One Week

Well, it's been one week since probably the hardest, worst day of my life.  I still don't really know how to respond and it's almost like I'm living a really bad dream; all I can do is pray for the Lord's will to be done and honestly, that's very hard for me.  I really need to learn how to fully rely on Him because he knows what's best, but I'm human and I think I know what's best for me.  Ughhhhh...going through a really hard time and I could just use some prayers.

Proverbs 31 woman

Although I'm not a wife yet and I know I won't be for a good loooooong while, a Proverbs 31 woman is something we as women (married or not) should all strive to be.  I don't know about the making and designing of all those clothes...don't think I really have to worry too much about that...it is the 21st century, after all!  On a more serious note, I do, however, know that the woman that this passage describes is something I want to work towards.  I'm still a work in progress and I know that I've got a long road ahead of me, but I know that with effort, God's help, learning to really be comfortable with myself, becoming independent, and putting ALL my faith and trust in Him (easier said than done), I will eventually be a good woman.  *Side-note* I read a few different versions of this passage and I really liked The Message; easy to understand, but it still retains all of the important, "good stuff."

Proverbs 31:10-31

The Message (MSG)

Hymn to a Good Wife
 ^10-31 A good woman is hard to find,
   and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
   and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
   all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
   and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
   and brings back exotic surprises.
She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast
   for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it,
   then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
   rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
   is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
   diligent in homemaking.
She's quick to assist anyone in need,
   reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn't worry about her family when it snows;
   their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing,
   and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected
   when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them,
   brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
   and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
   and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
   and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her;
   her husband joins in with words of praise:
"Many women have done wonderful things,
   but you've outclassed them all!"
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
   The woman to be admired and praised
   is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
   Festoon her life with praises!

A work in progress, 

Abigail