31 Day Challenge- Proverbs Chapter 31- The End

We made it, I made it!  Wow, I have to say that I am proud of myself.  I am a good starter but not always a good finisher.  And I did it, I read a chapter of Proverbs everyday and then I blogged about it!!  You have no idea what an accomplishment this is for me!!!!

Chapter 31 !!!!!  Sorry I am a little excited, and overwhelmed.  People write whole books on this one chapter!

A Wife of Noble Character.  From the explanation of this wife in the second half of the chapter I  do not think that she has any problems sleeping at night.  I would be exhausted at the end of day completing that list.

Proverbs 31:30 sums it all up for me.  What does it all come down to?  The fear of the Lord.

Proverbs 1:7
Fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Proverbs 9:10
Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding.

Proverbs 10:27
Fear of the LORD lengthens one's life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.

Proverbs 14:27
Fear of the LORD is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death.

Proverbs 15:33
Fear of the LORD teaches a person to be wise; humility precedes honour.

Proverbs 16:6
Unfailing love and faithfulness cover sin; evil is avoided by fear of the LORD.

Proverbs 19:23
Fear of the LORD gives life, security, and protection from harm.

Proverbs 22:4
True humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honour, and long life.

I just love it when a blog comes together!  That seems like a good summary of what we have learned throughout our study of Proverbs.  When it doubt-- it all comes back to the fear of the Lord.

I can honestly say that I am not the same person I was in February.  I have definitely grown in character and wisdom.  Studying the scriptures never brings void.

Thank you Lord for planting this challenge in my brain and into my heart.  Thank you for caring enough for me to want to see me grow in the ways you need me to-- in order to accomplish your plan.  May we continue to work and grow together.  May my yearning for your Word never leave but only grow stronger and more passionate.  Thank you for this month and I look forward in anticipation to April! AMEN!

Thank you for joining me in this 31 Day Challenge.  I have another idea brewing in my head for July.  I was thinking about doing a book together.  I have contacted the author to see if she will give us a deal on her book.  I will let you know the progress on that.

Until then I want to do more studying so as I am studying scriptures for my online Bible Study in the fall I will let you know what I am doing.  I also have more surprises starting on Monday.

Blogging is so much fun!!!  Hope to see you back here soon!

31 Day Challenge- Proverbs Chapter 30

Chapter 30!  Are we having fun yet?

This is an interesting chapter.  This Chapter was not written by Solomon but by Agur.  As I was listening and then reading this Chapter I thought it was so funny that he continued to correct himself, He would say there are three things…. no four.  This is found in V’s. 15, 18, 21, then in verse 24 he goes straight to four and then in V. 29 starts out at three again. 

To be honest nothing really jumped out at me today. But I do like how the chapter began.  Agur basically started out by saying that he feels very inferior and he is not where he would like to be.  Which I really respect.  Too many speakers get up there and state all their accomplishments in hopes that their words hold more value.

First we need to remember where those accomplishments came from and I would rather listen to someone with a humble heart.  This chapter is written from the perspective of a man on journey.  To me that shows a lot of wisdom.  Well done Agur, for writing from where you are, not pretending to write where you think you should be.

31 Day Challenge- Proverbs Chapter 28

Not sure if I am going to be able to post tonight or not, my computer is acting so very weird.  I have already had to restart it once and I have been reading the paper waiting for things to open.

I don’t know why I said I would post everyday.  Sunday’s are hard because it is family day.  But my daughters are in bed and my husband should arrive home from what I hear was a very eventful fishing trip.  And by eventful I mean not very good situations.  I am waiting to hear the stories from him.   I am not sure if he will tell me tonight or if he is going to go straight to bed.

Now Chapter 28,

This is chapter is basically about making good choices.  V.13 “People who cover their sins will not prosper.  But if they confess and forsake them, they will receive mercy.”

Let’s be honest with each other.  We all make mistakes, none of us are perfect.  Admit it and move on.  I felt so much better when I did.  I held on to so much for so long because of what I thought people would think of me.  I think they appreciated me for sharing it.

V.23 “In the end, people appreciate frankness more than flattery.”

