Magic Marker Monday: Footprints

A couple of weeks ago, I showed Samantha how I could trace her foot on the Doodle Pro. Well, it wasn't long before she thought it was the funnest thing to do!

For more Magic Marker Monday, go to 5 Minutes for Special Needs.

Faith Deployed

In case I can only hold your attention for 1 minute, then I want to say right off the bat....go buy this book! If you are a military wife, it's a must have. If you are a civilian and know anyone in the military, it is the PERFECT gift.

Jocelyn Green, the author of Faith Deployed, emailed me saying she had seen my blog on Wives of Faith and wanted to know if I would write a review of her book on Amazon. Completely honored by the offer and always looking for new books to enjoy and review, I took her up on it immediately. I had no idea what a gift she would be giving me.

Faith Deployed is a devotional book with approximately 80 excerpts written by Jocelyn and 14 other Christian military wives from all branches. Each devotional includes a scripture, 2-page anecdote, a couple of questions to ask yourself based on the reading, and a prayer related to the topic.

Here's what makes this book a must have for any military library...

• It's easy to read. Each story is 2 pages! Within a few minutes you can have a great morsel of truth to get through your day.
• As it's sub-title states, this book is a "daily encouragement for military wives," reminding each of us that we are not alone even during the longest deployment or tenth PCS.
• The excerpts go to the root issue-what do the reactions to our life circumstances reveal about our heart? Military wives, just like any Christian woman seeking to honor the Lord, must choose to handle life in light of eternity. This book will remind you to do just that!
• I have to admit that my biggest fear of the book was that it would be shallow. On the contrary, these women are honest, vulnerable, and intelligent. They quote other good authors and scripture. The Holy Spirit convicted my heart time after time through Faith Deployed because the truth they were sharing comes right from the Bible.
• This book would definitely work if your military member is deployed, but it is completely relevant if your spouse is at home! And then you'll already own it when your spouse does deploy and you need that extra encouragement to look to the Lord.

I've had this book in my "queue" to read for a while, but it has been a perfect compliment to my reading of the Proverbs. This book definitely addresses how to be a Proverbs 31 woman, and these two excerpts echoed proverbs I've read recently:

1. Silent But Guilty (Proverbs 20:19)-We shouldn't gossip AND we shouldn't listen to gossip. Are we condoning it when we let it go on? Jocelyn mentioned something a friend of her said, "We gossip whenever we're together because all we have in common is the other people in housing. So that's what we talk about." That struck me so profoundly. If I can't stop talking about people, then I need to find something else to have in common! Or maybe I could just close my mouth?
   
2. Taming Jealousy (Romans 12:15)-It has taken me 36 years to really admit that I have a problem with jealousy. Jocelyn writes, "...it seems to me that the military wife is even more prone to being jealous over how others are treated compared to us, or how and with whom others can spend their time." This morning I got on Facebook and read the status update of a guy on Dan's ship (both of them on duty today): "Duty day...but at least I get to go to church with my family!" I immediately thought, "Why can't Dan???" JEALOUSY!! I thought of this section of the book, and thanked God that I had read it. It's okay that someone else gets something that I don't. It's not going to kill me!

You won't regret owning this book! You can order your own copy at Amazon or CBD. Jocelyn is also giving away a signed copy of the book on her website. All you have to do is leave a comment telling her the name of a church you have encountered that has been supportive to you as a military family.

Proverbs 31

¹ The sayings of King Lemuel—an oracle his mother taught him:

According to Learn the Bible there is a great deal of debate as to who King Lemuel is. There are several options, including Solomon himself. I think the most interesting thing about this passage is that it highlights the proverbs taught to a son by his mother. Then later in the chapter we're going to read about the wife of noble character. I never realized this was how this chapter began! And as far as I can tell it is still King Lemuel's mother who is telling him what to look for in a woman!

² "O my son, O son of my womb,
O son of my vows, ^>]">

³ do not spend your strength on women,
your vigor on those who ruin kings.

⁴ "It is not for kings, O Lemuel—
not for kings to drink wine,
not for rulers to crave beer,

⁵ lest they drink and forget what the law decrees,
and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.

⁶ Give beer to those who are perishing,
wine to those who are in anguish;

⁷ let them drink and forget their poverty
and remember their misery no more.

⁸ "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.

⁹ Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy."
Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character

I think so often women read this to find out the perfect person we should be. Wouldn't it be cool if single men would read this to know what to be looking for?:

¹⁰ A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.

¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.

¹² She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.

¹³ She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.

¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.

¹⁵ She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.

¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.

¹⁸ She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.

¹⁹ In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

²⁰ She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.

²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

²² She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.

²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.

