Knowledge is power… but wisdom….

Exerts from the book of Proverbs:

A generous man will prosper: he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. (11:25)

The mouth of righteous brings forth wisdom but a perverse tongue will be cut out. (10:31)

Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin. (10:14)

He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. (13:20)

In layman’s terms: If you lie with dogs you get fleas…

Can you tell? I am in the middle of studying the book of Proverbs and actually enjoying it. It does have a sense of humor!
I learned that the book is split into at least two sections: the first 9 chapters are an overview and the remaining are “proverbs.” With out reading and understanding background on how the book is written one may become confused. The poetry in the book of Proverbs is just that. Poetry- Not written by God. You really cannot pull one- liners out of the book and take it as “the rule.” It talks about lady wisdom, men and temptations, and women who will be blessed.

When pride comes, then disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. (11:2)

Thinking of each one of you today!

The Daughter of the King

#DOTK

Are you being observed?

As I walk through the kitchen, I have a strange feeling that I am being observed…. Not by God… but something extra. I get my coffee and something catches the corner of my eye.

Wow, the cat had jumped off the railing of the porch onto the widow sill. Let’s just say it was a very risky move. Why would our cat do such a thing? This is not the normal lazy cat that pretends he is a door mat and you have to step over him, where ever he lays?

I just thought he lived in his own world…… But this am… He was watching…

Proverbs 10:9New International Version (NIV)

9 Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,
but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.

Think about that today, as you go through your day. Watch your actions, your integrity. Be the flashlight in our dark world, so you can help others see the truth and the light. Remember… your actions may catch the eye… and you too may be watched…..

So what did I do when I saw our cat? I opened the back door and called his name, gave him a little extra attention this am. He just needed some loving..

Have a great day. Try to visit youthinkabouthat.com. I love the small stories heard on HIS radio.

I heard that Mondays are not the first day of the week, It was SUNDAY. So enjoy your Monday

! You are one day closer to the weekend. Just think of all the blessings you have each day!

Sincerely,

The daughter of the King #DOTK

thepineappleofmyeye

Are you Reading?

It is kinda ironic, that I am following up on your “self chosen” homework, since today is the First Day of School for many of God’s children! Oh, just imagine little prince on his first day or our princesses wearing their brand new or old clothes to school today.

Lets pray for the school year, the students, the teachers, the administration and even though we allowed God to be taken out of schools, lets pray that our children remember they are His children and take him with them each day!

It is tough out there especially for children and ADULTS going back to school. WE all need prayer!

OK, Class…. Have you been reading in Proverbs? Have you at least been looking at the chapter headings, just like I did in school…… oh wait.. I still do… 🙂

I want to encourage you if not to sit down and read word for word, but to get to know how and why the book of proverbs was written. I have always found it interesting about the Bible and who wrote what chapters and why? Or what was their personal character like ( according to the student bible).

Remember there will be a test!……… just kidding…. maybe cliff notes ( you are my favorite students!)

We are God’s students and DOTK

Why did the chicken cross the road?

Ok, so we all have heard the line, “Why did the chicken cross the road?” There are various endings depending on the jokester:

Sports fans: Why didn’t the chicken cross the road? Because there was a tiger on the other side! grrrrr ok ok …

I just recently heard this one…. Why didn’t the chicken cross the road? Because KFC was on the other side!

I am sure you have plenty of versions to this phrase…

Comment below- lets read your funniest chicken road joke!

I would say that the most obvious, realistic answer to that question could be answered with the phrase, “To get to the other side.” Duh, right?

Let that sink in..

Why are we talking about chickens crossing the road? All I can say, is that it came to mind, after I pondered the following verse in Psalm.

{Though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me, Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me. Psalm 23:4}

Today, this week, this year, this month…. we may be going through a very dark time, no understanding, clouds over our spirit. This scripture is to remind us that even though we are going through something, we should be at ease, knowing that God is with us, protecting and or comforting us, if we let him.

