Day 2: She Will Do Him Good...

"The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life." Proverbs 31:11-12

Welcome Back! This is the second study of Proverbs 31 so if you missed the first study on verse 10 please be sure and check it out!

Although I have studied this common passage in scripture before I really wanted to dig a little deeper into every word! Verses 11-12 have been easy ones for me to skip in the past because I am not married! With that being said, I am still very excited to share some of the things that scripture has taught me with this study! I encourage you to not be turned away by my lack of experience, there are so many well experienced woman in the bible, and there is plenty to learn from them!

The Heart of her husband doth safely trust in her...

"Trust" means sooooo many things here; secure, confident, feel safe!
Don't these words sound like something we as women long for!? Well Ladies, Jesus him self said, "as you wish that others would do to you, DO SO TO THEM!" Luke 6:31.
So it's not surprising that our Lord, who knows our needs and desires, would instruct us to provide our husbands with the very things that we yearn for!

So that he shall have no need of spoil...

God's word goes on to tell us that when we are trustworthy, our husband will "have no lack of gain" (NKJV) or "lack nothing of value" (NIV) Wouldn't the best way to keep someone happy and "at home" be to provide them with their needs!? Now of course as humans men still have a free will and the will still be held accountable for their actions. This is also a great time to point out that the things The Lord considers "of value" and what the world looks at as valuables differ greatly! Marriage was designed for 2 believers who put all their trust and worth in Jesus and the things of heaven.

Which brings me to another point...
The Word tells us that if an unsaved spouse wishes to depart, then let them do so, BUT, if they are willing to stay, to stay with them and let your behavior win them over! See 1 Peter 3:1-2 & 1 Cor 7:12-15

She will do him good and not evil...
The bible says "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" Rom 3:23, so inevitably we will let the people in our lives down, including our husbands. However, we should NEVER intentionally bring them harm, emotionally, physically, or spiritually!

Biblically there are a few examples of "evil doing wives"...

In 1 King 21 we read of perhaps one of the worst; Jezebel! I'll let you read it on your own but take note of what her evil actions are and what the the consequences are for her actions, both for her and her husband!

In Job 2:9-10, Job's wife lets her faithlessness run from her mouth as blasphemy instead of taking it to God in prayer, dishonoring both God and her husband. We also see in verse 10 that by rebuking her, Job still does not sin; I'm afraid there is a lesson to be learned in this as well. Subjection may include allowing our husbands to point out when our faith is wavering AND prayerfully taking it seriously! See Hebrews 12

In Amos 4:1 "kine" is female and among their list of wrong doings The Lord includes bossing around their masters, or husbands. Verse 2 and 3 show us that God does not approve!

In Hosea, specifically chapter 2, we see the trouble and turmoil that an adulterous wife brings to her husband. I'm sure we can all agree on the severity of adultery; but here are a few verses... Mark 10:12, Romans 7:2-3, Hebrews 13:4, Exodus 20:14, and many more!

As these examples have proved..."It is better to dwell in the wilderness than with a contentious and angry woman" - Proverbs 21:19

Besides pointing out the wicked women of the past, God gives us lots of instruction on how to do "good" for our husbands...

1 Cor 7:3, we are to render due benevolence (goodwill, kindness) unto our husbands

1 Cor 14:35, we are to go to our husbands first with any questions or concerns we may have, the importance of this is to respect our husbands. Before we go blabbing our opinions throughout the church, or anywhere else for that matter, we MUST first make sure we are on the same page as our husbands. Wether that be agreeing or agree to disagree! See Amos 3:3

Col 3:18, submit to our husbands, this includes obeying him (within the righteousness of The Lord,) & yielding to his advice! A Greek definition says: "a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden" those, my sisters, are some pretty powerful responsibilities!

Ephesians 5:22-33 gives us a Godly description of how a marriage should work! I mention the whole passage because in addition to knowing our position in a marriage, we can also do things to make it easier for our husband to fulfill his responsibilities as head of the house, and prayerfully do our part to keep Christ at the head of our husband!

Titus 2 tells us we are to love (verse 4) and be obedient to our husbands.