²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

What a picture that is? When I'm lazy I want to eat carbs, which in turn just make me want to be lazier!

²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

²⁹ "Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."

³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

³¹ Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Lord, thank you for the Proverbs. I want to fear you.

Proverbs 30

Proverbs 30 & 31 are considered the "Appendix" of Proverbs, and you will notice they have a different kind of writing style.

Proverbs 30 holds the Sayings of Agur. According to CrossMap.com, "Agur was a man of secular learning and did not consider himself a spiritual man, as he had not learned godly Wisdom; yet, he was a man who was perceptive about the things of God. He first declares that he is ignorant and stupid, as he does not have the knowledge of holy things. He considers all of his secular education as nothing compared to the knowledge of God. This man may not have not a spiritual education, but he did have the sense to ask the right questions, and by reading this entire chapter we find he was a man of spiritual perception."

Click here to read all of Proverbs 30.

⁸ Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.

⁹ Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
and say, 'Who is the LORD ?'
Or I may become poor and steal,
and so dishonor the name of my God.

I know when I am given much I think I don't need the Lord.

²⁰ "This is the way of an adulteress:
She eats and wipes her mouth
and says, 'I've done nothing wrong.'

This is painful to read.

²⁴ "Four things on earth are small,
yet they are extremely wise:

²⁵ Ants are creatures of little strength,
yet they store up their food in the summer;

This time of year in San Diego (hot, dry heat getting up to 100), the ants come marching one by one inside houses. And they're looking for water! It's taken me 5 years of living here to get used to this. It's unreal-they are so strong, SO organized. No wonder scripture points them out.

³² "If you have played the fool and exalted yourself,
or if you have planned evil,
clap your hand over your mouth!

³³ For as churning the milk produces butter,
and as twisting the nose produces blood,
so stirring up anger produces strife."

Lord, help me clap my hand over my mouth!

Proverbs 29:3

I received an anonymous comment on my Proverbs 29 post. I don't know the motivation of the commenter, but I wouldn't want her to be confused by Scripture in any way, so I would like to take a few minutes to address this issue:

Proverbs 29:3 says,
"A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,
but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth."

She said, "Jesus was a companion of prostitutes."

• Let's first look at the 5 different women who could possibly be discussed as a "prostitute" and "companion to Jesus".

1. Sinful Woman Who Anointed Jesus (Luke 7:36-50) Location: Nain area (north). A woman who "had lived a sinful life" came to a party at a Pharisee's house that Jesus was attending and anointed his feet. Jesus honored her by contrasting her graciousness with the host's stinginess at the party. Jesus told her, "Your sins are forgiven. Your faith has saved you; go in peace." And as far as we know this is the only encounter between her and Jesus.
2. Mary Magdelene (Luke 8:1-3) Location: Galilean countryside (north). She and several other women who had been cured of evil spirits and disease traveled with Jesus and his disciples supporting them financially. She was one of 4 women mentioned at the crucifixion of Jesus and he appeared to her after his resurrection. There was probably no female who was more of a companion to Jesus than Mary Magdelene, but scripture gives no indication that she was a prostitute.
3. Woman at the Well (John 4:1-36) Location: Sychar, Samaria. Jesus, ignoring racial prejudices, "bumped" into this woman at the well. After explaining that he had living water, he confronted her sexual promiscuity which included 4 past husbands and living with a man who wasn't her husband. It is quite profound that he admitted to her he was the long-awaited Messiah! She told the whole town about him, and as far as we know they never had another encounter.
4. Woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11) Location: Mount of Olives, near Bethany (south). She was brought to Jesus by the Pharisees to pose a question to him. We know by the text that she was committing adultery, which does not rule out the fact that she was a prostitute. However, since the gospels use the word "prostitute" other times chances are she wasn't. After saving her from being stoned, Jesus told her to "Go now and leave your life of sin." This is the only encounter we know of between Jesus and this woman.
5. Mary sister of Lazarus and Martha (John 12:1-3) Location: Bethany (south). Jesus loved this family very much. In this passage he had come to Bethany on his way to Passover in Jerusalem. At a dinner in his honor, Mary anointed him with such expensive perfume that it enraged Judas Iscariot who would betray him 6 days later. Mary of Bethany was definitely a close companion, but the Bible never refers to her as a prostitute.

• Secondly, let's marvel at the character of Christ: What was amazingly radical about Jesus is that he was a friend of sinners. The Pharisees used it against him all the time. But Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost (Luke 9:10), and He wasn't going to let the Pharisees get in the way of that. Plus, as Jesus, he was God of the universe, perfect and sinless. Every person he came in contact with was more sinful than he was.

