Day 65: Cherish Your Children

Scripture to Memorize:
Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
"Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."
Proverbs 31:28-29
Passage to Read:
Sons are a heritage from the LORD,
children a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are sons born in one's youth.
Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their enemies in the gate.
Psalm 127:3-5
Prayer:
Dear Lord, I thank you for my daughter, my grandchildren, and great grandchildren. I know they are a heritage, a reward from you. Forgive me for all the times that I did not cherish my daughter and care for her as you would have me do. I ask your forgiveness for my failings as a mother. I thank you Lord for the relationship I have with my daughter now. Holy Spirit give me wisdom to be the mother, grandmother, and great grandmother that God means for me to be. Thank you for empowering me to build a godly heritage that will last for generations to come. Amen.
Personal:
In today's lesson Donna talks about raising godly children. She states that "our children provide the greatest opportunity for us to impact the future. When we are dead and gone; when all our possessions are broken, obsolet, solda at yard sales, or thrown away. . . .what will remain? If we live our lives the way God is calling us to, our godly heritage will remain."
Donna then tells a little history of the family of an English woman who lived in the late 1700s in England. The woman's name was Susanna Wesley. She had nineteen children, eleven survived to adulthood, two of those were Charles ande John Wesley. They were key leaders in the Great Awakening in the eighteenth century. Further, many historians, according to Donna, believe that this was the primry reason England was spared a bloody revolution like the one that occurred in France. "Susanna WEsley's childrfen literally changed the courswe of a nation and impacted the eternal destiny of countless thousands."
Next Donna talks about one of the men John Wesley led to the Lord, John Taylor. John Taylor became a lay Methodist preacher, in his zeal for God he raised up several sons to be Lay Methodist preachers, and those sons had several sons who became lay Methodist preachers. One of those men had a son who prayed every day to be sent as a missionary to China because his father prayed everyday for God to send missionaries to China. That son's name was J. Hudson Taylor and he did grow up to become the founder of the China Inland Mission and the father of the modern faith mission movement.
Donna quoted Ruth Tucker as saying in her history of Christian missions "No other missionary in the nineteen centuries since the apostle Paul has had a wider vision and has carried out a more systematic plan of evangelism across a broader geographic area than Hudson Taylor."
Donna also shared about Johnathan Edwards. Donna says that the state of New York did a study on fivfe generations of the Edwards family and found that of their 729 descendants, 300 were preachers, 65 became college professors, 13 were university presidents, 60 were authors, 3 were congressmen and 1 became vice president of the United States. "All were from one family who determined to raise godly children, one family who built a godly dynasty."
She then goes on to say that she would like for her great-great-great-great-great-great-grandchildren to thank God "that she invested time in attending to the small stuff that adds up over time. Thank God she poured her energy, creativity, and ambition into the lives of her children and, as a result, changed the course of her family history."
Unfortunately, I do not think I have had anywhere near that influence over my grandchildren. However, I hope that I have had enough influence, and continue to have, for my daughter to influence her children in such a way.
Affirmation: My children are my heritage; they are a gift from the Lord. My Affirmation: My daughter is my heritage; she is a gift from the Lord.
Practical:
I have spent time getting to know my daughter. We have a closer relationship now that we did when she was younger however we still are not as close as I wished we were. This is something I pray about regularly. I am also unable to have a really close relationship with my grandchildren. Some of that is distance and some if that for various reasons I did not get to become a part of their lives until they were in their teens. For those of you who still have children close to you cherish that relationship. Plan on spending 30 minutes of one-on-one time with each child every week.

Day 64: Love Your Husband

Scripture to Memorize:
Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
"Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."
Proverbs 31:28-29
Passage to Read:
The same goes for you wives: Be good wives to your husbands, responsive to their needs. There are husbands who, indifferent as they are to any words about God, will be captivated by your life of holy beauty. What matters is not your outer appearance--the styling of your hair, the jewelry you wear, the cutg of your clothes--but your inner disposition.
1 Peter 3:1-4 Message
Prayer:
Dear Lord, I want to be a good wife to my husband. I want to be responsive to his needs. I hope that by my life he is drawn into a relationship with you. I do not want to nag, or complain, or any way block what you might be working in his heart. Help me to keep my inner disposition pleasing and not concentrate on outward appearances. I know that he is the man that you placed in my life to be my husband. Therefore, help me to treat him in a manner that is pleasing to you. Holy Spirit transform me into a woman with a beautiful disposition. I want to be pleasant to be around, a constant source of joy to my husband. Thank you Lord for giving the supernatural power of God. I know that with your help, I can become a wife of noble character. Amen.
Personal:
In today's lesson Donna first talks about how hard it is to be a good wife. She also shared about her father's love for her mother. Which was somewhat an ideal. She then gives us two lists.
Here they are:
"Almost all men life:

• to come home each day to a well-organized home (he does not leave home daily)*
• to live in a nurturing environment, where people feel loved and accepted*
• to be respected*
• to feel appreciated*
• to enjoy a healthy physical relationship*
• to received encouragement
• a cheerful wife
• to hear gratitude expressed
• to have children who are well cared for (no children in our home)
• the security of a regular family routine, so they know what to expect.

Almost all men dislike:

• to feel disrespected
• listening to complaints x
• the sound of nagging
• a woman who uses hurt as a weapon
• being verbally abused
• putting up with mood swings x
• a woman who constantly needs validation
• a woman who takes things too personally x (at time)
• a wife who is unable to forgive and forget"

Next she instructs us to "read over the two lists several time. Pray over them. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak the truth to you about how difficult or easy it is to live with you. Put an a asterisk next to items in the first category that you are doing right. Then put an X next to the items in the second category that you struggle with." Next she instructs us to ask our husbands which ones we are doing well and which ones he wants to make improvements on. She also tells us to apply the 80/20 rule. We are to ask our husbands which two items on the "Like" list he would like us to make improvements and which two items on the "Dislike" list would have the most impact if you made improvements. Then focus on this 20 percent. (Then once you've mastered those areas, he can pick another two on each list). Remember this is a 90-day Jumpstart and we are not going to become perfect or make dramatic improvement. The idea is to work on becoming closer to this ideal. I did ask my husband and he agreed with me except that he does think at times I nag.

Affirmation: I am becoming the wife God wants me to be.

Practical:

"Prayerfully evaluate how well you are doing in terms of what men like and dislike about wives. Ask your husband to evaluate you, too. Then, most important, ask the Holy Spirit to help you close the gap between where you are now and where God is calling you to be.

