Elvis: The Advent Elf

This Christmas, Elvis the Advent Elf came to stay at our home. I'm sure by now you have heard of Elf on the Shelf, A Christmas Tradition. It seems to be one of those love/hate relationships. You either love the idea, or you hate it.

I'm probably somewhere in the middle. I certainly don't hate him. He's fun! I love the idea of an elf coming to stay for the holiday season. It seemed like it would be so much fun for the kids to wake up each morning and search for their elf friend, finding him in the funniest places. We have never taught our children that Santa was real, so the part about an elf watching them to see if they were naughty or nice didn't fit with our family. I wanted to tweak our elf to incorporate our family traditions.

We have always taught the kids about Santa Claus, the truth. He's a fun pretend character who magically delivers presents on Christmas Eve. We love watching Santa movies. The kids always get a present in their stocking from Santa, which they know comes from their mom and dad. At our house, Santa is the one who gives the ornaments for the tree each year. Every Christmas Eve they leave a plate of cookies with milk for Santa. They know their father and me eat the cookies; sometimes we take pictures to show them. It's fun to pretend. It's good for a child's imagination.

I didn't want to pay the money for the famous Elf on the Shelf so I purchased my own at Hobby Lobby. He was much cheaper, and I believe he's adorable. His arms have a wire running through them so you can position him how you would like, and he has a weight in his bottom so he can sit up. He is a little larger than the normal "elf" but I liked him that way.

Meet Elvis, The Advent Elf. On December 1st our kids woke to find Elvis sitting on our dining room table. In his hand was an envelope and next to him laid a letter from Santa. The letter was quite long and detailed the tradition of celebrating the Advent season.

In the envelope Elvis held was the first Bible verses for our Advent celebration. We daily would get scriptures to read, and we would all discuss a question to reflect upon. It would be our evening devotions. The discussion was lively and interesting. I believe it was an excellent tradition to add to our family celebration. I don't know that Elvis will return with his daily activities next year (it was a ton of work), but I do believe we will read through his Advent envelopes again.

To make his envelopes I found a piece of Christmas scrapbook paper at Hobby Lobby. It conveniently had all 25 numbers on it. I simply cut each one out and mod podged it onto the front of some envelopes I also purchased from Hobby Lobby. With coupons, the total price I paid on his Advent envelopes was $2. I love how they turned out, and they were super simple to put together.

I had my envelopes all finished before December 1st so each night we would need only pick the next day. The Bible verses were all printed out and folded to fit nicely inside. I chose to use the Message version for all our Bible verses. It's such an easy version for kids to understand.

Day 1
1 John 1:1-5
Question for Reflection: How can we "walk in the light"?

Day 2
Isaiah 9:6-7
Question for Reflection: What name or characteristic of Jesus can you most relate to?

Day 3
Philippians 2:5-8
Question for Reflection: Why do you think Jesus came in such a humble way?

Day 4
Isaiah 40:3-5
Question for Reflection: How can we prepare for God's arrival?

Day 5
Luke 1:5-12
Question for Reflection: What does it mean to live honorably before God?

Day 6
Luke 1:13-17
Question for Reflection: John the Baptist was the first person filled with the Holy Spirit. What do you think life was like without the Holy Spirit?

Day 7
Luke 1:18-25
Question for Reflection: Why do we often doubt God's blessings in our own lives?

Day 8
Luke 1:26-38
Question for Reflection: What "impossible" thing do you need to trust God for?

Day 9
Matthew 1:18-19
Question for Reflection: How do we deal with conflict? Do we do it quietly, or do we make a big scene?

Day 10
Matthew 1:20-25
Question for Reflection: What does "God with us" mean to you personally?

Day 11
Luke 1:39-45
Question for Reflection: Why do you think Mary was chosen to be the mother of Jesus?

Day 12
Luke 1:46-56
Question for Reflection: How do you feel about being a "chosen child" of God?

Day 13
Luke 2:1-5
Question for Reflection: Caesar Augustus was a documented historical figure, do you ever wonder if Jesus was real too?

Day 14
Luke 2:6-7
Question for Reflection: Why do you think God allowed His son to be born in a stable?

