New Day - New Study

Well it did not take me long to decide. I thought about doing a totally new blog or moving to my Just Ramblings blog but decided that this was the format I have gotten used to posting a study on. For my new study I have recently received some books by a new author to me. Not a new author because she had written several book I have not read but she had recently started a new series and that was where I got interested. Her name is Debbie Macomber and the new fiction series was about a woman who had opened a yarn store. I had actually order the first two in this new series as a special from my Crossings Book Club. But also as a part of this special was her first non-fiction rendering. That is what I'm going to study next. The title is Knit Together: Discover God's Pattern for Your Life. A similar theme to the book we just finished. Of course Mrs. Macomber also is a knitter which is another interest of mine. In fact the first in her new series A Good Yarn was where I heard of Project Linus and got interested in that worthwhile organization. From which I contacted the local chapter. So now for "Knit Together":
The first thing she references is Psalm 139 in which David talks about God knitting us together in our mother's wombs. Each chapter deals with something we are created by God for. The first is that we are created for a purpose. She of course begins by sharing about herself in the part subtitled "Finding Purpose in Humble Beginnings", in which she talks about how she has always wanted to be a writer although she considered this an impossibled dream. Her reasons were that she was a poor student, she was dyslexic, she bearly finished high school and got married almost right away and then rapidly had four children. But inspite of these she became a writer and a very good one. She gives this advice for us to find our purpose by considering our passion. She asks these two questions. What is it that gets me excited? Why do I love it?
"God has a plan for your life and a purpose that fits into His master plan.
But He doesn't want you to float through life waiting for a giant bolt of
lightning to fall from heaven and point out what you're supposed to be
doing. He gave each of us a brain as well as a heart. We have to listen
to both to truly discover the pattern God has for our lives."
However, she also advises that we remain flexible and she reminds us that our lives do not end when our spouses die or our children grow up and leave home. She then shares a story of a woman who longed to be on Broadway but all of her efforts to become an actress failed. But through a chance she became a limo driver who one day her rider was Liza Minnelli. Ms. Minnelli began to regularly request this woman as her driver and later suggested that she start her own limousine service. So the woman purchased a limousine on her credit card and started her own business. She turned this into the most successful limousine services in New York City, catering to the Broadway stars as well as other famou clientele. Her dream of working on Broadway was realized but not as she originally invisioned. Next Debbie encourages us to be patient as well as passionate, and "to enjoy every step of the journey instead of being greedy for more and more." She then goes on to quote Oswald Chambers; "God's training is for now, not later. His purpose is for this very minute, not for sometime in the future. We have nothing to do with what will follow our obedience, and we are wrong to concern ourselves with it. What people call preparation, God sees as the goal itself."
For this chapter (and for me this week) Debbie leaves us with this prayer;
"It is my prayer for you that as you look to God for your purpose, you will continue along your journey by living creatively and with hope in the knowledge that God wants the best for you." [Amen.]

Day 90: Final Evaluation

Evaluation of the Last Ninety Days
1. Am I listening for and hearing God's voice? What is he saying to me?
During this study God has pressed on my heart to not only clear out some clutter from my home but also to press forward with some things he had laid on my heart earlier. Particularly the mission of turning my crafts into something that would benefit others. This lead to starting the Asbury Blanketeers. This has already resulted in a new friend who has volunteered to help with this project. As well as two women that I have been corresponding with that I look forward to meeting.
Something else that he has laid on my heart is that I may be getting old and I may make some mistakes but that God is not finished with me yet. I am still a work in progress that he has much more work to do and work for me 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?
During this study I have done fairly well at manifesting love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, and for the most part gentleness. However, I need prayer and the Holy Spirit's help with patience, faithfulness, and defineately self-control. I still lose patience with other, struggle with remaining faithful to my 111.1 commitment. My biggest struggle continues to be controlling my mouth both in what comes out of it and what I put in it. When I'm tired and not feeling good like I have been for the last two weeks I am at my weakest and need to turn to God more but don't always. At those times I say things I later regret and I eat way too many carbs.
3. What did God teach me during my TAG?
God has laid several things on my heart in my time alone with him. For the most part it sort of relates to my answer in the first question. Some of it is just scriptures that come to mind or that he leads me to that stimulate my brain to probe deeper some topic or question. I have started recording these and keeping a journal which I hope to turn into something just not sure what God wants me to do with it yet. Maybe it is just for me but I have a deep sense that it is not.
4. Which priorities did I live by? Which goals did I pursue?
During this study one of my primary priorities was to of course, finish the study. Also to become more dedicated in daily study of God's word in some what. I had also hoped to work on diet and exercise and early on I did but that has slacked off again. Now I need to jumpstart that again. I need to become more determined in what I purchase with regards to food. I have also become a little more determined on attempting to find additional streams of income. So far that has not panned out very well but there are somethings in process that hopefully will materialize in time. Something I have not really talked about but have been working on is writing more and that too has improved. The discipline of writing this blog everyday has also lead to other daily writings.
5. Which priorities or goals did I neglect?
For the most part as mentioned above that has been the goals of diet and exercise. As usual I did well for the first few weeks but more recently have given into the desire for chocolate and a bad sinus infection has proven an excuse to stay in bed longer in the morning. For the last two weeks I have gotten up just in time to make it to work at noon. Really need to get back into the habit of getting up and going to the wellness center at least three mornings a week for a minimum of 30 minutes.
6. What new thing did I learn--about life, God, my family, and the people around me?
Right now I can not think of anything new I learned. It was more like a reaffirming of things I already knew but tend to forget.
7. What are my specific priorities/goals for the next ninety days?

• Become rededicated to diet and exercise.
• Continue to spend TAG daily, studing His Word, and following His lead.
• Remain faithful in my two new projects with the book club and the blanketeers.
• To continue to write and possibly turn that writing into a source of income.
• To begin a new study besides the book club reading and post to this blog regularly.
• To use Just Ramblings to begin to explore some of the things God has me asking questions about.
• Continue to ask the Holy Spirit to help me manifest the fruits of the Spirit in all areas of my life.

For those few who have been following check back to see which book I chose next. I will return.

