In Honor of Grandpa

A year has passed since Grandpa died. 

They say that time heals all wounds, but I disagree.  Time doesn't heal the loss of a loved one.

We still remember grandpa whenever we use ketchup or have leftovers.  He always wanted a fresh bottle of ketchup and hated leftovers. 

I haven't played checkers in a while either...he would be very disappointed in that fact. 

But he is in a better place.

So, here is to Grandpa - I miss you.

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Proverbs 14

 There are so many great truths in today's chapter of Proverbs.  I won't go into great detail but will highlight some of my favorites of the day.

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2He who walks in his uprightness fears the LORD,
         But he who is devious in his ways despises Him.

-isn't it neat how our outward actions reflect the level of our fear of the Lord. -

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15The naive believes everything,
         But the sensible man considers his steps.

- yep, i was naive not too long ago- but I've wised up and not only consider my steps but spend more time in prayer before taking a step.-

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26

In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence,
         And his children will have refuge.

27

The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life,
         That one may avoid the snares of death.

- A current phrase that has greatly impacted my life "The fear of the Lord".  Coming to an understanding of who the Lord is in relation to who we are should cause us to live a life that pleases Him.  God promises to bless those who fear Him - even in these two verses the person who fears the Lord will have strong confidence throughout life, his children will reap the benefit and have a refuge, life is found in fearing the Lord, and snares that lead to death are avoided when living in the fear of the Lord.  Is your life characterized by the fear of the Lord?-

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Seek the Lord.

Psalm 16:11 - You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Just read this...and its such an awesome verse.

God makes known to me the path of life.  As I spend time with Him, he leads and guides me in an abundant life.  It's not survival but Jesus gives me life.

In His presence there is fullness of joy.  Wow.  That's where I would like to be.  Fullness of joy.  So often I look to the world or others for my joy when I should be focusing on finding my joy in His presence.  His joy is perfect compared to the "joy" the world tries to hand off to us.

At your right hand are pleasures forevermore.   God blesses His children.  Simple as that yet we often fail to realize that we are children of the King of the universe.  We are blessed far beyond our imagination because we are royalty.  

Now, I hope you like this verse as much as I do. 

December 10 / Proverbs 10

Today is the tenth day in December, so I read Proverbs 10 today.  Lately in Proverbs, wisdom has been calling out to people.  In this chapter we see a contrast between the wise (people who sought after wisdom) and the foolish (those who neglect the call of wisdom).  

I'll just share a few of my favorite Proverbs chapter 10 verses with you today.

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7The memory of the righteous is blessed,
         But the name of the wicked will rot.

..

9He who walks in integrity walks securely,
         But he who perverts his ways will be found out.

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12Hatred stirs up strife,
         But love covers all transgressions.

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16The wages of the righteous is life,
         The income of the wicked, punishment.

...

19

When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable,
         But he who restrains his lips is wise.

20

The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver,
         The heart of the wicked is worth little.

....

How's your life?  Are you walking in wisdom or in foolishness?

Wisdom calls out...what is your response?

proverbs 9

Today in Proverbs the call of Wisdom is the topic.  

1Wisdom has built her house,
         She has hewn out her seven pillars;

2She has prepared her food, she has mixed her wine;
         She has also set her table;

3She has sent out her maidens, she calls
         From the tops of the heights of the city:

4“Whoever is naive, let him turn in here!”
         To him who lacks understanding she says,

5“Come, eat of my food
         And drink of the wine I have mixed.

6“Forsake your folly and live,
         And proceed in the way of understanding.”

I really like verse 6 - forsake your folly and live.... We are responsible for our own choices and how much better it is to choose wisdom than folly! 

This chapter also includes some blessings for those who decide to follow the way of Wisdom.

10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
         And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

11For by me your days will be multiplied,
         And years of life will be added to you.

Understanding of the Lord and a long life are promised to those who fully dedicate themselves to finding wisdom and living by the ways of wisdom.  

Seek life.  Ask the Lord for wisdom.  

Proverbs 8

In this chapter wisdom still calls out begging for people to desire her.  

"Take my instruction and not silver, and knowledge rather than choicest gold.  For wisdom is better than jewels; and all desirable things cannot compare with her." (Prov 8: 10-11).  

"By me knigs reign, and rulers decree justice.  By me princes rule, and nobles, all who judge rightly.  I love those who love me; and those who diligently seek me will find me.  Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness."  (Prov 8:15-18).

Wisdom... It's valuable but in the world today we fail to place such a high value upon it. Today I was challenged to spend more time seeking God's wisdom because it is priceless and so practical for every day.  Daily I need wisdom and daily I need to be asking God for wisdom.  