My husband and I have both been told that people appreciate our honesty when we are approached for our opinions.  But we have also been told that maybe we are a little too opinionated.  Both of us are very analytical.  We want to know what makes people tick; we ask a lot of questions because we want to learn.  This verse helped me feel better about who I am and my personality.  I love to encourage people, but I also like to tell it like it is.  Hopefully, not many will hold it against me. J

31 Day Challenge- Proverbs Chapter 27

WOW! Today’s Podcast was great!  “Words of a Feather” such a great podcast, it is definitely worthy of 7 minutes of your time.  I had never heard the feather story before, but I know that it will be one that I remember.

I was convicted years ago about words.  After being involved in the modelling industry I know how deep words can hurt.  Losing a job because they thought one of my eyebrows was just a little higher than they other really hurts at the time.  Now it wouldn't bother me as much because if in fact one eyebrow is higher than the other it is because that is the way God made me and my eyebrows are perfect!  What an interesting industry, your flaws are pointed out to you on a regular basis.  The people involved in this industry are very strong individuals.  I couldn’t handle it at the time, and I am not sure if I could handle it now.  (But I don’t have to worry about it because I don’t look like I once did J, I had to post a picture just so you would believe me)

On to Chapter 27!

V.2 “Don't praise yourself; let others do it!”

I don’t ever remember reading this verse but I really like it.

V.17 “As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend.”

I love this verse, how true it is.  I can honestly say that I don’t think that I had a true friend until my 30’s.  I really didn’t have friends through school.  When I got married I moved to a different Province so I was starting from scratch.  Then as a Pastor’s wife you never know whether they are your friends or if they are just being nice because you are a Pastor’s wife.  Something I learned the hard way after our two church experiences.  Now I have friends that hold me accountable, pray for and support me.  That is the kind of friend that sharpens you.

V. 19 “As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the person.”

There are several verses that portray this message throughout scripture and I think of them often.  When you work with teens, they see and know all.  You can not be fake or pretend to care about them.  They know when you are not real.  I know that what is in my heart reflects outward.  I want people to see Christ through me, I want people I come into contact with to know that I am the real deal.  That just made me think of a situation from almost 8 years ago. 

Eight years ago on March 27, 2002 I was a very large person.  I was pregnant with my first child and I had gained over 50lbs.  Which was strange because I had just spent the last eight months throwing up.  Seriously, I was on disability from work because I could not keep anything down and then it stopped two weeks before I gave birth and turned into horrible heartburn.  Oh, the joys of pregnancy.  Anyway, the day of delivery, of my daughter I mean.  It was Sunday and one of the Mom’s of our youth was a nurse in the maternity ward.  As she was leaving church she told me to come in and have the baby because she was working that night.  I jokingly said, “Okay, see you later.”  About 12 hours later I am being wheeled into the maternity ward asking the Mother of one of our youth for drugs.  I believe my words were, “Give me some drugs, this hurts so bad!”

They tell you in prenatal classes that on average the first delivery lasts between 10-12 hours.  I should have known that I am never average, my contractions started at 2 minutes apart.  We lived 30 minutes from the hospital.  By the time I got there I was already well on my way and drugs were not possible.  They said that a bath would help.  (It didn’t really help.)  I also learned that my Doctor was just on his way back from Calgary and he was hoping to make it in time for the delivery.  My delivery plan was working out perfectly!  NOT!!!!

Thankfully I was the only one delivering at the time and I had all the nurses attention.  Just four hours after I had the first contraction at home, Acacia popped into the world.  Literally, my Doctor did arrive just in time and he wasn’t expecting her for a few more pushes, I can still remember the surprised look on his face as he caught her.  Is this too much information?

Anyway, the point of the story is this.  The next Sunday at church the mom of one of our youth came up to tell me that I am who I say I am.  When I was delivering (remember--without drugs) that I didn’t change who I was.  She said that many women come through the maternity ward and they do not act at all like the person that they present in public.  You see, when you are going through that much pain you can’t hide who you really are.  That was probably one of the most uncomfortable, yet most complimentary compliments that I have ever received. (it is really awkward to have the nurse and doctor who helped deliver your children attend your churchJ) 

Well, I need to wrap this up and get back to my girls.  If you are friends with me on Facebook you can see the pictures I posted from our girls spa night last night.  They are so cute.  Maybe I will write a post about soon and share the pictures on here. 

Hope you enjoyed today’s Podcast as much as I did.  See you tomorrow!

31 Day Challenge- Proverbs Chapter 26

Chapter 26-

I have to admit that V.11 always grosses me out, but I understand the point they are trying to make.

V.14 “As a door turns back and forth on its hinges, so the lazy person turns over in bed.”