Day 89: Final Checkup

Cumulative Scripture Review:
A wife of nobel 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;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamps 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 not 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.
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.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
"Man women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Proverbs 31:10-31
Prayer:
Dear Father God, thank you for my mother who taught the skills so that I can make clothes for myself, my family, and to sell. Also that I can use to be of service to you and others. Thank you for also clothing me with strength and dignity so that I can laugh at the days to come. Holy Spirit, guide me so that I can speak with wisom and so that faithful instruction is on my tongue teach me the percepts of the Word of God. Help me God to watch over the affairs of my household as you would have me too. Guide me so that I do not eat of the bread of idleness but only of the nourishing morsels of faithful industry that is of service to you and others. Teach me, lead me and help me so that I can receive the reward I have earned and my works will be praised by you. In Jesus name, Amen.
Practical:
Today is the time to review and catchup on any unfinished items. Checking first to see that you have completed the following one-time tasks:
I have committed myself to healthy aging and am taking practical steps in that direction. Yes
I have prayed, asking God to grant me a Caleb heart. Yes
I am reading the biography of a great Christian who lived a long, productive live for the kingdom of God. Not yet but am looking for one.
I identified resources that will enable me to encourage and strengthen myself. Yes
I am committed to continuing to run the race well, even when this 90-day Jumpstart is complete. Yes
I did one thing I didn't feel like doing. Yes

Check to confirm that you are routinely incorporating the following positive changes into your daily routine.
I'm using my Personal Notebook.
I'm regulaqrly reviewing my Personal Vision Statement.
I'm spending time in my prayer place, enjoying TAG.
I'm dealing proactively with my secret sins.
I'm completing this study every day, practicing the memory verse, and reciting affirmtions daily.
I'm becoming consciously selective about how I dress and how I use my time and resources.
I'm becoming a more serious student of the Bible.
I'm practicing the presence of God, being watchful, thankful, and prayerful.
I'm following my Evening Routine and going to bed on time.
I'm inviting God to awake me each morning, saying no to the snooze button, and following a Morning Routine.
I'm exercising control over my eating habits but have not been limiting sugar. Instead focusing on eating a balanced diet as outlined by my dietician.
I'm using smaller plates and controlling food portions.
I'm planning ahead for healthier eating.
I also have not been consistent in prayer walking thre to five days per week.
I do consume sixty-four ounces of water every day but do not being every day with a cleansing drink.
I stop eating several hours before bed.
I do not use a rebounder for exercise, instead I use the treadmill, recumbent bike, and recumbent cross-trainer at the wellness center along with water aerobics.
I routinely take cleansing baths.
I'm using my Daily Page and applying the 80/20 rule.
I routinely give away everything I can.
I'm taking items on my Tackle List.
I still have not been able to get back to the financial position where I can tithe but getting closer.
I'm clearning out the rubble of debt and paying with cash.
I have my savings and investments on autopilot.
I'm wearing fashionable yet modest, correct-color clothing that actually fits and flatters me.
I'm developing multiple streams of income through home enterprise.
My family is maintaining our home using the shared servanthood strategy.
I'm focusing on being a better wife, mother, and general family member.
My family has already established "we always" traditions and I honor the Sabbath but my family has not yet joined me.
As far as it depends on me, I am a peace with all people.
I'm taking every opportunity to share meals with my family, but not beginning with breakfast because neither of us are morning people.
I am also not yet able to open my home to the workers of the Lord but I do open it to the work of the Lord.
I live within my means.
I sow financial seed in good soil; I don't throw good money after bad.
I'm keeping my Vital Information folder up to date.
I'm living every day with longevity in view.
I listen to good Bible teaching daily.

Well only one more day. I stil can't recite all of memory scripture but am getting better. I do believe that I am living healthier. Now I have to reach a decision on which of the several other books I have that I want to start on next.
Plus there is the Asbury Bookwormettes book to start next week.

Day 88: Determine to Finish Well

Scripture to Memorize:
Review entire passage--Proverbs 31:10:31
Passage to Read:
I will extol the LORD at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
My soul will boast in the LORD;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the LORD with me;
let us exalt his name together.
Psalm 34:1-3
Prayer:
Dear Lord, like David I want to extol you all the time. I want to always have on my lips your praises. I want to celebrate the beauty of your creaion. Forgive me for the times when I complain because I know that is offensive to you. I want people to know that you have transformed me and healed my mind, will, and emotions. God, I want you to use me in the lives of hurting people. Let the afflicted hear what you have done in my life and rejoice, know that you can do the same for them. I want to say to everyone "come and glorify the Lord with me". Holy Spirit, lead me to those people who need to hear this message, and give me the boldness to extol the Lord and tell them what you have done for me. Amen.
Personal:
In today's lesson Donna talks about the fact that our culture no longer celebrates a woman of noble charter. Instead the media of our modern pop culture devote hours of coverage often 24/7 to women who are so immoral that several men lay claim to fathering their children. She then goes on and tells us to not expect the world at large to celebrate or consider your life story newsworthy as you journal to becoming the woman God wants you to be. Donna tells us to remember thought that God celebrates us and angels cheer our wise virtuous decisions.
Further Donna tells us that although this study is almost at an end our journey is really just beginning.
"Will you be able to press on toward becoming the woman God has called you to be?. . .Character is the ability to do what should be done, when and how it should be done, whether or not you feel like doing it, whether or not you get an instant reward, wheor not anyone stands up to cheer you on. It's the ability to say no to your natural inclinations and yes to your responsibilities."
Donna goes on to say that the problem with life is that most of it consists of the mundane, tedious, and downright difficult task of daily living. She then goes on to tell of the time several years ago when she felt God was directing her to run a marathon. As she trained with a team of people, week after week, she had grand illusions about what an amazing experience it would bge and she envisioned herself being transformed into one of the women on the cover of Runner's World magazine. However, when the actual race came she struggled to complete it and was in agony at the end and did not look anything like the woman on the magazine cover. But when she saw the look of love and admiration in the eyes of her family, and they saw the agony in hers they all cried.
She goes on to say "rugged determination, steadfast obedience, life doesn't alway turn out the way we hope it will. We don't always get the results we're dreaming of or the applause we're hoping for. But God has called us to run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus because he's the one who wrote our life story and promises to help us across the finish line."
Remember, Donna tells us, we are not here to be extolled were are here to extol the Lord, to praise him no matter what, to remain obedient no matter how diffiuclt.
Affirmation: I'm running my race with perseverance.
Practical:
Do at least one thing today tht you don't feel like doing. Note what it is.

Day 87: Encourage and Strengthen Yourself

Scripture to Memorize:

Review the entire passage--Proverbs 31:10-31



Passage to Read:
David was greatly distressed, for the men spoke of stoning him because the souls of them all were bitterly grieved, each man for his sons and daughters. But David encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord his God.
1 Samuel 30:6 AMP
Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the Bible and making it so real. It helps me to know that even a man like David who is said to have been a man after your own heart could struggle and become distressed. He had angry people who wanted to stone him. I don't know what it would feel like to have people you have devoted your life to wanting to kill you. But I do know that hurting people hurt people. There have been times in my life when I have been hurt,not by stones but by words. Help me Lord to be more like David, who even in the worst of trials was encouraged and strengthened by turning to you. Lord, if we had our way we would never face any trials and everything would go our way but that is not how life is. Also if we did get our way all the time we would be in a lot of trouble most of the time because we do not know what is best for us. However, you Lord know what is best and you can encourage and strengthen me even in the depth of troubled times. Holy Spirit, help me be more like David and turn to God. Empower me and teach me how to encourage and strengthen myself in the Lord my God. Thank you for being such a faithful God. Amen.
Personal:
In today's lesson Donna talks about those times when like David we find ourself alone and without any one to encourage and strengthen us. She states that we need to take proactive steps to strengthen ourselves. She talks about how this study has set us on the path to strengthening ourselves but that we must continue.
She shares what she does to encourage and strengthen herself. She uses constant listening to good Bible teaching. She shared that although she used to spend a smal fortune buying tapes now you can listen to the free over the Internet. Donna says that she has developed the habit of watching her favorite Bible teacher on the Internet while lifting five-pound dumbbells. An "ideal way to strengthen spirit, soul, and body all at the same time."
She goes on to say that many Bible teachers now offer podcasts and mp3s free, so you can download teachings and strenthen yourself while you walk or run errands. Listening is another way, Donna says, to encourage and strengthen your spirit.
Donna does warn that listening to great Bible teachers is not a substitute for spending time in the Word of God. I use various teachers at www.oneplace.com and I also plan to purchase an IPod shuttle to download more.
Affirmation: I encourage and strengthen myself in the Lord
Practical:
I plan on following Donna's instruction and "continue with the positive spiritual disciplines you've developed during our ninety days together, including daily Scripture reading, Scripture memorization and prayer."