• Lastly, let's make sure we interpret Proverbs 29:3 correctly. The type of "companionship" that this man was having with prostitutes was making him "squander his wealth". Why is that? Because he was paying them for sex. That is most definitely not the type of companionship that Jesus had with the women listed above. His companionship was pure and sacrificial in nature.

Proverbs 29

³ A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,
but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

I think the way this is written is so profound: "companion of prostitutes" is the contrast to a man who loves wisdom.

¹¹ A fool gives full vent to his anger,
but a wise man keeps himself under control.

I love how it doesn't say the wise man lacks anger, only that he knows how to keep it under control-the fool doesn't know how to.

¹⁵ The rod of correction imparts wisdom,
but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.

Wow, this is SO TRUE!!! Children who are not guided and instructed cause huge, embarrassing scenes.

¹⁷ Discipline your son, and he will give you peace;
he will bring delight to your soul.

I love that feeling of delight when one of my kids makes the right decision after months (or years) of me trying to train them in the way they should go!

¹⁸ Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint;
but blessed is he who keeps the law.

Read Romans 7:7 - 8:1

²⁰ Do you see a man who speaks in haste?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Oh, Lord, help me to slow my verbal responses.

²⁵ Fear of man will prove to be a snare,
but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.

I need to remember this!

Aloha Friday: MOPS

Kailani of An Island Life writes...In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response. If you’d like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and leave your link below. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

Tomorrow is my first MOPS leadership meeting of the year. As we gear up for "Life on Planet Mom" I have been thinking a lot about what moms of preschoolers really need. I would love to know what you think.

If you were going to meet with other moms on a regular basis, what would you most want to take away from that experience? If you've been a part of a MOPS, what did you like the most? the least?

Veggie Tales Sale!

Thank you 24/7 MOMS for sharing this awesome deal of the day! Veggie Tales has a ton of stuff 50% of through Monday. Plus, they are offering FREE shipping on orders over $30 today! That's fantastic!

Proverbs 28

¹ The wicked man flees though no one pursues,
but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

That is so true! When we have done things we want to keep secret, we live like someone is going to find out at any second! Oh, Lord, I want to live a life where I would have no shame in people finding out what I do when no one is watching.

¹³ He who conceals his sins does not prosper,
but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

I love this combination of words "confesses and renounces". Even fools will admit sins, but it's when we confess them with heart desire to renounce them that true repentance occurs.

²³ He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor
than he who has a flattering tongue.

This is tough to read.

²⁶ He who trusts in himself is a fool,
but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.

How many times do I trust in myself? When will I ever stop?

Face of Betrayal by Lis Wiehl

Face of Betrayal is a suspense novel about the disappearance of a 17-yr old Senate page. Though this case is puzzling to the authorities, it starts to unravel as three women, known by themselves as "The Triple Threat", dig deeper. These three women, reporter Cassidy Shaw, FBI Special Agent Nicole Hedges, and Federal Prosecutor Allison Pierce are friends from high school who use their knowledge, position, and trust of each other to solve cases.

I am bothered by the fact that many modern mysteries are often filled with bad language and graphic sex scenes. Face of Betrayal is unique in that it provides all the suspense and plot development of a great mystery and leaves out the filthy parts that distract. In addition to that, the author creatively introduces us to the 17-yr old missing girl by letting us read her blog entries. Who doesn't love an interesting blog?

I believe you will enjoy this book that weaves you through several suspects only to conclude with one you may not have expected! I look forward to the next installment in the Triple Threat Series, Hand of Fate, due out in March 2010.

Update on Annual Physicals

Last week was a pretty eventful check up for both Timothy and Samantha, and this week has provided several results! All 3 referrals for Timothy have been approved, and 2 of the appointments are next week. Blood work came back "borderline", so the doctor put in a prescription for a multi-vitamin that I assume is something like the one Samantha takes (stronger than OTC). Samantha's referral to the Speech Pathologist has also been approved. The earliest they can get us in is the last week of September, but I'm feeling extremely grateful!

Wicked The Musical

Tuesday night, Dan and I went on a date to the musical Wicked. It's on tour in San Diego through August, but it may be coming to a theater near you. Watch the video above to get an idea, but here's a quick list of why it's wonderful...

• Musical score-amazing songs of every kind (slow, fast, funny, heartwarming)
• Company-excellent actors and vocalists; simply awe inspiring to listen to the talent
• Humorous-one liners through the entire thing
  
• Surprises-the second act has several surprises you will never see coming
  
• Uplifting-its dramatic and poignant yet ends hopeful, you leave the theater happy

If you think I say all musicals are good, just go read my CATS review.

Proverbs 27

¹ Do not boast about tomorrow,
for you do not know what a day may bring forth.

