Proverbs 18

² A fool finds no pleasure in understanding
but delights in airing his own opinions.

I admit that I need to spend less energy on spouting my opinions and more energy trying to understand where others are coming from.

⁶ A fool's lips bring him strife,
and his mouth invites a beating.

⁷ A fool's mouth is his undoing,
and his lips are a snare to his soul.

Sometimes I just ask for it-figuratively and literally.

⁹ One who is slack in his work
is brother to one who destroys.

I tend to be lazy, and God has been growing me in this area for many years.

¹⁰ The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.

Click here to hear this song (for free) and read the lyrics. It's not just enough to know the Lord is a strong tower. We must also realize we have to RUN to Him. It is not righteous to believe we can do it on our own. Our righteousness comes from the safety of him.

¹³ He who answers before listening—
that is his folly and his shame.

How many countless times have I cut someone off who was talking!!!! Oh, it is shameful.

²² He who finds a wife finds what is good
and receives favor from the LORD.

What truth! :)

Proverbs 17

Verse 3-The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart. What a picture of the refining process!

Verse 6-Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children. The second part is so interesting since I'm in that stage of life where so often parents take pride in the accomplishments of their children. Will my children be able to say this about me?

Verse 10-A rebuke impresses a man of discernment more than a hundred lashes a fool. Sometimes I feel like I'm beating my head against a wall to make some people understand things. This verse explains it!

Verse 12-Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly. If I hadn't read it, I wouldn't believe it. I really don't take "a fool in his folly" as seriously as I should.

Verse 15-Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent—the LORD detests them both. And yet he knew both would happen with Barabbas and Jesus.

Verse 16-Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom? I have to confess that if I was offered a bunch of money, I don't know that I would ask for wisdom. That's hard to admit about myself.

Verse 24-A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth. Sometimes I'm interested in everything in the world but what I should be interested in!

Verse 27-A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. It's ironic because whenever I have the tiniest amount of knowledge I have a tendency to think I'm expert enough to talk incessantly. But this scripture says the opposite.

And fits perfectly with this verse...

Verse 28 Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.

Proverbs 16

Verse 2-All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD. SO many times I think the wrongs I commit are not as bad as the ones committed by others. Like I'm the judge of that.

Verse 6-Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil. Wow, I think I try to avoid evil by telling myself, "Alicia, don't do ____", but this gives me something TO do..."fear the Lord!"

Verse 9-In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. I needed to hear this today. Dan and I are up for orders again in a few months, and it's a pretty mind-boggling, stress-inducing process. It is very easy for my heart to plan what's best for us. I will even fill my time day-dreaming about it. No need because whatever happens, the Lord determines our steps.

Verse 20-Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. Oh, Lord, may I trust you for everything!

Verse 23-A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. I shamefully have a fool's mouth.

Verse 25-There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. I know many of these Proverbs are similar in theme and repeat certain phrases, but this entire verse is the exact duplicate as Proverbs 14:12! That was on King Solomon's mind! Matthew 7:13-14 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it . But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

Verse 31-Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life. My crown is just hidden under the work of a great colorist.

Proverbs 15

This word is mentioned 3 times in this chapter, so I thought I would look it up:

• Main Entry: fol·ly
• Pronunciation: \ˈfä-lē\
• Function: noun
• Inflected Form(s): plural follies
• Etymology: Middle English folie, from Anglo-French, from fol fool
• Date: 13th century

1 : lack of good sense or normal prudence and foresight
2 a : criminally or tragically foolish actions or conduct b obsolete : evil, wickedness; especially : lewd behavior
3 : a foolish act or idea
4 : an excessively costly or unprofitable undertaking
5 : an often extravagant picturesque building erected to suit a fanciful taste

Verse 1-A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Why do I tend to think that my harsh word will help?

Verse 2-The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

Verse 8-The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him. How many times does God's word tell us exactly what God's will is, and yet because it's not want we want to hear we offer up something that is more convenient for us so that we feel like we're giving God something. I would detest if someone did that to me as well!

Verse 9-The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue righteousness. Read Matthew 5:6!

Verse 14-The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

Verse 18-A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel. I need every verse in the Bible about anger. I want to be called patient and not hot-tempered.

Verse 20-A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother. Timothy has a different kind of "tone" to his disobedience lately-there is a dis-respectfulness in it that really hurts.

Verse 21-Folly delights a man who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding keeps a straight course.

