Chapter 12 {A Little Night Work}

"When you lose everything you want, you find the only thing you need."

HER DILIGENCE

She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands to the distaff.

Proverbs 31:19

OK, so, so far we've learned that a beautiful woman of God rises early in the morning, works hard all day, has her own business, and THEN lesson number 12...here she comes,  God's beautiful woman also works behind-the-scenes, and into the night.  

It's true that work, work, work and more work lies behind every success.  We are considering the wonderful success story of the Proverbs 31 woman.  Clearly this woman is a woman of diligence--ever persevering, continually industrious, and constantly busy.  

She rises early to take care of her household and continues to work at the other end of her day, too.  She puts her evenings to good use as well. 

Here are a few "How-To's"

#1:  Evaluate you Evenings--Do you know how you spend every 20 minutes of your evenings?  Answering this question can be quite an eye opener!

#2:  Plan your Evenings--Just like you schedule your days, start scheduling your evenings!  One woman did her laundry, cleaned the kitchen, and then spent 30 minutes exercising.  You don't have to be up until midnight every night.  Just stay up a little bit after the rest of the family has gone to bed. 

This time doesn't just have to be for work, it could also be for your personal interests.  Read your favorite book, look up new recipes for the family, or give yourself a manicure!

#3:  Use your evenings--It's great to evaluate, plan and prepare but you have to USE your evenings.  God's beautiful woman "layeth her hands to the spindle" What do your hands reach for at night?  A snack?  A book? A favorite video?  Your pillow?  This chapter is about diligence; it's your invitation to you and I to make your evenings productive.

See you soon!

Sara Rose <3

Chapter 11 {A Taste of Success}

"Blessed are those who give without remembering and take without forgetting."

-Elizabeth Bibesco

HER CONFIDENCE

She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

Proverbs 31:18

Seriously?  I thought we were supposed to be keepers of our homes, help meets to our husbands, comforters and nurturers to our children.  And now, on top of all of this we are not only have knowledge of our finances, but also we should be able to have our own business on the side!  Not something that would take over the daily tasks of being a wife and mother, but something that would create a little more "breathing room" in the area of expenses.  

This wise, wonderful mother in Proverbs 31 is giving us a formula for success--or in other words a formula for excellence!  When you and I pursue excellence in all areas of our lives, we can experience the kind of success that God's beautiful Proverbs 31 woman enjoyed.  

This woman had excellent TASTE, GOODS, RESULTS, and an excellent PURSUIT.

Elizabeth George calls the business of God's beautiful woman her "Proverbs 31 Project".  In her book she listed several women who did things from their very own homes in order to contribute to the finances of their family.  

I personal know several ladies who have small business that they run in their own home.  One young woman runs a small bakery, and sells her baked goods to local restaurants in the area.  Another woman in my church sells her own ointments.

Now, here are some "How-To's" on developing your own "Proverbs 31 Project"

#1:  Listen to Others--
Do you get compliments for something you do?  We will usually take the gifts God has given for granted.  We tend to think "Oh, anyone can do that!"  "It's not that great, someone else could do a better job!"  But we need to thank God for the abilities He has given us and try to use those abilities in a broader way.

#2:  Move Forward--
Did you good somewhere?  Did the recipe fail?  Keep moving forward!  Have the attitude Thomas Edison had: "Don't call it a mistake.  Call it an education!"

#3:  Develop Your Skills--
Just because your good at something doesn't mean you can't get better!  Are you good at making the world's best Colorado Cowboy Cookies? 

(see www.sweetteaandarockingchair.blogspot.com for the recipe)

 Go ahead and try giving the Alabama Mud Cake a try! 

(a favorite, also found on the same site )

#4:  Take Risks--
Scary?  Maybe just a little :)  But!  Be creative!  Try new things!

#5:  Do Your Best--
All you do, do with excellence.  As a result, your merchandise will be good!

#6:  Do Your Projects Unto the Lord--
With Him as the reason for your work, with Him as your Boss, with  His glory as your goal, you'll experience the blessing of His strength and His guidance.

#7: FAMILY FIRST--
God's beautiful woman isn't motivated by greed in her business.  A true Proverbs 31 woman will be motivated by the want to be a blessing to her family.  And not only her family, but also a continual blessing to others!  

So, take a step back before pursuing this "Proverbs 31 Project".  Who are you really doing this for? 

In the case of becoming a beautiful Proverbs 31 woman, take care of your family, and let God take care of how He chooses to bless you and any business efforts.

Good luck!

See you soon!

Sara Rose <3