Do Your Dreams Mean Anything?

Dreams. Are. Important. 

Have you ever woke up and thought, "Man, that was a weird dream." Then you go about your morning routine, getting ready for your day. When you don't give your dream a 2nd thought, an hour later, you have no recollection of what you dreamed about. The fuzziness of your dream just floats off into oblivion. 

Dreams. Are. Important. 

Genesis 37:5 - Now Joseph had a dream and he told it to his brothers…

1 Kings 3:15 - Solomon awoke, and behold, it was a dream.

You know the stories. Joseph had a dream that the sheaves would bow down to him, then a second dream that the sun, moon and stars would bow down to him. The manifestation of his dream came years later when Joseph was the manager of all the food in the kingdom and 2nd in charge only to the Pharaoh! 

Solomon had a dream. God spoke to him and told him to ask what he wanted. Solomon, in his dream, asked for "understanding to recognize what is just and right (1 Kings 3:11)." If you remember, in the dream, God in turn not only gave Solomon discernment and wisdom, but riches and honor as well! But in reality, not just his dream, throughout the Bible we can see the fruition of Solomon's dream. He's know as the most wise & richest man in the Bible. His dream became a reality. 

Dreams are a way that God can communicate with us. As it says, God is the same yesterday, today and the future. Next time you wake up and you think, Wow! That was a weird dream. Write it down! Pray. Ask God to give you discernment into what your dream meant. 

I recently did this. I woke up with clarity, remembering my dream. In my quiet time that morning, I journaled what I saw in my dream and began to seek the Lord if it had specific meaning. As I sought the Lord about it, he revealed to me the meaning of the dream. Though this was a few weeks ago, I can go back to this journal entry, and in anticipation, be excited about it's fulfillment. 

Granted… if you had some bad fish the night before, that could cause you to wake up thinking some weird things. Also… TV can cause you to have dreams that aren't "messages from God." When on vacation recently, before bed I caught a clip of the local news of the Florida town we were visiting. The next morning, I remember waking up to a nightmare (we don't watch news at home!) That news clip, though just seconds, was one of the last things that went in before we went to sleep. The dream did not represent something from God, it represented the last thing I put in my head before bed. My subconscious thought on that news clip while I slept. So, I encourage you, don't go to sleep with the news being the last thing that goes in your mind. 

But, just as in the day of Joseph and Solomon, God still communicates to His people through dreams. Next time you wake up remembering a dream, don't just brush it off! Write it down. Pray about it. See if this dream was a message from the Lord. It could be a possible warning about your future if a certain area of your life doesn't change, or it could be something good you can be in anticipation for! 

Dreams. Are. Important. 

God. Communicates. Through. Dreams. 

Listen.

#228 - Freedom of Choice

Proverbs 1:23-33 - ²³If you will turn (repent) and give heed to my reproof, behold, I [Wisdom] will pour out my spirit upon you, I will make my words known to you.
    ²⁴Because I have called and you have refused [to answer], have stretched out my hand and no man has heeded it,
    ²⁵And you treated as nothing all my counsel and would accept none of my reproof,
    ²⁶I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when the thing comes that shall cause you terror and panic--
    ²⁷When your panic comes as a storm and desolation and your calamity comes on as a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you.
    ²⁸Then will they call upon me [Wisdom] but I will not answer; they will seek me early and diligently but they will not find me.
    ²⁹Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord,
    ³⁰Would accept none of my counsel, and despised all my reproof,
    ³¹Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way and be satiated with their own devices.
    ³²For the backsliding of the simple shall slay them, and the careless ease of [self-confident] fools shall destroy them.
    ³³But whoso hearkens to me [Wisdom] shall dwell securely and in confident trust and shall be quiet, without fear or dread of evil. 

Proverbs 31:26a -  She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom...

Recently, Tyler said something to me that was really profound, it helped me. He said, "God will respect anyone's right of freedom of choice." Everyone has complete freedom of choice! For the sinner or Non-Believer, God will completely protect their right to go to hell. He does not force ANYONE to choose Him. He is a Gentleman and allows each person to make their own decision whether to follow Him or not. He does the same for the Christian. He allows each Christian the CHOICE to follow and be obedient to Him. Equally, He allows them the choice to choose wrong if they want. If they want to choose to go "their way," He will allow them that choice. Again, He is a Gentleman and does not have ANY forced followers. Every person who follows Jesus, follows by their own free will. 

I typically don't include such a large section of scripture, but this morning I just couldn't decide what to leave out, so I included Proverbs 1:23-33. I study out of a Zondervan Parallel Bible which includes the King James Version in one column and the Amplified Bible in the other column. I really like it. This morning, as we were introduced to Proverbs chapter 1, I read some of the notes at the bottom of my Bible. It made a great recommendation in saying this, "Wisdom here is personified. Read 'Wisdom of God' instead of 'Wisdom' and see the wonderful power of this book." That has been helpful to me as I have read Proverbs 1. 

It has been helpful to realize that we can not change people, we can only be obedient to the leading of God's Voice & direction. In interacting with Christians and Non-Christians, He may lead us to share the Gospel with them. He may lead us to just listen. He may lead us to live by example. Ultimately though, however God may lead us in each situation, the person we are interacting with has choices to make on their own. They have the freedom to allow the Bible to be their guide, and be obedient to the Bible. OR, they have the free will to choose their feelings & "their" wants over what the Word says. Proverbs 1:23-33, to me, is a bit scary when read from the eyes of the person who chooses to go "THEIR WAY." I want to do what I want. I want to go MY way. I want to do it MY way! I don't care what the RIGHT thing to do is, I want to do it MY way. I don't feel like doing it the way the Bible says.  

All I have to say is, YIKES! That is a scary place to be for that person. As believers, we have the responsibility to be obedient to what God tells us to do. If it's directing a friend, we need to be obedient in directing them. But.... ultimately they have Freedom of Choice. 

Don't forget the power of prayer. Prayer changes things. When someone we love chooses to go "their way," remember that the power of prayer can always help them to soften to the leading of the Holy Spirit. That their "Freedom of Choice" would change to be a choice that would please our Heavenly Father. 

Is their someone you need to pray for today? Is their someone you need to talk to today? 

#205 - Build Your House!

Good morning! I pray you have started off your day blessed?! My prayer for you today is that you would go out today with FAVOR! That everything you put your hands to would prosper and that today would be a day of fulfillment. That at the end of the day, you would be able to say, "I had a really good day." That is my prayer for you today! Now... let's get into the Word! :)

Proverbs 14:1 - EVERY WISE woman builds her house, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands.

Before diving into things, let's first take a look at the Hebrew definitions for a few words in Proverbs 14:1.

• Builds:  refers to building a family. 
• House: dwelling habitation, human body, house as containing a family. 

As we know that the Proverbs 31 woman is indeed a wise woman, let's take a look at how this "wise woman builds her house" and see what we can learn from her!

Physical House: 

Proverbs 31:13, 19, 22 - She seeks out wool and flax and works with willing hands [to develop it]. She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She makes for herself coverlets, cushions, and rugs of tapestry. Her clothing is of linen, pure and fine, and of purple [such as that of which the clothing of the priests and the hallowed cloths of the temple were made].

