My First Love.............

'"Nevertheless, I have this one thing against you, that you left your first love." Rev. 2:4  Now, some of you may be thinking, "What the heck is she talking about?"  Let me explain....I started out my blog as a way for me to share my gifts and talents with others.  While I continue to do that, I have become very busy in my designing and creating, which is not bad in itself..........except, I never want to be so busy that I forget my first Love, Jesus Christ.   I love seeing how the Lord works in my life and in others and I love to share that with people.  So, if I have neglected doing that in any way.......SHAME ON ME!  I love looking at Gods word and seeing how it applies to my every day, day in and day out, activities.  He is always teaching me, and showing me how to be more like Him.  Unfortunately, I don't always learn on the first go around.  I want to finish our walk through the Proverbs 31 woman and then I have a little something for you!  Proverbs 31:30 says that "Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman that fears the Lord, she shall be praised"  Now, I am human, of course, and I like a little pat on the back every now and then ( ok like at least once a day! ).  But who's praise am I really after?  You know, only the eternal things really matter, and so If I am looking for mans praise, well that pat on the back, and maybe a little acknowledgement is all I am going to get, and that will quickly fade into the past.  But those things I do, to please my Lord, well that is a different horse all together ( you know I'm in Texas, right? ).  Those things will last and will be of value to others too!  May I remember this as I go about my daily life, always looking to Him and seeing His hand in my life and then answering His call to share with others, My First Love, Jesus!  Did I hit any nerves with anyone else?  I know it hit home for me.  So, now my friends, here is a little something I am sure many of you have been anxious to get.  It is Decembers calendar.  So this finishes up the year, but i did make a cover layout so, be sure to come back and snag it next week.  Blessings and Grace for today!  His, Teri

I Digi-Dare You! (I mean I dare all my digi-friends)

That is just my way of saying i dare all my digi friends!  Ok, on with Proverbs!  We have come too far to stop now!  I have ben so busy with getting things set up in the store at Pretty Scrappy, but I do not want to neglect the most important things... the eternal things.  I have a motto I live by since having had cancer... If it doesn't have eternal value it is not that important.  But this, this is important.  Lets look at the Proverbs 31:29 woman.     'Many women have done noble work, but you have surpassed them all!'  Oh me...........its going to be another convicting post i can tell!  I have watched two great movies this week and I would recommend them to you too.  One was an older movie, Facing the Giants and the other one, is at theaters now...Fireproof.  Great Christian films, done in a way that hits you right where you are.  There are lessons for everyone in these two films.  And so, that brings me back to this Proverbs 31 woman.  What we need are more women who are willing to set their wants aside and seek what God wants in our lives.  What a selfish nation we have become. The challenge is this, are you willing to seek the Lord and see what He wants you to do in your life?  Uh oh, preaching to the choir here...Am I ?  I wish I could say with all confidence, yes.  But the truth is, more often than not, I want to do my thing not God's.  So, this is a joint challenge.  I will seek to try to make sure the work I do is of noble character.  God knows my heart, but sometimes my flesh gets in the way. Let's work on this together, ok?  His, Teri 

How About A Little Praise? A closer look at Proverbs 31:28

Now who doesn't like to get a little Praise every now and then? I know I do! So, lets look a little closer at Proverbs 31:28 "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her". I had to chuckle when I looked at this verse for several reasons! Let me "splain" myself here. First of all....seriously, her children "ARISE" ...well that's was new concept when my kids were still at home...they slept half the day! And when they did finally arise at the crack of noon...they didn't arise and call me blessed! They mostly wanted to get me to do something for them, to help them get going and off to what ever they had planned for the rest of there day. But that is just a side note! Now about this concept. You know, all my children are either married or out on their own now, but for me, this is a scripture that I desire so much in my life! I think even more so than when they were all home and under foot. And this month, reflecting on the loss of my mother at a young age, I was 20 and a brand new mother of 2 very small boys and she was 47 at the time of her death. I really miss having her in my life. But, I see now, how blessed I was, and I regret not being able to share deeper spiritual things with her. So, my desire is that I can live my life in such a way, that my children will think of me often, even as they arise, and look at me and my life and feel blessed. I am sad to say, that I don't think this is a reality in my life now, but I hold on to the promise's of His Word. As I grow spiritually, I see so many mistakes that I have made, and want to make sure I learn from those and move on to leaving a positive, Christian influence on my children. Isn't that the ultimate goal of a Godly mother? Now, it doesn't stop there. Her husband also praises her! Now I am blessed to have a super fantastic husband who is full of praise for me! My need is to live up to that praise! For those of us who are blessed in this way, lets remember to be forever thankful for that blessing that is so easily and often taken for granted. And if you are not blessed with a Man who worships you (and as a friend of ours once said, about how a husband should treat his wife) and treats you like fragile china..( isn't that a great thought? ) well we still have the promises of God to hold on to. That by our very lives and the way we live it before him, that we can win him over to the Lord. So, lets be about letting our light so shine before men ( in this case our family ) that they will glorify our Father who is in Heaven. For sure, today's post is something to ponder! So ponder away! Blessings and Grace to meet you at your greatest need today and everyday, Teri.

