A common practice in ancient customs was for the husband to lock away his possessions and resources, so that his manipulative wife couldn't bring him to ruin. However, the husband of this virtuous woman does not maintain a jealous guard over his stuff. His valuables are entrusted to her, and her unquestionable loyalty.
This is a followup for the first verse of my 50-week challenge. Verse 10 is a simple summation of her relationship with her husband. The woman of proverbs 31 is painted very clearly with "the heart of her husband safely trusts her." As I mentioned in the previous entry, I was really convicted at what this meant for my relationship with my husband; I realized that with my thinking on finances, it was a big possibility that he might not be able to trust me. I tend to be a little lackadaisical as far as limiting any purchases made during shopping. However, I realized that this verse points to more than just our finances, it also lightly touches on my relationship with Jesus. In the Bible, his believers, or church, are described collectively as "the bride." I realized that this should reflect my relationship and my life with God. It makes me think about the verse in Luke, about being entrusted with great things when we are faithful with the minor things.
That is what this will all reflect. Does God see me as capable of handling big, important things?
This has definitely been difficult, even though it's the beginning. Satan has come with his buddies, attacking both Cody and I on all sides. This past week, I saw some intense spiritual warfare...I saw satan's attempts to drive a wedge between me and my husband. But that must mean i'm headed in the right direction. Otherwise, he wouldn't be trying so hard.
Anyways, tomorrow I start the next challenge: 2 1/2 weeks focus on "she brings him good, and not harm, all the days of her life."
I need to give up the computer so that Cody can do homework.
dear reader, until we meet again,
C.W.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Saturday, January 16, 2010
"The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain."
Day 1, Week 1
Saturday 16 January, 2010
9:46 am
The passage for the first 2.5 weeks is talking about trust. Trust; I have always considered myself a trustworthy person. If you tell me a secret, I'll take it to the grave. If you confide in me, I won't spread it around like juicy gossip. I will pray for you.
Cody and I just got back from a little vacation in Naples, FL. We planned ahead, we budgeted, and we saved for the trip. The relatives we visited were very generous towards us poor little Socorronites. They treated us to so many lovely restaurants, let us stay with them, and filled our agenda with lots of finance friendly activities.
My Aunts and I love to shop, and shop we did! There are many beautiful antiques and consignment clothes to be had on the Gulf Coast. I went a little crazy, and mostly spent on myself. Cody didn't spend much of anything. During part of the trip, I realized I needed to tone it down a notch, but even with it on my conscience, I failed to stop spending. I will not say how much I spent, but let's say I had a set amount, and I came in just under my limit.
What I should have done was kept a watchful eye, considering the loans I need to be paying off. I cannot describe to you the guilt that hit me one day, when I realized that how I was behaving was sin. After a few days, I couldn't in good faith spend without exercising some sort of control. I really wondered what Cody would think of me if he knew just how recklessly (no matter how finite) I was spending OUR money. I realized something; I easily trust him with our combined monies, but on the flip-side, can he trust me to do my part financially?
The thought causing him trouble, and not getting ahead because of my selfishness, well it seriously disturbs my heart. Selflessness is what verse 11 is talking about, and it seems I have forgotten the kind of humility that God desires for a wife. May He forgive me. My husband, the wonderful man that he is, has forgiven me, and has a patience I can only hope to have.
"The heart of her husband trusts in her..."
This passage does not specifically mention finances, but it speaks to me personally about my weaknesses with money.
It brings to mind a passage in Luke I used to memorize, chapter 16, vs 10-12. It says basically that one who is faithful with a little, will be faithful with a lot. One who cannot be trusted with a little, will not be put in charge of greater amounts. "If you have not been faithful in that which is another's who will give you that which is your own?"
Ouch.
In a conversation we had not too long ago, Cody and I were both frustrated with having debts (mine mostly), and barely making it by with the money we are earning. We have friends who never seem to worry about being able to afford things (it's hard not to compare lifestyles with others). While we were talking, God brought to mind said passage in Luke. And I told Cody that, well maybe God is trying to get us to be responsible with the little that we have; to trust Him now, so that that faith is secured when we have more. Deep down, I know that is what God is waiting for. He is waiting for me to "step up to the plate" so that I know who I am in Him when He puts me in charge of more.
Anyways. I felt led to get started on this.
Dear reader, please pray for me and my quest.
Feel free to comment!
C.W.
Saturday 16 January, 2010
9:46 am
The passage for the first 2.5 weeks is talking about trust. Trust; I have always considered myself a trustworthy person. If you tell me a secret, I'll take it to the grave. If you confide in me, I won't spread it around like juicy gossip. I will pray for you.
