Christa Bryant's The Treasured Woman: Profiles from Proverbs 31 is our first Book of the Month Club selection from Church of Christ Women Authors!You can click the link or picture to find the book in print or ebook.
Reading and Posting Schedule:
Week 1: Chapters 1-3
Week 2: Chapters 4-6
Week 3: Chapters 7-10
Week 4: Chapters 11-13
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Make sure to read the Rules for Engagement before posting.
Don't forget to check out Christa Bryant's Meet the Author Page!
Don't forget to post your comments below during the month of September.
I started reading this book this morning, and I have already found some things that really resonate with me.
ReplyDelete"Fear of the Lord can cause women just like us to overcome our doubts and insecurities in order to do great things for him just like the women of the Bible."
The attributes written are not only desired of God they are attainable.
So many times I've looked at the virtuous woman as an ideal woman that I try to imitate. Today I see her more than an idea, but a real person who is someone I can be. *:9)
I just downloaded the book! Looking forward to starting the study :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome! I'm enjoying the book so far. I have to pace myself or I will finish it all in one sitting. It's fantastic! I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
DeleteChapter 1.
ReplyDeleteDISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
My first impression of the Proverbs Lady, as I've always referred to her as, is that I will never be able to be like her although I desire to. Society probably sees her as antiquated and irrelevant.
I admire that she is kind, unafraid of the future and a hard worker. I admire these qualities because I need to be more like that.
I would like to enjoy housework more. I tend to tell myself that I am not doing a good enough job which of course, steals my joy.
I can make it more enjoyable by stopping the negative talking and finding a suitable, but flexible routine because I get bored easily. I have a book called Messies Anonymous that I should revisit. I use some of flylady.net 's ideas but I find her system overwhelming and unachievable. Does anyone have ideas?
I find that I have a lot of areas to improve on before I am a Proverbs Lady.
I can attain these attributes through prayer and by doing this study. Getting advice and encouragement from others will help!
Anyone who is considering becoming a wife can benefit from these virtues. Serving and glorifying God is the goal!
There are Christian women that I see that exhibit these virtues. I can learn from their good example.
Well, I am like you and I HATE housework; however, I find I hate it most of the time because I've just let it get out of hand. I try to take a day a week and get everything redone, and then (when possible) do little things each day to keep the house looking okay.I finally decided if it's going to get done, I have to do it. But, I also realized that people live here and there is no way my house is going to look like the one in the magazine. It's just not going to happen. So, I have just understood that and I'm finally okay with it.
DeleteI think you're right about the negative talking steals joy. I hadn't thought of it that way, but you're right. If we have a good attitude things go much better. Sometimes I sing while I'm working or turn on the music and dance (it's in my house and no one's watching.) If I have a smile on my face it's much easier.
I am excited that we can all learn these attributes. It's not something that just comes easy for people. It's something we have to work at and I think together we can!
Actually, I have to count my blessings here for I am fortunate as my three adult children who are still living at home, help me with much of the household chores. There are things that only I can do but it isn't overwhelming, if I think about it
ReplyDeleteMy kids are pretty good helpers, too. My husband was always telling me they should help more, and I finally listened.
DeleteDiscussion Questions Chapter One:
ReplyDelete1. I have always thought of the Virtuous Woman as an example of what I've always wanted to be. I'm not sure if I felt like her example was attainable or not, but I think it's maybe like life you can work towards it and in some ways be able to be that woman. We all have our different strengths. I may never be as good at one aspect as others, but in turn they may not be as good as I am at something either. Society should look upon her as a valuable woman, but I suspect they feel she is inadequate or archaic.
2. I admire the way she stays so busy but doesn't seem to become overwhelmed. I think part of that is because she knows how to oversee tasks instead of taking everything on herself. That's something I am trying to learn.
3. I would like to learn rise early, and not fear for my household because they have everything they need.
4. I suppose I could start going to bed earlier, and declutter my life. I think that would help me know my household has everything they need.
5. I'm not sure. Maybe kindness. We (I) can always be more kind.
6. Reaching out of my comfort zone would be a good start on being kinder. It's very hard for me to talk to people, even at services. (I know most people don't know this, or believe it.) I would much rather sit in my chair and ignore everyone. I am extremely introverted-- again it's hard to believe, I know. I can easily stand before and talk to a crowd of thousands, but get me one-on-one with a stranger, and I clam up. I really struggle with this, and it is something I am working hard on. I think as I step out of my box, the kindness will come naturally.
I'm an introvert too :)
ReplyDeleteI was in Toastmasters for several years and one of the members who was an exceptional speaker off the cuff said she was an introvert too. It was hard to believe. (I never did become adept at speaking impromptu though)
I like your point #2- busy without being overwhelmed. I would like that!
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: How do you think Mary felt when Gabriel came and spoke to her? How would you have reacted in Mary’s place? What holds you back from obeying God’s commands? What are some things you can learn about God by reading and meditating on his Word? How can prayer build a relationship with God? What are some talents in your life that you are using for God or could use for God? How can using your talents or simple obedience bring you closer to Him?
ReplyDeleteChapter 2 Discussion Questions:
ReplyDeleteMary felt troubled, fearful and bewildered when the angel came to her to tell her she would be the mother of the Saviour. I would have felt the same especially if I was unmarried. I sometimes don't obey God out of fear, selfishness or laziness. As I study the Bible, I learn of God's love, mercy and patience though which encourages me. Prayer builds my relationship with God as I see how He answers. This builds my trust in Him. My talents are to pray and study. Prayer strengthens myself and others and I can use Biblical knowledge to help others. I feel closer to God when I use these talents as both study and prayer are times when I can be alone with Him.
I see the older Christians thinking of others when they buy their fields.
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