good & useful {day 31}

So, Proverbs 31 is {mostly} all about that woman... you know the one. 

 ~"The Proverbs 31 Woman"~

She is often tossed out as an unattainable super-woman. 

She is labeled as a product of her time ... not something today's woman could ever hope to become.

I have studied these verses quite a bit... though I am not finished. I have written about 14 verses and have 7 to go. 

[click below to read the series]

{my new "logo" for this series}

While I do understand that Solomon's mother {Bathsheba!} is giving him advice on the type of wife he should seek, I also believe that even 

~"The Proverbs 31 Woman"~

                           was not

~"The Proverbs 31 Woman"~

 from the very beginning... 

She struggled and learned. 

She desired to be good and useful.

She was an immature girl with dreams. 

She was a young married lady with lessons to learn. 

She was a wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend. 

She was a sinner waiting on a Savior to be born. 

She had struggles. 

She knew hardship. 

But what set her apart... 

was her heart.

wisdom in the little things {day 30}

There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise: The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer; The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks; The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands; The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces. 

Proverbs 30:24-28

As I was reading this chapter, I was struck by the various grouped lists....[things that are never satisfied] ~ [things that are too wonderful] ~ [things that are disquieting {disquiet is an interesting word}] ~ [things that are wise] ~ [things that go/do well]. 

These lists have always interested me, and I am not exactly sure why- because I am NOT a "list maker" person. Having a list does help me stay focused in a task... 

     or more accurately, having a list helps me REMEMBER what task I was doing before I got that glass of juice for my 4 year old. {smiles}

So, I purposed to learn something specific from at least one list while reading through it... and this was the one.

Even though these 4 creatures are rather insignificant in the grand scheme of things... the Lord says they are wise. Of course, God put these instincts into their very nature; but since God calls those instincts wisdom, I am going to take notice!

While I am only one person, and I am not very strong, I can make preparation for what is foreseeable. The ants know, by that instinct, that they must prepare food for winter. 

I know, as a mother, that children grow! I can plan and shop sales accordingly for their clothing. I also know that everyone in my family enjoys eating. every.single.day... and I can prepare meal plans for efficient and frugal shopping, and I can plan simple meals for days I know we will be busy. 

So, while we cannot truly know what a day will bring forth, God still wants us to use some foresight and common sense and plan!

Though man can live in a myriad of places, with various structures to call home, I do know that planting my dwelling on a solid [stone] foundation is wise. And beyond my physical house, building my life and the life of my family on the Rock that is Christ... that is the only way we will last. Having that sure foundation is what keeps our family together in tough times. Those conies know what they are doing!

There is strength in numbers. Obviously, there are times the few has a mighty voice... but only because the multitude is failing to speak. Locusts have no leader, yet they know that they must stay together to live. 

These little creatures can literally wipe out entire fields of crops. If there were just 10 or 20 of them at a time, the farmer could combat them... but when there are hundreds of thousands at once, they win. They do not argue or compete; they just stick together.

As a believer, I see a principle here that often gets blurred or ignored. We cannot align ourselves with those whose doctrine is clearly opposed to salvation by faith through Christ alone, though there are many who blur that line. But then those who do not blur this line seem to ignore it and are often are found attacking each other from within over rather petty issues.... and so we do NOT win. We must "stick together" in Christ to make a difference. [Also, not trying to belittle taking a stand. There is a time and place for that.]

And then, just as a spider simply weaves its web wherever it is, when I realize there is something I can do, and I just DO IT because God asks it of me, I can have a far-reaching influence. I may not actually ever speak to a king, but I have heard of the testimony of a small child reaching far and wide... simply because the opportunity to speak for Christ was seized. Spiders often get a 'bad rap'-I despise to find them in my house!- yet we can learn to simply keep on. We must weave our web, sometimes over and over, and live our life for Christ in the mundane daily tasks. And then... just as cobwebs overtake an abandoned structure, our Godly influence can influence the next generation. But only if we just do right.

 

the soul's delight {day 29}

DISCLAIMER: I have no illusions that my children are perfect. Their teachers tell me when they have done wrong to prove it! ...and we have correction discussions multiple times daily. It takes W.O.R.K.  And I do realize their ARE children who require extra effort... and I have no idea how I would handle them, except that God promises to give us grace for our own trials and not another's.  And those few times I have received praises... they often come back to haunt me when we have shameful days. I fail everyday. I correct in haste with an unkind voice more often than I would care to admit. I do not train when I should {because it takes T.I.M.E.}. But every time, I know that I have a Loving Heavenly Father who is ready to hold my hand and walk me through it... one-more-time. over-and-over-again. daily.

