Speak Wisdom

The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just. — Psalm 37:30

Sarah, Carol and Hadassa

I don't always speak wisdom.

In fact, I usually have to ask God to give me wisdom before I even open my mouth.

Otherwise, I'm likely to say something that I will regret later.

I am thankful for the times when the Holy Spirit convicts me that what I'm about to utter is not appropriate.

My mom used to say she had to bite her tongue until it was bloody.

I know exactly how she felt.

It's hard to keep silent when you have the perfect retort.

God is helping me to speak what is just instead of what my impulses tell me to say.

The Lord Upholds Me

The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. — Psalm 37:23-24

This Psalm of David puts it so well: The Lord makes my steps firm.

I delight in God.

Even when I stumble, God holds me upright.

He does not let me fall.

He upholds me with His hand.

And he provides friends and family to hold me up, too.

He has held me up during this season of my cancer.

He has given me strength to move forward and not give up.

When I wasn't sure of the way, God kept me on the right path.

And even now, when I hesitate, He prods me on.

Be Still Before the Lord

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. — Psalm 37:7

I am not prone to being still.

I enjoy moving and getting up to take care of things while others sit around.

I'm also not always very patient, although I've gotten more so over the years.

God is still molding and shaping me.

Thankfully, He's not finished yet.

I still fret when people act in wicked ways.

But God is teaching me to rely on Him, not to fret, and to turn my worries over to Him.

Exercise helps me de-stress.

Today I had my class at the Y. This was my partial view.

We started with cardio and then tried some more of the leg machines, the adductor and abductor, leg press, leg lifts, and more.

I may be a bit stiff tomorrow, but it was fun today!

Take Delight in the Lord

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. — Psalm 37:4

When I stay in the Lord's will, he gives me even more than I could ask or imagine.

When I read God's Word, I can't help but delight in Him.

I love God's Word. 

It is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. 

God's Word guides me through the paths of life.

He know my needs before I even ask. Thank you, Lord.

Grace to Help Us

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. — Hebrews 4:16

This week my brother will have to make the hard decision to put down his dog.

What a sad time after having him for five years as companion and friend.

But the cancer racing in his body is just getting worse, and he is failing quickly.

So the best thing for him is to put him out of his misery, even though that's really hard for us to do.

God gives us His grace to help us through these hard times.

He carries us through our time of need when it seems nothing is going our way.

He comforts us when we are sad and grieving.

I am praying for my brother this week as he says goodbye and then grieves for his dear great dane.
 

The Attitude of My Heart

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. — Hebrews 4:12

Today at church we will be reading God's Word and worshipping Him together as a family.

Kirk and I take our Bibles with us so we can follow along with the Scriptures, take notes, and meditate on God's Word throughout the week.

Each year I read through the Bible, seeing it again through the new eyes of my life at the time.

God's Word is alive and active.

Each time I read it, He shows me something new that applies to what I'm going through that day, week, month or year.

God's Spirit works in me to help me understand the passage more deeply and with different insights.

He also convicts me of areas in my life where I haven't had the best attitude.

And areas where I don't want to turn control over to Him.

Help me today, Lord, to turn my thoughts and attitudes to you.

Take away my selfishness and focus on myself.

Show me where you need to work in my heart today.

Nothing in Creation is Hidden from God

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. — Hebrews 4:13

Here's the Amaryllis bulb we sent to friend for her birthday. 

It's now blooming and looks really vibrant.

This plant is part of God's creation, and so are we.

Nothing in all creation is hidden from His eyes.

Everything is uncovered and laid bare before Him.

Even so, He accepts me and loves me with all of my faults and problems.

When I turn to Him, He wraps me in His loving arms and strengthens me.

He leads me through the difficult times of life. 

He helps me bloom wherever I am planted.