They arise and call her busy.

A couple weeks ago I prepared a devotional for a women's group. It was a spin or parody on the Proverbs 31 woman. Unfortunately, as I admitted for that group, my children do not arise and call me blessed; but arise and call me busy. 

They see me as tired. Overwhelmed and over scheduled. But I take pride in the fact that I say "no" to activities that eat into our family time. I value simplicity and solitude. And yet, somehow in the midst of my un-busy life, I managed to be very busy. 

I cannot deny it because when people ask "How are you?" I generally reply with the sad cliché, "Busy!"

The hubs asks what I have going on this week and I say, "Oh, it's going to be busy!"

I bore myself with my busyness. But moreover, I fear that my children will remember me as busy. 

I fear they will not remember the countless hours I sat with them on our playroom floor building with blocks. 

I fear they will never know that I read Goodnight Moon five thousand times. In one day. Because they kept asking for "just one more!"

I fear they will have no recollection of the countless days we spent lounging at the park. Or the beach. Or in the backyard. 

Will they only remember the piles on my desk, the bags under my eyes and me screaming "Be quiet so I can finalize this blog post before we run off to our next activity." 

So last week I indulged in a little bloggy experiment. I stopped blogging entirely -- both writing and reading. I wanted Holy Week to be a quiet time. A time to snuggle up with my family and be still. I wanted time for introspection and reflection. 

I wanted time to focus on being more of what Proverbs 31 refers to as a "wife of noble character." 

Well guess what I discovered?

No matter how much time I have, I fill it. 

I should have had hours and hours to spare, but I didn't. 

When I have time I simply find things to fill such time. 

Were they "better" things? 

Maybe. Some of them.

At least for the first few days I did not sit down at my computer in the afternoon hours when the kids were home. And I did make a conscious effort to spend time just being with them. 

Not doing something with them, but just being available. 

It was Amy unplugged. 

But as I said, that was the first few days. 

As the week progressed, however, the obligations seemed to mount again. Family was arriving for the long weekend. There were meals to plan and prepare. Sheets to wash and beds to make. And, of course,  the Easter Bunny was not going to fill the eggs and baskets without my assistance. 

By Thursday I was back to frantic-busy Amy. Unplugged maybe, but not unengaged. 

But then I realized: The "wife of noble character" I so long to emulate is not idle. In fact, that woman is running herself ragged.  "She sets about her work vigorously." {Proverbs 31:17} "She does not eat the bread of idleness." {Proverbs 31:27}. 

And technology is not to blame for my busyness. 

This blog is not to blame for my busyness. 

Busyness is simply inherent in who I am. 

So while I may not yet be revered at the city gates, I realize that my busyness is nothing about which I should feel guilty. My kids and family are never rarely neglected. 

Quite simply, my busyness is a product of me doing all I do for my family, my community, and perchance, for myself. 

But moreover, my busyness and being a wife of noble character are not mutually exclusive. In fact, it is at least partly my desire to be a wife of noble character that lends itself to busyness. 

I know I still have much work to do in that regard, but I feel like I can now see the path in front of me -- a cluttered, messy path with unmade beds and piles of paperwork, but truly, that's the only path I know.

The Wife of Nobel Character.

Source: sprinklebakes.com via Amy on Pinterest

Today is a good friend's, Linda's, birthday. She is my mentor, my bible study buddy, my prayer warrior,
my biggest fan {possibly my only fan}, and, at times, my mom-substitute. I adore her. I respect her. And above all, I believe ever word she tells me when it comes to relationships.

She is a Proverb's 31 wife.

And I pray that one day, I will be more like her: a wife of noble character.


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 night;

she provides food for her family

and portions for her female servants.

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.

Honor her for all that her hands have done,

and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Proverbs 31:10-31

And I ain't foolin'!
But Happy April Fools' Day as well!

What to wear.

God's Chocolates.

source

As Valentine's Day approaches there is chocolate absolutely everywhere I look: boxes of chocolate in all the stores, chocolate on tv, even chocolate girl scout cookies. 

CHOCOLATE.

CHOCOLATE.

CHOCOLATE! 

I even saw chocolate Altoid breath mints in the grocery checkout aisle the other day! I think that's what led me to remember the famous quote from Forrest Gump: "Life is like a box of chocolates ... you never know what you're gonna get." {you know the accent.}

In reality, that phrase can be true in many ways. We wake up every morning completely unsure of what the day may hold for us. We've made our plans. Sometimes they even happen the way we make them. But we never know for sure, do we?

The days that come with caramel in the middle are my favorite. The ones with the strawberry goo are just so so — but the ones with coconut — YUCK! I'd rather go back to bed. Then there's the days where tragedy or difficult times come out of nowhere, and the chocolate sits untouched ... there's simply no sweetness to be had in those moments, it seems.

