Proverbs 26

Proverbs 26:12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

I cannot name names or even tell direct stories about myself or others who have built themselves up, thinking that they knew the answers to life's problems. I imagine we all have been there at one time or another. Sometimes it is even when we are acting in behalf of humility.

Proverb 26:12 states clearly that fools are better off than the man or woman who lifts himself up as the ultimate expert. God has even made people blush when His possibilities over shadow their impossibilities. He made a donkey talk. He let the children of Israel cross a sea walking on dry land! He became a man and walked among us!

It is not so important to have all the answers or even some of them. It is important to know the One who does and to allow ourselves to be taught from Him

Almighty Wise and Omniscient God, You own all the answers that I might ever have need of knowing! You have made it known through Your Word that You are willing to share Your wisdom with men. I have no wisdom of my own. I must remember that my thoughts can never reach the heights of Your thoughts. Thank You for generously offering, anyone who might ask, Your wisdom. Thank You for revealing Yourself to me daily! Help me to lean on You and not on my own understanding!

Proverbs 21

Proverbs 21:30 "No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the Lord."

Argue with God? I know it is pointless to do so, but I do try every now and then. Most often it is when He whispers in my ear to do some kind deed for a stranger, or a loving gesture towards my husband after a disagreement, or interrupting my day with a phone call to a friend. Yes, I argue. I put on my smarty pants and tell Him that my day is full or my side of the disagreement is righteous, or what if I embarrass the stranger (or myself?). My arguments do not stand.

Nothing that I say or do can stand up against Gods' wisdom. I can never fully understand His reasonings, but He always understands the underlying truth of my reasoning. It is not my place to give counsel to God. Who do I think I am?

Jacob wrestled with God. He bore the marks of that struggle for his entire life. Job was put in his right place by God who holds all the answers to all of the questions. I may not stop wrestling and arguing with God, but He will always come out on top! I can only hope for God to bless me because of or in spite of my arrogance to argue with God.

Holy Amazing God of wisdom understanding and counsel, you are unbeatable! Forgive my arrogance to think i could change Your mind. Thank You for allowing me to wrestle my thoughts with You, and thank You for always winning! Work Your way in me even when I seem to want to go my own way.

Proverbs Thirteen

Proverbs 13:20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

Friendship is a strong wind that guides our lives. No matter how strong we think we might be, we are influenced by the company we keep. The more friends going in a certain direction, the stronger the wind in our sails to follow them. It is wise to choose our company of friends by the destination for which they aim.

I cannot say that I have carefully chosen all of the friends I have had over the years. Most of the time I have simply let them happen. Friends have come to me through activities, shared interests and some through other companions. It may not have been the best way to find the wise and avoid the foolish, but once I learned about each person I was able to choose the extent of my relationship with them. I have been blessed with many wise friends. Though I have had a few foolish companions, they have not remained in my company as intimate friends, only acquaintances.

One friend I have known for over 50 years has proven to be wise. He has introduced me to many other wise friends too. Jesus has been a strong wind in my sails. He leads me to the right people and ultimately will lead me to an eternal destination that is heavenly! I can trust I will not suffer harm when I walk close to Him.

Friend Jesus, You are the perfect companion. Thank You for leading me to so many good friends. Forgive me when I let others lead me astray. Lead me in the right way. Teach me how to be Your friend and a friend to others too.

Proverbs Nine

Proverbs 9;11 For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life.

My husband, Patrick, does not like to celebrate his birthday. I think he feels strange being the center of attention for the simple fact that he has lived for another year. It doesn't stop me from celebrating. I like to celebrate the years we live on this blue sphere! I have coaxed and pleaded with Patrick to join in the party for him! Sometimes it is easier than others. On the other hand, my daughter has a "Week of Erin" to celebrate her life. It is good to live!

Do you know anyone who does not want a long life? Who does not celebrate birthdays that add up? I suppose if we could remove all sorrows and pain there would be a rush to live forever. Funny, that sounds like heaven! It is heaven, and it is forever! Life forever lived with fullness in every way!

Days multiplied and years added come only by the God of Wisdom. It is only those days and years lived without Wisdom that we may want to subtract from our lives. I guess that makes a good argument to start living with Wisdom while we are young.

God of Wisdom, You increase our days and years. You do not take away, but there are times when I want to go a different way from Your path. It is then that I believe the lie of the enemy; You subtract and diminish. How foolish I am to think that! Forgive me, Lord! Thank You for continuing to add to my years by multiplying my days! I want to remember You and give You the praise every day and for all those growing moments!

Proverbs Three

Proverbs 3:7-8 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.

Proverbs3:15 She (wisdom) is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare to her.

Wisdom does not begin with myself. I cannot look in the mirror and see wisdom looking back through my eyes. Oh, there are moments when I think I am pretty smart; times when I think I am the wisdom others need in their lives. But I am so wrong!

