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Proverbs 31: A Virtuous Woman – A Beautiful Heart.

A Virtuous Woman - A Beautiful Heart.

I can’t believe these are my last two verses of my Proverbs 31 reading journey.  I have learned so much from these verses about a virtuous woman.  I pray my notes have been as helpful to you in growing your relationship with the Lord, as it has been helpful to me.  

I wish I could say I have instantly become a virtuous woman, but it is a journey.  Everyday just trying to love Jesus and my family more.

So let’s discuss the last two verses – Is your heart beautiful?

Proverbs 31: A Virtuous Woman - A Beautiful Heart.

Since having a baby, I know for sure the woman’s body changes.  Not in a bad way, but things never completely go back to the pre-baby body.  I even started getting my first gray hairs when I was first married around the age of twenty-five.  Oh how soon, we as women learn that “beauty” does not last.

I believe God made men and women different.  There is something special and beautiful about a woman’s body.  I read an interesting book that argued how women are the “crown of creation.”  Other than the Sabbath rest day, we are the last thing that God created.  

That should make us a feel a little special.  😉

As women, I feel we are all beautiful in our own different and unique ways.  Some of us have luxurious hair, or gorgeous skin.  Some of us have a perfect smile or dreamy eyes.  

One thing I notice, as women, we often forget we only look “perfectly beautiful” maybe ten percent of the time.

Most of us especially as mothers, we have pulled back hair, with baby hairs growing back ( postpartum hair loss is no joke), we have no makeup on, we most likely have sweatpants on with a food stains somewhere on us. 

While I am blessed to have a husband who would still tell me I look beautiful, I know that is not the word I would choose.

I am reminded of the Bible story when Samuel is going to choose King David to be king of Israel. 

Based off appearance, David was not Samuel’s first pick.  But God said –

Proverbs 31: A Virtuous Woman - A Beautiful Heart.

So let me ask – Is your heart beautiful?

Most people are remembered for their beautiful character and heart, instead of just their beautiful face.

True beauty is a pure heart, a clean tongue, serving hands, a kind spirit, and a love for others above yourself.

So as a virtuous woman, on the days you are wearing sweatpants, know that your lasting beauty comes from the Lord.  While its okay to dab on some concealer and coat your lashes with mascara – The beauty the Lord provides you with is a beautiful heart.

Proverbs 31: A Virtuous Woman - A Beautiful Heart.

I also really like the KJV version – “Give her the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.”

It says let her “deeds” publicly praise her, not let her words or other people praise her.  

Are we living as virtuous women for verbal praise?

I know sadly, sometimes I do.  As a mom, sometimes I selfishly want to hear – “Good job!”  “You’re amazing!”  “I don’t know how you do it!.”

A virtuous woman instead of waiting for her own praise, should be praising the Lord.  We should daily be praising – “I praise you Lord for giving me my children.”  “Thank you Lord for my husband’s job. “  “What a blessing this meal is.”  

Let my works praise the Lord and not myself.

I hope as a virtuous woman my deeds declare:

She loved her children.

She cherished her marriage.

She served her church.

She was an encouragement to others.

She showed Jesus through her words and her actions.

So remember :

Is your heart beautiful?

 

 

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DIML with 6 Month Old – Exclusively Pumping & Baby Led Schedule

DIML with 6 month old

Hey guys!

DIML with 6 month old

“Let them be little because they are only that way for awhile. Let them cry, let them giggle, let them sleep in the middle. Just let them be little.”

I’m excited to upload this blog/vlog! My baby is now 7 months old. I can’t believe it! (I’ve been meaning to post this when he was 6 months old but life happens. )

What I thought life would be like and what it is, is almost completely different. I thought Milo would be crawling – he’s getting there. 😉 I thought he would be sitting perfectly on his own like the other kids. (I think my kid is lazy or just has a big head!)

I thought I would be breast feeding from the breast. I thought he’d be a perfect sleeper! (ha!).

But my life does not match the Pinterest schedules of what a 6 month old should be doing or what milestones he should have accomplished….

And

That’s

Okay.

Yes – one thing I am learning to embrace. I’m even feeling a slight tug on my heart typing that wondering if the words really are true. Is….

It’s

Okay.

Now what I DO HAVE is

A heathy 6 month old boy, who loves to roll over and over. A boy who knows his name, his mommy, and daddy. Who smiles ear to ear when his daddy gets home. A boy who likes to scream and holler.