Proverbs 31, still going....are you still with me?

We are getting to the last few verses in Proverbs and today we are focusing on verse 27. But because it has been a while since we looked at the whole chapter, I am putting it here again. This is a great look at a great woman!

Proverbs 31: 10-31
10 A wife of noble character who can find?She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still dark;she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
16 She considers a field and buys it;out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

So lets look at verse 27 a little more closely. "She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness." Any one else feeling just a tad guilty? I know that there are times that I do a fair job at keeping track of things around the house, but lately, not so good. I think (out of necessity) when my kids were all at home, that I did a better job. But now, that it is just me and my hubby, I know that I have gotten slack in making sure things were taken care of. OK, I am getting it! I confess and will try to, I mean I WILL DO better in this area. Now the cause of this lack of keeping watch, well its found in the second part of this verse. The Virtuous Woman, does NOT eat the bread of idleness! Well that's one bakery I need to stay away from! You see, when I get lazy, that's when I neglect the things that God has intrusted to me. I don't know if its because I am getting older, but I was just telling a friend this morning, that "My get up and go, has got up and went!". Can any of you relate? I just don't want to go all the time like I used to! Well that's no excuse to become lazy. And we can be very active women, and still be "spiritually lazy". I think this scripture could be talking about both. For sure, the physical, but as women, mothers, wives, sisters etc. we are also not to be spiritually lazy in praying for our loved ones, being a role model for others. I desire so much to be a great witness for the Lord to those whom I love dearly. And for me, and maybe others, these are the hardest for me to seemingly reach. Maybe because they see me at my worst? Well that is an area that I want to work on, leaving a legacy to those I love.......Well, I need to get a move on here.....so until I blog again....Blessings and Grace, Teri

Where Has The Time Gone?

24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.

I can't believe that it has been so long since I posted about this woman.  And what a woman she is.  I put these two together because not only did this woman make garments for others, and sold them to merchants, no less.  She also clothed herself!  But, with strength and dignity.  I am sorry to sound like a broken record, but she made the garments after she had faithfully fulfilled all her other duties as a wife.    Hint, Hint.  So again we see that this woman was organized.  She knew how to set priorities for herself and follow them.  And then, she worked on her other projects.  Oh gosh... I think I just want to quit right here!  Ha Ha.  I am feeling a little convicted as I type.  To be a Godly woman, able to work with other merchants in a Christ like manner.  Integrity comes to mind.  Trustworthy, those merchants would not want to buy from someone who did shabby work.  What kind of work do you do for others?  You know, I have tried to do my best, even though I am giving away my designs, to do them.... as unto the Lord.  To the best of my ability.  Now, I need to let that idea overflow to other areas of my life.  Are there areas of your life that you could work on?  Now the fact that she was clothed with strength and dignity.  She radiated these qualities.  I know some people in my life that just radiate, Christ.  When I  am around them, they want to know what He is doing in my life, they share what He has done in theirs.  It is an overflow of who they are.  They are "covered" with His strength and dignity.  But the best part is the last 8 words of this passage.  You know why?  Because of the fact that she could laugh at the days to come!  Who knows what we are going to face tomorrow?   What kind of testing and trials we may face.  God does.  And this woman had already settled it with Him that no matter what, she was going to be able to face it with joy!  Now that is comforting.  Right ?  So lets settle it right now for us, that no matter what we are facing, or will face that we will do it with joy, being able to laugh at the days to come.  His, Teri 

Oh, To Be Blessed With a Godly Husband!