Day 86: Culativate a Caleb Heart

Scripture to Memorize:

Review the entire passage--Proverbs 31:10-31.

Passage to Read:

[Caleb said,] "I, however, followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly. So on that Moses swore to me, 'The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly.'

"Now then, just as the LORD promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the desert. So here I am today, eight-five years old! I am still as strong today as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as he said."

Prayer:

Dear Lord, I thank you for the stories that you have included in the Bible. I know that they are meant to teach me. I thank you for this story of Caleb who was a man of amazing faith. He can serve as an example for all of us. He is an inspiration. I pray that I too can have a heart like Caleb. That I can look back over my life and know that I have followed you wholeheartedly. As I complete this study I am taking step toward becoming the woman you created me to be. Thank you Lord for the rewards for those who choose to follow you wholeheartedly. But just as there are rewards, so there are responsiblities. One of these is to be a woman who ages well. As I grow older, let me grow wiser, stronger, braver, and more spiritually alive ad powerful. Help me set an example for other believers and serve as an inspiration to all who meet me. I do not want to be like the world around me, I want to age with dignity and grace, not fear the passing of time. Holy Spirit help me to live my life in such a way that I'll be able to honely say that I followed God wholeheartedly. Give me a Caleb heart. Amen.

Personal:
Donna's lesson today is that it is not enough to live a long healthy life. We have to live a life on mission for God. "That is what Caleb was all about. He was determined to fight for what God told him rightfully belonged to the people of God". She says that she does not want to live her later years consumed with herself but with the things of God. "It's said that Corrie ten Boom led more people to Christ between the ages of eighty and ninety that she did during the entire preceeding years of her life". I want to second her closing request/prayer: "Lord, let me live long and let my heart beat after yours. Make it a Caleb heart!"
Affirmation: I have a Caleb heart.
Practical:
Donna suggests that we read biographies of Christians who lived great lives for God, especially those who served him into their eighties and beyond. She also instructs us to write a vivid description of the woman we want to be at eight-five in our Personal Notebook/Journal.
I want to continue to be active in some way at eighty-five. Even if I have to get around in a motorized wheelchair. I want to be sound mentally and to continue to have a positive attitude toward life. I most defineately want to be active in some mission for the God. What more I want to be like with take some thought. Join me in considering just what we want to be like at age eighty-five.

Day 85: Commit Yourself to Healthy Aging

Scripture to Memorize:
Review the entire passage of Proverbs 31:10-31
Passage to Read:
The length of our days is seventy years--
or eighty, if we have the strength;
yet their span is but trouble and sorrow,
for they quickly pass, and we fly away.
Psalm 90:10
Guided Prayer (Donna Partow):
Dear Lord, thank you for reminding me that my time on earth is limited. It is very likely that I'll live seventy or eighty years. And many people today are living into their nineties and even to one hundred and beyond. Help me to live each day with a healthy awareness of both the potential longevity and brevity of life. I know that I'll have to deal with my share of trouble and sorrow. That's unavoidable. But, Holy Spirit, I know you can give me the power to handle those things with grace and gratitude. I know my life will quickly pass and I'll fly away home. I look forward to that day when I finally see you face-to-face. Meanwhile, help me to make the most of the days I have here on earth. Amen.
Personal:
In today's lesson Donna starts out by comparing two individuals. One who overindulges in many areas: food, not exercising, etc. and has had many health problems but who refused to change because she "wanted to enjoy life". The other was a man who had once been like the woman but after his wife's death decided to turn things around and in his seventies is healthier than he was at age 17. The man is "convinced that life cand and should be a great adventure--if you're in good enough condition to enjoy it." Donna next lists some of the things that Sally Beare identified as secrets of the world's longest living people after studying various communities known for long, vibrant lives and published these finding in her book 50 Secrets to the World's Longest Living People. Here is Donna's list:

• Eat smaller portions.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Exercise.
• Get adequate sunshine.
• Have faith.
• Laugh.
• Help others.
• Enjoy a happy marriage.
• Have a pet.
• Maintain good friendships.
• Get the correct amount of sleep (neither too much nor too little).
• Supplement your diet with vitamins.
• Eat at least five servings of fruit and veggies daily.
• Eat the following foods that mny long-living people include in their diets: whole grains, brown rice, sprouted wheat bread, eggs, nuts, seeds, garlic, onion, extra-virgin olive oil, sweet potatoes, berries, and yogurt.
• Eat meat as a treat, not a mainstay.
• Have a salad every day.
• Drink red wine and green tea.

The ones of these that I do not follow is according to this list I eat to much meat and I do not drink red wine or any other alcoholic beverage because of my alcoholism (I'm in recovery and I want to stay that way). According to Donna genetics does not have much impact on our ability to live a long, healthy, happy life. She believes that lifestyle choices hold the key. I'm not certain I agree totally with her. I do agree with her that we can do everything within our power to lead along fruitful life. I come from a long line of long-lived individuals. Many of them lived long lives at a time when people did not life long lives. I also have several who lived long lives in spite of lifestyle choices that could shorten a person's life. I do agree with Donna that people do not leave the active lives that our ancestors did but we can remain active in other ways. I also think attitude has a great deal to do with whether we are happy or not.

Affirmation: I enjoy long life.

Practical:

Incorporate into your lifestyle as many of the items on the longevity list as you can.

