But I also know God stands true to His Word. I have studied the
"Proverbs 31 woman" for the past three years now and have learned so much
from her about managing my home. The LORD teaches me so much in the wee
hours of the morning. When everyone starts getting up, I am usually
quite prepared for them. I can't tell you the change this has brought
about in my attitude and in my household management.
I learned from the Proverbs 31 woman that she gets all her servants going
early in the morning. I remember crying out to the LORD, "That's why
she can get so much done, LORD, she has servants to work for her!" Then
He began to open my eyes and let me see my servants: crock pot, washing
machine, bread machine, telephone, computer, mixer, stove, all servants
that I could get going early in the morning. (Imagine how real people
servants had to do all of this in the Proverbs 31 woman's day.) So I was
off and running. I would have my quiet time and ready my heart (the
inside of my temple); then I would get dressed and washed up and ready
(the outside of my temple); then I would begin to work on the outer court
(my home). I've found by starting from the inside out, that the outside
is looking better and better, little by little.
Getting back to my servants. I would get them going as soon as I was
dressed. It was my goal to get as many of them going after my husband
left for work (6:20 a.m.) and before my children got up. That way it was
quiet and I could think what I wanted done for that day. So I'd get the
washer going, the crock pot loaded up, the bread machine going (there my
meal was on its way as the Proverbs woman starts her meal early in the
morning, you'll notice); sometimes I would have two or three crock pots
going (bought them at thrift shops) depending on my meal for the day or
the next few days. I have three bread machines (all miraculously given
to me), so every day I have two going at once and three if I have guests.
I am able to make bread that tastes like I kneaded it because I only use
the bread machine to knead the dough, then I fiddle with it later and
shape it the way I want.
The best part about this plan is the phone does not ring so early in the
morning (for this is one servant that can really get me into trouble),
so that when it does ring I usually have so much done: meal going, bed
made, kids' chore lists set out and ready, washer going, etc. that I can
sit for awhile and have a chat with a friend or a relative and not feel
guilty.
Oh, Ronda, sometimes my best fails, and my day is spinning out of
control. Those are the times I keep going into my bedroom with the door
shut and ask for God's help and direction. He never fails me. Sometimes
I think those days happen to help me realize I must stay totally
dependent on Him and not think it is my planning. He is the one who
gives wisdom. He is the One Who I am serving and Who I so joyfully want
to worship in all that I say and do. I pray that everything I do will
glorify Him. (I love to play beautiful Christian music as I work. Oh,
the joys of being a homemaker! I cannot tell you how much I love my job
and pray to get better and better at it.)
Please feel free to share my last letter with you. I hope it is not too
long to print. I do tend to go on. But you see, I love to write letters
of encouragement to women. The LORD has graciously allowed me to do this
for many years. It has been my pleasure to share what He teaches me. I
have spoken to a few groups of women on the Proverbs 31 woman, although
my favorite form of communication is letter writing. If you have any
questions, please feel free to write. I have learned so much and would
love to share with you.
The Lord bless you richly. Your heart is warm toward Him, and my heart
only responds likewise.
Love,
Laine