Proverbs 31 is impossible to fulfill.
Or is it?
The Proverbs 31 woman sets a formidable example. She wakes before dawn every day (v.15). She searches out the best quality food for her family, no matter how far she must go to get it (v.14), and begins cooking first thing each morning (v.15). She seeks out the best material (v.13), then weaves and sews beautiful clothing for her family and herself (v.19,22). She is prepared in advance for any season (v.21). In her extra time she makes and sells a product to add to the family wealth (v.24). She buys real estate and increases the value of the land (v.16). She helps the poor (v.20), and she doesn’t rest until after dark (v.18).
Amidst all this, the Proverbs 31 woman never suffers burnout or depression. She smiles (v.25) and works in delight (v.13), with strength and dignity (v.25). She is never lazy (v.27), but wise and kind (v.26) and good at what she does (v.27).
It is not humanly possible to live up to these expectations.
But as Christians, we have a responsibility to try.
Too many women look at the high standard set for them in this chapter and write it off as a fantasy. The lifestyle described seems difficult, labor-intensive, and antiquated. But God’s Word is always wise and correct.
Though we are not technically commanded to live out our lives as described in this chapter, the description offered is of the excellent wife. Such a wife as envisioned here would be the ideal mate for any man.
Out of love for our Lord, our husbands, and our children, all Christian women should strive to follow the example of the excellent wife given in Proverbs 31.
Yes, you can buy butter at the store, but making your own is a fun and rewarding experience. Not to mention that freshly made butter has an unparalleled creamy texture, which glides beautifully onto your homemade bread or muffins. And it’s a lot quicker and easier than you might think. Here are the steps to make your own fresh butter: (more…)
How To Customize Your Baked Chicken Breast Recipes
Date: Monday September 29, 2008Posted in: how to
You can cut your chicken breast into bite-size pieces and add it to everything from salads to pastas to soup, but you can also serve it whole as a main course unto itself. Either way, you can greatly enhance its flavor with seasonings, herbs, and sauces.
OPTION 1: (more…)
You may be looking for a good boneless chicken breast recipe because you know chicken breast is good for. And it is! Chicken breast is loaded with protein and low in fat. It also has a nice mild flavor that can be incorporated into almost any type of meal: Southwest, Italian, Mexican, Tropical, Asian, or just good old American.
There is only one problem with chicken breast: It’s DRY! Nobody wants to eat a tough, dried out piece of chicken. Unfortunately, bad cooking techniques have given this fantastic cut of meat a bad name. The good news is that cooking the perfect chicken is easy (even for the new homemaker), once you know how.
Before getting into the specific recipes for chicken, make sure you know the basic cooking technique. (more…)
Thanks to the feminine rebellion of the late 20th century, women have been led to believe that they are only contributing to society if they join men in the pursuit of a high-powered career. Unfortunately, this cultural phenomenon has done more harm than good, to both women and their families. Chasing after professional success, women have unintentionally given the best part of their lives (their energy, strength, creativity, and time) to their work. Their husbands and children are stuck with whatever is left over at the end of their full, exhausting day.
Somehow believing that it is possible to be an excellent wife and mother while (more…)