Our Proverbs 31 friend is working on the area of developing her physical house. She may not do the actual construction, but we know that she does work with her hands to make this house a home. We know that all of the small things that make a home a "home", she is working on them. I'm sure you have been in places that you can tell a distinct difference. Those homes that feel warm, have cushions on the couches and tapestries hanging on the walls, it feels warm & cozy. It feels like a home. Versus a place that may not have the extra touches of a woman. No paintings on the wall, no warmth to the place, no elegant cushions lining the couch. My first thought goes to a "bachelor" pad. Often before a man gets married, the "extras" in his house are few. The walls are white, the furniture plain, minimal if any extra touches to make the house feel like a home. No flowers or plants, no candles, no "homey" extra features. This is what a Proverbs 31 woman brings to a home. She brings the "extras" that make a person want to get comfortable and stay. She has provided an environment of growth & peace.

• The foolish woman puts little time in creating an environment of peace. Her household is NOT a place that the family wants to be. It is messy, cold & breeds chaos. The foolish woman's husband most likely does not want to come home from work, because he knows it will just be an environment of stress and disharmony. 

Spiritual House (spiritual growth): 

Proverbs 31:15 - She rises while it is yet night and gets [spiritual] food for her household..

We have discussed this verse several times. Our Proverbs 31 friend puts a priority on growing spiritually. Her spiritual "house" is important and she takes time to develop her relationship and walk with the Lord. She spends time in the Word. She girds herself up with strength, spiritual strength. She is a picture of stability. Her consistency in the Word grounds her, and that is what also gives people confidence in her. She is stable. She is not swayed or wavering. When people are around her, that aura that she puts off is one of peace. Have you been around people, or in someones home and you immediately feel the presence of stress? The mom always seems stressed or in a hurry, always frazzled or yelling, the whole environment just lacks peace? Sure, everyone has their "days" that may be challenging, but when it is on a daily or a consistent basis, I would anticipate that this woman has not invested into her daily spiritual growth.... "spiritual house." The "wise woman" as talked about in Proverbs 14:1, puts a priority in establishing her own spiritual growth, and it in turn spills into the whole environment and warmth of her household.

• The foolish woman does not spend daily time developing her spirit. She allows herself to remain B.U.S.Y. - Being Under Satan's Yoke. Though she may recognize that maybe at one time she spent daily time in the Word, she does not make a change to come back to that discipline. The foolish woman may be doing things that appear good, running kids to and from soccer practice, making dinner, going to work, but the most important aspect of her house, her spiritual growth, goes unattended too. 

Physical House (as physical body):

Proverbs 31:17 - She girds herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] and makes her arms strong and firm.

Our Proverbs 31 friend treats her body, "house", as a temple. She strengthens herself in her physical body. She is strong. She does not need to make a "New Years Resolution" to go to the gym because physical fitness is a part of her life. It is a priority. It's not just a short-term goal to loose 20 pounds, physical fitness is her lifestyle, it is part of her regular schedule. Not only does this allow her to have energy and accomplish more, but because she is fit, it also makes her more attractive to her husband. Because she is fit, her innermost parts of her body are healthy & she is able to live a LONG, healthy life because she invests in her fitness! She dies at an old age, and is even physically strong then.

• The foolish woman neglects her physical body. Her physical "house" may be the home of junk food and processed foods. She spends little time focusing on putting good wholesome food in her body, fruits & vegetables, good proteins, whole grains, etc. Due to her unhealthy eating lifestyle, her vitals are most likely also poor resulting in high blood pressure, being overweight, and higher risk factors for disease. The foolish woman also tears down her body by NOT remaining physically fit. Due to extra weight she carries around, it puts pressure on other aspects of her physical body (organs, ankles, knees, etc). The foolish woman does not remain physically fit causing her to feel sluggish & tired, overall less productive in what she is called to do. 

Household (family): 

Proverbs 31:27 - She looks well to how things go in her household, and the bread of idleness (gossip, discontent, and self-pity) she will not eat.

The Proverbs 31 woman builds her family up. With her words and encouragement she establishes a home that breeds growth and success. Her children grow up truly believing that, "Yes! I CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" She sets such a standard of godliness, that her children desire to duplicate her. In her prayer life, her children desire to follow. Because the prayers of the "righteous are powerful and effective" and this Proverbs 31 woman sees results & fruit, her children don't desire to go the ways of the world. They see that they ways of the Word come with blessings! Come with favor! Just like the old "Life" cereal commercial with the tag-line, "Mikey likes it!" You see the little boy copying everything his father does, that is the life of the Proverbs 31 woman's children. They see she is blessed, therefore, they copy what she does leading to a life of godliness and a new generation of believers.

• The foolish woman unfortunately tears down her family with her words and actions. She may call her children "stupid" or tell them "you can't do anything right." She does the same to her husband. Instead of building up and encouraging, she does just the opposite. She tears down those around her, tends to wallow in discontentment, and enjoys spreading negative about other people. 

So many ways to build our house! My goal is to model the life of the Wise Woman and the Proverbs 31 woman. Sure.... I'm not perfect, and surely do make mistakes.... but my goal is to stay on the path of LIFE. Life that leads to godliness. What about you? Does your life model that of the Wise Woman or the Foolish Woman? What adjustments could be made? 

#202 - Don't Hurry!

Good morning! :) We are going to get right into the Word this morning...

Proverbs 7:21-23 - With much justifying and enticing argument she persuades him, with the allurements of her lips she leads him [to overcome his conscience and his fears] and forces him along. Suddenly he [yields and] follows her reluctantly like an ox moving to the slaughter, like one in fetters going to the correction [to be given] to a fool or like a dog enticed by food to the muzzle. Till a dart [of passion] pierces and inflames his vitals; then like a bird fluttering straight into the net [he hastens], not knowing that it will cost him his life.

Proverbs 31:16a - She considers a [new] field before she buys or accepts it [expanding prudently and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties] ...

Ok... I guess today is going to be "Transparent Thursday." Don't get me wrong... sometimes it's not fun to be transparent, but this morning I learned a lot from Proverbs 7. As you read through Proverbs 7, you see that like Proverbs 5, it discusses the "loose woman." The stage is set as an onlooker in verse 6 sees what is about to take place. The onlooker sees this young man coming "NEAR" danger, "NEAR" where the loose woman has set her trap. From verse 9 on, we see the loose woman beginning to work her "magic" on this man who has come by her house. She has begun to lure him in, persuade him, and get him to not "think" with his right mind. She is trying to get him to avoid his "consciousness" which may have otherwise led him away from her house.

Isn't it interesting, that at all levels of sin, this is what happens? In Proverbs 7:23, we see just a quick glimpse of it in two words, "he hastens." Haste or Hastens is defined as follows: to hurry, accelerate, speed, urgent need of quick action, thoughtless, rash, unnecessary quick action, rush. Let's just look at a simple example, the tray of brownies on the counter. Have you ever walked into the kitchen or break-room, see the yummy treat and in your mind you have a quick conversation with yourself something like this, "You know you shouldn't have any brownies. You are trying to drop 10 more pounds and that is not going to help at all...." And right as your "consciousness" is trying to get you away from the tray of brownies, you cut it off, grab 1, 2 or maybe even 3 (if they have carmel, chocolate AND pecans!) and eat them as quickly as you can so you can't be talked out of it. It's like you are running down the hall, trying to hide and enjoy them quickly. I must say, I have done things like that before. "Made haste." Done things that though my consciousness (aka: the Holy Spirit) is trying to get me away, I partake before I talk myself out of it because I know the temporary "goodness" that will be associated with it.

