You Too Can Be an Entrepreneur

State 4-H Public Speaking Competition

Olivia gave a very good speech Tuesday entitled,

You Can Be an Entrepreneur.

It was a great topic and she did well, though she did not place. This was her first time going to this level.
This event was a good reminder for us the importance of being able to communicate with confidence.

You Can Be a Entrepreneur
By, Olivia Brodock

Would any of you like to be able to buy what you want when you want it? Do any of you like being in charge? If so, listen to this!
85 Years ago a little boy was born. 8 years later that boy went door to door selling ice cold coca colas, later magazines, after that by the age of 12 had his own established paper route. Immediately after high school, he was drafted into the military where he served honorably until he was discharged. After being discharged, he and his older brother Ben had the opportunity to purchase a small restaurant. It only had four tables and was appropriately titled “The Little Dwarf” Unfortunately; two years after their grand opening his brother Ben died in a plane crash. He continued to grow the business and in his ‘spare time’, he worked on a small creation of his. The “Chicken Sandwich”. Every one had eaten chicken and every one had eaten sandwiches, but for some reason they had never been put together. After 12 years of working on the “creation”, he had perfected it! He went to market; he got it into the mouths of every one he could convince to try it. He even brought one personally to Lady Bird, President Johnson’s wife. Due to its popularity, he trademarked it, Entitled Chick-fil-A! S. Truett Cathy, owner and founder of Chick-fil-A, one of the biggest chicken fast food chains in the U.S. made over a billion dollars in year 2000. That same boy, who went door to door selling coca colas, now owns 2000 restaurants!
Why not you? You could be just as successful as he is.
The most successful entrepreneurs had two things in common strong character and a willingness to work. Some of which character is:

INITIATIVE

They WOULD NOT put off till tomorrow. They got up early. Mary Kay got up at 5:00 every morning after realizing that by doing so she had a more successful day! Also included in the 5 o’clock bunch are Donald Trump, S. Truett Cathy, and world famous entrepreneur and founder of Wal-Mart, Sam Walton. Mary Kay also contributes her success to her “$35,000 list.” Before bed, she writes a list of “to-do’s” she had to accomplish the next day.

WISDOM

They use wisdom to make practical applications of truth in daily decisions. They never stop learning. They read extensively. Some even endeavored to read for 2 hours each day! They knew that by reading they opened a completely new world. You can learn anything if you can read.

DETERMINETION

Thomas Edison once said, “Genius is 2% inspiration and 98% determination” Nothing is worth having if it is not worth working for. The most successful businesses were made successful only by hard work and determination.

COMPETITIVE

They also have highly competitive spirits. They not only compete with their industry, but also rule their industry by competition. Their real competition was not other businesses it was against themselves. They were such high achievers that they set a goal and not only topped that goal, but also tripled it many times! Learn to compete against yourself. Set your own goals. Set them high! Then, top those goals! You will only be as great as you really want to be. You are responsible for yourself and yourself alone, no one else will reach your goals for you. The Greek philosopher Cicero said, “The greatest waste is the difference between what we are and what we could be.” (-Cicero)

FAMILY

The most successful entrepreneurs knew that if they wanted there business to last they had to make it family. Some thing they could share with their spouse, children, grandchildren, even great grandchildren. In so doing they have made their business something that will last for generations. To this day, S Truett Cathy’s’ whole family is involved. His wife, his sons, daughter, and grandchildren even his 12 great grandchildren all participate. If you want your business to last, make it something that you can share with your existing family and generations to come.

PURPOSE

They were living their lives with purpose they wanted to achieve much. They set high goals with an even higher purpose and reached them! In turn, they changed the culture and the world around them and became history makers.
Through looking at their life stories, we see how God prospers the faithful business owner. They made history! So, what about you? Do you want to be a history maker? Find a need in your community, find a way to fill need, find what your good at, and follow that. I am not saying that you will not fail, you probably will 9 time out of 10 but that one time you might hit it big!
You just might be the next billionaire! You might even be the next Donald Trump. Initiative, Wisdom, Determination, Competitiveness, Family and Purpose, these are the things that make an entrepreneurs successful.