This verse reminded me of sleeping in.  I like my sleep; I always have.  Having children really takes sleep away from you.  Now that my children are at the sleep-through-the-night phase, they still like to get up early in the morning.  Which is hard for me, but instead of getting up and going crazy they are coming in to cuddle in the morning.  I am holding on to this time because it isn’t going to last forever but I am thinking we need a King size bed. 

Anyway, back to the verse.  I always feel like I have wasted my day whenever I sleep in.  When I read about the lazy person that turns over in bed, it made me think about how when you don’t want to get up you keep rolling over hoping that you will fall back asleep.  I can roll over 50 times hoping to fall back asleep but if my mind is awake there is no hope of falling back to sleep.  But I will continue to lie there hoping that maybe sleep will come.  And then I get up feeling like I wasted my morning.  For some reason I don’t think I will be sleeping in tomorrow.

While listening to the podcast today I kept thinking in my head about how Proverbs keeps talking about fools.  When I read that I usually think about people in society who are destructively wasting their lives away with the choices that they are making.

Then today I started to think about a different kind of fool, it isn’t always those who don’t know Christ.  Unfortunately today some Christians choose to act like fools.  For some reason it is like they feel entitled.  Which is surprising if you read the scriptures.

Mat 20:16
"And so it is, that many who are first now will be last then; and those who are last now will be first then."

Philippians 2:3-5 “Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing. Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had.”

Mar 10:45
For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many."

I remember working at Burger King in my teens and just hating when youth groups would come in.  They were worse than the after-the-bar crowd.  They would just destroy the place.  Through my husbands business we have our fellow church goers who ask for the “Church discount”.  My husband is self-employed, I stay home and do his books and all the duties of wife and mother.  We need to feed our family-- it’s nice that you go to our church but we have bills to pay. 

I don’t mean to rant here, but I really don’t think that King Solomon is speaking to “those people”.  We all have times where we choose to be a fool.  We need to pay attention to all the Proverbs and apply them within.  Trust me I am included with this.  I know that i have been a “fool” and I still have things to work on, this is a reminder for me to stay focused on what I am studying and apply it.

31 Day Challenge- Proverbs Chapter 24

Well, the Proverbs Podcast for Proverbs 24 was an exact fit for me again today!  Wow!  It continued along the lines of what I talked about yesterday.  It is called “Beyond Defeat”.  I thought it was just so fitting for today. 

I listened to a show on Blog Talk Radio today through the Christian Woman Affiliate and they had Liz Curtis Higgs on as their guest.  Liz was speaking about her past and how she had a wild 10 year streak.  At one point in her life she wished that she could erase those 10 years from her life.  Then she realized that because of those 10 years she is who is today and her ministry and the growth in her life is all because of those 10 years.

I know there are points in my life that I would like to erase as well.  But I know they are there for a reason.  I call them my “Character Building Exercises”.  My character—who I am today—would be completely different if I didn’t have those years.  I wouldn’t have been able to write my book without those exercises.  Exercising is never fun, well at least I don’t find it “fun”.  I like the rewards from exercise, such as fitting my clothes better, my body doesn’t jiggle as much, joint pain is less, etc.  The same goes for “Character Building Exercises”, it’s not fun when you are going through it but the reward is in the character that has been developed.  You are stronger, wiser and closer to Christ as you work to become who He has created you to be.  Here is another verse about hope:

V.14 “In the same way, wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, you will have a bright future, and your hopes will not be cut short.”

In today’s Podcast Al Fike says that,

“Failure is NOT failure; it is one step closer to success.”

Failure gets such a negative rap.  Doing things wrong is how you get to right.  What encouraging messages I heard again and again today.  It was obviously something that I needed to hear.  Just because I have “stuff” in my past doesn’t mean that God can’t use me, it means that He will use my “stuff” to help others find the path that leads to Him.  Can I get an “AMEN!”

31 Day Challenge- Proverbs Chapter 23

Chapter 23!  Wow, this month is flying by!

V.18 “For surely you have a future ahead of you; your hope will not be disappointed.”

When I was in my teens I didn’t think that I had much of a future.  The people around me would have probably agreed as well.  I didn’t put a lot of effort into anything, I basically just did what I had to do to get a passing grade.