From Proverbs 29
The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. [verse 15]

Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul. [verse 17]

Several times through the book of Proverbs, child correcting and training and the rod are mentioned. And it is spoken of twice in this one chapter! 

{While I do believe there is a right and a wrong way to physically punish a child, that is not the point today!}

The fact that I must give correction... I must reprove [tell them they are wrong] and train [show/tell them how to be right] my children...

that is the point.

And these two verses give the basic reasons why.

Children will not learn wisdom [how to think and act with discretion, in a way pleasing to the Lord] without correction and discipline and training. And often punishment is involved [the rod]. Reproof and correction are not punishment... just a 'time out' or spanking or whatever method is employed for punishing wrong- that is not training. Punishment alone is not the answer, but it is a vital part.

 

we must walk this path of life WITH them

As parents, we must take the time- and as a mother I have much more opportunity to do this than my husband... and often fall very short- to speak with and train our children- a kind, loving voice instructing our children what is right, how toys are to be put away, how siblings are to be treated, etc.

Truly, as in verse 15, when we leave untrained, uncorrected children all alone... the mothers are shamed- often to the point of reprimanding in anger [BEEN THERE!]. 

But when loving reproof and training have been employed by {preferably} both mother and father... those children will give rest to whomever is in charge of them, with just a soft word of correction. They will be a delight unto their parent's souls.

Others can tell when a child has had loving correction and consistent discipline [both the rod and the training, hand in hand]... because they will make comments like: "oh, your children are so well-behaved" {to which I try to reply: "They are God's gift to me!"}... or "how do you make them all behave?" {to which I just smile {and try not to crack up laughing}! most people do not really want to know that sometimes crying is involved...}

not "goodbye"... but "until we meet again" {day 28}

This moment of being still... comes from a quiet heart, a heart of remembering... and pondering what God has for the future.

Life is full of goodbyes... and hellos... and more goodbyes.

“The only comfort in saying goodbye is knowing we are in God’s will.”