Day 84: Weekly Evaluation

Am going to try to post this quickly before I take more meds and go back to bed. Have a horrific sinus headache today.
1. Am I listening for and hearing God's voice? What is he saying to me? Yes, I did better this week at slowing down and waiting to hear God's voice in my quiet time. This week there was nothing earth shattering but repeatedly got the message to believe Jermiah 29:11.
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 did much better this week also, however still struggle with self-control in the area of food and sweets. I must share though about the wonderful meeting I had this week with another kindred soul regarding the knitting/crocheting mission at church. I had not met this woman yet and found not only do we have knitting and crocheting in comman but many other things as well. It was such a blessing.
3. What did God teach me during my TAG? That if I will but trust him he will turn even my follies into blessings.
4. Which priorities did I live by? Which goals did I pursue? My priorities this week have been to continue to make progress in what I see as God's new mission for me. The goals I have pursued is to continue the process of getting rid of something and beginning to contact people regarding this new mission project. Reserved a room for our first Project Linus collection day and for the few women who want to seat and fellowship a speaker from another knitting mission nearby. Found out the heads for the current missions that might like to have items from the group for their mission work. Met someone who is willing to help with this project.
5. Which priorities or goals did I neglect? I neglected self-control in the area of diet and exercise. The biggest priority I was forced to forego this week was church again this morning.
6. What new thing did I learn--about life, God, my family, and the people around me? That God if forever faithful even if I am not. The people around me are doing their best and therefore instead of judging them I need to pray for them. My physical family may be widely scattered and not around much but I have an enormous family in God. Also my husband is doing the best he can and I should not judge him but pray for him. That the world is full of hurting people who need our love and not our condemnation.
7. What are my specific priorities/goals for the coming week? Continue preparing things in an effort to get rid of some things. Be more diligent in controlling my food intake and exercising my body. To love God's people and not judge or condemn. Finish my current crocheting project so that I can start on one or two Project Linus blankets.

I hope everyone has a marvelous week and are feeling healthy and happy this coming week.

Day 83: Weekly Checkup

Today to test my memory and your's there is our Scripture to Memorize for the study to this point but some words are missing. Fill in the blanks without using your Bible.
A __________ ___ ____________ _______________ who can find?
She is worth ________ ____ ________ ___________.
Her husband ___ _______ _________ ___ _________
and lacks _____________ ____ __________.
She brings him ______,____ ______,
all the ________ ___ _____ ___________.
She selects _________ _____ ________
and works ______ _________ _________.
She is like ____ ___________ _______,
bringing her _____ ____ ______.
She gets up _____ __ ____ ___ _____ ______;
she provides _____ ____ _____ _________
and portions ___ ____ __________ _____.
She considers __ _______ ____ _____ _____ ___;
out of her earnings ____ ______ __ _______________.
She sets about _____ _____ _____ _______________'
her arms ____ ___________ ___ ___ _________.
She sees that _____ __________ ___ ____________,
and her ______ _____ ____ ____ ___ ___ _______.
In her hands ____ ________ _____ _________
and grasps ____ _________ ___ ______ ____________.
She opens ____ _______ ___ ___ __________
and extends ______ ________ ___ ____ __________.
When it ______, she _______ _____ ___ ___ ____ ______________;
for all ___ _____ ____ __________ ____ ___________:
She makes ______________ ____ ____ _____"
she is __________ ___ ________ ________ ____ _____________.
Her husband ___ ___________ ___ ____ ______ __________,
where he takes ___ ______ _______ ____ ______ ___ ___ ________.
She makes _________ _________ ______ ____ ____,
and supplies ______ _________ _____ _______/
She is clothed _____ _________ ____ _________'
she can ________ ___ ____ ____ ___ _____.
She speaks _____ ________,
and faithful _____________ __ ___ ____ ________.
She watches ______ ____ ______ ___ ____ ___________________
and does not ____ ____ __________ ___ ____________.
Her children ________ ___ ____ ____ ________________;
her husband _____, and ___ __________ ___:
"Many women ___ ______ ________,
but you ____________ _____ ___."
Charm is _______________, and _________ ___ ___________;
but a woman _____ ______ __ ________ ___ ___ __ _____________.
Give her _____ _________ _____ ______ ________
and let her _________ ______ ____ _______ ___ ___ ___ ______.
Proverbs 31:10-31
Prayer:
Father God, please let my works bring you praise and glory and not me. Help me to always place your praise and glory above any earthly acclaim of people. I know that is this is my goal they I will receive the rewards that I have earned. Holy Spirit, guide me so that all I do brings glory to God. Remind me always that things of this world like beauty are fleeting. I can not take any of them with me. Teach me the ways that will bring God glory and help me to become the woman God wants me to be. In Jesus name I pray, amen.
Practical:
Well once again it is Saturday and our day to review and catch up on any tasks that Donna has asked us to do that are unfinished.
We start with the one-time tasks fromt his week.
I am developing a plan for my financial survival in case of a significant loss. yes
I added an Emergency Contact page to my notebook/journal. yes
I photocopied all important items carried in my purse. yes
I created a Vital Information folder. yes
I stored all suggested documents safely in a fireproof file cabinet or safe. yes (actually we already had one I just added the photocopies I made.
I began work on the checklist of items to be included in the Vital Information folder. yes
I calculated my financial resources. yes

I committed to prepaying my mortgage. yes

This next list is the things that we are to be incorporating in our daily routine: (I will comment on only those that I have not done this week and I will also not comment on those I can not do because of physical health).
I'm using my Personal Notebook
I'm regularly reviewing my Personal Vision Statement
I'm spending time in my prayer place, enjoying TAG.
I'm dealing proactive with my secret sins.
I'm completing this study every day, practicing the memory verse, and reciting affirmations daily.
I'm becoming consciously selective about how I dress and how I use my time and resources.
I'm becoming a more serious student of the Bible.
I'm practicing the presence of God, being watchful, thankful, and prayerful.
I'm following my evening routine and going to bed on time.
I'm inviting God to awaken me each morning, and saying no to the snooze button, and following a morning routine.
I'm exercising control over my eating habits and limiting sugar intake.
I'm using smaller plates and controlling food portions.
I'm planning ahead for healthier eating. My night time eating is still a problem, I tend to eat more than is healthy after I get home from work at night.
I'm prayer walking three to five days a week. I only made it two days this week.
I begin each day with a cleansing drink and consume sixty-four ounces of water every day.
I stop eating several hours before bed. This was another problem this week. Bo made broiled bratwurst couple nights shortly before I went to bed and I gave in to temptation.
I'm using a rebounder (exercise equipment) to fight gravity and cellulite (to aid in weight loss).
I routinely take cleansing baths.
I'm using my Daily Page and applying the 80/20 rule.
I routinely give away everything I can. At this point I am preparing to sale a number of things on craigslist.
I'm tackling items on my Tackle List.
I'm tithing. Not yet.
I'm clearing out the rubble of debt and paying with cash.
I have my savings and investments on autopilot.
I'm wearing fashionable yet modest, correct-color clothing that actually fits and flatters me.
I'm developing multiple streams of income through home enterprise.
My family is maintaining our home using the shared servanthood strategy.
I'm focusing on being a better wife, mother, and general family member.
My family is developing "we always" traditions, including honoring the Sabbath. I am.
As far as it depends on me, I am at peace with all people.
I'm taking every opportunity to share meals with my family, beginning with breakfast every morning. Yes and no. Yes I'm taking every opportunity to share meal with family but neither of us eat breakfast normally.
I'm practicing hospitality, opening my home to the workers and the work of the Lord. To the work of the Lord yes, to the workers no.
I live within my means.
I sow financial seed in good soil; I don't throw good money after bad. Yes, now I am.
I'm keeping my Vital Information folder up to day.
This study is almost finished only seven more days left. Thanks to those of you who are following I have almost completed this study. Thanks. I am looking at a couple of books to use to do another study but with only weekly posts.

