Proverbs 19:8

"Grow a wise heart - you'll do yourself a favor;

keep a clear head - you'll find a good life."

Proverbs 19:8 (The Message)

I've blogged about this verse already, but I just needed to write my thoughts about this verse again. I sincerely hope it doesn't sound like I'm tooting my own horn, because what I'm about to say is a gift from God, pure and simple. Trust me - the changes in my are definitely not of my own doing! They are a result of me finally allowing God to have complete and total control over every aspect of my life (at least the majority of the time).

I've been reading the Bible pretty much daily now since January. In that time, I have read Proverbs 3 times and am on my 4th time now. Each time God speaks to me in different ways. I've been trying really hard to apply what I hear God say to me. In doing so, my heart is growing wiser. I have a very, very long ways to go yet, but God is working. My head is clearer - especially when I get frustrated with my husband or my children. I'm keeping my cool more and while I have moments/days where I just feel like I'm at the end of my rope (as I did today), I'm also enjoying a better life than I ever have before. 

I have more self-control. I'm not so quick to lose my temper. And when I do get frustrated, I'm able to be quieter about it - more clear-headed. Am I perfect in this? By no means. But, I'm improving. And isn't that what we hope to do each day in our relationship with Christ? 

I pray the Lord continues to work in my heart. I pray that he continues to work in the relationships I have with my family and friends. I pray that he continues to teach me his wisdom so that my life just gets better and better!

Proverbs 15:23

"Congenial conversation - what a pleasure!

The right word at the right time - beautiful!"

Proverbs 15:23 (The Message)

Congenial conversation. I've had a lot of that lately having our friends staying with us! It's been such a gift for me to have another adult woman in my home! I enjoy the conversations we have with each other because we feel the same about so many things. However, there are a couple things we don't feel the same about and before realizing we don't feel the same about them, I have opened my mouth and inserted my foot. Thankfully, my friend understands that we're not going to enjoy the same things or agree with the same thing. I just wish I'd think before I speak because I realize now that the comments I have made have been rather judgmental towards certain people. (For instance, my view on motorcycles.) 

I used to be a very judgmental person and have changed quite a bit. In fact, I thought I had gotten rid of all judgmental attitudes (except towards myself *sigh*) before realizing that I've made at least two very judgmental comments in the presence of my dear friend. And I could feel the tension when I did it. I did tell her I hoped my words didn't offend her and she said no, but this Proverb stuck out at me tonight. I guess I need to work on that judgmental attitude a bit more after all. 

Thank you, Lord, for revealing my sin to me before I cause anyone serious hurt in my home and in my life today. Help me to stop before I speak if my words have the risk to sound judgmental or may hurt someone else. May my words be pleasurable and not hurtful. 

Proverbs 15: 26

"God can't stand evil scheming,

but he puts words of grace and beauty on display."

Proverbs 15:26 (The Message)

I had a thought while I was reading this verse: Do I put my kids' words of grace and beauty on display? More times than not, I don't. It's so easy, as parents, to see the wrong things our kids do and quickly call them on it. But, how often do we jump on the beautiful things they do? We've all seen the kids who act out negatively because that's the only time they get attention from their parents and they figure negative attention is better than no attention at all. Our kids may not be acting out negatively, but are they hearing that we see and notice the good things they do?

This verse convicted me to start finding something of grace and beauty from my kids' mouths or actions every day. I don't know about you, but I'm quick to forget when I have thoughts like this and by tomorrow I would forget I even decided to do this. This is where my cell phone comes in handy. I'm off to put a reminder in it right now - before I get distracted and forget. If you decide to join me on this, please comment below and share what beautiful things you see your kids doing and saying! And while we're at it - let's focus on the beautiful things our spouses and even our friends do, as well!

Psalm 39:1

I'm having a bad morning due to a bad attitude from one of my kids. So, I decided to read from Psalms and what do I read?

"I'm determined to watch steps and tongue so they won't land me in trouble. I decided to hold my tongue as long as Wicked is in the room. 'Mum's the word,' I said, and kept quiet. But the longer I kept silence the worse it got - my insides hotter and hotter. My thoughts boiled over, I spilled my guts." Psalm 39:1 (The Message)

This description is so accurate! The more I hold my tongue, the more I just want to spew my thoughts out for the world to hear - or at least for the child who's giving me trouble to hear. I'm not one who can hold her tongue very easily. I come from a family who knows how to have a good verbal fight. When I'm angry or hurt, I can usually speak my mind quite "well". But, in this instance, speaking my mind is only going to make things worse. The thing that this dear child of mine is upset about is so minute that it's not worth me saying anything more about. However, since I'm holding my tongue, my insides are burning up. 

There is a release for this. One that won't hurt anyone or cause me to need to make amends. That is releasing it all to God. Time to go pray...

Proverbs 21:12, 23

‎"A God-loyal person will see right through the wicked 

and undo the evil they've planned." 

Proverbs 21:12 (The Message)

Sometimes people don't actually PLAN evil, they just do things without thinking about how their actions will affect the people in their lives. It's still ends up being evil and it still ends up bringing great pain to people. 

As a wife, I have the opportunity to undo the hurt that has been brought upon my husband. I'm not sure how to do this, but I do know that God will guide me. And I also know that God's got this and He knows best. 

I also know that God will help me - 

 

"Watch my words and hold my tongue" (Proverbs 21:23)  

because doing this will save me a whole lot of grief. (But, I obviously have a lot to learn in this area since I'm having a hard time holding my tongue right now by even posting this one.)

Proverbs 18:10, 19, 24

"God's name is a place of protection - 
good people can run there and be safe." 
Proverbs 18:10 (The Message)

Just saying the name of God in my mind can calm my spirit and ease any anxiety.

"Words kill, words give life; they're either poison 

or fruit - you choose." 

Proverbs 18:19 (The Message)

Something I really have to watch is my tongue. It is definitely a powerful tool of the spirit that can wreak so much havoc or bring so much joy!

"Friends come and friends go, but a true friend 

sticks by you like family." 

Proverbs 18:24 (The Message) 

I am so blessed to have so many TRUE friends! Friends who are as close as sisters to me in so many ways! (Brothers too!)

Proverbs 15 (select verses)

"A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp 

tongue kindles a temper-fire." 

Proverbs 15:1 (The Message)

"Kind words heal and help; 

cutting words wound and main." 

Proverbs 15:4 (The Message)

"Hot tempers start fights; a calm, 

cool spirit keeps the peace." 

Proverbs 15:18 (The Message)

I'm learning this with my teen daughter. If I REACT to her reactions, oh boy - can a battle of wills be fought! But, if I RESPOND gently to her reactions, it cuts back on her negative responses as well. Sometimes it stinks to have to be the more mature one... LOL

Exodus 14:13-14

HAHA! I love Moses' reaction to the Israelites when they were freaking out because the Egyptians were following them after they were finally allowed to leave. In The Message is says: 

"Don't be afraid. Stand firm and watch God do his work of salvation for you today.
Take a good look at the Egyptians today for you're never going to see them again.
[This is the best part...] God will fight the battle for you. And you? You keep your mouths shut!" Exodus 14:13-14

Isn't that awesome?! Yeah.. sometimes God has to tell me to keep my mouth shut too...