Scripture to Memorize
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Proverbs 31:26–27
Passage to Read
She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks. . . .
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
Proverbs 31:17, 27–29
Guided Prayer
Dear Lord, I’m humbled as I read about the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31. It’s hard enough when I’m tempted to compare myself to women around me and end up feeling inferior. Sometimes when I read this passage and compare myself to an ideal, I fear I’ll never measure up. But I know there’s not a passage in the Bible written to make me feel bad about myself. Instead, everything that was written is there for my encouragement. You have not set an unattainable goal, nor are any of your commands burdensome. It is possible for me to become the kind of woman in today’s passage—it won’t be easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is.
Help me to set about my work vigorously. I know this means I need to become stronger—physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Holy Spirit, guide me each day as I watch over the affairs of my household. I can’t possibly do it all, so I need your help to discern the things that are most important.
Forgive me for those times when I’ve eaten the bread of idleness, when I’ve given in to the temptations to gossip on the phone, watch television, or surf the Internet rather than work vigorously. Help me see areas in my life where I should put forth more effort.
Thank you so much for the words of encouragement I receive from my family. I want to be a blessing to my husband and children, knowing that even though they may not thank me now, someday they will appreciate those things I do to keep our family life operating smoothly. And on those days when my family isn’t exactly appreciative, help me to listen for your voice. Jesus, you set the example by laying down your life for us; and you said that the greatest love of all is laying down my life for others. Help me to not become resentful about the mundane tasks of motherhood, but to go about my tasks vigorously, doing all things as unto you. Amen.
Personal
The Proverbs 31 woman watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. So this week, we return our focus to the important task of managing your home. You will recall the management principle introduced in Week 5: the 80/20 rule. Twenty percent of your house probably creates 80 percent of your problems. These are your danger zones. For me it’s the laundry room and the kitchen counters. For you it might be something else. We all have places in our home that are just ripe for disaster. Identify and deal with yours and you will have solved 80 percent of household disorder.
No matter how many rooms you have, divide your entire house into ten zones (so you may need to combine a couple rooms or divide one room into two sections) and list them below:
2. ____________
3. ____________
4. ____________
5. ____________
6. ____________
7. ____________
8. ____________
9. ____________
10. ____________
Now place a star next to the two zones that tend to be the messiest. You do not need an organizational system for every square inch of your house (unless of course you want to go that far). Just focus on these two zones. Analyze what, exactly, is causing the problem and begin to envision a solution. For inspiration, visit a home organization store. Don’t let your mind go crazy trying to figure out how to organize your entire house. You’ll get 80 percent return if you can master these two zones. Focus!
Affirmation: I bring order to my home, because God is not a God of disorder.
Practical
Identify the two messiest zones in your home and develop a strategy for managing them. Visit a home organization website or store to obtain the tools you need to conquer the chaos.
Notebook: Create a “Zones” page in the Household section of your Personal Notebook. Use this page to jot down ideas you gather along with your organizational strategy.