Hi, Mara.
Mama Becki and I just came back from our walk/jog up the hill. Now it’s a late breakfast.
It’s countdown—only two more days till Christmas. And we’re still not sure what we’re doing. We know that little Kaden and Nicholas will be with us. We’ll probably attend the short church service that morning. But then what? We’ll see.
We may run up to Sunnyside, Washington on Monday following Christmas Day. Lot’s of possibilities.
Have a great day. Love, Tua.
In the margin of my Bible next to those two verses I have written in big letters, “YES!!!” I know something about the deep love and concern of a father for his children. Now that I have advanced to being a grandfather, my concern extends to my grandchildren as well—including you, Samara.
Please notice a BIG word in this equation that is only two letters long—the word “IF.” It’s BIG because it represents such a BIG determination for one’s destiny and life outcome. Anyone achieving this level of wisdom is definitely not by means of anything automatic, circumstantial, or accident. It has to be very intentional by the parent/trainer in general and the son or daughter in particular. It’s a very delicate balance. One should never trust one’s own feelings or judgments in the matter. After all, “All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart” (Proverbs 21:2). And one should never trust movie stars as role models because of their appearance of being so smart, good looking, and having so much fun. That really is the warning I see in the verse following the FOCUS VERSE—“Do not let your heart envy sinners.” Most movie stars are not upstanding Bible believers who prioritize wisdom. That’s what we should NOT do. Now pay attention to what the rest of that verse says we SHOULD do: “…but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD” (Proverbs 23:17). How often is? Sounds to me like 24/7.
Here’s an ancient prayer—but it’s as relevant and important to pray today as it has ever been: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalms 19:14).