Proverbs 31:10 (AMP): "A Capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman- who is he who can find her? She is more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls."

Psalms 25:4 (The Message): "Show me how you work, GOD; School me in your ways."

Wow, this first scripture can be a little intimidating: capable, intelligent and virtuous? I don't know about you, but It kind of makes me think of all the times that I feel incapable, unintelligent and hardly a force on the earth. So, forget what you have felt so far and start fresh right now. With God, you get a brand new chance to expand your spiritual and mental strength in order to be a force of impact, influence, and significance on the earth.

In order to gain this strength, you have to swallow your pride and be willing to learn. This will require you to constantly be learning new things. For instance, if you are getting married, are married, or planning on being married, I would suggest that you get around some awesome wives (like the ones who still have amazing, loving, intimate relationships with their husbands) and learn something new. And you know, children don't exactly come with an owners manual or any kind of instruction book, so a few good books on parenting and watching those who have raised Godly children might be a good idea.

Are you clear on your purpose in life? Are you walking in that purpose? If not, then search out and discover what your passions are and learn some new things about them. If you are passionate about music, then maybe you should take some lessons. If you are passionate about interior design, then maybe take some classes that can help you grow in that skill. (I'm talking to myself here).

Consider the career that you want. If you would like a job as a writer and you are currently waiting tables, then you need to be taking the steps to prepare yourself to receive that job later. Stop asking God to give you that dream job, if you are not preparing yourself and positioning yourself to receive it.

Begin to retrain your thought process about who you are and all the wonderful ways that you were created. The thoughts that you have been thinking have led you where you are, so think some new ones today. Change begins with you. No matter what phase of life we are in, we should continue to think of ourselves as students as long as we live. We should continue to grow.

We all have an obligation to hand the "baton" that we are currently running with over to a younger generation. We can't even finish the lap of this race if we are not learning new things. What I have learned this far in my life has gotten me to this point in my race, but if I am to finish strong, then I must continue to learn.

So go ahead, learn to speak French or Italian, learn to play an instrument, learn how to repair a car engine, learn the benefits of wheatgrass. All of that knowledge will cause your brain to be stronger! Just make sure that in all your learning, that you take the time to allow yourself to be schooled in the ways of God. Make sure that you are reading His Word and studying it regularly. Make sure that you are connected to a church body where God's Word is being taught. Make every effort to better yourself, but especially take time to be an A student in knowing all about our loving God and Father.

Proverbs 18:15 (The Message) states, "Wise men and women are always learning, always listening for fresh insights." Can we call ourselves a Wise Woman today.

God Bless,
Pastor Karen Schatzline