There are obviously more examples, of good and bad, throughout the bible, but these will give you a place to start!

To wrap this up, I want to return to a point I made earlier, rather a point made by Jesus, "as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them!" Luke 6:31. Why would this verse not also apply to those so dear and close to us!? Of course we want "good and not evil" done to us, so naturally Jesus calls us to that attitude of service ourselves! Remember, it does NOT say, "as others DO to you," but rather how we "wish" for others to do!!! I can't help but be reminded of the movie "Fireproof!" When one spouse turns their life and actions over to God, He is able to move freely though out the entire marriage!

Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of The Lord - Proverbs 18:22

The contentions of a wife are a continual dropping. House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from The Lord. - Proverbs 19:13-14

A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. - Proverbs 12:4

Profile of the Lukewarm; exert from "Crazy Love"

This is a passage from the book "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan, I am posting this as a Challenge to look inside ourselves, it certainly made me think! I highly encourage you to also read the related verses that he has used, they really solidify the biblical truth to his words!



Lukewarm people attend church fairly regularly. It is what is expected of them, what they believe "good Christians" do, so they go.

Isaiah 29:13

Lukewarm people give money to charity and to the church...as long as it doesn't impinge on their standard of living. If they have a little extra and it is easy and safe to give, they do so. After all, God loves a cheerful giver right!?

1 Chronicles 21:24

Luke 21:1-4

Lukewarm people tend to choose what is popular over what is right when they are in conflict. They desire to fit in both church and outside of church; they care more about what people think of their actions (like church attendance and giving) than what God thinks of their hearts and lives.

Luke 6:26

Revelations 3:1

Matthew 25:5-7

Lukewarm people don't really want to be saved from their sin; they want only to be saved from the penalty of their sin. They don't genuinely hate sin aren't truly sorry for it; they're merely sorry because God is going to punish them. Lukewarm people don't really believe that this new life Jesus offers is better than the old sinful one.

John 10:10

Roman 6:1-2

Lukewarm people are moved by stories about people who do radical things for Christ, yet they do not act. They assume such action is for "extreme" Christians, not average ones. Lukewarm people call "radical" what Jesus expected of all is followers.

James 1:22

James 4:17

Matthew 21:28-31

Lukewarm people rarely share their faith with their neighbors, coworkers, or friends. They do not want to be rejected, nor do they want to make people uncomfortable by talking about private issues like religion.

Matthew 10:32-33

Lukewarm people gauge their morality or "goodness" by comparing themselves to the secular world. They feel satisfied that while they aren't as hard-core for Jesus as so-and-so, they are nowhere as horrible as the guy down the street.

Luke 18:11-12

Lukewarm people say they love Jesus, and He is, indeed, a part of their lives. But only a part. They give him a section of their time, their money, and their thoughts, but He isn't allowed to control their lives.

Luke 9:57-62

Lukewarm people love God, but they do not love Him with all their heart, soul, and strength. They would be quick to assure you that they try to love God that much, but that sort of total devotion isn't really possible for the average person; it's only for pastors and missionaries and radicals.

Matthew 22:37-38

Lukewarm people love others but do not seek to love others as much as they love themselves. Their love of others is typically focused on those who love them in return, like family, friends, and other people they know and connect with. There is little love left over for those who cannot love them back, much less for those who intentionally slight them, who's kids are better athletes than theirs, or with whom conversations are awkward or uncomfortable. Their love is highly conditional and very selective, and generally comes with strings attached.

Matthew 5:43-47

Luke 14:12-14

Lukewarm people will serve God and others, but there are limits to how far they will go or how much time, money, and energy they are willing to give.

Luke 18:21-25

Lukewarm people think about life on earth much more than eternity in heaven. Daily life is mostly focused on today's to-do list, this week's schedule, and the next month's vacation. Rarely, if ever, do they intently consider the life to come. Regarding this, C.S. Lewis writes, "If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective is this."