I just recently did this just a WEEK ago! I look back and think it was such a "kid" thing to do. I was part of a conversation with several other people online. I typed up this long message that I thought was very helpful for those involved. BUT.... here's the kicker.... it was late, Tyler was driving, and instead of doing what I knew I should do... I hit send right away because I figured Tyler would talk me out of sending it. "But it is so well spoken and so well written." I reasoned with myself. After hitting send, I decided to read it to Tyler. Like I assumed, his recommendation was for me NOT to send it. He played the other side of the coin, and everything he said was right. Everything he said was COMPLETELY right. After listening to him, like a dog with my tail between my legs, I knew I shouldn't have hit "send." At the time, I just wanted to QUICKLY HASTEN to send it because I KNEW I would otherwise be talked out of my well written rebuttal.

Here in Proverbs 7, we see because this young man HASTENS, though he doesn't know it, it is actually going to cost him his life. His quick decision to go down the wrong path is not a wise one. We can compare the difference between what the Proverbs 31 woman does, she acts in all situations with such wisdom. She considers before making a decision. She expands or acts prudently before moving forward with something. She is not in a hurry to just rush into something. When her gut says to hold off, she listens.

James 4:7 reminds us to resist the devil and he will FLEE from you! Sometimes that may mean, literally leaving your house, or escaping your thoughts and watching a good movie. The bottom line is this... don't run haste-fully into sin. Consider your ways. Be Prudent (wise, careful).

Enjoy your Thursday!

#172 - "Stick with Me!"

Good morning! It's a blessed day and will be a blessed weekend! Today, PRAISE GOD is SUCH a GOOD day! It's GOOD FRIDAY! Today is the day that Jesus DECIDED to go to the cross for us, to suffer & endure the pain, knowing it was the only way that we may be able to enter in to heaven, knowing it was the only way that we may experience the FULLNESS of freedom! Praise the Lord for Jesus! Praise the Lord that He was WILLING to sacrifice for us, to give up His will & that He didn't just call a legion of angels to rescue Him off the cross. What selflessness! Fully man on earth, He sacrificed it all for us that we may have life. It is a good day. Actually here in Columbia, the weather is even representative of what it may have been on that day, overcast, cloudy, no sun visual in the sky. The great news? SUNDAY IS COMING! When our Jesus rose victoriously & defeated death, hell & the grave! He defeated Satan! He WON once and for all, and because of His victory, WE TOO can now experience victory! He defeated Satan for us and now, as believers, by just ONE Word, "JESUS", Satan is under our feet! PRAISE GOD! Thank you Jesus!

Well... let's get going...

Proverbs 22:12a - The eyes of the Lord keep guard over knowledge and him who has it...

Proverbs 22:17 - LISTEN (consent and submit) to the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge.

Proverbs 22:29 - Do you see a man diligent and skillful in his business? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.

Proverbs 31:25 - Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; she rejoices over the future [the latter day or time to come, knowing that she and her family are in readiness for it]!

Where to even start?? "Stick with Me" is what I heard the Holy Spirit saying to me this morning. "Stick with Me." As I was reading through Proverbs, again amazed at how the Holy Spirit can string scripture together, and bring it together in a way that we have never seen before, though our eyes have read and re-read those very verses countless times. He simply is amazing!

I was interested first of all to notice that the Lord keeps guard over the man or woman who have knowledge, who possess knowledge. I thought, "Well, I want the Lord to keep guard over me!" Right? Isn't that an obvious thought. Of course we want the Lord to keep guard over us. Keep us safe. Keep us in a position of favor. Keep us, period. Keep us on His path, traveling the right way. Keep us in His will. Keep us moving in success, moving in divine favor, moving in accordance and in the TIMING of the Holy Spirit. Because "timing" can be pretty important, right?!

Aside from being in the Word, allowing the Word to speak to you, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to you, I believe Proverbs 22:17 gets us some additional insight into gaining knowledge. "LISTEN to the words of the wise." Listening to the wise provides one avenue to gain knowledge. I find it interesting that it says, "LISTEN" to the wise. LISTEN! It doesn't say "TALK" to the wise, it says "LISTEN". Have you ever been in the presence of someone and EVERY time you are with them they are talking about themselves? They are talking and talking and talking, barely even taking a breath. Telling you everything they are good at, what they do, their background, where they came from, everything. You don't even have to ask them any questions, they will keep the "one-way" conversation going, if you will just not interrupt. Proverbs 22:17 reminds us to "LISTEN." I heard someone say once, "There's no need for me to talk, I already know everything I know. I may actually learn something if I listen." Good listeners are hard to find.

Gaining knowledge? Gaining wisdom? One beginning step, seek out some who is wise. They may possess wisdom in ONE aspect of what you are looking for, they may not be the "whole" package, but they may have wisdom in: business, raising kids, finances, the Word, marriage, relationships, communicating, writing, sewing, potty-training. They may not have it all. But seek them out for the wisdom that you may need at this time. It's called, "The BODY of Christ." We are a body for a reason, to help one another. Seek out someone who you can buy a cup of coffee, who you can just sit and LISTEN. As you do, you will be gaining knowledge.

One verse that I've always thought is neat, and used to think was impossible was Proverbs 22:29. Imagine, being so skillful in your trade that you stand before KINGS! You stand before world leaders! You stand before the President and the First Lady! You stand before your hero's in ministry. I was reminded this morning, on my path to gaining wisdom and knowledge, this is no longer something that is impossible! And the Proverbs 31 woman, ALSO rejoices over the future, maybe she rejoices over knowing that even THIS is a possibility for her! Standing before a King because of her gift? Wow! Just imagine. I was thinking this morning how amazing that it would be to stand before the Queen of England, to be in her presence and be called by name. Wow! What an honor that would be! That is when I heard the Holy Spirit say, "Stick with Me."

Ephesians 3:20 - Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]. 

MY FATHER will do "SUPERABUNDANTLY" more than I dare even ask or think? INFINITELY beyond my hopes or dreams. Standing before a King or Queen would be pretty amazing. WOW! But imagine being a "counselor" to them, a "friend!" WOW! That would be beyond my dreams. But, I can THINK it, so God can make it come to pass! Maybe YOU write or speak, make bags, design clothes, make baby items, golf, love training leaders, are a great cook, can turn wood into something amazing with your carpentry? This morning I thought about Prince William and his fiance, Kate, carrying around one of my books. To have a real PRINCESS reading a book that I write. That would be cool. And I'm sure just the media exposure alone, would be awesome for the book. Whatever it is for YOU, GOD can do what you could NEVER imagine! Whatever it is that you are skillful in, God can BRING YOU before KINGS! So START IMAGINING!