In about grade 10 or 11 I took one of those tests that are supposed to help you determine what would be a good career choice.  My top one was teaching.  I had several relatives that had chosen that profession.  I had a few teachers along the way that I really liked and thought it would be awesome to have that kind of impact on someone.  But after meeting with the guidance counsellor that dream disappeared quickly.  She told me that my marks were not good enough and I would never last in university so I should just think about going to a community college.  I had no idea where to go from there.  What I thought was my future, would never happen.

I thought about applying to a Christian college but I was to embarrassed because of what people would say.  So, I ended up applying to college to study advertising because I thought what Angela Bower did on “Who’s the Boss” looked kinda cool.  Not the best reasoning but it has come in handy here and there.

Back to verse 18, it says that you have a future and that your hope will not be disappointed.  My hope of having a future in teaching is not disappointed.  I am not teaching in a school but I am teaching Sunday School which is a highlight in my week.  And starting in the fall I will be teaching my book as on online Bible study.  Now that is awesome!  Things didn’t turn out as I planned, but rather how God planned.  And it is so much better than I would have imagined.  Seeing all the pieces come together just shows me the awesomeness of God and how He loves me and wants what is best for me.  AMEN!

Never give up on your future, you don’t know the plan.

31 Day Challenge- Proverbs Chapter 22

Today’s Proverbs Podcast from Al Fike really kicked me in the butt.  I have to admit that I was having a few issues this morning with my daughters and this podcast entitled “Family Matters” was something that I really needed to hear.

I need to take a look in the mirror and I need the wisdom to make this family work together.

The questions at the end of the podcast are:

1. If there was one thing that you could change about your family situation what would it be?
2. How could you be a better example in your home?
3. What is your daily prayer concerning your family?

It is incredible when you take a step back and look from the outside in at your situation how much clearer it can become.  As I spent the morning frustrated with my daughters in the end I realized that it was really my issue that I needed to address.  After school today I sat down with my girls and apologized for this morning and  I tried to explain the situation from my perspective.  I think a lesson was learned by all.

This was such a good podcast for Chapter 22!

Parenting is difficult.  In my book I wrote a chapter called “Parental Dictatorship”.  Many teens think that their parents are making their lives miserable because of all the rules, etc.  I wanted to help the girls understand that, that isn’t the case.  I studied many scriptures on parenting, many which were found in Proverbs and I started the chapter explaining the responsibilities of a parent as explained in scripture.  When you start seeing it from that perspective many of my readers then realize that parenting is a little more difficult than they thought. 

I know I didn’t understand it until I was holding my daughter in my arms and understanding the trust that God had given me to raise her according to His will.  My husband and I tried for a while to have a child and after a couple of miscarriages we started the application process for adoption.  That was a difficult time, but now that I look back on it I can now see that I wasn’t ready at the time.  I had a hard life lesson that I had to learn first and when our first daughter came along the timing was perfect.

V.6 “Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it.”

I like that verse, it reminds us to teach, not demand, not to choose the path for them.  But to teach. 

“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime”—Author unknown

31 Day Challenge- Proverbs Chapter 21

Only 10 days left.  Wow, this month is going by far too quickly.  On to Chapter 21!

V.2 “People may think they are doing what is right, but the LORD examines the heart.”

Continues on with what wrote about yesterday concerning 21:27.  Another good reminder, I may have to post that one somewhere to keep it in mind.

I just love, love, love this verse:

V.21 “Whoever pursues godliness and unfailing love will find life, godliness, and honor.”

Do I actively pursue godliness and unfailing love?  I don’t think I pursue it; I don’t even think that I am worthy of it.  What a lesson for me.  Wow, that one verse has given me so much to think about.

Tonight’s is going to be short and sweet, I have some thinking to do and I want to cuddle with my husband and watch a movie.  Ponder that verse for yourself.  Do you pursue godliness and unfailing love?  If you aren’t pursuing that, what are you pursuing?

31 Day Challenge- - Proverbs Chapter 20

I am really late, my apologies to all (if you actually noticed).  I started off the month well having my blog posted by 10am every morning.  Now it is 12:08 and it is officially the 21st, but since I am still up and going from the 20th.  We will go with 20th, does that sound okay with everyone?  Glad we are in agreement, now on with Chapter 20!

There are many verses that stand out like v.7, so very true, what we pass on to our children; v.12- there is that reminder again; v.24- Lord please show me the way.

But what hits me in the gut is v.27 “The LORD's searchlight penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive.”

