Like a Merchant Ship

             Two days ago, we spoke of how precious a woman of noble character is. Today we will look deeper into this Proverb 31 woman and just see how she is a captain of her household. Again, using New Living Translation, here is Proverb 31, verses 13-15:

She finds wool and flax

    and busily spins it.

14 

She is like a merchant’s ship,

    bringing her food from afar.

15 

She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household

    and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.

            Looking at verse 13, the woman is described as making clothes for her family. It is her duty as a mother and wife to make sure all those that belong to her household are warm, secure and healthy. Therefore, as a woman it is our responsibility to take care of those around us. And, don't look at that like it is the "woman's duty" with a bad connotation. As a nurse, I have had it said to me multiple times that it takes a "special" person to care for others. You see, God gave woman this special ability to care and nurture those around her. We have the natural ability to do this; to shield, protect and nurture.

             Going into verse 14, Solomon describes this noble woman to be like a merchant's ship. A merchant ship would equate to a cargo ship of today. A ship must have a captain, a compass, carry precious goods and weather storms on the great seas. Don't overlook this. We as the mother and wife of a household are the true captains. We navigate the home and how life is portrayed in it. We can control if the home is peaceful or full of chaos. However, by utilizing our compass who would be Jesus and the Holy Spirit, we have the opportunity to wield it in God's direction. The goods that we carry are to be "from afar" meaning that we look for the best for our families. Whether that means most affordable or most healthy, it is our jobs as "merchant's ships" to bring in the best for our families. Also, a merchant ship never keeps any for herself portraying that this noble woman is selfless. And finally, ships must be able to withstand the greatest storms. We all know that life has its storms and the woman is equipped to handle these with grace and without sinking because God gives us the grace to do so. Therefore, see yourself as the captain of your home who has the ability to navigate how it will go, what will brought into your home and one that is strong. 

             Finally, verse 15 which I would consider my least favorite and most difficult is that this woman would rise before her family to not only take care of her "own," but also those that served underneath her. It is her that plans her family's day and because of her that the family had something substantial to eat in the morning. Again, an act of selflessness. She gives up and sacrifices to prepare food and time which both are needed to be productive and to be vital. This noble woman is prepared, thoughtful and purposeful. She isn't wasteful, but understands how precious time and money are.  

           I would dare to say that many of us mothers and wives are doing what is stated above in our own ways. We as women have the innate desire and ability to be selfless, loving and giving. All of these characteristics describe what this woman does in these few verses. Believe in yourself today. Don't read these and feel guilty if you feel short of this. Read it and breathe.  Ask for grace. And remember, every day is full of new mercies. Push yourself to recognize that you are capable and are most likely doing each of these things. However, I would venture that sometimes we don't believe that we have such a stronghold in our households. Think again. Remember, you are the captain of your ship. Bring peace, the Holy Spirit and find strength in Him alone. 

Love, 

Lauren

Worth more than Rubies

             So, a few days ago I mentioned the proverbs 31 woman. For me, I am currently on day 5 of a "new" me and so far I haven't been perfect at it, but striving to be better. I don't know about you, but I struggle with perfection and understanding that I am so far from it. That alone sometimes defeats me. However, God doesn't want us to live defeated. So much so, in fact, that Jesus died on the cross so that I can live with Him forever. You see, he was victorious against sin and the death that it wages, so that you and I can live victorious through Christ. Oh, victory in Jesus! (A little hymnal to throw in there). And that's where this Proverbs 31 woman comes in at. I have always looked at her with envy as the epitome of perfection, but really that's not it at all. She depicts a woman who allows God to live through her and by her and relies on Him to make her wise, strong, courageous and beautiful.

        When reading through the New Living Translation, which has become my new favorite translation of the bible, the title of this particular section describing the Proverbs 31 woman is Wife of Noble Character. When we look up "nobel character" in the dictionary, it is an adjective that means distinguished, of admirably high quality, notably superior, excellent, of exalted moral or mental character. Sometimes noble is also referred to those distinguished by birth because they are aristocratic. Therefore, to begin looking on how we as wives and mothers should uphold ourselves, here is a "how-to" guide.

        In the first few verses, the bible states the following:

[b]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.