The Death of Common Sense

Yesterday, I sat in a 4-H State speech competition with Olivia and one of the students presented an excellent speech that opened with the following story, and I just had to post it!The Death of Common SenseLori Borgmanwww.loriborgman.comThree yards of black fabric enshroud my computer terminal. I am mourning the passing of an old friend by the name of Common Sense.His obituary reads as follows:Common Sense, aka C.S., lived a long life, but died from heart failure at the brink of the millennium. No one really knows how old he was, his birth records were long ago entangled in miles and miles of bureaucratic red tape.Known affectionately to close friends as Horse Sense and Sound Thinking, he selflessly devoted himself to a life of service in homes, schools, hospitals and offices, helping folks get jobs done without a lot of fanfare, whooping and hollering. Rules and regulations and petty, frivolous lawsuits held no power over C.S.A most reliable sage, he was credited with cultivating the ability to know when to come in out of the rain, the discovery that the early bird gets the worm and how to take the bitter with the sweet. C.S. also developed sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn), reliable parenting strategies (the adult is in charge, not the kid) and prudent dietary plans (offset eggs and bacon with a little fiber and orange juice).A veteran of the Industrial Revolution, the Great Depression, the Technological Revolution and the Smoking Crusades, C.S. survived sundry cultural and educational trends including disco, the men's movement, body piercing, whole language and new math.C.S.'s health began declining in the late 1960s when he became infected with the If-It-Feels-Good, Do-It virus. In the following decades his waning strength proved no match for the ravages of overbearing federal and state rules and regulations and an oppressive tax code. C.S. was sapped of strength and the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband, criminals received better treatment than victims and judges stuck their noses in everything from Boy Scouts to professional baseball and golf.His deterioration accelerated as schools implemented zero-tolerance policies. Reports of 6-year-old boys charged with sexual harassment for kissing classmates, a teen suspended for taking a swig of Scope mouthwash after lunch, girls suspended for possessing Midol and an honor student expelled for having a table knife in her school lunch were more than his heart could endure.As the end neared, doctors say C.S. drifted in and out of logic but was kept informed of developments regarding regulations on low-flow toilets and mandatory air bags. Finally, upon hearing about a government plan to ban inhalers from 14 million asthmatics due to a trace of a pollutant that may be harmful to the environment, C.S. breathed his last.Services will be at Whispering Pines Cemetery. C.S. was preceded in death by his wife, Discretion; one daughter, Responsibility; and one son, Reason. He is survived by two step-brothers, Half-Wit and Dim-Wit.Memorial Contributions may be sent to the Institute for Rational Thought.Farewell, Common Sense. May you rest in peace.
http://loriborgman.blogspot.com/2005/07/death-of-common-sense.html

More About Tea Parties

A couple of months ago, my daughters hosted a tea. It is so much fun planning and doing a Tea.
It is so much fun to watch these ‘girls’ try to act so prim and proper.

When you host a Tea you get to use all those pretty dishes, and make dainty little finger foods,

but most of all, it is the enjoyment of having a little time
with your friends to giggle and chat.

Joannas Twilight Tea

Joanna’s Twilight Tea Party

We have some very dear friends with daughters that are younger than ours. One of the daughters has really taken to Olivia, and Olivia is very fond of her. This sweet little girl celebrated her 4th birthday a couple of weeks ago. At the spur of the moment, we threw together a Twilight Tea Party for her.


It was nothing fancy, we just used a few things we had already fixed, grabbed a tablecloth, candles, picked some fresh flowers, filled our favorite teapots with lemonade, and there you have it. Doing something kind for someone does not have to be, and usually is not, a huge ordeal. Our hope is that this precious little girl will remember her Twilight Tea Party, and know that she is loved!

Confession of Sins

Before attending the church we are now members of , I would have frowned at any 'pre-written' prayer as something not from the Holy Spirit, but God has taught me so much, and I am so thankful for His tender mercy to me. Now each Sunday, as I sit in worship with my brothers and sisters in Christ, together we come before the Throne of God and confess our sins, first privately, then corperately, because we are His people, speaking with one voice. The words in our corperate prayer are always so convicting to me, and they are teaching me how to pray in a deeper way during my private prayer times.

This was the Confession of Sin that was in our litergy last week. >>>

Our Father in Heaven, we come before you this morning as a people in need of Your saving grace. We confess that we have given ourselves to sin and temptation far too readily, and have been slack in guarding our hearts and lives from that which displeases You. We have knowingly embraced the lusts of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, and have wondered if we are truly your children if we love our sin so much. But, O Gracious Father, who delights to show mercy, and whose grace more abounds than our sin, be pleased to draw us back to Yourself. Our only hope is in Your son, our Savior; our favor in Your eyes is found only in Him. Grant to us the peace from the guilt of our sin that only Your grace can give. Restore our lives to the path of Your word, so that we might live as Your special people, zealous for good works, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen..