Cody and I just got back from a little vacation in Naples, FL. We planned ahead, we budgeted, and we saved for the trip. The relatives we visited were very generous towards us poor little Socorronites. They treated us to so many lovely restaurants, let us stay with them, and filled our agenda with lots of finance friendly activities.
My Aunts and I love to shop, and shop we did! There are many beautiful antiques and consignment clothes to be had on the Gulf Coast. I went a little crazy, and mostly spent on myself. Cody didn't spend much of anything. During part of the trip, I realized I needed to tone it down a notch, but even with it on my conscience, I failed to stop spending. I will not say how much I spent, but let's say I had a set amount, and I came in just under my limit.
What I should have done was kept a watchful eye, considering the loans I need to be paying off. I cannot describe to you the guilt that hit me one day, when I realized that how I was behaving was sin. After a few days, I couldn't in good faith spend without exercising some sort of control. I really wondered what Cody would think of me if he knew just how recklessly (no matter how finite) I was spending OUR money. I realized something; I easily trust him with our combined monies, but on the flip-side, can he trust me to do my part financially?
The thought causing him trouble, and not getting ahead because of my selfishness, well it seriously disturbs my heart. Selflessness is what verse 11 is talking about, and it seems I have forgotten the kind of humility that God desires for a wife. May He forgive me. My husband, the wonderful man that he is, has forgiven me, and has a patience I can only hope to have.
"The heart of her husband trusts in her..."
This passage does not specifically mention finances, but it speaks to me personally about my weaknesses with money.
It brings to mind a passage in Luke I used to memorize, chapter 16, vs 10-12. It says basically that one who is faithful with a little, will be faithful with a lot. One who cannot be trusted with a little, will not be put in charge of greater amounts. "If you have not been faithful in that which is another's who will give you that which is your own?"
Ouch.
In a conversation we had not too long ago, Cody and I were both frustrated with having debts (mine mostly), and barely making it by with the money we are earning. We have friends who never seem to worry about being able to afford things (it's hard not to compare lifestyles with others). While we were talking, God brought to mind said passage in Luke. And I told Cody that, well maybe God is trying to get us to be responsible with the little that we have; to trust Him now, so that that faith is secured when we have more. Deep down, I know that is what God is waiting for. He is waiting for me to "step up to the plate" so that I know who I am in Him when He puts me in charge of more.
Anyways. I felt led to get started on this.
Dear reader, please pray for me and my quest.
Feel free to comment!
C.W.
Breaking it Down
---Saturday, January 16, 2010---
"An excellent woman who can find? She is worth far more than precious jewels." -Proverbs 31:10
I mentioned in my first post that excellence, by the world's definition, is more often than not based on money. The lives of people who have abundant finances are considered desirable. However with God, true riches lie behind good works, and a pure heart, and waiting on him.
So here is how this will work. The excellent woman is described in Proverbs 31, verses 10-31. Verse 10 (mentioned above) speaks about her worth to those around her. That leaves twenty verses which specifically describe her attributes (vs 11-31). There are 50 weeks left in the year 2010, and twenty verses to work toward. Fifty weeks and twenty verses broken down (with expert math) leads to the ratio of 1 verse, every 2 1/2 weeks.
I will study 1 verse every 2 1/2 weeks, applying it to my simple little life. I plan on bringing in some outside sources, and talk about things I've learned. I will write once a week, maybe twice if i work up the gusto.
If you are reading this, pray for me! I am praying, but hoping I can have the support of my friends. I'm so thankful to God that I live in a country where I can freely study the scripture, and His wisdom. May this quest be pleasing to Him, and may it bless those around me.
God Bless,
Caryn
"An excellent woman who can find? She is worth far more than precious jewels." -Proverbs 31:10
I mentioned in my first post that excellence, by the world's definition, is more often than not based on money. The lives of people who have abundant finances are considered desirable. However with God, true riches lie behind good works, and a pure heart, and waiting on him.
So here is how this will work. The excellent woman is described in Proverbs 31, verses 10-31. Verse 10 (mentioned above) speaks about her worth to those around her. That leaves twenty verses which specifically describe her attributes (vs 11-31). There are 50 weeks left in the year 2010, and twenty verses to work toward. Fifty weeks and twenty verses broken down (with expert math) leads to the ratio of 1 verse, every 2 1/2 weeks.
I will study 1 verse every 2 1/2 weeks, applying it to my simple little life. I plan on bringing in some outside sources, and talk about things I've learned. I will write once a week, maybe twice if i work up the gusto.
If you are reading this, pray for me! I am praying, but hoping I can have the support of my friends. I'm so thankful to God that I live in a country where I can freely study the scripture, and His wisdom. May this quest be pleasing to Him, and may it bless those around me.
God Bless,
Caryn
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