Wednesday, January 28, 2009

A wife of noble character - Part 4

Proverbs 31:26-31
"She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."

Proverbs 31:26-31 (Kara's convictions)
She thinks before she speaks and prays for wisdom. She is an inspiring role model for her children. She holds others accountable, but also has a teachable spirit.
Her family is her first priority, following the Lord. She cares for and serves them with love; never putting them aside for selfish desires.
Her children admire her and see God's love through her words and actions. Her husband loves and respects her and is quick to tell her so.
She is a woman respected above all others, although is she unaware, due to her humility.
She never dwells on if she's "good enough". She doesn't concern herself with measuring up her personality and appearance with others. Her respect and devotion to the Lord bring her the greatest joy and peace.
Earthly rewards are of no concern, her reward lies in heaven.

Monday, January 26, 2009

A wife of noble character - Part 3

Proverbs 31:21-25 (NIV)
"When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come."

Proverbs 31:21-25 (Me again)
Anxiety does not consume her. She rests in God's peace, which surpasses all understanding. She lives confident and thankful in her salvation through Jesus Christ.
She keeps her home a sanctuary for her family to call home. She takes care of herself too. (She even gets dressed for her family, instead of staying in her pajamas all day, which might be easier some days)
She is proud of her husband and respects him as the leader of their home. She supports his career and prays for him diligently. Others can see her love for him.
She helps support her family financially as the Lord provides opportunities. She remains wise and generous with all she earns, as it is the Lord's first of all.
Life was never promised to be easy and she lives one day at time, dying daily to her self, and with God's strength and grace. She is full of joy and keeps a sense of humor, for no matter what life may bring, she is His.

It's about to get even cRaZiEr!

There have been a lot of changes this last week with our little girl. It seems she will be crawling soon! Zane never really crawled...maybe due to our all wood flooring at the time, so we are excited to see Gemma take off. Although, I do realize that this means a HUGE change in my day to day routine.



And then there's the tooth that emerged on Wednesday. Wow! Okay, the picture does not show the tooth at all, but I couldn't resist posting it anyway, because her face is so funny. Poor thing. My gigantic hands are crammed in her mouth and she's being so patient!

Show me the laughter!

I have been trying for two months to get Gemma laughing at Zane on video. When I get the camera out she stops immediately. This video does not do it justice, because she was cracking up at him before I got the camera out. I did capture a little laughing though and then a little something else!


Wednesday, January 21, 2009

A wife of noble character - Part 2

Proverbs 31:16-20 (NIV)
"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.
She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy."

Proverbs 31:16-20 (Kara's words)
She uses her resources wisely and free of selfish desires. (I must remind myself, "No, I don't need a new outfit today and yes, I'm surviving just fine without cable")
She is not lazy and accomplishes the tasks before her with enthusiasm. She prioritizes her time wisely.
She is head smart, but does not let it "go to her head". As a mother/wife, her job does not end, even though she is resting. What she does with her time always glorifies God.
She takes care of her family with love. It may not be actually making clothes (my family is grateful I don't do this), but keeping the home clean and welcoming, shopping with care, cooking with creativity and giving focused attention.
She has a servant heart. Her actions speak louder than her words.

Monday, January 19, 2009

A wife of noble character - Part 1

Proverbs 31 can easily be depressing to me. As a perfectionist at heart, these verses are unattainable for me. I want to be that woman, but I'm exhausted now and I'm not even half way there. A wise woman, Linda Lamp, reminded me this passage is not a description of a woman's day, but her life. Whew... feeling better, but not great. Praise the Lord for GRACE. I am thankful for this example of a Godly woman, of whom I will strive to be.

Proverbs 31:10-15 (NIV)
"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.
She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls."

Proverbs 31:10-15 (Kara's version, as God has laid on her heart)
It is difficult to find a woman whose heart is fully devoted to God. She is worth more than precious things.
She brings her husband pride and he sees everything beautiful in her.
She puts him before herself, always building him up and not tearing him down with critical words.
She is thankful for even the mundane tasks (laundry, dishes, picking up toys), as they are ways to serve her family. She has a happy heart that rubs off on her children.
Although the task at hand may seem like something far out of her capability, she knows that she can do all things through Christ and that He will not give her more than she can handle.
She begins her day eagerly, rejoicing in the day ahead (even though she is not a morning person). She keeps her home running with love, and that love spills out on others everywhere she goes (even at the grocery store when there are only 2 checkout lines open).

Sunday, January 11, 2009

I say tomAto; you say tomAWto

This morning Zane wanted a "spigotti with my coffee". Some might say he wanted a biscotti with his milk, but really, what's the difference?!

Friday, January 9, 2009

A sad day for a Sooner fan







We're smiling, because this was pre-game.