The weighty responsibility of a wife is a blessing

 The importance of my job at home-it's not something that is just a passing of time- it's paramount.  I am responsible for setting the physical, spiritual, and relational atmosphere of our family, and what they will recognize as boundaries or standards for themselves going forward.  What I allow they will ultimately end up allowing, even when they are conflicted or convicted otherwise.  What I do as a mother is a lot of hard-wiring into their hearts and minds, whether intentionally or not.  

Keeping the house in order is important- it ultimately does contribute to making for a peaceful home where it's inhabitants can think clearly, creatively, and caring for each other as they see the care that goes into everything I do.  The spiritual and relational order of the home is even more important: making it peaceful and welcoming for my husband as well as my kids and guests.  Guests will not feel welcome if my own do not.  I teach my kids to respect their dad and each other, to seek God and pray as they also see me doing these things even when the "even" gets tough.  My ongoing transformation gives them direction (north point), hope, security, stability... through change my progress is always in pursuit of godliness.

1 Timothy 4:9 (paraphrased) Live in such a way that it is your character, despite circumstances, in your speech, life, love, faith and purity.  Live devoted to the gathering and fellowship of the church- your role and calling in it (support, hospitality, encouragement, teaching and prophecy to the women).  Be diligent in hope, for your God is alive, the savior of all men, and His banner is over all who believe.  Let this bring a confidence in your mannerism and calling/position.  In turn, command and teach these things to your children, set an example for other younger moms/wives, and be an encouragement to the older by the way you speak, live, love, keep the faith and seek purity (chaste) living.  

I am a work in progress, it is okay and part of my testimony, to share how God is changing my mind so that my heart/life/actions/reactions would be changed.  

v14 "Do not neglect your gifts, be diligent in them so that everyone may see your progress.  Watch your life and doctrine (alignment vs hypocrisy), so that both yourself and your hearers/those around you would be saved."

This is for me and for my support of Chris.  Lord, forgive me for where I have sought man's approval to use my gifts, and where I have discouraged Chris from using his because "I need him more".  Guide us both to your throne of grace for each other and ourselves that we may do the work you set before us.