Searching for Wisdom

Wisdom is defined as the quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight.

Throughout my journey I have sought out wisdom as though it were food for my soul. Gleaning book after book for wisdom and knowledge trying to find just the right nugget of wisdom to apply to that particular part of my journey. Searching for wisdom becomes an all consuming obsession at times.

In all the years of my search, I have met many people and heard many stories. I have read many quotes and studied many manuscripts. I have been lucky enough to experience wisdom in others and the stories of their journey.

I once again have the opportunity to experience wisdom every Wednesday night. On Wednesdays I attend a Bible Study with women who are both older and younger than I. Some nights I have something to offer to the discussion, but most Wednesdays I just sit and listen absorbing the wisdom that these women offer. I feel especially lucky because I am able to be spiritually fed by all these women.

Their gracious nature allows them to accept everyone and speak truth into the lives of others in such a way that you can see God through them. I feel completely blessed to have this opportunity. Not only do these women offer spritual wisdom, but also wisdom about their unique view of the world.

I know I will continue to search for wisdom, but for the next few weeks I am lucky enough to experience it every Wednesday night. Thank you so much ladies. All of you and your experiences mean so much to me.

Psalm 49:3
My mouth will speak wisdom, And the meditation of my heart will be understanding.

Last of Emily Pictures

You are my sunshine, My only Sunshine, Emily! Love you more than you will ever know!
--Mommy

More Emily Pictures

More Emily Pictures

Emily

Today I am going to devote my post to my daughter. Lately she has been attached to me. She has always been a mamma's girl, but the last couple of weeks she has been a bit more clingy. I like to call it mommy worship. She has to do EXACTLY what I am doing. Here's an example:

When we get out of the car she says, "Are you taking your purse in, mommy?"
"Yes, Emily"
"Then I am too, mommy!"

It is very flattering and a little scary at times. I see myself in her. We have most of the same mannerisms, very similar personalities, and people say she looks like me (i don't see it). I worry because I am not worthy of this worship. I make so many mistakes. I try to let her see me making mistakes because I remember worshipping my mom as well and thinking that she was perfect. She seemed to have it all together. This made me think that was how you were supposed to be. Perfect, keeping it together all the time. It took me a long time to realize that no one can ever be perfect or have it all together. I just hope I am teaching this to my daughter. I really hope that she sees all my faults. Every single one of them. I want her to know that I am not perfect and I never will be. I just pray that I can point her toward the only One that is and she can see Him through me.

Now some pictures! :)

What are you reading these days?

I am reading the best book right now. Has anyone ever read, The Shack? This book is so good! I recommend it to EVERYONE! If you have read it, what did you think? If you haven't go out and get it. Definitely worth the time. Here's a quote from the back:
"In a world where religion seems to grow increasingly irrelevant THE SHACK wrestles with the timeless question: Where is God in a world filled with unspeakable pain? The answers Mack (the main character) gets will astound you and perhaps transform you as much as it did him. You'll want everyone to read this book!"

Make it a great day!

It's Finally Fall!

Blustery Days, Pumpkins, Red Cheeks and Noses, Sweaters, Coats...

Wonder-filled Wednesday

The wonders of the world are just amazing. One of the most beautiful to me is a rainbow. I rarely see them, but when I do it makes my day. On the drive to work this morning I saw one of the most beautiful rainbows I have ever seen. You could see almost all the colors and the illusion of where it touched the ground. Then I looked on the other side of the clouds and saw the other half. It was broken in the middle, but you could definitely see where the two sides would come together.

Rainbows and sunlight have always represented God to me. I remember when I was little looking up into the clouds and seeing the sun break through and thinking that God was right there watching me. That is still one of the most beautiful sights to me.

Here in Dallas we are going to experience a cold front this afternoon. There are lots of clouds and it is getting dark. But this morning there was a beautiful rainbow and I saw the sunrise over a pond. What a wonderful way for me to catch a glimpse of God's beauty.

last one for the day...i promise!

Yes that is Captain American and Barbie Mariposa wrestling with one of the people we love most in the world, Allison. Allison, Jason, and Charlotte, three people we love, came over for dinner last week and she taught them how to arm wrestle. Of course Captain America won, but looks like Allison was giving Barbie a run for her money! We also have a picture of Barbie kissing Charlotte, but thought it might be a little too racey to post. ;)

Checking in...

Okay so I am checking in with my busyness. At least I have someone to hold me accountable. :)

As I tried to slow down today I refelcted on the what the Psalmist said in Psalm 23. He makes
me lie down. These were the questions that came to my mind as I reflected throughout the day...
Why would he use that word? Even in the psalmists time were people so busy that they did not have time to slow down and rest in the Lord?

I am sure that I need Him to make me lie down and rest. This is definitely not something I can do on my own. I find that I am so wrapped up in the daily to-do list that I don't have time for anything else. Everything, even God, becomes part of my to-do list. I would love to say that I am so busy because I have kids, but the sad thing is that I was this busy before kids.

I am not sure where to go from here, but I do know that I feel this pull to slow down. I will keep you posted.

Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)

Brothers and Sisters

Okay...I am baffled by the relationship between siblings. Seeing that I have none and Chris has none we really don't know what to expect, and they surprise us DAILY. One minute they are having the following conversation...

Emily: "I am NOT talking to you, BUBBA"

Ben: "It's sideways"

Emily: "NO, its upside down!"

Ben: "I am TRYING to help you! It is sideways!"

Emily: "I AM NOT TALKING TO YOU, IT'S UPSIDE DOWN!"

Ben: "UGH"

Then about five seconds later...

Emily: "Bubba, you want to go play with me?"

Ben: "Sure, what do you want to play? Batman and Batgirl?

Emily: "Sure!"

I am convinced that the Lord created siblings to teach us how to forgive one another. Ben and Emily forgive one another so easily. If only I could learn this lesson so easily now. Do you suppose that is why the Lord gave me two?

Thoughtful Tuesday

Chris left for Toronto today and thoughtfully took the kids to school this morning so I would not have to. I found myself in the car with time to actually think about the day ahead. Lost in my thoughts I almost flew past the exit for my office. I realized that it had been quite awhile since I had allowed myself to be "lost" in thought. I tried to remember what I was thinking about and the following thought came into my mind, "Slow down". Maybe this thought could be related to my speed and almost missing my turn. However, I thought more about the two little words, and I realized that it meant much more than my speed or the amount of attention that I was paying to the road. So I decided to meditate on these two little words. I realized that even though I had nothing to do at work I was rushing to the office instead of taking the time to do something else. I am always in such a hurry. I hurry to get out of bed, I hurry to get the kids ready, I hurry to make breakfast and lunches, I hurry to get myself ready, I hurry the kids through breakfast and out the door... and the day goes on and slips away. My challenge for today is to be still, listen, and slow down.

He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. (Psalms 23:2)

father and son Sunday

Watching father and son always takes my breath away. I see so much of Chris in Ben. I know that my husband does not realize how much Ben thinks the sun rises and sets in his daddy's eyes. It struck me as I watched them on this pier, that one day I will have two of these wonderful men in my life, and that makes me the luckiest person in the world.

Zoo Trip

In September the kids and I took a trip to the Ft. Worth Zoo. This was our first trip across the border from dallas to the zoo and we had a great time. Take a look at the pictures.

Our Trip to the Ft. Worth Zoo

Our very first post

Everyone, I mean everyone, we know has a blog, so we decided to jump on the bandwagon. As a writer I feel a slight bit of pressure to write something profound, which is precisely why I have put this off for so long. Posts will get better, but for now this is it.