            It is already pointed out that nobility is hard to find. A woman that has exalted moral, mental character and that is distinguished in this way is difficult to find. Think about it. However, I wouldn't say that it is because we are not capable to be that woman. I believe that our culture has helped us to believe that in order to be "distinguished" we as woman must be sexualized. In order for us to be noticed whether it is by another man or even in the career world, we have to be beautiful and look a certain way, wearing what makes us "sexy." Alright ladies. Hang in there with me. I want you to put down your "I got to where I am today because I am smart, intelligent, kind, etc." I really was in that thought process until some important men in my life pointed this out to me. How many "successful" women do you see in society that aren't deemed "pretty" by society? I would argue not that many. Unfortunately, we as women are determined what our status will be by how we are perceived by appearance by those around us. But, God is putting it out there in the beginning. Noble character is what is more precious. Our beauty is fleeting, but character is ever lasting. When we are noble, our husbands can trust us. And in my personal dealings in life, trust is invaluable. To truly trust someone with who you truly are, aka character, is very difficult. But here, Solomon points out that if we are noble, we are trustworthy. We are priceless. And because of that, we bless those around us. Don't believe me? Read those words above. If you make up your mind to be noble - following after Jesus and allowing His Holy Spirit to live in you (which is the ONLY way to be noble), then were are precious like rubies. Rare. Beautiful. Good. Lovely. 

           So, how do you become noble? Follow Jesus. Spend time in His word and in His presence and let the Holy Spirit flow in you and through you. Believe the words above that you are priceless and beautiful because of your character, not because of what you look like. And don't listen to the enemy. Don't let him steal your joy which is your true beauty. Meditate on this today. Tomorrow we will look at more of this Proverbs 31 woman and see how we are "her."

Praying and Believing for more, 

Lauren

New Beginnings

           After celebrating another birthday this past Wednesday, (26th if you were wondering) something dawned on me. Most of us decided on January 1st that we will begin new things. New exercise programs, new weight loss diets, new devotions; a new us. But really, if one thinks about it, our new year starts on our birthdays. That is actually the new year for you and me on a more personal level. Therefore, I decided that on my birthday would be the start for a new me - a better wife, more loving mother, healthier woman and most importantly, a deeper follower of Christ.

           Needless to say, I am in a new phase in my life. We have recently completed moving to a new area and new church. Sam and I have also made the decision with me to stay at home with the girls full-time - I am now a stay-at-home mom. Yes, yes. A stay-at-home mom. I never thought that Lauren Bridges and stay-at-home mom would even be in the same sentence together and would equate the same person. I am ashamed to say that 10, 5 and even 2 years ago I made the comments to my husband, "Why would a woman stay at home. We have the ability to work just like men and should never rely on our husbands salary alone to support a household." God has a way to show us our words and a pretty great sense of humor. So, despite the fact that I have my RN, and worked extremely had to obtain that, I am at home with my sweet 3 month old and 21 month old. Most days I love it, and other days, I can't wait for them to be over and start again. However, as a momma, I am finding that I need much self discipline if I don't want the day to slip away from me. My desire is to "grab the bull by the horns" and "seize the day."

          This week, I have made the following decisions to help me seize my day and make time work in my favor. As sleeping in seemed oh so nice, I find that waking up at 6 AM is a much better use of my day rather than waking at 8. It is in the early morning hours that I can have "me time" and most mommas know that this is a rare thing that is hardly ever found. When you become a mother, there is no longer me time. Heck, there is no longer husband and wife time. So, if you haven't become a parent yet, word to the wise, no more time to watch TV by yourself, sleep, eat, take a shower and even go to the bathroom without little hands, loud mouths and sweet little ones being there. Constantly. Just be prepared. But, it's not a bad thing either. I love those sweet moments (minus the bathroom one). Therefore, the only way to have time to yourself is to find it when they are sleeping. This is a glorious state that they are rendered unconscious and you can find "me time" once again. So, at 6 AM I can wake up, eat breakfast, have a devotional and work out all before little eyes even think about popping open. I can also apparently write this blog.

           To ensure my discipline keeps up, I have given myself challenges which are not easy to back away from. Currently, I have taken the 30 day "Butt Lift Challenge" and I am also practicing some yoga. Maybe the "Butt Lift Challenge" is a little too much info, but hey, as a new momma of two under 2, I may be 26, but I don't have a 26 year old body. This is even the conversation via text between the hubby and I this morning:

Sam sends me a picture of us 4 years ago and says "Look at my hot wife." 