Philippians 3:18-20

Colossians 3:2

Lukewarm people are thankful for their luxuries and comforts, and rarely consider trying to give as much as possible to the poor. They are quick to point out, "Jesus never said money is the root of all evil, only that the love of money is." Untold numbers of lukewarm people feel "called" to minister to the rich; very few feel "called" to minister to the poor.

Matthew 25:34,40

Isaiah 58:6-7

Lukewarm people do whatever is necessary to keep themselves from feeling too guilty. They want to do the bare minimum, to be "good enough" without it requiring too much of them.
They ask, "How far can I go before it's considered a sin?" Instead of "How can I keep myself pure as a temple of the Holy Spirit?" They ask, "How much do I have to give?" Instead of "How much can I give?" They ask, "How much time should I spend praying and reading my bible?" Instead of "I wish I didn't have to go to work, so I could sit here me read longer!"

1 Chronicles 29:14

Matthew 13:44-46

Lukewarm people are continually concerned with playing it safe; they are slaves to the god of control. This focus on safe living keeps them from sacrificing and risking for God.

1 Timothy 6:17-18

Matthew 10:28

Lukewarm people feel secure because they attend church, make a profession of faith at age twelve, were baptized, come from a Christian family, vote Republican, or live in America. Just as the prophets in the Old Testament warned Israel that they were not safe just because they lived in the land of Israel, so we are not safe just because we wear the label Christian or because some people persist in calling us a "Christian nation."

Matthew 7:21

Amos 6:1

Lukewarm people do not live by faith; their lives are structured so they never have to. They don't have to trust God if something unexpected happens--they have their savings account. They don't need God to help them--they have their retirement plan in place. They don't genuinely seek out what life God would have them live--they have life figured and mapped out. They don't depend on God on a daily basis--their refrigerators are full and, for the most part, they are in good health. The truth is, their lives wouldn't look much different if they suddenly stopped believing in God.

Luke 12:16-21

Hebrews 11

Lukewarm people probably drink and swear less than average, but besides that, they really aren't very difficult from a typical unbeliever. They equate their partially sanitized lives with holiness, but they couldn't be more wrong.

Matthew 23:25-28



There are some great resources to go along with his book at crazylovebook.com

Day 1: Virtuous Woman

Well Sisters, I am diving in head first to Prov 31, I'm sure this will all be old news and no big revelation. However, I myself NEED this instruction, encouragement, and knowledge!

Soooo, what better place to start than the beginning!

Who can find a Virtuous Woman? For her price is far above rubies. Prov 31:10

I'm sure all of us have read this and the next 21 verses many times, but lets spend some time on just this one!

Virtuous- ( Hebrew- chayil) an army, great forces, goods, strength, wealth, ability; efficiency

If you search the Old Testament for chayil (strongs # 02428) you will find that it is used MANY MANY times. It is often used to describe ones valuables or possessions or "worth." I don't find this to be in contrast of it's use in Prov 31:10. If The Lord gave us 21 verses (and actually more, but we will get to those) to instruct us in our attitude and actions then should we not expect our response to reflect what our worth or value is!? Don't get me wrong, we are ALL of value to our Lord, but the more we resemble the woman described in Proverbs 31 the more we can be used for his Glory!!!

Chayil is also used to describe numerous men and armies! Yes, sisters, there are virtuous men, or "men of valour." Although this phrase is used many times, two stuck out to me; Boaz (Ruth 2:1) and David (1 Samuel 16:18-19) Now I don't want to dig too deep into these men, but I do want to challenge you to think on what you do know and look up what you don't about these two men, they both have some pretty "virtuous" traits that we can get some pointers from!

And back to virtuous, although we all know of a couple different women in the bible who possessed virtuous traits, only ONE was ever described using the word virtuous, or chayil; miss Ruth!
Now, for anyone who thinks they could never be called a virtuous woman because they were not born into a Christian family or didn't come from a long line of Godly, virtuous women... Ruth was a Moabitess, that's right, she wasn't even a Jew! (Ruth 1:4)

Now there is a lot we can get out of the book of Ruth, and I'm sure we will return here, but for now I want to point out that the account of Ruth also proves to us that we do not have to be identified as a wife to be virtuous! After all, Ruth was a widow, and while yes, she remarried, it was before she was married that she was described as virtuous(Ruth 3:11.)