~wise words!

~~~
Sometimes there are people who are simply a part of the new life in which you find yourself.... and you have no idea the impact they will have.

You do not meet them and think: “here are the parents of my daughter's best friend {the daughters neither one of you even have yet!}”... 

or “here is a lady who will have some understanding of being a {staff wife} and what that means, inside you”... 

or “here is a family who will grow with ours, to the point our stair-step girls are all good friends.”
 
<<<< our children

<<<< their children

But such was a family we had an official farewell for last evening during and after our church service. He and his wife sang with the choir instead of his leading it, he preached the sermon, and there were many tears all-around.

But with the sadness of goodbye comes the excitement of their following God's leading to a new chapter. It also reinforces the truth of "until we meet again" being a more apt way to say "goodbye" to a friend in the Lord.

These are a few thoughts from the service last evening:   “The only comfort in saying goodbye is knowing we are in God’s will.”

The Lord gives us various avenues to know His will in our lives. He has given us His Word, Godly counsel, and the Holy Spirit.

While we may fear the unknown of what is ahead, “Fear is only unhealthy if it paralyzes you... Fear should throw us back on God.” [a quote from Jeff Amsbaugh--not exact, as I cannot always write that fast!]

And knowing, finding, searching out the next step... that is personal. No one can do it for you. It is a burden we each must carry individually.
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13

Life is about Jesus... following Him to finish with joy is what our focus of each day should be.
And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem [another city] , not knowing the things that shall befall me there... But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:22-24

And the fruit of a life spent... spent all for Him... is a life of fruit that follows us to glory!
And the world passeth away... but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. I John 2:17

“Anything God has done through us He has done in spite of us.”

~Thad Endicott

Words that are true of ALL of us! 

Thank you, Endicott family, for your friendship, encouragement, and faithfulness during the years my family has been here. We are praying for you!

just passing by {day 27}

so, yesterday I read the wrong chapter in Proverbs! Actually, somehow, I read both the correct and the next chapter... at two separate times-{I will often read the chapter several times thorought the day}. I'm still not sure how I did that. [oh well, {smiles}] But today, I am going to share from yesterday's chapter.

He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears. -Proverbs 26:17

When I read this verse, I was reminded of another post I wrote earlier in this 31 days, when I spoke of teaching my children to look to their own paths... and worry about their own actions and not what everyone else is doing.

While we must be aware of those around us, and the Lord Jesus teaches that if we see a person in need, then we are to help as much as in our power to do so [Luke 10; Galatians 6:10; Proverbs 3:27], our focus of each day is to be on living our own life... looking to Jesus through our own "strife." 

An example is this: I have a friend who recently had surgery. I prayed for her in the days leading up to it as well as the day of. I plan to do all I can to be available should she need help during her recovery.... but I cannot live her life for her just because I see suffering. 

She has to recover in her own time. I could meddle and cause stress on our friendship {take a dog by the ears}. 

I could make a nuisance of myself {meddle in strife belonging not to me}, but I will endeavor not to!

As well, there are often situations around us that we do not get involved with in any way... though we may be able to help, simply because it truly is not our business. 

Sometimes I will see what my husband's thoughts are about offering help; and occasionally we will try to offer aid. Most times we simply pray for whatever is going on, and wait for the Lord to take care of it. 

He always does.

Today, we enjoyed a day as a family. We had very little strife... even among the children... maybe because we all had a nap today! 

who is my neghbour? {day 26}

Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off. Proverbs 27:10 {edited-from 26:10-I turned to the next chapter too soon. oops}

I used to read this verse as a teenager and then young adult and think.... Why aren't people more "neighborly" now-days? 

There were one or two houses on my street where we knew the people on a "HI, how are you?" basis... and even now, in my neighborhood, we only casually speak to our neighbors. We try to be friendly and have invited them to church and inquired about their salvation, but we have no one we would turn to in a calamity.

And I suppose this verse could be talking about our making friends of those who live near us {we certainly need to make an effort to be kind and get to know those who live around us}; but people just live such separate lives anymore, are often not even home until late in the evening, and don't really want to go to church on Sundays. 

Even when cute little kids invite them.

Then a few years after I had gotten married, journeyed to a strange city, moved into a new house, joined a new church and started to make a life... with this man for-ever-after, I realized it could be talking about something a little differently. 

Our life revolves around our church and the activities of it. And I now live very far from any family... even from the church where I grew up. 

I cannot go to my brother's house or any of my family's houses {even if I wanted to} without nearly a whole day's travel or more!

My own friend, my neighbor that is near, even my father's friend {kindred spirits through loving and serving the same God} is my church family. 

The Lord has truly blessed our little family with {-[neighbors]-} in abundance through the wonderful people who faithfully attend our church. They have encouraged us and been there for us in a myriad of ways during the years we have been here. 