The wisdom that springs from my lips in those rare times, is the presence and the voice of the Holy Spirit working through me. Wisdom adorns my words like bracelets, earrings, rings, and necklaces adorn me. They are not me but a beautiful adornment that gives a sparkle to my eyes.

God shares wisdom and beauty, healing and refreshment are born in me! The trinkets I desire are dull and lifeless compared to her!

Father God, Jesus Lord, and Spirit of Wisdom and Holiness, You are priceless beauty. I am worth nothing without You. I have no wisdom to voice without You. Thank You for adorning my words with your gems of insight and wisdom. I desire more of You. I desire the diamonds, pearls, sapphires and rubies that You give. Your wisdom is precious to me!

A Lot to Learn

I learned a lot this past year. I learned about God, and discovered I have so much more to learn! I also discovered that I need to learn more about myself and about others! I love to learn. That is a good thing when there is so much that needs learning!

Learning is a faith filled and disciplined task. To learn I must walk into uncharted territory. I do not know what might lie ahead in the search for understanding. I find that I often take small timid steps when I sense that the new knowledge will shake me to my bones or knock me off my feet. I need a strong faith to face what may come as a result of new knowledge. It also takes discipline to learn. Not all lessons are learned the first time I am exposed to them. I must take the lesson, do homework and repeat the new knowledge over and over to make it become a part of me.

The things I've learned in 2010 will be a foundation for the coming year. If the foundation is weak, I will walk through the lessons again till I make the structure of my knowledge of God, myself and others strong enough to support the new truths God reveals. I want that firm foundation. I want to live my life learning, believing, and trusting God for all truth, knowledge and wisdom.

Father, Author of Truth, Your wisdom and knowledge come to me when You are in Your rightful place in my life. I confess that though I love to learn new things I sometimes pride myself in the learning rather than setting You as the awesome Creator Revealer! Forgive me Lord. Knowing You is my deepest desire. I thirst to know You. Teach me Lord. Open my eyes and ears to You and I will be filled with Your knowledge and wisdom to be used for the sake of Your kingdom! Thank You for touching my life in deeper ways and with the nearness of You.

Wisdom

Wisdom, according to my research, is using knowledge in the correct way. It is making choices that have good outcomes. What is the standard of wisdom? Is there a difference between godly wisdom and worldly wisdom? If so, are both true wisdom? Can there be wisdom on both ends of the spectrum?

My Dad and Mom taught me to love learning. In our home, even now, there is an excitement about learning about the physical and spiritual aspects of our human condition. Knowledge and the right use of that knowledge is celebrated. In my experience there can be no separation of the two realities.

It is also my experience that yes, there is wisdom in the world and wisdom in the spiritual realm. Yes, I know that people decide for themselves what they deem wise. BUT, there is a wisdom the supersedes all wisdom we humans may set up.

Science has revealed to us the knowledge of laws that control the universe. These laws touch every aspect of our lives. There are certain principles that seem to be inherent in every person, and they too control our lives. Where did these laws and principles originate? Since I am a God- fearing person I espouse that they were set in place by our Creator. Others may have other ideas but for my purposes I will state with certainty that God has the highest wisdom because He has created us and our lawful boundaries. He has provided us with knowledge. He should be the lone judge of how this knowledge should be used in the correct way. He is the source of all wisdom, both worldly and godly.

It is nice to know God. He even told us that the beginning of wisdom and knowledge is the fear of the Lord. (Fear in this sense is more like respect.) I respect His law. I follow His principles. I also enjoy relationship with Him! When I ask for wisdom He freely gives it to me.

Wisdom. I want it. My choice is to learn and act in accordance with Gods laws so that I will attain the prize of living life well.

Who will Reign?

I do not want to be political but I am. I do not want to get involved in political discussions, but I must. I am political because I am a voter. I am involved because I care deeply about the people that sit in the seat of power and have in their hands the pens that will become law and be the guide for the present and the future. For this reason I must not remain silent.

Our choices are between imperfect men and women. We cannot expect them to be perfect, nor can we expect them to be totally in agreement with our views. We will not know all that we need to know about each candidate, because we can only see what is presented before us in planned appearances, and we do not know the future. Our choices, therefore, must be made with a higher wisdom. Yes, we may need to choose an imperfect candidate that does not reflect our point of view and that we know little about only because we side closer to him/her than we do with the other. But, is this really the wisdom from on high or is it our fear of being placed under the rule of those with which we do not agree?

I am struggling with these points. I do not know how I will vote come election day. I know only that my choices are narrowed. My soul desire is to vote in agreement with the Sovereign God who rules over all men! I choose to place His choice in the seat of power. I want the man He sees perfectly but still trusts with this position for His purposes.

I am reminded that the children of Isreal cried out for a king, and though God was their king, He allowed them to have their way. I am reminded that David was imperfect before God and man, but he also was "A man after God's heart."

