Do More...

Recently, my boss and I planned a retreat for our leadership team. We desired to set the tone by having a few icebreakers at the beginning. One of the activities called for a response to a phrase or question. I happened to get the one that asked that I share my life's slogan(s). Well, two quotes/slogan immediately surfaced: A. Find the good and praise it; and B. Just do it! I did not share both quotes. I focused more on the one that stresses finding the good and praising it, which overlapped into the second quote that's a popular phrase from the familiar brand Nike.

As I read over Proverbs 24 today, the verses to stand out for me were verses 16-18: "For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again but the wicked are brought down by calamity. Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice, or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from him."

This goes back to motives...As I shared in another entry, this has been a recurring theme for me--one that has convicted me. As I read in a great blog about proverbs today, initial thoughts in reading this chapter are of relief. You see your faults and know that God will carry you; however, I immediately tripped/stumbled over the words that would follow about our "enemies". I know there are times when I hope I'll prevail to prove or make a point to others. The reminder and truth is that should not be of my concern. In fact, if I get real with myself, I should go back up to one of the earlier verses in the chapter that also stood out while reading:

"By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures" (vs. 3, 4).

I am working to establish my home--literally and figuratively. I realize that in the settings where I dwell, I possess the power to affect the atmosphere, which can be one filled in those virtuous things spoken of in the Bible and valued by God, or the very same things He brings up in contrast to these positive characteristics.

On Sunday, our pastor challenged us to be the best we could be, doing more to overcome the Enemy known as Average. John L. Mason is the author of a book, which preaches and teaches to this type of stinking thinking. We must strive to be excellent and with the right, proper motives--not to prove anyone wrong or show off, receive fame, etc. etc.

When we work to give our best, it just makes life better for all involved. I'm stiving to do and be more...in every area of my life. This summer has been a season of being stretched. I feel myself expanding.

Living Life Skillfully

The latest battle has been doing with a cheerful heart. While I am often doing things for others at work, with children I mentor, and in my personal life, I am not always enthusiastic about doing it. In fact, I have a few close people in my life who I typically turn to in order to complain about why I feel things tend to fall in my lap to take care of or get done. It is hard trying not to show the frustration, exhaustion or irritation when it comes to needing people to step up to the plate and JUST DO IT. If you have the ability to and can help somebody, just do it...It's what I tend to model for others regularly. However, this week I was convicted due to my outer and inner not aligning. I do, but I knew in my heart I was going through the motions, expecting something in return, and becoming angry because I desired credit or appreciation in return.

I am reminded of Proverbs 19:21, "You can make many plans, but the LORD'S purpose will prevail."

Regardless of what those around me may be doing, God's only concerned with my motives and actions. It is my desire to please him. And, fortunately for me--all of us--he cares enough that regardless of how simple we may act or respond to his will, he will still take us to that place of fulfilling our purposes.

As I come to the last week of studying Proverbs, perhaps what I've been constantly reminded of in this book are the following: fellowship/actions with others, practical instruction for life, preparation for any day of the week on the hour, and (of course) the importance of wisdom and applying it.

God is my source. When I think of everything He's sacrificed and given me, I'm reminded that I ought to give my very BEST in everything...not for glory, benefits, handouts, or anything else, but simply because I can because God has equipped me to be able to do so. I want to be the best me I can be because I was created by the best there ever was...Why wouldn't I want to showcase Him in my swagger (Laughing)?!

And, it is funny or ironic: The more we give, serve and do, the more we're blessed. When we're obedient, life comes together. Why simply exist in the world??? LIVE!

I am skilled in living (for him), which makes every challenge or situation I face one that can be managed, achieved and overcame!

Being a Wise Guy (or Gal)

Consider this: "It's God that answers."

What comes to mind with the statement? Does it give you peace? Is it a bit of an indifferent feeling, or do you feel I need to offer a little more before you can respond to the questions?