Have you always wanted to do something great? Deep in your mind you've thought, "Man, I just want to make a huge impact! I want to be different! I want to do something radically great! I want to change things for the better. I want to help people." Deep in your heart and mind, have you desired to be more than just average? Well.... I believe the Holy Spirit's word to you is what is was to me too.... "Stick with Me." Stick with the Holy Spirit. Stick with God. Stick with HIM! It is through HIM and HIS guidance that He will direct you to do what you are called to do, to do what you were designed for. He will bring you before GREAT MEN with your gift. So commit today to excellence. Commit to seeking wisdom and knowledge. And as the Holy Spirit said, "Stick with Me."

#166 - Pride Check

Good morning! I'm back out on my screened in porch! :) Yippee! I'm excited for my "outdoor" quiet times to begin. It's just so nice to hear the birds chirping and feel the outside breeze!

Alright, let's get going...

Proverbs 11:2 - When swelling and pride come, then emptiness and shame come also, but with the humble (those who are lowly, who have been pruned or chiseled by trial, and renounce self) are skillful and godly Wisdom and soundness.

Proverbs 31:26 - She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness [giving counsel and instruction]. 

So... I remember in the last few months I noticed all three of our hydrangea bushes had been completely cut down to the ground. No signs of life, and by looking at them they didn't look like they could grow back up in time for me to enjoy them this spring and summer. I was kind of mad. I thought either landscapers were scheduled and came over or our neighbor had come over and cut them. Inside, I was upset. They are so beautiful when they are in bloom, and I was looking forward to them blooming again! I did find out that the landscaper did it..... and, I did find out that they are suppose to be cut back as they were in order for them to grow full again the next season. To my pleasure, the green leaves are rapidly growing and sprouting, and the bush that was nearly to the ground has grown quite rapidly in just a few weeks. I have officially cut the landscaper some slack, and realized that he must know a thing or two more than I do about bushes! Ha!

I didn't get to far past Proverbs 11:2 this morning. The words: "pride, emptiness, shame, humble, pruned, chiseled, and soundness" kept jumping out at me. So many words packed in one verse. So many words that can affect us in a good or bad way depending on what we choose. I started thinking about pride, and how a result of pride is ultimately emptiness and shame. In the Hebrew, pride is also described as arrogance. It's very easy for me to remember very obvious days in my life where arrogance was shining through! I'm sure my parents, sisters and brother can remember it too! Where I was just stubborn with arrogance. I did what I wanted, didn't care who it affected, and really didn't care about what your opinion was about it either! I was defiant! I had no desire to change for anyone, nor did I think I needed to change. I walked with my shoulders held back, my head high, and if you got in my way.... ooooh, you better watch out! Pride & arrogance could have been a description of who I was.

As I was listening to the Holy Spirit on the subject, he told me a few things that made a lot of sense.

All great leaders have been pruned. It is a matter of removing the unnecessary "flesh" & "self." Pruning is not bad, pruning is just getting rid of baggage, pruning is lightening the load. Pruning IS needed for the greatest beauty to be revealed. 

In the past, I would look at the word "pruning" or "chiseled by trial" and think of them as bad things, things I would avoid at all costs.... but, in all reality, they are not bad things. Learning. Being pruned, developed, growing up into someone who will do GREAT & MIGHTY things for the Lord.

Think about this... it says, WITH the humble, the lowly, those who have been pruned & chiseled by trial, renounced SELF, WITH those people is skillful & godly Wisdom AND SOUNDNESS! Ooooh! Lacking soundness of mind, or peace of mind? Maybe that is an opportunity to do a pride-check. Are there areas in our lives where we maybe need to ask ourselves:

• Is it all about me & MY way? 
• Am I just not willing to submit my ego? Or am I not willing to submit myself to someone in authority to me? (God, Spouse, Boss, Mentor, Pastor, etc) 
• Am I pridefully holding on to things that is causing me NOT to walk in soundness of mind, not to walk in peace? 

Walking in humility brings Wisdom & soundness. When we look at the Proverbs 31 woman, we can even see that at SOME point in her life, in her development into this "Ultimate Woman", she too was pruned & chiseled by trial. A result? She opens her mouth in skillful & godly Wisdom! She is a woman of grace & humility. She is well respected among her family, husband & community. 

Pruning isn't bad, it's necessary for growth. I'm sure as spring and summer approach us, I will be happy about the landscaper pruning my bushes back. Pruning off the dead weight of its branches. The Holy Spirit doesn't let me get away with it either! I have recently have had to do pride checks for myself, and lower my pride in a certain areas. Pride was holding back God's best & MY DESIRE is to walk in God's Best & His Favor! 

I encourage you today.... do a Pride Check. Are you holding offense towards someone because of pride? Is there someone in your life that you need to submit your ego too? Let's receive WISDOM & SOUNDNESS together & lower our pride! 

#164 - Wisdom: A Different Perspective

Buenos dias! :) I hear the birds chirping and love it! My next chore?? To wash down the screened in porch so I can return to my Quiet Time oasis and enjoy the beautiful morning sounds of the outdoors! In the meantime, the pollen filled porch will sit with an empty table... just waiting for me. :) I'm coming! I'm coming soon porch!

Proverbs 7:4 - Say to skillful and godly Wisdom, You are my sister, and regard understanding or insight as your intimate friend--

Honestly... I have never thought of Wisdom as "my sister", nor understanding as my "intimate friend." But... when you really begin to boil things down, even the idea of it makes it seem very "light-hearted" and "fun!" I grew up with two sisters.... so I can relate but even if it were a guy reading this verse... it is very applicable to them too. I have a brother as well. When I think of my brother talking to me, I would anticipate he talks to me differently than he would a guy friend. He has the ability to be open, transparent, and know that whatever he says I'm going to listen with an open ear. To talk to someone as a sister, to me brings with it the idea that you are able to go to that person, talk, not be worried or concerned about what they think because regardless of your words or feelings, at the end of the day, they are going to still love you.

A sister. I think of how different my sisters are, and how different of a relationship we have, and even growing up how different it always was. But both, equally as valuable in different ways. The one, we could go out for a run, bend over, let our arms hang and just act goofy! Sometimes just to pass time, we would just act like complete dorks! We'd laugh, have fun and the time would pass, the run would soon be over. We would sit out at the gazebo by my parents pool reading our Bibles, digging in, allowing the Word to change us. One moment we could be laughing, the next moment serious.

So here... even Wisdom could be like that to me?

Wisdom, you are my funny sister. The one I can laugh with and be silly with. Wisdom, you are my serious sister, someone I can search out the Word with, someone I can dig into the Word...someone who I can change with. 

My other sister? We were both cheerleaders. We had a different kind of relationship, closer in age... but we could just lay up and talk through the night. During those times, I wasn't walking with the Lord... so who knows what we talked about... but the door was always open. We could just hang out, do nothing or do something. The intimacy of our friendship was great and still is. Someone who will support, love and encourage. We spent many weekends skiing together, being "cool", finding the hot guys on the slopes. Memories! So.... a friend... someone that I can have fun with!

So Wisdom you also could be to me:

Wisdom, you are an ear to listen. You are also someone I can have fun with. I can enjoy life with. Wisdom you are an intimate ear, you love me for who I am, you accept me where I am. You are always there for me. 