A boy who likes to drink mommy’s breast milk from a bottle, a boy who likes to snuggle next to his mommy at night.

I’m trying to embrace the quote above. “Let them be little.” They don’t have to be Pinterest perfect – just be my baby. Hug them and love them.

DIML with 6 month old

So here is what my day looks like at 6 months. If you want to watch the video/ vlog – JUST CLICK HERE!

  • I’ve been going strong for 4 months as an exclusive pumper ( started at 1 month). I start my morning at 5 am pumping. Sometimes I can’t believe I’ve even made it this long.
  • Sweet baby Milo wakes up around 7 – 8 am.
  • During the morning – He takes a bottle and eats some cereal. Then I’m usually trying to entertain him while doing some house work. Entertaining him is taking more and more of my time. He’s a tough crowd. 😉
During the video – I share with you some of his current favorite toys, adorable monsters eating pizza PJS, AND a jumbo ball pit Grams got him for Christmas. CLICK HERE TO SEE!

DIML with 6 month old

  • 10/ 11 am -PUMPING TIME! I always try to have toys around to keep Milo entertained! Oh and drink you some water! 😉 Anyone else able to hear their pumping machine noise? 😉
  • Next is lunch time for him and momma! Oh and he’s got two teeth!
  • 2-4 pm- Nap time AND pump time. Over Christmas I was able to get some Avent storage bottles. They hold up to 6 ounces and you can write the date on them.
*** Side note ***
I thought I was going to love those bottles. WRONG – I have tried tightening those bottles as tight as I can. No matter how tight I make them, they STILL manage to spill when I shake the bottle to mix the milk. So now I’m just sticking with my Lansinoh storage bottles. JUST FYI
  • 5 PM – COFFEE TIME – Hallelujah!  Its my celebration drink for making it this far in the day!  😉
  • 6 -8 pm – Supper, play time with Daddy, possibly another nap, bath time!
  • 9 pm – LAST PUMP (yay! I made it another day! You can too I promise!). During this time, daddy will entertain Milo. In the vlog, we ended the night by watching the Disney movie “Tangled” while I pumped. After my pump, we all go to bed. Zzz

I hope my vlog, or daily schedule can be an encouragement to another momma or daddy. You don’t have to follow another babies schedule.  Just do what works best for you and your baby.  
And let them be little because they are only that way for awhile. 😉

~ Gracefully Fashionable Britt

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A Virtuous Woman – Being Happily Unaccomplished.

A virtuous woman - being happily unaccomplished

I wonder if the Proverbs 31 woman had as much of a hassle with her schedule?  Did she ever feel like she is chasing a never ending list?  Or that she considered herself a failure when she didn’t get everything on her list done.  

I slightly feel that way while writing this.  This was suppose to be uploaded 2 weeks ago… but life happens – sickness, business, work, church, family.  Even my daily devotions have been put on the back burner.  Did the Proverbs 31 woman struggle like this?

I can not say for certain, but I imagine so.  I remember the story of Martha and Mary when Jesus came to their house.

Mary sat down by the Lord and listened to Him.  But Martha, was me.  I am the girl running around the house before anyone visits, marking my check list, trying to accomplish everything in one day.  

Martha finally asked Jesus.  I imagine she said this with her hands being tossed in the air while she asked: “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone.  Tell her then to help me.”  (Luke 10:40).

I feel that Martha was waiting for some “oh Martha, you have done so much, the house is spotless, the food smells delicious…”

But instead the Lord said, “Martha Martha…”

Imagine your name… “Brittany, Brittany…

A virtuous woman - being happily unaccomplished.

“Martha, Martha, you are so anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary.  Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”  Luke 10: 41-42

Instead of cleaning, Mary chose to spend time with the Lord.  Instead of cooking an elaborate meal, she chose time to spend with the Lord.  Instead of checking a list, she chose time to spend with the Lord.

I want to be like Mary.  The greatest thing  I can do every day is to spend time with the Lord.  As long as I accomplish that, everything seems to fall into place.  I am then more encouraged to use my time and talents as gifts from God.

I encourage you, write this verse down.  I did and kept it on an index card in my room all through college.  Or write it in your planner as a reminder every day.

I initially planned to just write a short introduction and continue on with Proverbs 31: 23-24… But my heart now feels content.

I needed this and I hope you did too.  I did not get done my initial idea, my schedule will now be a little off, I spent more time than planned writing this post….

But that’s okay.