Me: Wow that was 4 years ago? 

Sam: Yep 

Me: Time flies when you're having fun.  

Sam: Oh yea 

Me: What happened to that hot wife? I think she's MIA 

Sam: 2 kids. They ravished her body in ways I can't understand.  

Me: It's okay. I'm trying to find her in this beat up body. I'm pretty sure she's in here somewhere.  

(Just for clarification, Sam and I are lovingly joking. Or, at least he is.)

And the yoga that I mentioned, that is for fitness and a peaceful frame of mind along with devotions in the morning because without the Holy Spirit, I can't be the better wife or loving mother that I mentioned in the beginning of this post. I would just be Lauren failing at the attempt of either one of those. Because of Jesus, I have hope that I can be the woman portrayed in Proverbs 31. Yes, the infamous Proverbs 31 woman. I know, I know. We as women are tired of hearing about "her."As a mother and wife, I used to be afraid of "her" knowing that I could never obtain this status of this amazing mother and wife Solomon describes here. However, as a follower of Jesus, I recognize that grace is given daily and the Holy Spirit that gave Solomon the wisdom to write these words is the same Holy Spirit living in me and through Him and by Him I, too, can become "her." I will continue to post about how we as women can be like this Proverbs 31 woman and it won't be about how you are currently doing life wrong and failing, but encouraging you to understand who this woman was and how we can be like her knowing that His grace is sufficient on days that we aren't and His grace is new every morning for another try.

            The Proverbs 31 woman is actually who inspires me to be better - healthier, more in control of finances, more loving, patient, passionate, a teacher and a follower. I have made a schedule for myself for the day which is posted along with the new homeschool routine I am doing with "G." Although she is not quite 2, she is very smart and I long to push her to be better as well. My plan is to show you my own trials and errors of homeschooling a 2 year old along with the resources used.

            I am excited to be in this season of a "new me" and to share it with those willing to follow. Love is unfolding before your very eyes in an imperfect manner, but a passionate manner. Come journey along beside me and see what is in store because with Jesus, all things are possible.

                                                                                Love,
                                                                            Lauren


The schedule I promised:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Dgz77KaxAOoFM2i-AZtk0g01dhDS6M1QUDOVVUt8PwE/edit?usp=sharing

Links to my current Challenges:

God is For Us

Over the past couple of weeks, I have to say have been a whirlwind of late nights talking with Jesus; waking up at 2:30 AM and praying for hours, searching scripture and pouring into God trying to understand His plan for me greater than ever before. The Lord has spoken to me and encouraged me through His word and shown His faithful when I didn't understand everything or anything for that matter. The question I have asked myself is has the Lord spoken to me now more than ever or have I actually been listening and searching like the "watchman" that David speaks of in Psalms. I believe it is more that latter.

3 weeks ago, I had my first opportunity to share my heart and give a message on a Wednesday night. I didn't know at the time that I would have another week to share another message. I thought that the first message I gave was okay - it was something that I had been mulling over in my heart and life over the past several weeks prior and was able to deliver a message out of it that hopefully encouraged those around me. Now the second week, I was faced with trying to figure out a message. That week was a very difficult week for me. Gracie was pretty sick and we didn't see much sleep. I was trying to wrap my mind around something to speak about and praying for direction. God laid on my heart about the book Soul Detox that I had been reading from Craig Groeschel. I actually looked up and found sermons that he spoke about regarding his book. I listened to several including "the Heavy Soul" and "the Restless Soul." Both of these spoke to me immensely and I felt as if they could speak to a multitude within an audience. Little did I know that I would have to live out my sermon this past couple of weeks...I had heard pastors speak about God letting them live out things that they teach, but surely I was only creating one message and it wouldn't be me having to practice and put into place what I was preaching. Man, was I completely wrong. I found out quickly that I can't ask for God's anointing and then expect life to continue on like before. My entire life, my soul and who I am has truly changed from that time I experienced speaking and receiving that anointing. I look at ministry different including people and situations. I feel a different burning within me that I didn't know could exist and it excites me to push forward and harder than ever before.