I think of "intimate friends" as it talks about in the latter part of Proverbs 7:4. Regarding understanding and insight as an intimate friend. Do you have that ONE friend, or that ONE person.... they seem like they could be a sister because you are so in tune with each other. It's like you are just kindred friends! You were meant to be together, you were meant to be friends. THAT FRIEND, that is how we are suppose to treat understanding and insight. Seeking it out, pouring into each other. Allowing insight and understanding to pour into you, your Spirit, like you would your best friend.

The Key? The key is TIME. Wisdom, like a sister, is ALWAYS there for us. READY for us to "pick up the phone", "grab coffee with".... Wisdom is READY to stay up late with us and reveal answers to our questions. Understanding & insight, like an intimate friend, they are equally ready.... to look us directly in our eyes and really listen to what we are saying. And WE need to also, be ready to be quiet and LISTEN to our intimate friend. There is no shortness of REVELATIONS. The only shortness is our ability to TAKE THE TIME to receive them. Revelations are in abundance.... WISDOM, INSIGHT & UNDERSTANDING are waiting to reveal these secrets to us.

Take the time today.... maybe it's just to sit in a chair, just you. Quiet. Lean back, and just say, "Wisdom, I call you my sister. Let's talk! I'll even just listen and let you talk! What do you think??"

It puts a different perspective on entering into a time to seek out Wisdom when you know you can go into it as you would with a sister. You can seek understanding going into it like you would an intimate friend. It makes it not awkward, not weird, no pressure, no uneasiness. You wouldn't be nervous having coffee with your sister or friend, Wisdom, the Holy Spirit is the same. You can enter into that time and realize your best friend is always right there with you, waiting.

#136 -Get Wisdom, Get Understanding.

Good morning! Hope you are blessed on this rainy day! It's going to be a great day! Growth, productivity, walking out the calling God has placed on (your) our lives! God is good! Let's jump in the word. 

Proverbs 4:7-8, 10 - The beginning of Wisdom is: get Wisdom (skillful and godly Wisdom)! [For skillful and godly Wisdom is the principal thing.] And with all you have gotten, get understanding (discernment, comprehension, and interpretation).
    ⁸ Prize Wisdom highly and exalt her, and she will exalt and promote you; she will bring you to honor when you embrace her.
    ¹⁰ Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings, and the years of your life shall be many.

I'm just going to talk through this. It was extremely good when I read it (still is extremely good)... and though I've read Proverbs 4 month in and month out for a long time now, I'm still getting more out of the Word. The Word is STILL alive and active! The Word still has the ability to penetrate and change me, and will change you too if you let it!


Get Wisdom. Seek out wisdom. Ask for it. Ask for your eyes to be revealed to the wisdom in the situation you are in right now. Ask for the blinders to be removed so that the Wisdom that you need to see can be revealed. As you have received wisdom, get understanding. When we embrace Wisdom, she will THEN exalt, promote & bring honor to you. 


What's the process? (1) Get Wisdom! - Where does Wisdom come from? How do you get it? Wisdom comes from the Holy Spirit. Not the "World's Wisdom", but "GOD's Wisdom!" A wisdom that may not be able to be seen with the obvious. But, when it is sought out like seeking out hidden treasure (Proverbs 2:4), your eyes will be opened to the Wisdom that you are seeking. - How do you PRIZE Wisdom? How do you exalt her? You make her "opinion" of the utmost important, above any others opinion. Once you have sought Wisdom and received Wisdom you can move to the next step. 
(2) Get Understanding! - You've got part of what you need. Now it's finishing up the equation. Answering the "Why." Understanding allows you to see the full picture. Getting "Understanding" allows you to see things not just that are in the natural, that seem obvious, but getting understanding allows you to SEE with spiritual eyes the WHY. Why your situation is the way it is. Why you need to do such & such with this person. Getting understanding allows you to DISCERN what a person needs without THEM telling you. Getting understanding allows you to DISCERN something you could not see with the eye, but you just KNOW without doubt the next step. Understanding allows you EYES to SEE what most can not. Getting understanding, acquiring this discernment allows YOU an upper advantage that most do not have. You know what only Wisdom could show you. You see on a new level. 


The rest of the story? Hear & RECEIVE! Don't just HEAR, but RECEIVE. Hear. Then dig deeper. Listen, but then look deeper. What is being said BEHIND the WORDS, what is the message to you? Whether that be a speaker speaking on a CD, whether that be words from a book, words from the Bible.... see what the words are, but allow your mind to DIG deeper into it. What is the message behind the message that is for YOU? HEAR the message & RECEIVE specifically what YOU NEED out of it. HEAR & RECEIVE!


As you GET Wisdom and GET Understanding, WATCH as She will PROMOTE you! WATCH Her do Her, because God's word DOES NOT LIE. It says GET WISDOM, GET UNDERSTANDING and SHE WILL PROMOTE YOU! 

#135 -The CONFIDENT Life

Good afternoon to you! Hope you are doing well! Junior.... or as we call him around the house, Junior Asparagus.... or sometimes it just gets shortened to Asparagus (Veggie Tales - we don't even have any Veggie Tales movies... but that's still what we call him sometimes)... anyways, he just went down for a nap. It's been quite an interesting day, to say the least... but PRAISE GOD that we have FAVOR in ALL situations! FAVOR FAVOR FAVOR! :) 


Let's get started... we are back on our scheduled reading after our 2 day detour. I just pulled out of Proverbs today... let's go...

Proverbs 3:21b, 22a, 23 - ... but keep sound and godly Wisdom and discretion, And they will be life to your inner self... Then you will walk in your way securely and in confident trust, and you shall not dash your foot or stumble.

Proverbs 31:15a, 26 - She rises while it is yet night and gets [spiritual] food... She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness [giving counsel and instruction].

Receiving sound & godly Wisdom... quite important to accomplish all the God has created us to do. Therefore, being in the Word.... or communicating, having a relationship with this Almighty God would be pretty important in order to receive Wisdom, right? Well, look at the benefits of receiving and keeping this sound wisdom, LIFE to your inner self!!! Let me tell you.... I have never felt so alive since I received the revelations that I blogged about the last two days. In my inner self, I have NEVER felt so ALIVE! (FREE FROM DOUBT! & PROVISION BABY!) How awesome that we can receive revelation from the LORD and it breathes LIFE into our inner self, into our soul! Feeling full of life sure is better than being filled with doubt & fear, frustration, discouragement, disappointment, unworthiness. I don't know about you... but all those feelings were regular feelings that I was living in. I was feeling full of LIFE! I wasn't feeling filled with HOPE & EXPECTATION! Sure I knew promises of God... but my constant thought was, "When is it my turn? When is it my time?" Praise God for the revelations, that I now confidently know the answers to those questions. My time is NOW! My turn is NOW! 


Like it says in Proverbs 3, I can go about my day in CONFIDENCE & SECURE! I can go about my day in BOLDNESS that for such a time as this, God has prepared me and made me ready! And like the Proverbs 31 woman, WHY and HOW is she able to GIVE COUNSEL & INSTRUCTION? Because she is also prepared! She has spent time waking up while it was still night and committing time to getting spiritual food. Spending time with the Lord so that SHE could have counsel to give. So that she would receive clarity. Clarity about her purpose. Clarity about her direction. Clarity about decisions that she needs to make. She is able to CONSULT the Great Counselor about what her next steps are. She is able to lay out HER PLAN that she has prepared, go before the Almighty Counselor to see if she needs to tweek anything. HOW DID THIS COUNSELING RELATIONSHIP BEGIN? How did it begin? It began with baby steps. It began with her making a decision to commit time each day to devoting to the Lord. Devoting to spiritual growth. 


