How Not To Be Stupid

How Not To Be Stupid

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Proverbs 12:15-16 Amplified Bible (AMP)

15 
The way of the [arrogant] fool [who rejects God’s wisdom] is right in his own eyes,
But a wise and prudent man is he who listens to counsel.
16 
The [arrogant] fool’s anger is quickly known [because he lacks self-control and common sense],
But a prudent man ignores an insult.

I am learning that if I want to rise above stupid I need to listen to counsel and overlook an insult.  I want to be self-controlled and have common sense.

Do Nothing

I am by nature a doer.  I just can't help it.  It kills me when stuff is a mess and I think I know the perfect way to fix stuff.  But I am learning to trust more in the Lord and less on trying to fix it all.

I have had some situations lately where I have questioned why. Like opportunities that should of been mine but they weren't.

I am learning that instead of getting mad at stuff I can't control and the challenges I have to fix things I just need to rely on the Holy Spirit to keep silent.

Then when I do I can focus on the more important things.

Proverbs `11:12b says

A man of understanding keeps silent.

Of Course

used to get really frustrated when things did not go as planned.  Now I am learning with God's help that when you are really being used of the Lord things go wrong more often than not.  When I had something happen like hitting every red light or getting blamed for something that was not my fault I now with the Lord's guidance say OF COURSE and move on.

IPeter 5:7-9

In this you rejoice greatly, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the genuineness of your faith, which is much more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested andpurified by fire, may be found to result in [your] praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not even see Him now, you believe and trust in Him and you greatly rejoice and delight with inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 receiving as the result [the outcome, the consummation] of your faith, the salvation of [a]your souls.

A Story about Starbucks

Today I got ready at the gym and it was quicker than usual.  I was pleased because I thought great I can get some extra work done at work before the students arrive.  When I proceeded to my local Starbucks someone had gone over the median that you were not supposed to go over and got stuck making everyone who wanted coffee to go around a large amount of construction.  Initially I was upset but then I realized because I had banked a few extra minutes I would be fine.  When I got to the window of the clerk she apologized for the inconvenience .  I told her no sweat you can't help it if some people drive like idiots.  I told her to have a good day as well.  Sometimes instead of rushing and making rash decisions we need to think of others.  The couples car was ruined and a lot of people had to wait, get late to work or miss their train because of one person's stupidity.   But I had a choice that I could be happy and not let it get to me and that I would give kindness to the clerk.  I am sure glad I did.

• Isaiah 41:10

  Chapter Parallel Compare
  10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

  

                                       

Thank you for the Pain

It is hard to believe that just four months ago I was told I am off worship team because of my age.  Now just four months later the pastor leaves, half the congregation and now the music minister leaves.  In just a month afterwards I find a new ministry and just three months later I get to lead part of the service.  Now more stuff is happening and people are falling away I would of never anticipated falling for lies. 

I see where I still have bitterness toward a pastor that crushed my music dreams and even an employer I have been away from for 20 years has allowed me to stay bitter towards him.  But I am thankful for the pain.  It shows me where I need to let go and how much in spite of all the stupidness I am much better off. 

People I have greatly admired are falling for lies.  I am thankful for the protection of God and how I got out of one mess to help in another way that is much more fufilling than I have ever known. 

Jesus purify my heart and let me learn from my mistakes of myself and others and thank you for allowing me to see justice.  Thank you for allowing my talent of singing not to die and that my other talents are being used.  Through pain we see purpose.

God's Got Your Back

Det. 31:6

6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”i

Recently I have been experiencing situations where I feel no one has my back.  IT is hard when you feel isolated and unprotected.  But it is an opportunity to trust the Lord in a new way.  This is my new normal.  I see the Lord taking care of me with my trusting Him and seeing him in the little ways.  Like getting the last medium coat when you are volunteering, having someone encourage you God sent your way, getting out of situations easy and hard successfully.  God has my back.  I just got to trust Him. 

More Than Taking One For The Team

As a teacher I pride myself in taking one for the team even when the small infraction is not my fault.  I would rather let the little stuff go.  But today I had it up to beyond that.  First of all yesterday I did a solo for childrens church.  It went well.  I have forgiven the person who took me off adult worship team but it is still hard like a piece of me has been stolen.  Then I went into work and a child who I have spent blood, sweat and tears on became one of my best success stories but today he had not been medicated for a few days and also he had major crazy of the weekend and was a wild child.  Instead of thanking me for calling for medicine and the compliment on their child the parent lied and made me feel foolish for calling.  Then I came home to find an email about a race I had paced and that my copacer had not done her job and ran too fast before I started.  She also had said some wrong things as well.  I was ticked off that I would even get an email like this since it was clearly not my fault because I had not started my portion yet.  Also some other stuff at work happened when I am getting the bad consequences of others actions at my employment.  T

I don't mind having others back but I am totally ticked off.  I leave it in your hands God. I am tired of other peoples mistakes falling back on me.  When I screw up that's fine but when I have to continually clean up others dodo that goes a little too far.

Isaiah 41:10

10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.