Day 63: Weekly Evaluation

1. Am I listening for and hearing God's voice? What is he saying to me?
This week God directed to the Project Linus Website. He was saying that this is a project he wants me to invest my time and talent towards.
2. Am I increasingly manifesting the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23)? What looks encouraging? What needs prayer?
This week what was encouraging was love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, and gentleness. What was lacking/needs prayer was patienc, faithfulness, and self-control.
3. What did God teach me during my TAG/
One that I am enough and I don't need to compare myself with others. He has plans for me that are different than those he has for some of my friends. Also that if I keep pressing on towards a deeper relationship with he, he will direct my path.
4. Which priorities did I live by? Which goals did I pursue?
To continue to pursue a closer relationship with God. Because of that he revealed some things that will help me pursue the goals of this study.
5. Which priorities or goals did I neglect?
Because of time spent pursuing some things that were pleasureable but not profitable, I had to rush through my lesson for Tuesday morning.
6. What new thing did I learn--about life, God, my family, and the people around me?
That is I will trust in God and wait upon his time, he will help me accomplish the goals that I have for my life, he will help me to provide for my family. If I will treat the people around me as he wants me to, then he will bless me.
7. What are my specific priorities/goals for the coming week?
Keep pursuing the things that God has laid upon my heart this week. Also continue my study of his word. To begin to plot out time for each new task. To look more closely at the things I am involved in and see if they are where God wishes me to continue to spend my time, resources, and engery on.

Day 62: Weekly Checkup

Cumulative Scripture Review
A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth 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 spindles 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 mades 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 provides the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed in 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.
Proverbs 31:10-27
Turn verses 62-27 into a prayer. Here is mine.
Dear Heavenly Father, I praise you for giving me wisdom. Help me to speak that wisdom to others. Help my instructions to my husband, my friends, my clients be faithful to your truths. Holy Spirit guide me so that my words are based only on the precepts of God's Holy Word. Give me the energy to watch over all the affairs of my household. Help be to be willing to delegate and ask for help if needed. But do not let me eat of the bread of idleness. Let me accomplish the things that are pleasing to God. Guide me in being of service to God and others. In Jesus precious name I pray, amen.
Practical:
Once again Donna wants us to use Saturday to accomplish any unfinished tasks for here is the list of one-time tasks:
I identified the two messiest zones in my household and developed a strategy for conquering them. x
I gathered up toxic chemical cleaners and removed them from my house. Afraid I'm being a little cheap here but instead of throwing out what I have already bought; I replace them with more healthy less toxic cleaners.
I replaced the toxic cleaners (or am in the process of replacing them) with nontoxic alternatives. I'm in the process of replacing them.
I aired out my entire house (weather permitting).
Because we were without air conditioning last weekend I did just that.
I have cracked open a window or two in my house.
Yes I keep my bedroom window cracked.
I changed the air filter. I added to my calendar a reminder to change the air filter the first day of each month.
Actually my husband has done this for years. I keep him stocked with new air filters.
I am exploring replacing the carpet with wood flooring.
Not yet and don't plan on doing this for awhile. At this time it is not in our budget but may be sometime in the future. I would like to do this but am not certain if my husband will agree by as time goes on will keep bringing up the subject.
I created three cleaning caddies.
I actually already had four. General, kitchen and two bathroom ones.
My family worked together to create a shared servanthood strategy.
Again this is something my husband and I had already done.
I purified my house spiritually.
Although this was also something I had already done, I did go through again after prayer just to make certain I still felt good about what is in my home.
I invited a spiritual leader to come and pray through my house (optional).
I have not.

Check to confirm you are routinely incorporating the following positive changes into your daily routine:
I'm using my Personal Notebook. Yes
I'm regularly reviewing my Personal Vision Statement. Yes
I'm spending time in my prayer place, enjoying TAG. Yes
I'm dealing proactively with my secret sins. Yes
I'm completing this study every day, practicing the memory verse, and reciting affirmations daily. Yes
I'm becoming consciously selective about how I dress and how I use my time and resources. Yes
I'm becoming a more serious student of the Bible. Yes
I'm practicing the presence of God, being watchful, and thankful, and prayerful. Yes
I'm following my Evening Routine and going to bed on time. Yes this week.
I'm inviting God to awaken me each morning, saying no to the snoozew button, and following a Morning Routine. Yes this week.
I'm exercising control over my eating habits and limiting sugar intake. No, I did better this week but am still struggling in this area.
I'm using smaller plates and controlling food portions. No but did better this week.
I'm planning ahead for healthier eating. Yes - just don't always follow the plan particularly if someone brings in sweets at work or if my husband cooks something special at night.
I'm prayer walking three to five days per week. No but I do pray on my was to work each day, in addition to my prayer and devotions when I first get up.
I begin each day with a cleansing drink and consume sixty-four ounces of water everyday. I am consuming that much water or more but had to stop the cleansing drink because it was irritating an overly active bladder.
I stop eating several hours before bed. Almost every night.
I'm using the rebounder to fight gravity and cellulite. No and I have already explained why.
I routinely take cleansing baths. Yes, specially now that the weather is so hot.
I'm using my Daily Page and applying the 80/20 rule. Yes
I routinely give away everything I can. Yes
I'm tackling items on my Tackle List. No still have not gotten to those kitchen and bathroom floors. No time during the week and too hot last weekend without air conditioning. Hopefully tomorrow can do at least one of the three.
I'm tithing. Unfortunately not this month due to air conditioning. This time was a bit more than what was in the emergency fund.
I'm clearing out the rubble of debt and paying with cash. Yes
I have my savings and investments on autopilot. Yes
I'm wearing fashionable yet modest, correct-color clothing that actually fits and flatters me. Yes (I think)
I'm developing multiple streams of income through home enterprise. I have instituted something that should do this but have not yet received a check.
My family is maintaining our home using the shared servanthood strategy. Yes we were already doing this.
I spend fifteen minutes a day de-cluttering. Yes
Hope you all did better than me.