Day 15
Luke 2:8-12
Question for Reflection: Why do you think the angels appeared to the shepherds instead of someone more "important"?

Day 16
Luke 2:13-14
Question for Reflection: What does it mean peace to those "who please him"?

Day 17
Luke 2:15-18
Question for Reflection: What things have you "seen" that have made you "believe"?

Day 18
Luke 2:19-20
Question for Reflection: Have you been "glorifying and praising" God for all that He has done in your life?

Day 19
Micah 5:2-4
Question for Reflection: Micah prophesied about Jesus' birth hundreds of years before it happened. Do you believe God planned for your birth that far in advance?

Day 20
Matthew 2:1-2
Question for Reflection: A pilgrimage is a long journey made to a sacred place as an act of religious devotion. What pilgrimage have you been on lately?

Day 21
Matthew 2:3-6
Question for Reflection: Why do you think Herod feared Jesus' coming?

Day 22
Matthew 2:7-8
Question for Reflection: Herod pretended to be devoted to get what he wanted. Do you ever pretend, hoping God will give you whatever you ask for?

Day 23
Matthew 2:9-12
Question for Reflection: Have you ever been in the right place at the right time to experience God's presence?

Day 24
John 1:14
Question for Reflection: What does it look like when "flesh and blood moves into your neighborhood"?

Day 25
John 3:16-18
Question for Reflection: Have you accepted God's gift of His son, Jesus?

I put a book together of Elvis: The Advent Elf and his adventures. I wanted to share it with you!

Click here to view this photo book larger

"Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow." James 1:17

Christmas Coloring Pages

Lead With Your Ears

Yesterday we went on a hunt for anger. Not a hunt to discover our dark sides; a hunt to understand and cope with anger. A couple months ago I posted about The Hunt for Easter that our church puts together. I had the idea then to duplicate this event with my children. We did. And it was so much fun.

I knew anger would be an appropriate topic to cover. It has felt a little like World War III in my home these days. Emotions have been flying and words followed by actions have been played out to my dissatisfaction. We needed a lesson from the Bible.

To go about our hunt, we had 5 different location clues around town. At each location we had some Bible trivia questions. The kids were required to bring Bibles and we looked up numerous references. There were two examples about angry individuals, and one about God. We then had a reflection question. Once the reflection question was answered, they were given a puzzle piece to our map for the treasure. It was so much fun and took us 3 hours to complete!

Our first clue read:

If you love Jesus you take this with you wherever you go. Jesus wants us to be this to others that don't know Him. You are this on your own but He really loves it when at least two or three are this together. But you are really looking for a symbol of this.

ANSWER: Church

First Stop Trivia:
1) Why was Cain angry with Abel?
(Genesis 4:1-16)

2) Why was Esau angry with Jacob?
(Genesis 27:34, 41)

3) Why was God angry with the Israelites at Mount Sinai?
(Exodus 32:9-14)

Reflection: What feelings or thoughts motivated their anger?

Our second clue read:

Stefanie misses Colorado. :'( If you wanted to help her feel better you might take her here on a date. It is not quite as high as Pikes Peak but does have being burned in common with the Rockies. You won't be able to see the evidence of it now though because it is all green again.

ANSWER: The tallest place in our city

Second Stop Trivia:
1) Why was Balaam angry with his donkey?
(Numbers 22:27-29)

2) Why was Saul angry with Jonathan?
(1 Samuel 20: 30-31)

3) Why was God angry with Solomon?
(1 Kings 11:1-10)

Reflection: What "idols" or other "gods" do we serve?

Our third clue read:

This place could be considered an activity for the insane. "Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results" There is a lot of motion going on here but you never really get anywhere.

ANSWER: Carousel

Third Stop Trivia:
1) Why was Naaman angry with Elisha?
(2 Kings 5:11)

2) Why was Haman angry with Mordecai?
(Esther 3:5-6)

3) Why was God angry with Moses?
(Exodus 4:13-14)

Reflection: Why do we get angry?
1. Treated unfairly.
2. Blamed for something that isn't my fault.
3. Not treated with proper respect.
4. They didn’t do what I wanted them to do.
5. They aren't on my side.
6. That person dared to tell me I was wrong.

