Hi Everyone,
Our current focus in church has been spiritual transformation. This has come at a very good time for me personally since I have been through a major lifestyle transformation since I was hit by a car while riding my bike home from work on August 18th.
The Good Lord saved me from serious head, neck, back or broken bone injuries however, I was left with several lacerations, bone contusions of the foot, ankle, knee, hip, elbow, and a shoulder injury as well. Needless to say I was bed ridden for over 6 weeks.
I was forced to go on disability and drop out of grad school and even though I attempted to go back to work, I was not able to handle the 30 hours per week at the desk due to the hip injury and the general fatigue that comes from healing from an accident like this. It was a very confusing time for me and a very humbling experience. I have a healthy fear of God now that I did not have before. I was going 100 miles an hour in the wrong direction. Neglecting my home, my husband, my church, my God most of all. Maybe it took for me to be hit by a car to see that I was going in the wrong direction. Well it got my attention and I intend to make some major changes.
First I had to Surrender. In fact, during the time I was in bed was when I began writing this blog. The scripture Proverbs 3:5-6 resonates with me daily....."trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight."
This is meaningful because at the time of the accident I was very happy and absolutely positive that I was doing everything God wanted me to do for Him.
It was not an easy road to Surrender. However, my husband and I have learned a great deal about our spiritual selves. Our weaknesses, our strengths, and we are growing.
I have chosen to examine Proverbs 31 daily in this study. Why? Several reasons. I feel that God is telling me to slow down, to listen to his word about a woman's role, and to live His way....not the 21st century ideal of the working super mom. Again, I must say that I have had to work outside the home and do not judge those who do. I do encourage you, if you are committed to a Christian life, to simplifying your life to please God. To live as Jesus lived. It may be necessary to totally revamp your life. Quit your job, learn the womanly art of frugality. Learn to do without. This is not a Western ideal and will be difficult and take time . However, according to scripture....it will bring us the most happiness....Below is a scripture that was discussed this morning and was very convicting to me and my husband about the Greed we have in our Westernized lifestyle.
Proverbs 28:25
The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the LORD will prosper.
Proverbs 28:24-26 (in Context) Proverbs 28 (Whole Chapter)
I shudder to think of the many many quarrels and horrible fights my husband and I have had over money!! This morning I was so convicted by the sermon. This is my pledge to daily do something different to live more simply, more graciously, more frugally, more Sacrificially! I can be so selfish.
Over the next 31 days, as I now stay home full time and will be adjusting our household budget to a new income you will be with me through the ups and downs, triumphs and tribulations of learning to sew, cook more frugally, do without, GIVE MORE, become more resourceful, perhaps start an at home business? What ever it takes to make this work is what my heart is telling me to do.
The point of this study...."31 Days to Spiritual Transformation" was inspired by many Godly woman I follow daily who are listed in my Favorites. I am so grateful for their direction, wisdom, and willingness to share their lives and have been inspired by them daily.
Personally, I will be using Proverbs 31 as my guide daily, I will be posting the scriptures daily, verse by verse and with pray, meditation, repentance, and a humble heart....I will try to change into the woman that God wants me to be today.
I hope that you will read along and perhaps join me in the journey to developing the qualities of the Proverbs 31 woman.
Blessings,
Jenny
A Proverbs 31 woman in training
No comments:
Post a Comment