Day 82: Get Your Legal and Financial Affairs in Order

Scripture to Memorize:
Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Proverbs 31:31
Passage to Read:
May the LORD bless you from Zion
all the days of your life;
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem,
and may you live to see your children's children.
Peace be upon Israel.
Psalm 128:5-6
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father;
I thank you for the blessings you have blessed me with. I believe you bless me all the days of my life and that I will see prosperity. Thank you for granting me the opportunity to live long enough to see my child's children and their children. Help me to continue to be wise in the way I live my life so that I may truly enjoy my senior years. I thank you for your blessing and ask that you empower me to be a blessing to others. I pray for peace and prosperity for my country. I pray that the leaders of this country would turn to you and seek your wisdom and guidance in governing this land. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Personal:
Donna's lesson today is to get our legal and financial records in order. She suggests we start by creating an Emergency Contact list in the Personal section of our notebooks/journals. Compile a list of key eople to call, including relatives, physicians, and lawyers, in case of an emergency. Keep this information in your Personal Notebook but also keep it with you at all times.
Next she suggests that we photocopy our credit cards (if you have not followed suggestions and gotten rid of them), debit cards, driver's license, Social Security card, insurance card, and other important things you carry in your purse. That way if your purse is stolen you will know just what is missing and where to go to replace everything. Then put the copies in the front of a locked fireproof filing cabinet in a folder labeled Vital Information, or in your safe. If you do not have either one of these then you need to purchase one. Be sure someone knows where the key to the cabinet is or how to unlock it. Make a notre at the bottom of the Emergency Contact page, indicating the existence and location of your Vital Information folder. This is also the place to indicate the name and contact information for the person who knows how to open the filing cabinet and/or safe.
"Your Vital Information folder should also include:

• Passport - Everyone should have a valid passport. You don't know when you might need to go overseas in a moment's notice to answser God's call or that of a relative, to take a business trip, or to care for some other circumstance. Check your passport to see if it expires soon, and renew it.
• Will - Lawyers constantly marvel at how many highly intelligent people don't have a will, and how many people who do have wills haven't updated them for decades. When someone dies without an up-to-date will, it can have devastating financial ad legal consequences for the family. It can also lead to lengthy family feuds, even over seemingly insignificant details. If you want your loved ones, rather than lawyers and the government, to inherit your estate, make sure your will is valid and easy to locate.
• Power of Attorney - Take the time to make sure you have a well-writtne power of attorney and pick someone you trust completely. Check with your lawyer to make sure that any power-of-attorney form you sign does precisely what you want it to do. Be very precise as to the authority you are given the person. If you want them to be able to make gifts of money or other property be sure it says so. Be sure you assign that person as your health care proxy so that he or she can make life and death decisions on your behalf. If you designate your spouse be sure to designate a back up person should you both die at the same time.
• Insurance policies - Make sure you have adequate healthy insurance coverage. Again this is something that was also covered under Financial Peace University and so I have already made sure I do. However, I should have gotten long term health care sooner because now it is hard to get and very costly.
• Deeds to property - The original deed(s) can be kept by you or filed with an attorney. If filed with an attorney, include a photocopy in your file. You should also have a beneficiary deed, which turns the property over to your heirs on your death.
• Social Security summary - Keep a copy of your most recent benefit statement. Ensure that all personal information is correct and confirm how much monthly income you are projected to receive. If you don't have or can't find your statement, visit www.ss.gov to obtain one.
• Investment Overview - Include a recent statement for each of your investment, along with any stock or bond certificates. You should also create an Investment Overview spreadsheet, listing all of your investments with account numbers, contact informatin, and estimated value. If you organize your finances using a software program, such as Quicken or Microsoft Money, it will create such an overview for you to print out and file."

While we are doing all of this Donna tells us to review our financial and legal documents to make sure that your beneficiaries are up-to-date. Further she tells us to be sure to use effective estate planning tools (like trusts or advance gifts to reduce estate taxes and ensure that your heirs receive the most benefit.

"We should all aspire to be a wise, well-prepared woman. Yes, it is true that God is our provider. But often he provides by sending someone to bring us a wake-up call. This is your wake-up call."

Affirmation: I prepare for my future with wisdom.

Practical:

I don't carry an Emergency Contact page from my Personal Notebook/Journal I carry all this information in my Crossing's Annual Daily Planner Calendar. I also include in it a complete and current list of all medications and some other pertinent information in the event I had to be hospitalized as the result of an accident or something. Also is the necessary contact information for Bo and my daughter and sister. There if also a place where I have recorded all my doctors' names, speciality, and phone numbers. I have not make the photocopies she mentioned at the beginning of this lesson but I can see where that would be very useful and will do this tomorrow.

Day 81: Avoid Financial Folly

Scripture to Memorize:
Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Proverbs 31:31
Passage to Read:
The man who had received the five talents brought the other fiv. "Master," he said "you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more."
His master replied, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!"
The man with the two talents also came. "Master," he said "you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more."
His master replied, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faith with a few thingsw; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!"
The the man who had received the one talent came. "Master," he said "I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you."
His master replied, "You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gathered where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest."
"Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
Matthew 25:20-30
Guided Prayer (from Donna):
Dear Lord, this passage containing the parable of the talents challenges me. My natural inclination is to see someone who doesn't have many financial resources and give to that person. I don't always stop and think: maybe that person doesn't have financil resources because he or she has been foolish with money or unwilling to do the hard work it takes to make wise investments.
It amazes me that Jesus didn't express compassion toward the servant who didn't invest his money. He rebuked him sharply and called him lazy. Forgive me, Lord, if I have been lazy in any way about investments or financial management. I realize you take money management as seriously as you take any other area of my life. Please help me to become a better investor. Holy Spirit, I invite you to be my financial planning tutor. I want ot be an A student to the glory of God. I want to invest every penny for maximum return so I can do the most good for the kingdom. I need your help to do that and thank you in advance for all the exciting lessons I'm going to learn and for the profit I'm going to earn! Amen.
Personal:
Donna starts today's lesson by stating that she misunderstood initially what God's word say about giving. She stated that she read things out of context. "We can and should be generous with out money, but everything we do--including our giving--must be guided by wisdom. Wisdom, after all, is the overriding subject of the entire book of Proverbs".
She shares how by trusting someone simply because they professed to be a Christian caused her to loose a "small fortune". She also shares how her generousity with people who were unscrupelous cost her more money.
"I thought I was being generous but I was just being stupid. There's a huge difference between sowing seed in good soil and throwing good money after bad. Unfortunately for my children, it's taken me forty-five years to figure that out."
She goes on to say "Very often, people have financial difficulties for a reason." She also warns about co-signing loans for people (relatives or not).
Donna says that the Proverbs 31 woman gave to the poor and needy but did not become poor and needy in the process. She did not eat the bread of idleness nor did she enable others to do so. She further states that she has loaned people money really believing they planned on paying her back but has never once been paid back. Now is God lays it on her heart to help someone she views it as a gift and gives them the money outright.
Donna's final paragraph today is:
"Don't confuse ministry with being foolish with your money. I made that mistake for decades and I regret it. Instead, realize that being wise with your money positions you for long-term ministry. And that's what the Proverbs 31 woman is all about--the long-term view. The Bible doesn't say, 'Give the reward she has earned to someone else who hasn't worked for it.' No, it says we have the right to enjoy the rewards we've earned. There's nothing unspiritual about that. Sow your seed in good soil, bless others out of the surplus, and enjoy your harvest."
Affirmation: I sow my seed in good soil.
Practical:
"Do not cosign for loans or in any way rescue people from the financial consequences of their own foolishness. If you have done so, seek a legal way out."
I must say that Donna's message today makes me feel better about the mistake I made. It is a blessing to be reminded that even though I make mistakes I am not a mistake. I can learn from my lesson just like Donna has learned from hers and in the future make wiser financial decisions.

