She's A Gem

After mentioning my need to be consistent with journaling, I was inspired to go back and find a few of my old books filled with thoughts, prayers, quotes and lessons learned from different points in my life. As I turned page after page of memories from various years, I smiled seeing how many things had changed in my life since those words were penned. Oh how differently I thought things would have turned out, and looking back now, how glad I am that they didn't work out the way I so badly wanted them to. My thoughts and most pressing concerns from those times seem so trivial now, yet in those moments were all consuming...how amusing the past is when reviewed in the present. Anyway, I came across a passage in one of my devotion/prayer journals that I found worthy of sharing, as it is a great reminder to me in the season of life I'm in; I hope it will speak to you also. Enjoy!
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Proverbs 31:10 "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies." 
The rich red ruby can be, because of it's rarity, worth more than diamonds of equal weight in value. Once a woman like this is found, she is of untold value. What does this mean for me? I am to bring life, light, joy and beauty as a sparkling jewel to those who face hardship, pain, weariness, drudgery and sorrow. I am to supply beauty in the lives of those around me..my family, friends, relationships..etc. Elizabeth George, mentions in a study on the Proverbs 31 woman that as gems increase in value as time passes, so should we. There are things to do that will help us enhance the sparkle & brighten up our lives as well as those around us. 

Become a woman of strength: 
-Nurture a peaceful heart (Prov 14:30)
-Know how to wait (Prov 19:2)
-Do not strive (Prov 19:11)
-Restrain your spirit (Prov 25:28)

Challenge yourself to watch your words. 
Ask if they speak like the piercings of a sword or do they promote life & health? (Prov 12:18)

To Bring Sparkle Into Your Life:
-Speak less often, listen more (Prov 10:19)
-Speak only after you think about what you're going to say. (Prov 15:28)
-Speak only what is sweet & pleasant (Prov 16:21, 24)
-Speak only what is wise and kind (Prov 31:26)

Gems are rough to begin with; all their flaws and imperfections must be removed, polished and roughed out, how true that is of us as well. Before we can truly become a vessel, a gem of rare and exquisite beauty, we must be refined. It is a process, a tough challenge and often uncomfortable, but that makes it all the more worthwhile. 

God, purify my heart and life, remove the flaws that dull my sparkle. Work your refinement and beautifying process in my heart & my life, keep me humble and always growing. Ignite the passion to do what is right and pleasing in your sight, guide my words so that they speak life and light into other's lives, and mold my life into the gem it was designed to be. 
Amen. 
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2 comments

Maryl said...

Wow! Such great words of wisdom. Thanks for sharing this.

Anonymous said...

I love journaling too and am so glad that God did not answer some of my prayers in the way I wanted Him to. If so, I would not have my beautiful youngest daughter who was adopted from Russia!

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