My sarcasm has a way of interrupting progress and hurting feelings, especially when I get on a roll. My dealings with children often causes me to be aware of my mouth and I remind myself of the importance of modeling good behavior for the adults and children I connect with daily. However, the reality is I do have my moments...There is a little wise guy/gal in all of us if we are honest with ourselves. In thought, tongue, or actions, it is the wise guy who gets the laughs and attention--not only in life, but on the main stage...With such glorification along with some of the perks that come in putting others in their place, who wouldn't want to have a small measure of "wise guy" in them?

Proverbs 16 starts out with some peaceful truths that should hopefully remind us that he will answer when we're "wise"--the right way--in him:

"To human beings the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue. People may think all their ways are pure, but motives are weighed by the LORD. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." (Proverbs 16:1-3)

To transition due to my being a little behind with my posts each day, Proverbs 17 discusses the positive traits and characteristics of a friend. A familiar passage is verse 17:

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."

What type of wise guy are you? Are you using your words to hurt, put down, kill & destroy, OR do you put truth out there in order to strengthen your neighbor?

Remember the say growing up, "If you have nothing nice to say, don't say it at all"? I think we need to remember to check our attitudes at the door in order to be better for those in our environments. Working to be more appreciative and cheerful makes life so much sweeter.

For work, we're aiming for continuous improvement in several areas. And, while the heart of my organization is learning and teaching, the reality is nothing can be accomplished without the establishment of strong, solid relationships. Relationships require us to keep wisdom in view in making decisions in the best interest of others. From strong relationships are such descriptors as trust, love, joy, peace, kindness--fruits of the spirit that are spoken of in Galatians.

If your tree is bearing "bad" fruit, perhaps you're not putting the right things into it that are needed for proper growth: a little (holy) water, some food (daily bread/the Word), and of course "son"light.

What type of "wise" guy/gal are you? One who is wise in the Lord and attracting/drawing in others to Christ, or are you avoiding the Good Director's plan for your life in order to have a show full of drama???

The awesome thing about a journey with Christ is he always allows for second, third, and fourth performances to perfect your role. And, he won't recast you if your motives are right and you desire him to be in control.

Each day we're on some one's main stage. Work to have your performance feel right the first time in order to not feel like you have to do it over and over. This comes with studying the lines to become the best wise guy you can be.

Break a leg!

Cross Eyed...for Jesus

As I continue to read a chapter out of Proverbs a day, I realize some subtle things which are likely the obvious but certainly okay to have manifest when reflecting on these daily readings. This is a journey in life where believers are encouraged to "walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7). This is how we're to make decisions about the difficult situations and choices that face us daily. From jobs to relationships, walking in faith is how we make hard decisions about life.

It is easier to accept putting major decisions in God's hands, but there is the question of how to approach simple, daily choices/decisions. Are we still seeking God? And, is it more of a walking by sight than faith? In reading Proverbs, it can become a bit hazy given the instructions and simple statements on living. However, one of the MAJOR themes from the book of Proverbs goes back to Chapter 1, verse 7: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."

In satisfying the deepest desires of my heart, I'm working to better walk in faith. Today's message at church was a powerful depiction and analogy of our faith walk compared to Jesus'. We all have our tree, or cross, to bear; however, it is important to move from the tree into the cave--Christ was buried in a cave and we're to nestle in our caves, our secret places, to seek Him--in order to move beyond: Christ's resurrection/our triumphs...I'm giving the really QUICK bite to what was a deep and powerful message, but I'm hoping that I'm capturing some of the highlights, which will allow for further study and excitement in your own study time.

Currently, I am seeking faith in many--if not all--areas of my life. At the forefront, I am thinking of my "first" date from last evening. First dates have a tendency to be awkward and an annoyance, yet at the same time exciting and what could lead to major impacts for the future...It was a good first date. I'm walking in faith and keeping sight of the cross along the way.

What Have You Done for Me Lately?

Chapters 13 & 14 have no direct central themes. With each line or verse, there is a simple statement of good and not good. Essentially, the two chapters focus on contrasting good and evil in a variety of different scenarios from how we govern to what we say.

