In Pursuit of the Proverbs 31 Woman Giveaway with Amy Bayliss
Published February 24, 2012Hey girls–You are in for a treat!
I’ve asked my cyber friend Amy Balyiss to guest post today while I work on my edits to my latest manuscript (and hang out with my youngest who has a snow day today)
See? Here is the view this morning from my back deck:
So, while I fix some coffee for me and some hot cocoa for the man-cub who will be packing to go on our church youth group’s ski trip this weekend, you can enjoy her post.
Don’t forget to leave a comment. You may be one of SEVEN winners of her new e-book!
Now, meet Amy:
Amy Bayliss is a small town Cajun girl living life in the big city. She and her husband Ryan have four children, all boys, ranging in age from toddler to teen!
Amy is a writer, blogger, and she has been “following” Jesus since before Twitter made it cool. She is the author of Pursuit of Proverbs 31. You can visit her at her personal blog, Cajun Joie de Vivre.
From Amy’s Heart: I gave my life to Christ at the age of 21 but it took me several more years to grasp what that really meant.
I got caught in a vicious cycle of “doing” in hopes of pleasing Him. I thought the verses in Proverbs 31 were my ticket to holiness.
What I discovered was that it isn’t just about the words on the pages. It is about the heart behind them.
Our Father never intended for us to mimic this lady the way we have. He created each of us uniquely. Why would we confine ourselves to a template?
On my journey to discovering the Proverbs 31 woman I found Jesus. He loved me, taught me, and at times, corrected me.
I realized that as long as we pursue Him and have a “fear of the Lord” then the natural outcome is that the work of our hands is blessed. It doesn’t happen the other way around.
We each get different results because we are unique individuals with different gifts and callings but the common thread is that we make God our priority. We acknowledge Him above all else.
In this book I cover the traits that come as a result of putting God first. We are blessed with clarity to be the best wife to our husband, the best mother to our children, the best homemaker in our home, to top it off, we are resourceful, creative, and yes, even organized. Each result is uniquely yours.
I wrote Pursuit of Proverbs 31 in the hopes that other women would be freed from the bondage of good works and freely receive the love our Savior has for them and the abundant life He has promised.
It is my hope that you find yourself, the person God created, as you read through these pages.
I would like to give away 7 copies of Pursuit of Proverbs 31. In order to enter you need only comment here, on this post, and let us know what questions come to mind when you think of the woman of Proverbs 31.
Although that is the only requirement for entering, I’d be thrilled if you’d consider subscribing to our updates, “liking” our page on Facebook and “following” us on Twitter.
Thanks for having me, Karen!
191 Responses to In Pursuit of the Proverbs 31 Woman Giveaway with Amy Bayliss
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without the help of the Lord Jesus it is impossible
Amen Sherry!!!!
Oh how that lady in Proverbs 31 has taunted, and condemed, over the years. However, I have come to learn that is not the purpose, and it was the enemy making it seem that way. Through her the Word may convict, but mostly encourage and inspire. And you are so right, we are all unique and therefore the way we live out the lessons taught through her will be unique. Thanks you so much for this post and I can’t wait to read the book whether I win or buy it;)
I have a love-hate relationship with her.
Me too, Beccy!
How do you hold it all together? Life is so tough with 2 boys ages 2 and 4. I would love to pick your brain about life! Since becoming saved, I have become much less stressed and overwhelmed. I just give it all to Him. My how my life has changed for the better!
I so admire the P31 woman. I strive to be more like that.
How did she have the time and emotional energy to do everything it says she did?
For years I tried to be the Proverbs 31 woman all in a day and then start over the next day. IMPOSSIBLE. I got so tired “bringing in food from a far” “sewing all those purple clothes for my children” and “buying and selling land.”
