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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.

Proverbs 31:16-17

Oh dear. Last week the journey was about making wise food choices, not only for myself but for my family. I didn't have any doubts there. I'm pretty conscientious about meals and mealtimes. We rarely have sugary snacks (much to John's disappointment and frequent cabinet pillaging), fast food isn't in the budget. Wrestling season is a challenge because we eat later in the evenings. My personal rule is, "No eating after 7 p.m.", but John doesn't like to eat alone, so I break my own rule for a few months.

But this week is going to push me. The topic is Strengthening Your Body, and the verse above convicts me, "She sets about her work vigorously..." sigh... I'm vigorous throughout the school day, then come home to all that awaits (dishes, dinner, Christmas stuff still to pack away!), and the vigor is sucked right out of me.

Today's priority is to add a walk to my daily routine. I can do that! I have done that! Why am I not doing that? I had a walking routine all summer, I have a rebounder for walking indoors and I have walking DVDs that I enjoy! I kept telling myself when John started wrestling season, I would have time in the afternoon/evening to get in a 20-30 minute walk, but I never (not once!) took advantage of it. I know the advantages, I have reaped the rewards in the past: renewed energy, increased strength, improved self-esteem. So why aren't I exercising/walking now?

My reasons are merely excuses. I have the equipment, I have the right shoes, I have the cute clothes (!). Today is the day. I'm making my commitment public. Consider this an invitation to do the same and to keep me accountable!

I WILL WALK THREE TIMES WEEKLY.

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Day 10-Devote Yourself to Prayer

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.
Proverbs 31:-10-13

 

Often, the work meant for those 'eager hands' is to be folded in prayer. In her book, Becoming the Woman God Wants Me to Be, Donna Partow defines the purpose of prayer as bringing "heaven's power to bear on earth's circumstances."

What are your circumstances? Have you called on the power of heaven to sustain you? At times, prayer can and will change our circumstances. At other times, we should be prepared for prayer to change our hearts and minds, to change us in the midst of those circumstances.

And pray without ceasing! Here's a challenge for the rest of the journey: TITHE YOUR TIME IN PRAYER. How many wakeful hours are in your day? In mine, I average 17-18. That's about 2 hours for consciously communicating with my Heavenly Father. That time doesn't have to be on your knees, just make your prayer habit as natural as breathing. Do you or a loved one have an illness? Pray. Does the morning/evening news distress you? Pray. Did a driver cut you off in traffic? A shopper with an overflowing cart use the Express line? Pray. Do you notice a stranger with tears in their eyes? Someone begging on a corner? Do you have decisions to make? Are your children young? Are they adults? Are your parents suffering the difficulties of aging? Are you? Pray, pray and pray.

And then...watch. Watch to see what an all-knowing, all-powerful, loving God does with your prayer.

Finally, be thankful. Be thankful that He knows better than we do. That His plans and His timing are perfect. That the battle is already won, even though we may suffer momentarily.

God bless you, I am praying for YOU today.

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Day 8: Become Consciously Selective

What music do I select? What TV programs? Books? What kind of clothes do I own? What people to I choose to spend time with and/or allow to influence me?

In her book, Becoming the Woman God Wants Me to Be, Donna Partow gives this definition: "To be selective means to be discriminating, discerning, and choosy--to be careful about the choices you make."

It all boils down to this question, "Is this God's highest and best for me?" TODAY, I will be consciously selective about how I invest my time, money, and other resources. And then I'll do the same tomorrow, and the day after... Taking one day at a time, reflecting on my successes and my failures at the end of the day.

Reading material?

Media exposure?

Fashion sense?

Financial priorities?

Family time?

Home life?

Food selection?

Personal appearance?

Time usage?

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Day 3 of the journey

Becoming the Woman God Wants Me to Be. As I step out on this adventure of transformation (or maybe it's reformation), so far I have 1. created my Personal Vision Statement: I use my energy, enthusiasm and sense of adventure to explore new opportunities to improve my world and the world at large and 2. committed my next ninety mornings to Time Alone with God (TAG).

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. Proverbs 31:10-11

A wife of noble character, what does that require?

• A capable woman
• A dignified woman
• A virtuous woman

And I so want to be the wife in whom her husband has full confidence. The journey continues...

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Proverbs 31

Such a strong urging by the Holy Spirit to recommit to Proverbs 31. Several years ago I did a 90-day study, including memorization of the passage, paying more attention to our home, our finances, our health, our diets, etc. It was life-changing for me. But, as all good intentions go, after a great start on making the changes, keeping the Scripture ever in my heart and walking so wonderfully hand-in-hand with my loving God, I let life (not His, but mine) get in the way. Got busy, got upside down financially, quit eating right (more importantly, I quit ensuring that my husband was eating right).

So here it is, just a few days into the new year, and the Holy Spirit has been relentless in His encouragement! I even had to hunt for the book I used all those years ago. I found a few others on my shelf that I considered studying instead, but He said "No...find the book." And then He led me to where I had stashed it away.

If you're interested, the book is titled, Becoming the Woman God Wants Me to Be, A 90-Day Guide to Living the Proverbs 31 Life. The author is Donna Partow. Need an ISBN? It's 978-0-7394-9997-9. I hope you'll join me on the journey!

Today is Saturday. Ms. Partow instructs the reader to begin the meat of the guide on a Monday. In the meantime, I'm preparing my mind, heart and body for the adventure I KNOW is ahead. I'll step out in faith on Monday, 7 January, and will keep you posted throughout the 90 days.

Keep me in your prayers!

 

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