Proverbs 31:10-31

A wife of noble character who can find?
       She is worth far more than rubies.

 Her husband has full confidence in her
       and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm,
       all the days of her life.

She selects wool and flax
       and works with eager hands.

She is like the merchant ships,
       bringing her food from afar.

She gets up while it is still dark;
       she provides food for her family
       and portions for her servant girls.

She considers a field and buys it;
       out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

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

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

In her hand she holds the distaff
       and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

She opens her arms to the poor
       and extends her hands to the needy.

When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
       for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

She makes coverings for her bed;
       she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

Her husband is respected at the city gate,
       where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

She makes linen garments and sells them,
       and supplies the merchants with sashes.

She is clothed with strength and dignity;
       she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom,
       and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

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

Her children arise and call her blessed;
       her husband also, and he praises her:

"Many women do noble things,
       but you surpass them all."

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
       but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Give her the reward she has earned,
       and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

 Bean Soup 
Ingredients:
2 c. navy beans (1 lb)
2 1/2 qts. water
1 meaty ham hock
1 clove minced garlic
1 small bay leaf
1 c. cubed potatoes
1 c. celery, thinly sliced
1 c. onion, chopped
1 c. carrots, chopped
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Boil the beans in water for two minutes before removing them from the heat to let stand for 1 hour. Add the ham bone, garlic, and bay leaf to the beans and cover and let simmer for 2 hours. Add the vegetables and salt and pepper to taste and let it simmer for 1 hour longer. Return the soup to boiling, then remove the bay leaf.
    "To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." ~ Titus 2:5