Proverbs 22:9 "Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor."
I grew up in a family of seven children. Dad worked hard in the steel mill, and he provided for us although we were not wealthy. There were times, however, that the mill would go on strike and we were barely scraping by. It never stopped my Mom and Dad from inviting a surprise guest to join us for meals. I am not proud of the fact that silently I hoped the guests would decline the invitation so we could have our share. I was angry when they accepted.
My selfishness centered in my myopic vision. I saw the less than abundant table for so many of us, and saw not enough for me. I was not concerned for my brothers and sisters, though I should have been. I was totally selfish and felt horrible that I was so.
It took many years for me to get my vision corrected. It happened slowly over time. I began to be thankful for what I did have instead of seeing how little I had. Thanksgiving was my corrective lens that gave me a clearer picture of my blessings. I received blessings so that I could bless others! Sharing is a greater blessing besides!
I can be honest in saying that I still sometimes hold back out of selfish fear that I won't have what I need, or is it want? I have learned that I am changing and my failures can be forgiven. I only need to keep my thanksgiving lenses on everyday and all day to make a difference in my blessings.
Father, You are generous and giving even when it hurts. You are wise to command that we give. My life has not always seen or followed Your wisdom. Forgive me! Thank You for blessing me with the tools to learn this lesson. Thank You for teaching me to give thanks for the big and small, for the easy and for the very difficult things that come into my life. It is thanksgiving to You that helps me trust You. Keep working on my heart, o Lord. Remind me to be thankful especially when I don't feel grateful.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Sunday, March 25, 2012
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Proverbs Twenty
Proverbs 20:5 The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.
I am participating in the Significant Woman course offered by our church. It is the second time I am working through the book with many other women who are walking the journey with me.
Last Monday, we began looking at our core values that help to define our unique purpose. Our leader, Marilyn, reminded us again that it is not an easy task. She said it is like peeling an onion. We are to pull back layer by layer and discover what lies deeper and deeper. I am certain that this is why my second time in this course has been more revealing.
I am learning that though I find my purpose, and begin walking faithfully in it, I will still find layers to pull back and discover. It occurs to me that it is a wise and exciting God who would make the way to fulfilling our purpose so interesting , never boring and so enriching!
God, You are a surprising God! You surprise me with new revelations every day! You are deep and I must dive deep into You to find myself! I need You to coax me, Lord, because I am sometimes fearful and fail to seek after You. Thank You for being the mystery I need. Thank You for the clues You leave behind. Thank You for drawing me into You! Keep the mystery going, Lord. I want to yearn for the discovery of You and the creation You made in me.
I am participating in the Significant Woman course offered by our church. It is the second time I am working through the book with many other women who are walking the journey with me.
Last Monday, we began looking at our core values that help to define our unique purpose. Our leader, Marilyn, reminded us again that it is not an easy task. She said it is like peeling an onion. We are to pull back layer by layer and discover what lies deeper and deeper. I am certain that this is why my second time in this course has been more revealing.
I am learning that though I find my purpose, and begin walking faithfully in it, I will still find layers to pull back and discover. It occurs to me that it is a wise and exciting God who would make the way to fulfilling our purpose so interesting , never boring and so enriching!
God, You are a surprising God! You surprise me with new revelations every day! You are deep and I must dive deep into You to find myself! I need You to coax me, Lord, because I am sometimes fearful and fail to seek after You. Thank You for being the mystery I need. Thank You for the clues You leave behind. Thank You for drawing me into You! Keep the mystery going, Lord. I want to yearn for the discovery of You and the creation You made in me.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Proverbs Nineteen
Proverbs 19:20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.
When I read this it reminded me of a poem I wrote some time ago. I thought it might be appropriate to put here.
Am I Teachable?
Am I teachable?
Do I listen for Your voice,
Even when it comes to me
Through criticism, rebuke, or
Those under my authority?
Do I set my eyes on You,
Following Your every move
So that I might not step
Ahead of You or fall too far behind?
Am I willing to let go of my desires
allowing You to determine the outcome of my work and
letting You have Your way in and through me?
Am I willing and eager to hear the truth,
Obey it and let it be the
Hallmark of my life?
Do I do my work with honesty and integrity,
Perseverance and determination?
Do I reject the worlds’ definitions of truth,
Knowing without doubt that
You are The Way, The Truth, and The Life?
Do I place myself under the authority of the entire Truth?
Are the places I put my heart at one with You, my Lord?
Do I embrace You with my whole heart
leaving nothing for self gratification or for worldly lusts?
Does my inner being yearn to dive deeper into You,
Experiencing Your fullness:
Learning about You
Learning from You?
Am I teachable?
Carolynn J. Scully © 2009
Teacher and Lord, You are all knowing and all wise. You are the teacher with all the answers. I am not always teachable, Lord. I am sorry for being stubborn and hard headed not willing to listen to Your wise counsel. Thank You for reminding me again that I must have a teachable spirit and let You lead me! Open my heart to teachable moments.