Day 80: Live Within Your Means

Scripture to Memorize:
Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Proverbs 31:31
Passage to Read:
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
1 Timothy 6:6-10
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for today's truth. Help me to not chase after riches, possession, stuff that is ultimately of no value. Holy Spirit remind me often that being content with what I have and expressing gratitude for it brings godliness of great gain. Remind me often that I live in a country that is truely affluent when compared to many nations in the world. I not only have food and clothing but a warm lovely home, fresh water to drink, a vehicle to take me to and from all the places I chose to go. Keep me from the temptation and the traps of many foolish and harmful desires that will plunge me into ruin and destruction. Help me never forget Lord Jesus that the Love of money brings about all kinds of evil. I do not want to wander fromt he faith not be pierced with many griefs that will come from loving money. Instead Holy Spirit help me to love the Lord and to seek things that will bring him pleasure and glory. Help me to live within my means not only for my sake but for the sake of my family and of future generations. I want to leave my child, grandchildren, and great grandchildren more than boxes full of accumulated stuff. Stuff that they will not like or appreciate but view as junk. Instead let me leave them with an example of a life lived devoted to you. A life lived to bring you joy. In Jesus name Amen.
Personal:
Donna's lesson today is about living with in your means. This is the amount left after you have tithed 10%, saved 10%, and made an extra payment against your mortgage. Again she urges us to not live beyond our means through the use of credit. She reminds us again that people in Western cultures are living long. If we live beyond our means and do not save and make arrangements to pay off our mortgage early we are actually asking our children and grandchildren to make sacrifices at a later date to take care of us because we have lived beyond our means. She states that there are four things we can do to show our families that we truly care:

1. Give God what belongs to God, so your life is a life of blessing.
2. Get out of debt and stay out. Is your stuff more important than your family's future.
3. Save and invest for retirement so you don't become a financial burden.
4. Pay off your mortgage early and invest the tens of thousands of dollars you otherwise would have squandered on interest.

She also reminds us that as "godly women and mothers is to study what God's Word has to say abou money, then line up our finances accordingly." She even calls this an "obligation". Donna further tells us that we need to take the initiative to pursue financial wisdom, so we can impart it to our children and spare them some of the foolish financial decisions we made. By giving them the principles and encouraging them to put them into practice, then they will enjoy financial peace and that is an incredible give to be able to impart. "When your children finally realize the value of what you've given (it may take a few years), they are sure to arise and call you blessed in gratitude.

Affirmation: I believe godliness with contentment is great gain.

Practical:

Make a firm commitment to live within your means.

This is something that I have been working on since I originally took financial peace. I have been able to save the original baby step ($1,000 in an emergency fund) and we got rid of all of our credit cards but we have not been able to get beyond this point because of little emergencies that crop up. However, until this last little event we were able to take care of our emergencies. Fortunately, the bank is working with us but it has meant readjusting our budget for one year. However, fortunately it just requires us to have less money going into not essential things which really is what Donna has been talking about any way. Plus hopefully by continuing to get rid of some things that are really just "stuff" that would be considered "junk" by my daughter and her children. So Bo and I are in the process of getting these things ready to list on ebay and craigslist to attempt to get rid of. Plus there are something I need to get ready to just give away. So I know what I'll be doing this weekend in addition to grocery shopping.

Day 79: Prepay Your Mortgage

Scripture to Memorize:
Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Proverbs 31:31
Passage to Read:
Suppose one of you want to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who will see it will ridicule him, saying, "This fellow began to build and was not able to finish."
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
As you have helped me complete things in the past by giving me the wisdom to set down and determine what is needed help me to lay strong, sound financial plans for the foundation of my family's financial future. Help me to made wise decision by giving me the financial wisdom I need. Help me to lay a firm foundation based on sound financial principles so I will be able to finish as you want me too. So that I will be able all of my life to sing praise to you for your wise counsel. Holy Spirit, do not leave me open to the charge that I am unable to complete what I have begun to build. Lead me every step of the way. I know I can count on you. I want you to be able to count on me, too. Amen.
Personal:
In today's lesson Donna again takes a page from Dave Ramsey and tells to pay off our mortgages early. Her recommended method is to add an additional 10% to your monthly mortgage payment. First make sure that your mortgage company will apply that 10% against your principle and not your interest. Some monthly statements have a place for "Additional principle payment" put the 10% (the dollar amount) in this space and make that extra payment. Another suggestion is making biweekly payments. If your monthly payment is $800 pay $400 every two weeks. You will end up making the equivalent to 13 monthly payments rather than 12. You most likely will have to make special arrangements with your mortgage company to make your payments this way. I really agree with Donna and have made additional principle payments in the past but not as consistently as I would like to do. That is what I am working towards though is being able to pay off my truck and my house early. Then if I buy all future vehicles for cash I will basically reach retirement age with no regular bills except for utilities, groceries, etc. I may not be where I want to be but if I continue to apply the concepts that I learned through Financial Peace University I can assure my family's financial security. That way Bo and I can both enjoy our retirement.

Day 78: Get a Reality Check

Scripture to Memorize:
Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her work bring her praise at the city gate.
Proverbs 31:31
Passage to Read:
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.
1 Corinthians 14:33
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
I give you thanks and praise for all that you have done for me. I thank you for being my Prince of Peace. Through your death on the cross and your resurrection you have bought for the me the right to have peace with the Father. Just as you have given me peace for my spirit I seek peace for my mind. Thank you for plainly tell me that you are the God of peace and not disorder. If I experience anything in my life that is not is order it means that it has not yet come under your lordship. Holy Spirit help me to have peace in all areas of my life. Reveal to me anything that is not in order with God. Give me the power to let God rule every area of my life. So that my life will be peaceful. Lead me on the path of peace. In Jesus name I pray, amen.
Personal:
Today Donna gives us a warning as women to become financially prepared for our later years (post-retirement years). She gave some sobering statistics.

