New Year Encouragement: SLOW DOWN

This is the beginning of a series of posts I am going to write on being keepers at home... Reading a friend's blog about not always going to do the "thing", I realize that I continually hear how life is too busy, too hectic, too frenetic, too draining. There's not enough time, space, patience, Mom. So this year's encouragemnet is to slow down, do less outside the home and turn your hearts toward home. Farm them out LESS. Join LESS. Buy LESS. And join with me if you'd like in making a goal for yourself to produce MORE in the home. More time, more space, more patience, more Mom for your kids. Cook more. Clean more. Read your bible more. Play with the kids more. Perhaps even turn a bit of a profit? Can we TURN A PROFIT from home? The answer is a resounding biblical YES! But that can come later. Here is a translation that I would rarely use or recommend but nonetheless, The Message has it modernized: The Proverbs 31 Wife. Enjoy.

Hymn to a Good Wife 10-31

A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises.
She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking.
She's quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn't worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise:
"Many women have done wonderful things, but you've outclassed them all!"
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
Festoon her life with praises!

Comments are welcome and encouraged. Let's work out these issues that keep us from being what God calls us to be...