When I read this it reminded me of a poem I wrote some time ago. I thought it might be appropriate to put here.
Am I Teachable?
Am I teachable?
Do I listen for Your voice,
Even when it comes to me
Through criticism, rebuke, or
Those under my authority?
Do I set my eyes on You,
Following Your every move
So that I might not step
Ahead of You or fall too far behind?
Am I willing to let go of my desires
allowing You to determine the outcome of my work and
letting You have Your way in and through me?
Am I willing and eager to hear the truth,
Obey it and let it be the
Hallmark of my life?
Do I do my work with honesty and integrity,
Perseverance and determination?
Do I reject the worlds’ definitions of truth,
Knowing without doubt that
You are The Way, The Truth, and The Life?
Do I place myself under the authority of the entire Truth?
Are the places I put my heart at one with You, my Lord?
Do I embrace You with my whole heart
leaving nothing for self gratification or for worldly lusts?
Does my inner being yearn to dive deeper into You,
Experiencing Your fullness:
Learning about You
Learning from You?
Am I teachable?
Carolynn J. Scully © 2009
Teacher and Lord, You are all knowing and all wise. You are the teacher with all the answers. I am not always teachable, Lord. I am sorry for being stubborn and hard headed not willing to listen to Your wise counsel. Thank You for reminding me again that I must have a teachable spirit and let You lead me! Open my heart to teachable moments.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Proverbs Eighteen
Proverbs 18:8 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.
I love the whispered words of my Heavenly Father when He shares His love for me. I am strengthened by the whispered words of encouragement that my Savior and Friend, Jesus, gives when reminding me that He really does understand how hard the world is towards those who trust in God alone. I am filled with hope when the Holy Spirit whispers words of guidance or even correction. I truly love the voice of God speaking into my life!
There is power in a whisper. When I want my husband or even my little grandchildren to listen to me, a whisper becomes my loud speaker. For some odd reason a whisper commands the other person to be quiet and really take notice. I don't use my soft voice often enough!
Elijah was a man of God.God told him to go to the mount and stand before the Lord. "And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave." (I Kings 19:11-13 ESV)
The Lord spoke in a "Thin silence" as the Hebrew words translated as "...a still small voice." This is the voice God uses to work deep into our souls. He uses this "thin silence" to make known His power in a gentle way. It is this voice that I long to hear every day. It is this voice that makes me know I am loved and safe. Only His voice can whisper those delicious morsels that go deep into the inner parts of me.
Holy and Most Powerful God, You are my joy and my delight! You veil Your power in quiet whispers so that I can know Your powerful love and protection. Forgive me when I turn my ear away from You, the only One in whom I can trust. Thank You for never turning away from me. Thank you for Your whispers of love, strength, encouragement, hope and correction! You are so wonderful! Open my ears that I might hear. Open my eyes that I might see. Open my mouth that I might repeat Your goodness to others!
I love the whispered words of my Heavenly Father when He shares His love for me. I am strengthened by the whispered words of encouragement that my Savior and Friend, Jesus, gives when reminding me that He really does understand how hard the world is towards those who trust in God alone. I am filled with hope when the Holy Spirit whispers words of guidance or even correction. I truly love the voice of God speaking into my life!
There is power in a whisper. When I want my husband or even my little grandchildren to listen to me, a whisper becomes my loud speaker. For some odd reason a whisper commands the other person to be quiet and really take notice. I don't use my soft voice often enough!
Elijah was a man of God.God told him to go to the mount and stand before the Lord. "And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave." (I Kings 19:11-13 ESV)
The Lord spoke in a "Thin silence" as the Hebrew words translated as "...a still small voice." This is the voice God uses to work deep into our souls. He uses this "thin silence" to make known His power in a gentle way. It is this voice that I long to hear every day. It is this voice that makes me know I am loved and safe. Only His voice can whisper those delicious morsels that go deep into the inner parts of me.
Holy and Most Powerful God, You are my joy and my delight! You veil Your power in quiet whispers so that I can know Your powerful love and protection. Forgive me when I turn my ear away from You, the only One in whom I can trust. Thank You for never turning away from me. Thank you for Your whispers of love, strength, encouragement, hope and correction! You are so wonderful! Open my ears that I might hear. Open my eyes that I might see. Open my mouth that I might repeat Your goodness to others!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Proverbs Seventeen
Proverbs 17:6 "Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers."
Grandchildren become the crown in which grandparents regale. They are the entertainment and delight of those of us who have lived many years. We feast on each new accomplishment and proudly assert the special abilities to anyone who will listen.
I confess that I belong to an online group we call "Grannies in a Box." We brag over achievements, cry over hurts, and allow each other tirades for any and all opposition to our favorite people in the wole world: our Grands. I have been with the group for 12 years now. We understand one another. We wear the crown of our grandchildren proudly.
