Chapter 1

Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.

Proverbs 31:10-12

I started reading "The Power of a Praying Wife" again this week for the millionth time. I read it all the way through once right after Tim and I got married, and since then, I've tried to start it several times, but I get distracted and don't finish it. "No excuse," I told myself. I must remember how to better pray for my husband.

The moms in my playgroup began a bible study over this, but with sickness, absurd amounts of snow, and new babies, we've had to put it on hold. However, I have the study guide (thanks to my friend, Aimee), which I think will be a lot of help, as I thumb my way through this book.

Some things that stood out to me yesterday, as I read through the first chapter, were- "One of the greatest gifts you can give your husband is your own wholeness." (pg. 27) So often I feel spread thin, you know? But I think one of the best things the author said so far was, "Talking to God about your husband is an act of love. Prayer gives rise to love, love begets more prayer, which in turn gives rise to more love." (pg. 29)

I'm a stay at home mom, so the home is where I spend the majority of my time. It's work, but it's fun work- rewarding work. I wouldn't trade it for the world. I'm always changing things up around the house, moving things around...Lately, I've been realizing that, more important than decor is making sure that my "home is a peacful sanctuary--a source of contentment, acceptance, rejuvination, nurturing, rest, and love for (my) family." The author says that we should, "Ask the Lord to show (us) how to make your home a safe haven that builds up your family--a place where creativity flows and communication is ongoing. Ask God to help you keep the house clean, the laundry done, the kitchen in order, the pantry and the refrigerator full, and the beds made." (pg. 37) I've always had a schedule for my day, which mostly revolved around playtime/storytime activities and I had in my head certain set aside cleaning days, but if the bed didn't get made, it didn't ruin my day, and it shouldn't. With that said, though, for me, getting something as simple as the bed made or the dishes and laundry caught up is a reflection of how diligent I am with my time and if I really think about it, there is time in a day to get everything I need to done. I don't ever want to skimp my boys on playtime, and I won't, but as a mother of two boys, it is my job to be an example of the type of women they will want someday. Proverbs 31 talks about the model women we should all strive to be. I like how the author put it, "...she takes care of her home and runs it well. She knows how to buy and sell and make wise investments. She keeps herself healthy and strong and dresses attractively. She works diligently and has skills which are marketable. She is giving and conscientiously prepares for the future. She contributes to her husband's good reputation. She is strong, solid, honorable, and not afraid of growing older. She speaks wisely and kindly. She doesn't sit around doing nothing, but carefully watches what goes on in her home. Her children and her husband praise her. She doesn't rely on charm and beauty but knows that the fear of the Lord is what is most attractive. She supports her husband and still has a fruitful life of her own which speaks loudly for itself." (pg. 43)

I can't wait to dive more into the book, but for now, I must go play airplane!