Our fourth clue read:

Have you ever played King of the Mountain? Whoever is at the top is the king until someone knocks him off. This place is not quite a mountain and no one will literally knock the "king" off but he cannot stay there forever. Eight years at a time and then the next "king" gets rule of the mountain.

ANSWER: Governor's Mansion

Fourth Stop Trivia:
1) Why was Nebuchadnezzar angry?
(Daniel 3:16-33)

2) Why was Jonah angry with God?
(Jonah 4:5-11)

3) Why was Jesus angry at the temple?
(John 2: 13-17)

Reflection: Why do we not have a right to respond in anger to every perceived sin?
1. My perception may be wrong.
2. My anger may be only for the purpose of punishing the person.
3. I may be equating personal embarrassment or inconvenience with sin.

Our fifth clue read:

All of us want to be perfect but really we all make mistakes and are like so many pieces of broken glass. But not to worry because God takes all of our pieces and makes those beautiful like a kaleidoscope. If you come here you don't have to worry about crossing all your "teas". But I wouldn't start throwing the scones into the water.

ANSWER:  Park where we have a tea party each summer

Fifth Stop Trivia:
1) Why was Herod angry with the wise men?
(Matthew 2:16)

2) Why was the older brother angry with his father in the story of the prodigal son?
(Luke 15:28-32)

3) Why was Jesus angry with the Pharisees?
(Matthew 23)

Reflection: Biblical Instructions Concerning Anger
1. We are to be angry, but without sin. (Ecclesiastes 5:6, Ephesians 4:26, Ephesians 4:31).
2. We are to look at the effects and consequences of our anger (Matthew 5:22, James 1:20).
3. We are to be slow to anger (Proverbs 14:29; James. 1:19).
4. How we are to deal with other people’s anger (Proverbs 15:1, 19:19).
5. We are to avoid stirring up anger in others (Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21)

We were all amazed to find that almost every single example we read about, the anger always seemed to stem from pride. All these people got puffed up and thought they deserved better treatment, or more respect than they were given. Only God had the right to demand the respect, and only God deserved it.

"Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, and then follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God’s righteousness doesn’t grow from human anger. So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life." James 1:19-21

We chose to focus on the beginning of this verse. Lead with your ears, then follow up with your tongue. Too many times our tongues do the talking before we've thought or even heard what the other person had to say. If we would do more leading with our ears, we might hear the exasperation, disappointment, or hurt in their voices.

Lead with your ears! Listen to those around you. Hear their thoughts and feelings, and LISTEN. We don't want to be a snake, spilling our venom, leading with our tongues or our anger.

Our final part of the hunt was putting together the pieces of the treasure map that we had collected along the way. This led to our tangible treasure, although I do believe the real treasure lied within all of our discussion and hunting through scriptures.

This treasure specifically led to a soda shop in the park. This is a place where you can get specialty drinks and ice cream. Once we ordered our drinks, we gathered round to answer our final question. "How can we respond in love, not anger?"

"All you saints! Sing your hearts out to God!
Thank him to his face!
He gets angry once in a while, but across
a lifetime there is only love." Psalm 30:4-5
I think the next Bible hunt we go on might be to study LOVE.

The Hunt for Easter

Happy Easter

Are you looking for a new Easter tradition? Or maybe just a fun thing to do with your kids? It doesn't need to be Easter to go on a Bible trivia hunt. You can do that any day of the year! In fact, it's a great way to get your kids excited about the Bible. You could simply switch out the Easter trivia questions for some trivia about a different Bible story. This would be an enjoyable and enlightening family activity to do several times a year.

For the past few Easter Sunday's our elementary aged kids at church having been going on a Hunt for Easter. They break up into teams, and follow clues which lead them around the church property to various locations. At each location, they must answer Bible trivia questions about Jesus' death and resurrection. While on this hunt, they have the chance of running into Elmer Fudd, who's chasing down the rabbit. "Be vewy vewy quiet, I'm hunting wabbits." When they've answer the trivia question, they are given a piece of the map, and their next clue. Once they finish their last clue, they can put together the map in order to figure out where the rabbit is hiding. (The end of the hunt, but not the true treasure. The real treasure lies in answering the questions and learning the story.)

