Thought for January 2

 History:

• 1903: Theodore Roosevelt shuts post office in Indianola MS for refusing to accept black postmistress
• 1906: Willis carrier receives patent for air conditioner
• 1921: First religious service broadcasted in the US--Calvary Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh
• 1938: Simon & Shuster founded
• 1942: Japanese occupy Manila
• 1943: Kentucky begins 129 game home winning streak in basketball
• 1944: First use of helicopter in war
• 1965: Jets sign Joe Namath
• 1966: First Jewish child born in Spain since 1492
• 1974: Nixon imposes 55 mph speed limit
• Born: Barry Goldwater, Isaac Asimov, Dabney Coleman, Roger Miller, Jim Bakker, Jack Hanna, Cuba Gooding Jr., Taye Diggs
• Died: Ovid, Edward Perronet ["All Hail the Power of Jesus Name"], Edward Caswall ["When Morning Guilds the Skies"], Sabine Baring-Gould ["Onward Christian Soldiers"], Guccio Gucci, Dick Powell, Tex Ritter, Alan Hale, Little Jimmy Dickens

Thought:

When I get to the end of Proverbs, I always think about my mother. Proverbs 31 likely reflects the qualities you saw in your mother as well. I know most of the women who read these thoughts and Proverbs 31:10-31 also describes what I see in you. Men reading this thought should praise their wives for they are worthy. Perhaps this is an appropriate way for us to start the new year--Philippians 4 instructs us to think about "whatever is true, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable." So men think about those women in your life that are described in this Proverb and give thanks to God for them. And ladies as you think about these things, aspire to be this women.

A worthy woman is

• Trustworthy. Her husband trusts her. There is no question about her character, her faithfulness, her love, her respect. [31:11] Men, do you know what it is worth to have someone you can fully trust? 31:10 tells you she is more valuable than jewels, riches, job, honor. 
• Consistent: She does good every day. [31:12] Many of you have mother's and wive's who are the glue that holds a family together. And when they are gone, fractures appear in the family. She is always there. 
• Working: Notice, the worthy woman looks for things to do for her family [31:13-14] She anticipates needs. She is prepared for every situation. She is never idle. I guess we get the old adage, "a woman's work is never done." from this passage. 
• Diligent. [31:15] When I was at home, both as a child and when I visited as a man, I could count on one thing for sure. When I woke up, my Mom was in the kitchen. The coffee was ready and something was usually on the stove. The thing I miss most is our talks around the little formica table in her kitchen. We solved many problems over a cup of coffee. 
• A planner. [31:18. Her lamp does not go out at night. My sister and I laugh about our Mom's pantry--we would never give out of Coke's, sugar or butter. Those were things she considered essential and perhaps thought of the depression when you could't get them. 
• Generous. [31:20] She lives with an open hand, not a closed fist. I love the picture of her extending an open hand to those in need--sometimes it is food or clothes, sometimes it is advice or counsel, sometimes it is prayer of intercession. She is aware of the needs of others and ready to share. 
• A clothier. [31:21-24] Yes, I know that is not a Bible word, but my Mom made our clothes [along with our Grandmother]. And not only our clothes, but the repairs to our clothes, and the costumes for school plays. But the Godly woman also clothes her family in the graces--love, joy, peace, mercy, kindness, gentleness. She teaches manners and respect. 
• Optimistic. [31:25] She smiles at the future. She sees the best in her children and prays for it. She encourages her spouse in times of doubt and fear. She trusts God for her future and with her future.
• Wise. [31:26]. How many of you have sayings from your Mom. Little ditties that she always used. Mom had many, some passed from her Mom. One that I use is applicable to individuals, families, and nations--"when you outgo exceeds your income, your upkeep will be your downfall." 
• Fears the Lord. [31:30] Her good qualities are a result of her relationship with the Lord. She reflects Him in her daily walk.

Notice the commanded response of the husband and children--her children bless her and her husband praises her. [31:28] Today, I am praising God for the women in my life--grandmothers, mother, wife, daughter, granddaughter. Thankful for Jan who will walk another year with me. 

Blessings

Larry