Twist of Faith #50 - Women, Proverbs 31

 

 

This week at Twist of Faith we're celebrating Women and Proverbs 31.  My oldest daughter is in her mid 30's with four kids. She works full time, leads an Awanas group, is a "sports mom," and runs the concessions at the Christian School athletic events. We talked about Proverbs 31 today. We both love that passage. I told her I memorized it when I was a teenager and have loved being inspired by it ever since. She brought up an interesting point. She said she likes to combine that passage with "Come unto me all ye who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." She said busy young mothers need a lot of encouragement when they are trying to live up to the ideals of Proverbs 31. I know that I can do nothing in my own strength, but I can do all things that I need to do through Him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).

Our lovely sponsor is Michelle Perkett Studio Digital Stamps. She has such positive images of women and girls they're great for this challenge!

 

My card shows mother and child with the reminder that when all is said and done, all those efforts, all that laundry, all those meals, refereeing arguments, teaching, guiding, etc., will have fruit in the end: your children will call you blessed, will thank you for those efforts. This may not seem likely if you've had children home from school all summer, maybe bickering, making messes, etc., but believe me, it will.

 

I used Basic Grey "Oh, Baby - Girl" papers, a pink mat from Close To My Heart "Chantilly" and their Crème Brulee ribbon. Pink flowers are Prima and the blue one is Recollections. The blue mat was embossed with the Sizzix Swirly Vines and Hearts folder. I used a Sakura Glitz pen to add glittery details to several of the design elements that you can see better in this closeup:

 

 

 

I used the image called "Thanks Mum" to illustrate this Proverb. The verse I printed is Wordart designed by Karen at Papercraft Memories. She has so many beautifully written, encouraging verses  that she freely shares. She even had one of the Proverbs 31 verses in French:

 



 

In the New International Version, the entire passage reads as follows:

 

The Wife of Noble Character

^10 [b]A wife of noble character who can find?
    She is worth far more than rubies.
¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in her
    and lacks nothing of value.
¹² She brings him good, not harm,
    all the days of her life.
¹³ She selects wool and flax
    and works with eager hands.
¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
    bringing her food from afar.
¹⁵ She gets up while it is still night;
    she provides food for her family
    and portions for her female servants.
¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
    out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously;
    her arms are strong for her tasks.
¹⁸ She sees that her trading is profitable,
    and her lamp does not go out at night.
¹⁹ In her hand she holds the distaff
    and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
²⁰ She opens her arms to the poor
    and extends her hands to the needy.
²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
    for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
²² She makes coverings for her bed;
    she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate,
    where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,
    and supplies the merchants with sashes.
²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;
    she can laugh at the days to come.
²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;    
her husband also, and he praises her:
²⁹ “Many women do noble things,
    but you surpass them all.”
³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
³¹ Honor her for all that her hands have done,
    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

 

I hope you'll play along with us on this easy challenge illustrating any of the beautiful ideals of this passage in Proverbs. We're looking forward to see what you make!

 

I'm sharing this card with the following challenges:

Eureka Stamps #52 - Blooms and blossoms

Get Inky - Ribbon
Sweet Pea Stampers - Embossing wet or dry

Word Art Wednesday #92 - anything goes with Scripture/encouraging positive sentiment