I did it!!!
I posted each day in January using Proverbs as my guide.  I am very proud of myself and plan to continue in February with verses about LOVE!

Proverbs 31:10-12

A wife of noble character who can find?

She is worth far more than rubies.

11Her husband has full confidence in her

and lacks nothing of value.

12She brings him good, not harm,

all the days of her life.

I hope my husband has full confidence in me since I will be taking care of him after his surgery.  

I spent the day in the hospital waiting.  Waiting for them to call him in to get ready.  Waiting to be called to be with him before his procedure.  Waiting to be told he was out of the operating room.  Waiting to talk to his doctor.  Waiting for him to wake up in the recovery room. 

I'm not complaining at all!  I was glad for the down time.  I had coffee and a cappuccino muffin in the cafeteria and got his prescription filled.  I watched the morning news and finished reading my book, "Uninvited."

Now is the time to step up, be brave and "strip the lymphatic fluid out of Bill's catheter.

Lord help me to  "bring him good and not harm him."  Amen.

Proverbs 30:33

For as churning cream produces butter,

and as twisting the nose produces blood,

so stirring up anger produces strife.”

This isn't the main purpose of this verse but I remember a story I heard long ago about a kritter (I can't recall what kind) who fell into a bowl of cream.  He thought he was a goner!  So he decided to go down fighting and swam around and a round in that bowl of cream and before you know, the cream turned into butter and he was able to crawl out.  

I guess the lesson in the story is to not give up.  And the lesson in the verse is to not start trouble.  Two valuable lessons to get us all through this life!

Lord, help me to keep moving closer to You each day by staying gentle, peaceful and calm. Guard my words so that I will bring Your peace  into any angry  situation .  Amen.

Proverbs 29:15

A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom,

but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.

Proverbs 29:17

Discipline your children, and they will give you peace;

they will bring you the delights you desire.

I posted an article I saw on Facebook earlier today called

The silent tragedy affecting today’s children.

The author is a children's occupational therapist and she is writing about what she has discovered after years of dealing with parents and kids.

She gives a list of dos and don'ts.  

She describes today's kids, comparing them to how things were years ago.

We need to take control of ourselves and our kids.  We need to be parents and teach our children to be useful, kind, polite, and responsible.  We need to not be afraid to say "NO!"

We need to know the truths of the bible and follow God's word.

Father God, You are the ultimate parent.  You will disciple us with love, reprimand us with mercy, and teach us patience.  Help us to follow Your example.  Amen.

The silent tragedy affecting today’s children

The silent tragedy affecting today’s children

Proverbs 28:5

Evildoers do not understand what is right,

but those who seek the Lord understand it fully.

I just heard a news report about a shooting in Fayette County.  Four young people are dead, one is on life support and many will never be the same.  It happened in Melcroft, near Indian Head.  

I just don't understand why today's youth feel they need to solve their problems with a gun. 

Yesterday, police found guns and ammo that a young man planned to use at the Laurel Highlands School District. 

This is getting a little too close for comfort!

I feel that these kids do not understand the value of life.  They play video games where they kill people, but then then come back to life the next time they play.  They watch shows on TV that make heroes out of villains.  

How can I help?  What can I do?

Yes, I will pray for their families, for their friends, for their teachers, and for them.  

Lord, I know You told us to expect these things to happen so I will stand strong and know that You are in control.  But Father, please protect my family and friends.  Keep us safe and out of harms way.  I pray a hedge of protection around Jacob and all our police officers who have to deal with these problems on a daily basis.  In Jesus' name, Amen

Proverbs27:1
Do not boast about tomorrow,

for you do not know what a day may bring.

This is a good one to remember!

When I was worried about Bill's diagnosis my mind went to a dark place.  I know it was wrong to think those thoughts but I couldn't help myself.  Now that we have a better idea about what we are dealing with, I feel more positive about the future.   

But this verse says more.  Even though I was worried about the worst and now feel better about the situation, I still need to live for this moment, this second, this breath!  I am not promised tomorrow.  I could die in my sleep tonight.  (Which I hope will happen when I do die.) 

My family is not promised tomorrow either.  Any of us could be taken to heaven at any time.  Are we ready.? Are we prepared?  Do we know that we will be spending eternity with Jesus?  

I'm ready!  I have Jesus in my heart.  I know that the Holy Spirit lives in me.  I have been washed of my sins and have been set free.  

I hope and pray that my family is saved.  I hope they have a "personal relationship" with God.  I

I will continue to pray for them and be a good example so that one day we will all be together in Heaven.

Lord God, lead my family to You!      Amen.

