It has definitely been a good while since I've written, but I'm back and will be making more posts.
Lately I've been concerned with the this last quarter of the Gregorian calendar year and I have my sights set on two things: 1) ending this calendar year well and 2) taking off in 2013. I'm in the process of listing what things have to absolutely be taken care of before this year is out. And as we enter 2013 I'm looking to make some realistic goals. There have been times that I've overwhelmed myself with the New Year's to do list - but this year it is not so much about my agenda as much as it is God's. Yup, this time I'm seeking God for his His agenda. No more wasting time, energy and finances on things I'm not suppose to be doing. Along with the Word that this is the Year of Replenishing, Refreshing & Rejoincing in the Manifested Promises of God - I will be seeking His Kingdom first (Matt 6:33) and acknowledging Him in all ways and letting Him direct my path (Prov 3:6).
A lot of times I have my plan/agenda and I submit it unto him according to Prov 16:3. And I know there have been times that I did not pray and went out on my own regarding some things - but this year I'm looking for something more. I want the most productive and prosperous year that I can have. I really want to live out these two scriptures at another level. I have decided to document my journey and welcome anyone to join in with me. I know that this is going to be good ;-).
I know off the bat that my prayer life is going to increase significantly. I will most definitely be fulfilling Luke 18:1, because this is going to require me to be in constant prayer. I'm up for the challenge and look forward to experiencing God's results, His provision, and His direction at whole different level. I know that this will not only bless me, but everyone that is connected to me. I can't wait. Proverbs 3:5-8 and Matthew 6:33 here I come!
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Take Your Rest
I had the pleasure of engaging in conversation with a young Virtuous Woman the other day at church. I could see God blessing her as she shared what was currently going on in her life. The topic of conversation had to do with rest and appreciating the slow or not so busy seasons in our lives.
A lot of times women in general just go, go, go. They tend to the needs of others and forget about themselves. If you look at Proverbs 31 you may wonder when does this woman rest? There is so much on her plate -- so much that she is doing that it looks as if every minute of her day is spent. I submit to you that without rest and some relaxation there is no way that she could be the Virtuous Woman. She would be burned out, frustrated and probably have one of the worst attitudes ever. These are some side effects that result from a lack of rest.
To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heaven: Proverbs 3:1. Yes, there is a time to rest and relax. If we do not take the time to rest and relax or just do things that we enjoy there is no way that we could continue in serving others. God is not against us resting. Let us not forget that in Genesis God rested on the seventh day after his labors. In Matthew 29:11 Jesus said, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." The cycle is work then rest. There are very few times in the Bible that I see rest without work or some type of exertion. Hebrews 4 talks about laboring to enter into the rest.
For all that you do rest is your reward. Rest is more than sleeping, though it should definitely include sleep (6-8 hours) because it is during sleep that our bodies repair themselves. For someone it could be sitting watching their favorite program, reading a novel, doing a sudoku puzzle (my favorite), or some other not too intense hobby. .
During the seasons that you are not as busy, please take advantage because there will be a time when you swamped with tasks. Personally the season when I get the most rest is during the Summer months. My children are out of school, there's no basketball league, and just not a whole lot going on. As a matter of fact they visited their grandparents in Chicago for six weeks this Summer and I was so blessed. My chore load had lightened and there were less errands and running around to do. That season for me is now over and soon they'll be going back to school. I'll be in another gear. I thank God that he wants rest for me and that I have learned to take it. Without it I know that I could not be the woman that I am. So I encourage you to take your rest and enjoy the down seasons.
A lot of times women in general just go, go, go. They tend to the needs of others and forget about themselves. If you look at Proverbs 31 you may wonder when does this woman rest? There is so much on her plate -- so much that she is doing that it looks as if every minute of her day is spent. I submit to you that without rest and some relaxation there is no way that she could be the Virtuous Woman. She would be burned out, frustrated and probably have one of the worst attitudes ever. These are some side effects that result from a lack of rest.