Last night I went and enjoyed the new movie G.I. Joe, seeing another picture of good versus evil. As I watched, I kept asking with the plot development, "What's the point? Is this drama necessary?" However, I am the type of person who asks that question often. I often think we complicate life so much more than necessary.

So, today I was checking my email and had a forward from my auntie titled "7 Percent". You will understand why it's given this title at the end, but that's not why I've posted it:

7 Percent

A holy man was having a conversation with the Lord one day and said, 'Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like.'

The Lord led the holy man to two doors.
He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in.

In the middle of the room was a large round table.

In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew, which smelled delicious and made the holy man's mouth water.

The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly.

They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long handles that were strapped to their arms and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful.

But because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths.

The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering.

The Lord said, 'You have seen Hell.'

They went to the next room and opened the door. It was exact ly the same as the first one.

There was the large round table with the large pot of stew which made the holy man's mouth water.

The people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking.

The holy man said, 'I don't understand.'

'It is simple,' said the Lord. 'It requires but one skill. You see, they have learned to feed each other. The greedy think only of themselves.'

When Jesus died on the cross, he was thinking of you.
Its estimated 93% won't forward this.
If you are one of the 7% who will, forward this with the title '7%' .

I'm in the 7%
Remember that
I will always share my
spoon with you.

The theme of this refers back to one of the two most important commandments the Lord asked us to follow: To love God with all our heart AND to love our neighbors.

These two chapters in Proverbs mention quite a bit the difference between the poor and the wealthy, but it notes that riches are stored up in heaven with the virtues of giving, loving, helping, and being honest.

How are you living? Have you done something (good) for someone else lately?

Cleanliness is Next to Godliness

While there is no scriptural passage to my knowledge that directly speaks to cleanliness and God, there is nothing better than having a clean home, office, or wherever it is you dwell the most. One of the items on my "to do" list has been to do some thorough cleaning of my home. Today, I was able to do just that. Yeah, yeah...Most people want to just relax and rest on their vacation. I am not to be excluded in that number, but my studies in Proverbs have kept me being a little more dilgent and less idle...And, that I can back with a verse!

Whoever loves discipline loves, knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid. - Proverbs 12:1

To truly live a disciplined life, there has to be some order and organization in one's life. I realize a big part of why I am not where I'd like to be has to do with this lack of structure.

Keep in mind that a close, related word to dicipline is DISCIPLE. I am a follower of Christ. Not only can I know the word, but I need to live it...and in every aspect of life: talk, walk, thought, etc.

So, on this evening as I prepare for slumber, I rest knowing that I've ridded myself of much clutter. I will be donating and giving away about 7 bags of goods. I threw away about 6 (or more) garbage bags of JUNK. Putting in this type of work will allow me to really enjoy the remainder of my time off, but spiritually I pray it will show him that I'm making space for the blessings he has for me. This season is not just about the physiological, but EVERY aspect of me. I'm aiming to cleanse the heart, but this will mean having to touch or change some things around me...maybe there is some connection to the cleanliness/godliness saying.

Got Christ? Go Tell It!

"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise." - Proverbs 11:30

So the youthful tune "This Little Light of Mine. I'm Going to Let it Shine!" overwhelms my spirit as I type. The day's proverb and study is not so profound, but truly important for us to exercise in the way of doing: discipleship and testimony, winning souls and speaking on God's goodness.

We often feel uncomfortable having to share our "religious" beliefs. As a girl, I recall my Brownie troop leader giving us sound words of advice for life, which have remained with me: "There are three things you should never discuss with friends: Politics, Money, and Religion." I'm not sure she put them in that order, but I can remember the image of where I was sitting and what I was doing when she said it to us...And that was MANY MANY years ago, people!

Excuses are made for why we do not express the goodness of God to others: I don't want to impose; People will think I'm crazy; I'm not really confident in sharing--what if they ask me tough questions or challenge me?!

