I used to want to be Ashley Judd. I think she is classically beautiful, carries herself well and her hair always looks nice (because, who doesn’t want nice hair…?). She’s slim, has good skin and smiles all the time. I wanted to be her. She’s my type of “perfect”.
As I have gotten older, I have shifted in what I “want” to be. My desires to be something are no longer centered around the idea of looking good (although I appreciate someone who “maintains”…I’m not going to lie). My desire to be a woman of God is my focus now. Not that I don’t become enthralled with the idea of being thin with perfect skin…..I’m a woman in 2009-hello! It happens.
But my overall focus is different now.
My friend Nicole spoke last semester at our MOMS group about the Proverbs 31 woman. Of all the discussions we have had as mothers….it was the one that stuck with me the most. Simply because it is what I WANT to be. In a culture where the emphasis is always placed on the outside, this passage sits in stark contrast. I think that is why I love it so much. It values all the things that our culture disregards. It values the things that are important to the Lord. Proverbs 31 is my manual for worthy living, as a woman in this culture. Something to aspire to.
Naturally, I was pretty excited when my friend Terri emailed me last week and asked if I would like an “old cross stitch” she has made in 1986 of Proverbs 31. I said, “YES!”. I hadn’t seen it, but I knew that I wanted it. At church yesterday, she pulled it out of her car and I almost started to cry. I think it moved me because 1.) how intricate the detail was and 2.) how perfectly timed this gift was.
God is so gracious to us.
So….I now have a 16 by 20 cross stitch of Proverbs 31 that I want to turn into something. I’m not sure what to do with it, so let me know if you have ideas. It was in a wood frame/matte that weren’t exactly my taste, but I just love this piece. Thank you, Terri. Thank you soooo much.
It will be a daily reminder of the person I want to become.
no. 17 cherry tree lane 
I claimed the verse last year…and most days I do rise before my family…and start the day and do not get tired! It is good to know we have a healthy place to look at what we should become.
You won the orange and blue belt! ! !…Only 5 entries…that kinda makes me sad. But you can be happy. Please send me your info in an email and this lovely will be on its way!
Corrie
How about a pillow cover? You could stitch it to a coordinating fabric and have a lovely pillow for your bed or your corner of the couch you do devotionals on?
Awesome! What a great reminder to have around your house! Not sure if you are familiar with Proverbs 31 ministries – but I signed up for their daily devotion. http://www.proverbs31.org/ It’s a great way to start the day! The devotions are written by women for women. Enjoy!
My mom has that very same cross-stitch–on her laundry room wall!
You just need to think of where you will see it daily. This should help you focus on how to finish it. I painted a sign that has been with me even before I was married. It hangs in my kitchen, next to the sink, so I see it everyday. It says, “Bloom where you are planted.” This is my life lesson.
P.S. As an advid cross stitcher, when I do something that detailed, the only thing I think of doing is having it framed (to preserve it). You could definitely hand it down to your daughter this way (plus make notes on the back of the frame as to who did it and when you received it, etc.).
oh man that must have taken her FOREVER! As far as what to do with it… not quite sure.
Love that!! I would frame it so it will stay beautiful!!
I love Proverbs 31 also. It’s one of my very favorite scriptures.
I think after wandering around churches for awhile now, we’re going to go to an Episcopalian church in the next town over. Our little kids want to go there because EVERYONE was so kind. So it’s a place to land for awhile. My heart is still with the United Church of Christ, maybe one day we can be a part of starting a healthy new one, their isn’t a healthy UCC in Utah. Imagine that?! 😉 Have a good one Rachel!
No fancy ideas here, but I love the cross-stitch & can’t wait to see what you decide to do with it. 🙂