February 10, 2014 - "Wisdom and Understanding"

I had the BEST time at our Healthy4You! LIfe Group last night and we had some yummy, HEALTHY foods. It was awesome! I ended up with 6 new recipes and that makes me a happy girl. Beyond an evening of eating healthy sits the key component though - dialogue. Dialogue builds relationships and relationships are critical in the winning combination for great health in my opinion. I need others giving support and accountability especially on the days when I feel weak or tired. How about you? Healthy relationships have now taken on new meaning in my life. I am grateful that so many are now opening their minds and hearts to the benefits of staying on the path in spite of..... I so enjoy sharing a meal with people who have a desire to use food for its designed purpose and not to cover hurts and emotional scars. Our Freedom Connection #2 lesson challenged us to find JOY IN the journey to health not along he way or occasionally - but actually dig deep into our God-given JOY when the journey toward health isn't always the easiest or most enjoyable path. And let's be honest, a cheeseburger with fries is sometimes easy AND desirable but NEVER the best option. So when we say, "no" to that choice, sometimes we have to battle our own pity party and smile as we remind ourselves that our spirit is stronger than our flesh and being healthy in our spirit, soul, AND body is joyous. Yes? However, in the battle with our flesh sometimes joy is far from our mind. Let us remember this is a journey, our journey, and we will find JOY! We are not alone. Proverbs 4 lists the benefits of gaining wisdom and understanding. It's one of my favorites! At my age I am finally applauding wisdom and understanding - it took me a while though. :) Let's conclude today with this passage and chat again tomorrow. I pray your Monday is filled with wise choices that come from a profound level of understanding. PK Proverbs 4 (NIV) Get Wisdom at Any Cost 4 Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. 2 I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching. 3 For I too was a son to my father, still tender, and cherished by my mother. 4 Then he taught me, and he said to me, “Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live. 5 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. 6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. 7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. 8 Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. 9 She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown.” 10 Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. 11 I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. 12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. 13 Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. 14 Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. 15 Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way. 16 For they cannot rest until they do evil; they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble. 17 They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. 18 The path of the righteous(V) is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. 19 But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble. 20 My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. 21 Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; 22 for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. 23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. 24 Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. 25 Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. 26 Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. 27 Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.