Day 61: Purify Your House Spiritually

Scripture to Memorize:
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instructions is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Proverbs 31:26-27
Passage to Read:
Here I learned about the evil thing Eliashib had done in providing Tobiah a room in the courts of the house of God. I was greatly displeased and three all Tobiah's household goods out of the room. I gave orders to purify the rooms, and then I put back into them the equipment of the house of God, with the grain offerings and the incense.
Nehemiah 13:7-9
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for the example of Nehemiah's life. Thank you for showing me through him that it is alright to be displeased with things in my household that do not belong there. Your home is my home and if there is anything there that is displeasing to you I want to remove it from my home. Holy Spirit guide me in this pursue. Give me the wisdom as seek to make my home a holy sanctuary. In Jesus name, amen.
Personnel:
After giving a brief synopisis of the story referred to in the reading above, Donna then gives us our instructions today by saying "Part of watching over the affairs of our household is carefully guarding what we allow to come into the rooms of our house. This applies even to those rooms that belong to someone else, as long as that someone else is under our authority."
Donna then instructs us to move through our house room by room. "Go in a spirit of prayer, ask the Holy Spirit if there is anything offensive. In particular, take a long, hard look at every book, painting, plaque, print, periodical, DVD, CD, and the like. Some of these may be Trojan horses that bring the force of darkness into your home."
Donna then shares a story about how her interaction with a teenage daughter caused her to totally scrap a room and change everything in it and purify it with a night of prayer. She then suggests that if you have a troubled teenager you consider a Nehemiah purge of your house. "Let the Holy Spirit and wisdom guide you."
Donna reminds us that the Enemy will try to sneak anything into your house that he can. He does so by making it seem benign and harmless but it is far from that. So our assignment today is to include our husbands and children is possible and go from room to room purifying your home.
Affirmation: I purify my home.
Practical:
"Rid you house of anything that might be offensive to God or anything that might serve as a foothold for the Enemy. Consider replacing the items with Scripture plaques, crosses, or other sacred items. Pray over and spiritually purify your home. Invite a spiritual leader to bless your home, if you desire."
I have already done all of this I can based on something I read written by Stormie Omartien. This is when I got rid of any secular literature, music, magazines, etc. Particularly those that promote the modern culture of materialism, idols, etc. Unfortunately, I have not been able to change my husband's opinion related to his computer games, but I do pray over them and place Spiritual things on the desk that houses them. Because this is the room where we have both computers I have my many spiritual items scattered through out the room. This was also the time that I stopped watch primetime, regular channel television programs. I don't always watch TBN or similar channels but I have never viewed ABC, NBC, CBS, or Fox since that time. I also do not watch CNN, FNN, etc. I used to love reading mysteries and I had a large collection of such books but I also stopped purchasing those type of books. Now if it does not come from Crossings Christian Book Club, Lifeway, or Family Christian Book Store I don't read it. I find that my thoughts are more spiritual and less secular when I do this. This is not to make me sound like someone who is holier than. It is just that for me I am less irritable and more peaceful since I have done this purging. I also find I am distracted from Bible study in that room since I have made those changes.

Day 60: Practice Shared Servanthood

Scripture to Memorize:
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instructions is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Proverbs 31:26-27
Passage to Read:
But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers serveed beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.
Joshua 24:15
Prayer:
Dear Lord, serving you is desireable to me. I choose this day to serve you. Help me set an example for my household. Let me be an example to those around me of the blessings of serving you. Holy Spirit give me the wisdom and spiritual discerment to serve God instead of the gods of this land. Help me to do what is pleasing to God. In Jesus name, Amen.
Practical:
Today Donna instructs us to teach our children to do chores and to help them develop a servant-heart. According to Donna (and I agree) "Mom isn't the household servant." She also quotes a study that found that children who had chores as early as when they were 3 and 4 were more successful as adults. They were more likely to complete their education, get a good start on a career, develop adult relationships, and avoid the use of drugs. According to the study early participation in household chores was deemed more important than any other factor, in their success. This included IQ scores.
Donna instructs us to introduce our families to the three caddies that you created yesterday. Also remember behavior that gets reward gets repeated. Rewards do not necessarily have to be monetary. Praise, time doing a favorite game, time alone with a parent doing something they enjoy, etc. can be rewards too. Also people don't do what you expect; they do what you inspect. So don't only reward your children but also inspect their work.
As a Proverbs 31 women our jobs are to watch over our households but not to do all the work by ourselves.
Donna also recommends sitting down with our families and negotiating a strategy for shared servanthood. Everyone lives in and enjoys the house, so everyone needs to be part of maintaining it. Your future sons- and daughters-in-law will rise up and call you blessed for teaching your children shared servanthood.
Affirmation: My household serves the Lord.
Practical:
Call a family meeting and create a strategy for shared servanthood. This is something that my husband and I do. We started doing this when I went back to school. Because I did not have as much time to devote to household chores my husband began doing some of them and he continues to do so.

Day 59: Get Equipped for a Clean House

Scripture to Memorize:
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.
Proverbs 31:26-27
Passage to Read:
Where no oxen are, the manger is clean,
But much revenue comes by the strength of the ox.
Proverbs 14:4 NASB
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
I may consider my household challenging and at times wish there was no one here to mess up what I just cleaned up. However, I realize that there was a time when I lived with no one else and how miserable that was. Therefore, help me realize with my husband and my two little dogs comes messes. Because they are in my live my life is richer and more worth living. Forgive me for the times I complain about the mess. Help me to realize that the mess is proof of the many blessings in my live. Holy Spirit bring me your loving correction when I lose my perspective. Remind me that a lived-in home, is a loved-in home and this is what just a home looks like. It should at times have messes. Grant me the wisdom to manage all that goes on within my home and grant me your grace to make it. In Jesus name Amen.
Practical:
Today Donna talks about cleaning our homes but first she makes some suggestions for making our home healthier. Begin by gathering up al your cleaning supplies and she suggests you get rid of any cleaners that contain bleach, ammonia, or any aerosol propelants. Use nature-based, nontoxic alternatives. She stated that it is especially important if you have children in the home "because accidental poisoning in the home is the second leading cause of death in children under the age of five". She also recommends that you leave you windows cracked year round to let in fresh air. Whenever possible air out your house by opening all windows and doors.
Now to prepare to clean your house (since you have gotten rid of old cleaning products and are using safer nontoxic on) purchase three cleaning caddies and put everything you need to clean the three types of areas in the caddies. Here is how Donna recommends you stock your caddies:
General Purpose: living room, dining room, and bedroom

• furniture polish
• glass cleaner
• rags
• paper towels

Bathroom

• glass cleaner
• tub and tile cleaner
• toilet cleaner
• paper towels
• gloves
• scrub brush

Kitchen

• glass cleaner
• appliance cleaner
• furniture polish if you have wooden cabinets
• rags
• paper towels

Then store each cleaning caddy where it will be used the most.

Donna then says "Tomorrow you'll discover a very good reason for having more than one cleaning caddy. (Hint: it's because you should have more than one cleaning person!)"

Affirmation: I maintain a safe, healthy home environment

Practical:

One other thing Donna recommends is replacing carpeting with wood floors which is something I would love to do but can't at this time. I also do the cleaning caddies a little different I have a general purpose on with items she listed which is stored in the laundry area (which is in the hallway). I have one under the kitchen cabinets with contains the items she lists. But for bathrooms I have one with items she lists in each bathroom. I am gradually replacing my cleaners with the nature-based, nontoxic, earth friendly producs when I have to purchase new supplies. I don't have small children in my home but I do have allergy problems and I have found that these cleaners are less apt to aggravate my allergies. Also keeping cluter to a minimum helps eliminate dust which also aggravates most allergies. Another suggestion that we already do is mark the first day of every month with the task of changing air filters on heating/cooling system. Plus also cleaning or replacing the one is our air filter in the living room and bedroom where we sleep. My allergies have made us do a lot of these things already.