Then I realized this was a portrait of her life. Her children rise up and call her blessed. My toddlers don’t do that. They were blessed to have a mother who exemplified all of these things in her lifetime. This speaks greater in volume. Anyone can “try” to achieve this is one day, but a whole lifetime….ONLY through HIS power can we be….The Proverbs 31 Woman!
So thankful the Lord equips me to be the woman He wants me to be. It is so freeing to live up to His expectations and not the worlds! Thank you for sharing today Amy.
I’d want to know how she was able to balance everything.
How does she do it all and stay so sweet and calm?
I study and strive to be a proverbs 31 woman. I find a lot of it is easy and some you really have to work at. In praying and planning I found God has blessed me with a lot of ideas to help me. It is pressure sometimes though to keep it up daily. I’d love to read your book for guidance and encouragement. Thank you and God bless.
So thankful for grace, to keep starting over at working to be teh Proverbs 31 woman. Just had a conversation with my 7 year old daughter about God’s grace and having a fresh new start each day (each moment)!
I admire the Proverbs 31 woman. I would love to read your book.
Does it suggest all work should be done in/for the home?
Thank you, Amy! Pursuing the Lord, not the ideal woman, is the way to becoming all He wants us to be. That is freeing. And when God says beauty is fleeting…Amen to that.
Like the others, I want to know how she balances everything! Hmmm…that tricky balance!
I’ve often wondered is this really only ONE woman doing all these things?!
I’ve been thinking about this lately too. I see women trying to do all these things and not measuring up. And then I hear women crying out “What is my purpose, what is my job in God’s kingdom?” And the unspoken question is “How can I have a ministry when I’m at home with my kids all day?” I think the connection is found not in what this ideal woman does but in her focus. Everything she does is focused on her home and family. But that doesn’t mean the benefit stays there. Take her husband for example, what do you think a man who needs nothing can accomplish in the market place?
Anyway, It’s not about running ourselves ragged. It’s about offering our bodies as living sacrifices, focusing on the family God put us in.
I have oftened wondered how she did all of the things she did. I love how instead of focusing on her we need to focus on Jesus. It makes me feel a lot better.
I am looking forward to reading this book. I am always looking for that “thing” God want me to know. I’ve slipped away a little and clawing my way back to Him.
I like your story and would love to read your book! I am realizing the perfectionism in me needs to take a back seat, which I struggle with daily. Your book is going on my need to read list!
How do I keep going 100mi a hour, work, school and 5 kids, all while putting God before anything?
It is a daily struggle to manage myself in a way that gets me closer to being a Proverbs 31 woman………Only with His Strength will I succeed.
I’m jealous of you Karen. I love snow and we have’t even had enough here in Central IL to build a snowman. Enjoy the peaceful relaxing day that a snow day gives!! See you at Hearts??
thank you much. i was a Christian 40 yrs ago, but i sure wish i’d been intuned to
Proverbs 31. i pray the young women today can find you and others of you and
grow in the Lord.
God bless your ministry to even us oldies.
linda
I love your perspective of the Proverbs 31 woman. The doing was what I used to do. Then felt defeated when I couldn’t measure up. I think this book would be just what I need to hear.
The first thing I think is “where are my servants?”
My other question is how did she find the right balance of work, family, and charity?
How can I put the Lord first before caring for 3 very young children and my husband?
The Proverbs 31 woman seems to be unattainable in our hurry up and rush society, but all things are possible through God. It is by seeking Him that we see ourselves in a better light.
Reading proverbs 31 has calmed my soul, kept me on track and refreshed me in times of feeling hopeless. I only wish I would have found this scripture sooner. Thankyou for your post, so refreshing…
I always wanted to know what her husband did….? Was he nice? Did he help?
While I strive to be the Proverbs 31 woman, I find myself falling short many days and wondering how she balanced everything. I would love to read Amy’s book to gain some of her insight and experience.
I long to be the woman and wife God has designed me to be. I haven’t quite made it there, but I know I want to be free to accept that design. My longing comes from my desire to serve the Lord and demonstrate my love and gratitude to Him for everything He has done, is doing, and will do. Anything that will help me learn and gain wisdom to head in this direction would be a blessing!