So many times I have been very excited about the next day or coming weeks, only to discover my plans don't turn out the way I expected them to. In fact, I'm dealing with that right now, so I'm very thankful this reminder to just wait and see what the Lord is going to do.

⁵ Better is open rebuke
than hidden love.

⁶ Wounds from a friend can be trusted,
but an enemy multiplies kisses.

These verses are very difficult for me. I really want my friendships to be nice and positive. I don't want to deal with the negative stuff, or admit that I have real issues that my friends need to call me on.

¹⁰ Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father,
and do not go to your brother's house when disaster strikes you—
better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.

This is a good verse for us military families to hear!

¹² The prudent see danger and take refuge,
but the simple keep going and suffer for it.

This is so true!!

¹⁵ A quarrelsome wife is like
a constant dripping on a rainy day;

¹⁶ restraining her is like restraining the wind
or grasping oil with the hand.

I love the additional picture in verse 16 of trying to deal with a quarrelsome wife!

¹⁷ As iron sharpens iron,
so one man sharpens another.

I have been so sharpened by my friends taking part in this Proverbs study. Thank you so much!

²¹ The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold,
but man is tested by the praise he receives.

Wow! How do I start acting once I receive a little praise?

WW & SEW: Sam's Summer Look

The defining activity of this summer has been swimming, and on any given beach or pool day this is how you would find Samantha. I love that girl! For more...

Wordless Wednesday go to 5 Minutes for Mom
Special Exposure Wednesday go to 5 Minutes for Special Needs

Proverbs 26

⁷ Like a lame man's legs that hang limp
is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.

⁸ Like tying a stone in a sling
is the giving of honor to a fool.

⁹ Like a thornbush in a drunkard's hand
is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.

¹⁰ Like an archer who wounds at random
is he who hires a fool or any passer-by.

¹¹ As a dog returns to its vomit,
so a fool repeats his folly.

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

I just couldn't separate these verses. I was reading one after another thinking I better handle the wisdom of Proverbs properly. Even the Proverbs in the wrong hands (or mouth) is disastrous. But then verse 12 just popped out at me! A man who is wise in his own eyes has less hope than the fool likened to a dog who returns to his own vomit!

¹⁸ Like a madman shooting
firebrands or deadly arrows

¹⁹ is a man who deceives his neighbor
and says, "I was only joking!"

I've seen (and used) this "I was only joking" phrase so many times. We can't guard our mouths to begin with, so we think this phrase will cover anything we say.

²⁰ Without wood a fire goes out;
without gossip a quarrel dies down.

I love seeing what the absence of gossip can accomplish. This gives me hope.

What's On Your Nightstand

I've been really enjoying the book of Proverbs and will continue to read it through September. If you are looking for a book of the Bible to read in your personal quiet time, it's a good option because you can read whatever chapter correlates to the day of the month (i.e. today read Chapter 25). Plus, it has lots of wisdom that's applicable to our daily life! I have been blogging my thoughts every day and would love for you to take part.

On my nightstand right now are these three books that I need to do book reviews on! Yes, count them....THREE!!! I've already read Face of Betrayal (great novel) and will review that one soon. I'll be reviewing Faith Deployed by September 1, and I'll post my review of Fearless AND HOST A GIVEAWAY of this book on September 8.

Wondering what other nightstands look like? Head over to 5 Minutes for Books and check them out!

Proverbs 25

¹ These are more proverbs of Solomon, copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:

Proverbs 25-29 were written in the 10th century B.C., but compiled and edited by King Hezekiah's men from 715 to 686 B.C. This was a time of spiritual renewal led by the king, who wisely showed great interest in these writings.

⁹ If you argue your case with a neighbor,
do not betray another man's confidence,

¹⁰ or he who hears it may shame you
and you will never lose your bad reputation.

I've seen that...for someone to really understand why I'm doing something I would have to share another person's secret.

¹⁴ Like clouds and wind without rain
is a man who boasts of gifts he does not give.

I know what this is like because San Diego teases us with clouds w/o rain all the time!

²⁰ Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day,
or like vinegar poured on soda,
is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

This reminds me of "pouring salt on a wound". Have you been in that setting, though? Someone shares something negative that just happened and someone else has to mention how it's all just fine for them. It's like taking away some one's coat on a cold day!

²⁸ Like a city whose walls are broken down
is a man who lacks self-control.

Wow, this verse is so powerful to me! When I lack self-control, I allow any potential danger or sin to overtake me!

Magic Marker Monday: Super Smash

In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, there is an actual "stage builder" where video gamers of all ages can create their own "stage" for the characters to brawl it out. This summer Timothy started making all kinds of these. At first he went through the alphabet, and then he branched out to different things. One day he told me to come see the stage he built for me!