Day 58: De-clutter

Scripture to Memorize:
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.
Proverbs 31:26-27
Passage to Read:
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrainj,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speake.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-7
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
I give you praise that you have created the order of everything and given everything a time. Therefore, I am to not become overwhelmed by doing everything at once. But I also need to realize that there are times when you want me to do the tasks of that season and not waste time doing things that it is not time to do. Holy Spirit give me the wisdom to trust this process and to know what needs to be done when. Make my arms strong for your tasks and my heart eager to obey. In Jesus name I pray, amen.
Personal:
Today Donna wants us to address any clutter in our homes and she gives three reasons to minimize clutter:
1. Clutter wastes time.
2. Clutter wastes money.
3. Clutter is dangerous.
It wastes time because you spend unnecessary time looking for things that are buried in cluttered stacks. According to Donna if you spend just fifteen minutes a day looking for stuff, you waste ninty hours a year.
Clutter wastes money because if you can't find something you often go to the store to replace it. These are unnecessary purchases. She asks the question "How many of us have five pairs of scissors--somewhere?
Clutter is dangerous because you can trip over the piles. Boxes can be a breeding ground for mold and bugs, and cardboard and paper can also be a possible fire hazard.
Today Donna wants us to attack the paper clutter in our house. We have already done quite a bit to de-clutter our homes. Here are the steps she suggests:
"First get rid of every outdated magazine, newsletter, and newspaper in your hourse. Every drop of information recorded by any reputable organization on the planet is now archived on the Internet. Throw out the periodicals you have collected. And don't save them as memorabilia. They are not; they're junk." She also suggests you sort your mail outside beside your trash can and immediately throw away all junk mail and not even bring it into your house. You can opt out of many junk mail lists by visiting www.dmaconsumers.org/cgi/offmailing. There is a one dollar fee but it is worth it. Stop telemarketing calls by contacting www.donotcall.gov or by phone at 1-888-382-1222. "Next go quickly through all you paper piles wherever you find them. Make fast decisions. If you can find it on the internet throw it out. Keep only what you absolutely need. If you are unsure, put it in a bin labeled Important Papers. Once a year, go through the bin and throw out anything that's more than five years old" This is another thing that I do annually already. Mostly because I get tired of the clutter and also because of lack of space. My home is small and does not have a great deal of storage space.
Affirmation: There's a time to keep and a time to throw away.
Practical:
Spend fifteen minutes a day de-cluttering. Donna suggests de-cluttering while you are on the phone.

Day 57: Identify Household Trouble Spots

Scripture to Memorize:

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.
Proverbs 31:26-27
Passages to Read:
She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks. . . .
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."
Proverbs 31:17,27-29
Prayer:
Dear Lord, I admit that I am often humbled and intimidated by the virtuous womam of Proverbs 31. I have a hard time not comparing myself with living women around me. When I do compare myself I often feel inferior. When I read Proverbs 31 I sometimes fear that I will not measure up to the ideal that is set in this passage. However, I know that there is not a passage in the Bible that is meant to make me feel bad about myself but it is meant to give me encouragement to strive towards the goal. You have not put an unattainable goal in your word. It is possible for me to become the type of woman in today's passage. It won't be easy but it is possible. Help me set to my work vigorously. Holy Spirit help me to become strong physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Guide me each day so that I can determine the tasks that are most important that day. I realize I can do everything, everyday, every time; therefore I need your guidance. Forgive me for the times I have eaten the bread of idleness. Help me see areas in my life where I need to put forth more effort. Give me the willingness, the vigor, the physical ability to take care of the tasks that you would have me do each day. Thank you for the words of encouragement I receive from my husband and when I don't receive those words help me to realize that I have your encouragement and your example Lord Jesus to follow. Help me do all things as unto you. Amen.
Personal:
Today Donna's instructions are to again focus on the task of managing our homes. She reminds of the 80/20 rule and stated that 20 percent of our home creates 80 percent of our problems. She next instructs us to divide our home, regardless of size, into ten zones and list them on a page in our personal notebook that looks like this:
1. ______________________________
2. ______________________________
3. ______________________________
4. ______________________________
5. ______________________________

6._______________________________

7. ______________________________

8.______________________________

9. _____________________________

10. _____________________________
Then we are to place a star next to the two zones that tend to be the messiest. Then for now focus on organizing these two zones. "Analyze what , exactly, is causing the problem and begin to envision a solution. For inspiration, visit a home organization store."
Here is what mine zone list looks like:
1. Living Room
2. Kitchen
3. Dining area
4. My computer desk area
5. Bo's computer desk area

6. Spare bedroom

7. Master Bedroom

8. My bath

9. Bo'x bath

10. Hallway/Laundry Area

My starred areas are my computer desk area and the spare bedroom. I know what the prblems are but it is a struggle to keep things straightened up. With my computer desk area that is really my work area. In addition to my computer desk, there are shelving units for books, plus a cart that contains my yarn supply, and my tray table that contains my current project. I am doing much better keeping this area picked up but it is something I have to work at. The spare room is a catch all. Things get piled on the bed or ironing board until I take the time to put them away where they really belong or as things stand right now sort through things again and get rid of and store the rest.
Affirmation: I bring order to my home, because God is not a God of disorder.
Practical:
Create a "Zones" page in the Household section of Your Personal Notebook. Use this page to jot down ideas you gather along with your organizational strategy. For me the strategy is to keep my computer area picked up by putting my books up when I am finished with that day's study. To keep my yarn picked up and in the basket that contains my current project. For the spare bedroom I need to purchase a couple of storage bins (again). With all my recent crocheting and knitting projects I have had to move my blue jeans and I need to get a bin to store them. I also need t prepare another box of clothes to go to the CWJC.

