Scripture Memory - September 1

I'm sorry for the delay in posting. This potty training has literally taken every ounce of physical and mental energy that I have. But the good news is, I think Peter is getting it! Or at least he's getting #1 down. He has had only one wet accident in the last 3 days. We're still working on #2 with no success yet. I did buy a Lightning McQueen car for a reward when he does finally go and it's sitting on the kitchen counter where Peter gazes at it constantly.

So, anyway we are moving on from the "potty picture"........ Ellen, this is for you:)

It's time for our next verse in the Proverbs 31 woman and this is my FAVORITE of all the Proverbs 31 verses.

Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. - Proverbs 31:25 (ESV)

Why is this my favorite, you ask? It has deep, personal meaning for me. I am a strong woman. I was just born that way. I have a strong personality. I have strong opinions. I use strong words. And I used to hate myself because of that. Satan spoke lies to me that godly women were those with a gentle and quiet spirit (I Peter 3:4), which they are, but that's not all they are. The Proverbs 31 woman was a strong woman. Her strength is mentioned twice.

I think sometimes we get personality traits and character traits confused. Some women have a gentle and quiet personality. Some women (like me) have strong personalities. These are just reflections of how our Creator made us, our life's circumstances and our relationships. I have a strong personality, but that does not make me a strong woman. Those with gentle and quiet personalities do not necessarily always have a gentle and quiet spirit.

Biblical definitions are important. The woman with the gentle and quiet spirit is that way because her hope is in the Lord (I Peter 3:5). The strength of the Proverbs 31 woman comes from her fear (reverence and respect) of the Lord (Proverbs 31:30). These are character traits that can only be the result of a consistent walk with the Lord. We must remember that man looks on the outward appearance, and often judges personalities as fruit when it isn't. But God looks on the heart and He alone knows when our spirit is at peace because our hope is in Him, or when we have strength that comes from a fear of the Lord. It's so much easier to focus on the outer man than the inner, but Scripture consistently admonishes us to deal with the issues of our heart.

I heard a sermon yesterday on the book of Ecclesiastes and the pastor mentioned how fleeting this life is. We are given only one turn. It passes quickly. And we will give an account to our Creator. It was a grave reminder to me to turn to Him - daily!

I cannot help but also notice the result of the development of strength in the Proverbs 31 woman - she can LAUGH at the future. Her days are not filled with wordly fear and anxiety, but laughter. She has joy because of the Lord. I'm reminded of a quote I heard once:

Joy is the flag flying outside the castle, showing that the King is in residence there.

Well, those are my thoughts today. Rather serious ones after all that time sitting with Peter on the potty:)

Happy September!!!