"A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings good not harm,
all the days of her life.
...she works with eager hands.
...She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family.
..She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
..Her lamp does not go out at night...
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed,
her husband also, and he praises her: many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.
Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting,
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."
- portions from Proverbs 31
Husbands provide the home, wives provide the tone and atmosphere of the home. That is why it is so important for us as husbands, wives, and parents to have time alone with God. If you are working, going to school, or have children it is difficult to find time...but there is always an opening. For me, i try to read my bible before i get out of bed - if james wakes up before i do it then i plan to spend time with God when James naps. if he is cranky and cannot nap, then i push it back to after he goes to sleep for the night. Somedays, it just does not work out entirely. God knows our hearts and understands our lives as parents and spouses is hectic.
It is also very important to pray for your spouse as well as your kids. That is a good way to set the "tone" of the house. Ryan has been going through a very difficult time with his job lately...all i'll say it's just not looking good. on top of school, he has been dealing with so much! Every where he goes there is stress - stress at his work and stress at school. I want our home to be a place where he can unwind and feel safe from all of those stresses.
My dear husband has surprised and amazed me so much with his faith. Granted, we have been through many jobs and stressful situations since we have been married. His faith has grown and been refined over the years. We have absolutely no idea what is ahead for us as a family, but we are full of hope. Ryan has taken the role of being our spiritual leader in our house. Just by seeing him act out of faith instead of impulsive anxiousness...that simply amazes me and holds me accountable.
Anyway, i said all of this to say PRAY FOR YOUR HARD WORKING HUSBANDS! That is one of the best things we can do as their wives. Pray that they won't be "workaholics" or "lazy." Much of a man's identity is found in his work. Pray that they will always have doors opened for them to walk through without fear. Pray that he will always be paid well fro the work that he does. Pray that they can find time to rest and enjoy life. Pray also for yourselves as wives - to find ways to encourage them. You may be going through some lonely times with your husband working and going to school or whatever. Try not to become discouraged. It's only a season. Take this time to "work" on yourself and the atmosphere you want in your home. Remember, one of the reasons why he is working so hard is so you can be a stay at home mom.
Thankful for the day: My hard working husband
~sunny days so james and i can go outside
~family
~weekends!
~our house
~that James takes naps everyday!
~God's provision
Have a thankful day everyone!
*Here are two pictures of James typing on his keyboard while Ryan was typing a paper for school early this morning.*