Do you need to be a "Spiritual Guru" to grow in areas of your goals. Well... no. But from my experience, looking back at my life, and looking at my life now... because of the time I have committed to growing spiritually I now have a LOT more clarity about HOW and WHERE to work. If I have a question, since I have spent time BUILDING a relationship, I can now just ASK and receive answers. ASK & receive the clarity that I need. On days and times when I don't feel like I have gotten a clear answer, I can allow PEACE to be my guide, and follow peace. 


What a great thing that we can live a CONFIDENT LIFE! We can move forward in faith, belief & confidence. That sure is better than the way I used to do things which was staying in the same place, treading water, not feeling like I was getting anywhere... day-in, day-out in toil, frustration... and wanting to sleep away my problems, pull the covers up over my head because I was not walking or living in confidence, I didn't have answers, I was frustrated. I just wanted to pull the covers up over my head and sleep in order to avoid life! Praise GOD because of time spent developing a relationship, that I can now have a CONFIDENT day & CONFIDENT life! And you know what? You can too! 

#112 - Floor Plans

Hello! I pray that your day has gone well thus far?! Today as I began reading in Proverbs & Psalms, the Holy Spirit directed me to read about the life of King Solomon. So we are going to take a trip to the book of First Kings today. Follow along with me in 1 Kings 3.

1 Kings 3:5,9,11-12 - In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night. And God said, "Ask what I shall give you."..... "Give Your servant an understanding mind and a hearing heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and bad. For who is able to judge and rule this Your great people?" ....God said to him, "Because you have asked this and have not asked for long life or for riches, nor for the lives of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to recognize what is just and right, Behold, I have done as you asked. I have given you a wise, discerning mind, so that no one before you was your equal, nor shall any arise after you equal to you."

1 Kings 4:29 - And God gave Solomon exceptionally much wisdom and understanding, and breadth of mind like the sand of the seashore. 

As you read in 1 Kings, not only do you read how the Lord gives Solomon the wisdom that he has requested, but the Lord gives him much more. When Solomon's father, King David was reigning, it was told to him that his son, Solomon would reign in his stead and would be the one to build a temple for the Lord. A house for God. As you read in 1 Kings, you see where there was peace in the land, and the time had come for King Solomon to begin building the House for God. 


What I find quite exceptional is this, the LORD gave King Solomon the floor plans to build this magnificent house. Solomon did not make it up himself, but the Lord gave him the details, the measurements, the materials AND the people were in place that would do the work. Even just from a "timber" perspective, it says in chapter 5 verse 6, "For you know that no one among us can equal the skill of the Sidon men in cutting timber." King Solomon had in place not only the people to do the work, but the people who were CALLED and the BEST at doing each specific job. The men of Sidon were experts in cutting timber. They were known for the fine work that they did. 


Why do I say all this? Why did the Holy Spirit direct me to read about King Solomon this morning? I asked the same question and this was the answer that I got: 

I have solutions for the people in trouble. Just like laying out the floor plans of the temple, I will lay out floor plans to answer their problems. My desire is for my children to walk in peace & in blessing. Seek me & listen. I will provide the specific, detailed floor plans to answer your questions. 

We don't have to live in questions, in mystery, in wonder. We can simply ask, take time, listen, quiet ourselves in the presence of the Holy Spirit and expect the answer. I will be honest... there have been times in my life where I did not want the answer. I knew what the answer was, and I was not willing to do what I knew would be asked of me, therefore, I did not even ask. I still had up walls, I still had up barriers not allowing the Holy Spirit access to "change" me. I wasn't ready to change. I was holding on to this stubborn part of me that I wasn't ready to let go of. My heart just wasn't ready to let go. Though, I wasn't happy. I wasn't progressing where I wanted and at the pace I wanted, but my stubbornness was keeping me from getting the floor plans that I knew were readily available if I only asked. My mom always said I was VERY stubborn as a child. She and my dad prayed for me, "Lord, please let this stubbornness in Amy change for a stubbornness to serve You." I was most definitely a handful. 


Praise God, I have released my control. And even to a greater degree lately, not only receiving counsel & direction from the Holy Spirit in my life, but also, finally willing and ready to receive counsel from mentors in my life. Before, I was not ready to change, I had not embraced it and I was allowing fear to keep me where I was at. Praise God for the power of EXPECTATION. I had been expecting to change, and I have. I'm excited about the new path ahead. 


Do you need the right floor plans in your life? I know who has them. Are you ready to ask?

#98 - Obtain Favor

Good morning! Enjoying the nice sound of our fireplace.... and the heat that it is giving off! We had our AC/Heat unit checked last week to find that the circuit board was blown. :-( SO.... we are waiting for them to come out and replace it. Thankfully we were gone this weekend, and thankfully our upstairs heat works. When I woke up this morning, the downstairs was at a nice 58 degrees! Whooooo! Gives us a great opportunity to be THANKFUL for heat! :) SO... the boy and I will be bundled up today. 


Well... let's get started on the Word for today. 

Proverbs 8:24-35 - Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoever finds me [Wisdom] finds life and draws forth and obtains favor from the Lord.

Proverbs 31:26 - She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom... 

Esther 5:2 - And when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight, and he held out to [her] the golden scepter that was in his hand. So Esther drew near and touched the tip of the scepter. 

Favor. What a key thing to aspire to attain. Here we look at a few things.... we see that when we FIND WISDOM it allows us to draw forth & obtain favor from the Lord. How to we "find" Wisdom? As Proverbs 8 shows, we watch for it daily, we wait for it, we seek wisdom out. We also see that our Proverbs 31 friend has "obtained" Wisdom, she has found it, therefore she must have taken time to seek out wisdom, to find it. As I was reading and meditating on obtaining favor, I was brought back to thinking about Queen Esther. What a great risk she made of her LIFE. In Esther 5, one moment she is standing in the courts of the king, completely knowing that since she was NOT summoned by him, just by merely standing there could cost her her life. The queen in that time was only in the presence of the King if HE summoned her to be, she was not with him on her own free will. This day, Queen Esther risked everything, and stood in the inner court of the king's palace waiting for him to see her. 

Why did she do this? There was a decree in the land for Queen Esther's people to be killed, the WHOLE Jewish people to be killed. This would be a genocide. A whole nationality of people to be murdered. An extermination on all the Jews. And for "such a time as this", thankfully Esther was the Queen and was able to put herself before the King to be heard. A risk, yes. But as we see, she obtained favor in the sight of the king, and was able to come before him. 


If you notice in Esther 5:1, it starts off with "on the third day of the fast." Esther spent time fasting, getting before the Lord to obtain Wisdom. Wisdom leads to favor, and Esther obtained favor!


