An Imperfect Beginning

I have been dabbling in blogging for awhile now. I started after my husband was injured in a car wreck and we realized that God was doing a whole lot in our lives, but we had to be patient so One Couple, 40 Days was born. Lately, God has been doing something different with me. I feel the need to change drastically and throughout the beginning stages of this, I have been meeting other women who are going through some of the same things I am. Since I try to write about my life in a transparent manner, I felt prodded to start a blog that is focused on more of a woman's perspective. Of course the things that I am working on tend to be centered around home and hearth and where else would we find an example of that from the Bible than Proverbs 31?

If you know me, you know that I'm not some great theologian. In fact, I struggle to spend time in God's word many days. I love to learn about God, but that quiet time with Him for reading, just seems like the hardest thing to do sometimes. So taking a page out of my friend Les Linz's playbook, I'm going to focus only on Proverbs 31 for 40 days. (If you aren't familiar with Les, plug his name into Amazon.com and you will find out about his book and journey this past Lent season.) Our Pastor, Bill Lockman, loves to do verse by verse studies of the Bible. I love this style of teaching, but as I said, I'm not a theologian, so you are going to get whatever God is teaching me at the moment.

If you are familiar with this chapter in the Bible, you may be wondering why I didn't say, I'm focusing on verses 10-31, since that deals with "The Wife of Noble Character." There are some nuggets in verses 1-9 that I think God wants us to see too. Now before I lose those of you who are thinking this is another "come to Jesus" blog, let me tell you that I can't help but let my faith show, it is who I am. However, I won't be preaching at you, rather just sharing with you what God's showing me in my own life. Sometimes, I blow it pretty good and sometimes I get it right, but either way, I share it.

So why Proverbs 31? Last month was my 41st birthday. As many of you know, I tend to use Facebook quite a bit and one dear friend on FB (and in my everyday life) gave me a birthday wish that really got me to thinking. She told me that I am a Proverbs 31 woman. What a huge compliment! That comment really got me to thinking, am I really or do I just give the outward appearances of it? I have come to the conclusion that I am in a few ways, but in many ways, I'm lacking. Let me set one thing straight, I don't believe that any woman can be the Proverbs 31 woman. I believe that this profile given is an excellent example to work towards, but there isn't a one of us who can make all of that happen. So hear me clearly, or as my grandpa used to say, "hear me good," don't let this passage of the Bible saddle you with guilt! Guilt isn't from God, but rather the enemy. Instead, let God show you where you are doing things really right and other areas where you need to change.

You may be thinking, "OK, Karen, that's all well and fine, but how is this going to help me?" I'm not sure! Here's what I know: I'm gonna share some skeletons in my closet so some of those women who are trying to do it all and are falling short may be able to relate; I'm gonna share my struggle and my journey with what God is showing me I need to change; and I'm gonna listen to those of you who reach out to me and be non-judgemental and encouraging. From just thinking and praying about this for the past few weeks, I have met several women who are in the same spot as me- trying to get it all done and feeling like a failure when they don't. I don't have all of the answers, but hopefully, what I am learning and willing to share will help someone who needs it.

So does this resonate with you? Are you ready to get going? If so, please do 3 things: 1) leave a comment on this blog. It can be a simple as "Hi, Karen!" or as deep as what you hope I will mention. The reason I ask you to comment is that I'm gonna be talking to God about you (aka praying for you). I mentioned I have a hard time with Bible study, but one thing I know I do pretty good is to pray. I believe prayer changes us, our circumstances, and the world around us. When you comment on this blog, I'm adding you to my prayer list.  2) Grab a Bible and read Proverbs 31. I will be sharing passages using the New International Version or The Message primarily. This translation and paraphrase are easy for us to understand. You don't have to read this everyday, but it would help if you have read it and have an idea of where I'm gonna go. 3) Talk to God about this. If you haven't prayed in a while (or ever), just talk to Him like a friend. It doesn't have to be fancy, God doesn't need "thees" and "thous" and hallelujahs all in your prayer to listen to you. He just wants you to talk to Him. Some of you may be so mad at God right now that all you can get out is "God!" That's fine! He hears you. If I was there with you right now, I would give you a hug and let you know there are lots of people feeling the same thing you are and you are not alone! God will meet you right where you are at. What does that mean? It means if you are willing to allow Him even a fraction of a second of your day, He will be there with you ready to listen, ready to comfort, ready to help.

So, whether you are a momma with 7 kids, work from home, work 2 jobs, stay at home, not married, married without kids, or just starting your adult life I hope you will find something in my writing that speaks to you! Have a pile of dishes waiting on you, but you are sitting at the computer instead of doing them? So do I! (That pic isn't my sink, mine's worse! And of course, I can't stand small fish bowls...)

Have a couple of baskets full of socks not matched? So do I! Wonder how you are going to pay all of the bills and put food on the table? So do I. Want more out of your life than what you have day in and day out? So do I. Struggle to make it through the day and get even 1 thing accomplished? I have days like that. You aren't alone and God uses imperfect people to do things that we can't even imagine. Hang in there girl and talk to you again real soon! <3 ya all! Now I think I will go do some dishes...