I can be doing the most noble thing, but if I am doing it with the wrong motives I might as well not had done it at all.  I remember the first time I read that verse I felt almost invaded, like I had been found out.  It made me really stop to think about why I do the things that I do.  What is my motive?  Am I hoping for some type of gain or praise?  This is starting to make me think too huge; let’s just take a look at today.  Why did I do the things that I did today?  How would you answer that question?  I have to say that my answers are way more pure than they were a couple of years ago.  I can say that I am more focused on the God impact than the Cj impact.  But there is still work to be done in me.  I am definitely a work in progress; but I am happy to say that I am not the person that I used to be and tomorrow is another day to start fresh and new.  What I didn’t do well in today I can do better in tomorrow, because tomorrow is a new day!

“And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.” Philippians 1:6

It is now 12:41am and I need to go to sleep, I have a Sunday School class to teach in the morning and I need to be able to make coherent sentences.  I am just having so much fun with this, I feel giddy with God.  Does that sound funny or am I just over-tired?  I don’t know what to call it but I just feel alive in God again.  It is something that has always been there in me but it is just way more evident these days.  Thank you God that you never leave nor forsake us.  AMEN!

31 Day Challenge- Proverbs Chapter 19

I still can’t believe that I posted what I did last night, but I am glad that I did.  Today has been a different day.  When you bring things to light they do not have a hold on you any more. AMEN!

Now for Chapter 19!

I didn’t have to read very far before a verse jumped off the page screaming at me.

V.2 “Zeal without knowledge is not good; a person who moves too quickly may go the wrong way.”

How true is that!  I have been known to, at times, get really excited about something and jump in wanting to go with it right away.  I have been learning that just because God is giving me passions for something doesn’t mean that He wants me to start it tomorrow.  If I do not have the knowledge or understanding I may go a different way than what God has planned for me.  Oh, don’t I know it!  My husband could tell you a lengthy list of when I have been guilty of this.  But I am learning!

V.3 “People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the LORD.”

Ain’t that the truth!  We make our own beds and yet we get mad at God for ruining our lives.  Wake up and smell the java, (I’m telling myself this). We have been given the gift/curse of free will and a brain-- we choose how we will use them.

V.4- Just kidding, that would make for a long blog wouldn’t it!

V.8 “To acquire wisdom is to love oneself; people who cherish understanding will prosper.”

I love that verse!  Chapter Four of my book is called “Loving Oneself”, I was just going through that chapter today.  How awesome is that!  By acquiring wisdom we are helping improve who we are.  We would only want to do that if we love ourselves enough to be who we have been created to be.  I think that calls for another- AMEN!

V.23 “Fear of the LORD gives life, security, and protection from harm.”

Fear of the Lord is a healthy respect; which is something that is not hard to do.  But if we can choose to do that, look what can come our way- life, security and protection from harm.  I love knowing that I have God on my side.  When I feel like I am in a place where I am not sure how to handle it, I know that if I depend on Him, He has got my back.  He does not want to see me harmed but He wants to see me living for and furthering His Kingdom.

What a great way to end my day.  I don’t know what I am going to do when I am done the book of Proverbs, I’m going to miss it.  I think I will move on to another book.  Any suggestions?

31 Day Challenge- Proverbs Chapter 18

Chapter 18:

V. 4 “A person's words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook.”

I have been attending the A Woman Inspired Conference all week.  What an incredible group of women.  It is an online conference so all there is, is words.  There is no video so the speakers aren’t wearing flashy clothes, actually one of the speakers today admitted they were in their pyjamas!  All of the attendees write back and forth in a chat sharing struggles and encouragements.  I do not add a lot to the chats but I do watch them go by and am amazed at the relationships that are being started and built. 

Here’s an honest admission for tonight, I am jealous of the relationships that the women around me have.  I never feel like I fit in.  Not sure why.  I love this online conference-- I can go and learn, the messages that are spoken are truly words of life-giving water, I have been blessed over and over from what has been shared.  And yet I go and really never feel like I fit in.  One of the speakers today was Sue Cramer from Praise and Coffee- all these women were talking about getting together for time of praise and coffee.  That would be awesome and such a time of encouragement.

This weekend my church is having their annual women’s retreat and I’m not going.  I definitely do not feel like I fit in there, at least on-line I can go and sit quietly in the background and no one really notices, at a retreat you don’t have a lot of places to hide.  I’m almost starting to make myself cry, didn’t plan on this being my blog for tonight but what comes out, is what I will post.