We have been looking at the Proverbs 31 woman and now we get to look at her hubby! Verse 23 says " Her husband is respected at the city gate,where he takes his seat among the elders of the land." I am so blessed to have a very Godly husband. He is one of those men who, everyone he meets, automatically likes him. He has a knack with words, to say the right things at the right time...(well for the most part) He has stuck his foot in his mouth a few times! Ha Ha! After all , he is human. But he is one, who, no matter what you believe, you would respect him and he is well thought of in our community. He is a leader (elder) in our church and is one that people know they can turn to when there are things that need to get done. Now, why am I saying all this? Well, we, as Godly women, can do a lot to help our husbands be this type of man. This is a "Oh, me" lesson. I am way too often, not a helper in our ministry together...but sometimes a hindrance. I am, more than I care to admit, selfish with our time, my wants and desires. I want to be the wife that supports him in what God has called him to be and do. I may be writing this just for me, but I needed to reflect on the blessing of a Godly husband and my role as a Godly wife! Sorry, you got the lecture too! I am going to try to be more of an encourager and less of a whiner....I bet he notices... take care and have a great holiday weekend....His, Teri

The "Creative" Proverbs 31 Gal!

Verse 22 of Proverbs 31 says "She makes for herself cushions of needlework; her clothing is fair linen and purple." I looked at several translations of this verse and I loved this one the best! I guess because it reflected a more creative lady. Cushions of needlework? Well they didn't have scrapbooking back then right? If they had I am sure she would have been a digi-scrapper! LOL But we know, she was resourceful right? Creative also. And so are we! She took pride in what she did and how she looked. She made sure she dressed for the part. What part? A noble woman. And in today's world, that in itself is a challenge! Remember, I have not arrived, but am on this Virtuous Woman journey with you. If you feel like you could never measure up to this ladies standards, you are not alone. AND you are right! We, can not measure up to what God has called each of us to do. Only through Christ, can we become what He wants us to be. We are truly, work's in progress. That's the key...we need to be making progress. Come along with me, won't you? His, Teri

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.......

21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. On with the "Virtuous Woman" we have been looking at in Proverbs chapter 31. Some of us have a hard time looking down the road. I tend to be one of those. Far too many times, I have faced a situation, only to look at the "moment" and not the "years to come". Looking only at the temporal and not the eternal. This woman looked down the road and plan accordingly. Tom ( my hubby ) and I are beginning to plan for our future and where we want to "end up" in our journey thru life. Now, we know our final resting place (lol) but what are we gonna do with our life, what's in our future. This woman had already thought of what her family needs would be once winter came and she made the necessary preparations to see to it that her family would have what was necessary. We as mothers, need to do the same for our families. What areas of your life, your priorities, need to change in order to make sure we look into the future and plan accordingly? I know for me, I need to think things thru more carefully, look at what the "ripple effect" would be depending on my actions. I want to make sure when the snow falls, that my family will be safe, warm and dry. Finding all they need, staying high and dry at home! Let's begin by looking a little further down the road when we are making decisions that affect our family. As I type this, we are getting ready to take our daughter back to college today! Now talk about having to look down the road to make sure she will be able to face "the weather" that lies ahead of her, and have confdence that we have planned ahead for what comes her way. Well it shouldn't be too hard, I think she is taking everything she owns! LOL Have a great weekend and I will be back with you guys soon! His, Teri

I am Woman hear me Roar! Proverbs 17, 18

Proverbs 17 and 18 says: "17 She sets about her work vigorously, her arms are strong for her tasks. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable,and her lamp does not go out at night. " Now this woman sounds like a go-getter right? I mean she gets up and at' em and works hard. She is strong, and in good physical shape too. Not only that, but she makes wise decisions that prosper her family. And if that's not enough, she works late into the night! Well, one out of four ain't bad right? I mean I stay up late at night. LOL You know, God wants us to prosper. I am not a name it and claim it person. Thank heavens he doesn't give me all i ask for! No, what I mean is, if we lived our life the way He really wanted us to, we would be healthier, and better stewards of what we have. Well, at least I would. I would make better use of my time and talents. Put them in their proper places. I love this passage, the virtuous woman. Who wouldn't want to be like her. It gives me a plumb line. A place where I know I should be. A mark to shoot for. As my husband says to young people these days, "You gotta have a plan. Whats your plan?" We need one, don't you think? Lets make a covenant to begin today to "plan" to be more like this woman! I can hear you roaring now! Grace and Blessings for today, Teri

Proverbs 31 continues...