To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heaven: Proverbs 3:1. Yes, there is a time to rest and relax. If we do not take the time to rest and relax or just do things that we enjoy there is no way that we could continue in serving others. God is not against us resting. Let us not forget that in Genesis God rested on the seventh day after his labors. In Matthew 29:11 Jesus said, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." The cycle is work then rest. There are very few times in the Bible that I see rest without work or some type of exertion. Hebrews 4 talks about laboring to enter into the rest.
For all that you do rest is your reward. Rest is more than sleeping, though it should definitely include sleep (6-8 hours) because it is during sleep that our bodies repair themselves. For someone it could be sitting watching their favorite program, reading a novel, doing a sudoku puzzle (my favorite), or some other not too intense hobby. .
During the seasons that you are not as busy, please take advantage because there will be a time when you swamped with tasks. Personally the season when I get the most rest is during the Summer months. My children are out of school, there's no basketball league, and just not a whole lot going on. As a matter of fact they visited their grandparents in Chicago for six weeks this Summer and I was so blessed. My chore load had lightened and there were less errands and running around to do. That season for me is now over and soon they'll be going back to school. I'll be in another gear. I thank God that he wants rest for me and that I have learned to take it. Without it I know that I could not be the woman that I am. So I encourage you to take your rest and enjoy the down seasons.
Friday, June 22, 2012
How Does She Do It?
Proverbs 31 most definitely has to be approached in pieces. The scripture text is so rich and the revelation in it is endless. I have been studying this text over 15 years and I still get new insight into this woman.
The last thing that is mentioned about this woman is one of the first things that I want to target as we start our journey..."...but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised" Proverbs 31:30. Her relationship with God is the thing that sets her apart. Some women are charming. They're witty, they know what to say, how to say it, and when. Some women are beautiful. Pleasant to the eyes. Some women are both, but the Virtuous Woman's relationship with God puts her over the top. I'm not insinuating that she's not witty , doesn't know how to get what she wants (in a good way) or is not attractive. But her fear of God puts her in a different class.
Her reverence for God impacts every area of her life. It impacts her marriage, her parenting, how she does business, how she manages her home, her service to others, her speech, and even how she tends to herself. Her fruit/harvest is undeniable. She experiences the God results. Not only does her family praise her, but her outcomes. Her success in whatever she puts her hands to begins and ends with God. Our regard for him makes the difference between us doing and being virtuous. So Virtuous Women be sure to keep the main thing the main thing. Reverence God and love him with all of your heart, mind, soul and strength.
The last thing that is mentioned about this woman is one of the first things that I want to target as we start our journey..."...but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised" Proverbs 31:30. Her relationship with God is the thing that sets her apart. Some women are charming. They're witty, they know what to say, how to say it, and when. Some women are beautiful. Pleasant to the eyes. Some women are both, but the Virtuous Woman's relationship with God puts her over the top. I'm not insinuating that she's not witty , doesn't know how to get what she wants (in a good way) or is not attractive. But her fear of God puts her in a different class.
Her reverence for God impacts every area of her life. It impacts her marriage, her parenting, how she does business, how she manages her home, her service to others, her speech, and even how she tends to herself. Her fruit/harvest is undeniable. She experiences the God results. Not only does her family praise her, but her outcomes. Her success in whatever she puts her hands to begins and ends with God. Our regard for him makes the difference between us doing and being virtuous. So Virtuous Women be sure to keep the main thing the main thing. Reverence God and love him with all of your heart, mind, soul and strength.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
The Proverbs 31 Woman: "Standard" or Choice?
It has been a moment since my last blog and with good reason. I have been in prayer and studying the Proverbs 31 Woman. I was on the internet a couple of weeks ago and I was looking at other blogs and articles about the Virtuous Woman and I became astounded at how many women really do not like this woman. A lot of women abhored the fact that Proverbs 31:10-31 was the standard for Godly women. I thought to myself that they've got it all wrong. This woman is not "the standard." She is simply another example of a Godly woman that one can choose or not choose to learn or model from. There is not to be any pressure to model oneself after this woman. It is a choice.