The Art of Hospitality The art of hospitality... making others feel welcome and sharing Christ through acts of kindness.

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Romans 12:9-13 Let love be without hypocrisy Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; ...Contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.

In a day where most people are so busy running from one activity to another, we seem to have forgotten the command from God to practice hospitality. It is a rare site to drive past a home and see neighbors visiting each other on their front porch and enjoying a glass of lemonade, or 'sweet tea' if you live in the south.

Our homes are no longer a place of rest and relaxation, nor a place to minister to the needs of others. It seems to have become a place to grab a quick shower, maybe something to eat and a few hours of sleep before we are rushing out the door again to take part in what is commonly called the 'Rat Race'.

Our homes should be a place where those that live there can be recharged and rest in the fact that there is love and peace. A place where there is forgiveness and a willingness to serve each other, remembering how Jesus came to serve us, and be our forgives of our sins.

Our homes should also be a place of advancing God's kingdom. We do this by husbands and wives loving and serving each other. We do this by raising children that will grow up knowing Him and impacting those around them with the gospel, by walking out their faith in everything they say and do, not perfectly, but righteously.

Our homes should also be a place where others can feel welcome to just stop by and visit. Our doors should be open to those needing a place to stay or a meal to be served.

It does not matter the size of your home or your economic status to practice *real* hospitality. There is a major difference between hospitality and entertaining. This page will not be about entertaining, but the art of hospitality...Making others feel welcome and sharing Christ through acts of kindness.

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Some Suggestions

We have a small 3 bedroom, one bathroom house. When we have overnight guest (married couples) we are happy to let them have our bedroom. We recently had 2 couples spend two nights with us. One couple stayed in our room, and the other in our daughters' room (twin beds). We had so much fun making little hospitality baskets for them and placing them on the night stand. We filled each basket with packages of crackers, peanuts, packs of gum, hard candy, a couple of bottles of water, a small note pad and pen, hand lotion, foot lotion, an Alabama post card for them to mail to someone, and a men's magazine and a woman's magazine. Because these couples were from the north, we chose to put Southern Living magazines in...ha-ha!!! Emma, age 11, also made them each a little card, that we placed in the basket, that said, Welcome, we're glad you came to see us." We had so much fun getting all of this ready for them, it was kind of like the excitement of Christmas. I know they enjoyed the baskets, but I think we enjoyed making them more!

Matthew 25:35 'For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in;




Plan Ahead
If you know you have guest coming for a meal, try to make as much of it the day before if you can. Keep it simple. Know your limits with time and money.

Do lots of decluttering and cleaning a few days ahead, so all you'll have to do is hit the high traffic areas before guest come.

Don't aim for perfection, that causes you, the hostess, to be miserable and your guest will know it and not feel welcome. I know most women struggle with being more of a Martha, than a Mary (I know I do!). Remember, you want to practice hospitality, not entertain. Most guest would rather have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich served with a pleasant, calm spirit and a smile, than someone that is exhausted and grumpy. Hospitality is about serving others and showing Christ's love with acts of kindness. Your goal is to make people feel welcome, not put on a show.


Conversation
Keep conversation pleasant. Depending on your guest, try to avoid topics that will cause strife. There will be times that controversial topics will arise and you may need to make a 'strong statement' about your views, but be sure to do it with kindness and in a spirit of love.

Teach children not to ask personal questions that might make a guest feel uncomfortable. Children can be part of the conversation, but they also need to know that they do not need to comment every time they have the urge. It is better to listen than to speak. Children need to be taught discreet ways to interrupt an adult conversation. For example, a little tug on a sleeve and then wait patiently for Mom or Dad to respond.

Be careful to stick to topics that your guest can relate to. Don't try to impress them with big words that they would have no clue about. You want to nurture a relationship, not come across arrogant and boastful.

If you are having a hard time getting conversation going, ask people about themselves, where they were born, where they went to school, how they met their spouse, their job, etc... Try to relax, remember your goal is to make your guest feel comfortable.