Molly

Proverbs 26:11

As a dog returns to its vomit,

so fools repeat their folly.

Proverbs 26:17

Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears

is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own.

Looks like it's all about dogs today.  

I wonder if Jesus had a dog.  Maybe when He was a boy a dog followed Him home.  I'm sure a dog could sense that he would be loved and well taken care of with Jesus.  I can see the dog sitting at Jesus's feet listening to Him.  Or standing guard over Jesus when he was teaching.  I don't think dog were pets back then.  So I doubt that Jesus had one.

But it's true, dogs do return to their vomit, pee, and poop.  My dogs have their same places to "be good girls" out in the yard.  

A fool doesn't know that you need to do something different if what you are doing isn't working.  And to grab a stray dog by the ears is definitely someone looking for trouble.  Even though my dogs are very smart, they are still dogs.  

Lord, thank you for dogs.  Help me to not be foolish and continue to make the same mistakes or rush into a quarrel that is not mine to  decide.     Amen.

Proverbs 25:5

5Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,

and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

Today is my parents 61st wedding anniversary.  

I know that my mom has the gentlest tongue of any person I know.  

Through years of patience she has taught us all how to live with a difficult person.  How to stay calm in times of chaos.  How to be quiet when you want to scream.  When to speak and when to be silent.  

Yes, my dad was, is, and always will be difficult.  He  was raised by a difficult father and this curse was passed on to me  I can be selfish.  I am definitely impatient  and easily angered.  I am stubborn and judgmental. 

But, by the Grace of God, I have changed.  I'm not perfect, but I'm better than I was.  I'm a work in progress.  I guess my dad is too.  

So Lord I pray that my mom will continue to be gentle, that I will put behind me my selfishness and impatience, and my dad will appreciate the wonderful wife that You gave to him and to treat her with the love and respect she deserves.

Proverbs 24:10
If you falter in a time of trouble,

how small is your strength!

I'm hoping my strength is very big in the days and weeks to come.  

I'm praying I have faith to move mountains.

I hope I will trust in the Lord with all my heart if the diagnosis is cancer.

I always thought I was a strong woman of faith, but now I realize that my faith was never really tested.  I'm supposed to count it all joy when my faith is being tested.  

I'm not strong, but I serve a God who is.  He will lead me through this valley and I will come out stronger, more faithful, trusting and joyful on the other side.  

If I look back I will see how far I have come.  So I will look forward to what He has planned for my future, because I know He will not let me falter. 

XFILOZ: Just do it

XFILOZ: Just do it: When James Calvert went out as a missionary to the cannibals of the Fiji Islands, the ship captain tried to turn him back, saying, &quot...

Proverbs 23:15
My child, if your heart is wise, my own heart will rejoice!

I'm proud to be the mother of 3 smart, intelligent and, beautiful young women.My heart rejoices knowing that they will be wise and make good decisions.  My older daughters have chosen wonderful men, who love them very much as husbands.  And I know that someday my baby will find the man that God has prepared just for her too.

This looks yummy!

Chicken Fajita Bundt Cake

Ingredients

3 chicken breasts, sliced
2 mixed peppers, sliced
1 large onion, sliced
2 T fajita seasoning
2 T olive oil, plus more for greasing pan
1 T salt
2 T coriander, chopped, plus a little more for topping
1 tomato, chopped
1 1/2 C cheddar, grated
9 tortilla wraps
1 C sour cream
1 tsp chili flakes

Instructions

1. Roast the chicken, peppers, onions, fajita seasoning, salt and olive oil in large roasting tray for 30 minutes at 375 deg, stirring once or twice during the process.  Cool.
2. Brush the inside of a bundt pan with olive oil, then start to lay in your tortillas.  Push them in as if they were hard tacos.  They should shape easily to the shape of the bundt pan.  5 tortillas will give you a good coverage on a medium/small bundt.  Insert 4 more tortillas in the inner flaps of the 5 bottom tortillas.  Now you are ready to layer!
3. Layer half the cheese.  Then lay in the chicken fajita mix.  Top with coriander, tomatoes, then the rest of the cheese.
4. Fold in the top four tortillas as best you can.  Don't worry if it's not perfect!
5. Bake for 25 minutes at 350 deg. F or until the cheese is melted.  
6. Turn out onto a board, glaze with sour cream and sprinkle with the extra coriander and chili flakes. 

Proverbs 22:4
Humility is the fear of the Lord;

its wages are riches and honor and life.

Proverbs 22:6

Start children off on the way they should go,

and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

Proverbs 22:24-25

Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person,

do not associate with one easily angered,

or you may learn their ways

and get yourself ensnared.