With this in mind lets return to Prov 31:10, while many of the verses 11-31 refer to the "woman" as a wife, verse 31:10 uses the word woman, not wife; "woman" merely includes "wife" but is not limited to, it also is used as female! It is the same word (ishshah) used when God first created woman, BEFORE, she was made Adam's wife! (This may not relate to you, but I added it merely for myself- thanks for baring with me!) so stick around single sisters, we can do this together!!!

Here is perhaps the most critical point that I want you to understand before we take on Prov 31 over the next few weeks:

It is God that girders me with strength (chayil) and maketh my way perfect. Psalm 18:32
Through God we shall do valiantly (chayil) Psalm 60:12, Psalm 108:13
---We can only come to be Virtuous through God and his power!---
See 2 Peter 1:3
Faith MUST come first, 2 Peter 1:5
God himself is Virtuous, see Psalm 118:14-16
The Lord is my strength (chayil) Habakkuk 3:19
Virtue comes from Jesus, see Mark 5:30, Luke 6:19, Luke 8:46


So, NOW we know what virtuous woman means and we understand there is only one way for us to achieve virtue! There is still one more part of verse 10 that I want to look at quickly, then ill leave you to do a little more of your own research (I highly recommend it, it's quite interesting!)

Her price is far above rubies...all I'm going to point out is; Rubies (especially back then) were much more valuable and rare than diamonds or gold! Today when we think of fine jewels we think of Diamonds, and lately even Gold is getting quite a bit of attention; so how much MORE must rubies be worth!? I challenge you to dig into this a little bit! If we women ourselves can recognize just what value we have with God then 2 things may happen; we will discover that we should measure our value by God's perception alone, AND the world may also begin to see that as women, God created us to be more valuable then then dust we come from!

AND before I loose all of you who just said, "Proverbs 31 is Old Testament law and therefore does not apply to women of today," let me point out, Titus 2 is an excellent parallel and you can be sure to see it mentioned as we dig deep into each verse!!!

I hope that as I study the instructions The Lord has laid out for me as a woman I can also challenge and encourage each of you to do the same!

See you soon, we will meet at Proverbs 31:11

Beauty in the Broken

"The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."   Psalm 34:18

Today was a particularly "broken" day for me.  This is hard for me to admit because it always seems to unimportant. See my brokenness doesn't always manifest from the death of a dear friend or loved one, its not brought on by the loss of a job, in fact everywhere I look I can see so many other souls who have much more dire needs and reasons to be broken than I do.  Therefore, I convince myself that by stuffing my emotions away from Everyone, including Jesus, that I am practicing a very Godly form of compassion.  Why should I bother Jesus with my petty unexplained emotional breakdowns when there are so many other souls who need him much more than I do? 

But wait, is my God not omnipresent? (Psalm 33:13-14) Does he not love ALL of us? (John 3:16)

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise" Psalm 51:17

YES! We did read that correctly, "A" broken , not "some" broken, not "badly" broken, "A" broken as in "any" and "all" broken hearts, for whatever reason we may be hurting he will not turn his back on us!!! 

"Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.  Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."  Phil 4:4-7

 And THIS is what he showed me ever so bluntly, right in the middle of my long drive, the drive I considered pausing because I felt so broken, alone, and useless that my window of sight was blurred by a rush of tears! 

Just as I felt completely useless to God, and anyone else for that matter, he took my mind back to a quote from a book I had read just this morning-

"Even something that appears broken, in the hands of a master artist, can be made into something more beautiful than the original" - Angel Song by Sheila Walsh & Kathryn Cushman

See, MAYBE, what I was going through isn't so petty after all! MAYBE, my pieces were finally being completely shattered allowing the master artist to start piecing them back together again! As if the recollection of a subtle quote wasn't enough to get His point across, what happened next, could not be denied, no discernment was needed! As if on qu, the words streaming through the radio (a sound that had nearly evacuated my mind) might as well of been the voice of Jesus himself.  Then again, maybe it was...