Make It a Family Affair
Make sure the family knows and understands that you practice hospitality because it is a way to serve others. It is about the family working as a whole.
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The children, even small ones, need to know it is their ministry also. They 'need' to know they are important and have a duty. They can help get the house ready. Older children can help with food preparation and clean up. Be sure someone greets the guest at their car, especially if they have small children and ask if they can help carry something. Be sure to stand on the porch and wave as the guest leave. This really does make your guest feel like they are important to you.

Adults need to know where their children are at all times. A child left to himself brings shame to his mother. We want to be good host and good guest.

Unexpected, but Welcomed Guest

If we spend just a little time each day trying to keep our homes in some sort of order (again giving all children a duty to do) it is easier to welcome unexpected guest with less stress. Our homes do NOT need to be spotless to open that front door if someone drops by for a little visit. We are real families, that 'live' in real homes. If we remember that we (speaking to the women) are the keepers of our homes (Titus 2:5), and make that as one of our missions, we will be more likely to open that door with a smile.

If possible, keep a dozen or two of cookies or brownies in the freezer to take out and serve with a cup of coffee or tea. A simple glass of lemonade on a hot day is a refreshing treat!



Other Ways to Practice Hospitality
While remodeling our one and only bathroom we had some friends invite us for supper one day, but we had to take a raincheck because we knew we'd still busy with the bathroom that day. Deferent insisted on bringing lunch to us.
We were all so moved by this friend and her family's act of kindness that I can hardly put it into words. She brought 2 large baskets full of rolls, 3 kinds of chips, mint patties, plates, napkins, and then a platter of lettuce, lunch meat, cheeses, pickles and peppers. All arranged so beautifully! Along with a jug of ice tea and lemonade, flowers and balloons!!! She, her daughter, age 12, and her infant son brought the food with beautiful smiles, right at lunch time! What a blessing!

We were so humbled! So thankful! This act of hospitality caused our hearts to flow over as we remembered God's love for us. We did not experience a death, a birth, a fire, or a serious illness to merit such a kind act. Just as God showers His blessings on us everyday when we are so undeserving. Their act of hospitality showed God's love to us in ways that can not be explained. I hope this will encourage you, as it has us, to be creative and find ways to serve others, to bless others when they least expect it.

Our cup runnith over!

I read this this morning, and it confirms alot that God is already teaching me. And though I can be weighed down with guilt, and sadness, I can also ask for forgivness, and look to God for his grace and mercy.

http://www.familyministries.com/HS_Crisis.htm

EASY Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberries are in season here, yum, yum...
Last night we had a few families over for supper and I made a quick simple strawberry Shortcake.

Take a pound or two of strawberries, chop them up, add just a little sugar, place in refrigerator while you bake a yellow cake (box mix is easiest), let it cool. Then in a pretty glass bowl (it's all about presentation ;o) ) break the cake in large chunks, layer it alternating cake, cool whip and strawberries. Add a few sliced strawberries on top. Chill a couple of hours if possible. ENJOY! This is one of our favorite summer time treats!


A Teacher of Good Things
I FINALLY finished the small quilt I was working on for our piano teacher. I added her 5 favorite hymns to it, and used colors that would match her home. Titus 2 tells us that we women are to be teachers of good things, and she is one that spends alot of time teaching a good thing!

I need to tell how my husband blessed me beyond words the other day. I've really had a hard time with missing my son, and Thursday was just awful, I feel like this dark cloud is just hanging over me all the time and the sun may never shine again...well...as I was pulling out of the driveway I saw Jeff was unloading his truck, and he was pulling off a full size see-saw!!! I just looked at him and said, "What are you going to do with that?" He said, "I thought I'd get this for the grandchildren." Oh my goodness! See he doesn't really talk that way, he is always so busy living in *today*. Our children are only 18, 15 and 11, so grandchildren are a bit in the future ya know... Well, it was like a beam of sunlight breaking through a storm cloud, a beam of hope, that there are brighter days ahead, there is hope, there is a future, I will feel like laughing again.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Reading from My Utmost for His Highest, August 18

2 sentences REALLY hit home to me.

"Are you more devoted to your idea of what Jesus wants than to Himself?"
***my confession:
I spend more time fretting over the do's and don'ts, and making sure everyone else is marching to the same drum, when my passion, my devotion should simply be set on Him.***

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"Discouragement is disenchanted self-love..."
***now there is a deep and painful thought!***

What are We Advertising?

