Becoming A Proverbs 31 Woman

So God has really been speaking to me lately in regards to the changes he needs to see in me. I have been struggling in a lot of areas. Not to get too personal but sometimes when things get a bit overwhelming, my first reaction is to run from it and make a fresh start. I am fighting with myself to end this cycle. It is very hard. I am trying to become a better woman and wife by examining where I need to chnage and not focusing on what is wrong with everyone else. A friend posted something about becoming a Proverbs 31 woman that really hit home for me. And then I came across a blog called Becoming A Proverbs 31 Woman. I guess that is a clear message from God. I will fast and focuse on this Bible Chapter. Here is the blog that I came across today. I found it very helpful and I hope you enjoy it as well...

Growing up I always had the mentality that Proverbs 31 was qualities that a wife and mother needed to have. Whenever I read that chapter I always thought to myself “Wow, what an amazing woman of God – I’m going to have a LOT to work on to keep up with the standards that she sets”. Recently as I was once again reading this chapter from the bible it dawned on me that I need to work on having all of those qualities in my life right now – not the day after my wedding. There’s a saying out there about how putting a ring on your finger and getting married does not mean that you will automatically become this amazing wife/husband you thought you would be. If you don’t possess these qualities in your life before marriage, then you won’t have them after you get married either.
I decided to break down the verses (not all of them) for myself and write down what they mean along with how I need to apply them to my life right now… It makes it nice and easy for me to see the different areas I need to continue working on. And- even if you are single and not planning on getting married anytime soon – all of these qualities are still important to acquire so that we can truly be the women of God we are called to be.
I know the “Proverbs 31 Woman” is a bit intimidating with her perfection sometimes. But possessing the qualities that she has is not impossible and the sooner we get working on them the better our lives will be… :) God bless all of you!!

Proverbs	Qualities	Application
15 - She rises also while it is still night and gives food to her household and portions to her maidens.	Wakes up early and prepares for the day. Self-disciplined.	Get up early. Have my morning time with God. Prepare myself for the day not only physically, but spiritually as well.
16- She considers a field and buys it; From her earnings she plants a vineyard.	Spends her money wisely.	Create a monthly budget and stick to it. Don’t waste my money.
17 – She girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong.	Strengthens herself physically (and spiritually). Stays energetic.	Exercise and eat healthier food (physical strength). Read the Bible and pray (spiritual strength).
20- She extends her hand to the poor, and she stretches out her hands to the needy	Generous to the needy. Cares for others, not only herself. Unselfish.	Have a servant’s heart. Give my time, energy, and finances to others.
25- Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future.	Optimistic and confident about her future.	Have a positive attitude :) always!
27 – She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.	Takes care of the home. Isn’t lazy.	Keep my stuff in order. My office, my room, my car….
26 – She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.	Speaks with wisdom and encouragement.	Don’t gossip or waste time talking about useless things. Encourage others with my words.
13- She looks for wool and flax and works with her hands in delight.	Works hard and does it joyfully.	Work hard without complaining.
22- She makes coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.	Takes care of her outside appearance.	Don’t have too many bad hair days ;)
30- Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.	Fears God.	Take care of my heart and my spiritual life. Live in a way that honors God.

Natural Beauty

Hello Readers! It has been a few weeks since I have posted anything. I blame working seven days a week the past month and a half for that! I'm not complaining because hard work is very necessary. I just haven't had much time for anything else but work and my home. However, the journey hasn't ended.

I've previously talked about all of the journeys that are included in this one big journey that I am on. These include finding myself as a woman, a child of God, a mother, a wife, getting in shape, controlling my anger, forgiving others, etc. As far as finding myself as a woman. I am finally at a point where I am beginning to fully love myself from the inside out. And that comes with knowing who you are regardless of what others may think or say. I have people in my life who lie on me and like to tell their version of their story and like to misinterpret my character. I don't try to go to the people they talk to and tell my story because God knows and I know. I use to care way too much about what others thought of me and I wondered why my feelings were always hurt. I could care less now. No matter what you do people will say you don't do enough. No matter how genuine you are people will always call you fake. No matter how beautiful you feel someone will always find you unattractive. At the end of the day their opinions do nothing to benefit you! So why take on the thoughts, lies, words, negativity, jealousy, and hatred of others. The problem they have is really with themselves.

Ok, I really didn't mean to go on a rampage with that. I said all that to announce that I have gone through the "big chop". I cut all relaxer out of my hair and have decided to embrace my natural curls (that i didn't know existed). I guess I have my creole side to thank for this texture. This is way out of my comfort zone. I'm so use to covering up behind weaves and braids. But who says you need those to be beautiful? I am loving my hair and learning to feel comfortable in my own skin. And this is in no way any shade to those who wear weaves. I will probably get one again when I want to give my hair a break or just get tired of it. I am just done using relaxers and heat on my hair. I am learning more each day on how to style and care for my natural hair. Thank God I have a great stylist (shout out to Paitton).

So with that said, we should all learn to love ourselves from the inside out. No one should be able to control how you think or feel about yourself. Do you!