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For a man’s ways are in full view of the LORD, and He examines his paths. Proverbs 5:21. (Proverbs 5-9)

Solomon had many wives and concubines. They were his downfall. Wisdom should have spared him, but he failed to employ it. These prose are a picture of, “Do as I say, not as I do.”  He did not recommend that others follow the path he trod. It did not lead to a happily ever after.  Femme fatale is not a fairy tale.

Proverbs makes parallel connections to sin and an adulterous relationship, and righteousness and fidelity. Solomon warns to steer away from people and places that bring temptation. Choose  to be loyal and honor the relationships you first made.

Perseverance and determination are not just traits one needs to survive times of persecution. It is necessary to set a path of faithful behavior in every daily duty. There will be feasts along the way. Some will bring life, others, certain death. The choice is yours. God sees all we do and allows no excuses. Do the right thing!

Have a great Monday,

Gretchen

I don’t like grown ups. I don’t get them at all. They make simple things hard and miss the wonder of leaves whirling on an autumn day. Life among those who have not yet achieved adulthood is the best of all things. It is challenging. Failure is not an option when a student cannot grasp the smallest increments of reading or mathematics and begin to grow. Every educator I know, myself included, spends endless hours and creative energy finding ways to reach the unreachable.  The same is true in ministry. When a child can’t wrap their mind around an infinite, all loving, all knowing God and rest their faith in the truths that have seen me through the mountain passes of my life’s journey, my mind won’t rest until Heaven speaks and I see the answer.

One of the tasks given to public education is to direct the study and remembrance of national heroes, patriots, and people of notoriety.  Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day and Presidents Day are a few occasions where lesson plans follow the obvious. January brings Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and discussions about this era of America’s past. Did you know that most books/biographies about people of the civil rights movement speak to God’s direction for peaceful protest and perseverance under the most trying circumstances? They are most often a testimony to spiritual victory.

Children do not hold back their observations and questions. These moments with my class give me encouragement and hope for the ages to come, because, in this season of the school year I understand God’s call for a childlike heart more clearly than ever. A five year old does not comprehend the constitutional issues created by the Jim Crow Laws, but they do recognize and empathize with Martin and his siblings when they were told their white friends could no longer play with them, or that Rosa Parks was not welcome to a seat on a bus she paid an equal price for. They get it, and see its wrong without any commentary from me. I read the book and direct the discussion. State standards don’t include a section for my opinion. However, in their honestly, they display the beauty of what the world could look like if adults loved as they love.

The school where I teach and the community I live in is very diverse, both economically and ethnically. My classroom reflects the demographics of this town and surrounding countryside. Once, after reading about Ruby Bridges, and the story of New Orlean’s desegregation, a child raised their hand and asked, “Mrs. Rooney, are there still people of color on earth today?” Sitting next to this little tike was a friend of color, but it was NOT the recognizable attribute noted in the heart and mind of this young scholar.

Dr. King, I hope our paths cross when I get to Heaven, so I can tell you of the little one who didn’t even know children came in different shades of red and yellow, black and white.

In a world full of diversity, and variables, there is an absolute. Be like the children, and love one another. (Gretchen’s abbreviated translation, Matthew 18:3 and John 13:34-35) Dance in the falling leaves, catch snowflakes on your tongue, stomp through some mud puddles and let your soul be young again…….forever.

All My Love,

Gretchen

My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them. Proverbs 1:10 (Proverbs 1-4)

Solomon wrote over 3000 short, intellectual proverbs focused on morality, chastity, diligence, compassion, personal finances, family life, the list goes on. His starting point was to put God in His proper place. He is the center of all things and you are not.

Proverbs is not a book of theology. Its purpose is to instill virtues taught throughout the Biblical discourse. God has a design for man’s peace and prosperity but man must embrace the life style God desires.

Don’t let satan, or his friendly neighborhood sinners, convince you that absolute diligence to love and good is a waste of time. Jesus’  commitment and perseverance is the supreme example that it is not. Stay so busy doing good that you don’t have time for bad.