Many years ago there was a family that I admired from a distance. They were a larger than 'normal' family (I think they have 10 or 11 now). When I saw them in public they were ALWAYS dressed neatly and modestly, the children were ALWAYS well behaved, but what I admired the most about them was that they were ALWAYS smiling and kind. My heart longed to be like that, not knowing that the key to it all was Jesus as Lord. I just knew I wanted to have what they had!!!

Since then God has given me the privilege to meet them and get to know them a little. They are not perfect, as none of us are, but they do strive to walk in obedience to God.

Whether we admit it or not, our actions, our words and our appearance are advertising. We are telling the world what we believe.

This morning I was thinking; What am I advertising about my role as a wife and mother? What am I saying with my attitude, my actions and my words towards my husband? Am I really honoring him? Am I walking the walk so that my daughters will honor their father and future husband? I tend to think I am so much more spiritual than he is, smarter than he is, second guessing his decisions (BOY! Pride is ugly!). According to God's word I am blaspheming GOD's Word (Titus 2). May God grant me forgiveness and mercy. I need to be 'advertisting' to others that marriage is wonderful!!! Not easy, but all the same, wonderful! I need to be 'advertisting' to others that my husband has my respect, not beacuse of us, but to bring glory to God.

This also goes into the areas of mothering. Am I 'advertising' to my children they are loved with the actions and words I use, or do I treat them like they are imposing on MY time? Am I 'advertising' to them that Motherhood is a high calling and to be desired? They are a gift from God!

What about appearance? Modesty is important. Do I dress in a way that is defrauding to others? Do I allow our daughters to look sensual just to be fashionable?

The list goes on and on. I don't intend for this to sound legalistic, at the same time Godliness is important. Let's *advertise* of Christ and ***His ways*** without even saying a word. Let's show a lost and dying world that God's ways are RIGHT, and GOOD! That HIS ways bring peace and joy, no matter what the circumstances. That God does bless obedience. Let's put our selfishness aside, SHOW our husbands honor and respect. SHOW our children love, even when it means putting aside all the things "we" want to do today.

The world is watching...what are we advertising?

Titus 2: 4-5so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.

From: "Toward a Christian
Marriage"

Our children are God's gift to us. If we are Christians, they are
God's; and it is our responsibility to hide them in Christ. It is our
responsibility to say 'No' to the world, which in every subtle way
would put it's stamps upon their minds and hearts. Our children are
given to us to raise for God. They are not given to us for our own
comfort, our joy-although we get comfort and joy from them; but they
are given to us by God to raise for Him. God has set fathers and,
under them, mothers to rule over their own families well, having their
"children in subjection with all gravity," with all godliness.
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Cleaning, Quilting and Children

Last night was our daughters' piano recital.

They did so well and we are so proud of their hours and hours of hard work to learn their music. We also catered the reception after the recital. Jeff and I had a late night the night before, he is a volunteer fireman and they had a structure fire, so we didn't get to sleep until after 3 am. Between being exhausted, and so much to do as far getting food ready for the recital, the housework was greatly neglected. When we got in from the recital about 10 pm I was too tired to do anything.

I woke up to my oldest daughter (15) washing the dishes...*what a blessing.* Both girls had plans today with Grandma, and as much as I hated to move from the recliner, I knew the dirty, cluttered house needed to be tackled. After putting on my sneakers, pulling my hair back, tying on an apron, and popping in some 'happy' music, I started my work. I spent several hours tackling one 'hot spot' (as Flylady would call them), then another. While I worked I prayed, sang, thought through some things, etc.. As I finished up mopping the floor and putting a flower on the kitchen table, I stood back and just enjoyed the finish product. Isn't a clean house so satisfying? Now if I wanted to put on my 'critical glasses', I could point out all that still needs to be done and go around feeling defeated all day, because it's never going to be done perfectly nor completely, there are always 'hot spots' that need to be taken care of. But I just want to enjoy the fruit of my labor and smile at a mopped floor before someone comes tracking in, which I'm sure will be dear ol' hubby :o)

I just love being a homemaker, I am NOT a house wife, nor am I a housekeeper, but a ***homemaker***. It is so satisfying when I have done my job and done it well. Feminist may think little of homemaking, that orderliness, clean floors, matching socks, a full meal on the table for supper, and so on, is not that big of a deal, that we *homemakers* are wasting our lives away doing things that no one notices, that we are not effecting the world, that we are not adding to the family income, etc... Well... my husband notices and it blesses him for me to be his helper (Gen. 'helpmeet'), he tells me this all the time. There is no dollar amount that anyone could pay me that would equal a "thank you" from my husband. Also, my Lord notices. He notices when I have a grateful, obedient attitude. According to His written word, He created me to be my husband's helper, and then to be a mother. There is so much peace in that, so much satisfaction. No, it is not always easy, most days are busy, tirering, and some are down right hard. But that is why I am here. To work, and rejoice in why God made me.

