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.

 Tips on Maintaining a Tidy Home 

"Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality." Romans 12:12-13 (KJV)

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." Romans 12:12-13 (NIV)

Hospitality is a special ministry where we as homemakers can greatly contribute. With proper planning hospitality does not have to require a great deal of time and effort. You will be more inclined to practice hospitality if you have a plan of action to minimize your efforts.

God does not require us to be perfect housekeepers, but He does tell us to live ordered lives.

"For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread." II Thessalonians 3:11-12

Having a neat and tidy home is a wonderful testimony to others and it also enables us to welcome friends and strangers into our home without wondering if we remembered to make the bed or pick up the laundry. Here are a few tips to help maintain a tidy home:

1. Before going to bed each night make certain that the main rooms of your home are picked up.

2. Periodically throughout the day stop and take a moment to just pick up. When you have young children the house tends to become messy rather quickly, so just every now and then take a minute to pick up. I always say that we sometimes need to just stop and reset.

3. Try to keep children's toys out of the living room. If possible, have an area other than the main room of the home as the designated area to play. This way if someone unexpectedly knocks on your door, the front room is neat and tidy and ready to welcome them.

4. Have designated morning chores that will give the appearance of neatness. Make each bed, put all of the clothes away, wash dishes or at least have them stacked neatly in the sink or dishwasher. Consider emptying the bathroom garbage each morning, or placing fresh hand towels in the main bathroom each day.

5. Have a "quick pick-up" strategy for last minute company. Have a place for everything so that when you need to quickly clean up you aren't searching for somewhere to put things.

Hopefully this tips will help in maintaining a tidy home that is always ready to welcome visitors with open arms!

"Use hospitality one to another without grudging." 1 Peter 4:9 (KJV)

"Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling." 1 Peter 4:9 (NIV)

    "To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." ~ Titus 2:5