I am going to have to do some thinking as to why I don’t feel like I fit in.  Many of the women’s retreats that I have attended I have been the speaker.  Maybe that has something to do with it.  I am all ears if any one has any insight into my quandary.

Maybe it is time for me to refocus on what I should be doing here.  Back to Proverbs Chapter 18.  V.4 is really awesome though.  Words can hurt and words can be live-giving water.  We need to keep our mouths in check. 

I was just reading on and look what I found in V.21 “Those who love to talk will experience the consequences, for the tongue can kill or nourish life.”  Tongues are powerful, it can get us into a lot of trouble or it can nourish life.  I like that- nourish life.  Nourish: to supply with what is necessary for life, health, and growth; to strengthen and build up. Nourish- I like that word a lot.

V.22 “The man who finds a wife finds a treasure and receives favor from the LORD.”

I had to share that one with my husband, just to remind him what a treasure he has.  As if he could ever forget. J

31 Day Challenge- Proverbs Chapter 17

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!  The graphic is from a friend via the “A Woman Inspired” conference.  Click on the graphic to visit her site!

Now on to Chapter 17!

Looking at the last few verses of the chapter, it reminds of me of the saying “You have two ears and one mouth for a reason.”  Sometimes I forget that.  I can learn a lot more my keeping my mouth shut, rather always trying to share my opinion and thoughts.

There is another saying that says:

“It is better to remain silent and be

thought a fool than to open one's mouth

and remove all doubt.”  Abraham Lincoln

Those are very wise words. I need to keep them in mind; I like to keep people guessing. J

31 Day Challenge, Proverbs Chapter 16

Well, we are already half way there!  I am getting wiser by the day!  Chapter 16!

I am so enjoying spending daily time in the Word.  Why is this something I have to cram into my daily schedule.  I should be craving it.  On Thursday I am going to be a guest writer at the Canadian Authors who are Christian blog.  It is going to give practical advice about making time.  I will make sure I post a link so you can read it.

In today’s chapter I found so many verses that stood out to me.  So I am just going to tell you the verse and then a few (hopefully) short thoughts on them.

V.9 “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.”

Amen for that, my steps usually get me into trouble or go in the wrong direction.

V.24 “Kind words are like honey--sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”

Something you may not know about me: I grew up on a bee farm, yup, an apiary.  I would put the whole bee suit on and go out and check the hives.  I could talk for an hour about how wonderfully created the bee is from the Queen, to the worker to the drone.  Growing up on a bee farm also means lots of honey!  Instead of sugar on your cereal, we had honey.  Honey on and in everything.  Of course it was 100% natural honey not like what you buy in the stores.  Honey is sweet and good for you.  Just like kind words.  Ephesians 4:29 says, “Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”

V.31 “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life.”

I thought my gray hair was from my children!  With all the gray that I am getting I guess I must be on the right track! J

31 Day Challenge, Proverbs Chapter 15

I am so excited that the A Woman Inspired Online Conference started today!  I just love it!  I think my family does too, because I spend a lot more time in the kitchen so that I can listen to the speakers and I end up baking and making special dinners.  I am looking forward to tomorrows conference here are the sessions:

• Worship and Encouragement- Deidra Hughes
• Heaping on Coals: Practical Steps to Exercising Biblical Forgiveness- Lisa McKay
• Looking for Peace in All the Wrong Places: discerning the peace-stealers of our daily life- Kathy Butryn
• When Church Hurts- Angela Parsley

Tickets are still available at: http://www.awomaninspiredconference.org/register/  Hope to see you online tomorrow.  I have also made many new twitter friends—it just makes it so much fun!

Now for Chapter 15:

V.2 “The wise person makes learning a joy; fools spout only foolishness.”

Did you have a teacher growing up that made learning a joy?  I remember a couple of teachers throughout the years that made learning fun; they just had an excitement about their subject and it made it a lot more fun to learn.  The excitement was contagious. 

At the school my daughters attend the Grade One teacher’s name is Mrs. Hug.  What a great name.  Grade One is a foundational year and Mrs. Hug makes it a joy to go to school and to learn how to read.  She even gets the parents involved; I know I am drawn in to help out her class.  I don’t think I would be as involved at the school if it wasn’t for her.  Once a week I go and read with the Grade One students and then I move into my other daughters class and help with various duties there.  It helps that I was once a Educational Associate with the school division but it is great to be involved and get to know the students and hopefully other parents will feel comfortable volunteering there as well.  I figure, the more help I can give the teacher, the more the teacher will have to give to the students.