There are so many wonderful Godly women in the Bible to learn from and shadow. For myself, the Virtuous Woman is not the only woman that I aspire to. There's Sarah, who made it to the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11. There's Leah, Hannah, Deborah, Ruth, Naomi, Rahab, Esther, Miriam, Naaman's servant girl, Abigail, Priscilla, Lydia, Dorcas, the Mary's, the woman with the issue of blood, Martha, and I can go on and on and on. I could even include the women who teach us what we shouldn't do. So you see there's no pressure to meet the checklist. As a matter of fact this woman is rare. The Virtuous Woman is not common. She doesn't come a dime a dozen. "Who can find a virtuous woman for her price is far above rubies." Prov. 31:10. This verse speaks to how rare a woman like this is. Who wants to be virtuous?
The word virtuous is a military word. It means to be mighty and valiant. She's a soldier. She'll ride and die for God and her family. Who knew that all of the task that are mentioned in the verses were acts of warfare. Who knew that to gain the total trust of your man, getting up early, going to bed late, working outside of the home, going the extra mile with dinner, making sure everyone's outfitted, worship to God, outreach, and let's not forget her business, and taking care of the family finances were all acts of warfare. Who wants to do all that? "Many daughters have done virtuously..." Prov. 31:29. At some point in our lives we have all done virtuous acts, but to be consistently Virtuous is a choice and path taken by only a few. And that's O.K. As you can see in Proverbs 31:29 not following the model doesn't change your status as God's daughter. If you've chosen this route. If you've chosen to be a Virtuous Woman and not just do virtuous acts...then this is the blog for you. Please feel free to subscribe, comment and share your virtuous journey with other Virtuous Women as we deal with all things that pertain unto life and Godliness.
There are so many wonderful Godly women in the Bible to learn from and shadow. For myself, the Virtuous Woman is not the only woman that I aspire to. There's Sarah, who made it to the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11. There's Leah, Hannah, Deborah, Ruth, Naomi, Rahab, Esther, Miriam, Naaman's servant girl, Abigail, Priscilla, Lydia, Dorcas, the Mary's, the woman with the issue of blood, Martha, and I can go on and on and on. I could even include the women who teach us what we shouldn't do. So you see there's no pressure to meet the checklist. As a matter of fact this woman is rare. The Virtuous Woman is not common. She doesn't come a dime a dozen. "Who can find a virtuous woman for her price is far above rubies." Prov. 31:10. This verse speaks to how rare a woman like this is. Who wants to be virtuous?
The word virtuous is a military word. It means to be mighty and valiant. She's a soldier. She'll ride and die for God and her family. Who knew that all of the task that are mentioned in the verses were acts of warfare. Who knew that to gain the total trust of your man, getting up early, going to bed late, working outside of the home, going the extra mile with dinner, making sure everyone's outfitted, worship to God, outreach, and let's not forget her business, and taking care of the family finances were all acts of warfare. Who wants to do all that? "Many daughters have done virtuously..." Prov. 31:29. At some point in our lives we have all done virtuous acts, but to be consistently Virtuous is a choice and path taken by only a few. And that's O.K. As you can see in Proverbs 31:29 not following the model doesn't change your status as God's daughter. If you've chosen this route. If you've chosen to be a Virtuous Woman and not just do virtuous acts...then this is the blog for you. Please feel free to subscribe, comment and share your virtuous journey with other Virtuous Women as we deal with all things that pertain unto life and Godliness.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Why The Virtuous Women's Network?
