Become the Ideal Woman

Call me peculiar – you won’t be the first.  I think it is possible to be a good wife and the ideal woman without going insane.  The bible even takes the time to give me a blueprint for walking that line.  Proverbs 31 says that a virtuous woman is one who:

-         does her husband good

-         has a husband that trusts her

-         works with her hands

-         brings food

-         rises in the morning (before the sun and the rest of the house)

-         fixes meals

-         plants a field

-         is spiritually, mentally, and physically fit

-         has an open home at all times

-         helps others

-         decorates her home

-         dresses well

-         makes and sells

-         teaches other women

-         is excited about the future

-         speaks wisdom in kindness

-         has an organized home

-         is praised because of her own works

Every now and then, I sit down and make the list of accomplishments from Proverbs 31.  I usually refer to the Amplified translation quite a bit because it breaks down the words into more traditional speech.  Every time I do, something new or different pops out at me.  (For instance, “she makes fine linen garments and sells them” is just “she makes fine linen” in the King James Version.  For the longest time, I was trying to “make garments” to sell and it wasn’t working out.  When I redid the list and used the KJV, I realized that my articles are submitted on linen paper.  I was already fulfilling this aspect of the ideal woman).

This time, I noticed that the woman was dressed nice and had a nice home.  I don’t think this gives me license to go on a shopping spree (oh well) but I do think it reminds me that I have to make the best of what I have.  My home needs to be “guest ready” at all times so that when people come by they feel welcomed and want to come back.

I also think I found the key to being the ideal woman.  Proverbs 31:27b “the bread of idleness she does not eat.”  If I’m not wasting time then there is plenty of time to do all the things I need (and want) to do.

Think of being a good wife and the ideal woman as the job you are assigned.  Would you get a raise with the way you have been doing things?  What are some of the things you can do different to help you get a good job evaluation in the future?

Today, I got up and did my bible study in my sweats.  After that, I got dressed like I was going to the doctor’s office (or some other “important” public appearance).  I also made the bed.  Now my bedroom and I are prepared to face the day.  Are you prepared?

Add comment October 15th, 2007

10 Steps to Balance Your Schedule

Having a balanced schedule does not mean giving up all the things you love to do in order to do the things you need to do. It simply requires that you manage your time and eliminate the things in your life that don’t enhance your goals or that do create more work.

1. Write out the goals you have for your personal life, your family life, and your career. Include short term goals (monthly or yearly) and long term goals (five years and ten years).

2. Make a schedule of all the things that you do in one week. Include all meeting, drive time, and commitments. Be sure you put in time for chores (like cooking, laundry, and cleaning).

3. Circle all the things you enjoy doing.

4. Highlight all the things you feel you are “called” to do.

5. Mark out those things that you don’t like to do and isn’t helping you in your long term goals.

6. Look at the things that you marked out. Is this something you can easily pass on to another member of your family or group? Maybe your husband is the chef in the family (or maybe one of the older children is showing a desire to work in the kitchen). Is it a job that would be better for you to PAY someone else to do (mow the lawn or clean the house)? Is it something that doesn’t really have to be done by anyone? Let go of those things that you don’t have to do.

7. Rewrite your schedule with just those items you have circled or highlighted. Overcome the urge to fill in the gaps. Allow your free time to be free time. You don’t have to schedule every minute in order to have an orderly life.

8. Think before you take on a new assignment. Ask yourself if it’s something that will enhance your goals, bring your family closer together, or make your future brighter?

9. Learn to say no. Just because you are asked doesn’t mean you have to agree. “Just say no” is a great motto to live by.

10. Enjoy your life. If you are doing things that make you miserable then you will be a miserable person to be around. Enjoy your life and the people around you will soon follow suit.

Being busy doesn’t mean you are using your time wisely. A balanced schedule is one that is focused and purposeful. By eliminating some activities, you can make your life (and your family’s experience) one that is full of joy.

Add comment October 15th, 2007