“Brittany, Brittany has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

What will you chose?

~Gracefully Fashionable Britt

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Proverbs 31 – A Virtuous Caregiver for the Needy… and Herself.

Proverbs 31 - A Virtuous Wife

I can’t believe how much I have already learned about this Proverbs 31 woman. She has a virtuous work ethic. She is a virtuous wife, mom, shopper, planner, and early riser with eager hands. All of that from just 9 verses.

Taking time to read these verses and write about these verses has helped me grow in Christ.

So how much more can this virtuous woman accomplish. Oh so much when she puts her heart, mind, and hands to the love of Christ.

Proverbs 31:20

Verse 20 – “She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.

How often we are so self-focused making sure our own day is going to be okay. We often miss so many opportunities to serve and to be kind. We often say we are “searching” for opportunities to serve…. but when we just slow down, we can find opportunities all around.

I saw a sweet old man the other day at Meijer. He dropped a box he was picking up. I could see him struggling to reach it. It warmed my heart knowing I could easily help him. That same day, I saw another older gentleman lose his car. Me and two other people offered to help him find it.

Who knew that such small actions could be some of our best witnessing for the Lord!

Proverbs 31:21

Proverbs 31: 21 – “She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet.”

“Not afraid of snow.” Ha! I’m terrified of snow. I am a southern girl living in a midwest world. I don’t drive unless it’s an inch or less. 😉

The color scarlet is a brilliant red. While reading about it, I learned it often is a color of warmth and comfort. Benson Commentary says, “She has provided enough, not only for their necessity, and defense against the cold and other inconveniences but also for their delight and ornament.”

She puts thoughts of kindness into her deeds. She provides necessity and beyond!

Proverbs 31:22

Proverbs 31:22 – “She makes tapestry for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.”

Tapestry is like a thick textile fabric. It often has pictures or designs on it. This is used for wall hangings or furniture. The verse also says, “She makes.” Is there anything this woman can’t do. 😉

“Her clothing is fine linen and purple.” She takes care of her own needs too!! Needs are not just food, water, and shelter. Women of Christ need to be: spiritually fed with Bible reading and prayer. Physically fed with sleep, exercise, and bubble baths in peace. 😉 . Mentally fed with loyal spouses and friends to uplift you.

Never forget that sometimes the best way to help others needs is to help your own needs first. Christ himself spent personal time with the Lord, instead of preaching and healing. Christ himself enjoyed time with just His disciples, instead of trying to physically help everyone.

The Lord loves you beyond measure…so love yourself.

Slow down.

Extend your hand!

Don’t fear snow. 😉

Be thoughtfully kind.

Wear some purple!

Jesus love you oh virtuous wife!

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Proverbs 31 – A Virtuous Work Ethic

Proverbs 31- a virtuous work ethic

It’s ironic me currently writing a blog post on work ethic. I’ve taken a nap and only completed two things on my list for today.  (It almost 3pm as I’m writing this. 😉 ) But hey, I’m pregnant!  Right?!  

Honestly though, pregnant or not, you’re going to win some and you’re going to lose some.  The key, is handling it gracefully!

proverbs 31- a virtuous work eithic

Proverbs 31:17 – “She sets about her work vigorously; and her arms are strong for her task. ” 

Once again, I love synonyms.  Vigorously might not mean the same to every person.  I honestly thought vigorously was more intense, more hard core.  However, when I looked up some synonyms for it is – powerfully, energetically, eagerly, enthusiastically.  

So, it’s not all about how hard you are going to attack a plan or project. Rather how you attack it.  Instead of doing your household chores, wifely duties, or projects at work like you must attack it with strength…. What if you attacked it with enthusiasm?  

proverbs 31- a virtuous work eithic

The Bible says – “All hard work brings a profit.”  Proverbs 14:23

I imagine the Proverbs 31 woman does all her work the best she can and she does them with a positive attitude.  

“Her arms are strong for her task.”  Anyone else agree that cleaning house is a form of exercise?  😉 

proverbs 31- a virtuous work eithic

Proverbs 31:18 – “She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.”

A Proverbs 31 woman sees her success.  How often as women we see our failures first.  I wonder if she struggled with wife duties, mom duties, house duties, and all while trying to not drive herself crazy.  I mean back when this was written, they didn’t have deluxe kitchens, Walmarts, or an iPhone.

It all depends on how we measure success.  Do we measure it by a clean home?  A paycheck?  Everything checked-off our never ending to-do list?