I desire learning to be a joy for my daughters, that they are excited about learning and experiencing new things.  A family that we are friends with are now in Bolivia (this is their blog); I have to admit that I am very jealous.  They are there teaching different life skills- the husband is a computer genius and the wife owns a spa here so she is teaching a variety of skills and their three children are having a life changing experience.

I believe that it was a very wise idea to commit to having this experience as a family.  What a way to learn and experience things out of their comfort zone.  Their children are going to come back wiser and more attuned to life then most children their age.  Their children are still young- I am probably wrong but I am guessing that they are 4,6 & 10.  What an experience for them!  Did I tell you yet how jealous I am?

As always I also I have analyze it from my perspective as well.  Do I make learning a joy to those I come into contact with.  I love to teach, but do I make learning a joy?  Maybe I will have to ask my Sunday School that question next week.  But the verse says with wisdom you can make learning a joy.  I am thankful for this 31 Day Challenge, because it can only help me become the teacher that I want to be.  I want to help people get excited to hold and open their Bibles to see what they are going to learn with each chapter that is read.  May I gain more and more wisdom from studying the Proverbs!

31 Day Challenge, Proverbs Chapter 14

I am not sure if I have mentioned in my blog about my Sunday School class.  I am teaching the Grade 7-12 the youth version of “Experiencing God” by Dr. Henry Blackaby.  Wow, do I love it!  I love the study and I love teaching.  I have learned something really important about myself over the past few months-- that just because I am a published author does not mean that I have to be a travelling speaker.  Travelling around and speaking does not work with my family at all.  By teaching Sunday School I have learned that I love to teach, that I am made to teach, not be a speaker.  They are two very different things.  I am not a go in and pump up the crowd type of person.  I am a challenging, use your brain kind of teacher.  I am so glad that I have figured this out.  Not sure how this all ties into Chapter 14, but I just wanted to share that with you.

King Solomon writes a lot about “fools” in this Chapter and how we are to avoid them.  You would think that would be common sense.  But why is it so often we are drawn to them?  That the way that they are living actually looks inviting sometimes.  I read through this chapter a couple of times and so much of it just seems like common sense; it makes me wonder why God felt this needed to be included.

But I guess we all need a reminder every now and then.  If we make active choices about where we go and who we are letting influence our lives then it will make our life’s path a lot more enjoyable.

31 Day Challenge, Proverbs Chapter 13

I am loving the discipline this is giving me to actually write in my blog everyday!

On to Chapter 13!

V. 24 “If you refuse to discipline your children, it proves you don't love them; if you love your children, you will be prompt to discipline them.”

I love this verse because it gives me the right to beat my children!  HA HA HA, just kidding!

It does not give me the right to beat my children but it does give me instruction to give consequences for their actions.  Children need to learn the difference between right and wrong.  The home is the best place to learn that.  Too often as parents we want to protect them and guide them through life and then they move out to go to university and they discover a cruel world that they can no longer be protected from.  Home is a safe place to learn how to fail and make poor choices. 

I worked as an Educational Associate at a school for a couple of years and it was a learning experience to see the behaviour of some parents.  One day after school the phone rang in the Resource Room.  I answer the phone to hear an irate parent telling me that their child came home from school today and lied to them and they wanted to know what I was going to do about it.  I am not a person who often find themselves speechless but this was one of those rare moments.  I thought they were joking, but they seriously wanted to know what the school was going to do about this situation.

I believe I told them that it was their job as a parent and that we would help the student academically but this issue was theirs to deal with at home.

I have been involved in the school system and as a Pastors wife and I often wonder why so many parents feel like everyone else should be teaching their children morals and values.  As a parent, I take that responsibility very seriously, I want my children to learn from me and I hope that the outside influences (school and church) are reiterating the same things that I am teaching them.

I believe that my children know that when we discipline them it is because we love them.  Funny thing is, today we had to discipline our oldest and she is subject to consequences for her actions.  We have certain family rules and she broke one;  therefore she has consequences.  She is not in favour of the consequences, but we as parents are hoping that she will learn this lesson and we will not have to go through this again.  Tomorrow is the day of  the consequence, I am praying for strength so that I can hold her to the consequence that we have chosen.  Which as parents can be difficult but a lesson needs to be learned.  I would rather her learn that lesson now in the safety of a loving home, then in a unfair world that may hand out an even greater consequence.