For more Magic Marker Monday, go to 5 Minutes for Special Needs.

Proverbs 24

30 Sayings of the Wise Man Continued

19)

¹ Do not envy wicked men,
do not desire their company;

² for their hearts plot violence,
and their lips talk about making trouble.

20)

³ By wisdom a house is built,
and through understanding it is established;

⁴ through knowledge its rooms are filled
with rare and beautiful treasures.

I love the picture. Wisdom not only makes a solid foundation, but it also makes a life aesthetically appealing.

21)

⁵ A wise man has great power,
and a man of knowledge increases strength;

⁶ for waging war you need guidance,
and for victory many advisers.

22)

⁷ Wisdom is too high for a fool;
in the assembly at the gate he has nothing to say.

23)

⁸ He who plots evil
will be known as a schemer.

⁹ The schemes of folly are sin,
and men detest a mocker.

24)

¹⁰ If you falter in times of trouble,
how small is your strength!

25)

¹¹ Rescue those being led away to death;
hold back those staggering toward slaughter.

¹² If you say, "But we knew nothing about this,"
does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not he who guards your life know it?
Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?

26)

¹³ Eat honey, my son, for it is good;
honey from the comb is sweet to your taste.

¹⁴ Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul;
if you find it, there is a future hope for you,
and your hope will not be cut off.

27)

¹⁵ Do not lie in wait like an outlaw against a righteous man's house,
do not raid his dwelling place;

¹⁶ for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again,
but the wicked are brought down by calamity.

I find it interesting that the righteous man will still fall, which reminds me that I will not be trouble or trial free. But I will always get back up!

28)

¹⁷ Do not gloat when your enemy falls;
when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice,

¹⁸ or the LORD will see and disapprove
and turn his wrath away from him.

My heart is so dark. There are times when I want someone arrogant to get knocked down a peg or two. Lord, forgive me for this. Thank you for loving me in spite of my sinful nature.

29)

¹⁹ Do not fret because of evil men
or be envious of the wicked,

²⁰ for the evil man has no future hope,
and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.

30)

²¹ Fear the LORD and the king, my son,
and do not join with the rebellious,

²² for those two will send sudden destruction upon them,
and who knows what calamities they can bring?
Further Sayings of the Wise

6 Additional Sayings of the Wise

#1)

²³ These also are sayings of the wise:
To show partiality in judging is not good:

²⁴ Whoever says to the guilty, "You are innocent"—
peoples will curse him and nations denounce him.

²⁵ But it will go well with those who convict the guilty,
and rich blessing will come upon them.

#2)

²⁶ An honest answer
is like a kiss on the lips.

I love how sweet and short this is. Answers that are lies (or variations of the truth) are always bigger, longer, and more complicated than the simple truth.

#3)

²⁷ Finish your outdoor work
and get your fields ready;
after that, build your house.

#4)

²⁸ Do not testify against your neighbor without cause,
or use your lips to deceive.

#5)

²⁹ Do not say, "I'll do to him as he has done to me;
I'll pay that man back for what he did."

I'm convicted that often my version of payback is justified in my own mind. I don't DO things to people, but I'll just remember not to be quite as friendly or understanding. My payback is withholding grace that should be freely given because it's been given to me.

#6)

³⁰ I went past the field of the sluggard,
past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment;

³¹ thorns had come up everywhere,
the ground was covered with weeds,
and the stone wall was in ruins.

³² I applied my heart to what I observed
and learned a lesson from what I saw:

³³ A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest-

³⁴ and poverty will come on you like a bandit
and scarcity like an armed man.

Proverbs 23

#6)

¹ When you sit to dine with a ruler,
note well what is before you,

² and put a knife to your throat
if you are given to gluttony.

³ Do not crave his delicacies,
for that food is deceptive.

#7)

⁴ Do not wear yourself out to get rich;
have the wisdom to show restraint.

⁵ Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone,
for they will surely sprout wings
and fly off to the sky like an eagle.

#8)

⁶ Do not eat the food of a stingy man,
do not crave his delicacies;

⁷ for he is the kind of man
who is always thinking about the cost.
"Eat and drink," he says to you,
but his heart is not with you.

⁸ You will vomit up the little you have eaten
and will have wasted your compliments.

#9)

⁹ Do not speak to a fool,
for he will scorn the wisdom of your words.

There are so many situations I come across where I need to apply this verse.

#10)

¹⁰ Do not move an ancient boundary stone
or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,

¹¹ for their Defender is strong;
he will take up their case against you.

Intro to sayings 11-30:

¹² Apply your heart to instruction
and your ears to words of knowledge.