Listen to Wisdom + Watch for Wisdom + Wait for Wisdom = Finding Wisdom
Finding Wisdom = Obtaining Favor from the Lord


Proverbs 8 talks about obtaining favor from the Lord. He is the KING of KINGS. Sure, we can fast to obtain wisdom and ultimately favor, but PRAISE GOD we are not at risk of being killed when we go before the presence of OUR KING. The King of Kings, God Almighty! We can go before the King ANY TIME we have questions. We can seek out Wisdom and LISTEN to Wisdom ANY TIME and obtain it! 


For me personally, I don't always get the details of how things are going to turn out. That is part of walking out a life of faith. I have received instructions at times and when I ask specifically how things are going to go, or what the next several steps are, sometimes the Lord just tells me, "You are on the right path. Right now you don't need to know everything and the 'how to' for everything. Right now, all you need to know is you are doing exactly what you need to be doing. KEEP doing it. KEEP being diligent in this area. When the time is right, I will let you know the next steps to take, but you do not need to know them now because it is not time to take them." 


He sometimes gives me JUST ENOUGH information that I know I'm doing good, I'm on the right path, that He is pleased. I'm not really a "control" freak, so I don't feel a need to know everything and the details of how it's all going to work out, but it is a blessing to know that HE is working things out in my FAVOR. That by SEEKING WISDOM, I am obtaining FAVOR from my KING! :-) And do you know what that simple thing can do? Do you realize what FAVOR FROM THE KING can do? In the situation with Queen Esther, it can SAVE A NATION! It can save MILLIONS of people! Just from ONE PERSON seeking WISDOM and OBTAINING FAVOR from the King!  


What if the King has it in your calling to be today's ONE PERSON that will save a NATION or a people. What if GOD has the calling on your life to OBTAIN WISDOM that leads to FAVOR to accomplish the VERY BIG THING for your life? I obviously don't know what 'your calling' is, but I know that when you seek our King, when you receive Wisdom from our King, you will receive FAVOR and with FAVOR, NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE. With FAVOR nations can be changed! With FAVOR lives can be saved! With FAVOR, 'odds' don't matter because you are SUMMONED to come before the King. And the King will ask you, "What is your request? It shall be given to you."


Seek Wisdom. Obtain Favor.

#13 - Are you a Value Adder?

So... have you had those days? You go to bed in anticipation about a great next morning? Well.... typically Tuesday nights I just go to bed excited! Tuesday nights are great.... we have our business class, so I get to see lots of friends. I'm typically stretched in some form or fashion to do more or be more. I'm around an association of people who are doing more than the norm.... they are doing more than just sitting at home watching TV at night.... they are aspiring to be more, do more & make a positive Impact in the world. I enjoy the association, it has molded me and made me into a better person. Positive association is so crucial to our growth & development in our gifts. Recently on Tyler's vlog (video blog), he said, "If you do not know your purpose, if you do not know why you were put here on earth, get around people who know where they are going. Get around people who know their purpose and in time, that will give you a clue to what your purpose is." (Check out his YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/tylerhmccart)


Well, got home last night and jacked to see Ms Sherrie had done all the laundry, dishes, our sheets were changed and everything looked very tidy. She has been off the last 2 weeks so we were desperately looking forward to her return. She has been overcoming a lot of bone challenges.... so pray for her to be completely well. (And... I haven't done laundry real regular for 3 years! Ahhh! I could do it again, but wouldn't be too jacked about it.)


Slid into some new, clean, tight sheets.... so heavenly, my favorite and closed my eyes as I looked forward to my DOR (for the new folks.... that's - Day Of Rest). Every Tuesday night I look forward to Wednesday, being off. Not working. Not having a list of "To-Do's". Not setting an alarm clock. Just completely resting & enjoying the day. So, here's where it started out interesting. Not good sign #1: Woke up to the boy crying. I thought... "Bummer.... hopefully he'll go back to sleep." Went down to get my coffee, listened to the boy a bit more and could tell he wasn't going back to sleep, so we'll get him up and feed him. Not good sign #2: After feeding the boy, Tyler asked, "Where are you going with the laptop?" .......so.... annoyance began to set in. I'm thinking, "DUH! I'm going where I usually go." I was definitely getting annoyed at that point. Not good sign #3: Tyler talked about us needing to change up our DOR's and take them different days from each other. Totally annoyed me, but.... is totally true. (Having a child throws a whole new thing into the mix, which sometimes can make it "not" restful or relaxing....especially if you are looking to have a nice quiet time with the Lord.) Not good sign #4: Apologies. I headed outside, totally annoyed with Tyler. I thought, "I just want to start my Quiet Time and now I'm annoyed and annoyed and AHHHH! I don't even feel like I'm at mental place to even want to spend time with the Lord. Even though I apologized, doesn't mean I'm still not annoyed..... and definitely just being in a bit of a bad mood now." I even cried a little. Don't you hate it when you cry and know that there's not really a "good" reason for it?


That's where it all began. Have you ever had days like that? I left out "Not good Sign #5, #6, #7" .... thought I would spare you the ANNOYANCE of having to read!


Here's the crossroad. Road #1 - Just have a crappy attitude. "Well dang it! My day started out crappy, so I'm just going to have the rest of it be crappy. Stomp around. Slam cupboards. Not look at Tyler when I go back inside and just give him a guilt treatment. And just be mad the rest of the day. (Even as I write that, I noticed I'm typing hard on the keyboard! You know when you're mad, you slam the keys down! haha!) Or Road #2 - Realize Tyler was not trying to upset me. He really didn't even do anything wrong. Just start over now. DECIDE to have a positive attitude and enjoy this DOR. Enjoy the rest of this day despite it's beginnings.


Reluctantly, I guess I will choose Road #2. I'm really mentally having to work my way into that road.


So...let us begin! :)

Proverbs 31:20 - She opens her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her filled hands to the needy [whether in body, mind, or spirit].

Proverbs 9:3-5 - Wisdom... has sent her maids to cry out.... Whoever is simple (easily led astray and wavering), let him turn in here! As for him who lacks understanding, [God's] Wisdom says to him, Come, eat of my bread and drink...

Proverbs 9:13-17 - The foolish woman is noisy... calling to those who pass.... Whoever is simple (wavering and easily led astray), let him turn in here! And as for him who lacks understanding, she says to him, Stolen waters (pleasures) are sweet [because they are forbidden]; and bread eaten in secret is pleasant...

Voices are going to call out regardless. Wisdom is on a mission to make a difference. Wisdom is on a mission to allow the lost to turn down her path, to bring them down the path of understanding so they will not follow the road that leads to death. Wisdom sends out her maids to CRY OUT, because Wisdom most likely knows that the foolish woman will be yelling too! The foolish woman, whose road leads to death will be calling out, luring and tempting, "Come down my road!"

All the while, our Proverbs 31 friend PRO-ACTIVELY also reaches out. She is reaching out to the needy...... like Wisdom calls out to make a difference, to bring others to her path in Proverbs 9, our Proverbs 31 friend is also PRO-ACTIVELY reaching out to make a difference. It didn't say that the needy came knocking down her door asking for help, food, guidance, direction. Our Proverbs 31 friend chooses to be a VAR. In the "corporate world" which I left... we talked about VAR's a lot.... those companies that were "Value Adding Relationships". Our Proverbs 31 woman chooses to be a VAR. She chooses to be a VALUE ADDER in the lives of others. She isn't counting what she is going to get out of it, she is just choosing to give, to be a VALUE ADDER into the lives of those who need it. She is "reaching her hand out, calling out to those who may be going down the wrong path, and she says, "Come this way. Eat. Drink....travel this path."

