Friday, February 5, 2010

Chapter 15 ~ A Tapestry of Beauty ~ Her Handiwork

Proverbs 31:22 "She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple."

People living during the Old Testament times could barely manage to subsist. Their mere survival was first and foremost. However, with thoughtful care and provision, our lady of virtue not only provides the "essentials of existence, but provides abundantly ~ so much that she has enough to give to the poor and some to sell to those who can afford it."
Since she's met her family's basic needs, she can turn her attention to decorating her home.

House Beautiful:
I don't know about you, but I love to go to stores where I can look and dream about beautifying my home! I love to look at artwork, knick-knacks, furniture, bedding and kitchen stuff. Fortunately, the hubs understands my hankerings to go to places such as Hobby Lobby or Bed Bath and Beyond! Gem that he is, he stays home with the kids, because I he can only take so much of the "girly stuff". He's done looking in 5 minutes~ I need at least an hour!
As I mentioned in my profile, I want my home to be a cozy haven for my family. I want them to be able to "kick back and relax" with a fluffy pillow and a warm throw in front of the TV ~ enjoy the beauty of flowers and plants ~ eat at a nicely set table ~ and, at the end of the day, sink into a sumptuous, comfy bed.
Our Proverbs 31 lady is no different. "She maketh herself coverings of tapestry." At first glance, it seems to be describing her clothing. However, the "coverings of tapestry" were her home furnishings. "Some translators of the Bible call these furnishings carpets, woven coverlets, and upholstery. One version even says, 'She makes her own quilts'".
We studied how this lady spent so much of her precious time processing raw materials to spin yarn and thread ~ which she wove into thick, luxurious robes and fine linen garments for her family, extended family, servants, the needy, and to sell.
However, she still has leftover yarns and threads, so she decides to create tapestries of beauty to adorn her home. "Pillows, blankets, cushions, drapes, rugs, wall hangings, tablecloths, runners, mats, and upholstery...Our beautiful weaver also designs and makes napkins, hand towels, sheets, quilts, coverlets, and bedspreads. A variety of colors, textures, patterns, and styles add beauty and warmth to her stone house, transforming it into a delight for the senses."
The word "makes" in verse 22 not only means using her hands to do the hard work, but to "spread" or "deck" ~ her home into an enticing bed of comfort and luxury. "When God's beautiful woman is finished, her bed is spread with colorfully woven pillows, mattresses, coverlets, and tapestry. Indeed, her entire home is decked out, a rich tapestry of beauty."

Beauty Check: Is my home a tapestry of beauty?
#1 Pretend you're a visitor. Walk through your house with new eyes. What would a guest notice? What mood does your home intimate? What pleases you, and what would you like to improve upon? Remember, as the homemaker, we are the ones responsible to create a welcoming atmosphere and beautiful environment in our homes.
#2 Plan several home improvements. For example, I need to clean the outside of my kitchen cabinets. I must admit, I don't think of them being something that needs regular maintenance ~ so I don't realize how gross they are until one day when I just happen to notice. Yuck!
#3 Pass it by your husband. If you need/want to spend money on home decor, check with the hubs and the checkbook. It may not be the right time to spend money. And, as Mrs. George reminds us, "God's beautiful woman knows how to wait."
#4 Put in some overtime. Set aside a special time to do your home improvements.

Remember, "your home is for you, and is an expression of you ~ your virtues, your abilities, your love. You may not be able to determine the kind of home you have, but you can determine its beauty. You control whether it's clean, organized, and orderly. You also choose your favorite colors, styles, and moods."

A Touch of Class:
With the family's needs and comforts met, our lady can now "think about what she herself will wear. It's time for her to put on the ornaments suited to her station and means."
"Her clothing is silk and purple." Mrs. George writes that this lady's regal clothing is "simply a reflection of her character."
"Silk" is, in actuality, fine linen. Remember how she had to beat the flax to make it glisten? The more it was beaten, the more it glistened like silk. Mrs. George states, "What she fashions for herself to wear reveals her inner clothing of strength and dignity" [that verse 25 describes].
Purple dye was rare and costly because it was extracted in small quantities from a shellfish found only in certain shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Mrs. George wrote that our lady probably exchanged some of her handiwork for this expensive dye when the merchant ships came in.

A Touch of Taste:
Our lady was not only praised for her virtues, but also for the beauty of her wardrobe. I believe this is so because of all the time and effort she put into making them. Most importantly, she put the needs of others before her own. The way she dressed reflected these things:
1. Her position in society. She is a woman of dignity, wealth, and high ranking.
2. Her practice of hard work and skillful management. She has the finances and is willing to invest the time and effort to dress according to her station.
3. Her professional status. She's a walking billboard for her handiwork.
4. Her praiseworthy character. She's robed in what speaks of her true character and dignity.

The How-To's of Beauty: What is God saying to us about our ~ wardrobe?
1. Your care. Mrs. George writes, "The way you care for your clothes reveals something of your character and what you value. So consider the general condition and overall appearance of your clothes. What message might the way you take care of your clothes be sending?"
2. Your reflection. Our appearance also sends a message about our families. This also is a reflection on our husband, his name, reputation, and children. Mrs. George writes, "The husband of God's beautiful woman is known in the gates, but not as the poor man who's married to a slob... but a lady, a meticulous, gracious, attractive woman of character."
3. Your standards. We should follow God's standard for beauty ~ Modesty, moderation, discretion and chasteness. (1 Timothy 2:9-10, Titus 2:5 and 1 Peter 3:3-4)

Well, sisters, I've been convicted yet again, especially in the wardrobe department. I've been satisfied to wear clothing that has small tears, stains, or is rumpled or faded ~ especially around the house. It's now the time to go through my clothes and weed out those that send a negative message about myself and my husband and put on clothes that follow God's standard.

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