#11)

¹³ Do not withhold discipline from a child;
if you punish him with the rod, he will not die.

¹⁴ Punish him with the rod
and save his soul from death.

I think wise saying #11 shows that even in Solomon's day there was a debate about how to discipline children or else he wouldn't have said something like "he will not die". It's comforting to know throughout the centuries kids have been disobeying their parents!

#12)

¹⁵ My son, if your heart is wise,
then my heart will be glad;

¹⁶ my inmost being will rejoice
when your lips speak what is right.

Oh, this is so true isn't it? When Timothy or Samantha speak truth or wisdom, my heart is overjoyed!

#13)

¹⁷ Do not let your heart envy sinners,
but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD.

¹⁸ There is surely a future hope for you,
and your hope will not be cut off.

I see this situation in the military. Sailors who drink together (and bond in other ways) help further their careers or status within a division. This scripture is such a sweet, beautiful reminder that we as Christians should have a different focus than career advancement...the fear of the Lord!

#14)

¹⁹ Listen, my son, and be wise,
and keep your heart on the right path.

²⁰ Do not join those who drink too much wine
or gorge themselves on meat,

²¹ for drunkards and gluttons become poor,
and drowsiness clothes them in rags.

#15)

²² Listen to your father, who gave you life,
and do not despise your mother when she is old.

²³ Buy the truth and do not sell it;
get wisdom, discipline and understanding.

#16)

²⁴ The father of a righteous man has great joy;
he who has a wise son delights in him.

²⁵ May your father and mother be glad;
may she who gave you birth rejoice!

#17)

²⁶ My son, give me your heart
and let your eyes keep to my ways,

²⁷ for a prostitute is a deep pit
and a wayward wife is a narrow well.

²⁸ Like a bandit she lies in wait,
and multiplies the unfaithful among men.

#18)

²⁹ Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
Who has strife? Who has complaints?
Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?

³⁰ Those who linger over wine,
who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.

³¹ Do not gaze at wine when it is red,
when it sparkles in the cup,
when it goes down smoothly!

³² In the end it bites like a snake
and poisons like a viper.

³³ Your eyes will see strange sights
and your mind imagine confusing things.

³⁴ You will be like one sleeping on the high seas,
lying on top of the rigging.

³⁵ "They hit me," you will say, "but I'm not hurt!
They beat me, but I don't feel it!
When will I wake up
so I can find another drink?"'

Wow, this entire passage combines drinking with sailors!!! The stereotype goes all the way back to Solomon's day. Nothing new under the sun, huh?

Proverbs 22:16-29

Proverbs 22:17-24:22 are the "thirty of the sayings of the wise". Because of this, I'm going to # them for you and post the entire passage. I'll comment here and there.

Sayings of the Wise

¹⁷ Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise;
apply your heart to what I teach,

¹⁸ for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart
and have all of them ready on your lips.

¹⁹ So that your trust may be in the LORD,
I teach you today, even you.

²⁰ Have I not written thirty sayings for you,
sayings of counsel and knowledge,

²¹ teaching you true and reliable words,
so that you can give sound answers
to him who sent you?

I love this intro...it really does show that we need to memorize these wise words and know them enough to say them in a moment's notice!

^{#1) 22} Do not exploit the poor because they are poor
and do not crush the needy in court,

²³ for the LORD will take up their case
and will plunder those who plunder them.

^{#2) 24} Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man,
do not associate with one easily angered,

²⁵ or you may learn his ways
and get yourself ensnared.

This is so true! And since I consider myself a hot-tempered man, I am trying to humble myself before the Lord so He can change me. I don't want my children to learn my ways and get ensnared.

^{#3) 26} Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge
or puts up security for debts;

²⁷ if you lack the means to pay,
your very bed will be snatched from under you.

It's such a hard concept: If you don't have the money, don't buy it.

^{#4) 28} Do not move an ancient boundary stone
set up by your forefathers.

^{#5) 29} Do you see a man skilled in his work?
He will serve before kings;
he will not serve before obscure men.

Proverbs 22:1-16

¹ A good name is more desirable than great riches;
to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

I guess because the assumption is that man will gossip about us, so they might as well same something good.

⁶ Train a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Parents need to know this on the tough days.

¹⁰ Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife;
quarrels and insults are ended.

There always seems to be that one person in the family or group of friends who just has to stir things up, doesn't there?

¹¹ He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious
will have the king for his friend.

"Speech is gracious"-what a beautiful thing to have.

¹⁴ The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit;
he who is under the LORD's wrath will fall into it.

Oh, I pray for faithfulness in marriages.

¹⁵ Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,
but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.

All you have to do is be around an 18 month old (or younger) to understand that we are sinners from birth, right?

