Proverbs...update

So since getting down to the nitty gritty of what Proverbs 31 looks like in my home. I have made some changes to my schedule. I have been getting up at 7am. This allows me to spend Inara's "Independent play" and her nap time couponing, planning meals, cooking, and doing house work. This actually has proved to be VERY fruitful and freeing!

The first week God really blessed my efforts. I was able to get up before Inara and shower, eat, and read! It was a GREAT way to start the day. So throughout the week I was able to plan meals for the next week. I spend $70 at the grocery (which is a little more than I would like), but I was happy to see more fresh foods than boxed foods. AND I also bought food to have a couple over for dinner and to serve the worship team at church by providing breakfast.  We didn't eat out one time that week, Justin was able to serve some co-workers by bringing in donuts to celebrate ipad day, and I had 2 coffee dates! But we were able to save even more than we usually do! I was so thankful to immediately see the fruits of being a "wife of noble character".

But I haven't been perfect! The last week I stayed up until nearly 1 a.m. reading blogs being idle. I had great plans for the next day, but even as I went to bed (nearly 3 hours later than I should have), I knew those plans would change. I would NOT be able to hang out with a friend because I would have to spend that time cleaning up for a dinner we were having at our house. Had I chosen to be wise and go to bed like a responsible adult, I would have been able to wake up early and get started in order to have freedom in my schedule.  As I finally went to bed I confessed to God how I was being foolish. I was so thankful to not feel condemned, but free as I poured out my heart to God. He forgave me and I fell asleep.

BUT, our God who is SOOO rich is mercy poured it out on me the next day. Inara slept in (which she NEVER does), and so did I. I was able to get some rest and my dear husband woke me up so I could still get started before Inara woke up. I was so thankful for that extra 45 minutes of sleep and that it also didn't ruin my day.  God could have disciplined me (and would have been right to do so), with the logical consequences of my actions the night before. But he chose not to this time. He is SO patient with me...its is crazy. Made me start thinking, do I give Inara that much mercy/grace/patience....NOPE. This week I am going to start reading Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus by Elyse Fitzpatrick....hopefully that will help :)

So there it is...success and failures. I am thankful to know there will be both for the rest of my life. But just as God forgave me that night, I know (and am BEYOND thankful) it will continue my whole life!