Cleaning is kind of like quilting. First you have to have the resolve to 'just do it'! Then start working your plan. I love the 'idea' of a quilt, I look at them and ooo and aww at them. I loooove to get under one when I am cold, but I don't necessarily enjoy all the cutting, measuring, sewing (fighting with thread, bobbins, ect...) RIPPING out seams, getting stuck by pins, and so on... but OOOOH! How I love the finished project. I find great accomplishment in knowing that *I* made that quilt. There is something so satisfying about creating something. And I think it is the same feeling I get when I clean house. I like the 'idea' of a nice clean house, but I really don't enjoy scrubbing the toilet, or the dust bunnies, or the stack of dirty clothes, but OOOOOH! how I love the finished product. I love to step back and look at my kitchen when it is clean. I love not having to jump and hide clutter if someone were to come to the door...lol!

And I guess it is the same for child training or most any other thing in life. No one really enjoys the task of spanking a child, or giving the same instruction 100 times, but we love the finished product of a well-behaved, skilled, kind, Godly, young adult.

Life is not easy, the majority of it is work, in one form or another. So we must resolve to do our work, with confidence that this is the will of the Father, with perseverance, purpose and joy. Seeking to glorify God...after all...THIS IS WHY WE ARE HERE!

Isaiah 40:31
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

~*~Kathy~*~
www.HigherGroundToday.com

Wouldn't it be neat while holding your little baby to have a blanket with Scripture on it that could help remind you of verses to pray over that little one?

A friend of mine just had her 5th baby. I made her a one of a kind quilt with some verses about being a Godly woman. I also sewed in a label on the back with the following said:

This quilt was especially made for:
Chandler-Mae ___________
Born: April____, 2006 at 3:30 p.m.
Entrusted by God to
Scott and Robin __________
Joining: Taylor, Tucker
Cooper and Cullen


Other Ideas:

A patchwork quilt from baby's clothes.

A quilt for college students in their school colors,
with mottos or verses on it.

Quilts with photos or saying from family members that live away,
such as grandparents.

What is your definition of success?

Do you view a woman to be successful different than a man being successful?

I try to read Proverbs 31 often to help me remember what it is I am suppose to be doing.

First and foremost vs. 30 says, "...But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised."
Above all I am to fear the Lord, obey Him. He is merciful, loving and kind, but He is also a just God who is very serious about sin.

I took just the words that pertained to my relationship to my husband.

vs.11 The heart of her husband trust in her, and he will have no lack of gain.
So I have to ask, does he trust me? Yes, I know he does, but how often I get careless about things, i.e. time, money, etc... I get lazy in my duties as his wife. I take for granted that he is so good to me. So often I am more concerned for my wants or what I think is best.

Vs. 12 She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.
I have not always done him good. When I am angry or hurt I tend to lash out or ignore him. Not at all what 1st Corth. teaches us about love. When I am worried about a situation I tend to take things in my own hands instead of simply trusting him as head of our family, in his God ordained position! This is so hard for me even though I know it is God's way.

vs.23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
So am I doing all I can to make my husband successful? Do I make it easier on him to be out, doing his work. Am I helping to build his reputation in public? Am I seeing to it the details at home are taken care of so he will have more time to be the leader God created him to be? A lazy, self-centered, rebellious, arrogant wife, is the down fall of many a good men.

vs. 28-29 Her children rise up and bless her; her husband also, and he praises her, saying: "Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all."
Ahhh! I love this one! When my husband praises me it is worth more than ANY paycheck you could give me! Because he DOES trust me, because HE is my career. So often I fail miserably because I live in this body of flesh, but he does know that my goal in life is to be a servant of God, and the main way I do this is to be Jeff's wife, and then the mother of our children. These duties are done 24/7, and by God's grace alone. Oh! Where would we be without grace?

Emma's Cross Picture
This is a picture Emma took last fall for a 4-H Photography Contest. We were so impressed with God's beautiful sun ray shining through!