Verse 27-A greedy man brings trouble to his family, but he who hates bribes will live. I found this an ironic verse since I think many kids would love being the beneficiary of a greedy father, not realizing that having money and "things" (and Wii games) isn't the goal of life.

Verse 32-He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding. Wow! Doesn't just despise the one giving the discipline, but despises himself! That's some serious self-loathing!

Promised Post

I promised a follow up post from Wordless Wednesday, but since Google Reader didn't feed any of my posts today, I think it just makes sense to post it next week! Have a great weekend!

Proverbs 14

Verse 1-The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. Sometimes I get into a whiny mode of "needing" Dan to be the perfect leader of our home (or not deployed) for everything to go right. I can use that as an excuse for my responsibility. This verse shows the power that a woman's actions have on her home, to either build it or tear it down "with her OWN hands".

Verse 2-He whose walk is upright fears the LORD, but he whose ways are devious despises him. I couldn't help but see the irony here. Usually someone would be afraid because they have done something they don't want the Lord to find out (i.e. Adam & Eve), but this says those who are pure fear the Lord. This is with reverence and respect, not worry that some secret sin will be found out.

Verse 8-The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception. I love that phrase "give thought to their ways". That means even once they are doing something, they reevaluate it to see what's working or not working.

Verse 9-Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright. Since the word "mock" is in the Proverbs repeatedly, I finally looked up the definition in Webster's. The 1st one is what I think of usually which is "to treat with contempt or ridicule", but the 2nd one is not quite so obvious..."disappoint the hopes of". I wonder how many times I have done that. It would surely be foolish to advise someone not to make amends, but from this point on in Proverbs I'm going to start reading "mock" as "disappointing the hopes of".

Verse 12-There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. I've heard this verse my whole life, but in recent years I've really seen its affects. I've seen how small decisions that we think are right can set us on a tragic course. May the Holy Spirit open our eyes to accept Godly counsel, read the truth of God's word, and fellowship with the wise.

Verse 13-Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief. Boy, isn't that true?

Verse 26-He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge. I so want my children to have a refuge.

Verse 30-A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. I have had some times lately (getting worse with age, I think) where I have REALLY WANTED something that someone else has. It's an awful, sick feeling, and definitely affects me physically. I love that "bones" is used here, depicting that it goes down to the core and affects the body's entire infrastructure.

Verse 33-Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known. Reposes means to lie at rest, lie dead, or remain still. I love that wisdom just STAYS in those who are discerning. She is a constant companion, constant guide. And there are even times when a fool can recognize or display some, but that will be fleeting.

I have to say as I go into this weekend, I have clung to the Proverbs this week. With Dan gone, my mind has been in a constant battle. I have definitely felt spiritual warfare, and I don't know what I would have done had I not been reading these. I'm so grateful for God's word and feel sad to think how many times I don't read it or ignore what it says altogether.

CF Eating Question

Okay, CFers and CF Moms,

I need help with Samantha's meals. She constantly wants food. So...

1. Does her tummy really feel hungry because of a high metabolism or is she just bored?
2. For weight gain, is it best for me to try to make her wait a period of time or just get absolutely every calorie in her all day long that I can?
3. If I do need to try to make her wait, as a 3-yr old CF-er what should the length of time be?

Help!!!

Proverbs 13

Proverbs 13:1-A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke. Now I'm really not making up how many of these verses my children need to memorize!

Proverbs 13:3-He who guards his lips guards his life, but he (it really should say she, shouldn't it?) who speaks rashly will come to ruin. This verse goes along with Chapter 10. Speaking rashly isn't just a mistake, it will lead to my ruin.

Proverbs 13:10-Pride only breeds quarrel, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. I started thinking about this backwards. Often pride is hard to identify or nail down. But a quarrel is obvious! So wherever I have a quarreling spirit, pride is at the root. Boy that is true!

Proverbs 13:12 & 19-Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil. I love putting these verses next to each other because we see multiple things that happen when a longing is fulfilled.

Proverbs 13:20-He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. I've always loved James 1:5 that promises if we lack wisdom we can ask Go who gives generously! Well, this verse shows us another way to gain wisdom. Hang out with those who are wise!

