Embracing the Proverbs 31 Woman: A Journey of Faith, Family, and Entrepreneurial Success
Hello, Gorgeous readers! My name is Christian Stone, and I'm thrilled to welcome you to my corner of the internet. Here, I aim to inspire, empower, and guide you through the various facets of life, drawing from my personal experiences and faith. This blog is a space where we can explore together what it means to live as a Proverbs 31 woman, embracing our roles with grace, wisdom, strength, and love.
A Glimpse Into My Life
I live in the beautiful town of Great Falls, Montana, surrounded by nature's serene landscapes, beautiful lakes and stunning rivers. I'm a mother to five wonderful sons, ranging in age from 4 to 25 and a beautiful daughter-in-law. Our family has been blessed with the addition of one of our sons through adoption, and we've also had the honor of fostering children. My journey in motherhood has been one of my greatest joys and challenges. I've also experienced the profound loss of my daughter, Isabella Faith, who passed away at the tender age of 7 in 2017. Her memory continues to inspire me to live each day with purpose and compassion.
I was born into an alcoholic home, where chaos and uncertainty were a part of daily life. I vividly remember, at just two years old, waking from my nap to see one of my parents driving up the alley. I ran from the house to stop them, only to be told they were going to the bar to find my other parent and that I should go back inside to keep an eye on my infant brother. They assured me they would be right back. God used this early experience to prepare me for more responsibilities at a young age.
Despite these early challenges, my parents loved me deeply and taught me the essential skills to live life, most importantly who God is, and for that, I am forever grateful.
From a young age, I've been running a home, taking on responsibilities that shaped me into the woman I am today. At age 13, when my parents divorced, I took on the role of managing our household. One parent pursued a college career in the medical field while the other worked long hours to provide for us. This meant caring for my younger siblings, teaching me invaluable lessons about love, resilience, and unselfishness.
I honor my parents by withholding who is who in these memories, recognizing that both made mistakes and were young and foolish with their own childhood traumas. I hope and pray my children will show me the same grace for anything I do not do well while raising them. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of God's provision and the strength He provides. I pray you are able to forgive and release the bitterness and resentment that you may be harboring towards your parents, siblings or anyone else that may have mistreated you. These things will prevent you from recieving the blessings God has for your life.
Thriving in Marriage and Family
My husband Jordan is a gift God has given me to love and to help. A Proverbs 31 woman builds her home up, leads by example, and forgives seventy times seven. She prays and fasts for her husband, fights by loving and encouraging him, and follows God's word no matter the cost. In our marriage, I strive to embody these principles, nurturing our relationship and honoring the role God designed for a wife. By living out these values, I aim to strengthen our bond and support Jordan in all aspects of our life together.
In the beginning of our marriage, there were times when Jordan was not leading our home as a man of God. I submitted first to God's word and stood my ground, knowing my role was to submit to the Lord. After a few years, I saw the Lord confirm that this was the right thing to do, bringing financial stability, peace in our home, and guiding us in raising our children. I loved Jordan hard and encouraged him, but I stood firm on the biblical principles God had written for wisdom.
As I began to develop and learn how to be a Proverbs 31 woman, I realized that sometimes it means carrying a large load. It can be lonely. But I fought for my man, and I could never have imagined the man God has built him up to be. He is wise, he loves deeply, and he not only leads our family well but also is leading other young adults. He is making an impact in our home, in our church, and in our community. I have no doubt that, by the grace of God, he can do it globally.
There were times I wanted to give up, and times when I hated him. But God showed me how to love unconditionally, and it was worth it! Fight for your family, as the devil wants to steal, kill, and destroy it. Stand firm in God's word, love deeply, and trust in His timing and wisdom.
Overcoming Life's Challenges
Life has thrown its fair share of challenges my way. At age 18, during my graduating summer, I faced the profound responsibility of being my father's power of attorney when he fell into a coma. The decision for a life-saving brain surgery marked a turning point in my life, where I leaned heavily into prayer and deepened my relationship with the Lord. I found solace and guidance in God during this tumultuous time. My father had to learn to walk and talk again, and I was his main support during his rehabilitation from encephalitis. He is one of my closest friends and greatest supporters, leading with compassion. I am incredibly thankful to have him as my cheerleader.
In 2012, just two weeks after giving birth to my third child, my family faced an overwhelming challenge. We were plunged into a significant financial lawsuit, legal battles, and countless obstacles. It was a time of immense stress and uncertainty. However, through faith and determination, we emerged stronger.
One night, during this turbulent period, I experienced something miraculous. God woke me from my sleep, and as I sat up in bed, I had a vision I will never forget: Jesus was walking with me through the fire, holding my left hand with His right. In that moment, I began to say "Abba Father, Hallelujah, Hallelujah" in praise, knowing deep in my heart that He was reassuring me, "I am with you in this, and I am walking through it with you."