If you want to make your own map, you can do this at Google Maps. Once you're there, you can type in the address of your treasure location, and off to the right side of the screen on the map, you should see a small icon that reads Satellite. Click on that and you will be able to get an aerial view of the spot you want. You can zoom in as much or as little as you'd like to.

You can make your hunt as simple as you want, or as complex as you desire. I think it would be fun to get in a car and travel to each location, but you could simply hide clues around your home too. We've done treasure hunts both ways. If you don't plan on leaving the house, make a hand drawn map, marking the x yourself.


Before you start, you've got to figure out your locations and clues. At each place you stop, come up with 2 or 3 trivia questions to ask. I would bring a Bible along in case the kids are stumped and can't figure out the correct answer. If the story isn't one your kids are familiar with, read it aloud together before you go on a hunt. Then the story will stick more once the kids are trying to figure out the trivia questions. If they have to search for the answer themselves, they will probably remember it next time they're asked! Want to make it really difficult, don't give them multiple choice questions; make them come up with the answer. Or if you feel like your kids are too old for trivia questions, make them more personal reflection questions.

Sound fun? Let's go for it!

WINDING THROUGH THE WOODS WITH A GENTLE FLOW, THE PLACE YOU ARE TRYING TO FIND; THE FISH, DUCKS, AND FROGS ALREADY KNOW. (Creek)

The trivia questions are:

1.) Before the rooster would crow, Jesus told which disciple he would deny that he even knew Him 3 times?
A: John
B: Judas
C: Peter
D: Thomas

2.) For how many pieces of silver did Judas betray Christ?
A: 20
B: 30
C: 60
D: 100

3.) How did Judas Betray Jesus?
A: Pointing at him
B: Gave him a hug
C: With a kiss
D: Shook his hand

WITH SO MANY WORDS USED FOR KNOWLEDGE YOU WILL FIND PLACES LIKE THIS EVEN IN COLLEGE. NOW WITH COMPUTERS DEWEY DECIMAL SEEMS BEHIND THE TIMES, BRING BACK WHAT YOU BORROW OR FACE SOME FINES. (Library)

4.) Who did Pilate send Jesus to after he had interrogated him?
A: Herod
B: Annas
C: Caiaphas
D: Caesar

5.) Pilate offered to release one prisoner- which prisoner did the Jews request to be released?
A: Jesus
B: Barabbas
C: Paul
D: Barnabas

6.) After Pilate found no guilt in Christ, for what reason did the Jews say that Jesus should die?
A: He claimed to be from heaven
B: He said He would tear down the Temple of God
C: He claimed He was their king
D: He had blasphemed God

TO BE A KID IS TO HAVE FUN, A PLACE DESIGNED FOR YOU TO RUN. WITH A LADDER LEADING TO A PLATFORM UP SO HIGH, THERE IS A FAST WAY TO GET DOWN THAT WON'T MAKE YOU CRY. (Playground)

7.) Who carried the cross for Jesus?
A: Simon of Cyrene
B: Simon Peter
C: Simon the Zealot
D: Simeon

8.) At Christ crucifixion what did the soldiers place on his head?
A: Crown of Gold
B: Crown of Thorns
C: Crown of Jewels
D: Crown of Thistles

9.) What was the color of the robe placed on Jesus?
A: Blue
B: Red
C: Purple
D: White

YOU FIND ME WITH CANDY OR SOMETIMES WITH ROLL; I'M HEAVY AND LARGE, ROUGH AND DULL. OUTSIDE THE CHURCH I BORDER THE LOT; LOOK CLOSELY YOU'LL FIND THE TREASURE I GOT. (Rocks)

10.) What was inscribed above the cross?
A: Prince of the Jews
B: King of the Jews
C: Savior of all
D: Lord of all

11.) With what was Jesus side pierced?
A: Sword
B: Knife
C: Spear
D: Spike

12.) For what of Christ’s did the soldiers cast lots?
A: Clothes
B: Jewels
C: Donkey
D: Cross

