A Moment in Proverbs 7/17/09

Proverbs 17: 28

Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

Teaching our children the importance of this verse is such an important skill. I am a firm believer in allowing children to talk, taking time to hear their heart, carefully considering their motives and not just reacting to their actions. I believe that children are a delight to hear. In fact, children noise is some of my most favorite sounds on earth! At the same time, I diligently work to teach my children to bridle their tongue! They don't have to talk just because they're nervous. They don't have to speak because their afraid or uncomfortable of the silence, and there is a time when silence can say much more than words ever can!

This verse has led to many training sessions here in the Wood household. Perhaps the Lord will provide time for me to share some of those with you soon. For now, consider how you can apply this passage in your home all for the glory of God!

With much love,

Mrs. Joseph Wood

A Moment in Proverbs 7/14/09

Proverbs 17: 6

Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.

I am confident that I was the crown of my grandfather as were my children. Every part of his conversation and actions showed that he found us the most precious jewels he had been given in life. At the age of 91 my grandfather was still full of life and mentally alert. I had often prayed that when the Lord took him home it would be peacefully, in his sleep. The Lord granted my request and Grandpa went home to Jesus just as I had prayed. Hours before he passed away, we were able to spend time talking with him. He told the children how he would never forget the joy of watching them catch waves (we had taken trips to the beach together). He told our adopted children of how much love and joy filled his heart when he learned they would be joining our family. We had sweet conversations with him and yet we somehow knew that it would be our last. I am thankful the Lord gave my children this last conversation with their great grandpa! They have been left with the message, "You were my crown!" However, it's not enough for children to know they are a blessing to their family. I want to make sure that everything I do encourages my children to delight in the glory of their father. I want to carefully guard them from the message of the world that says fathers are clumsy and disconnected. There is a peace that invades our hearts and homes when we live as God intended... when we see children as a blessing and fathers as the glory of children.

If this seems foreign to you, feel free to write me a note with your question and I will share how the Lord has personally led us. We delight in the Truth that we are a blessing to our fathers. We know the Joy as we strive to live within the blessings of their leadership.

With much love,

Mrs. Joseph Wood