My heart had a rocky start with being far away from family and the people I knew so well from childhood. I have come to realize I do not handle change well without much help from the Lord.

But now, over 9 year later, I have come to the point where I could not imagine being in any other "family." They are my neighbor that is near... and I know our family can turn to them for prayer or assistance whenever it is needed. 

That is indeed a blessing!

more dangers {day 25}

Several verses in Proverbs speak of how living in the wilderness or on a rooftop is preferable to living with a contentiuos or brawling woman... reminded me of a post towards the beginning of the {31 days}.

Just as there is something for me to learn from the "strange woman" there is something I can learn from this woman of contention. And it came up again in today's chapter.

It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house. -Proverbs 25:24

and was there a few days ago:
It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman. -Proverbs 21:19

Contentious people basically look for things to argue about. They are characterized by an argumentative spirit, often creating controversy for the sake of being right. I think I've done that before.

Brawling gives the idea of noisy, squabbling, fighting people. I know I've squabbled once or twice... Angry... I suppose that doesn't need an explanation.

And I have a responsibility to teach my own girls how to allow the Lord to control their spirit and NOT be contentious or brawling or angry! Even as children.

I suppose my best defense against being a woman of contention is to study the Scriptures and find out how to ...let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. - I Peter 3:4

Because, while the context of that verse is a Christian woman's ability to have a powerful witness to an usaved husband, the principle can hold true for a Christan woman to have a powerful testimony for the worth of her saved husband to her... as well as a witness of God's place in her life to an unsaved world.

The hidden man... a meek and quiet spirit is an ornament... of great price to  God! 

building a home {day 24}

A couple of days ago [I wrote about having increase from my "oxen"] I read in Proverbs 14:1, Every wise woman buildeth her house...

And today I read a little more about building a house [home]. In Proverbs 24, I read: Through wisdom is an house builded [same as in 14:1]; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

It is reiterated that wisdom is required to build [establish or restore] our home. As women we must seek God's wisdom in establishing anything that has to do with our home: routines, plans, even how we decorate... {I am just saying that God cares! And I love to decorate with or take inspiration from nature...}; and I know the Lord helped me with our current furniture layout [{smiles}-my husband was skeptical until it was all in place]. God cares to be a part of every aspect of our "home-building." 

But understanding is also important to building my home, as today's verse proceeds. The Lord can give insight and discretion to make decisions about everything. He can help me learn about healthy foods, better organization, scheduling activities... and explaining these things to my children. If I do not understand it, I cannot effectively teach it.

With knowledge the rooms of my home can be filled with precious and pleasant riches. Perception and skill are two words used to describe knowledge here. 

I must pay attention [use perception] to what is going on around me... my children's and husband's activities. If I am not aware of some things, my house can spin out of control quickly!

I sometimes must use or learn a skill to help me take care of my home-the physical structure AND the people who reside with me. I am so thankful my mother took the time to teach me some basics in sewing and pattern following when I was a teenager. Clothing construction is a skill that the Lord has helped me develop... and it has aided our family and others for many years.

Of course, there are many other skills that women can use to build their home wisely... And I strive to learn something about each of them: cooking, organizing, cleaning, decorating, etc. Today, I am purposing to ask God's help in learning how to do each of them wisely!

traveling thoughts {day 23}

Busy day yesterday!

In my Proverbs reading yesterday the verses that really stuck out were the first few: When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: and out a knife to thy throat if thou be a man given to appetite... [verses 1 & 2]

In context, the verses go on to speak about not being envious of what others, particularly those with more, have that I do not. And I have often heard contentment when I read this passage.

But today, I saw something a little different... though in relation to contentment. I saw self-control... or temperance.  

We must have control over our appetite. Here it speaks directly of food, but we all have appetites for many things: food, books, friends, travel, money... it is all just stuff. Stuff I have a less consuming desire for when I am desiring the Spirit's control.



And here my thoughts traveled....



Temperance is a part of the Fruit that the Spirit produces our lives when we allow Him to work. [Galatians 5:22,23]

And I must exercise {allow God's Spirit to teach me!} control in my life in areas and situations that cause tension or stress. {from appetite control... hm}

Many times as a mother... my children bring tension {stress} through myriad of situations. Maybe I am in a hurry because of a lack of proper planning, and they are just pokin' along. That brings some stress! Or one of them has a melt-down for whatever reason, and I "loose" my control. 

How can my children learn what temperance is if Mommy's life doesn't have it!?

When I know that I will be a "single mom" for a few days... I get a little stressed. I have grown to rely in my husband as the better half of my brain, the more controlled disciplinarian, the more patient teacher, a part of me/us! We are a team, and we work well together. {These times also give me a burden to pray more for my single parent friends!}

