Wednesday, April 29, 2015

The Proverbs 31 Woman

"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies."  This is verse 1 of Proverbs 31, and the rest of this beautiful passage (verses 1-31) describe the woman of God and the attributes she will possess.  Many women focus on what brand of purse they carry, the labels on their clothing, how fit their bodies are, or what possessions they own.  But the virtuous woman is more concerned with her character and her family, and is a blessed woman because she lives with no anxiety; knowing her family is well taken care of and happy.  Don't get me wrong, I love my Coach purse, a new outfit, and not having belly fat.....but those are not the things that define me.  My greatest joy is knowing that I am molding and living my life after the Proverbs 31 woman; and that means I have FAR less worry, stress and anxiety than many women because I have the peace of knowing I am doing everything I possibly can to  serve my family the way God intended.  And PLEASE, dear friends, don't think that I'm boasting or bragging about what a great person I am.  It is 100% by the grace of God that I have the blessed life I do.  I'm just His willing servant; but let me tell you.....it brings SUCH joy and peace to strive to be that Proverbs 31 woman.
As we approach Mother's Day, I encourage you to read Proverbs 31 and examine the words of King Lemuel's wise mother.  She wanted her son to be a great king, and not to fall into the traps of a worldly woman.  These beautiful words she shared can bless our lives today.  You can learn and grow from these words, and become a better wife, mother, and woman.  And if your Mother possessed these qualities, then take time to either thank her for her Proverbs 31 heart (if she is living), or to thank God for giving you a mother who lived her life by these virtues.  Yes, the Bible is old.  But the Bible is still FULL of wise and relevant advice for living a happy and blessed life.
 
My card was created using some VERY old Bo Bunny patterned papers, and the scripture was printed on vellum and then die-cut using a PTI die.  I machine stitched them, added a tiny Tim Holtz rusty paper clip, a beautiful pink glittered flower, a bit of Prima lace, and a seam binding bow.  I'm going to share it in the following challenges:
 
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Simon Says Anything Goes
 
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Simon Says Anything Goes
 
Papertrey Ink - Challenge #210 Make It Monday - Using Vellum to Soften Patterns - This is a lovely technique.  I used Papertrey Ink's Rustic Twine in Cream (Ivory), as well as their Happy Notes Die-Cut
 
Thanks so much for stopping by!
 
Blessings to you all,
Karen

7 comments:

  1. A lovely card and a lovely post. Thank you, Karen, for such encouraging words!

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  2. superbe Karen, j'adore les coutures et ces jolies fleurs, biz

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  3. Beautiful card Karen! Love that big flower! So pretty!

    Thank you very much for joining us this week at the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog!

    hugs...
    Melissa

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  4. This is gorgeous, Karen. I love that flower and the pretty vellum over the patterned paper. I saw that technique over at Papertrey Ink, and also wanted to play along. Beautiful card!
    Sierra

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  5. What a wonderful card Karen - and what a great goal to live as a Proverbs 31 woman!!
    Blessings
    Maxine

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  6. I love this network of Godly crafty and super talented women! Beautiful post today, Karen. Beautiful card, beautiful encouraging words! Blessings!

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  7. Very pretty! The patterns look lovely together and I really like the addition of the rose embellishment. Thank you for sharing your work with us this week for the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge.

    ~Michelle

    http://www.michellezerull.blogspot.com

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Thanks for your comments. They mean so much to me.