Verse 16 "She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard." Are you into real estate? Well, I am not! So to consider a field to buy, I would have no idea. I leave that up to my husband, he is the REAL farmer. But the just of this for me is, that it is teaching me to be industrious. Make what I do have, prosper. My talents and my gifts. Put my effort into something that is going to continue to produce, not just the temporary. See, I tend to think too much about, well there is no easy way to say it..... instant gratification! I don't think I am alone in this either. So, God wants me to consider where and what I am investing in.... right? Real estate is really just an investment. So look at where and what I am investing my time in and see if it is something that is going to produce fruit later? If not, look at what I can invest my time in that WILL produce fruit. So maybe we are all into real estate, in the buying and selling of our "priorities". Ever thought of yourself that way? Me neither! I am so thankful for God's word that will teach me, not only how to please Him, but how to live my life so that I can make a difference in others, no matter how small. I just got to adjust, when he reveals a truth to us! Think of it as as attitude adjustment! Till tomorrow, Teri

Hey, It's Dark Outside!

Proverbs 31:15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girl. Well, I would be better off just staying up all night! I have a hard time going to sleep, so getting up while it is still dark, sounds like a nightmare to me! LOL Planning, Planning and more Planning is what keeps coming to my mind. And that other "P" word, priorities! She planned to rise early, and get things going. I can tell you, when I do get up and get going early in the mornings, I am way more productive! Are you listening, Teri? You got to make some changes. Another thing, don't you find that when your house is quiet, before everyone gets up and wants something from you, that you can accomplish more? I love that time. This has been a good lesson for me. I know that these are areas I need to personally work on. Now about that servant girl. She not only prepared for her, but for her servant as well. Equality comes to mind. Has Gods placed people in your path that might need a serving of His Love and Grace? I think God wants us to have the spirit of generosity. Doing special things for those who "serve" us. No maid, no problem ( I don''t have one either ) But there are many people out there who serve me. People at the check out line, on the phone, at an appointment and the list just goes on and on. Do you provide them with the "spiritual food" that we have to share? You know, you can't share what you don't have, right? I am going to do my best to rise early, prepare food ( spiritually and physically ) and for my servants as well. You up for the challenge? As my friend Vicky says, I digi-dare you!

Its about Time.......the Virtuous Woman and her family

So, on with Proverbs.... verse 14 "She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar." I didnt post yesterday, had a real busy day and so it gave me more time to think about this verse. My wonderful grandfather, who I worship, was a chief engineer of those hugh ships that go all over the world. Well, I have heard him tell stories about some of his trips and it was not always "smooth sailin' " so to speak. So I thought about that, and how, it relates for me, to this scripture. It is not always easy, planning, preparing, and fixing meals for our family. Then, there is cleaning, and picking up...well you got the idea, right? So, like this scripture says, bringing food from afar....well that tell you right there, that it is not neccessaryly going to be easy. She had to go far to get her food, and like those merchant ships, had to endure all that life threw at her. Well so do we. I need so much to plan my meals better, it is so improtant in our fast paced lives to make sure we have some family time. And what better place than the dinner table. (I forgot we had a dinner table.....lol) And for me, now that for the most part, it is just the two of us, well thats even harder. I dont want to cook for the two of us! But I am going to strive to, at least make our meal times more special. No matter what this ship has to face. After all, family really is a matter of time....enjoy! And speaking of family, I am going to be with mine this weekend so if I don't get around to postin' you will understand, right? Blessings and Grace for today! His, Teri

Still Going.....

In my look at the Proverbs 31 woman, we are on verse 13. " She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. " OK, this one is going to be an easier pill to swallow. We don't have sheep and we dont grow flax, but we do grow cotton. These next few verses are going to look at our behavior. This in particular is talking about what we do with our hands. I wish I would have taken the time to scan a picture of my mom, while riddled with the effect of cancer taking her life, was sitting and cross stitching a baby blanket for our oldest son when he was born. I love that picture! And it is a perfect example of the verse to me. She found what she thought would be the perfect blanket for her 1st grandson and then, with eager, loving, hurting, dying hands....she cross stitched that baby blanket for him! I still have the blanket, by the way. So that's the eagerness that comes to mind when I read this verse. It superseded everything else. She wanted to make that for him, no matter what. And she did. If only I would face more of my life like she did. Setting her mind to get the best she could, and then eagerly complete the task set before her. Ya think you can find an area that you might be able to apply this to? I know I can. We were blessed today for Gods protection on our cotton crop! We were spared any heavy devastating rain and wind. It came within a mile of where our cotton is and then, starting to burn off. Thank you Lord, for your watch care. Blessings til' your basket runs over, Teri

More of Proverbs 31....

