Questioning...

So, my core reason for starting this blog is was to chronicle a journey towards striving to be a Proverbs 31 type of woman, and in general just a better one. Not because we HAVE to be it perfectly, but because I think the bible makes it clear that lifestyle and characteristics is most 'ideal' and helpful. I can see so many benefits becoming this type of woman would yield. For myself, family, community, even generations ahead.

Studying this famous passage, has brought out many questions to me. Mostly because it is so contrary to our modern day society in some ways. It has made me begin to question many things that we take for granted, take as necessary, take with out question sometimes. Well I am starting to question. My husband and I are starting to question. The normal American dream of ladder rung careers, white picket fences around grossly mortgaged houses, separation of parents and children at long lengths, credit hungriness....well that's just the beginning. We're in a season of questioning and feel we're on the tip of a good change. I'm continuing to study the proverbs 31 woman and passage alongside this. I think it will be of good guidance.

So lately, I'm wondering:

Her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack in gain:

How does this apply to today, what does this really mean for me?

She looks for wool and flax And works with her hands in delight:

My sewing machines I am ever grateful for...... probably have a few specks of dust on them right now. Why don't I make the time for this practical art. Where is my delight in it that I used to have? Why don't we carve out more time for things like hobbies that could be industrious and bring delight?

She is like merchant ships; She brings her food from afar:

We have recently become so discouraged by the fake food we realized we were eating. Things we couldn't even pronounce on the ingredient list. We're caretakers for our bodies and our children's, why are we putting things in it on a daily basis that we hear all the time could be harmful. Laziness? Lack of funds? Too much other stress? All of those issues can affect our food choices. We are trying to turn a new page and have started shopping at a whole foods store, instead of just mindlessly buying what we're used to, what everyone does, what we thought wasn't a big deal to be buying. We're starting to invest in our health. It is a learning curve I have to admit.

She rises also while it is still night And gives food to her household And portions to her maidens:

I do rise early to prepare my husband's breakfast and lunch and later for my daughter and I. But lately I've been going back to bed with pregnancy fatigue. But even when I wasn't pregnant I would sometimes still go back to bed, tired and not ready to face the day yet. Letting chores get pushed back to a time that was set for other things already. "Not giving portions to my maidens" I guess. I guess in this modern time that would be like emptying the dishrack of dishes and getting laundry started, setting up learning items needed for the day etc.....

I think I might focus on a verse each month until I've worked through the entire passage. I don't think they'll all be mastered at the end of it but I think that it'll give insight to areas I'm doing well and areas I'm lacking in and will do good to focus and study on one characteristic at a time....