Either...Or....And

by Mollie

   Today was supposed to be a FTLF (Fun to Learn Friday) where I share a fun activity to do with your little one at home and on a budget, but this has been on my heart for awhile now and thought I should share.

 You might be reading the title of this post thinking "what?!?"  Allow me to explain.  I have been feeling that in my life I have a lot of either/or. EITHER I have a clean house at the end of the day OR I have been a great mom and devoted time to my kiddos.  EITHER I work out and exercise OR I do my devotional.  EITHER I work on my projects for Yellowmedaisy OR I make dinner for my family. So i'm searching for the AND.  I want more AND in my life.

 Like the Proverbs 31 woman.  If you are unfamiliar with this...let me indulge you.  (This is in the message translation of the Bible.  Its more of a paraphrase than an actual translation, but it gets the point across)

^10-31 A good woman is hard to find,
   and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
   and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
   all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
   and enjoys knitting and sewing. 
 HOORAY!! Got that one down. 
She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
   and brings back exotic surprises.
She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast
   for her family and organizing her day. 
 Um.... Gotta work on that.
She looks over a field and buys it,
   then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden. 
I'm TERRIBLE at gardening... oops.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
   rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
   is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
   diligent in homemaking.
Things I strive to be
She's quick to assist anyone in need,
   reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn't worry about her family when it snows;
   their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing,
   and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Holla! 
Her husband is greatly respected
   when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them,
   brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Does this speak to the creative woman or WHAT?!?
Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
   and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
   and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
   and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her;
   her husband joins in with words of praise:
"Many women have done wonderful things,
   but you've outclassed them all!"
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
   The woman to be admired and praised
   is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
   Festoon her life with praises!




Now before you make this face because you are overwhelmed with the thought of living up to the Proverbs 31 woman: 

Know that God has given us all the tools we need to succeed.. 

 Philippians 4:13 says that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"  

 If I continue to rely on my own strength and capabilities to be 100% productive every day than I will always fail.  If I start and end my day with the Lord than I can succeed.  I am blessed to serve a God that sustains me and wants me to succeed! 

1 Corinthians 10:31 says " Whatever you do in thought, word, and deed, do all for the glory of God."

 Even if it is snuggling with your babies and leaving the dirty dishes in the sink. :) 

Have a WONDERFUL weekend! 

Blessings!