OK, lets look at the next verse, verse 12 "She does him good and not evil, All the days of her life." Well that looks like a given. But let's look deeper. (If anyone is still reading this. I have not had a single comment since the first day, so not sure this is going over, but anyway, its where God is speaking to me.) So how do I do that, you ask? Well you ever seen a cheerleader? That is a great way to do our husband good and not evil. Be his best cheerleader! In front of your kids, family, friends...everywhere. Let them and Him know that you are on his team and want Him to succeed. When we put him down, even in small ways, we are putting a hole in his heart, like we are tripping him up and sabotaging his game plan! We are to build him up. You know, we are only responsible for OUR actions? Not his! Boy, do I need this. I know that when I wholeheartedly try to uplift Tom, in all that I do, it makes an incredible difference in how he acts and treats me. It's better for sure! We need to do our best to do things that would be good for him. Remember the saying, "Whats good for the goose, is good for the gander?" Well come on ganders, let be good to our goose!I didn't have a picture of a goose or a gander so I am showing you a picture of my goose and his gander, this was taken in Maine last October!

A Little More Virtue... Proverbs 31:11

"The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain." Ok, I am blessed to have been married for 32 years with the love of my life and my high school sweetie. And we totally trust each other in every way. This is a little different kind of trust. This is knowing that she will take care of all his belongings. Everything is in trusted to her and she will be trustworthy in all areas. Uh Oh, all areas. Woops...that means when I don't tell him everything, and I know I should, that I am not being trustworthy? Afraid so, Teri. Being truthful, in all areas, whether it is doing what is right, in a timely manner or taking care of running the household in the right way. Setting PRIORITIES straight! (did you see my template on priorities?) His heart is at stake here! His heart trusts in her. I love that! Now, the no lack of gain, well if we are doing all we should, he will be fully satisfied and will not be in want of anything! We should be wise in how we spend our time and money. Are there things we can do to help with the finances? Is that an area you might could help. It doesn't have to be a job, it might be, but it could just be being better stewards. Hello, is any one still reading? I am afraid I may have lost everyone by now...lol. "Points to Ponder" for sure! Until we meet again, or the Lord returns, Teri

The Proverbs 31 Woman

Well I went to bed last night....hrhmm at cough, cough, 3:30. But when I got to bed, I could not get this scripture off my mind. Many years ago, when cross stitching was my thing, I cross-stitched this Proverb. As a young married girl, with out my Mom to guide me ( she died of Breast Cancer when I was 20 ) I really needed guidance in how to be a good wife and mother. What better place to turn to than, Proverbs 31. The Virtuous Woman! So, here I am again, reflecting on what exactly that means....So here is the whole section on what she looks like:

10 A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.

11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.

12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.

13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.

14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.

15 She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.

16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.

18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.

19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

20 She opens her arms to the poor

and extends her hands to the needy.

21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.

26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

29 "Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

31 Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Remember, you are just eavesdropping on what the Lord is showing me, so I don't claim to have arrived here by any means! But I am gonna take this a little slow.. like just reflect on the first verse, verse 10. Noble Character, my bible says an excellent wife, who can find one? Well they are out there, but they are hard to find. Not only are we as Moms missing the mark way too often, but we are not raising our girls to be of "Noble Character". I have a 19 year old daughter, who loves the Lord, for which I am so thankful, but I know, this is an area I have more often that not, failed at. Really showing her, and guiding her, into this thinking. We are so busy, so selfish, so uninterested in God's way, way too many times. I am thankful that we know, we can ask anything in his will and he will give it to us. So ask today, that you ( and I ) will become more like the Proverbs 31 Woman. It will not only bless you, but bless your family (and for sure your husband). And for you gals who are still single, you are not off the hook. He still wants you to have these spiritual qualities. You are more likely than not, someones spiritual mother. There is someone who is looking to you, or at you, to see how you respond to everyday situations. After all, isn't that true for all of us. We need to reflect these qualities in our everyday life. That's where we live! And to be of more value to Him that Ruby's..well now, thats a thought. Yesterday, I had to do a few things on the computer for my hubby and later, I had to help him find some things he was looking for, telling him where I thought he would have put them, and I thought then, "Yep, my job is secure here, he can't use the computer without me, and needs me to help him find the catsup behind the milk in the fridge." See I am of great value to him. That's what we want right? To be of value to our spouses? So instead of getting frustrated, remember the worth of being a Proverbs 31 woman. So as I continue to grow in His Grace, won't you come with me in this journey?