Why the Virtuous Women's Network? Well, women's ministry holds a special place in my heart. I love God's Word and I love to teach period. But I have a passion for ministering to women. Early in my Christian walk I latched on to Proverbs 31 and have made it a staple in my life. Don't get me wrong it is a goal for me to be a woman of faith (But without faith it is impossible to please him...Hebrews 11:6), love (Though I speak with the tongue of men and of angels, and have not charity (love), I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.I Corinthians 13:1, joy (...therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy;...Psalm 27:6) and so many other attributes mentioned in the Word of God, but so is being a virtuous woman.
Proverbs 31:10 - 31 has fascinated me and blessed me over the years. This woman is like so many women today. She's conquering in life and Godliness. She takes care of the family, home, she is actually running a business, worshipping God, still has time for outreach and all the while keeping herself up and looking good. I have gotten so many lessons out of these verses that have blessed my life and helped to shape the woman that I am. I know that I am not the only one. There are many other Virtuous Women out there who can share and bless other women with their journey.
The word network is so interesting. It is mostly used in relation to media. In its simplest form a network can be defined as an association of persons. A network is also an interconnected system; a group of radios or televisions linked by wire or radio relay. My favorite definition of network, which is largely used in Brittain is to distribute for broadcast. Why have I chosen these definitions? These definitions are so key to the purpose of The Virtuous Women's Network.
The Virtuous Women's Network exists to be an association of Virtuous Women assisting other Virtous Women by sharing/distributing their journeys/lives regarding all things that pertain to life and Godliness so that women become mature, prepared for every good work and encouraged to live/broadcast their best lives in Christ. II Peter 1:3 says it best, "According as his divine power hath given us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue. See there it is in the Word of God we've been called unto glory and virtue.
Great things are on the horizon for The Virtuous Women's Network. Look forward to articles about our journey in Christ, faith, prayer, marriage, singlehood, parenting, fashion, music, walking in love, purpose, relationships, family --all things that pertain unto life and Godliness. Soon there will be a website, seminars and eventually a conference, but for now please feel free to subscribe and comment on the articles. You are encouraged to use God's Word and His principles. The Word of God should always be our final authority (Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my word shall not pass away Mark 13:31). I hope that you will join me for the journey. It is going to be a blessing.
Proverbs 31:10 - 31 has fascinated me and blessed me over the years. This woman is like so many women today. She's conquering in life and Godliness. She takes care of the family, home, she is actually running a business, worshipping God, still has time for outreach and all the while keeping herself up and looking good. I have gotten so many lessons out of these verses that have blessed my life and helped to shape the woman that I am. I know that I am not the only one. There are many other Virtuous Women out there who can share and bless other women with their journey.
The word network is so interesting. It is mostly used in relation to media. In its simplest form a network can be defined as an association of persons. A network is also an interconnected system; a group of radios or televisions linked by wire or radio relay. My favorite definition of network, which is largely used in Brittain is to distribute for broadcast. Why have I chosen these definitions? These definitions are so key to the purpose of The Virtuous Women's Network.
The Virtuous Women's Network exists to be an association of Virtuous Women assisting other Virtous Women by sharing/distributing their journeys/lives regarding all things that pertain to life and Godliness so that women become mature, prepared for every good work and encouraged to live/broadcast their best lives in Christ. II Peter 1:3 says it best, "According as his divine power hath given us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue. See there it is in the Word of God we've been called unto glory and virtue.
Great things are on the horizon for The Virtuous Women's Network. Look forward to articles about our journey in Christ, faith, prayer, marriage, singlehood, parenting, fashion, music, walking in love, purpose, relationships, family --all things that pertain unto life and Godliness. Soon there will be a website, seminars and eventually a conference, but for now please feel free to subscribe and comment on the articles. You are encouraged to use God's Word and His principles. The Word of God should always be our final authority (Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my word shall not pass away Mark 13:31). I hope that you will join me for the journey. It is going to be a blessing.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
More On Your Way
Who would have thought that I would be here right now composing my first article for a blog? I know that when I got up this morning, I didn't. For the past few years all I have wanted to do was position myself to educate persons using God's Word as the foundation so that they can live their best lives. I know that I wanted to impact the lives of God's people, but had no idea how that would happen.