• There are 78 million American baby boomers.
• Many have alread entered retirement. Over the next two decades, the rest will follow.
• Life expectancy is now 77.9 years in the United States.
• People who are 85 years of age or older constitute the single most rapidly growing group in our population.
• The number of Americans over 100 years old is also growing exponentially.

Donna also states "there are millions of again people, many of whom will not contribute to the economy or the financial well-being oof their families--unless they've planned ahead. . . . millions of people will require vast financial resources, including funding for health care." She then asks if we have considered what we would live on if God grants us one hundred years or more? Would we be able to live on our investments or would we have to live off our children?

Donna next shares the story of her husband's great-grandfather who is 104, still active and still busy and still earning money from the multiple streatms of income that he established. She says that he can enjoy his long life because he was financially prepared for it. Then she goes on to share the statistics of Kim Kiyosaki, author of "Rich Woman":

• 47 percent of women over 50 are single.
• Approximately 7 out of 10 women will, at some time, live in poverty. For most of them, it will be during their retirement years.
• 80 percent of widows now living in poverty were not poor before the death of their husband.
• Women's retirement income (social security, pensions, 401(k)s will be lessened because, on average, a woman is away from the work force 14.7 years as compare to 1.6 years for men.

Donna asks "Have you thought about what will happen to you when your husband dies?" She shared that when her father died her mother's Social Security check was immediately cut in half. It is only because her mother has children willing and able to help her out financially that she can make it. She also asks us to think about the fact that more than 50 percent of marriages end in divorce and that a woman's standards of living drops 73 percent after a divorce. She also states that the percent of divorces is actually higher amonty American evangelical Christians.

Donna then states that "when we read these statistics and this inormation, we can respond one of two ways: like a victor or a victim." A victim expects someone else to help her out by changing the laws or that her children will take care of her. A victor says "God has given me a good mind which I can apply to making wise financial choices for my future" The Proverbs 31 woman could laugh at the days to come because she prepared for them. In order for us to laugh at the days to come we need to also be prepared. "Your children will definitely arise and call you blessed when they find out you are financially able to care for yourself until God calls you home." is Donna's last statement for the day.

Affirmation: I can laugh at the days to come because I am financially prepared for them.

Practical:

I have already taken the actions that Donna discusses. This is one of the reasons I went back to school and got my Master's Degree in a profession I can continue to work in regardless of physical ability. I have begun to explore other streams of income that could also be contined long after I retire, plus I will keep from retired as long a possible and hope to be able to do so until age 72. I have also computed my monthly income without consideration to any income from my husband. Something else we did was include as part of our monthly mortgage payments the insurance where if either one of us dies while the house is still under mortgage which most likely will happen the mortgage is automatically paid off. I have already made use of the retirement planning tools which are a part of my 401(k). The one thing I wish I had taken advantage of when I first started working for my current employer is long-term care because now it is very hard to get. I can get it throught AARP but it is extremely expensive. Here are some websites if you have not done the same.

Charles Schwab at www.schwab.com

Vanguard at www.vanguard.com

Fidelity at www.fidelity.com (which is the company my 401(k) is with).

Day 77: Weekly Evaluation

1. Am I listening for and hearing God's voice? What is he saying to me?
Unfortunately this week I have not been able to slow down long enough, without sleeping, to hear anything. Work has been crazy and have been getting some things done on computer in the hopes of making some money. Need it after my really really dumb stunt.
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?
Well this week was in some ways better and some ways worse. All areas over all looked encouraging except for self-control which continues to need prayer. Prayer for control of my tongue (what I say to others) and mouth (what I put into it). Even the areas of peace, joy, patience, and kindness did okay again inspite of my dumb stunt.
3. What did God teach me during my TAG?
After my dumb stunt God really worked on teaching me to not look for quick fixes for things I mess up on.
4. Which priorities did I live by? Which goals did I pursue?
The priorities were that God is most important, that wealth is not necessary, and that the most important thing other than God is family. I really did not pursue many of my goals this week. Have been to focused on financial issues and work to focus on much else. Financial issues is a shortage of funds and work is a heavy caseload that requires going in early in order to get paperwork one.
5. Which priorities or goals did I neglect?
I really did not neglect my daily time alone with God in prayer and Bible study but I rushed through it and did not pause afterwards to listen for God's message.
6. What new thing did I learn--about life, God, my family, and the people around me?
Life: that there are no quick fixes and if it sounds too good to believe it is. God: that even when I rush through my time with him he still believes in me and wants the best for me. I just need to turn to him more. Family: just how understanding my husband can be. People around me: that most of them are understanding, empathetic, and loving.
7. What are my specific priorities/goals for the coming week?
Daily prayer, TAG, daily Bible study (get my focus back on something in particular), work that I can get my paperwork done without going in as early, work on getting more things ready to sale, and do some cleaning even though it is grocery shopping week.

