Thoughtful Thursday

Outside my window... Very green trees.

I am thinking... About everything I have to get down today. To name a few... Organizing all the books and papers in my bedroom, cleaning out and setting up the fish tank, preparing to install a new fridge, and working in the yard.

I am thankful for... Days like this. Productive.

From the learning room... At the moment my little sister is the only one doing school. She is working on grammar, I think. Everyone else is up cleaning the house.  

From the Kitchen... A new refrigerator. A friend bought it for us because our other one stopped working. What a blessing. God is good. Thank goodness for no more ice chests!

I am wearing... My jean shorts. I love these things. Perfect for summer. A pink and purple tye dyed shirt. Hair pulled up. And of course, my two silver rings. And as always... I'm barefoot.

I am creating... A pretty front yard. =)

I am going... Hopefully to get some new fish? And pick up some dinner.

I am reading... My bible. I have started II Chronicles and of course, reading my daily Psalms and Proverbs. I'm also reading through a book called The Power to True Success. Its a great learning book. You should look into it.

I am hoping... To finish everything I set out to accomplish today. Time is ticking.

I am hearing... The air condition and and people cleaning.

Around the house... Every one is busy. Some are doing school, some working on the computers, but most organizing and cleaning. The new fridge just got here. Also, everyone is all a buzz because our kittens were born last night. Two white ones and one that looks like a zebra. I'll post pictures.

One of my favorite things... A clean and organized room. And bookshelves. Bookshelves are one of my favorite things. <3

A few plans for the rest of the week... Nothing this week but the next will be busy!!

Until next time,
Juliana

Thoughtful Thursday

Outside my window... Actually, I'm at a friend's house in the office and there are no windows in here.

I am thinking... About going home and getting ready for calsses tomorrow.

I am thankful for... The opportunities I have been given to help support my family.

From the learning room... No learning at this house today. =)

From the Kitchen... Nothing at the moment. But lunch was Spanish rice with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and cilantro mixed in. yum.

I am wearing... My new jean shorts (which are amazing), a maroon shirt, two silver rings (one on my ring finger the other on my thumb), silver earings, and once again, no shoes. My hair is loose and crazy.

I am creating... Nothing at the moment.  

I am going... Home is evening. There's no place like it.

I am reading... My bible. I'm finishing up I Chronicles and of course, reading my daily Psalms and Poverbs. Proverbs, by the way, has become my new favorite book of the bible. It talks so much of wisdom - my favorite new topic.  

I am hoping... To get a good nights sleep in my own bed tonight. Not that I don't like sleeping on couches at other peoples houses... ;)  

I am hearing... The air condition and two different tvs. The kids down stairs are watching the second hoodwinked movie and up here in the office the tv is playing Apollo 13. This movie Always.Makes.Me.Cry.

Around the house... The baby and Olivia are on the couch watching tv. The rest of the kids are chilling in the pool or covering the sidewalk in chalky pictures.

One of my favorite things... Really good, and spiritually encouraging blogs. Check out this one: http://www.encouragementforeverydaystruggles.blogspot.com/

A few plans for the rest of the week... Almost nothing! Isn't that exciting?! I have class tomorrow but as far as I know my weekend is free. =)

Until next time,

Juliana.

What I Learned Today

Of Faith and Wisdom..

If we faithfully follow Jesus He will give us a double portion of His power. If we have this double portion of power our wisdom will multiply. Wisdom is having the knowledge to determine what is true and right.

 Proverbs chapter 8 says “For wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her. I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge and discretion. The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength…  Now therefore, listen to me, my children, for blessed are those who keep my ways.  Hear instruction and be wise, and do not disdain it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the Lord; but he who sins against me wrongs his own soul.”

In order to have wisdom we must first have faith. Faith is the act of believing with all your heart, mind and soul. Having faith is to know without a doubt God will answer your prayers, help you through, is there for you, etc. It is complete trust. It is not always easy to have complete faith in God. However, there are steps we can take to strengthen our faith.

So says George Muller… “First, read the Bible carefully and thoughtfully. Then you will learn more and more about God’s character – how kind, loving, merciful, wise, and faithful He is. Then when difficulties come you will be able to rest on God’s ability and willingness to help you. Second, try to keep your conscience clear. Don’t make a habit of doing things which are displeasing to God. Otherwise when your faith is test, you will have no confidence in God because of your guilty conscience. Third, don’t try to avoid situations where your faith may be tested. Naturally we don’t like trusting in God alone but it is when we do this that our faith is strengthened. Finally, remember that God won’t test you more than you are able to bear. Be patient, and He will prove to you how willing He is to help and deliver the moment it is good for you”.

Once we learn to put all our faith in Him and completely trust Him so many doors will be opened. One of which is receiving that which is “better than rubies and all the things one may desire” – wisdom.

“Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.  Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her. She will place on your head an ornament of grace; A crown of glory she will deliver to you.  Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, and the years of your life will be many. I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble. Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life.” ~ Proverbs 4:7-13