June.21.02: Light For The Day - "Being A Young Mother"

-- Proverbs 31:10 (NIV)
"A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies."

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"Being A Young Mother"

O God, I hardly have a moment to myself.
As I get my husband off, and the children bathed, and clad,
and fed, the phone rings, or a neighbor calls.
I can't always do what I would like to do about the house:
there is the endless washing for the children --
when the weather allows -- and the airing.
I have the shopping to do and I take the little ones
with me for an outing -- and the hours fly.
In no time I'm putting them to rest and planning the meal.

Help me to make this house a home, full of joy and security;
a home to which we will all be eager to return at the day's end,
a center of understanding and love. Help me to make time
for the most important things; and not to become so overtired
that I forget that you have honored me with this far-reaching,
and rewarding task. Bless our free times together -- all our fun;
bless our plans as we look ahead; our relationships with
friends in the community, and in the church, and in the wide world.

-- Rita Snowden

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