BMI Charting

So of course in the world of Cystic Fibrosis, we track weight closely. Doctors are not satisfied with even a 25th% percentile (which Samantha has only reached rarely)...the goal is 50th percentile!! One thing creates Samantha's weight battle is any sickness makes her lose her appetite. It doesn't even have to be a full exacerbation! We'll have finally gotten her to 30th percentile, and then she drops back down to 5th. Well, we've had a VERY healthy summer, and it has given her body time to really gain weight! I'm so excited to report the numbers and tell you about a cool website I found.

Timothy: 47 inches tall, 46.3 lbs
Samantha: 38.5 inches tall, 33.2 lbs

The doctor didn't talk in percentages, but I wanted to know so when I got home I went to the CDC's growth charts. Well, I couldn't tell exactly where Samantha was falling, so I did a little search and found BlubberBuster.com that figures BMI for Children 2 to 20. The cool thing is that all you have to do is enter the raw data, and it gives you percentages and BMI!

Timothy
Height-74th percentile
Weight-51st percentile
BMI=14.8, which is 30th percentile

Samantha
Height-41st percentile
Weight 48th percentile!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BMI=15.8, which is 62nd percentile!!!

I am so excited. We have her CF appt in one month, and my hope is that she could be 50th percentile weight by that time, but I want her BMI at 50th no matter what. It looks like it could happen! And of course I'm happy with her going as far above 50th as possible, since we'll be moving in the winter.

Proverbs 21

³ To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

I've caught myself many times lately telling Timothy, "I'm glad you're apologizing, but what I want is for you to obey the first time!"

⁴ Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin!

Webster's definition of haughty is blatantly & disdainfully prideful. When I think of "wicked", I think of witches and dark things you see on Halloween. Pride isn't the first thing that pops into my head!

⁵ The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.

Oh, that's an interesting contrast. Diligence vs haste.

²¹ He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity,^c]"> and honor.

Matthew 6:33, right? But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

²³ He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.

I guess the flip coin of that is whoever does NOT guard his mouth or tongue DOES NOT keep himself from calamity.

²⁹ A wicked man puts up a bold front, but an upright man gives thought to his ways.

Isn't this ironic? We think that if we can be really bold and confident in our sinning that it justifies it. And again, I love that an upright man actually considers what he is doing.

³⁰ There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD.

Awesome!

Timothy's 6-yr Physical

If you've been a long-term reader to this blog, you know that my son has Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). In some areas he has improved dramatically, and for that I am very thankful. Along with the improvements have come entirely new parts of the SPD that haven't been real issues before.

In comes chewing. In this SPD Checklist "chews on pens, straws, shirt sleeves etc." is on there. I can't say it's never been a part of Timothy's life. As an infant he would destroy bottle nipples and every sippy cup we own has that "chewed plastic" look. At the end of the school year I noticed an increase in his hypo sensitivity to oral input (in the past he's been hyPER sensitive), but it wasn't until this summer that he started chewing everything he can get his mouth on. Straws, car seat belts, backpack belts, and last week a Wii nunchuck cord. Needless to say I'm concerned about his safety.

Thankfully, once again this doctor listened and responded. We will be approaching this from 4 different sides...

1. Referral for private OT-Timothy gets this at school, but their focus is fine motor skills. Because of Timothy's age, there is a chance our insurance will deny it, but I am hopeful.
2. Referral to Child Life clinic-this is what our hospital has for behavior modification.
3. Referral to a Nutritionist
   
4. Check for iron or lead deficiencies. The dr thinks that even though Timothy doesn't eat dirt, he may be anemic because of his limited diet. I've had Timothy's blood checked in the past to rule out any vitamin deficiencies, and we've been okay so far. But since Timothy's diet isn't really increasing in proportion to his body, it's bound to catch up at some point. I actually hope there is a physiological component to this because we could hopefully see an improvement faster than with the other 3 avenues. Poor Timothy has to get his blood drawn today, so be praying for him. He actually doesn't know it yet! Dan is going to take him for me. Thank God!

Samantha's 3-yr Physical

So I have had a really hard time finding a pediatrician I'm happy with at Balboa, but since Samantha's CF dr is so fantastic (and requires our gen ped to be there) I try to look over it. And it's not just that there are some really bad doctors, it's also a bad, impersonal process. A few months ago when Samantha was sick, I stumbled on a doctor I was quite pleased with, so I scheduled both annual physicals today with him. Well, he did not disappoint!

Potty Training

Samantha is 3 1/2 and still not potty trained. There's no way to say that without embarrassment. This is the mark of a good mother, right? I keep trying to remind myself to chill out, but facts are facts so I mentioned it today. He reminded me every child goes at their own pace, and then asked me what our issues are...