The KEY word here is THROUGH. Think about it. If you are going through something.. there is action, movement, energy that passes every hour. The word THROUGH….. can be described as a positive action word in a negative circumstance.

Take away: Even though you are going through something BIG or little..time is passing and you will get to the other side of your story. It is basic, the most realistic belief of the believer. I will fear no evil, I have God comforting me and protecting me in the dark valley of my life. The hard part is the TIME….. It is hard for us to be patient and praise our way through our circumstances… The more we practice the more we feel God’s presence in our worst situations.

He never promised that His children would not go through difficult situations, but He did promise that He would never leave us or forsake us. He wants us to lean on Him. He has already taken our place and died for you and me. What other reason do we need? Humanize the thought of someone jumping in front of _______, pushing you out of the way to save your life?

How could we ever repay a friend that allowed themselves to die, just so we did not? We would honor them in some way, right? We can honor him today and focus on Psalm 23:4.

Remember we are trying to [cross over] to the other side. Don’t be scared.

We are not chickens.. we are beautiful daughters of the King. He is the daughtersfather.

Blessings to you, I am praying for you.

Thank you Lord, for never leaving our side when we are alone in a dark valley. Thank you Lord, that even though we do not practice leaning on you, trusting you to get us to the other side, you are still there, waiting on us to come running to you. Thank you for giving us a new opportunity, for HOPE in our circumstances, or desires of our hearts. Lord, remind us that there will come a time when we do not have the opportunity to accept God as our personal savior.. It will be too late. This is the Truth. God forgives, no matter your sin, take His hand today and let Him cross the road with you. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen

It is always nice to make memories with a Friend and know they are there for you no matter what!

Live LAUGH LOVE DOTK

The Good Life.. continued

This A.M. I woke up to the following scriptures. I knew that this went along with the last post: The Good Life.

” I am the Good Shepard, I know and recognize My own, and My own know and recognize me.” ( Hear Me, let Him guide them, really know Him, by spending time in His word- learning who He is.) John 10:14

“Thus says the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways and set your mind on what has come to you.” Haggai 1:5

What do you think this last scripture means? [ I took it as, really look at yourself and your ways. Are they Christ like? If not change them. No one can do this for you. Once you look in the mirror and take to heart what you see yourself doing, then God’s truth can set you free.]

I also felt like I needed to mention that we need to spend more time with God, than doing things that are “churchy.” For example, being so involved in church that you do not have time to spend with God. Doing task for him, is part of our purpose, but we cannot neglect that are recharge and our comfort comes by sitting with God.

God is Good, All the time, God is Good!

Today, I encourage you to practice, praising God for what you are going through, because it is molding you to become stronger and lean on Him more. [Praise your way out of a hell-ish situation] You will feel His strength and presence.

” Thank you God, for this trial that is in my life, I know that with your strength, I can get through it and learn something by it. Thank you God for all my wonderful blessings. Thank you God for this Day… to see my family, and see you work in your wondrous ways!

Happy Day to you no matter your circumstances! I am thinking of your today!

DOTK & The pineapple of His eye

Life is Good

We are too blessed to be stressed! Count your blessings……. instead of your wants… it will put your day in perspective.

Yes, in life we have to plan, do, act, go, get, or want, need, dream, but be very careful that the first thing you seek, is wanting to be close to God. If you do not focus on this lifestyle, all the others may NOT be added to your life. Why? God may hold back on your blessings because you are placing idols or wants before Him. For example, If you spend more time, on facebook, or working to obtain something material…….. than you do building a personal relationship with God, that dream may be delayed or not filled.

Matthew 6:33 (KJV)

³³But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Don’t get me wrong, do not think that you have not obtained a dream because you did something wrong… BUT remember that we have a choice every hour/minute how we want to live. Our EYE must be on how to glorify God. Are you trying to figure out what is your purpose in life? Our purpose in life is not about US. There will be some people who NEVER get this concept. We should not be of this world. We make choices in our life that may delay our blessings or destiny, because we get impatient, and not waiting on the move of God: His timing, not ours. As humans we tend to be manipulative, especially when it comes to getting what we want out of life, when we want it.

