Godly women

These last couple of weeks have been pretty crazy and stressful. But things are looking up-my dad came home from the rehabilitation hospital Monday afternoon (woohoo!), we have some food stamps for this month (the case worker called Monday to make sure we got those because she said our account is still a mess and she's having trouble with it), and all during this I have seen something maybe I knew all along.

I realized how sensitive and caring women can be during these times. I mean godly women-women who submit to God, know the word, and act it out. One example (which is simple but a good example)was last week when I went to Trinity's dance fitting. Annaliese (who had just finished eating) started crying before we could get into the fitting with the teachers. I had her in the Bjorn carrier and the air was off in the building so I was sweating and she was hot and now I am stressed. So waiting as long as I can (because I don't like nursing in public) I finally whip out my nursing shawl and hide her under that (now I'm really sweating) and she latches on and falls asleep. Right then they call us in ...uggh. So as I am carrying my bag, the carrier and Annaliese sideways (making sure no one gets exposed to my back fat or jelly belly) I lug myself in there with Trinity. Trinity is doing everything she can to help. The teacher is sweet and lets us go behind the partition to let her change so I don't have to go to the restroom with all this. Then I have to get Annaliese off the breast (she's asleep now and using it to calm down from the noise in the hall) so I can write the check and pay. She immediately starts crying her "you hurt my feelings cry-or you took my numnums cry". I can barely hear the teacher over her and am trying to stay calm as I'm sweating profusely now. And the woman behind me and the teacher just start reassuring me that she's not loud and telling me their experiences of the same kind and making me laugh. They have no idea how much better they made me feel. I walk out feeling part of special group of friends and no longer stressed but more confident and at ease. Amazing!

Then prayers about our situation from sweet Diedre and prayers and incredible encouragement through scripture from Kristin just make me feel so loved. My mom through all she's going through manages to call each day and reassure me and encourage me and make me laugh. She knows I take things way too seriously sometimes and knows a laugh can really lighten my load. Don't moms always know what to do to make you feel better?

I wish Craig had men around him that would reach out the way these women do. I am not saying we women are perfect (almost perfect) but they just seem to know how to comfort and encourage people to keep up the fight and get through the day. Maybe it's because these women are mothers and they have learned how God created them as senstive emotional creatures to support our families. Maybe it's just because they are godly women and act on the Holy Spirit. All I know is these women really bless others.

Just like in the Proverbs 31:10-31. May we all strive to be like this example:

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 him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.

She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.

She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.

She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.

She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.

She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.

In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.

When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.

She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with 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.

Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.