Day 56: Weekly Evaluation

1. Am I listening for and hearing God's voice? What is he saying to me? That I need to reconsider my priorities. I need to focus on doing what he would have me do to be of service to him and the people he places in my day.
2. Am I increasingly manifesting the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience. kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23)? What areas look encouraging? What needs prayer? I am still getting better but I am no where near where I would like to be and I think God is encouraging me to be. Areas that are encouraging this week: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and gentleness. Areas that need prayer this week faithfulness and self-control.
3. What did God teach me during my TAG? Again he encouraged me to not be so concerned with the approval of others but to do the things that he is leading me to do trust him with the results and seeking only his approval.
4. Which priorities did I live by? Which goals did I pursue? My priorities were off earlier this week being overly focused on work and work-related issues instead of taking time to take care of myself. I did finally on Friday and Saturday get back to the two studies I am currently focusing on but fell short on the those that I am taking at church. Did not work on the daily assignments for those two studies and instead spent far to much time on facebook (Farm Town) and numbing out by knitting.
5. Which priorities or goals did I neglect? Daily work on two studies doing at church (Jennifer Rothschild for Sunday School and Esther). I am having a difficult time to really get into the Esther study again. Realized this weekend that I have a doctor's appointment when we are scheduled to meet again. I could have spent less time at night on Farm Town and my knitting and completed those assignments. So although I have daily studied my Bible is has not been in the areas where I have made a commitment to study.
6. What new thing did I learn--about life, God, my family, and the people around me? It's not anything new but it was just a reminder of things I already knew related to people, that no matter where you go there will always be cliques. Which re-enforces that I should be looking to God and not people. I also got another reminder through something I am reading for pleasure that life is to short to let others determine my happiness.
7. What are my specific priorities/goals for he coming week? To devote time each night four all four studies, this study, and my knitting. To follow through with the plan to go to the gym at least three times this next week to care for my body.

Day 55: Weekly Checkup

Cumulative Scripture Review:

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 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 spindles 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.
Proverbs 31:10-25
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you with the creative talents you have given me as a gift. Help me make it profitable for my family and you. You have clothed me with strength and dignity Lord and I pray that you help me to use all my gifts and talents wisely. May they be a testiment of your love and grace. May the results of my wise use of them be a testiment of my love for you Lord. May they also be used according to your wishes. May I seek your will in all my efforts. Help me to be of service to you and others. Continue to direct my steps Dear Lord, guide me to the paths you would have me travel. Show me how to use the blessings that you have bestowed on me to your glory and not my own. In Jesus Precious Name I pray, Amen.
Practical:
Well again Donna has given us this day to review and catch up on any unfinished items.
One-time Tasks:
This week we just had one and that was to begin exploring various options for developing multiple streams of income through home enterprise. I have begun my exploration. Have you?
Let me know how you are doing?
Check to confirm you are routinely incorporating the following positive changes into your daily routine.

I'm using my Personal Notebook. x
I'm reviewing regularly my Personal Vision Statement. x
I'm spending time in my prayer place, enjoying TAG. x
I'm dealing proactiveloy with my secret sins. x
I'm completing this study every day, practicing the memory verse, and reciting affirmations daily. x
I'm becoming consciously selective about how I dress and how I use my time and resources. x
I'm becoming a more serious student of the Bible. Yes, and in fact I am actually doing an in-depth study of Psalm 103 that I may post her at a later date. Plus I am also working on a possible study of some select women whose stories are told in the new testament.
I'm practicing the presence of God, being watchful, thankful, and prayerful. x
I'm following my Evening Routine and going to bed on time. x
I'm inviting God to awaken me each morning, saying no to the snooze button, and following a Morning Routine. x
I'm exercising control over my eating habits and limiting sugar intake. I did better on this item this past week but still have a way to go to get where the dietician wants me and I want to honor God by controlling portions.
I'm using smaller plates and controlling food portions. I'll doing much better on portion control but still not where I know I need to be.
I'm planning ahead for healthier eating. Getting much better at this one.
I'm prayer walking three to five days per week. This is another one I did not do well on this week--work demanding too much time and weather not cooperating (TO HOT).
I begin each day with a cleansing drink and consume sixty-four ounces of water every day. x
I stop eating several hours before bed. x
I'm using a rebounder to fight gravity and cellulite. No because Orthopedic Doctor does not allow. I am making plans every week to go to the gym but once again my plans got interrupted by work and other things.
I routinely take cleansing baths. x
I'm using my Daily Page and applying the 80/20 rule. x
I routinely give away everything I can. x
I'm tackling items on my Tackle List. Still have not steam cleaned the kitchen and bathroom floors and have not cleaned the carpets. Would be doing that today but since our AC is out it is just too hot.
I'm tithing. x
I'm clearing out the rubble of debt and paying with cash. x
I have my savings and investments on autopilot. x
I'm wearing fashionable yet modest, correct-color clothing that actually fits and flatters me. x
I'm developing multiple streams of income through home enterprise. I'm working on this one, some of the things that I am working on will take some time to get set up.

Day 54: Explore the World of Internet Marketing

Scripture to Memorize:
She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laught at the days to come.
Proverbs 31:24-25
Passage to Read:
Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:15-16
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I want to be wise and I want to be very careful how I live. I confess that I have not always done so. Help me know to live in a manner that is pleasing to you. Holy Spirit, help me to grow in wisdom that that I can take the most of every opportunity when they come. Train me to hear your guiding voice and to still my mind so that I can understand the opportunities you send my way. As a follow of Jesus in these days of evil I need to be an example to those around me, those who you place in my life. Help me to live every day to the fullest and do what you would have me do for you and others. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Personal:
Today Donna recommends that we explore the world of internet marketing as a way to make more profits. She then goes on to explain how she learned of this opportunity and how she has used the internet of earn money. She stated that the simplest way to get involved is to begin selling unwanted/unneeded items on eBay and Craigslist. Remember in the earlier lessons when she told us to begin getting rid of things. She states that this is even easier than the hassle of a yard or garage sell. EBay requires users enter their name, address, telephone number, and credit card number to begin bidding and selling products. Plus the site charges a small fee for every ad you place. She recommends that you only post items that sale for more than fifteen dollars t justify the advertising expense. Craigslist at the date of publication did not charge a fee, I personally have not check this one out yet. For eBay they also use PayPals. The following are Donna's tips for selling on-line.
1. Write a great headline (have to grab the buyer's attention)
2. Post quality product images.
3. Accept PayPal. (Don't expect people to send you a check or money order).
4. Write and interesting advertisement.
5. Price to sell
6. Offer a great deal and tell them why (you want to simplify your life and everything must go)
7. Be honest
8. Free shipping.
9. Be reasonable about shipping (if you are charging for shipping don't try to make a profit by overcharging for shipping)
10. Have a star rating above 99 percent.

Donna nexts gives tips for creating your own website. This one will cost you a little bit a month to keep your site open. You will then need the help of a webmaster unless you want to design your own site using user-friendly software available through Yahoo, Site Build It, 1Shopping Cart, and others. If you use a webmaster check out his/her references and view the sites they have created and talk to the site owners. This will of course cost you even more. Additional tips from Donna:
1. Your website must capture prospects' names and email addresses. An easy way to do this is offer them a free report or some other valuable information free. In order to get the freebie they muyst provide their name and email address. These contacts become your prospects for the sale of your products.
2. Share testimonials on your website.
3. Make sure your webhost provides a shopping cart feature and the people should be able to use credit card and paypal again no one will want to mail you a check.
4. Your website must recruit affiliates. In order words, you must make it easy for other website owners to recommend your product an service. Enable them to link to your page; then send them a small commission every time one of their referrals buys from you. Providers like 1ShoppingCart and Sitesell do this automatically.
Donna next talks about specializing in affiliate marketing. "Affiliate marketers don't sell their own productsw or services. Instead, they serve as informal represenative for a wide variety of other web-based marketers". The example she gives is with Amazon.com. "You can create an informative website about a topic of interest to you--say, for example, cooking.
Then you provide a list of recommended cookbooks and a direct link to Amazon. Amazon stocks the books, ships the books, bills the customer, and you get paid by Amazon." She then states that you have to provide links to lots of wbsites if they hope to make significant income.
Affirmation: My lamp doesn't go out at night.
Practical:
I'm not really certain I understand all the things Donna is talking about here. I know several people who use eBay. I have bought used book from Amazon that were really being sold by other people. However, I have yet to examine how to personally make money from these sites but I guess I need to check t out. If you do or have let me know how you did.

