Friday, June 13, 2008

Proverbs 31 Women . . . A Motivation for Cooking?

Today in my Bible reading, I listened/read Proverbs 31 (NIV dramatized version). I have to tell you since I am pregnant and rather lazy, the Proverbs 31 woman was very overwhelming to me. I have read this passage a million times, but I guess I am usually trying 110 percent in all areas of my life so this passage has not been as convicting as it was today.

The Proverbs 31 women is a hard worker! Ladies, if you are ever feeling lazy, just read this Proverb.

"She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her task."

"She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family."

"She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night."

"She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness."

She provides food for her family, and she sells items that she makes and makes a profit.

If you know me at all, you know that cooking is not my strong suit. I guess I am so obsessed with not wasting time, I just really feel like cooking is a waste of my time. I have two picky eaters in my house so I would just rather Charlie and Jackson be satisfied at night. If they loved food that I cooked, and I could slave for 2 hours and then they would eat it up, then I would be all about cooking more.

Instead of cooking, I think I could better save time by cutting out coupons or figuring out how to save us money (or cleaning) instead of cooking. Then I could just let Charlie go get a Sub sandwich and then I would make Jackson some eggs. I really want to provide food for my family like the Proverbs 31 woman. Lord, help me not see cooking for my family as a waste of time! Does anyone else feel this way? If any of you all have any advice on how to enjoy cooking then I am all ears!

I have been blessed by listening to Dave Ramsey's podcast this week, and I am learning so much about how to save money. God has really blessed me by stumbling across Money Saving Mom's website and learning how to save us a tremendous amount of money. To get Dave Ramsey's free podcast go to: http://www.daveramsey.com/


I definitely believe part of being a Proverbs 31 women is not to buy everything we want and go into debt. It is learning how to stretch the money God has so graciously given us!

6 comments:

C.L. said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Merritt Pace said...

Hi, Emily! Cooking/meal planning are definitely challenges for me. I have learned that the easiest way for me to cook is to work on menus throughout the week (for the following week)and grocery shop on the weekend. On Saturday afternoon, I usually put together all of my meals for the week in Crock Pots and casserole dishes. That way, I can just plug in or put something in the oven during the week. This saves me time during the week and helps me not to fall into the temptation of ordering out (which often wastes money). I definitely like meals that are easy, kid-friendly, and quick! I really felt convicted to start cooking more about 6 months ago. I am trying to get Samuel to try/eat more foods and to keep Steven's cholesterol/salt levels down. What a challenge! Have a great week, and good luck!

Emily Wallace said...

Thanks so much ladies!

Merritt, I have been really encouraged to cook from your blog, and I definitely want to try some of the recipes you have posted there. Thanks so much for your encouragement, it really means a lot! I really value my time, so your suggestions really are helpful.

Mommy Reg said...

The first step to cooking more, I feel is changing your mindset about it. Providing wholesome food for your family should be thought of blessing them. You are blessing your husband and your son when you cook for them. Second and this will sound a bit corny but it is an act of worship. We are to do everything for the Lord, if you are cooking for the Lord you are doing an act of worship.
I think you would really benefit from Rachel Ray's 30 minute meals. They are quick and easy and the ones I have tried are really good. And, it is always cheaper to make a meal than to get takeout.
I love my crockpot. I use it often. Casseroles are great because you can actually make 2, cook one and freeze the other for a busy night. Also, planning is essential. Check out my second blog. I have some recipes on there you might want to try.
I hope this encourages you.

Emily Wallace said...

Mommy Reg

Thanks so much! You are very encouraging. I am going to plan out some meals this week. When I am pregnant I crave healthy foods and so I am going to try some healthy meals. One of my friends cooks her casseroles at lunch time and then by the afternoon when she is exhausted all she has to do is put it in the oven. That has been my problem recently, I have just been sick and tired and have had zero desire to do anything. God has given me so much strength recently. Thanks again for your encouragement ...I will have to check out your other blog.

Leslie said...

You can do it!!! Watch a couple episodes of Rachel Ray's 30 minute meals... you can do what she does... simple easy quick meals!

When you develop your skills and start to be more adventurous, you can do some bulk cooking :) cook up several pounds of ground beef or whatever, and use it to make dishes for the freezer :)