Three great verses in Chapter 22 and I have 3 daughters, what a coincidence, NOT. 

Julianne first, Proverbs 22:4.  Actually this verse is facieses.  All her life I have told Juli she could be what ever she wanted, she was wonderful, she was the best, and she could accomplish anything.  I wonder, did I make a big mistake.  She is not humble.  She is wonderful and awesome, but in today's society that seems to be a problem.  All the kids think they are the best, they are entitled!  Have we created monsters?

But "fear of the Lord" is different.  We are not to be afraid of God like He is a monster.  We are to be in awe of Him and what He has done and what He can do.

I hope Julianne will learn this so she will reap the rewards of riches, honor and a great life.

Justine, Proverbs 22:6.  Always one of my favorite verses.  It gives me hope that even though I don't see my girls having a relationship with God, someday they will.  All of my girls spent plenty of time in church.  Mostly in a Catholic Church, doing traditional programs like Rosary Rally, All Saints Day, Good Friday and Easter Services, and of course Christmas Midnight Mass.  They also attended with their cousins, Bible School and special kid's programs.

Even though Justine and Anthony don't have any children yet, I know they will bring them up in a church family.  I'm excited to watch them all learn and grow.

And last but not least, Jessica, Proverbs 22:24-25.  Jessica is my hot tempered girl.  She has always been head strong and stubborn.  That's not necessarily a bad thing used for the right reasons.  It made her work hard to be the best French Horn player at school.  She was in county band, district band and honors band.  She accomplished much with her music.  But unfortunately that didn't pay off.  She has had to get jobs selling jewelry and phones by commission.  To be successful in these jobs you can't be quiet, shy, or even nice sometimes.  I pray that Jessica will get a job that will allow her to be at peace and enjoy her work.  

Lord bless my girls with lives that are filled with good things.  Let them follow the path You set for them on the day You breathed life into them.  Keep them from people that would influence them to turn away from You.                                                                                                              Amen

Proverbs 21:30

There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan

that can succeed against the Lord.

Today Julianne drove back to college and Bill went back to work in Maryland. 

 I pray that both of them will succeed with the Lord's wisdom, insight , and plans. 

6 hours later, neither of them called home to tell me they were safely at their  destination. 

Proverbs 21:23

Those who guard their mouths and their tongues

keep themselves from calamity.

I didn't nag or complain, just gently reminded them that I was waiting, hoping all was well.  "No news is good news."

I thank You Lord for keeping them safe and guarding my words.  Help me to be gentle and peaceful.  Amen

Proverbs 20:29

The glory of young men is their strength,

gray hair the splendor of the old.

I had to use this one!

For over 30 years I colored my hair.  I started seeing those white hairs showing up at age 27.  It. wasn't a big deal.  Every couple of months I would barricade my self in the bathroom for 30-45 minutes, then come out a fresher, younger looking Joyce.  But then I needed more!  Like an addiction I tried other colors and needed to use more often as the white hairs took over.  Finally I had enough.

So if gray hair is the splendor of the old, I'm good to go!

Proverbs 19:18 &20
Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives.

Listen to advice and accept discipline,

and at the end you will be counted among the wise.

Today I saw on my news feed that YouTube is not going to air videos of the Tide Pod Challenge. (Kids are challenging each other to eat or bite into a Tide Pod.)  They will video themselves and post it to their social media.  

Why?  Seriously, these things are poisonous! 

Little children don't know any better.  They see something that looks like candy and want to eat it. Are today's kids so, I hate to say it, but stupid.  Do they have they no respect for their lives.  Are they so arrogant they they think nothing bad will happen to them?

Even my daughter said, "my generation is stupid!"

Back in my day,  we would leave the house with our knee length skirts on and roll them up to mini skirts when we got to school.  Or put on makeup and tease our hair when we left the house. 

Who's to blame?  Parents, teachers, the government, social media?????

All I know is that our world is changing quickly.  Thank God that He is sending Jesus back to get us.  I don't know how much more we can take.

Proverbs 18:13

To answer before listening—

that is folly and shame.

Yes it is a shame and unfortunately something I'm accused of doing often. My only excuse is that I might forget what I was going to say. 

Today my daughter accused me of not listening when she was explaining something her roommate told.  I admit my mind was on other things at the time.  

I am a work in progress and I hope to do better at this.  I should make it a New Year's Resolution.  Along with doing 20 - 30 minutes of cardio each day, eating healthy, getting up early, and not watching so much TV.  Honestly my record stinks, I better not add any more to it.  

Lord, guard my lips, help me to be a better listener so I will not be put to shame.  Help me to pay attention to what is important to You and to my family.