For example, I have five crowns that I display to the listening world whenever I can. Each one bears his or her own gems. No two are exactly alike. My Grandladies and Grandmen make me laugh, cry and cheer.
Though God is not a Grandparent, He must know what it is like, because He is one who listens, and tells stories and cheers us on every day. He is our Father, though, and He is our Glory. We look to Him for the best of everything.
Father, you are the glory and the lifter of my head. You shine in the darkness. You are there when I need you. You never fail to hear me. I fall short, Lord, in so many ways. I fail to honor those who have gone before me sometimes. It just seems so hard to take time for aging parents. Thank You for reminding me to reach out to them, listening to their stories even when they repeat again and again. Thank You for letting them be a part of my life. Teach me how to honor their lives and to love them.
Grandchildren become the crown in which grandparents regale. They are the entertainment and delight of those of us who have lived many years. We feast on each new accomplishment and proudly assert the special abilities to anyone who will listen.
I confess that I belong to an online group we call "Grannies in a Box." We brag over achievements, cry over hurts, and allow each other tirades for any and all opposition to our favorite people in the wole world: our Grands. I have been with the group for 12 years now. We understand one another. We wear the crown of our grandchildren proudly.
For example, I have five crowns that I display to the listening world whenever I can. Each one bears his or her own gems. No two are exactly alike. My Grandladies and Grandmen make me laugh, cry and cheer.
Though God is not a Grandparent, He must know what it is like, because He is one who listens, and tells stories and cheers us on every day. He is our Father, though, and He is our Glory. We look to Him for the best of everything.
Father, you are the glory and the lifter of my head. You shine in the darkness. You are there when I need you. You never fail to hear me. I fall short, Lord, in so many ways. I fail to honor those who have gone before me sometimes. It just seems so hard to take time for aging parents. Thank You for reminding me to reach out to them, listening to their stories even when they repeat again and again. Thank You for letting them be a part of my life. Teach me how to honor their lives and to love them.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Proverbs Sixteen
Proverbs 16:7 When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
I do not like to think that I may have enemies, but I do know that over the years I have had people who have been very angry at me for one reason or another. Funny thing is that sometimes I am my own worst enemy!
Most of my enemies are made with words misunderstood, words spewed out in anger, or haughty words that bring the other person low. It is only when the other person reacts that I realize that I have made an enemy. But, I don't like to have enemies, and so I become desperate to resolve the problem.
When I try to fix the wrong doing myself it usually turns out worse. My pride or anger is heightened by someone not admitting that I am right and they are wrong. Oh, yes, I try to repair the damage with more of my word weapons. It is like a using a flame thrower to heal a sunburn. OUCH!
It is only when I go to the Lord and ask Him what to do that I find myself on the road to peace holding out the white flag. Through changing my thinking and my way of looking at a situation, I can diffuse the pride and anger in me first. It is His ways that can lead me to peace with my neighbor that has been hurt and wounded by me. It is His ways that allow outstretched arms to embrace the hostile enemy and offer peace and healing. His ways are not my ways, but His ways please Him and eventually please me and my enemy.
Lord of Peace, You are mighty to bring down the strongholds within me. You wash away my guilt and lay out a pathway of healing and peace, if I only will make my way pleasing to You. Thank You for turning my heart toward peace when I am so inflated by self. Thank You for healing me and helping me be a part of the healing in others. Make me a vessel of Your peace.
I do not like to think that I may have enemies, but I do know that over the years I have had people who have been very angry at me for one reason or another. Funny thing is that sometimes I am my own worst enemy!
Most of my enemies are made with words misunderstood, words spewed out in anger, or haughty words that bring the other person low. It is only when the other person reacts that I realize that I have made an enemy. But, I don't like to have enemies, and so I become desperate to resolve the problem.
When I try to fix the wrong doing myself it usually turns out worse. My pride or anger is heightened by someone not admitting that I am right and they are wrong. Oh, yes, I try to repair the damage with more of my word weapons. It is like a using a flame thrower to heal a sunburn. OUCH!
It is only when I go to the Lord and ask Him what to do that I find myself on the road to peace holding out the white flag. Through changing my thinking and my way of looking at a situation, I can diffuse the pride and anger in me first. It is His ways that can lead me to peace with my neighbor that has been hurt and wounded by me. It is His ways that allow outstretched arms to embrace the hostile enemy and offer peace and healing. His ways are not my ways, but His ways please Him and eventually please me and my enemy.
Lord of Peace, You are mighty to bring down the strongholds within me. You wash away my guilt and lay out a pathway of healing and peace, if I only will make my way pleasing to You. Thank You for turning my heart toward peace when I am so inflated by self. Thank You for healing me and helping me be a part of the healing in others. Make me a vessel of Your peace.
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