And while that is wonderful and in God's design for husband and wife to become knit together like that, I must never loose sight of God's working and growing my own life as an individual... and that as an individual, I must learn temperance. I must allow the Spirit to bring control and calm into my life, not my husband.

I suppose my thoughts took an interesting route to get here, but yesterday {and today! and probably many tomorrows...} I am desiring the Spirit to produce a control in my life that can only come from Him!

multiplying miracles {day 22}

Today I read in Luke 8 of the man of the Gadarenes that was possessed of many devils and whom God healed. 

 After Jesus cast the demons into the swine feeding nearby and the animals died in a lake, the people talked about it. There was likely a frenzy of wondering what just happened?! 

But when the people found out that Jesus had made this maniac to be sane, they were afraid... of Jesus.

I am sure they were not pleased that Jesus had killed their pigs [I am assuming they were part of someone’s lively-hood]. It is not normal for animals to wildly run down a ravine and into a lake.

But it was not until they saw a crazy man sitting sanely that the Bible says they were afraid. It is a fairly normal occurrence for a man to sit, clothed, speaking calming to other people. And yet, this is what made them afraid.

And the city asked Jesus to leave.

One of their own was made whole, sane; and they were afraid of the Healer.

The Bible records that He came back later and was received gladly.

What made the difference?

Jesus told the man: shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him. [v 39]

The man told the people of the city his first-hand account of Jesus power. He told them Jesus was God... or at least, the man realized Jesus was God, and that influenced his story. And then, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him. [v 40]

And after this was when Jarius’ daughter was raised from the dead. It seems to be a man from the same town.

All this... led me to realize, yet again, that when the name of Jesus is elevated to GOD in our conversation... when we actively think of Him as God, thus changing our manner of life... people believe {maybe not all, but it is noticed!}, hearts are changed, and miracles continue! How marvelous. 

did you ever talk to God? {day 21}

The Lord has been dealing with my heart about my not praying as I CAN, not being bold in coming before His throne... because only He can help in my time of need!

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

A few thoughts on prayer from my Pastor’s message yesterday {he has been doing a series on Prayer the last month}:

In Isaiah 1 the Lord is telling Israel that their sacrifices and prayers are an abomination because of the motives in their hearts. We must make our prayers for God’s glory, not our selfish desires.

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. I Corinthians 10:31

This passage in I Corinthians in context is in reference to being a stumbling block to any man by way of our manner of life, our conversation. But the principle remains true in our prayers.

If our prayers are hindered by selfishness, our life can bring occasion to falter to another, intentionally or not.

In keeping with that thought, Psalm 68:18-20 says: If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: But verily God hath heard me... hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.

The word iniquity carries the idea of “a moral injustice”... my offending another, bringing offense to the name of Christ, treating another poorly... through word or deed, action or motive. 

I must cling to a right relationship with my Lord above all others to allow His Love to shine through me... to keep my life from bringing offense to His name. 

The Psalmist [David] had an amazing relationship with his God, my God! Even though he struggled with many “obvious” sins. And  I think the answer to how is found throughout the different Psalms he wrote, but specifically chapter 119... that long one, and verse 2 says: Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.

We are no longer “under the Law” [as testimonies makes reference to] as Christ came to fulfill all the law... but as Christians, our greatest commandment [law] is to love our God and to love our neighbor [Matthew 22:36-30], which encompasses the motive behind the points of the law.

There were a few other points made which follow in line with having proper motives and not living in offense to others; but for today, I have a few requests to bring boldly before His throne... and a heart to search and ask the Lord to cleanse of wrong motives and show offense! [not to mention laundry and dishes and vacuuming {smiles}]

the seed, the Word {day 20}

Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear...But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. from Luke 8:4-15, the parable of the Sower

These verses, this story, was in my scheduled Bible reading for today. I intensely wish for my own life to bring forth fruit, and I know it requires patience to see it. 

But just as fiercely I wish for my own children to receive the Seed of the Word of God [become saved] and also bear fruit.

Only on the "good ground" is the Word received AND fruit is born. As a mother, my prayer is for my children's hearts to be good ground... I am not a farmer, but I do know a few things about the general type of soil needed to grow good crops.

First it must also be rich in nutrients. All plants of the earth require different minerals to produce their various fruits. We must allow God to prepare the soil of our children's hearts through consistent Bible reading [family devotions are a wonderful way to do this!], Bible memorization, and Scripture verses displayed where they can read them [when they can read!] Only through the principles learned thus will an honest and good heart be produced. [Mark 10:18]

It must also be moist. A dry heart is less likely to hold onto a seed. Moist soil is soft and pliable. We must ask for and then allow the Spirit of God [rivers of living water- John 7:39] to regularly and consistently pour water into our children's lives. Our children need to see the Spirit's work in our own lives. We must teach and exemplify the truths and principles found in Scripture to help their hearts to remain tender until such time as they understand their personal need for accepting Jesus.

