How do I get wisdom?

In my morning's reading today I decided to switch to an online tool for my devotions. I usually use my bible and a journal, but often get distracted. However, the online esv bible has a tool where this wonderful voice reads the text to you and you can follow along. It helps my concentration and focus and helps the text to sink in even more. I will use it for awhile and go back and forth to my old journal and bible, I'm sure.

It seems that the Holy Spirit always brings me to the exact place in scripture that will challenge me, convict me, cause me to grow, or just expand my knowledge of His character. He is faithful to give me the "food" I need for each day. I love that about God. He's always ready to show himself to me when I seek Him in His Word.

In Job 28 the passage talks about the priceless nature of wisdom. Then concludes with this verse (28:28):

"And he (God) said to man,
‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom,
and to turn away from evil is understanding.’"


I'm in desperate need of God's wisdom in several areas of my life right now. Actually in all of my life, if I really think of it. I know that in James 1:5-6 it says,

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind."

Fear God and ask in faith. That's it? Yet, it's so hard to do in my flesh. If it seems so simple then why don't I do it? I think it's because I quickly depend on my own wisdom and I lack faith to really ask...

But, the part that really struck me was in Job 28:28 at the end it says "to turn away from evil is understanding." I feel like this is a really important and often missed point. Could we substitute repentance for "turn away from evil?" I think so. True repentance is necessary for understanding. WHOA! That is definitely lacking in the church today: people practicing confession and repentance.

God please help me to practice true repentance. I deeply need your wisdom. Please give me the faith that I lack and the power to turn away from my self-reliance.

National Carrot Day

Yes, it's true. Today is National Carrot Day. How did you celebrate? I had carrot curry soup inspired by this web site's recipe and my friend Annie. (Of course I always change recipes, so if you want mine, ask.) The carrot soup was actually leftovers. It wasn't a planned celebration. Neither was my Yes to Carrots eye cream and lotion I wore today. I love Yes to Carrots products. They're paraben free, mostly natural, contain Dead Sea Minerals, and are formulated in Israel. They're affordable AND you can buy them at Bartells! Whoa!

I'm hoping that the beta-carotene and Vit K I ate in the soup will help my skin look less transparent this winter. You know the little orange noses that babies get when they begin eating mashed sweet potatoes and carrots, well I'd like a little of that in my skin. Guess we'll be having sweet potatoes with our pork tenderloin later this week. Mmmmm.

Profile picture

No, of course I'm not a crazy cat lady. That's just a picture of our beloved pet, Sadie, who after 19 long and adventurous years died in December. I'm not sure about the whole pets in heaven thing, but one thing is certain, David and I loved her deeply. She was no ordinary cat. If you ever met her she would either scare you by her striking eyes, or you'd love her because of her independent, laid back and loving personality. We both miss her terribly, but are grateful for the years that we had with her. I will never forget her. I cherish each and every memory and thank God that we had in her our lives.

Should I give in?

Blogging, is it for me? I'm still not sure. I love reading my friends' blogs. I stay up on what is going on in their life, I even have opportunities to pray for them. I learn from them and I'm even sometimes challenged by them. My husband and I both wonder if it's really a good use of time for us to write about random things that are important to us, or may seem important to someone else out there. I don't really find a lot of use for "processing" as in a journal on blogs, nor do I care to reveal that much of my inner heart with strangers. If they wanted to know, they'd become my friend and ask...

OK, so there are things that I could share with my friends and others on the big world wide web that might be helpful, encouraging or plain entertaining. Or, maybe I could point someone to Jesus when they have never really understood who he really is.

So, I guess after a 7 month hiatus from both blogger and live space, I'm going to try to come back. If it proves to be successful and beneficial, then I'll stay. If not, then I'll cancel.

Lets see what happens. Anyone game?