So what leader do we deserve? What leader will lead us closer to God? What leader will submit his will to the will of the Father? The answer will ultimately be determined by God's choice. I believe, He alone will allow us our choice and teach us through that choice, whatever the consequences may be.

Till election day I will be in prayer for our country and our fellow citizens. I will pray that I vote in wisdom. I will intercede for the candidates and the people. I will pray that a cry of revival will be heard calling out for the ONE TRUE KING to reign in our hearts.

Reign in my heart, O God! Reign in me so that I need no other to reign over me!

Overcoming the Enemy

Human beings are vulnerable to many enemies. Most are hidden until the last moment when we are surprsed to find that we have been attacked. Sickness, natural disasters, and even evil men who lie in wait to afflict their damage. We also have a spiritual enemy that lies in wait to destroy us.

There are times we are alerted to the threats of our enemies. Our response should be made with wisdom. There are times when one enemy will take advantage of another enemies threats and ambush us. But with all of this we do have a safe refuge. We have a strong tower. We have access to a greater wisdom than our own.

The All-powerful Creator and Defender is ready and very willing to help us overcome, get through or walk amid the flames of trials without being harmed. Loss cannot take away His love. Pain cannot take away His kindness and Goodness. He is strong, good, and His love knows no limit. He is Wise and He gives His wisdom to all.

I know that I can be filled and satisfied even in the middle of a storm, or after a horrendous loss. I know He hears me and responds with wisdom and grace and hope. I have nothing to fear of the threats against my body, mind or spirit. He is always with me and He will always make the good to triumph in my life!

If you know His name but do not know Him, you need only call out. He will hear. He will answer. He loves you!

Wisdom

What is wisdom? My definition is seeing things from Gods' perspective. If that is a true definition then is it really possible for us to have wisdom apart from God?

I suppose that we can stumble on a piece of wisdom. I am almost certain it would not be a complete understanding though. I firmly believe that to own wisdom entirely is Gods' possession and His gift to those who choose to receive. He does give it freely because He desires for us to know the truth and to be set free. He waits for us to ask.

Lord, I want Your wisdom in all my relationships and choices. Thank You for offering and giving it so freely!

Random thoughts

My husband and I are planning to visit our Moms in Colorado this summer. I've been looking forward to it until lately. I guess you could say I am afraid of seeing my mom as she declines in years. Don't get me wrong, she is very healthy physically, but she seems to be having some mental issues according to my sister who lives near her and watches over her for all of us who are away. I don't want to see my Mom struggle. What ever I find when I see her, I pray it won't be as bad as my mind is conjuring. I want my visit to be pleasant and filled with great memories.

I've parented my four children and have also been an integral part of parenting five others, not to mention all the advice I have given to young Moms along the way. I actually have a degree in child development and family relationships. Though I've made mistakes, I think we did a good job as parents. Lately, I have felt judged as far below what I think I am. I guess there is pride involved. My children are not perfect. They try to live Godly lives, but like everyone they fall short. For the most part they learn from their mistakes and accept the consequences with courage. They also know that when they fail they can return to Jesus for forgiveness and that is what makes them good Christians, not perfection. I am proud of my family!

Babies need alot of love. They can never get enoughof the tender loving touches that help them grow. In my opinion I believe that everytime a baby cries they should be attended to. It builds trust between the child and the parent/caregiver. When a baby, who is not able to do for themselves, is left to cry it out they learn that they are unimportant and that they cannot trust those who can supply their need. Of course this should not last forever. There does come a time when the parent/caregiver recognizes that the baby is pulling strings to stay lazy and not responsible for his/her own needs. The age may vary but it usually comes around the age of six months in my opinion. You may think I am a supporter of spoiling a child, but I like what I read somewhere that "Spoiling is doing for your child what they cannot do for themselves." So it doesn't hurt to hold your baby and let them sleep in your arms if you want to! Just remember that someday it will have to end!

As my family has grown and we have added new people into our lives and grandbabies are coming along, I am feeling like I am looking in at them all through a window. I wonder why and how I can get back inside to enjoy the closeness. It isn't that I am excluded from activities or gatherings, but even in the middle of it all I somehow seem to be on the fringe. I can't seem to join in a conversation except for short little agreements or disagreements of what is being talked about. I feel as if my thoughts are out of place and maybe "old-fashioned" and no one wants to hear them. so I sit and listen and enjoy the fun that others are having. It makes me feel old. I really don't feel old on the inside. I know I have experiences and wisdom and stories to share, but when sharing them brings comments, rolled eyes, and snickers I guess it makes me rethink my place. Maybe I do need to be on the outside on the front porch. Maybe someday someone will come and sit with me and listen to my stories. Till then I will listen to theirs!

Random thoughts are now settled. They no longer need to float around my head and keep me occupied. Journaling is good for that purpose! Maybe you need to write something down too.