Parenting in tough.  This afternoon we were discussing licenses with our children.  How you need a license to drive a car, and another to ride a motorcycle and another to drive a boat.  Even though I am old enough to drive all three I can only legally drive a car.  The reason you need a license for each one is because they are all different and you need to prove that you are capable and responsible to drive each one.  Then I turned to my husband and said, “What if we needed a license to have children?”  He turned to me and said, “Neither of us would have passed.”  Honestly, how many of us would, it is trial by error and a lot of prayer that we are able to parent.

“Discipline doesn't break a child's spirit half as often as the lack of it breaks a parent's heart”

31 Day Challenge, Proverbs Chapter 12

I am going to have a few tricky days ahead of me.  My girls are off school until Wednesday and they have been requesting a lot of me today.  Hopefully I can keep up with my blog each day.

Chapter 12 starts off with a bang, I love it!!!  V.1 “To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.”

I heard in one of the Proverbs podcasts about how leaders are self-educators.  Leaders love to learn, they are constantly reading, going to conferences and listening to all kinds of teaching to be continuously learning.  I love to do all those things so I guess I can place myself in the category of leader. 

Currently, I am addicted to podcasts and Blog Talk Radio.  A friend of mine also likes podcasts and I love it when she shares her finds with me.  Saskatoon is an hour and a half drive from our home; I like it when I have to do the drive by myself because then I am all by myself and my thoughts and I get to listen to podcasts and see what I can learn during the drive to and from. 

Sometimes I get a challenging talk to listen to and then I have to pause it just to digest a bit before I can start it again.  I do that with the Rob Bell podcast; I honestly don’t think I could attend his church because I wouldn’t be able to hit the pause button to digest his teaching, I just couldn’t take that much information in an hour.  But I have to admit that Mars Hill Bible Church is one of my favourite podcasts to listen to.

Anyway, back to Proverbs Chapter 12 verse 1.  I love to learn- to take in information.  But there are other ways to learn as well.  Life gives us a lot of “learning” as well.  Sometimes we get it wrong, and that is okay because that is how you get to right.  I can’t rely on reading and podcasts to learn what I need to live my life as an example of Jesus Christ.  I have to learn through the daily events that happen in my life.  I can’t love one way of learning and hate another, it all works together in order for me to be the woman of God that I am created to be.

V.24 “Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.”

31 Day Challenge, Proverbs Chapter 11

Well, verse 2 of Chapter 11 brought a smile to my face.  “Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”

With some of the humility lessons I have learned in my life, I feel as though I should be so much wiser.  My the stories I could tell; but I will share them in another post.

V. 17 “Your own soul is nourished when you are kind, but you destroy yourself when you are cruel.”

Wow, I like that verse.  Our actions- how we choose to act is so important!  Sometimes I ask my daughters about how they are choosing to act in different situations.  While they are young they need to understand that actions are a choice.  Our lives are not made up of reactions.

V.20 “The LORD hates people with twisted hearts, but he delights in those who have integrity.”

Integrity- doing what is right, when no one else knows.

We are getting into the section of Proverbs that has so much in it.  But I find it so reassuring that by living a godly life that it is the way to go.  Sometimes it feels like it takes so much more effort, but it is truly worth it!

31 Day Challenge, Proverbs Chapter 10

Today’s is my sister’s birthday, Happy Birthday Kim!

Chapter 10: Today there were so many verses that stood out to me.  So I just thought I would post them.

v.2 “Ill-gotten gain has no lasting value, but right living can save your life.”

V.7 “We all have happy memories of the godly, but the name of a wicked person rots away.”

V.17 “People who accept correction are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore it will lead others astray.”

V.21 “The godly give good advice, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.”

V.24 “The fears of the wicked will all come true; so will the hopes of the godly.”

I think the next verse goes well with the previous.

V.28 “The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations of the wicked are all in vain.”

V.32 “The godly speak words that are helpful, but the wicked speak only what is corrupt.”

If I had to sum up my thoughts on this chapter I would say that I hope when I am gone that I am remembered for the words I used to make life a more positive experience for the people I have come into contact with over the years.

How would you like to be remembered?