It must also be able to receive sunlight daily. As saved parents, we are light to our children. [Matthew 5:14-16] Our testimony affects how our children receive God. This is a scary thought. My children see me at my absolute worst and know if I strive to allow God's love to shine through me even during the frustrations and difficulties or if it is an act. And we must also be diligent to surround our children, as much as possible, with others' whose lights shine brightly for the Lord.

And last of all, it needs to be in a good location to receive nutrients and water and light. When we neglect to take our children to church or read the Bible at home or speak of the Spirit leading us throughout the day, how can they know?

predictions {day 19}

I apologize for my absence yesterday. There is no explanation other than time got away from me, and I did not get this typed.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

As we here in America face elections in just over 2 weeks, many are downcast at the state of our country and the choices offered for President. And many, from all of the multiple "sides" of the issues, are conflicted with friends and family over which person should receive their vote.

As I was pondering how certain talking points {specifically politics} have been the basis of heated discussions throughout the entire course of our nation, I came across a list of truths that my pushed my thoughts back into perspective. 

I pray it can be an encouragement to you also!

PREDICTIONS FOR THE COMING YEAR  

[edited]


1. The Bible will still have all the answers. 

2. Prayer will still be the most powerful thing on Earth.

3. The Holy Spirit will still move in hearts of God's people.

4. There will still be room at the Cross. 

5. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.
 

 

Is it not a Blessed Hope to remember that:

we can look for the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ [Titus 2:13] 

and that ...the word of the Lord endureth for ever. [1 Peter 1:25] 

and Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. [Hebrews 13:8]  ???

on being a friend {day 18}

At the end of today's Proverb is the verse [24]: A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

 

One part of what this blog is about my learning to be the right kind of friend - even to YOU, whom I may never know on this earth.

I strive to show myself friendly. I do not come by this naturally. I am not a "people-person." I do not enjoy crowds. But I do try to be pleasant when spoken to and not completely ignore the people around me. This takes a conscious effort.

I also make an effort to show how Jesus is the friend that sticketh closer than a brother in my own life.  

And because He loves me unconditionally, I can love others - even those I have never met.

But what happens if I utterly ignore the fact that not every person I speak to {even through this blog} is a Christian or is possibly only a babe in Christ? 

And what if I disregard the possibility not everyone who attends my church regularly is a born-again believer and that not everyone grows the same. Even some people in full-time ministry positions come out as older adults and admit to not really knowing they are saved.

Earlier in the chapter is a verse that often saddens me [19]: A brother [friend or relation] offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

Well, a brother [friend] can be offended... by what I've said, implied, worn, done, etc. 
 
And the fact that he is harder to be won than a strong city seems to imply that I should try to win a friend back. If the friendship was broken over something offensive I did or said, etc., I should care when a friendship is broken or hindered.

Which leads me to also think that possibly, I should at least strive to not be offensive in the first place. Of course, truth divides. There is no denying that. 

But it should be the TRUTH that is dividing. Because getting a friend back is harder than storming a castle!

I often ask God to put a filter on my words so that I may not come across as offensive to those who may be weaker than I am.

I also ask for Him to help my heart accept rebuke when it is shown to me that I may have been offensive--to whomever. 

And while I do not wish to ostracize the world from hearing what I have to say, I realize that some will not appreciate the words I speak or type. 

But my prayer is that the truth pushes them away, not the manner in which I speak it.

So, today, I pray that you find a friend when you come here. 

I pray that none of what I speak is offensive to those looking for encouragement in living Godly lives. 

And I pray that those who know me, you know-in real life, could say that my life’s attitude matched the kindness I strive to show forth here.

a crown for old men {day 17}

Today is my youngest daughter's 4th birthday.

this picture is a couple months old

She is  HOOT... and a whirlwind. 

She has the energy of my entire life in her pinky.

And today, while reading the Proverb, I came to this verse:

Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their 
fathers. Proverbs 17:6


And it made me stop and think {as it has before} that MY children... are my parent's "children's children."

with my grandparents

And I want them to be a "crown" to their grandfathers, and to their great-grand-parents!
And of course, I was reminded of another Proverb: Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 

And that reminded me of a post I read yesterday... about "the way." 

Jesus is "the way." 

So, while rules give boundaries that are necessary, and we should expect rules to be obeyed, our main focus should be on pleasing Jesus... making Him our life.

And that in-between relationship... I know my husband {and I do too!} desires to live such a life that his children would see his heritage/legacy as a thing of glory, as something to desire to pass on to their own children one day.

established thoughts {day 16}

Some days, I just feel kinda lost. I don't know how to get a certain principle across to my children, or I am unsure how to respond to something unkind a supposed friend said.

