My Job Description

Things have changed...We've made a big decision. I am loving the new arrangement.

I am now a full time wife.

Yesterday, was the first day of my new life. "What led me to this decision?" you might ask. When we were in Brazil, I was busy all day long. If we weren't riding our bikes to the store, we were cutting up chickens. If we weren't scrubbing the kitchen, we were mopping floors. If I wasn't reading books to Evelyn, I was helping Sarah prepare for guests that were coming over for lunch. Dave and Sarah also had a constant stream of people coming to their house for different forms of discipleship. Some were one-on-one. Some involved a group discussion. But I loved every minute of that lifestyle. I loved that we were available to help them in any way.

Jeremiah noticed a change in me as well. Now, I am not saying that this is the decision that every woman needs to make. Often, it is not financially possible. Often, a woman thrives at her workplace as well as at home. But for me, I was getting bogged down. It seemed as if I would give my very best at work - I am the type of person that must give 110% at all times in whatever I do. But by the end of the day, I was tired and grumpy. We love to have people in our home, but I didn't have time to cook. I love to lead Bible Studies, but I was barely having time to do my own devotions each day. I enjoy couponing, but I didn't have time to cut and print coupons. I want to clean out the basement, but I hadn't even had a chance to put the Christmas decorations away.

Upon our return to the States, I began to pray for the Lord's direction. We ran budget numbers. We planned. We prayed. And Jeremiah and I both came to the conclusion that it was time for me to make our home my #1 job.

Pic found here.

After 2 days of being at home, I am loving the change. I feel I can help Jeremiah so much more. My meals get planned. The laundry gets washed. I even have time to make him breakfast in the morning.

Pic found here.

When Jeremiah is off from work, we are now free to go visit family. We can have friends over for dinner all the time. Ashlee and I can grocery shop together. The possibilities are endless.

Last night, I began praying that the Lord would help me to become the best housewife that I could be. I read through Proverbs 31 in a few versions, hoping to gain some insight and direction. I love the paraphrasing from the Message. I see this as my job description...

A good woman is hard to find,
   and worth far more than diamonds.

Each time I look at my engagement ring, I am reminded of the promises I made to Jeremiah.

Her husband trusts her without reserve,
   and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
   all her life long.

I even had enough time to send a little love note with him to work.

She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
   and enjoys knitting and sewing.

Maybe now I'll actually finish all my crochet projects. I think this is also telling
me to use my Hobby Lobby coupons :)

She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
   and brings back exotic surprises.

I'm not sure how I feel being compared to a ship. And I'm not sure that Aldi
is that far away, but I did go grocery shopping. That can count for my exotic
surprises from afar.

She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast
   for her family

It was so nice to be able to have time to cook Jeremiah breakfast.

And I may make a tradition of us eating our breakfast togethe. Who says
dinner is the only meal you can sit at the table as a family for?

and organizing her day.



I love my lists.

She looks over a field and buys it,
   then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
   rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.

I chose to start the morning with my exercise clothes on. Ashlee and I walked
around our neighborhood. I found $1.60 on the road - guess that means
exercising is rewarding!

She senses the worth of her work,
   is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
   diligent in homemaking.

Guess that means I need to keep looking on Pinterest and keep crafting!

She's quick to assist anyone in need,
   reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn't worry about her family when it snows;
   their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing,
   and dresses in colorful linens and silks.

Ok, let's be real - the only article of clothing I've ever made is a scarf.
But at least that's a start. See how I made it here.

Her husband is greatly respected
   when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them,
   brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
   and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
   and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
   and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her;
   her husband joins in with words of praise:
"Many women have done wonderful things,
   but you've outclassed them all!"
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
   The woman to be admired and praised
   is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
   Festoon her life with praises!

Each day, I am going to try to implement as many portions of this chapter into my day as possible. I am so excited to be able to give our home my best. I am so thankful that the Lord has provided for us so that we could make this decision. And I am so blessed to have a husband that is so supportive. Let the adventures begin!