Continuing in Proverbs

So, the weekend came and I was busy... I stayed in Proverbs but I failed to blog...

Here I am...trying to highlight blessings in Proverbs...

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Proverbs 4 is a father's instruction to his son to get wisdom and to hold it as his prized possession throughout life.  The father knows that wisdom is key for living a godly life.

I really liked verse 23, "Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life."  Each person is responsible to keep their heart guarded.  This is a huge responsibility but the outcome of a guarded heart is worth every minute of diligent watching and guarding that one puts into it.

...

Proverbs 5 warns against immorality.  The chapter concludes with the fact that each person will one day stand before the Lord God and give an account of every single thing that they did while on earth.  Doesn't that just make you want to live a correct and godly life in this present life?

Verse 21 reads, "For the ways of a man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He watches all his paths".  Wow.  God is watching us... How are you living today?

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Proverbs 6 contains more wisdom passed on through the generations:

"My son, observe the commandment of your father and do not forsake the teaching of you mother; bind them continually on your heart; tie them around your neck.  When you walk about, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk to you.  For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light; and reproofs for discipline are the way of life (vs. 20-23)

The challenge is not to forget or rebel against the teachings of wisdom but rather to embrace them as a light to guide one through life.  

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And...Proverbs 7....today's chapter.

Today the father in the chapter warns his son against the ways of the harlot.

"Say to wisdom, 'You are my sister,' and call understanding you intimate friend; that they may keep you from an adulteress, from the foreigner who flatters with her words." (vs. 4-5). 

 The importance of wisdom...given before the situation ever arises but the son must hold fast to these nuggets of wisdom for his own good.  He has a personal responsibility to wisdom- either to accept it or to reject it.  

How is your life: are you accepting wisdom or rejecting it?

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Keep digging into God's Word.  Listen for His voice.  Anticipate it.  He'll speak to you. 

Journey through Proverbs in December... Today- CHapter 3

Proverbs 3 highlights the rewards of wisdom.  

"

How blessed is the man who finds wisdom
         And the man who gains understanding.

For her profit is better than the profit of silver
         And her gain better than fine gold.

She is more precious than jewels;
         And nothing you desire compares with her. (Prov 3: 13-15)

This chapter also holds verses I memorized as a little kid: Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
         And do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him,
         And He will make your paths straight.

Although I memorized these 2 verses at a young age, I am learning even more about them now.  God has been teaching me what it means to trust Him completely.  It's a scary but rewarding thing, trust.  Yet He calls all of His children to trust completely in Him but too often I try to rely on my own limited understanding of things instead of trusting the One who knows everything.

Keep digging into Proverbs this month! 

6 Christmas Gifts I'm giving this year...

With Christmas right around the corner it means one thing - stress over what to buy for each person on your list.  This year, instead of being overly stressed I decided to think like the person receiving the gift and that has made my shopping/creating much easier.

1. Gift cards : Sure, they may seem impersonal but they are great for those hard to buy people on your list.  I caved and bought my brothers and mom gift cards.  All three have their favorite stores so picking up a gift card for them was a piece of cake.

2. Learning: I have decided to give books to a few people on my list (including my father) because reading is an investment in life.  The books that I give are specific to the person and I hope that the reading material will teach and empower them to do great things.  I realize that giving books for a Christmas gift sounds nerdy but it is practical and beneficial to all involved. 

3.A Homemade Scarf:  I have crocheted 3 scarves for Christmas gifts this year.  Giving homemade gifts like this is a great way to save money.  Also, the person receiving the gift loves the fact that it is homemade.  One year I gave my Aunt a homemade key chain;  she told everyone that I made it for her and she used it until it broke.  People love homemade gifts...So for the family members, friends, neighbors, Church members on your list- be creative and make a little something for them.  

4. The Classic Tin of Christmas Cookies:  Yes, this is a Christmas classic.  This year I put people on my Christmas list who were not on my list last year and I intended to give them a container of homemade Christmas cookies.  This year I'm making up a container for the mail man, my elderly neighbor, and my uncle who just lost his wife.  Sure, cookies aren't the best Christmas gift but some people just need to know that they are appreciated and loved during the holiday season and what better way to reach out and show them love then through homemade cookies and treats! 

5. Homemade Ornaments: You can give more for your money if you decide to make ornaments instead of buying them.  The other day I saw a cute little ornament for $8.00. It was not worth half of the price.  For the same amount of money, I could get supplies from a craft store and make 8-10 ornaments.  Usually craft projects are available inside the stores and if not you can find many easy Christmas ornament patterns and ideas online.  