And some days, I just feel like any good I try to do means nothing.

And then I read encouraging words from God's Word:
Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. Proverbs 16:3

Each day I have the opportunity and privilege to intentionally commit my day and all its works unto the Lord. Only then can it really have any meaning anyway.

And when I do this {you see, I don't first thing every day... hence those lost thoughts that happen}, the Lord establishes my thoughts for me.  

He directs my mind to think the way I need to. 

He gives me wisdom to instruct my children with the proper attitude and the appropriate words. 

He gives me the strength to be hurt and yet forgive without being asked for it. 

He gives me the discretion to understand that, while my "good deeds" are filthy rags, when I ask Him to do the works through me... His goodness is mine. And I can rejoice in that!

I am not well today. I had to cancel plans with a dear lady... and that made me sad. But my thoughts can still be right and good when I commit the works I am able to accomplish today to Him.

compared to oxen {day 15}

Well, this is not from yesterday's message. 

It is from the Proverb for yesterday. 

Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox. Proverbs 14:4

I heard this verse preached several times while in Bible College. I had never actually understood it before that.

It has become a motto of mine since becoming a mother of 4. {lol}

While I strive, regularly, to put things in order and keep things clean and straightened, it is not a possibility at this season of my life for my home to be perfectly "kept" at all times each day.

And yes, I realize I am comparing my children to oxen. {smiles}

But while they are yet small and in-training... and until they leave, my home will have some measure of chaos. I realize there are those ladies who have several small children and their home never seems to look like it {I applaud them!}, but I am not one of them. And while I hate tripping on blocks and slipping on books, I cannot compare myself to them. 

I must compare myself with what I am asked to do and how diligently I try to do it. I do not have the ability to keep all the plates juggling {pick-up toys, clean laundry, wash dishes, fold laundry, vacuum, put laundry away, etc} at all times every day. And some days, all the plates simply crash and stay there. {oh yes, they do.}

And besides all the "house-keeping" responsibilities, I am also trying to teach my children how to keep a house... as well as to love God and obey His Words. While my example is paramount, I must take time to speak to them also. And we must have hands-on discussions at times... either in actual chores being done over and over or in discipline-both apply.

And I also have several responsibilities outside of 'home-keeping' that I do from my home.

But my point is, people are messy. Life is messy. But when I loose site of the goal: my children being grown, functioning, responsible Christian adults, the messy makes me feel like I am not accomplishing anything. So I have to remind myself....

when my "oxen" are gone... my crib may be a bit neater... but I pray Christ's work is stronger because my children are active in it!

I pray this is an encouragement to someone today!

is that ENTHUSIASM I see? {day 14}

Sunday's and today's "be still and know" posts both come from the messages yesterday.

Last evening my Pastor spoke from Psalm 119:33-40 about several attitudes of King David that caused him to have such a close relationship with God.

Amid the points such as: be teachable, desire understanding, bend your ear towards listening to God, and others.... the point that I suppose stood out the most to me was the last one.

Coming from verse 40: Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness...

and focusing in on the word quicken, my pastor went on to give an example of it...

**At the end of music camp where where his granddaughter attended this past summer, he and his wife went to here the grand performance that would close the 2 weeks. Not really knowing what to expect, they were pleasantly greeted with beautiful music well-performed by dedicated teenagers.

What impressed the evening on him most was the obvious love and enthusiasm the conductor had! He described him as taking the wand and pointing vigorously at the different sections and waving it up and down and all over to direct the various instruments in their different parts of the music. The way he was gesturing to convey what he meant left me tired. {lol} To think of a man moving with such vigor for an entire symphony is exhausting. He had an evident joy for the music... for leading the orchestra. And the students played with equal enthusiasm to the point they were not still but moving and swaying with the music during the entire performance.**


This... this obvious enthusiasm and excitement was used to describe the word: quicken. 

 And David used quicken to describe how he wanted to live righteousness-with enthusiasm!

And it got me to thinking.... about my children {of course!}. How it brings an unspeakable joy and thrill to my heart when my children are happy to see me.

But I think especially of those few months as small babes when they cannot express verbally their joy... and their whole little, tiny bodies express it for them. Their arms wave, their faces nearly split from smiling, their little legs just pump like they are trying to push themselves into orbit {smiles}. My heart melts, and I just enjoy holding them.


When I have obvious [meaning others notice it] enthusiasm for whatever I am doing ...simply BECAUSE I am serving the Lord... could that not bring God a little bit of a "parent thrill"? 

I realize that I am giving God my finite emotions, but we know that God joys in knowing His children obey His word, desire to serve Him, have His joy... and He patterned the Christian relationship after "father & child" for a reason. 

Maybe He wanted us to have the opportunity to know more about Him as we teach and train children for His glory.

 

And today, I am trying to be enthusiastic about some housework I need to get done! {smiles}