Happy Weekend,

Gretchen

So Solomon did evil in the eyes of the LORD; he did not follow the LORD completely, as David his father had done.  I Kings 11:6 (I Kings 9-11, II Chronicles 7-9)

This was Israel’s golden age.  David built the kingdom, Solomon built the Temple and Israel was the most powerful nation on earth. Outside of Israel, Homer wrote the Iliad and the Odyssey, Greek history begins. Egypt, Assyria and Babylon were weak. Everything was headed in the right direction. God appeared to Solomon twice and in addition, there was The Law. God is always very clear about right and wrong. They gray areas we struggle with are not a vagary of God.

The demand was simple: Have NO OTHER god’s before Me!  Solomon could argue they weren’t his, but those of his wives, but they became his by association.  No amount of wisdom can exonerate sin, only humble confession on man’s part and grace and mercy on God’s part can do that.  David repented, Solomon did not. An end of peace and prosperity was the result.

There is no manipulation of sin and grace. You can’t outsmart your Creator, nor can you find redemption in any act of man. Yes, God did an amazing thing when He created you, but you have a free will that can destroy. The Throne of The One True God is where the action is. In feast or famine, all your needs will be met because He’s THAT God………The God!

Love,

Gretchen

Since the day I brought My people Israel out of Egypt, I have not chosen a city in any tribe of Israel to have a temple built for My Name to be there, but I have chosen David to rule My people Israel.” I Kings 8:16 (I Kings 8)

The splendor of Solomon’s Jerusalem had to be seen to be believed. As a matter of fact, people of station and wealth did travel from miles away, just to satisfy their curiosity about this wise and prosperous ruler.  Jerusalem became the center of the world!  Still today, the three largest religions on earth, Christianity, Judaism and Islam, call Jerusalem their birthplace.  A closer look at the history of this ‘City on a Hill’ reveals that God calls people, not places. David, the warrior king, chose Jerusalem for its strategic, military benefit, not a divine religious purpose. David dreamed of a Temple. Solomon saw that the Ark of the Covenant had a secure place to rest and God was honored with a permanent dwelling place.

God’s presence filled His Temple. He was pleased, but it wasn’t the location, gold or even the prestige that kept Him in residence. God remained because man daily chose to grow and maintain a relationship of faith and obedience with Him, their Creator, Protector and Provider.

Do you ever question your time and place in history, or imagine that a change of geography would make a tremendous difference in your ability to serve God?  It is the nature of man’s imagination to question the validity of one’s existence, but never let it be an excuse to minimize God’s purpose and love!  God’s residence IS about location, location, location, and your soul is His prime real-estate!  In return, we receive His vision, and OH MY, WHAT A VIEW!

Have a Great Day,

Gretchen

The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore; they ate, they drank and they were happy. I Kings 4:20 (I Kings 4-7 and II Chronicles 2-6)

Solomon was an incredible leader.  He ran vast enterprises and administrated a massive bureaucracy, wrote 3000 proverbs, 1005 songs, he was a scientist, botanist and responsible for three books of the Bible, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon. Peace and prosperity were his legacy.

Israel began their existence as God’s chosen people with only a tent as their place of worship and evidence of God’s dwelling. This was the custom for over 400 years. God ordained this structure, David designed it and Solomon built the lavish, marvel of ancient history!  However, its glory was short-lived. Within five years of Solomon’s death it was plundered and then completely destroyed.

This temple, of incredible pomp and grandeur, honored God only as far as man’s heart reflected the same awe and glory. The gold embossed wood and stone came tumbling down when Israel’s heart turned to other god’s and their earthly comforts and pleasures took precedence over God’s law. Nothing of material or earthly origin compares to God’s concern with the soul of man.

Love,

Gretchen

“So give Your servant a discerning heart to govern Your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” I Kings 3:9 (I Kings 1-3 and II Chronicles 1)

As King David lived out his last days, his son Adonijah, the heir apparent, sets himself up as king.  The prophet Nathan intervenes and David has Solomon anointed before he dies. Shortly afterward, God appears to Solomon in a dream, directing the young leader to make a request for anything he desires. Solomon’s answer, verses 6-9, was a humble and noble request for wisdom.