Stop your excuses. Let's impose!

The Word tells us there are great rewards in winning lost souls (Daniel 12:3). I am not saying you need to do it for the reward that come...Think of it as the benefits it gives and offers to someone. You never know the powerful and positive impact you could have on someone in just sharing how God's been good to you. It doesn't have to be some major, life-changing story...Your personal encounter(s) with him will be meaningful enough if it is important and meaningful to you.

Do not be ashamed to tell somebody about how great He is. The joy we share and have in Him should not be a secret!

Vision & Mission Driven

In chapter 10 of Proverbs, verse 32--the last line--stands out: "Without Good Direction, People Lose Their Way" (MSG).

Today, our leadership team met to discuss the book reading we had for the summer. The book's focus is establishing and building a Professional Learning Community. The author, Rick DuFour, provides the cornerstones to educational organizations working in collaboration and as teams, and the very first step is having a vision and mission that all understand, know, and buy into for direction...Hm, sound familiar (see previous posts)???

The exciting thing about where I currently am professionally is I have reached a place where I truly can begin to positively impact the live of those I've been hired to guide and direct. I have spent the last couple years on the job just trying to survive, learn the players, and understand what it means to be a "coach". With wonderful mentorship and a great education, I have been successful on a variety of levels.

I understand there has been a lot of favor in my life. In fact, it's been heavily on my mind this evening. My mother has always been my biggest fan. There hasn't been anything she felt I could not tackle or accomplish. As a result, I moved confidently through my learning experiences even in the midst of sometimes failing or embarrassing myself. It did not matter because there was a goal. I often wonder why I didn't end up being laughed at, denounced, or put aside...not taken seriously...God's favor! People saw that I was a hard worker and doer. I also believe they were invested in me given my passion and the love of God in my heart.

Whatever the case, I recognize the goodness of those who have led me down a good path. I am thankful for the developed realtionships founded in trust by those I work with, befriend, and love.

I am excited for this upcoming year because of the Good Direction that we've been able to set in place thus far.

Pearls of Wisdom

I'm blessed to have some wonderful, extraordinary, beautiful, intelligent women in my life. They are my sisters, best friends, and I imagine God's blessed me with them not for a season but a lifetime.

We all come from different backgrounds with different stories, but I love my sorors of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. It was a treat for me to be able to spend quality time with my soror who crossed with me. One highlight was seeing 'The Color Purple' at the Kennedy Center. Further, Stevie Wonder happened to be there for the show, and he had to use our aisle to enter and exit the theatre...WOW...

However, the topper was when we went to M St Bar & Grill in Washington, DC, for brunch. We're sitting and catching up when my dear soror who's a lawyer begins this wild wave with one of the customers. She's a nice looking woman with her family and she smiles and waves to us...Leasa makes out the word "Justice..." which is right about when it clicks that this is the newly sworn in Supreme Justice Sonia Sotomayor. She was with her family enjoying brunch.

Well, we were off the chain and Angel with her big camera whipped it out ready to do begin the photo shoot...YEAH...a bit embarrassing when the Secret Serviceman came to our table and had to get buck. However, Justice Sotomayor thought we were a fun bunch, sending us the flowers the managers had prepared for her at her table. We got to take a picture with her and mingle afterwards. It was super cool and made for a memorable experience.

Here is a true example and pillar of wisdom that we had the chance to meet and exchange words with...






"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdome, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Proverbs 9:10

In essence, "The pathway to success in everyday living requires pursuing the practical wisdom of the Lord amidst the distrations of a seductive world."

E.G.O. Tripping & Real Love

"Good counsel and common sense are my characteristics; I am both Insight and the Virtue to live it out." Proverbs 8:14

Before any beautiful mountain, ocean, valley, sunrise or sunset, there was God. He created the heavens and earth. He made each one of us, and we are fearfully and wonderfully created with a purpose: to worship him. We were the first of his creations and most valued and cherished.

