every age and every situation

The Sewing Lesson, Hendrik Heyligers 1877 – 1967, Dutch

My favorite passage in the scriptures is Proverbs 31:10-31, because it is a lovely sort of tapestry of the life any woman may weave.We are taught that a virtuous woman has faith, that she will stand as a witness of God at all times, in all things, in all places. She patterns her life after the Savior. She respects her husband and nurtures and teaches her children in a way that pleases her father and heaven. She is more concerned about the health of her family and self than seeking pleasure. She practices an attitude of charity with all she serves. Joyfully, without grumbling, she is frugal and works hard. A model of hospitality, she sees homemaking as a rewarding career and learns skills to improve in this area. She is diligent and spends her precious time wisely. Never slovenly, she knows she is a daughter of God and wears His image in her countenance.

This is a tall order for anyone, but it is our instruction manual. Searching the scriptures, we can find one for every age and every situation. I'm glad God isn't watching us from a distance but is a very real part of the lives of those who accept Him. He cared enough about us to prepare guidance for us. He wants us to return to Him, but we must do our part and seek out His Words. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105

It is important to understand that a woman can keep the list without being virtuous. what is the condition of our hearts? What is our motivation?"The Proverbs 31 woman did not have a clean house so that she could be proud of how well organized she was. She did not dress her family in beautiful clothing so that others could be envious. She did not operate a business so that she could be well known in the gates. She did not care for the needy so that she could win a humanitarian award. She was not a virtuous woman because she went to church or sang in the choir. She was a woman who loved the Lord, and this was the motivation for all that she did. She was self-sacrificing in her love for others. She was a virtuous woman because everything she did was for a spiritual reason. She was a virtuous because she rose up early so she could meet the needs of her family. she lived for others. not for self. She was a virtuous woman because she was fulfilling the role foe which God had created her. It is not the list we do or who we are trying to be that makes us virtuous, but loving the Lord. As a result, we try to be obedient to all His precepts and commandments."  Susan Zakula, Keepers at Home, The Joy of Womanhood, 43

Reading the scriptures and keeping this journal are my delight. I don't keep it to preach to anyone but myself. If you enjoy reading it, I am happy. If you feel offended, please, realize it is not my intention to offend but to teach myself.