Psalm 19:7-11

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward.

James 3

"13 ...Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.
16 For where envy and self seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy."

Not only do I pray this for myself, but for everyone I know. May Christ be so vibrant in me that everything I do and say is in the meekness of wisdom.
The flip side of this is that I have to ask for forgiveness every day. Thank you, Lord, for your endless mercy toward me!

"Morning by morning new mercies I see..."

Proverbs 11

¹ The LORD abhors dishonest scales,
but accurate weights are his delight.

² When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.

³ The integrity of the upright guides them,
but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.

⁴ Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath,
but righteousness delivers from death.

⁵ The righteousness of the blameless makes a straight way for them,
but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness.

⁶ The righteousness of the upright delivers them,
but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.

⁷ When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes;
all he expected from his power comes to nothing.

⁸ The righteous man is rescued from trouble,
and it comes on the wicked instead.

We have been reading the Proverbs together in the morning. These verses struck me today, and I wanted to share them with you. May God's truth bring you peace and contentment, and may this spur you on to love and good works through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Catching the Little Foxes

I would apologize for offending anyone...but I can't apologize for truly believing something.

Last night, I felt like I was in a slump. I felt irritated at my husband, stressed by my daughter's fussing, and it sort of fluctuated in nature...one minute I'd feel all happy and enjoying talking to Hubs, and the next my brain would find something to nitpick about him.

Highlight: Babes fell asleep in her sling while I was holding her. Just cuddled right up and zonked out. She's never done that before, and my heart was a huge puddle, let me tell you. I just melted over that one.

Okay, back on topic.

Bedtime was fast approaching, and I was snippy. Like I told my Darling, "I just want to start a fight, and I don't know why, because really, I don't ever want to fight with you!" There wasn't any reason to disagree, I just kept being rude, snotty, and he was so confused, poor man.

Than it hit me like an elephant on a freight train: Satan wanted to divide my heart, and steal the joy I could have! I told Scott this, and he agreed. I immediately gave up my attitude to Christ, and we had a lovely conversation after that, and a sweet prayer time before bed.

Here's my point: Don't let Satan be divisive in your marriage. God has given you your spouse for love and encouragement. NOT as a scratching post! Oh yes-discuss things, be a sounding board, have times where you cry together-but don't let anything divide you!

"Catch us the little foxes, the foxes that spoil the vines..." Song of Solomon 2:15

Love...True Love!

Oh, how often I wish things upon myself that I know I would not have! Often the things I wish have to do with my husband, and I'm sure we all know where that gets us, ladies! That's right: absolutely nowhere! It is foolish trifling to try and change a man that you have claimed to love for exactly himself, for it only produces strife. However, I frequently forget that fact.

Scenario: Clothes on our bedroom floor, one or both of us has commented on it.
I say: Darling, can you put these things away for me?
Translated: You lazy slob, I can't believe you actually expect me to pick up after you time and time again!
What should be said: Darling, I'd love to be able to do everything, but I get frustrated at times. It's very helpful to me when you put your dirty laundry in the hamper right away.

Scenario: 5 loads of laundry all over our bed, it seems to never end, and Scott asks if I can use his help.
I say: Darling, of course I'd love your help folding laundry! Thank you for offering!
Translated: I'd rather fold it all myself in the first place, rather than have to re-fold everything you've done wrong.
What should be said: Darling, I know you don't always do it exactly how I'd like, but the pleasure of your company in this chore makes it delightful!

Scenario: Scott is on his computer working, honestly oblivious to the fact that I am trying to care for a fussy baby, make supper, clear the dining table, straighten the kitchen, and all while realizing how much I could have done earlier in the day, while I was blogging.
I say: *Nothing*
Translated: I can't believe he doesn't notice everything I need help with! Why doesn't he offer to help?!
What should be said: Darling, can you hold the baby for me? She needs a diaper change, if
you don't mind. It would be so helpful for me to get supper on the table. *kiss* Thanks, hon!

Does any of this sound familiar? I know it can happen a lot, and we tend to forget that every relationship is a give and take. Try focusing on how you can give, and don't hold a grudge. (For further reference, read 1 Corinthians 13.) And for the times you are guaranteed to mess up, be ready with an apology and a hug. Now, what about the times he's wrong? Well, that's when you don't take it personally, lovingly address what's wrong, be a servant, and then, when the time is right, sit and talk about it. (Wives, submit to your husbands.) That's hard stuff! But we have to let our men be men and lead, and not complain when they do. No compromise! He's either the leader of your home or your footstool...there's really no in-between.

My top 10 Marriage Rules:
*Be honest with each other, even when it's the hardest choice.
*Be loving in every circumstance.
*Be considerate of feelings, emotions, and each other's pride.
*Be encouraging! No one likes a nag.
*Be optimistic in the hard times.
*Be supportive when he's discouraged.
*Be kind when he's stressed.
*Be understanding when he's frustrated.
*Be a teammate and work together, never against each other.
*Be adoring of your spouse. Let them know they are your favorite person!

I've been challenged on these things lately, and really wanted to share it with all you gals out there. Marriage is a battlefield, so give God the upper hand!

I Want to Praise You!

"Let the first song that I sing be praises to my God and King."

It's Sunday morning, and as often happens especially on Sundays, my thoughts are more centered around how I can praise God today. Admittedly my thoughts do not always center on Christ, and it often shows in how I manage my day.

Something that often comes to mind is, "How much does God want my praise, my adoration, my unconditional trust in Him?" Elizabeth Elliot said it well: "He gave all, He asks all."

Would you agree that God not only deserves the praise He asks of us, He deserves it every day! Before we tackle our day, we should be taking time to thank the Creator of our day. It puts everything in perspective and freshens one's heart and attitude to meet the demands of the day ahead.

Praise the Lord with me this morning! For He is good, and His mercy endures forever!

Snow Day Thoughts

I know most people don't like snow, and I would rather complain about it than enjoy it. But there is something about the purity of white, and the covering on the ground that reminds me of Christ.
I know my sins were as scarlet, and the blood of Jesus made me white as snow! Let's use the snow to remind us of what God gave to redeem us to Him. Enjoy this winter, and remember God's faithfulness!

"I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness..." Isaiah 61:10