Well... I hear the boy inside. Since my day has been a bit "unconventional"... I should probably go "play mom".

Food for thought.... 
First, Who can you add value to today? 
Secondly...what is going to determine your day? When things go bad....do those circumstances control the outcome of the rest of your day? Do YOU control having a good day, or do the circumstances control you?

#12 - The Unfair Advantage

Good Morning.... jacked about my morning coffee....as usual. Sitting on the porch again enjoying a nice morning. Sometimes it is hard to believe how quickly this time goes in the morning....it's like the time just flies! One thing that I have really been excited about is my desire to get up. If you know me well at all.... in the past I have never been much of a morning person. I typically have been the person that can sleep any time, anywhere & for LONG lengths! I actually woke up this morning before my alarm clock. But you know what? I think that as we draw into a closer and more intimate relationship with the Lord, we will crave that time to get up. The more you get of HIM, the more you will desire it! That your time in the Word will become a time like Christmas mornings! :) How exciting.....and me being a gifts person... I LOVE GIFTS.... it's exciting to have each morning being like Christmas morning! Where you wake up and you are just excited to hear what the Holy Spirit is going to reveal to you this morning?? Where is He taking you? Where is He leading? And what is He going to tell you this morning? You know, He does speak to us still IF we are willing to listen. Listening is developed.... so, If you have never really feel like you have been led directly by the Holy Spirit.... do not grow weary.... that leading is developed with a relationship. The more you get in the Word, the more you spend time, the more you focus on meditating and really ask questions.... the answers will be revealed. And when you get to that point, the point where you hear His Voice, where you can call on Him and He will answer, now that is a sweet place to be! So, let's get you there!!


This morning was JAM PACKED! So much that I definitely won't be able to go into depth about it all.... but very interesting.... and like normal.... new!

Proverbs 8:17 - I love those who love me, and those who seek me early and diligently shall find me. 

Proverbs 31:26 - She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness [giving counsel and instruction].

The Face of Wisdom.... we are going to search out who Wisdom really is, how to attain her & what value she brings. We see that Wisdom originated from the beginning, before the "7 Days of Creation", wisdom was. As you read through Proverbs, wisdom is referred to as "she."  


1) Where has she been? - She has been: formed and brought forth by the Lord from the beginning (Proverbs 8:22). We see in Proverbs 8:23-30 that wisdom saw and was the helping "master & director" of Creation, the 7 days of creation, she has seen it all! She has seen everything take place. She has knowledge of how everything has happened since before "time" even existed. So, if you want to really learn & know from ACTUAL experience. Wisdom has seen it ALL. She has seen the pitfalls of man, she has seen wealth & riches acquired, she has watched successful marriages form, she has seen the answer to every question. She knows it all. She has been with God before "time" even existed. Wisdom would be the best companion to have with you since wisdom has seen all, been everywhere & knows all things. 
2) Where does she stand? - For you... where is she? It says in verse 2 of chapter 8 that she stands on the heights, where the 2 paths meet, wisdom is there? What 2 paths?? YOUR TWO PATHS! YOUR TWO PATHS OF DECISION! The road that leads the way you SHOULD NOT GO and the road that leads to where you SHOULD GO! Wisdom is there! Verse 1 says that she RAISES HER VOICE, she CRIES OUT! So basically, if you are listening when you get to that path, if you SEEK the Lord's direction....I envision at the top of a hill, two roads, on one side we see HER.... we see a real person of God.... and she is like a coach or umpire standing on the path that leads to where YOU, where I am suppose to go. She is standing there yelling, "COME THIS WAY! THIS IS YOUR PATH! COME THIS WAY!! OVER HERE! DON'T EVEN LOOK down that other road! That road, that path leads to bad things....even though right here at the fork, both paths initially look the same, THEY ARE NOT! Come THIS WAY, travel THIS ROAD!" So, wisdom is at your point of decision. Listen for her and it says she is crying out, she is raising her voice. The way of wisdom is not a mystery IF you are listening. TAKE OUT THE EAR PLUGS! 
3) What does she bring of value? - When you say "BRING IT".... you put up your hands to a friend in jest or fun, you motion for them to come.... "BRING IT!" Well, wisdom BRINGS IT BABY!!! SHE BRINGS IT! What value does she bring? She brings it all. Verse 14, she brings counsel, knowledge, understanding, might & power. You need strength? Mental? Physical - you need big muscles for your profession? - Wisdom has it! Spiritual Strength? - She is bringing that too! Verse 18 & 21 talk about wisdom bringing riches, honor, wealth, righteousness, it talks about her "filling the treasuries of those who love her". In these verses when it is talking about wealth & riches, we are not talking about the cliche or spiritual, "Oh...she gives me riches of happiness, of goodness, of love..." Though "wisdom" may actually bring all this, in these verses the actual Hebrew translation is talking about the BLING! It is talking about the money! Like the old movie with Tom Cruise when he is dancing around saying, "Show me the Money! Show me the Money!" - Well, in this case, wisdom is bring it! She is showing the money to those who love her! In verse 12 (KJV) it talks about wisdom bringing forth "witty inventions". Do you think if you, sought out wisdom and got this brilliant idea for an invention, it could bring you financial prosperity? Of course it could & would & will IF you seek it out. Wisdom is bringing the whole package here!   
4) What does she love? - Call her a romantic, call her conceded (for desiring & wanting your time) or call her "love language"  that of "Quality Time"... but wisdom loves those who love her! Wisdom loves those who seek her out early. Whose priority right when they wake up is to seek her out. Those who seek her out diligently, with fervor. I apologize to those of you who aren't morning people. I found no way around the meaning of early. When I read it in the Hebrew, I found no way around it meaning early in the morning. The first part of your day. The first priority above other things. Early. First. Most important. (Proverbs 8:17)
5) How do you find her? - You find wisdom by seeking. No way around it. You have got to look for her. You have got to search her out. You have got to seek. I heard a great quote the other day, "The finding is left for those who do the searching." 

• The Ultimate reward? - Along with everything else that wisdom will provide to you, in verse 35, whoever finds wisdom will also receive FAVOR from the Lord!

Ladies, (really men too! Men, you realize if you are single, this should be the woman you are looking for! This Proverbs 31 woman! Have you studied her? Do you even know what she looks like? Does she possess these qualities found in Proverbs 31:10-31?)....what does this mean to you? Our Proverbs 31 woman has ATTAINED wisdom. She is friends of and with wisdom. She has done all the things above. She is using the experience of the one who has seen everything since before creation. Now that seems like an unfair advantage! :) To have the one who has seen it all? Talk about an advantage over those walking in the world, or those who do not seek! The unfair advantage is for you! Seek out wisdom! Our Proverbs 31 woman has done this!


Today, give yourself an unfair advantage. Begin to seek out wisdom! Get in the Word. 

"The finding is left for those who do the searching."