The fear of the LORD  is the beginning of all wisdom. Solomon asked for much more than just academic prowess and a clever mind.  He wanted to know right from wrong and longed to lead as God designed. God was pleased and through this gift Solomon gained power, wealth and fame.

Through this simple request for supreme insight, Solomon served his people justly and the kingdom prospered.  If there is anything I personally feel unworthy of asking for, it is wisdom.  My logical brain says I must study, research and work hard to achieve this reward, but God’s pleasure signifies otherwise. Every breath taken and every blood cell pumped through the body is a function of the human brain.  Your brain is your life! And it must be given to God if you are to truly live.

Love,

Gretchen

Teach me Your way, O LORD, and I will walk in Your truth, give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name. Psalm 86:11 (Psalms 37, 86, 138)

The direction of David’s life was very often propelled by the wickedness of others. Was he constantly in survival mode, paralyzed by circumstances beyond his control? A lot of no with a little bit of yes. He did have to deal daily with sin, sometimes his, certainly that of those who wished him ill for the gain of their own selfish agenda.  David adopted habits that focused correct perspective and allowed good to prevail in the midst of evil.

Psalm 37 is a series of proverbial sayings pointing to the dominance of good over bad. No matter how bleak things seem, sin will be punished.  There were many times David had to confidently stand on the side of right and then wait patiently for the LORD to move. God was always faithful.

David’s philosophy for living in the world of grief and wrong doing was: Do good, rely totally on God and trust in His infinite love and faithfulness. It has proven victorious.

Happy Monday!

Gretchen

The first attraction I felt toward the man that would someday become my husband was his adventurous spirit, born of a zest for life and a courage to embrace the unknown. I have none of these attributes.  I look out upon the world and see hazards and chaos waiting to swallow me whole. Keith’s fearless approach to living drew me to him like a moth to a flame.

The weekends of our young marriage were spent in or on one motorized contraption or another, going where most people weren’t even willing to walk.  I rode white knuckled and breathless until the day I realized Keith had an uncommon knowledge and talent for what he called ‘entertainment’ and he didn’t want to die anymore than I did. In this moment he became invincible, super human, and I learned the art of fun.

Then…..there was a Sunday afternoon…..along a river….in the middle of nowhere. The weather had grown warm, inviting us to enjoy the outdoors, so off we went for a couple of hours.  We were we bouncing and bumping over, through and around rocks and mud, daring nature’s obstacle course to beat us at our game, when suddenly, loose gravel in the river’s bend gave way and we sank into deep, cold water. None of Keith’s skill or the mechanical strength of our 4×4 could save us.  We had to abandoned ship/jeep.

For the first time ever my husband and his machine couldn’t get us home. He was human once again and I became more aware than ever, in the danger of our escapades. For a while I took no joy in the things that had been so fun. But then, I found the secret to surviving life with the ultimate adventurer: Look at his face and listen to his voice. Keith’s expression told the story in his heart, the inflections of his voice reflected the intensity of his thoughts. If he wasn’t worried, I wasn’t going to be either.  I found the way back to faith and trust in something I didn’t understand but wanted to experience. 

These same things apply to our walk with God.  There is nothing that intimidates or alarms our Heavenly Father.  He never gazes down upon His creation and thinks, “Wow, I’m not sure how to handle this.”  But it is hard to find perfect peace when we don’t see the whole picture and understand all that is transpiring. So, seek God’s face and listen to His voice. It will reveal His character, power and plan, and grant you comfort and assurance.

“The LORD Bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace.”  Numbers 6:24-25

Happy 2019!

Gretchen

He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved. Psalm 104:5 (Psalm 104 and 145)

David not only wrote songs for an army marching toward, battle, but returning in victory. Psalm 145 conveys everything from thanksgiving to mercy, focusing on the personal characteristics of God as it applies to His relationship to man. Psalm 104 recognizes God’s detailed attention as Creator and Caretaker.

The marvels and grandeur of all creation declare the love of God.  Rather than continue with my ramblings today, I encourage you to read and bask in David’s words and possibly the tune and lyrics of Swedish pastor, Carl Boberg and missionary Stuart K. Hine, heard in the hymn, How Great Thou Art.   

Love,

Gretchen