When I allow wisdom to be my guide, I contribute to the good in this society...from government and lawmakers to militaries and wars. Little ol' me makes a contribution daily in the decisions I make with my actions.

Simple, godly living results in major benefits...Hard to believe? But, what sacrifice has he made? The ultimate one: He bled love and the scars continue to bleed when we close our hearts to his goodness.

I'm talking about Real Love sings MJB...I'm talking about E.G.O. Tripping ---Thank you, Ms. Giovanni!

I leave you with an acronym that will allow you to have a big ego and get your swagger on: Easing Out God.

Be richly blessed by embracing his ways and instructions...It's priceless, yet the most valuable piece/peace one might possess. And, it's yours...all yours...for free.

You Can't Turn a Ho into a Housewife...

but Jesus can...

I was truly disappointed in myself when I missed three/four days worth of posting. I had started out so strong and was getting a post day. However, I know better. With my schedule and really trying to make these blogs reader friendly, I need down time to allow for the creative juices to have a happy process.

The first evening when I read Proverbs 5, I thought to myself, "WHOA...Heavy grounds...I can't share my thoughts on this." But it didn't stop there! The next few days I found the topic/theme threading its way into these following chapters. I begin to pray and ask God, "How does this apply to me, God? There has to be something I can capture in these readings?"

There is something to be learned for me...and hopefully for you, too.

Proverbs 5, 6, and 7, bring up the ways of the Immoral Woman. Solomon wrote Proverbs along with Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon. He has a very distinct message in each book, but they also correspond to the different phases/times in his life: youth, mid-age, the old age...All of this to provide some history, but what is consistent in Solomon's writings is he is graphic and seldom holds back. You want a good sex bood--yes, I used the "s" word--read Song of Solomon; it could put you and your significant other in the mood: rekindle the flame! What was I supposed to be talking about???!!!

Oh, the immoral woman! In these three chapters, Solomon is pretty straight-forward in his description about these types of women. While there is the literal message for us to learn and heed, I am certain we could take this message to a broader and more contextual meaning for life.

Proverbs is a book that repeatedly stresses wisdom, knowledge and understanding. From a blog I came across in my studies of these chapters, a writer stated it well in asking us to substitue "wayward woman" for something like "sinful world". If you read through the ways of this woman, every one of us could find where we have individually or collectively fallen short in the eyes of God. From laziness to lustful thoughts, we are in a time where many morals and good manners have escaped the generation before us. It is sad; I see it daily. Sadly, though, in a second, third, and fourth read, I found myself feeling convicted due to knowing I am no better than the ho...Sin is sin.

Jesus actually does come face to face with a few immoral women throughout the Bible, and he does change them for the good. If he can take a nobody or scum of the earth person and give them a makeover, think of all the other things he can do!

In a society where it appears everything is a go, we need to remember that we have the power to model and facilitate the change. This comes through the power we get in our relationships with God.

Don't lose the faith...or your Christ-like ways!

Life's Moral Compass

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. PROVERBS 4:23


Life's moral compass is the heart of man. Our hearts are powerful instruments-figuratively and literally. The heart holds emotions and guides our direction through the plans made pending the ups and downs life dishes us. As a compass, it is important that the heart leads us to the voice of the Lord, which could be considered North. To the East there is prayer and studying, which allow our outreach and fellowship with others. To the South is the Word, which we should take time for daily.

Think of the wilderness: It is not a fun place when there is no sense of direction, preparation or purpose. I never minded camping as a young girl in the Girl Scouts. In fact, I looked forward to those trips. I think it was due to the amount of planning and preparing, that I never thought about the things I would not have, getting lost, being attacked, or going without certain luxuries. Some of the prior mentionings I listed have now become many of the reasons I would not have a desire to go camping now. Really when I reflect, it is the point of the preparation, and my use of imagery and the compass work...

While I certainly do not know what's before me each day in "the wilderness". I seldom start the day in fear or anxiety due to the preparation of the Word in my heart. His words comfort and remind me that "I can do all things," and that "no weapon formed against me will prosper."