SCRUB, SCRUB SQUEAKY CLEAN. BEHIND THIS DOOR ARE CHEMICALS THAT MAKE THINGS GLEAM. ON THE SHELF IS SOME COMET, MAKE SURE YOU DON'T INJEST IT COULD MAKE YOU VOMIT. (Janitor's closet)

13.) What did Judas do with the silver pieces after he had betrayed Jesus?
A. He buried it in the ground
B. He gave it back
C. He put it in the bank
D. He bought a field

14.) When Jesus died for how long was there darkness over the land?
A: 3 days
B: 3 hours
C: 6 days
D: 3 weeks

15.) In what was Jesus wrapped before he was buried?
A: Goat skins
B: Linen clothes
C: Sheep skins
D: Golden robe

3 LITTLE LETTERS MEANING SO MUCH, LINES SO LONG YOU MAY MISS LUNCH. YOU BETTER GO IF YOU WANT TO DRIVE, TO GET YOUR LISCENSE YOU MUST GO INSIDE. (DMV)

16.) What was the name of the man who requested Jesus’ body for burial?
A: Nicodemus
B: Joseph
C: Phillip
D: Jonathan

17.) Jesus appeared to his disciples after the resurrection beside which sea?
A: Red Sea
B: Sea of Galilee
C: Sea of Tiberius
D: Dead Sea

18.) Who rolled the stone away from Jesus tomb?
A: Jesus
B: God
C: An Angel
D: A Roman guard

WITH A CAP ON HEAD AND MITT IN HAND, YOU ENTER THIS PLACE WHERE SCOREBOARDS STAND. SO MANY AMERICANS HAVE PLAYED THIS GAME AND THE PRO'S KNOW IT'S FOR LOVE NOT FOR FAME. (Baseball Diamonds)

19.) Who of these was the first on the scene after the resurrection of Christ?
A: Simon Peter
B: Cleopas
C: Judas Iscariot
D: Mary Magdalene

20.) Which disciple wanted to see the imprint of the nails before he would believe?
A: Andrew
B: Thomas
C: James
D: Bartholomew

21.) How long did Jesus remain after his resurrection before he ascended into Heaven?
A: 7 days
B: 3 days
C: 14 days
D: 40 days

After the last question has been answered, you can give the final piece of the map. One you've figured out the location, get your treasure. Since this was a church activity, our last location was meeting back in KidZone for a story and worship music. If I had done this hunt at home with my children, I might have had the treasure be back at home, where we would take communion together as a family.

In fact, we did this as a family the night before Easter. We watched an Easter movie of Jesus' death and his resurrection. We discussed what we had seen, and the parts that stood out to us. We read aloud from Isaiah chapter 53. My husband led us in communion, with sparkling red grape juice and sourdough bread. It was memorable.

One of the things that really stood out to my husband and I was while Jesus was dying on the cross. The soldiers are putting the nails in his hands and feet, and "Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.'” Luke 23:34

This wasn't done in anger. It was the words of someone who was broken, pleading and begging for the lives of others. He could have been selfish at that point, and just endured the punishment. But his thoughts are outside himself. He's desperately asking his daddy to forgive them. He genuinely doesn't want anyone to suffer, no matter what they've done to him. They were killing him, and he was pleading for their forgiveness. That is real love.

We talked with our children at great lengths about grace. We described it to them as getting something good that they don't deserve. It's a gift that we all must accept. It does us no good to know about, but not accept it.

In order to illustrate the point to them better, we had a gift.

One of the requirements for getting ready for school each day is to have your room clean, and your things picked up around the house. If something is left out in the living room, kitchen, computer room, etc., and they have left for the day, it becomes mine. I did the work of picking it up, so it now belongs to me. I have a box in my closet full of these items. When my children do a job around the house, anything that is not a normal chore, they have the opportunity of choosing an item from the closet. It's kind of a trade. I do a little work, they do a little work.

For Easter, we told the kids we were giving them some grace. My closet was to be emptied out. They were free to take back all their toys and books. No jobs would be necessary. It was grace. A good thing that they did nothing to deserve. The slate was wiped clean, and they could start fresh again.

We have that same opportunity on a much larger scale. Every day we have the chance for a fresh start. Jesus paid the price for our weakness. All we have to do is accept it. We must say thanks for the gift, and receive it. It's that simple. Forgiveness is in our grasp. Don't let it get away from you.