Proverbs17:1

Better a dry crust with peace and quiet

than a house full of feasting, with strife.

Did you ever not want to walk into your home because you didn't know what kind of mood your family would be in?

If not, you must not have teenagers.  

I would always try to get home before them to try to "set the mood."

-Have dinner started,

-Have the dogs taken out,

-Get the mail,  just so they didn't have anything to argue about.

I love my girls but I sure am glad they are through that stage.  Give me a toddler over a teenager any day!

Proverbs 16:1
The plans of the heart belong to man,
but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.








Proverbs 16:9
In their hearts humans plan their course,

but the Lord establishes their steps.

Proverbs 16:33

We may throw the dice, but the LORD determines how they fall.

Seems to be a pattern here.  We can make our plans but in the end it is God who has the final say so.  Now I find that very comforting.  The old me didn't like these verses at all.  I wanted to be in control. I would say, God gave us free will and it's up to us to use it.  Now I can sit back and know that God will move heaven and earth to makes things happen. 

Psalm 46:10

 "Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world."

Psalm 84:11

For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.

So I will be at peace and know that God takes care of everything.

I Corinthians 13 - Christmas Version

I Corinthians 13 - Christmas Version

 What a great reminder!

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling
lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another
decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies,
preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at
mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all that
I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend
a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata, but do not
focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside decorating to kiss the husband.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and
table linens.
Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they
are there to be in the way.
Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices
in giving to those who can't.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all
things.
Love never fails.
Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust.
But giving the gift of love will endure.
Merry Christmas!

-- Author Unknown

Proverbs 15:18
A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,
    but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.

This is me, now and then. 

I used to be soooo impatient.  I even pulled out of the drive thru at McDonald's because I couldn't wait in the line.  Ridiculousness, I know!

Now, I am learning to be more patient, less hot tempered, calmer, and peaceful.  I say a prayer when I feel myself losing control or getting anxious.  I owe some of this to my yoga training but mostly I give the glory to God.

I used to blurt out statements that could hurt others, now I weigh the consequences.  Is it really that important, will it make a difference, and is it even my business???

 

John 21:22 says:

²² Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”

Peter was questioning Jesus about what is going to happen to John.  Jesus basically told him to mind his own business and follow Him.

So that is how we are to live, minding our own business and following Jesus.  Being a peace-maker and keep our mouth shut.  Remember, God gave us 2 ears and 1 mouth.  So we need to listen more than we need to talk.

Lord, guard my words.  Amen

Proverbs 14:23
All hard work brings a profit,
    but mere talk leads only to poverty.

So I'm thinking that I need to work hard to make my dream of being a writer come true.  I'm not doing this for the money, but because I feel God has given me an opportunity to share what H e has taught me with others.

How does a writer work hard?  I imagine I will need to spend more time on my computer.  (A bonus is that I will become a better typist.) 

I will spend less time doing unnecessary things like watching garbage TV.  

I will look into classes that will help me.

And most importantly, I will pray for God's guidance in this new career.

Father God, lead me!

Proverbs 13:24

Whoever spares the rod hates their children,

but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.

I hope my children realize why I was a "mean mom."

Yes, I was young and impatient. But I wanted them to be well behaved and polite.  I didn't want them to be an embarrassment to themselves or to me.  And even though I didn't know it at the time.  I was obeying God's word.  

We need more "mean moms" in the world today.  

Father of all children,

Help today's parents to seek your wisdom. 

Help me to continue to love my children by following Your commands.

Amen 

  

Proverbs 12:25
Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.

Today I will dedicate this verse to my son in law, Anthony.  Some people call him Tone or Anth, but he has always been Anthony to me.  I met him when he was 16 years old.  He seemed like a nice kid.  Justine liked him alot.  He didn't have his driver's license so Teen had to go pick him up when they went out.  He was a hard worker and seem very quiet.

Today he turns 33.  WOW!  That means I'm old.  But this is not about me.  Anthony has loved my Justine so well for 17 years.  ( I'm crying now.)  I've watched him grow from a cute teenage boy to a strong handsome man with hair on his chest.  He has worked hard as a dish washer at Noble's Restaurant, a cook and chef at Montery Bay on Mt. Washington.  Then he traveled and studied for 5 years to get a Bachelors Degree in Environmental Science.
  
He has kept my daughter safe, secure, and happy as they explore this world we live in. With visits to Spain, Italy, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand,and Peru
.
Lord, I don't know what you have planned next for Anthony, but I pray it will be amazing.  Keep him on the path You have set for him before he was born
.
Psalm 139:13  For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.