Or do we measure it by we tried our best, we have a warm meal tonight, and everyone went to bed knowing they are loved?  

proverbs 31- a virtuous work eithic

Matthew 16:26 – “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, and yet forfeit their soul.”

Please don’t lose who you are in the work you do.  You are a beautiful daughter of God.  Who you are and your success is found in Christ.

“Her lamp does not go out at night.”

I do not take this literally, I mean the woman has to sleep.  But, she is not lazy with her time.  She has “work time.”  Which probably means she isn’t checking social media or procrastinating.  That is another goal of mine.. for my lamp to not go out at night.  😉

Proverbs 31:19 – “In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.”

This verse has to do with working with fabric.  I have no sewing skills whatsoever.  I made one bag in 4H and let’s just say it’s not my trade.  

However, she is providing for her family and teaching her children, servants, and maidens a Christian work ethic.  She is a leader by example.  

I hope I don’t forget with my upcoming son that more is “caught than taught.”  This can apply to your employees or spouse. I hope that as a Christian woman, I can lead by example and not by words.  

Work vigorously. 

Flex your arms. 😉

Find your success in Christ.

Lead by example.

Jesus loves you oh virtuous wife!

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Proverbs 31 – A virtuous wife, mom, shopper, planner, early riser with eager hands.

Proverbs 31 - A virtuous wife

As I’m writing this and I hope as you are reading this, that you would pray a special prayer for the Lord to speak to you.

I still doubt myself in writing this.  Satan gets in my head saying, why?  No-one will read this?  What are you doing?

But one thing I am learning is that often times, the things we are most scared to do, are the things we need to do.  

I have a feeling a virtuous woman probably tells Satan to “shhhh” it anyway.

Proverbs 31 - A virtuous Wife

So what does a virtuous wife, mom, shopper, planner, early riser with eager hands mean to me?

Proverbs 31:13

Verse 13- “She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. “

The NIV version says eager hands.  Eager means “wanting to do or have something very much.”

How many of us ever have eager hands?  The only thing my hands are ever eager about is eating a donut!  (They actually have good gluten free ones now, hallelujah!). Or how many of us aren’t eager until we have coffee?

I’m usually never eager to do dishes, laundry, clean the bathroom, or go to work.  BUT what if I saw this as an opportunity to love Jesus and share Jesus with my kids or husband?  What if Christians really were the happiest most eager people on Earth?  

Colossians 3:23

Colossians 3:23 -“ Whatever you do, work at it with ALL your heart, as working for the Lord….”

Whatever you do – dishes, laundry, cleaning the toilet – can be used as a moment to glorify the Lord.  Glorify the Lord in providing a simple task for your family.

Verse 13 also says she provides wool and flax.  Flax is a “blue-flowered herbaceous plant that is cultivated for its seed and for textile fiber made from its stalk.” 

I’m not a lover of wool so we will pretend its cotton.  😉

Proverbs 31:14

Verse 14 – “She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar.”

Now with Kroger click list and Shipt, bringing food from “afar” is not that hard.  However, I think this sentence speaks volumes.  

Ellicott’s Commentary for English reader says: “Looks for opportunities of buying cheaply at a distance from home, instead of paying a large price on spot.”  

By being considered like “ships of the merchant” – A virtuous wife is wise and well planned.  

I imagine a virtuous woman taking some time every day to plan her day and meals.  Maybe it’s early morning time or late at night.  She seems to have a plan and sticks to it.

Proverbs 31:15

Verse 15 – “ She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.”

She gets up early and gets the job done.  That is one of my goals for this year.  I personally feel so much better, when I rise early and get some simple tasks on out of the way.

She also provides food for her household AND maidens.  A virtuous wife seems to be very  thoughtful and much of a planner.  I wonder if she prefers Erin Condren or a Day Designer planner.  😉

proverbs 31:16

Verse 16 – “She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.”  

I imagine a virtuous wife as independent and strategic.  “She considers,” means she puts thoughts into her purchases.  I believe she consults with her husband. AND her husband trusts her judgement.  

She plants a vineyard.  I have no green thumb – I even killed a cute little cactus before!  However, a virtuous wife is productive in providing for her family’s needs.  Whether that food is homemade or wisely bought from the store it’s given in love.  

So, take a deep breath

Be eager to work

Be a wise planner

Rise early and drink coffee 😉

Feed your family spiritually and physically with love.

Jesus loves you oh virtuous wife.