There I was setting goals for the New Year and it came to me first to start a You Tube Channel. I totally laughed at myself for even thinking the thought. Me, uploading videos on You Tube. So not me. I could not get the thought out of my head so I began to research. I looked at some of the persons that I had subscribed to on You Tube and noticed that they did not only have their own You Tube Channels, but websites and blogs. I personally enjoy blogs and subscribe to a few. It's just that I've never envisioned myself hosting one.
The next thing I knew I was researching how to start a blog. I immediately went into prayer and began to come up with the intricacies of the blogsite: name, motto, duscussion topics, etc. The more I researched the more it seemed to get overwhelming. I would need to buy the domain name, find a host, get a logo, learn to use Word Press, decide on what tabs to use, select my social media avenues or just sign up for all of them, RSS Feeds and some other things.
My scheduled launch date was to be July 1, 2012. Surely I would have everything figured out by the second quarter of the year and be ready to go, right? I came across an article by Penelope Trunk just about an hour ago and she wrote to just get started. She encouraged the readers to just start blogging and worry about the other intricacies later. She wrote to just start expressing your passion, get used to blogging, practice and post, post, post. Those words were the Rhema Word (the right now Word that requires a right now action) for me. I selected one of her suggested sites moments ago and here I am composing my first article and I am excited. God has given me more on my way than when I started.
That's how God works. He'll give you more on your way than when you started. But you have to start. Hebrews 11:7 states, "By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as of yet, moved with fear prepared an ark to the saving of his house;..." I am nervous about this undertaking. I want to be obedient to God and be a blessing to persons. I am moving with fear like Noah and I look forward to seeing the God results that this journey is going to produce. For Noah - his house/family was saved. What a blessing!
The Virtous Women's Network is the place where Virtuous Women gather about all things that pertain unto life and Godliness (II Peter 1:3). I hope that you will join me for the journey. It's going to be awesome.
There I was setting goals for the New Year and it came to me first to start a You Tube Channel. I totally laughed at myself for even thinking the thought. Me, uploading videos on You Tube. So not me. I could not get the thought out of my head so I began to research. I looked at some of the persons that I had subscribed to on You Tube and noticed that they did not only have their own You Tube Channels, but websites and blogs. I personally enjoy blogs and subscribe to a few. It's just that I've never envisioned myself hosting one.
The next thing I knew I was researching how to start a blog. I immediately went into prayer and began to come up with the intricacies of the blogsite: name, motto, duscussion topics, etc. The more I researched the more it seemed to get overwhelming. I would need to buy the domain name, find a host, get a logo, learn to use Word Press, decide on what tabs to use, select my social media avenues or just sign up for all of them, RSS Feeds and some other things.
My scheduled launch date was to be July 1, 2012. Surely I would have everything figured out by the second quarter of the year and be ready to go, right? I came across an article by Penelope Trunk just about an hour ago and she wrote to just get started. She encouraged the readers to just start blogging and worry about the other intricacies later. She wrote to just start expressing your passion, get used to blogging, practice and post, post, post. Those words were the Rhema Word (the right now Word that requires a right now action) for me. I selected one of her suggested sites moments ago and here I am composing my first article and I am excited. God has given me more on my way than when I started.
That's how God works. He'll give you more on your way than when you started. But you have to start. Hebrews 11:7 states, "By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as of yet, moved with fear prepared an ark to the saving of his house;..." I am nervous about this undertaking. I want to be obedient to God and be a blessing to persons. I am moving with fear like Noah and I look forward to seeing the God results that this journey is going to produce. For Noah - his house/family was saved. What a blessing!
The Virtous Women's Network is the place where Virtuous Women gather about all things that pertain unto life and Godliness (II Peter 1:3). I hope that you will join me for the journey. It's going to be awesome.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)