CONGRATULATIONS!!!  YOU HAVE COMPLETED THIS JOURNEY OF UNDERSTANDING AND SELF-IMPROVEMENT.  TODAY IS ALL ABOUT PRAISE!!!   Only a man of valor (strong man) or a virtuous woman (strong woman) will complete their course.  Today's verse says lets us know that the virtuous woman shall be praised.  Her children "rise up,” her husband also, and they call her blessed.  Her husband is known in the gates because of her virtue.  The heart of her husband safely trusts her, and he is faithful.  And, she does him good all the days of her life.  She rises before day break and prepares breakfast for her whole household.  She guides the house by teaching her children and her servants to be efficient and respectful. She is a successful businesswoman, land owner and vineyard proprietor.  She uses her hands skillfully to make exquisite home furnishings and beautiful garments of wool, flax, purple and scarlet.  She makes products to sell in the marketplace, and she weaves luxurious tapestries for her home.  She gives to the poor and the needy.  She is strong and fit, and she is always prepared.  She is organized, productive, and she stays busy.  And, she guards her mouth to  speak with wisdom, rather than react with emotion.  Her price is far above rubies.

Whether or not anyone else appreciates her attributes, she shall be praised.   God says: "Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates of the city.”   Her virtue will cause her to be prosperous, and she will be known throughout the whole city as a great woman.  She is a pillar of the community and a role model for men, women and children alike.  Some may envy her, and others may become jealous, but they can’t stop her blessings, and they can’t stop her from being praised.  She shall be praised!!!  To use contemporary examples, she would be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, the Kennedy Honors, the CNN Hero Award, and a host of other lifetime achievement awards.  The President of the United States will invite her to the White House for dinner, and praise her during the State of the Union address.  Everyone would say those are top honors.  But, God will have the last word.  Because she uses her gifts and talents for the benefit of others while pursuing her destiny and purpose to the glory of God, He will say: "well done, thou good and faithful servant.”   She shall be praised!!!

You may not feel worthy of praise today, or you may not be getting the praises that you have rightfully earned.  Whether or not anyone acknowledges your virtue, God knows your worth and value.  He sees your righteous deeds, and He Himself will make sure that your good works will eventually be recognized.  Regardless of your state, or how far along you are on your journey of becoming God's virtuous woman (or God’s man of valor), you can choose to be happy while you are one your way to greatness.  REJOICE!!!  ONLY GOD CAN DETERMINE YOUR WORTH AND VALUE!!!  HE LOVES YOU, AND HE HAS SEALED YOUR WORTH AND VALUE....AND THAT IS PRICELESS!!!  (Repeat today’s GEM FOR TODAY throughout the day)

GEM FOR TODAY:  Father, I thank You that You have given me gifts and talents to pursue my destiny and purpose to Your glory.  I know Your plans and expectations for my life are good.  Thank You for establishing me with Your worth and value.  I humbly and joyfully receive Your will for my life.   (Men say)  I AM A MAN OF VALOR, AND I VALUE GOD'S PRICELESS WOMAN.  (Women say)  I AM GOD'S PRICELESS WOMAN!!!   In the Name of Jesus, HALLELUJAH!!!