Let not the things of this world ever sway me.

(This picture was just so perfect for this! I had to use it.)

Studying Proverbs has begun to open up alot of things in my heart and mind that I desperately seek to find answers about or to find comfort in. God has has been such a gentle yet firm teacher to me. Constantly guiding my doubtful heart and shaping my eyes to see just how He intends for me to walk in this life. Let me tell you, asking for Godly wisdom from the Lord isn't exactly an easy task. He requires a GREAT deal of patience from me...which if you have read any of my previous blogs, you would know how true that is. :) I'm learning to feel my confidence in Him, to see how my faith stretches, and to really use my time here. It's such a good amount of lessons, and I know I will gather up alot this year. Anyway, one I'm focusing on a lot this year would be...none other than, the "Wife of Noble Character," (Proverbs 31:10-31. This passage has a dozen little notes and scribbles in my Bible...I find it so inspiring and so much to take in. This woman seriously does it all! I have sat down many times and put this into my own words, and let it soak in. This woman has what most woman strive to have in this world, but they don't know it or sadly, find it too boring and not good enough for this world. We see woman all over the place more concerned with mascara and pedicures. Who ever think to get their hands and feet dirty? Who would ever want to go and serve in one pf the largest slums in the world? What about my hair?? This girl knows how easy it is to fall in love with it all. The jewelry, the clothes, the makeup....what girl doesn;t love this? I know I do! But it's a matter of where your heart is. If your face is more important than the condition of your heart, there is no way you're going to have the fufulling life God has planned for you. Many woman worry that the many they marry may not love them when they are post 5 kids with stretch marks...Proverbs 31:30 says, "Beauty is fading..." My prayer is that the man you intend to marry realizes your beauty can not only be outward, but internally you will be beautiful at 99 years old sitting in your rocking chairs on the front porch. It's time we learn and continue to learn from Jesus and grow into the women that He sees us being. Beautiful, smart, Proverbs 31 women. :) Trust in Him and grow in His confidence and wisdom. It'ssomething you'll never regret.

[NLT version]
Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
She is more precious than rubies.
Her husband can trust her,
and she will greatly enrich his life.
She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
She finds wool and flax
and busily spins it.
She is like a merchant's ship,
bringing her food from afar.
She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household
and plan the day's work for her servant girls.
She goes to inspect a field and buys it;
with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She is energetic and strong,
a hard worker.
She makes sure her dealings are profitable;
her lamp burns late into the night.
Her hands are busy spinning thread,
her fingers twisting fiber.
She extends a helping hand to the poor
and opens her arms to the needy.
She has no fear of winter for her household,
for everyone has warms clothes.
She makes her own bedspreads.
She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
Her husband is well known at the city gates,
where he sits with the other civic leaders.
She makes belted linen garments
and sashes to sell to the merchants.
She is clothed with strength and dignity,
and she laughs without fear of the future.
When she speaks, her words are wise,
and she gives instructions with kindness.
She carefully watches everything in her household
and suffers nothing from laziness.
Her children stand and bless her.
Her husband praises her:
"There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,
but you surpass them all!"
Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
Reward her for all she has done.
Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.