A) We can't quite make the switch from me taking her every hour to her telling me that she needs to go BEFORE she wets

B) Any kind of bowel movement on the toilet is out of the question.

He gave me 2 techniques to use for kids who can have a propensity for constipation or digestive issues (CFers). I'm still going to share them because if you have a child who is #1 trained, but not #2 trained they may help you...

1. There is a body position that anatomically allows for elimination more easily than any other, and you can email me (experiencingeachmoment@gmail.com) if you want to know it. When we got home, I knew she needed to "go" before naptime, so I tried it and sure enough it works!!! Now we have a long way to go in the training area, but I'm convinced of this body position tip.
2. The other thing he said to do was spend about 15 or so minutes on the toilet after each meal. There is a reflex in the body that tells the colon to eliminate in order to make room for the food that is on its way. This is why infants will often poop after a feeding, and it's the same concept even at age 3. Right after meal time is a more likely time to be able to poop. He said stay in there whether or not she needs to, but don't make it reading time or tv watching time or anything. It's purpose is for pooping (I asked if we could sing or talk, and he said yes). I think this could also help her go longer to urinate. If she knows every 4 hours she'll be on the potty she may practice holding it. Who knows? But the intent of this exercise is for pooping.

My philosophy in all these random parenting milestones with preschoolers is that I would rather hear 100 tips if it gets me to the 1 I need that works in my situation. These may be common, but they are 2 tips I had yet to be told. So we'll try them, and if they work they work. If they don't work, we'll be right where we were before...learning to be patient!

Stuttering

One month ago Samantha started stuttering out of the blue. I don't really know how to explain it, but it's extreme. After 4 years of speech therapy (with Timothy) you would think I would have a clue, but I don't. Everything I've found online talked about kids "growing" out of it by age 7. I'm thinking that's 4 years!!!! As far as I'm concerned she can grow out of it while she's being treated. Thankfully, the doctor took this seriously. He didn't know if it would be best to go through developmental (speech pathologist) or the psychology route (behavior mod/anxiety), so he's going to find out, and we'll get a referral to one or the other!

I've got a school fair, karate, and Awana leaders meeting tonight, so I've got to scoot out the door. I'll write about Timothy's appt later!

Proverbs 20

⁶ Many a man claims to have unfailing love,
but a faithful man who can find?

Let's make sure we read "man" in a gender neutral sense.

¹⁹ A gossip betrays a confidence;
so avoid a man who talks too much.

As I'm going through the Proverbs I'm realizing that A) I'm a gossip B) That I really don't know what to do in settings where I'm listening to someone else say something about someone else. Do any of you have some suggestions of ways to kindly diffuse gossip? I would love all the tips I can get.

²² Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!"
Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.

This reminded me of Romans 12:19-20. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." And that is quoting Proverbs 25:21-22.

²⁴ A man's steps are directed by the LORD.
How then can anyone understand his own way?

And why do we so desperately feel like we need to?

Proverbs 19

² It is not good to have zeal without knowledge,
nor to be hasty and miss the way.

If you know me in real life you, know I tend to be a very excitable person! But excitement is not enough.

³ A man's own folly ruins his life,
yet his heart rages against the LORD.

For some reason I've thought of "folly" as more harmless than it is. I've known it's a bad thing, but I've thought of it as a description of someone who in an air-headed way gets themselves in trouble. But this verse is the opposite of that! It says that the heart of someone with folly RAGES against the Lord. Rages!

¹¹ A man's wisdom gives him patience;
it is to his glory to overlook an offense.

I know I've said this before, but I almost think that those who are wise would have little patience for those who aren't. Yes, one of the beautiful gifts of wisdom is patience.

¹⁵ Laziness brings on deep sleep,
and the shiftless man goes hungry.

I have to confess (I've been doing that a lot in the Proverbs!) that I find myself suddenly tired when there is work to be done that I don't want to do.

¹⁸ Discipline your son, for in that there is hope;
do not be a willing party to his death.

Long before I was ever even married, I was given wonderful advice by a wise mother of teenagers. She said, "We moms always love our children, but sometimes we are tough because we want other people to love them as well." My children are very strong-willed, and I can see that if they were left up to themselves, they would have a very rough road ahead. I continue to set limits and instruct because I want them to have a chance to make it!

¹⁹ A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty;
if you rescue him, you will have to do it again.

Hello, codependency!

²⁰ Listen to advice and accept instruction,
and in the end you will be wise.

Another way to be wise.

²⁴ The sluggard buries his hand in the dish;
he will not even bring it back to his mouth!

I have skipped meals out of being too lazy to have to cook something. That is definitely being a sluggard.