There is peace in knowing that you have been shown mercy. You're not going to get what you deserve. You're going to get a gift! The gift is there waiting for you to take it.

What Women Fear

I'm back with more questions from the book, What Women Fear by Angie Smith. A couple months ago, I posted questions from the first five chapters of the book. I had been doing this as a book study with my friends, and I wanted to share our discussion questions. These are not be used alone. They are for diving into the book a little deeper, and striking more intimate authentic conversation with your friends.

You really need to purchase the book for yourself! These questions are only to be used a supplement, not to take the place of reading the book.

Chapter 6 - The First Stone
"As His hand moves, we all have the same question burning in our minds. Lord Jesus, what do You say to a sinner like me?" (Smith 106).
What do you think Jesus wrote on the ground for all to see? What do you think Jesus might write on the ground for you?

When was the first time you knew God was real? When did you invite Him into your life?

"Sometimes the hard part isn't setting it down and surrendering it, but rather resisting the urge to go back to it over and over again" (Smith 114).
Do you have peace about your past or are you reliving those sins again and again?

"Fill yourself with verses that speak to temptations you often face, and then commit them to memory... You don't have to be held captive, a prisoner of sin." (Smith 114).
Is there anything you want to be held accountable for?


Chapter 7 - Benefactors
"Suppose it were opening night of my great play and I was allowed to invite anyone I want to come and see me... I want to have people there whose judgment of me is important" (Smith 121).
Who have you placed in the front row of your audience? Who are you performing for?

"I've concluded that the basic barrier to relying on God for our sense of significance is that in a practical, every day, standing-on stage kind of way, He can seem like the One in the back of the auditorium taking notes on your performance but never clapping" (Smith 123).
Do you struggle with feeling significant to God? If yes, why do you think that is?

Are you being obedient to what God has called you to do?

"We sit at the table and we look at those around us with eyes of competition and jealousy. We wrongly believe that we are in a race with them for the affection of our Savior and the praise of our fellow man" (Smith 129).
Do you ever feel that you are in a race for God's affection?

"Jesus is clear in saying that we are not to be benefactors, lording over others, but rather servants who consider themselves nothing" (Smith 129).
Who are you trying to be, a benefactor or a servant? What evidence in your life backs that up?


Chapter 8 - Appointed
Have you ever been afraid to truly trust His plan for you without something else on which to fall back?

Do we have a right to be angry about tragedies and that which clearly seems to be an injustice?

"What if we deliberately made the Lord a part of our hours and not just our hour of need?" (Smith 140).
Is God part of every area of your life? Or are there places you don't let Him go? Do you live moment-by-moment with Him? Or is it crisis-to-crisis?

What is one new area you can invite God "in" for?

"God knew Jonah's heart, so He did something drastic, something epic, something that to the naked eye looks like a tragedy, and He used it for His glory.... Many times in my life I have seen an obstacle as the enemy, but looking back now I see it was an appointed mercy" (Smith 143).
What obstacle have you faced lately that turned into an "appointed mercy"?


Chapter 9 - Beginning to Sink
Have you ever asked, "God, are you even real? Or... do you even care about me?

How have you experienced God personally for yourself? -in the last six months?

"If you have not seen Him the way others have, it may be because you are still in the boat, a mere observer to the miracles others have experienced" (Smith 160).
Are you still in the boat, a mere observer, or have you stepped out and saw His miracles?


Chapter 10 - The Scroll of Remembrance
Do you have someone in your life, father or not, who you can trust and "fear"? Someone you can admire and respect?

"I believe we should not only fear God in the sense that we revere Him, but also in the old "I am shaking in my boots in your presence, God" kind of way. I think we make a huge mistake by not being afraid enough of God" (Smith 169).
Do you have a fear of God? Or are you too comfortable in His presence?

The evidence of our fear is obedience - so how well do you obey Him?

Are you serving God in the midst of your fears? How have you been rewarded for it?