Day 53: Consider Real Estate Investing

Scripture to Memorize:
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.
Proverbs 31:24-25
Passage to Read:
Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing
and benefits those who see the sun.
Wisdom is a shelter
as money is a shelter,
but the advantage of knowledge is this:
that wisdom preserves the life of its possessor.
Ecclesiastes 7:11-12
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your gift of wisdom. Each day as I see the sun rise help me to seek to learn new things and grow in wisdom. Your Word says that wisdom is like an inheritance. It s something that I can pass to other generations through my child and grandchildren. Help me learn something new every days so that I can impart valuable insight to those I care about. Your Word acknowledge that money is a shelter but it will not preserve my life. Guide me so that I keep my priorities straight. I want to develop a financial shelter but wisdom is even more important, so help me keep it as a priority. Help me to keep all of life in balance. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.
Personal:
Donna today suggests that we consider real estate investing. That is purchasing real estate with the intention of selling it for a profit. She states "the Proverbs 31 woman earned money in real estate". This woman bought a field and earned a profit on it. This is a smart move that people still make today. Donna tells us that "80 percent of wealthy people earned their wealth through real estate." Plus according to Donna this is something a woman at home can do with little effort and using her computer and the Internet. Donna then gives examples of people who have done what she suggests successfully. One in particular was Tamera Aragon who made a large income only to lose it and her health as well. She sought guidance from God and studied the book of Romans. This allowed her to have a closer relationship with Jesus and through his guidance and the help of a book entitled "One Minute Millionaire" by Mark Victor Hansen and Robert G. Allen. She used the advice in the book and diversified her income. In addition to keeping her income diversified she shares information on real estate investing. Her list of the most popular real estate investment strategies are:
Cash flow/rental properties: These are investment properties that generate income from rent. Advice is to start out small with a small starter home and eventually move up to apartment buildings. ADVANTAGES: One of the easiest ways to get started, rental properties produce monthly income and are likely to be a good long-term investment plus they appreciate in value.
DISADVANTAGE: You run the risk of not renting the property, plus property management can be challenging (collecting rent, fixing leaking toilets, evicting difficult tenants and so on). Payoff is slow.
Lease Option: This is when you buy a property, then find someone who wants a rent-to-own arrangement. ADVANTAGES: You can get higher rent and the buyer is usually responsible for maintenance. Cash Flow can be good. DISADVANTAGES: Most rent-to-own buyers don't complete the purchase. This can actually be an advantage in the long run, but it does mean more work for you. Bookkeepingmust be done properly.
Fixer-uppers: You buy a place in ugly condition that needs renovation. You fix it up and quickly resell it. ADVANTAGES: You can receive a quick return on your investrment. You usually buy below market values, so you have instant equity and can use a home equity loan to finance the renovation. DISADVANTAGES: Higher risk. Many unpredictable expenses come up in construction (just watch some of the property flips on HGTV). Also you have no guarantee how long it will take to sell or what price you'll receive. You get taxed heavily on the gain if you resell in less than a yearl..
Vacant land. You can buy land and just hold it while it appreciates or you can buy and subdivide for resale. ADVANTAGES: History has shown that land always appreciates in value. It is simplier than most real estate investments with the possiblity of great profits. DISADVANTAGES: It can take a long time fo land to increase in value. You have expenses but no cahs flow while you wait.
Forced Appreciation.: Buy property in the path of growth and hold it until values rise. For instance, buy a vacant lot in a residential development prior to roads being completed. When the roads come in, the price goes up, and you sell at a profit.
Preconstruction: Buy directrly from a developer before the constructgion or renovation is completed when prices are low. ADVANTAGES: You may have to put up only a smal amount of money to tie up the property while it's being built. If purchased in appreciating markets, you make money in equity at closing and can instantly resell at a profit. DISADVANTAGES: You can't always predict what amarket is going to do. If market depreciates, you have lost money. You'll also get hit hard at tax time if you sell in less than a year.
Foreclosures: These types of investment properties are the ones you buy from sellers who are behind in their payments an may lose their property to the bank via foreclosure. ADVANTAGES: You have opportunities to buy properties at below value pricing, creating instant equity. Then you can turn around and sell the property for a substantial profit.
DISADVANTAGES: Legal liabilities are higher. Finding these properties requires a lot of research and footwork to find a deal that works. You can do all the work and still not have a deal with enough equity to profit after expenses (taxes, Realtors).
Donna suggests you pick the method that most appeals to you and then DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Donna and Tamera suggest Realtors, lenders, bankers, attorneys, home inspectors, and others plus a good mentor. There are also several sources of real estate classes, CD, DVDs, seminars, and books. Tamera and Michelle host a free online webcast for more information visit www.donnapartow.com/realestate . Donna reminds us that the purpose of this Jumpstart is to get us thinking about the possibilities.
For me personally I already know that this requires more money than I care to risk in investments. However, I have known people who have done very well. This is particularly true if you have an in at a bank or credit union who can alert you to properties that are about to be foreclosed on. You may have to do a little fixing up, renovating, etc. I once had a co-worker whose wife worked for a bank that did home mortgages and she would let him know when and what properties were about to be foreclosed on. He would then purchase the likely one that needed little repair and fixing up and resold them. Some one who is not so close to retirement and who has the money to invest this can be very profitable.
Affirmation: I consider a field and buy it.
Practical:
This is one suggestion that I won't take the risk on.