My favorite (and really easy) way to make a homemade ornament is to purchase various colors of paint and a few clear, glass ornaments.  First, you pour a few drops of color #1 into all the ornaments and allow it to dry.  Then you pour a few drops of color #2 (keep repeating until all colors are visible).  Allow time to dry.  And ta-da!  You have a beautiful homemade ornament to give (or keep).  

6. Memories: This is an affordable way to give the gift of a lifetime- a picture and a cute frame.  Last year at Christmas I found a cute picture of my dad with me when I was little.  I went to CVS, printed off the picture, found a frame and had a cute gift all ready for him.  You can also find an ornament picture frame.  I recommend finding frames at discount stores or even buying a simple wooden frame and decorating it yourself. 

I hope these ideas help you to be creative when it comes to your Christmas shopping.  

Merry Christmas 

~AmberLeigh~

December 2 = Proverbs 2

1.My son, if you will receive my words
And treasure my commandments within you,
2Make your ear attentive to wisdom,
Incline your heart to understanding;
3For if you cry for discernment,
Lift your voice for understanding;
4If you seek her as silver
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
5Then you will discern the fear of the LORD
And discover the knowledge of God.
6For the LORD gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
......................
Notice the word "if" . It marks a conditional statement... if you do this then this will be the result.  It is a choice.  A personal choice.  We can't make decisions for other people.  We have the ability and responsibility to make our own choices.  Lately I realized that I was not where I should be in my walk with the Lord.  I was going through the motions instead of seeking Him with my heart.  I had a light bulb moment one day: I realized that when I get to heaven and stand before the Lord, I will be responsible for my life.  There I can not place the blame on others (as I have been doing).  I've blamed others around me for my lack of spiritual growth.  They didn't encourage me enough.  They weren't praying for me as they should of been. When in reality, I was the one not living as I should of been.  It was my choice that allowed me to go astray and I had to decide to accept responsibility for my spiritual growth.  "If"..... So, I've decided to take the challenge and do the "ifs" mentioned in these verses.  The result is better than any earthly thing: to understand the fear of the Lord.
All I can say is I have a lot of growing to do.  So often I fail to seek wisdom as I should.  God freely gives wisdom to those who ask believing and nothing is better than pure wisdom from God.
I also found it interesting how gaining wisdom is directly related to the fear of the Lord.  As we begin to ask God for wisdom, He is faithful to answer our prayers but in the process we learn more about who God is.
Whatever situation you may be in right now - seek God.  He alone has the answers.  I know so often when I'm in a trial I seek counsel from friends and family before turning to God.  But in doing so I'm wrong.  I need to seek God first with my problems and ask Him for wisdom before turning to other human beings.
God promises to bless those who seek wisdom... what can be better than His blessings?  Nothing. Absolutely nothing...even though we don't always realize this fact.
Get alone and seek God.  Cry out to Him for wisdom and understanding.  He will answer. He will bless.

"We should discipline ourselves to read the Word until it comes alive...until we can almost feel the breath of God." AW Tozer

my December Challenge: A chapter of Proverbs a Day

Recently at church we have been learning about the fear of the Lord and learning to hear His voice.  

One Sunday Pastor mentioned that a failure to get into God's word on a daily basis is foolish; a godly life requires building on the sure foundation of God's Word. 

So, this month I'm going to read (and encourage you to do so too) a chapter a day of Proverbs. 

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Proverbs 1:7

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction 

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for @LaBar89 ... pictures from our Dayzee walk :)

Sean came home and was able to walk Dayzee for the first time!

We went on a nice little walk the day before Thanksgiving.  It was a beautiful day and was nice to get out.  

Dayzee is crazy.... that's what it all comes down to. 

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Finished Christmas Shopping

I never know what to get my dad for Christmas.  He suggested a gift card so that he can do housework and other projects but I felt bad getting a gift card that would be used to buy wood and other materials for the ongoing basement project.  Lately, my dad bought a few books at Ollies for a really good price.  So I decided to bless his Christmas with more books.  

Today I went shopping on www.Christianbook.com and found AWESOME deals!  Not only do they have great buys but I also got free shipping ( and you can too )  So, I'm just thrilled that I finished Christmas shopping today... and I must confess that I did get a little something for myself today as well. 

Yet in all the craziness of the holidays, it is crucial that we do not forget the reason why we celebrate Christmas.  IT is all about Jesus.  Keep you eyes and heart fixed on Him... not only this season but throughout the entire year.  

And yes, I'm going to say it.... MERRY CHRISTMAS! 

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