Day 76: Weekly Checkup

Cumulative Scripture Review:
Proverbs 31:10-30 (Sorry but time is short read through and check your memory using your Bible.)
Prayer:
Turn verse 30 into a Scripture-based prayer:
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30
Dear Lord Jesus;
I want to be a woman who fears the Lord but I need your help and strengthening. Also, I need regular reminders that some of the most charming people are really flawed and in some cases might even be called evil and the beauty that our culture seems to worship will not last. The most beautiful actress, the thinnest model even with the help of unhealthy diets and plastic surgery eventually turn old. But a woman who fears you O, Lord remains beautiful in your eyes forever. Because of the things she does to bless her family and the people in her life she will be considered charming and beautiful even when she is ninety. I want to be the type of woman who is beautiful in your eyes and praised because of my love and fear of you shines through my actions to point other to you, for your glory. These things I pray in your mighty name Jesus. Amen.
Practical:
Well we have made it through another week of study and are again at the day that Donna instructs us to review and catch up on any unfinished items. This weeks on-time tasks were:
I instituted the family breakfast half hour. Unfortunately no because there is no family to join in.
I began dressing my family for spiritual success before they leave the house in the morning. No but I have dressed myself since I am the only one leaving the house.
I made a commitment to practice hospitality and am taking steps towards hosting my first guest. Again am not able to follow this instruction either but would love to and am praying about it.
I have prayed about opening my home for ministry. YES
I contacted the missions coordinator for my church to find out how I can host a missionary. I did not have to contact them I know of how I can but unfortunately again that will not be possible any time soon but do continue to pray about this.
Now 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 timie in my prayer place, enjoying TAB. 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, thankful, and prayerful. Yes.
I'm following my Evening Routines and going to bed on time.
I'm inviting God to awaken me each morning, saying no to the snooze button, and following a Morning Routine. Yes
I'm exercising control over my eating habits and limiting sugar intake. No not this week.
I'm using smaller plates and controlling food portions. Yes
I'm planning ahead for healthier eating. Yes
I'm prayer walking three to five days a week. Not this week. Again work got in the way.
I begin each day with a cleansing drink and consume sixty-four ounces of water every day. Not doing the cleansing drink but am consuming at minimum of sixty-four ounces of water.
I stop eating several hours before bed. Unfortunately not this week. Late night snacks have been my downfall this week. I rediscovered the cookie dough I had bought from the Donaldson boy.
I also do not use a rebounder because of joint and back issues and because of work issues did not make it to the gym this week.
I do regularly take cleansing baths.
I'm using my Daily Page and applying the 80/20 rule most of the time.
I am routinely getting rid of everything I can, in fact added some items for sale on Craig's list
Plan on adding even more.
I did not tackle any items on my Tackle List but must before the end of the day at least steam clean the spot in front of the front dog where my old Dachsund has been relieving himself. I can't seem to get Bo to put down the puppy pads I bought.
I am also not tithing again this month and in fact due to a REALLY dumb thing I did have to completely redo my monthly budget.
I also, because of that same dumb thing, am going to get slowed down in my efforts to get out of debt, unless God answers my prayers within the next few weeks/months.
I do have my savings and investments on autopilot thanks to my employer's cafeteria plan.
I am wearing fashionable yet modest, correct-color clothing that actually fits and flatters me, but of course I think I did that before I began this study.
I am working on developing multiple streams of income through home enterprises, I just need to be more careful about what sort of enterprises.
My husband (only family member in the area) does share in maintaining our home.
I am focusing on being a better wife, mother and general family members.
My family and I are not currently workingon developing any new "we always" traditions. My husband does not join me in honoring the Sabbath (could use your prayers on that matter).
As far as it depends on me, I am at peace with all people.
I do take every opportunity to share meals with Bo particularly on the weekend.
As for opening my home to the workers and the work of the Lord I am not able to do that at this time.
Personal:
Unfortunately, for me this week most of Donna's instructions are things I can not do, either because there are no longer any children in our home or because of Bo's feelings. I really do believe that he is the head of our household and I feel that in regards to inviting others into our home I need to consider and honor his feelings. However, I have no idea what God my having in store so I have turned that issue and my husband over to him.

Day 75: Host God's Servants

Scripture to Memorize:
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Proverbs 31:30
Passage to Read:
Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
Psalm 37:4-6
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
I delight myself in you. I thank you for giving me the desires of my heart. I can truly say that I am richly blessed. I am often amazed how much I have changed my perspective from what I used to think was so important, to the things that are pleasing to you. Lord, let me more and more, allow my heart to be broken by the things that break your heart.
Today I commit my way to Lord. I trust in you both with the big picture of my life and the day to day mundane routine of my everyday life. I trust you Lord and I trust you to make my righteousness shine. Help me to shine whereever I go. Help me to shine in my everyday life where it is most difficult. Holy Spirit help me to remember that I no longer need to be my own advocate, to fight for my rights, to demand the last word, to be respected. Help me to remember that when my cause is right you will make that obvious. Meanwhile, I entrust myself, my life, and this day to you, with all my heart. I delight in you. May I live my life in a way that announces to all that I delight in you. Help me to realize that you also delight in me. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Personal:
In today's lesson Donna encourages us to host traveling missionaries in our homes so that we can expose our children to the need for world missions. She tells the story of how excited her daughter was when then hosted in their home Tina Marie and her husband and also Hector Torres, a Latin American pastor who her daughter really admires. Her daughter told a friend that it was "almost like having dinner with Billy Graham and your favorite movie star at the same time". Donna also talks about the various mission trips that she has gone on with her two daughters and that one of her daughters started going on mission trips at the age of ten.
Donna stated "I do not believe my children would have such a heart for the world if I hadn't deliberately created opportunities for them to meet missionaires up close and personal." She suggest that you talk to you missions director of you church or at the demoninational headquarters to see what your family can do to host missionaires. For some of us we are given that opportunity during GIC. I really wished that I had that opportunity.
Affirmation: I welcome God's servants into my home.

Day 74: Open Your HOme for Ministry

Scripture to Memorize:
Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Proverbs 31:30
Passage to Read:
On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. "If you consider me a believer in the Lord," she said, "come and stay at my house." And she persuaded us . . . .
After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia's house, where they met with the brothers and encouraged them.
Acts 16:13-15, 40
Prayer:
Dear Lord thank you for the example of Lydia. May you find in me, as Paul found in her, a place of prayer. Thank you Lord for the spiritual companionship of faith prayer warriors. Forgive me the times that I have willfully avoided gathering together with your saints. I confess that sometimes our gatherings have ended up being for every purpose other than prayer. Help me place more emphasis in our gatherings on faithful prayer.
Holy Spirit keep my heart open to the people you will send inot my life in response to my prayers, even as you sent Paul in answer to Lydia's prayers. I pray that I will be known as a worshiper of God. When I gather with others help it to be a time of prayer and encouragement of one another. In Jesus name, Amen.
Personal:
Again today Donna's lesson leaves me feeling a bit disappointment because at this time I am not able to follow her instructions. She begins the lesson by makeing some points about how Lydia was the first-century Proverbs 31 woman. These are

• Lydia was a business woman who sold high-end fabric.
• She was also a worshipper of God
• She was a hard worker but not a workaholic
• She honored the Sabbath gathering with a group of other godly women
• She immediately opens her home which tells us that her home was in good order

Donna points out that our homes are not to be a place where we can congratulate ourselves because it is beautiful, clean, etc. but a place that can become a center for God's work in our communities. Lydia was not "inviting over the women from the church missionary society. They were all either seekers or brand-new believers. But she didn't hesitate to invite them all over."

Donna also points out that when Paul and Silas got out of prison they went to Lydia's house. She asks when they went to "Lydia's little house church and greeted--who? The sisters? The sewing circle? The ladies' Bible Study? No, it says they met 'the brothers'. . . .We don't know how the other women responded: we only know what Lydia and her household believed. Paul and Silas were the only known male believers on the entire European continent and they were in jail. Yet when they were released from jail, it appears that a thriving house church was meeting in Lydia's house."

Donna says that our homes should be places where we can kick off our shoes and be yourself but our home can be more than that it can become central to the work of God in your neighborhood. There is more and more emphasis on the importance of small groups that meet in people's homes and include people from the immediate neighborhood. Donna then tell of a woman who lived in Bogata', Colombia who had opened her home for a weekly Bible study which grew to the point where once a week they had to remove all of the furniture on the first floor so they could bring in three hundred chairs for the Bible study. "God only knows what he can do through one woman on her knees who is willing to say, 'Come to my house. Let's learn about God together.' God only knows, but wouldn't you like to find out?"

Affirmation: I open my home to the work of God (I pray that some day my house will be big enough to do that but until then my labors in my house are my work).

Practical:

"Pray and seek God's direction. What does he want to do with your home? How can your home serve the kingdom of God? Consider hosting a small-group Bible study, youth group meeting, or some other gather."