The term "Abba, Father" is a deeply personal way of addressing God like Daddy, expressing intimacy and trust. After this vision, I looked up the meaning of "Abba" and found it in the Bible verse Romans 8:28, which says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
This experience also reminded me of Galatians 4:6: "Because you are His sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father.'"
In that moment of divine reassurance, I realized that I was praising God with words that the Spirit had given me, words I did not fully understand at the time. It was a profound reminder that even in our darkest moments, God is with us, guiding us, and holding our hand through the fire.
To anyone facing their own trials, remember this: you are not alone. Lean into God, trust His presence, and let Him guide you through the challenges. Whether you're in the valley or on the mountaintop, His love and support are steadfast.
Living a Purpose-Driven Life
God has created each of us for His divine purpose, and He has instilled in us a love for that purpose. With God, I now see that the purpose He created me for is divinely intertwined with the things I love and desire because He instilled them in me. Living a purpose-driven life has filled me with passion and a desire to draw others nearer to God, showing them how much more He has in store for us. I believe that everyone is designed for a purpose that they love and that fills them with joy and contentment.
Many years ago, I prayed, "Lord, I have no desire to be a missionary." I felt guilty and ashamed for it. But God spoke to me as clearly as day: "I have created you for another purpose, and that purpose you will love, as it is what I have gifted you for." Throughout the years, I was unsure of what that purpose was. But I knew I loved entrepreneurship. I loved helping people. I read Proverbs every day, and God's word has been my guide. I did not always follow it perfectly, but I tried and had faith that the Lord would move mountains. He still is moving them.
This journey of discovering and embracing my God-given purpose has taught me that our deepest passions and desires are often aligned with God's plans for us. When we live out the purpose He has placed in our hearts, we find a profound sense of fulfillment and joy. I encourage you to seek out what God has created you for, to lean into His guidance, and to trust that He has designed you for a purpose that you will love. Together, we can grow, learn, and support each other on this journey of faith and purpose.
If you're wondering what you love, ask yourself: What do I love to read? What inspires and excites me? Then, research and learn all about it. After a year, you may be an expert on that subject.
Thriving as an Entrepreneur
In addition to my roles at home, I am also a dedicated entrepreneur specializing in real estate and building an online presence. Managing our properties and working on various projects has been both challenging and rewarding. I'm here to offer insights, share my progress, and provide advice from my experiences. My goal is to help others and build partnerships, inspired by the impactful work of influential figures in the home and lifestyle industries, and to demonstrate God's greatness in both the storms and the mountaintops as He brings the opportunities.
This past year, I've been learning the ropes of blogging, creating videos, managing social media, and completing a luxury remodel while working together as a couple. I've had the opportunity to speak on my first podcast interview and expand my real estate business both online and in Montana. It's been a journey of growth and learning.
In God's timing, whether this year or next, I hope to publish a book and create a course. These projects will allow me to share my knowledge and experiences more broadly, helping others thrive as entrepreneurs and embrace the purpose God has instilled in them.
My Weight Loss Journey
Another significant aspect of my life is my current 70-pound weight loss journey. As a former fitness coach, I was always passionate about health and wellness. However, after the devastating loss of my daughter, I fell into a deep depression and neglected my health. During this difficult period, I was blessed with two more sons, but I continued to struggle with self-care. Now, I am committed to reclaiming my health and making it my primary focus in this season of life. My journey is not just about losing weight but about finding a healthy lifestyle with great daily habits.
Faith, Family, and Fitness
My life revolves around faith, family, health, fitness, and entrepreneurship. I believe in the power of a balanced life, where nurturing your spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being is crucial. Whether it's creating engaging and inspiring social media content, praying and worshiping in the shower, managing our projects and rentals, or spending quality time with my family, I strive to live out my values in every aspect of my life. My journey is not just about losing weight; it's about discovering a healthy lifestyle through positive daily habits.
A Source of Guidance and Support
Through this blog, I want to be a source of guidance and support for those who may be seeking a mother figure or simply someone to relate to. Whether you're managing the complexities of running a home, overcoming personal challenges, or striving for career success, I'm here to offer advice, share my experiences, and cheer you on!
Feel free to ask me any questions—whether it's about managing a household, parenting, business strategies, or maintaining your faith through tough times. My goal is to help you grow in your faith, find strength in your journey, and embrace the beautiful chaos of life with grace, wisdom and love.
Living Out Loud
God has done incredible things in my life, and I want to share His love, wisdom, and grace with you. By living my life out loud, I hope to inspire you to do the same. I'm looking forward to growing on this journey together, learning, and supporting you every step of the way. Whether you are in the valley or on the mountaintops, I have been on both. I encourage you to lean into God and let Him walk you through the fire or guide you to the next peak. He has always been there for me, even when I was messing up, failing miserably, or doubting He was there.
Note from the Author
Thank you for joining me on this adventure. I can't wait to see where the Lord takes us!
With love, blessings and prayers,
Christian Stone