When I think of the Proverbs 31 woman, my mind goes directly to my Mama. She passed away 12 years ago and I miss her every day. If you could have a picture of the P31 woman, it would be her. I must admit that I still have a long way to go to achieve what she did. Her headstone bears the inscription “Her children rise up and call her blessed”……………….and we do.
I don’t know what she is, but I would love to learn!
Big smiles from the UK.
I shared verses from Proverbs 31 with a ladies group Monday night – it’s a gentle reminder, not a daily scorecard, of a goal I strive for.
Our Women’s Bible Study Group is studying the Proverbs 31 Woman. I personally have been studying it for six months and would love to read your book!
I recently read this highly popular scripture passage to my children and husband. Reading it with them listening intently, I heard new encouragement that I had not heard before. They, too, commented on some of the things they felt I try to do for them. It is a lot to live up to, but with God leading me in my vocation as wife and mother, I pray that my children will “rise up and call her blessed”.
I wonder How this woman in Proverbs 31 balanced everything & stayed centered in God.
I think I looked at this as in her life time not her day. These were all the skills that she was capable of handling, just not all at once. If it was all in 1 day – did she sleep????
Honestly, when I think of the Proverbs 31 woman, I feel completely inadequate. It seems impossible to “be” that woman!
My question would be how to balance, how to keep calm, how to keep the smile on my face… I know that GOD doesn’t expect me to be perfect, but some days it is so hard! I love reading updates from the Proverbs 31 writers. I loved going to the Hearts at Home conference and hearing that GOD uses those ladies, even when they aren’t perfect. They speak the truth through all their flaws and weaknesses. That is where I want to be!! Thanks!
Proverbs 31 woman…how is this possible in my life right now as a single mom, 2 children, 2 jobs, how do I cloth myself with dignity and respect, when all I want to do is sleep???
Cindy
I began working for Thirty-One Gifts last June, and started studying the Proverbs 31 scriptures (again) because I want to be that woman whose husband is proud of her, and who takes care of her family. I want those cahrateristics. I have learned that that woman is incredible!!! I can’t have/be all of those characteristics at all times, but I am equipped to have/be them when I need them. I just have to recognize it.
I want to know how she does it all?!
I imagine my funeral and what would be said at it! I want to my life to replicate that Prov 31 woman. Whenever I fail (and I will) I need to realize the grace and mercy of Christ and continuously be thankful!!
I, too, join your elite group of moms with all boys! March on Prov 31 woman!!!
How do I keep calm and submit to my husband?
Thanks for the giveaway, Karen! I keep thinking that maybe one day I will win one, LOL!!
The Proverbs 31 Woman…I just wish I could sit down with her and listen to her words of advise.
I have a daughter who is a single mother. Where can she get find Christian websites that deal with that?
From email:
Awesome!!! Love the thought of becoming a Proverbs 31 Woman…gives me encouragement.
Thanks!!!
Oh, Amy!!! This is such beautiful insight into the heart of our God. To be who He uniquely created us is the most honoring thing we can do. I love, love, love that you wrote a book to give women permission to break out of the “template” of our perceived perfection,and just walk with Jesus and be the best WE can be individually. This is a MUCH needed message. Thank you for your servant heart!! Can’t wait to read the whole book!!!!
Always in pursuit . . . when will we will we know ‘we have arrived’ ?
“I glorified you on earth by completing down to the last detail what you assigned me to do.” John 17:4 msg
I think she had an assistant
I am not sure how she did it. I do my best, but seem to fail each day – so much to do, it’s too easy to put chores ahead of my children’s needs. i am very curious about what Amy has to say.
Thank you
I have always wanted to be her! but fail….would love to know your thoughts on Proverbs 31.
My question has always been, how in the world does she do it all?