God knows that life as it pertains to circumstances is uncertain for us. That's why He comforts us and reminds us so many times that He is our constant companion, our steadfast friend, our consistently loving God and Savior. He doesn't keep promises the way we do:

When God wanted to guarantee His promises, He gave His word, a rock-solid guarantee — God can't break His word.

You see, no matter what chocolate we are "in the middle of" right now, He is there — with the certainty of His promise today and life everlasting. Listen to how Hebrews 6:19-20 encourages us:

"We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It's an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up His permanent post as high priest for us . . . ."

I love the visual picture of grabbing on to Him with both hands as He runs ahead of me to the Father. That makes me able to get up today and everyday and praise Him for whatever comes my way.

Let's binge on His priceless box of chocolates today — the sweetest and most satisfying of them all.

"Taste and see that the Lord is good;

Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him."

Psalm 34:8

Blessed Mother.

I remember it like it was yesterday: the long-awaited arrival of my first born TWINS. Conception evaded us. Medical intervention was required. And hundreds upon hundreds of tests, pills, and shots. Then bed rest and a few early delivery scares. It was a long journey, so when our little miracles finally arrived and were placed in my arms, I could scarcely contain myself.

Family and friends came from many miles away just to see our little ones. As I stared at these long-awaited miracles I wondered about their lives. What would they be like? The thoughts and emotions I felt were too much for words. I treasure those moments in my heart like another young mother I once read about.

That mother's name was Mary and the name of her long-awaited miracle was Jesus. Her baby was born in a stable. People heard of his birth and traveled many miles just to see her little one. She must have wondered what his life would be like. Her thoughts and emotions were probably too much for words. I bet she also treasured and pondered them in her heart.

I wonder exactly what Mary knew about her son's future. Did she know he would heal the sick and raise the dead? Did she know that he would calm storms and feed the hungry? I am not sure what she knew, but according to scripture she got a glimpse into to her son's future as well as her own when she and Joseph, following Jewish custom, brought the newborn into the temple to be consecrated to the Lord. A man by the name of Simeon was in the temple that day and was moved by the Spirit to speak prophecy over the infant child.

He spoke, "And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed--and a sword will pierce even your own soul--to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed" (Luke 2:34-35, NASB).

I can't even imagine what this young mother thought as she heard these words prophesied about her tiny miracle. How does a mother respond to hearing the news that a sword would pierce her soul? Did Mary spend her entire life wondering, "Is today the day my soul will be pierced?"

Her soul was pierced 33 short years after she pondered the first moments of her son's life. Her soul was pierced on a hill called Calvary where she was an eyewitness to the purpose of her son's life. The events that took place on that hill tell us what her son's life was all about: He was born to die. The purpose of His life was to give my life and your life purpose. That is the gift of Christmas. The gift to be treasured.

Dear Lord, I want to live a life of gratitude. Thank You for the sacrifice You made to make sure that I would spend eternity with You. Consume my thoughts today. Awaken my soul to new delight in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Worthy Words.

I belong to our Women of the Church group. And no, I am not eighty. Yes, it is a group of older women and I am clearly the youngest member. By a long shot. But they always ask. And I have a hard time saying no. So, I attend monthly meetings a provide a little devotional. The over 80 set really liked this devotional yesterday so I thought I would see if you, my faithful readers, would enjoy it too.



". . . if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be My spokesperson." Jeremiah 15:19 (NIV)

Our God allows us to be His spokesperson. How humbling. In His wisdom, He requires that, in order to be His spokesperson, our words must be worthy, not worthless. As this verse resonates in my heart, I ask myself, “Are my words worthy? Am I representing God well when I speak to friends, my children, my husband? Am I allowing Him to mold me so I reflect His character? Am I keeping the bar raised to His standard such that I may be His spokesperson?” I fear not. 

In our home we strive to speak words based in truth, spoken in love, necessary and kind. How often do I utter words that are worthless and hold no value for anyone? Oh, how I think of all the many, many words I have wasted. If my words hold value and worth, they will reflect His character and minister His truth and grace to those around me. 

As you go through the day, allow your words, whether they be written or spoken to go through His filter of requiring worthy words.  If those around you have lowered the bar, raise it again.  Humbly meet the challenge to utter only worthy words that represent Him well. You may be His spokesperson. 

..................

So, what do you think? Do you ever consider how many words we waste each day (goodness - some days on my blog alone)? How many things are said in jest or in haste which hurt the recipient? How many words escape our lips without thought. I often lack a filter. My friends, children and husband will attest. Maybe over time my words will become worthy. Maybe I will learn to, at least, occasionally, bite my tongue!