Bless Anthony, because he is kind, generous and patient. Take away any anxiety he may be experiencing and protect him today and everyday.  Help him to seek You.  Teach him to trust You.  Amen

Proverbs 11:25
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.


How have I been generous today?
How have I refreshed others today?

I taught Charlotte's Healthy Low Back class this morning.  That was generous because I don't like to wake up early to do it.
I think the class was refreshed with the music I used.

I was generous today when I talked with Marilyn Forbes about writing a column for the newspaper about the YMCA.  I don't think I will get paid for it.
I was refreshed when she thought it was a great idea.

I was generous today with Julianne.  I made her a delicious healthy dinner.  She could have made it herself.  
Bill and I were refreshed with her company.

I'm baking an Oreo cheesecake right now to donate to the Spaghetti Supper tomorrow night.          Whoever gets a piece of it will be refreshed because it looks awesome.

Thank You Lord for all the refreshment You bring to my life.

Proverbs 10:2
Tainted wealth has no lasting value, but right living can save your life.

Guess what, I took a group to the Rivers Casino today.  I came home $30.00 richer.  I think some of my group were big winners.  I hope they use their winnings wisely.
For me the best part of the day was being with my mom and dad.  We had a delicious lunch and enjoyed playing the games.  It was really fun when we were winning, but it was nice just being together.

Proverbs 9:6

Leave your simple ways and you will live;

walk in the way of insight.”

In this verse simple does not mean uncomplicated.  Simple means unwise.  So we must be wise if we are to live and walk in the ways of insight or wisdom.

I have been asked to write an article for a local magazine.  It will be about fitness and getting older.  I feel that this is a door being opened.

God has been speaking to me about writing.  I want to share what He has told me in many instances.  Today Fitness and Aging, tomorrow God is Like... 

Help me Lord to do well and follow where You lead.  Help me to be wise and not simple.    Amen

Proverbs 8:13

To fear the Lord is to hate evil;

I hate pride and arrogance,

evil behavior and perverse speech.

 When I glance at the clock and the time is 8:13 I always say, "Thank You Jesus."
I don't remember when or why I started this but I guess 8:13 has a special meaning for me.
So when I chose Proverbs 8:13 as the verse of the day I better sit up and pay attention.
The fear of the Lord - to be in awe of the Lord, to revere and respect the Lord.
What do I fear?
-As a child my worst nightmare was always a house fire.
-As I got older, I feared injury or death.
-As a young mother, I feared for my girls.  Wanting them healthy and happy.
-Now that I am older, I fear for their souls.  I have accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior so I don't fear for my soul.  But how deep is their commitment to God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit?  It's not a question I can ask over the dinner table. 
But I have learned that we all come to Christ in our own time.  We must trust God to lead them.  I can't force them to go to church or to study and read their bibles.  But I can and will pray!

Proverbs 8:32-36  
“Now then, my children, listen to me;

blessed are those who keep my ways.

33Listen to my instruction and be wise;

do not disregard it.

34Blessed are those who listen to me,

watching daily at my doors,

waiting at my doorway.

35For those who find me find life

and receive favor from the Lord.

36But those who fail to find me harm themselves;

all who hate me love death.”

So I will continue to pray that my girls will find Wisdom so they will find life, life everlasting.

Proverbs 6:20-23

My son, keep your father’s command

and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.

21Bind them always on your heart;

fasten them around your neck.

22When you walk, they will guide you;

when you sleep, they will watch over you;

when you awake, they will speak to you.

23For this command is a lamp,

this teaching is a light,

and correction and instruction

are the way to life,

I hope and pray that my daughter's will not forget all the good things I have taught, especially the God things.

I hope they will remember when I helped people in need, when I volunteered for events and activities, when I prayed, when I taught them in CCD and GirlScouts, when I was a good example, and when I showed them Jesus.

I hope they will forget when I failed.

Proverbs 7:1-3

My son, keep my words

and store up my commands within you.

2Keep my commands and you will live;

guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.

3Bind them on your fingers;

write them on the tablet of your heart.

Father God,

Help me to obey Your commands.  I want to live the life You have planned for me.  I want to follow Your path.  And I want to lead others to You.

Today we celebrated Epiphany in church and in our house.  We sang "We Three Kings" and Pastor Kathy urged us to follow the right Star.  Bill burned incense and wrote above our doors 20  K+M+B  18.

Last night at mass Father Dennis told a joke about the Polish Epiphany blessing.  He said it was Kielbasa+Macaroni+Bologna.  At least now I will remember what order it is.

Thank You for sending Your son to lead us to You.