Today, I reflect and ask: What's guiding or guarding your heart?

If it isn't Jesus, you're likely dealing with a lot of unrest and dissatisfaction. I can attest that there are times when situations get the best of me and I need a moment to fall into "pity" mode...Truth is, it feels great when a situation can come and not get knocked down. Being unmoved, walking in faith with confidence in what's been planted in us is the BEST feeling. I will call it a cocky swagger (hehehe), but it is definitely not one that is used for bad! I hope it exudes his love and models exactly what life should be like when we know our lives are safe because of whose hands they're in: GOD'S...no better place I know!

Love Seeks to Understand

"If you always choose the easy way, asking for the peaceful valleys, you will never see God's power displayed to enable you to take a mountain."

No need to be upset in your search (for gold)..."Fool's gold is what you find when you're panning for the real thing." In other words, you're on the right track. Keep on tracking.

"Do not neglect the gift that is in you."

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REFLECTIONS

The most noted and repeated verses of Proverbs 3 are verses 5 & 6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

There are many nuggets one can take from Proverbs 3, but I'm going to focus on verse 13:
"HOW BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO FINDS WISDOM, AND THE MAN WHO GAINS UNDERSTANDING."

I'm often sought out when it comes to providing logical, spiritual/christian, what-would-Jesus-do advice. Relationships, children, career decisions, relationships, transitions, education, relationships, conflicts, scriptural references, etc. You'll notice there was a word that kept surfacing...RELATIONSHIPS. While I appreciate that young and old trust my words and thoughts when it comes to choices, obstables, life, the topic of relationships is always a puzzling one for me considering I'm single and that would appear to be a poor indicator of my having success in the area!

Truth be told I think people have watched me get burned time and time again and still carry on with dignity. How do you do it? Why are you so calm? How did you overcome the hurt? Should I confront him/her?

Simply put: Love seeks to understand.

While I cannot answer any of those questions, I know a few things to be certain when it comes to God. He cares. He does not desire for us to live a life of hurt. And, he has a purpose and plan for our lives. All this to further say that when trials come, we must seek to understand from a perspective of love. On a deeper level, I often think of how frequently grace and mercy are offered to us despite how we mistreat the relationship we have with God. He loves us even when we don't spend time with him, trust in him, or ignore his teachings.

In my personal life, I am struggling presently to understand and love. We are able to experience emotions: anger, love, joy, peace, frustration, impatience...What matters is how we choose to respond and react based on our feelings. I have some frustration with a certain someone, but I also know that I've hurt people in my life--not intentionally, but to do what I knew was best. Knowing this, I am looking for the blessings in this recent outcome--trusting that it was done for the good.

Seeking to understand is hard--it takes work. The word used in the verse is "finds." It is active and means we cannot just be stagnant. As a reminder, God seeks to give his children good things (Matthew 7).

"Trust and obey. For there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus then to trust and obey."

Benefits of Wisdom

The second chapter of Proverbs discusses the moral benefits behind seeking and gaining wisdom. Using the translation from The Message Bible, my verses of focus are 6 to 11:

"...God gives out Wisdom free, is plainspoken in Knowledge and Understanding. He's a rich mine of Common Sense for those who live well, a personal bodyguard to the candid and sincere. He keeps his eye on all who live honestly, and pays special attention to his loyally committed ones. So now you can pick out what's tru and fair, find all the good trails! Lady Wisdom will be your close friend, and Brother Knowledge your pleasant companion. Good Sense will scout ahead for danger, Insight will keep an eye out for you."

TWO THOUGHTS...

At times I feel the Bible is filled with riddles. One moment we read one thing, and another verse, chapter or book will give completely opposite instruction. For example, the other week I posted a status message that implored us to stop making excuses for waiting on God. Reality is many of us don't have to wait since God's just been patiently waiting on us. My brother immediately wanted to discuss this, taking the text in the direction of Isaiah 40:31. He gave me several texts that focused on "waiting" on the Lord and being of good courage. I had actually been focused on another verse: Psalm 37:23, which speaks of the steps of a righteous man availing...being stretched and moving outside the comfort zone into the purpose God has called us into instead of hiding, ducking, or making excuses.