John 15:19 ESV

If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

God wants us to be happy, He wants us to rely on Him, He wants us to give Him our lives in all we do or say, so He can work through us to accomplish things that only He can do through ME or YOU. Why? Because we are all different. Remember, in the Bible, God used ALL personalities to complete missions to benefit the greater good of society.

We need to take our testimony and use it. We need to tell how God was with us and good to us, even when we were running from Him. The good, bad, and the ugly shows that we are humans striving to live a life God designed us to live. It’s relate-able, but also encouraging to know that you do not have to be a saint to come to God for help and His blessings. Pray for someone this week: that they will not wait until they are “Fixed” to come to church or to seek God ( who is He? How can He help me). God will meet us where we are- no matter where we are. We just have to ask. We also need to know that the enemy fights for our attention and plays with our emotions to confuse us, with how to think of ourselves and our past.

Here are more scriptures:

Matthew 7:16-20 ESV

You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

1 John 2:15 ESV

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

My prayer for you this week is to take time to reflect on where your mind is currently. Evaluate your wants and needs. Ask yourself how much time A DAY to you spend in quiet time, reading the bible, just listening and focus on praising God for all the good in your life. Slow down. Look back in your life. Re-direct your daily activities so that you can spend time with your Best Friend, Your ONLY comforter, and your heavenly FATHER. Love on Him, talk to Him, appreciate Him for all the good in your life. You can always start out thank you God for another day to try to get it right. You can sing praise songs to HIM on the way to work.

Pray for others. Before you know it, you will not be asking God to do this and that… don’t be selfish. It’s like taking time to visit an old friend that took care of you and was always there for you during the thick and thin. Taking care of you when you had no one that understood. It is your time to give back! Show someone how it felt when someone took care of you, or thought of you… or prayed for you.

Sometimes, in certain circumstances, we must do this in secret and pray that an opportunity will allow God to move in. Pray for God to DO the task, do not place pressure on yourself to “win” them over.

It is like fishing.. use the right kind of bait- your testimony- let God hook and reel them in. He will, in His own time- If the heart is open for His help.

God can do more than any medicine, counselor, doctor, or teacher… if it is in His plan.

If you speak His name- Papa Bear will come to your rescue! Momma’s you think your instinct are strong….. God created your instinct imagine His.

Remember: DOTK “AKA” YOU! You are the daughter of the KING…… He’s got this!

Love to you all!

the daughter of the King and the pineapple of His eye!

Words of Wisdom

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.

Psalm 32:8 nkjv

Take time to Make time

Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God.

[Job 37:14]

We all have 24 hours. God bought those for us. Lets make time to spend time with God. It doesn’t have to be on a set schedule. If you get off your schedule, then their goes the segment of time you planned with God.

Prioritize, sacrifice, just like He did to buy your time for you, At the cross.

It is kinda like a parent paying tuition for school for their children and all they do is sleep and have a social life. Wasting the brain, and knowledge. Don’t waste God’s time that he fought for on the cross…..

Their are many ways to make time, in the am ( even if that means getting up earlier) in the pm ( before your complete everything else and fall asleep), in the car, pray during the day, read at lunch, or listen to encouraging music. Teach yourself and your family to pray sincere prayers, not just recited ones.. that way we all have to think ( not memorize) what we pray and thank God for.

Why do this? So you will hear God and begin to understand HIs will and His timing for your life-which is often VERY different from Yours!

Blessings to your day!

Lets Do This

Lets explore the book of Proverbs.

What does proverbs mean? I wonder.

According to dictionary.com here is the definition.

Proverbs-noun

1.(used with a singular verb) a book of the Bible, containing the sayings of sages.

Abbreviation: Prov.

Sages-noun

1.a profoundly wise person; a person famed for wisdom.