Through small group, I have been studying Romans. I personally think that Romans chapter 8 is my absolute favorite chapter in the bible (for now, anyway). I was studying it very closely this morning and what hope Paul describes within the chapter. He starts the chapter with explaining that if we belong to Jesus, sin has no power over us because Jesus was sent as a final sacrifice to complete the Mosaic Law which man could never receive true reconciliation with the Father. Paul clearly states that if you are a slave to sinful nature, then you only think about sinful things, and are therefore, an enemy of God. However, if you are a slave to the Spirit (Jesus), then you think only on things to please God and the Spirit. If we are saved and belong to Jesus we then have the same power of Christ living within us that was resurrected from the dead and we are no longer going to receive death from sin, but receive the glory of God. We are considered heirs of the glory which we do not deserve because He considers us children whom can refer to God as Daddy, Father. Paul does make it clear that in order to receive the glory of God, we will have to suffer like Christ, but he quickly states that the suffering does not even compare to the Glory that we will share in. The hope for final completion and reconciliation with God is given to us when we accept Jesus into our hearts and are saved. We, therefore, long for that moment but until then, God gives us the Holy Spirit which is a taste of the glory that we will experience. What a way to see the Holy Spirit! A foretaste of the glory of which is to come. Even further, the Holy Spirit is given to us to aid us in our weakness in our flesh and intercedes on our behalf to God in order for our will to be united as one with God. God even knew in the beginning of time who His followers would be and would pursue them and call them to himself in order to reconcile them and give them His glory. Because He was willing to give us His only Son, there is nothing that God isn't willing to do to show us His love and passion for us. Paul encourages us with the truth that nothing can separate us from God's love as Jesus is standing on the right hand of the Father, pleading for our behalf.

Wow. God not only let His only Son die for us just so that we could have the opportunity to know Him intimately and be made right with Him, but he has given us His Spirit that we can have eternal glory which we don't deserve as His children. He allows His Son who took on all of our sins to sit next to Him and plead for our behalf as well as gave us the Holy Spirit to encourage us in our weakness, intercede to God for us and help us understand just a taste of what that glory will be like when we meet the Father. To say that God doesn't love and doesn't give is a complete lie. We have received so much and have not done one thing to deserve it. God is awesome, amazing, all-knowing, loving, wise, holy, perfect, just, righteous and the list goes on and on. Praise be to God forever. 

Women of Faith

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to meet an older woman who had the sweetest spirit and smile. She was very kind although she was not feeling well and had better days than the one that she was experiencing. After several hours, we had the opportunity to share a little of our stories about life. Come to find out, at the ripe age of 79 she still was working and was very healthy. We were talking about where I lived and where I was from. So I explained to her that my husband and I are from Warner Robins and that we moved to Hazlehurst to do ministry. It then opened the door for us to talk about the Lord. We shared about our churches and then we spoke about Sunday school and how out of 800 members at her church, only about 200 attend. I spoke with her that we have the issue with our church and that's why we started small groups. She stated that they also had success with small groups. We then spoke about that something that created so much excitement within me; it stirred my Spirit for the Lord. 

We began talking about people's lives changing before our eyes; having the opportunity to watch the Lord shape and mold people's lives forever. The sparkle in her eyes and the excitement in her voice about the situation was so changing for me. It made me more excited about ministering to people and realizing as Paul states that "God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name." (Romans 1:5) While studying in Romans, this verse has really stuck with me. That we have the privilege and authority to minister to people. This woman and I truly bonded and spoke about the importance of praying for other people and that we would remember each other in our prayers. She stated that she rather someone pray for than give a $1,000. What a statement. 

The Lord has an amazing way to bring people in our lives that make an impact; large or small. This woman, whether she realized it or not, made an impact on my life yesterday. She was someone that I look up to and pray that I have her sweet, kind, gentle spirit as I grow older. Although she was sweet and kind, there was a sense of strength about her that I admired and I know she drew it from the Lord. I believe Jesus was speaking to me yesterday and confirming something within me that He has been trying to tell me for the past few weeks - we have an opportunity everyday to make a difference in someone's life. It can be positive or negative depending on our actions and words. I pray that I can make a positive influence on those around me and that I take it very seriously to be mindful of the reactions I have to situations as well as words that I say. I always thought that this was a burden as a Christian, but again, God has shown me it is a privilege to do so. (Yes, I said burden.) I know that I fail time and again with this, but the Lord shows me that His grace is sufficient and as long as I strive everyday to make it a new fresh start and die to myself, it is possible.