Let me hold you through it

Let me carry you

I know it feels you're at the end

But here your story is just beginning

And I know your tomorrow

I know where you are

Though you can't see past the moment

I see beauty in the broken

So let the pieces of your heart fall into my arms

I want to be your hope so won't you let me

So let the pieces of your heart fall into my arms

I want to be your hope so won't you let me

Hold you through it

I see beauty in the Broken

- From "Beauty in the Broken" by Hyland

Lets return to Philippians to make sure this is a message straight out of God's word...

Rejoice in The Lord always... 4:4    - Despite ANYTHING we may be going through, The Lord is with us, and that alone is reason enough to rejoice and thank him for his presence!

Let your moderation be known to all men... 4:5  - (moderation : gentle, patient, mild, fair) No Man is responsible for our brokenness, they may have been used by the devil to contribute to our shattered spirits, but we must always remember what we are really up against and not take our hurts out on others

Be careful for nothing...4:6 - (careful: anxious, take thought, be troubled, provide for)

It is not our responsibility to be anxious or worry about what we are going through, we are not to think and dwell on the trouble in our lives (Phil 4:8) and finally it isn't even our job the provide a "fix it" or solution to our problems (hint:it's already been done, we already have the solution)

Here it is...the big solution...the only responsibility we have in all our troubles...

In everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made unto God... 4:6

Yep. That's IT! Tell him about our troubles, through prayer. THANK him for his love. But don't skip one of the most important words...EVERYTHING!!!   He will care for ALL our troubles, Give him ALL your pieces!!! Only he knows our tomorrow and we can't fathom what beautiful masterpiece will come from the shattered pieces of our hearts and souls!

"He healeth the broken in heart and bindeth up their wounds" Psalm 147:3

What are we really up against?? Written By: Katie Presser

Ephesians 6:10-13, Eph. 1:15-22
What she said hurt me....., why would he do that...., why did this happen? what did i do wrong?
Questions you ever have? Well, I have! Whether it is personal or what you have seen or heard on the news or in the newspaper or even on facebook. Ever wonder why some people do things of evil? Why your friend turned on you, or a coworker is just down right hateful to you especially when you try to show love or speak of your God? Do you wonder? I do. It hurts me to be treated harshly, or not listened to or to see others suffering. Why? How? Where do things of this world come from?
Lately this keeps coming to my mind over and over. Until, I sat down and study this, it would not ease up. This is what I was reminded of, Ephesians 6:10-13 and Ephesians 1:15-22.
So, lets just give these verses some of our attention for awhile and just see what God has in store for us, I know I have found a peace after studying this and I know there has to be others out there that ask the same questions I have been.
Epshesian 6:10-13 (NKJV) 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[c] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Ok, so what are we up against? Principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, yes Satan! This is the answer to all those questions. This is the evil force that is out to not only destroy God's Church, but to destroy each individual who seeks after the will of God. This evil finds its way thru human flesh that allows him (satan) the use of there own personal bodies to hurt others. Yes, from the whispering words of the coworkers to news reporting that we have lost prayer in school, the ten commandments being taken from a court house, o sisters I could go on and on with how the devil has been allowed to work in this world! But the point of this is, yes sister that's right, it is satan that we are up against, not the flesh and blood that stands before us!
So, what are we to do when this hurts our soul, when it angers mus or we feel confused?
We must first know, we are not against the flesh and blood, but the darkness that is ruling it. Second, know who has overcome that darkness.....
Ephesians 1: 20-21(NKJV) 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church,

