Have you ever read the profile of the Proverbs 31 Woman? That woman who spins her own thread and weaves her own cloth? That woman who shrewdly buys a field and makes a profit? That woman who makes her husband look good in front of the whole town and is praised by her children?
Is she for real? I say she is. And her name is Betty and Mary and Tiffany and Sue and Amy and Sarah. What does she look like? She looks like you and me. This Proverbs 31 Woman is a picture portrayal of the Wise Woman we read about earlier in the book of Proverbs. She is the woman who seeks wisdom, who fears the Lord.
This woman accomplishes so much! How does she? And how can you and I measure up to her standards? In these verses [Proverbs 31:10-31] I see a woman who has plans –Β a woman who wisely plans and wisely works her plans. Fearing the Lord and having a plan, that’s her secret.
This time of year it is especially helpful to plan out our days. I don’t know about you, but these days I’m drowning under the weight of everything I need to do because I either don’t have a plan or I’m not working my plan. Sounds like it’s time for me to plan!So how do I go about this planning thing? I have shared with you how I begin planning out my meals for the month, but now I need to address how I am going to get things in order for the upcoming holidays.
While our whole household and schooling schedule needs a major overhaul – wait, you have to have a schedule to overhaul one. Never mind. That’s a post for future. We are expecting a houseful of people Thanksgiving weekend, and I do need to get some things under control around here. I do need a plan so I can work wisely and enjoy my Thanksgiving Holiday.
Formulating My Plan
- Pray and Consider – I want to tackle things purposefully. My goal is to get to the tasks that need attention most, and leave the rest until another time. As I get my plan in order, I pray for wisdom and discernment to make the best choices. I will consider what tasks will bless my family and my guests.
- Seek Husband’s Counsel and Input – I have a tendency to bite off more than I can chew. I dream big and run out of energy quickly. Hubby is good to remind me of that and helps me balance out my grandiose ideas of the perfect family gathering with some practical nuts-and-bolts of things.
- Make a list – I know, this is not a new concept. I’ve heard it before. But it is truly helpful to see right before my eyes what needs to be done. I’m talking simple, I’m talking basic. I’m talking ‘get rid of trash, clear clutter of surfaces, dust down cobwebs, etc. I have a list for cleaning/maintenance stuff and a list for the meals I’m serving over the Thanksgiving weekend.
- Prioritize – I will rewrite my list(s) with the highest priority items at the top. Then as I work my way down I can easily see what I have accomplished and what I need to tackle next. I am considering making up a room-by-room list, to help me assign tasks to my helpers (or have a handy resource when I need to hand out a punishment – cleaning tasks work well for this).
- Carve Out Time Slots – Make a conscious decision about when I’ll tackle my to-do list. Can you devote a whole day (or 2 or 3!)? Or 15 minutes after each meal? Or a couple nights a week after the children have gone to bed?
- Get in the Zone – Once I have my list made up and my time slots scheduled and my supplies handy, I will focus in on the task at hand. For that set amount of time I will roll up my sleeves and set out to do what needs to be done, accomplishing what I can in the time I have available.
- Be Content – I will not get to everything on my list. I already know that. But, by having a plan and making wise choices about how I am going to work my plan, I will be confident that things are whole lot better than they would have been if I welcomed guests with a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants attempt at getting ready. I know that basic needs will be met and everyone will have plenty to eat and the fellowship will be sweet. Sounds a little like that Proverbs 31 Woman I mentioned earlier, doesn’t it?
What plans are you making these days? Do you have tips to share with us to help us accomplish our plans?
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Susan ~ Designs of Home says
Linda,
Thanks for reminding me that the Proverbs 31 woman looks like the woman we see staring back in the mirror. I often get overwhelmed and you ideas, above are great ones to incorporate into our busy lives. π
hsmominmo says
Thank you Susan, I’m glad you were encouraged. I need these reminders myself from time to time. Have a blessed weekend!
Laura Lane says
It sounds as though you’ve already have some good plans in place. I need to get my calendar and do the same.
hsmominmo says
That calendar sure is a handy tool, Laura! Have a blessed weekend and enjoy the planning as well as the holidays.
Amanda says
This is great advice Linda. It is a comfort to me to know I am not the only one who doesn’t get everything on the to do list done. Try as I might. And prioritizing is key.
hsmominmo says
Thanks Amanda. I have to daily remind myself that I can only do so much, and that what I can get done makes things better than before I started. Hope your busy season slows just a little so you can cross a few things off your list and enjoy your family these holidays!
Joyce says
Very wisely stated! I think the key to a well ordered life is the focus on just what God placed before us to do. Never mind the neighborhood gossip, the race to be done with shopping first, or attendance at social events just because others expect it of us. I cannot imagine the Proverbs 31 woman giving any of these things a second thought!
hsmominmo says
Thank you Joyce. I agree with your comment. Focusing on the tasks God sets before me gives me more than enough to fill my days constructively, and keeps me out of trouble. Have a blessed day!
Barbara says
How wise that your list includes physical “stuff that needs to be done” items and spiritual, calming, centering items so you bring your best to the holiday.
Just lovely.
Stopping in today from Lisa’s Grand Social.
hsmominmo says
Thank you for your sweet comment, Barbara. I’m looking forward to having my family all around me these holidays and so I’m mindful that I do have much for which to be thankful. Hugging and squeezing our Blessings from God make all the hard work worthwhile.
Jacqueline @ Deeprootsathome.com says
Linda,
I am encouraged to stay the course, AND I am working to let go of some of the things that make it prettier, but are too much with everything else going on. I know it is the heart that counts π God is our Audience of One, and He doesn’t care about externals. Thanks for the encouragement.
Have a very blessed week!
hsmominmo says
I am so glad you stopped in for a visit, Jacqueline. In recent days, I, too, have been ready to let go of ‘things’ that I see as beautiful, but make more work for me. I wonder why I didn’t learn that lesson earlier, but I am a work in progress and trust that God is still growing me. What a blessing to know that our outward appearances are not what win the affections of our Lord.
kim says
Love your simple list!!
hsmominmo says
Thank you, Kim. Glad you stopped in this evening!
Branson says
Your list for how to make a list is brilliant π No, really… I have been trying to remember to pray over mine, but I honestly have never thought to seek my husband’s counsel. I needed this boost of motivation today! π
hsmominmo says
aww, thank you, Branson. I’ll be sure to let my family know about the brilliant thing! Simple is always a good thing and I have a tendency to over-complicate things. I’ve been saved more than once from a horrible headache or mess because I first consulted my husband. Glad I could encourage you today, Blessings!
Melissa Deming says
Hi there! I think ‘be content’ is the hardest item on your list! It takes supernatural enabling, while sometimes I can coast on my own in the other areas. God is good. Where he leads us is always good, even when it doesn’t seem to be. Being content is remembering this! Thanks for sharing your wisdom! And I found you through the Unite Link up!
hsmominmo says
Hello Melissa! Coasting on my own is when the going gets tough and I end up being discontent. God IS good! and when I am following His leading, I am content. Interesting how that works, isn’t it? Thank you for stopping in and sharing your comments.
Morgan says
Being content is the hardest part for me. Thank you for this post!
From ,
Morgan @ forgivenformerfeminist (dot) blogspot (dot) com
hsmominmo says
You are welcome, Morgan. I’m working in the Being Content thing, too. Thanks for stopping in for a visit!