Day 52: Try Direct Marketing

Scripture to Memorize:
She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed in strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
Proverbs 31:24-25
Passage to Read:
And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life--this is indeed a gift from God.
Ecclesiastes 5:19 NLT
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for all that you've given men. You are truely a wonderful God. It is a good thing to receive wealth from you an the good health to enjoy it. Holy Spirit give me the wisdome to not expend my health in the effort to get wealth otherwise I will have to spend the wealth to regain my health. I do enjoy my work and have learned to accept my lot in life as a gift from God. God has granted me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change and the courage to change the things I can. I know that my job is a gift from you Heavenly Father, it is what you want me to do to be of service to you and others. I know that every good and perfect gift are from you Lord and I give you thanks and praise for all that you have given me. I am grateful for you grace, love, and forgiveness. In the name of Jesus, thank you Lord. Amen.
Personal:
Today Donna encourages us to explore becoming involved in a direct sales company that is selling something we enjoy or use already. She lists several direct sales companies such as Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, and Creative Memories. I have been involved in direct sales in the past. The one that was my longest lasting and money making was Sarah Coventry Jewelry. However, I ultimately did not do as well as I could because all my profits were being spent with the company. I idea is to make money not spend money. Donna also cautions us that the 80/20 rule applies in direct sales as everything else. 20 percent of the people involved in direct sales for a company make 80 percent of the money. You have to determine do you want to be part of the 20 percent and are you willing to put forth effort. If not then you need a company that is successful enough that the remaining 80 percent can earn a decent income? She also suggests that you checkout the Direct Selling Association to see what might interst you. Their website is www.dsa.org.
Direct Sales rewards you for your hard work in direct proportion to your accomplishments. Donna then suggests you take the money you earn and invest it. She believes that anyone can make $250 a month with a reputable direct slaes or network marketing company. "The Proverbs 31 woman was active in product sales. You might want to seriously consider following her example", says Donna.
Affirmation: I enjoy my work.
Practical: Donna instructs us to explore the possiblity of investing some of your time and enrgy in building a direct sales business. I have plans on exploring this suggestion.

Day 51: Develop Multiple Streams of Income

Scripture to Memorize:
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.
Proverbs 31:24-25
Passage to Read:
She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her worki vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
She see that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps thed spindle with her fingers. . . .
She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
Proverbs 31:16-19, 24
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I marvel at the accomplishments of the ideal woman. At times I am intimidated and discouraged. I am not certain I could manage all the various enterprises that she did. Thank your for reminding me that I do not have to compare myself to any one. You made me unique and gave me the strength, skills, talents and experiences that I need to accomplish the tasks that you have set before me. You have placed examples throughout the Bible not to discourage me but to act as encouragement. So show me today and in the coming days what you would have me do to become a smarter businesswoman. Holy Spirit remind me that I have the mind of Christ and I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Help me to prayerfully consider what you would have me do. I seek to do the things that you wish for me to do. I want to use the skills and talents that you have given me Father God to provide for my family but also to benefit your kingdom. I am excited about the adventure that lies ahead as I seek to do the things that you would have me do. Lead me on the path you have designed for me. In Jesus previous name I pray. Amen.
Personal:
In today's lesson Donna instructs us to be diversified in our income sources. She states that we need to have multiple sources of income. Here are some possible ways that she mentioned in today's lesson:

• "interest from savings
• dividends from investments
• rents from properties you own
• profits from the sale of investment properties
• profits from your own business
• residual income from network marketing
• passive income from the Internet (affiliate marketing and 'infopreneuring')
• royalties from intellectual property you create (books, music, inventions, and so on)."

Donna also says that "the key to financial success if moving from employment or even self-employment to business ownership and investment. Business owners and investors are not limited to earning money only when they are workng. Instead, they enjoy passive and residual income." She then give a criteria for evaluating if a particular business is a wise investment:

1. "Leverage: Can I train other people to work for me, so I can earn money while they are working, not just when I, personally, am working?
2. Control: Do I have a protected system that belongs to me?
3. Creativity: Will the business allow me to be creative and develop my own personal style and talents?
4. Expandability: Can my business grow indefinitely?
5. Predictability: Is my income predictable if I do what is expected of me? If I am successful, and keep expanding my business, will my increase increase with my success and hard work?

Affirmation: I see that my trading is profitable.

Practical:

Although I firmly believe that Donna has a good idea, I am not certain that I have the time or truthfully willingness to begin an at-home business. But I will investigate some possible options. My main hestitation is that I really love what I am already doing and my job does demand a large amount of my time. But as I read through the through the remainder of the week and the remainder of this 90-day Jumpstart program I will think about and consider the options she presents. Because frankly I could always use additional income.

Day 50: Work From Home

Scripture to Memorize:
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.
Proverbs 31:24-25
Passage to Read:
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind our own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I have made it my ambition to lead a quiet life. I pray that you will give me the wisdom and guidance required to mind my own business and work with my own hands to help provide for the financial stability of my family. Lord I want my daily life to win respect of outsiders. I want them to see that I am not idle. That I am capable and industrious. I want them to see that not only in my home but at my job. I want others to see me as a productive part of society. I do not want to be dependent on anybody. I want to depend on you my Jehovah Jireh, my provider. I know you will lead me as I seek to establish the work of my hands for the sake of your kingdom. Amen.
Personal:
Donna shares her personal examples of starting her own home-based business twenty some years ago before there was such a term. She carries us from her single person at home business to one that has several of others working for her. She also talks about how she trained her children to follow suit and how all of them have started their own home-based businesses at very early ages. The Thessalonians, according to Donna, had a problem with idleness and she warns that just like them some "stay at home" mothers have the same issue. "They are not busy; they are busybodies'. . . ."They are at home, true, but they are not busy at home. They are onthe phone gossiping, watching soaps, reading romance novels, and surfing the internet. At the very least, they are not setting an example of productivity". Lastly, Donna tell us to keep an open mind in the coming days as we explore other home enterprise opportunities. I have attempted some at home businesses and do not do very well. My most likely avenue would be to start selling things on ebay. However, I have not yet gotten ambitious enough to put forth the effort to do so. I do like the things she says about training children to be entrepreneurial and self-sufficient under God's sufficiency? Her training has been such that her daughters do not believe that their lot in life is to have some corporation giving her a paycheck and job securit for the rest of her life. "We need to train our children for the real world, where the wisest people use the gifts God has given them to mind their own business," says Donna. Donna further shares that her oldest daughter has gone and plans on going on more mission trips in which she has had a hand in raising her own money and she carries her own money with her on the trip instead of depending on her parents to provide her with money. If I were to get ambitious and begin an ebay business the items I would sell are things I make at home.
Affirmation: I stay busy at home.
Practical: Prayerfully consider whether or not you should explore ways to generate additional family income through your own home-based business, is Donna's advise. She also gives a website for further suggestions, www.donnapartow.com/homemadebusiness.