Proverbs 13:24-He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him. Dan & I were told something very cool by Timothy's Development Pediatrician, who is a Christian. He said the rod is like a Shepherd's staff. He had to use that on the left or right of his sheep to make sure they would walk in the right direction. If he didn't do that, they would die (and that would be hate, wouldn't it?) As long as we continue to guide our kids, even if it's the 100th time they've disobeyed, we will show them our unending love.

Seminary at Sea

Dan is a guest writer today over at Going To Seminary. Read his unique perspective about being a seminary student and Active Duty military entitled Seminary at Sea-5 Lessons Learned While on Active Duty.

WW & SEW: Feet Size

Those are the kids' shoes. This elephant foot measures 58 inches in circumference. Last weekend we went to a very special place, and this picture is a clue. Can you guess where we went? I'll be posting pictures and video of it on Friday, so check back later this week for that. In the meantime....

For more Wordless Wednesday, visit 5 Minutes for Mom.
For more Special Exposure Wednesday, visit 5 Minutes for Special Needs.

Proverbs 12

This morning I woke up completely dragging. It's for several reasons. Mostly, I'm terribly burdened for a friend of mine. Then I have bits of conversations from yesterday going through my head. I'm missing my husband terribly, as are the kids. I'm struggling with how to deal with Timothy in a couple of different areas. And the list could go on and on. I'm bombarded with these thoughts! Since Dan is gone I've been trying to keep the kids busy, but when Timothy was willing to forgo the movies this morning, I took him up on it. I need time-to sort through all these swirling emotions. It was with that mind set that I went to Proverbs 12 this morning....

12:1-Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid. I can understand this verse in theory because I'm trying to train my son to accept my instruction. But the real question is...do I love discipline? LOVE it. I don't think so. And do I hate correction. Sometimes. Especially when everyone around me knows I should be corrected.

12:4a-A wife of noble character is her husband's crown. We'll be reading about what a "wife of noble character" is like when we get to chapter 31.

12:5-The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful. It's so important that those of us who know the truth of God's word give Godly advice to those who are lost. I've counseled women who received advice from someone wicked (someone apart from God), and their heart was deceived from even recognizing it as a bad path. The original "wicked" person doesn't even have to know they are being intentionally misleading. They probably don't know better, but their words become deceit nonetheless. And what is the best Truth we can present? Jesus Christ....he IS truth.

12:10-A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel. We obeyed this scripture this morning by making our guinea pigs very happy with some carrots.

12:15-The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice. I just keep wondering if I listen to the advice around me. Do I listen?

12:16-A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult. How many times am I going to read I do the same things fools do?

12:22-The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful. I want the Lord to delight in me! I must be truthful.

12:25-An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. Wow, an anxious heart is what I felt when I began reading Proverbs today. I need to talk to some people who will give me kind words!

If you want to read all of Proverbs 12 you can go to BibleGateway.com. I've typed the verses in NIV, but if you want to read it in a paraphrased version, you can read The Message.

Children's Classics: Adventure

Choose Your Own Adventure Series
Author: R.A. Montgomery
31 Books in Series
For Ages 7-14

My Aunt Catherine lived in New Mexico when I was growing up in Texas, so I didn't know her very well. But the one connection I had with her was that she knew children's literature very well and would periodically send me these Choose Your Own Adventure Books. Talk about adventure!

This is how it works: You read the simple fiction book as any other book. However, every few pages you are given options to pick which direction you want the story line to go. Depending on what YOU want to happen next, you are directed to different page numbers. This happens multiple times throughout the story until you get to the end. The exciting thing is to write down what you did the first time, and then go back through the book AGAIN and do it differently!! The books have 15-20 different endings.

For more Children's Classics with an Adventure theme, head to 5 Minutes for Books!

Proverbs Chapter 11

I was broken by verses 9 and 12...

With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape.

A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.

According to this, I have been godless and lack judgment. Living in various apartments and military housing, I have taken multiple opportunities to say negative, derogatory things about my neighbors. I am so sorry I have done this. How evil, how cruel of me. No one hearing those words would have ever thought I could be loving. And there isn't any way I was loving my neighbor. I repented when I read it, but now I have to choose in the future not to do it again.

In light of this, verse 16 was especially poignant to me...

A kindhearted woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth.

My children have heard all the awful things I've said. Oh, I'm sick. I don't want to start "sounding" nice in front of them just so they don't hear the wrong things. I want to genuinely repent and act differently, so that I am kindhearted from the inside out. My children will see the overflow and respect me.