2.someone venerated for the possession of wisdom, judgment, and experience.

adjective, sager, sagest.

3.wise, judicious, or prudent: sage advice.

Proverbs Overview

1. The first (9) chapters give an overview of the book. This is as if a father is talking to a son, according to my student bible. This is the intro into purpose and wisdom. There are many generalities, that one could fine exceptions.

a. “Its easier to live carelessly and godlessly” BUT

b. It says, to live by Proverbs one will have “success and safety” HOW?

1. to do this one must: get to know God himself

2. then the fear of the Lord is understood as well as finding the knowledge of God..

2. The book of Proverbs are not absolute promises from God. * this is Key. If you only read part of it, one could gain a distorted point of view.

3. The book is described as one complete education lesson, written as an entire work with 10 insights and 10 subjects.

The student study bible suggests that we read in small sittings, but to realize how it all completes one book. Also, it says to find out about “Lady Wisdom.”

Lets read through this Book Together…

Thinking of you today as you decide how and when to start reading. Through out this study, please comment or help with discussion if you read or see a different perspective. Sharing this reading with you, allows me to be disciplined and follow through with complete thoughts of ONE book of wisdom.

Here we go! We will defeat the enemy and ignore all thoughts that we DON’T have time to do this.

How is it Made?

Have you ever watched the TV show, How is it Made? They tell you how everyday items are made. For ex. pencils, bolts, fire helmets, brooms, engines, etc..

What does this have to do with anything? I am not sure. I just know that when I read the scripture, began looking for images for this post, this heading came to mind. If you think about the scripture, it tells you HOW YOU are Made.

Ironically?, as I sat down to type my thoughts, half way through the process; the TV was turned on (by my better half). Guess what was on TV? How It Is Made? They were showing how they make bowling balls. 🙂 PS there is a small colored dot on every ball..

This week, I fell short on making God a priority above all else. I admit it, and I have asked for forgiveness. I did not forget God, but I know I did not spend as much time with Him as He did with me.

In my quiet time I purposefully opened by Bible to where I had left off reading during prior visit. My book mark landed on Psalm 139. It stuck on me like glue [ not the Elmer’s squeezable kind, but the glue stick kind. ] I read it several times. In my heart I said, “Wow,” Glory be to God! I need to share this with someone today. Maybe it will stick with them as well.

Here is Psalm 139 interpreted by the new international version: student bible.

Psalm 139

O Lord, you have searched me and you know me.

You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.

You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.

Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.

You hem me in– behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.

[to enclose or confine (usually followed by in, around, or about):

hemmed in by enemies.]

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me too lofty for me to attain.

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?

If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

If I rise on wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,

[dawn- morning]

even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,”

even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

FOR IF YOU CREATED MY INMOST BEING; YOU KNIT ME TOGETHER IN MY MOTHER’S WOMB.

I praise you because I am FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden for you when I WAS MADE in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

[you knew me before I was born and planned a purpose for every step of my life- before it even happened]

How precious to me are your thoughts O God! How vast is the sum of them.

Were I count them, they would outnumber the grains of the sand. When I awake, I am still with you.

If only you would slay the wicked, O God! AWAY from me, you blood thirsty men!

They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name.

[a person, group, or force that opposes or attacks; opponent; enemy;foe.]

I do not hate those who hate you, O Lord and abhor those who rise up against you?

[to regard with extreme repugnance or aversion; detest utterly; loathe;abominate.]

I have nothing but hatred for them, I count them my enemies.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Lord, I pray that each one of us can be reminded that YOU made us. YOU designed us. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. Help us to not be anxious about our future, YOU already have it covered, as long as we seek God first. With all the evil in the world, Lord we pray that we can respect each other because you made them, whether they believe it or understand it. You made us with purpose to honor you. Help us to know and listen to your voice and wisdom through the Holy Spirit on how YOU can work through us for showing love and greater good.

In Jesus Christ Name, Amen