I often wonder what her support system looked like…was her husband supportive? I struggle a lot because I want to be that woman but my husband’s walk with God is questionable, and he doesn’t really support me spiritually. I know that all I REALLY need to lean on is God Almighty but, shoot, I think it would make it easier for me if I had some human support! :\
Funny you should post on this, since “She is clothed with strength and dignity” has been running through my mind Continually the past week or two. Read somewhere that “her home lacks no good thing” can also be interpeted, “lacks no plunder” and that a lot of the language has the image of a warrior. I love that! What’s your take on this?
I am a mother of two young children and a full time minister in the Church of Scotland, and this post really struck me, first because it mentioned Proverbs 31, which I often read from at the funerals of farmer’s wives and loving homemakers, who’ve given their lives to looking after family and using their creative gifts for the good of the community. I am often in awe of their talents, and of the time they have given to make their house a home, sometimes even jealous. However, I know that is not what God has called me to do. I love my family and my home, but could never give up my day (and evening and night job) because it is a true vocation, and a calling from God, and your words remind me of the sentiment of the passage, and have indeed freed me from a bit of the guilt I experience when my daughter sees me dressed for work and says “You’re not just a minister!” or when my two year old says “Meeting” with the tone that says, don’t go!! Thank you for the gift of these words this lenten season. We love God because God first loved us, and can only do our best to live out such love in action!!!
As a mother of 4 it seems daunting some days…without his grace and wisdom I’d never make it. I often ask is it really achievable Proverbs 31?
Could sure use some encouragement. Thx
When I think of the Proverbs 31 woman, I think she has it altogether and I couldn’t possibly ever become like that. But I am working on it and I know that God is helping me get closer to him on a daily basis.
First, yeehaw to that beautiful snow! This is the FIRST year in the 12 that I’ve lived in Indiana that we haven’t had any snow days! Literally, none!
So, I’m jealous!
Second, I adore Amy! She is dynamite and I have admired her for a while now. I’m super excited for a chance to win her book!
And last, what a great weekend for a snow ski getaway! Yay, them!
When did she sleep/rest?
Wish I could be the woman I am meant to be! Working on it daily!
So glad we have God’s Word to guide us. Still striving to be like her and I’m almost 61 LOL
So thankful for the Proverbs 31 woman. And, so very thankful God has given me everything I need for godliness. And, so very thankful, that I am a work in progress. And that His mercies are new every morning. Cuz I need His mercy every single day.
You are so right. It is her heart we should seek to understand.
I still struggle in the “doing”. However, each morning as I pray, I turn my to-do over to God and ask for His guidance.
When I think of a Proverbs 31 woman, I smile. A Proverbs 31 woman is a great woman, a strong follower of God. I strive to be a Proverbs 31 woman!
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I think that its hard when others use that as a standard to judge if you don’t live up to their ideals of that….
And when you let yourself fall into that trap the hurt is difficult to get over…..
I want to be the woman He wants me to be not what others want me to be.
I think of a woman who has godly priorities, putting others’ needs before her own.
I have studied her and am certainly guilty, as you were, of trying to make her qualities a “checklist” for my life that would indeed make me perfect. Even with the knowledge that we are only made perfect through Christ, it is difficult not to “put on the pressure”. I laugh at verse 15 when it states she “provides portions for her servant girls”. That leads me to believe she had help in order to accomplish all that she did in a day! So, my girlfriends and I like to joke that we need each other and TOGETHER we are the Proverbs 31 woman. I loved your story and will read your book, for sure! Thanks!
Just starting my journey to understand prov 31… Very much looking forward to this book
My used-to-be initial thought was, “‘How does she do ALL of that?”, knowing, of course, that I would never “measure up!” It was and is much easier to focus on just a few things at a time! As I strive to become more like my Saviour, I do find that the “list” is no longer so exhausting, and He imparts to me many more of her qualities as I allow Him to work in and through me.
eager to read the book – thanks for the drawing and the insight!