Who was right?

We both were...

The awesome thing about the Bible is it is God's form of communication with us. Our way of communicating back is through prayer. The items in it are true and should help us to face the things occurring in our lives. I don't want to call it subjective, but more so personalized--it meets the needs of each person who encounters its truths.

The irony is I needed to post my message the other week to have God speak to me through the verse my brother shared on "waiting on God." I've not heard three messages with this reference to that specific verse. BOTH of today's messages--yes, I attended TWO sevices--brought this passage to surface at some point in the sermons.

I get it. I get it. Now, I just need to discern what the heck I'm supposed to be applying it to in my life! I think I know; however, the benefit of this walk is knowing He's got me covered in so many ways. He has given me Lady Wisdom who's like a mother and Knowledge who is the Big Brother...what a beautiful analogy!

Make Insight a Priority

The first day of August...

I am struggling to believe it's the eighth month of the year 2009 and am really challenged by the fact that summer is escaping us this fast. Truly, each day has been cherished, and I've done quite a bit with more to come before the start of another academic year, which is almost a month away.

This month I will take on reading and studying a Proverb a day. This is a common practice in Christian homes when the seventeen/eighteen year old is about to leave for college or the high schooler is reaching a rite of passage, etc. I find that with each time I read this book, more and more wisdom manifests itself, which I suppose is a good thing since that is really a theme of Proverbs.

In tonight's read, I've already captured a few of the highlights of chapter 1. The theme verse I'll meditate on is Proverbs 1:7 - "Start with God—the first step in learning is bowing down to God; only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning."

While the sentence appears simple and clear, it is so hard to at times do. As I traveled to my hometown this morning, there was a sermon I tuned into on one of the radio stations. The pastor used a metaphor of having this bird who had built a nest close to their home. As a result, the bird was creating quite a "mess" and his wife wanted the bird gone. What they discovered was the bird had a nest of eggs, so his wife was willing to "put up with the crap" until the eggs hatched and the babies could leave the nest. Similarly, this is how sin manifests its way into our lives. If we're not careful to catch it early enough we have to deal with the "crap" because we're sensitive to the eggs--or problems--that need to be tended to due to our negligence of not guarding our hearts. Deep, huh?

Personally, I know there are areas of my life where I intentionally sin and fall short due to wanting to accomodate the "layed eggs." The end result is putting up with crap. The writer Paul in the book of 1 Corinthians chapter 10 speaks of the importance of us guarding our hearts. The only way this can fully and successfully be accomplished is when we keep His laws and the Word close to our hearts.

They say it takes 21 days to develop a habit. I pray that in focusing this type of attention to the book of Proverbs and going beyond 21 days I'll be able to better myself and grow, ridding myself of some of the unnecessary crap in my life to allow for God's showering of blessings...

This word makes for insight on another level. I took part in a beautiful showering of blessings in a gathering for a childhood friend who recently married. The coolest thing was this was my church family of second mommies and their daughters all coming together in celebration of our sister. The little girls I've grown up with and our moms were all under one roof, keeping Him at the forefront of our joy and laughter. It was inspiring and uplifting, making me once again add to my list of wonderful blessings. As we sat in the family room for the last part of the shower, words of wisdom and blessings were expressed to the new bride. It was priority to have insight in loving and accepting the generations of beauty and wisdom that all graced the room.

My life has been blessed and touched in many ways, and as one of my friends leaned over and shared with me, "I just love all of our moms and hope we'll all have that when we're that age." In my current role I try to model and pave a road daily for the students I am in contact with to help them see the joys of life. I'm hungry for this wisdom study to grow me and motivate me into another year of making a difference in the lives of others. That action alone is going to allow it to me returned to me in ways that only God knows.

I am smiling.

To God be the Glory!