Third, He tells up to put on the Armour of God!
Ephesians 6:13-18(NKJV) 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints
To protect ourselves of these evil, hurtful ways of satan. Yes, God has told us away, cause He knew we would face these things and being the loving God He is, He has gave us away to have comfort!
I am to put my Armour on EVERY DAY!
My Breastplate- Righteousness, know God loves me and I have been forgiven. I am His. My heart belongs to Him, don't let satan get to your heart, remind him(satan) every day that you are Gods and you are going to live for Him!
My Footgear- I am to spread Gods word and love even when satan trys to put doubt and fear into my mind. I am to walk for God every day and every where I may be,(that means even at work not just at church). Don't let the things of this world stand in your way, step over them with the footgear of Jesus! Keep on walkin'!
My Shield- Faith- remember Jesus has already won the battle. Seek Gods Way in every situation and rest assured that Gods will, will be done! Keep a Focus on Him. Sister surround yourself in His word!
My Helmet- Salvation- do not let satan bring doubt to your mind. Cherish that moment in your heart of when you let the holy spirit in and you let God change your life at that very moment. Know that he(satan) can not pluck you out of Gods hand (John 10:29).Sister, when you feel that doubt entering in, call upon His name, JESUS!
Sword- B I B L E, yes that's the book for me! Need I say more!!! Read it, study it, seek Gods word in every emotion you have,every situation you face, every tribulation that does and will rise in your life, be able to stand against the temptation, doubt, tribulations, false prophets. Yes sister, you will face these things. Yes sister, rest assured God knew that then and now and He has provided away for us in this world! Seek Him, Hunger for Him, Trust in Him, and Talk to Him!
Colossians 2:15(NKJV) Having disarmed principalities and powers. He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.
Yes Sister Jesus has Won the battle, so when you are up against these things remember where they came from, make sure you are wearing your Armour and know Christ has Won!



Written by a very dear friend of mine!!!

Carrots, Eggs, or Coffee

A young woman went to her grandmother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved a new one arose.

Her grandmother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water. In the first, she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs and the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her granddaughter, she asked, "Tell me what do you see?"

"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied.

She brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they got soft.She then asked her to take an egg and break it.

After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg.

Finally, she asked her to sip the coffee. The granddaughter smiled, as she tasted its rich aroma. The granddaughter then asked. "What's the point,grandmother?"

Her grandmother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity--boiling water--but each reacted differently.

The carrot went in strong, hard and unrelenting. However after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior. But, after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened.

The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water they had changed the water.

"Which are you?" she asked her granddaughter.

"When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?"

Think of this: Which am I?

Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity, do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff?

Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.

When the hours are the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate to another level?

AUTHOR UNKNOWN

Read and write, NOT!!!

So I have discovered.... I enjoy reading blogs WAYYYY more than I do writing them!

Cricut Cutting Guides

So as a new cricut user, I have been looking for a good cutting guide for all the different materials that I love to cut!!!  I have stumbled across a few but went on an official search for the best of all!

Here is one from Above Rubies Studio, this is a very extensive guide with many different kinds of paper and other materials, including vinyl and fabric!  There are also a few extra tips included for cricut maintenance.  This same guide is also available as a an iPhone, ipad, and Android App!

http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/products/ars-cricut-cutting-guide/

Here is a much simpler one from Obsessed with Scrapbooking, it includes on a few settings and is in table format, good for easy access when put directly on your machine!

http://www.obsessedwithscrapbooking.com/2009/05/cricut-settings-table.html

Here is a guide directly from Provo Craft, it features a few less common materials such as magnet, stamp, stencil etc.

http://content.cricut.com/b/downloads/pdfs/consummables_guide.pdf

Hope these helped out, these were the most helpful guides that I have come across, please let me know if you have some other great Cricut tips!!!

I Learned Something New!!!

So I love to learn new things, especially crafts!!! I have got my feet wet in many different corners of the crafting world, I feel obligated to admit that I have mastered none! Anyways, I have never really tried much crochet or knitting! A friend of mine (who happens to experienced in the trade) called me to go with her this weekend to a small yarn shop in Hardy! They had some new yard with a beautiful scarf pattern!

Here are some of the shop displays and a peak at the one that I started!!! I will definitely give you all an update when I finish it!!!


Here is a tutorial and some more information!

Cricut Tip!!!

So any of you that already know me, know that I am more than addicted to my Cricut! I am also fairly new to the Cricut world, so I constantly find myself wondering, "I wonder if there is a cartridge for that!" Well, not anymore, I have discovered mycutsearch.com!!! All you do is type into the search engine what image you are looking for and it will show you every like image and the cartridge it is included on!