How did you get everything done, be calm, and maintain all your priorities?
I have really enjoyed reading the posts of those that have written above…. just goes to show how we all differ in our struggles, yet each wants to serve the Lord and make Him the priority. How that must make Him smile
! Thanks for the opportunity to read and share.
I remember a time when my husband had made me so angry I would not go to bed with him. I sat in my chair and picked apart our fight. My bible sat at the table next to me so I picked it up and it opened to Proverbs 31. I was so mad when I finished reading it because I knew I had been wrong and needed to apologize but I did not want to!!!!! I asked the Lord to forgive me and in the morning after I got out of my bed, I asked my hubby to forgive me! The Proverbs 31 woman had it together.
Very excited about your book! I have been doing extra study on being a Proverbs 31 kinda wife & mom, it has helped me to get a little closer to the person God intended me to be. Can’t wait to read this book. :0)
when I think of the Proverbs31 woman, I feel like there is no way I would ever measure up.
Husband, 7 kids, very stressful & demanding full-time job, financial stressors…..ect….Lots of times when I get home from work, it is all I can do to keep my eyes open long enough to make a quick dinner before I crawl into bed at 8pm!
Would love to read your book! Blessings!
I would like to read the book to find inspiration on how to be The Proverbs 31 woman.
1st question that came to mind, “Is it achievable?”
Congrats on your new book, Amy!!!
Your book sounds great! 7 people will be immediately blessed and many more as it is purchased. Thank you for your faithfulness. Grace to you.
Wow! this really resonates with me this am! have been struggling with measuring up and doing a “good enough” job as a mother, wife, employee, and daughter. Let alone worrying about friend, Sunday School teacher, etc! I’m going to have to get a copy of this and also plan to share it with my church group of women who work outside the home. thanks!
I would love to read this book & get some encouragement!
With two teens in the house and getting married I find it so hard to be a proverbs 31 woman. I pray and practice and then it seems one bad day and I forget everything when I need it the most. Will the book deal with moms of children of all ages?
I heard a pastor one time say that since the story came from his mother, that she wasn’t really real, but an ideal. I’ve only heard that one pastor say that, so I don’t really know. It has my curiosity though. Wonder if anyone else ever heard that?
I would love to portray the Proverbs 31 Woman in every thing that I do. As long as I’m pleasing the Lord with my life….. I suppose it’s enough.
How does one woman get all of the done.?
The Proverbs 31 woman is a paragon of virtue… But her inspiration and her motiviation is from the Lord alone. So whether we measure up to the exact same standard or not is irrelevant… only that we take our inspiration and motiviation from the Lord and serve our families and our loved ones as we would want to be served. Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God. 1 John 4:7
The question that comes to mind for me is…how did she keep motivated?
How is that model even possible! I struggle with the every day and two children. Admittedly the past 4 years have included 2 moves, major major medical stuff, and lots of it, and we have no family near by to help us, but still. How is the Proverbs 31 model possible in the everyday. Lately she just seems to discourage me, so I know I am missing something.
I want to know how does she has time to do everything and do it all well?
To be only half what she is would be wonderful. Getting the heart behind the words is key.
Sabrina, when you are taking care of your children and your husband you ARE putting the Lord first. That’s what he called you to do. That’s what “she” does. She cares for her family.
Oh how the P31 woman torments me! Perfectionism is a bit debilitating for me, and seeing the laundry list of what it takes to be that perfect woman makes me nauseous!
Aw yes, the Proverbs 31 woman…. I run out of “oil” from all the busyness in my day. How does she keep her lamp burning all night? Seriously, if I were her, I’d be so tired, I’d be libel to start a cave fire.
I seem to continue to be eluded by the Proverbs 31 woman, but keep striving to be more and more like her.
Enjoyed reading the comments, and I too strive to be more like her – I would love to win a copy of this book!