Physical fitness, that is, being in good physical condition and healthy, is enthusiastically affirmed by many twenty-first century women. The biblical application is defined by three words . . . suitable, proper, and fit; they describe the Wise Proverbs 31 Woman’s attitude toward the condition of her body. Suitable guides her in the selection of physical toning activities that prepare her to fulfill the demands of her life. Proper encourages her to select activities that are dictated by good judgment. Fit expands the definition to challenge her to possess the qualifications necessary to meet conditions, circumstances, purposes, or demands. The Wise Woman described in Proverbs 31:17 is physically fit partially because of the rigorous work she does to maintain a well-run home.
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DO YOU HAVE A SPRING CLEANING STRATEGY?
As the days are lengthening and retailers are displaying gardening supplies and clothing catalogs announce their “new arrivals,” I am reminded that spring is the time to put aside the “sheltering in” aspects of winter and focus on how to refresh my home to make it a “prepared place” for all who enter in the days to come. I also acknowledge that if I want my home to be a “prepared place” I will need a “Spring Cleaning Strategy” that begins with my heart and then motivates the completion of specific tasks.
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DO YOU MANAGE YOUR TIME OR DOES IT MANAGE YOU?
I grew up in the era when clothes were actually ironed and was always intrigued when Mom would take a wet, wrinkled garment and, with the combination of the iron’s heat and her pressure, transform the garment from an unacceptable to a wearable condition. Wanting to follow her model, I would ask to “help.” She first taught me how to iron her embroidered dishtowels. One set of seven towels provided the time management guidelines for her week—wash on Monday, iron on Tuesday, mend on Wednesday, clean on Thursday, shop on Friday, cook on Saturday, and worship on Sunday. More importantly than the ironing skill Mom imparted, her time management skills challenged me to be excited about integrating them into my life. Though I am a Certified Family and Consumer Scientist by education and profession, I learned the “how tos” of time management by assimilating what she modeled.
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DO YOUR SUMMER PROJECTS INCLUDE A PURGING PARTY?
The summer after I completed kindergarten my mother introduced me to a new summer project—“purging.” It began in my bedroom and focused on removing all of the unnecessary items, from school and Sunday School papers to outgrown clothing. She packaged it as a “party,” suggesting that we were making room for the new clothes I would need for fall as well as the papers that I would accumulate throughout the approaching school year. Since I was now “a big girl,” what started in my room spread throughout our home as we went through each room purging the unnecessary items and reorganizing those that remained. This practice continued until she stepped into eternity and has followed me into my adult years.
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ARE YOU WILLING TO TACKLE THE HOLIDAY HOSPITALITY HURDLES?
Autumn officially arrived on September 23. That means, according to Texas chat, “it’s fall, y’all”! Pumpkin lattes replaced iced drinks in coffee kiosks, pool supplies give way to pumpkins in the market, and holiday craft ideas spark the reminder that the holiday season is rapidly approaching.
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DO YOU KNOW THE CRITICAL COMPONENTS OF NEST BUILDING?
As Retailers launch their “Back to School” sales, our minds begin the transition to “nesting” for the academic year. Many families will relocate before the school term begins, and for some, that means the purchase of a new home. Kelsey’s Korner provides you with some Critical Components on how to successfully complete that purchase.
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DO YOU KNOW THE CRITICAL COMPONENTS OF A JOY-FILLED JOURNEY?
The month of June heralds the official beginning of summer, and for many, the fulfillment of long-anticipated travel! Would you like to conclude your journey with precious memories? Several components could contribute to their creation:
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TO MINIMIZE OR HOARD —THAT IS THE QUESTION!
Our twenty-first culture is one of extremes when discussing home management strategies. At one extreme are those who hoard while at the other are those who strip their home of all but the most basic of necessities. A Christian homemaker, faced with these extremes, is compelled by Scripture to look at the purpose of her home regardless of her marital status or season of life.
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IS CREDIT YOUR SERVANT OR MASTER?
The cornerstone of discerning whether credit is your servant or master is based on your Dollar Theology. Dollar Theology reminds believers that they are accountable to the Lord for the resources that He entrusts to them. The principle of stewardship is woven throughout the New Testament. As you read the following passages, consider how they impact your Dollar Theology.
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WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE A SIZZLING SUCCESS AS A HOSTESS THIS SUMMER?
Summer—a time for casual dining comprised of sizzling grilled meats, cool refreshing beverages, numerous fresh vegetables, and a plethora of luscious fruits. A perfect time for opening our hearts and homes to others and an opportunity to offer biblical hospitality. However, many families are less than happy when the lady of the house extends hospitality because she is such a wreck before the occasion occurs. Often her lack of organization and unwillingness to involve others in the planning and preparation process encumbers her with an unnecessary burden.
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ARE YOU TRAVEL SMART?
Summer is upon us, and with its advent, opportunities abound for us to expand our horizons through travel. Kelsey’s Korner provides you with practical tips on how to travel smart by following the role model of the wise woman described in Proverbs 31:21-22 and Proverbs 31:26. These verses clearly suggest that she was prepared for unforeseen circumstances (31:21-22) and prudent in her decisions (31:26). Possessing the character quality of prudence suggests that she is practically wise, cautious and careful of the consequences.
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ARE YOU A SAVVY SHOPPER?
Proverbs 31:18 challenges women seeking to please God to refrain from wasting time, money, fuel, or any other resource. Application of this verse insures that she operates her home on a budget (a plan for spending), that monthly it balances (not too much month at the end of the money), and that she consistently makes wise consumer decisions (she “perceives that her merchandise is good”). As an educated seamstress and nutritionist, she recognizes quality. With practiced eye, she seeks out a bargain that reflects excellence. At the same time, her knowledge and skill allow her to make the best decision of whether to make the purchase, pay for the service, or personally perform the task.
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