Day 49: Weekly Evaluation

1. Am I listening for and hearing God's voice? What is he saying to me? Yes, and today he is saying to me that I need to be a more diligent student of His Word. Not some other teacher but His Word. I have several study guides for studying God's Word on my own but I am not very secure in how I interpret the Word of God. I do the things I heard other students of the Word do which is pray and ask God through the Holy Spirit teach me but I still remain hestitant. Today in my quiet time God seem to be saying "just step out in faith that I will teach you, you tell other's to step out in faith, do what you tell others to do".
2. Am I increasingly manifesting the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23)? What areas look encouraging? What needs prayer?
This week am afraid I decreased in my manifestation instead of increased. Love, joy, faithfulness, and I think gentleness, peace, an kindness did okay. Not perfect but okay. However, patience, goodness, and self-control was sort of a fifty-fifty situation. I came very close to loosing all patience with certain people this week and when I am think the way I was a few days this week goodness and self-control suffer. Also with self-control I controlled my tongue as far as not saying things I would later regret but food-wise did not do well at all. I think a lot of that was due to the stress of work where I was struggling to maintain patience.
3. What did God teach me during my TAG?
Again it was the stepping out in faith thing. Also for me to realize that I am not perfect but I need to keep trying and keep stepping out in faith that He will help me. However, if I risk nothing, I do nothing. But if I trust Him and risk trying then He is there. There to pick me up when I fail, and there to carry me through the task either way. I can't fail if I don't attempt, but if I don't attempt I don't achieve anything.
4. Which priorities did I live by? Which goals did I pursue?
As far as work went this week my priority was just make it through without opening my mouth and saying something I should not have. As it is I don't think I managed that. I think there were somethings I said to a couple patients that could come back and give me trouble. At home my priority was to just chill out except yesterday when I went to the grocery store. My goal there was to purchase good healthy food, which 90% of my purchases were but there were about 10% that we really could have done without. All of them were sweets that neiter of us really don't need but I bought anyway.
5. Which priorities or goals did I neglect?
Again purchasing nothing but healthy food at the grocery store, and doing the floors in the kitchen and bathrooms. They seriously need a good steam cleaning but instead have spent time on the computer instead.
6. What new thing did I learn--about life, God, my family, and the people around me?
Right now nothing really comes to mind, except again step out and risk doing new things.
7. What are my specific priorities/goals for the coming week?
Stay consistent with this study, begin something (a project) I started today that is stepping out in faith and taking a risk. Also to have a gentle and quiet spirit at work and home in the coming week and to be more faithful in manifesting the fruit fo the Spirit.

Day 48: Weekly Checkup

Cumulative Scripture Review:
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;
and 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 spindles 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.
Proverbs 31:10-23
Prayer:
Father God I know that your desire for me is to have nice things for my home and myself. However you do not want me to be immodest or boastful of these things that are really but gifts from you. At my age you want me to be clothed in more fabric instead of less. You want my countenance to reflect my husband's character and for me to respect him according to your directives. Holy Spirit help me to do the things that are pleasing to the Lord, my God. Instill in me a gentle and quiet spirit and the continued desire to serve my Lord. I pray that the fruit of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodnes, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control; can be seen in me. Thank you Heavenly Father for all the blessings you place in my life, help me to continue to have the willingness to do your will in all things. In jesus name I pray. Amen.
Practical:
Again on our daily of review and catch up we need to confirm that we have completed the following one-time tasks:
I identifified my core color. Yes, but I tend to have two core colors; black and brown.
I had already emptied my closet of anything that doesn't coordinate with my core colors.
I had also already exchanged, given away, or consigned all clothing that did not coordinate with my core color.
I have identified my ideal weight and have a workable plan to achieve it. However, this week I did not stick to the plan very well. Overall I did okay with calories however time issues did not allow me to make it to the gym to exercise.
I have also already removed clothing from my closet that does not fit. I have stored the things that I really feel I can't part with in bins, to be worn when I am thinner. These things have been necessitated by limited closet space and storage space.
I marked my calendar and committed myself to get rid of any "dream" clothes that I can not wear by that date.
I purged my hair care products, skin care products, makeup, and accessories. No but have set aside time during the coming week to do so. It has been placed on my task list for next
I routine reevaluate my entire wardrobe with modesty in view. I strive to keep my wardrobe modest all the time. This is because at my age I do not look good in things that are not modest.
I evaluate my countenance honestly. Yes. I do this regularly already based on something someone told me one time about how I looked angry even when I wasn't. Because of my job I have to be careful of my body language.
Check to confirm you are routinely incorporating the following positive changes into your daily routine.
I'm using my Personal Notebook/Journal check
I'm regularly reviewing my Personal Vision Statement. check
I'm spending time in my prayer place, enjoying TAG. check
I'm dealing proactively with my secret sins. check
I'm completing this study every day, practicing the memory verse, and reciting affirmations daily. check thanks to this blog and my few followers who keep me accountable (T
HANK YOU)
I'm becoming consciously selective about how I dress and how I use my time and resources. check
I'm becoming a more serious student of the Bible. check, I am purposely doing indepth study of Psalm 103.
I'm practicing the presence of God, being watchful, thankful, and prayerful. check
I'm following my Evening Routine and going to bed on time. missed the mark on this one a couple of night this week, staying up to late crocheting.
I'm inviting God to awaken me each morning, saying no to the snooze button and following a Morning Routine. also missed the mark on this one today, was going to get up earlier than usual for a Saturday morning (for me at least) and go to an AA meeting but because it was raining hit the snooze button and went back to sleep for a couple of hours more.
I'm exercising control over my eating habits and limiting sugar intake. This one too I missed the mark on this week. Eating too many calories and sugar.
I'm using smaller plates and controlling food portions. I did good on this part of it just had additional things that were not on the food plan for that day. Why did I buy that cookie dough, justified it as being for a good cause but now I have it in the house.
I'm planning ahead for healthier eating. I do have a daily plan for healthy eating it is just this week I didn't follow the plan every day.
I'm prayer walking three to five days per week. This is something else I did not do as often because of work pressures this got pushed to the back burner.
I begin each day with a cleansing drink and consume 64 oz. of water daily. Consumed the daily amount of water but did not drink the cleansing drink daily.
I stop eating several hours before bed. I do stop eating several hours before bed however this is really because I have acid reflux and if I eat right before going to bed I pay for it.
I'm using a rebounder to fight gravity and cellulite. As stated in previous check-ups I don't use a rebounder due to health issues.
I routinely take cleansing baths. I do take my version of a cleansing bath a couple of times a week.
I'm using my Daily Page and applying the 80/20 rule. This week I did not do so well with this because my daily plans became overtaken by way too much work so that there was only limited time to take care of the thing on my daily page.
I routinely give away everything I can. check, but did this before this study
I'm tackling items on my Tackle List. check but things are not coming off of my list very fast this week.
I'm clearing out the rubble of debt and paying with cash. check, but again had already done this before the study
I have my savings and investments on autopilot. check again this was done before the study
I'm wearing fashionable yet modest, correct-color clothing that actually fits and flatters me. again was doing this before the study (I think, others may not agree).