I highly recommend this book to you. It's a great investment! Questions for Chapters One Through Five

All quotes taken from: Smith, Angie. (2011). What Women Fear. Nashville, Tennessee: B & H Publishing Group

A Walk Through Proverbs

For the past month my Bible reading has lead me through Proverbs. I have to say it felt rather rushed. Proverbs is one of those books you could easily take one verse out of it and ponder it for an entire day. I was reading a couple chapters a day! It's full of wisdom from King Solomon, reported to be the wisest man who ever lived.

(This is taken from 1 Kings Chapter 3) One night the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream, "What do you want? Ask and I will give it to you!"

"Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?"

The Lord was so pleased with Solomon's request. "I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have!"

Solomon could have asked for anything! He could have been selfish in his request, but he was thinking of the people. His greatest desire was to be a king the people could follow. He desired wisdom to rule. That alone blows me away. I think my first thoughts would have been rather selfish. God protect me and my family. Let us live a long life. Provide for all my needs. Make me happy. Keep sickness far from me. Give me whatever I want! The list could go on and on.

As I read my Bible, I like to underline the key verses that speak to me. It makes it really easy to go back and find them on another day. I wish I had a perfect memory that once something goes in, it never goes out. However, that's not the case for most of us. I'm constantly trying to remember what I've heard, and where I've heard it at. That's a big reason why I take notes, and keep them in one place. Wisdom at my fingertips!

I wanted to share with you some of the key verses I highlighted in Proverbs. It's been a really inspiring month. This is a book that you want to read again and again.


Parenting and Children:

"My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck." Proverbs 1:8-9

"My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. Proverbs 3:11-12

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

"The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them." Proverbs 20:7

"Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it." Proverbs 22:6

"Don't fail to discipline your children. They won't die if you spank them. Physical discipline may well save them from death." Proverbs 23:13-14
Hold Your Tongue:

"Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return. Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt. So don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you." Proverbs 9:7-8 We have to be very careful with who we share our knowledge. For those who aren't ready for it will be driven away in anger. This can be a very tricky thing, and I believe the only solution is to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide your words. Always spend time in prayer before you confront. Sometimes it's the offense in you that you feel you must defend. Remember God is our defender!

"Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut." Proverbs 10:19 This one hurts! My mouth is constantly getting me into trouble. I have to weigh my words so carefully. I am certain most of the sin in my life starts with my mouth and ends there.

"Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything." Proverbs 13:3

"People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness." Proverbs 14:29

"A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare." Proverbs 15:1

"Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit." Proverbs 15:4

"The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words." Proverbs 15:28

"Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Proverbs 16:24

"The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences." Proverbs 18:21

"A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls." Proverbs 25:28

"Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth— a stranger, not your own lips." Proverbs 27:2

This section of verses are the ones that hit home with me the most. I need to print some of these out and paste them on the walls of my home. I need reminders to hold my tongue, and think before I speak. There is so little you can do to repair the damage of the tongue.


A Godly Woman:

"A beautiful woman who lacks discretion is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout." Proverbs 11:22

"A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands." Proverbs 14:1

"A quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping on a rainy day." Proverbs 27:15

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised." Proverbs 31:30
Thoughts for Life:

"Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them." Proverbs 3:27

God has richly blessed us all, and yet reaching out to others is not always our first instinct.

"When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away, but the godly have a lasting foundation." Proverbs 11:25

"If you search for good, you will find favor; but if you search for evil, it will find you!" Proverbs 11:27

"Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up." Proverbs 12:25

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life." Proverbs 13:12

"A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health." Proverbs 15:30

"People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives. Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:2-3

"We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall." Proverbs 16:33

"The Lord’s light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive." Proverbs 20:27

"An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship." Proverbs 24:26

"A person who promises a gift but doesn’t give it is like clouds and wind that bring no rain." Proverbs 25:14

"As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person." Proverbs 27:19

"The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions." Proverbs 28:1

"People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy." Proverbs 28:13

"Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety." Proverbs 29:25

Thank you, God, for giving me the ability to speak. Remind me to hold my tongue when necessary, and to speak when it will be an encouragement to those around me. Show me ways where I can improve in my parenting. Make me the wife and mother that you desire me to be. Keep me from speaking evil so that I may not cause pain. Thank you for your unconditional love!