lead. Because it doesn't come naturally. Because there's a transformative vulnerability in sacrifice. These acts are meant to refine our character and bring a closeness that could not be otherwise attained.. When you trust that maybe, JUST maybe God knows best....and follow....beautiful things happen.

Thanks for reading!!

Jasmine :-)

His Princess.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Proverbs 31 Wife

I've been "MIA" but I'm back!