I am missing out
Topic: seasonal

I'm missing out since I have been missing days of posting here (specifically, I'm talking about the past few days before and during the time I typed up this post) and today this entry will be lacking substance since I can't seem to type anything- no, since I don't know what to write for today. _-sigh-

I missed out yesterday since I completely didn't read a single word of Proverbs (and the two days before that, I was in travel and left my Bible at home so I wasn't able to read it- still, I had my Magnificat with me in my purse but it remained there neglected despite the fact that I brought it with me to make sure I'd read it! -rrr- _{*slightly frustrated at self*}) but today, I went on a multi-chapter reading binge~

(that was fun, but I doubt that that was rather much productive in the short-term since I fell into sin soon after -sigh- don't seem to have taken much from my reading as well. -_-; ...)

-so, here's a little bit about one of the times that I've strayed and fallen off the path during my Lenten journey (for 2007, that is).




-Daiko~
_{(-sigh-)
(Pray for me please... )}

Proverbs 13:1-6
Topic: quotations (Scripture)

_{a few non-related musings...}

...

A wise child loves discipline, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.

From the fruit of their words good persons eat good things,
but the desire of the treacherous is for wrongdoing.

Those who guard their mouths preserve their lives;
those who open wide their lips come to ruin.

The appetite of the lazy craves, and gets nothing,
while the appetite of the diligent is richly supplied.

The righteous hate falsehood,
but the wicked act shamefully and disgracefully.

Righteousness guards one whose way is upright, but sin overthrows the wicked.

-I'll see about going over the rest soon~

I want meaning, and victory everlasting as well.
Topic: seasonal

Today I read some of Proverbs, but I was interrupted during my meditations and reading of that good book since I started late this morning and my family had brunch together at that time- I went through the Magnificat Lenten companion and today's reading and penance really spoke to me

-thing is, I don't know how to "Pray with special insistence for the most pressing petitions in your life." (or at least, I acknowledge that I am not able to do so well without a sense of urgency driving me on -_-; ...)

aside from the above, I'll pray the words that were given after the reflection from Meredith Gould based on Matthew 7:7-12

Loving Father, make all of my life a Yes of constant, heartfelt prayer.

Lord, please help me- I can't do any thing at ALL without you...

Lectio Divina +Bible study...
Topic: quotations (Scripture)

a bit about Lectio Divina...

-it would appear that my "Bible Studies" were not exactly true Bible studies in the real sense of the word, but something more akin to Lectio Divina instead... I just learned about Divine Reading when the Pastor of my church brought it up during the Mass for the first Sunday of Lent

I am glad to know that this exists since I have been trying to do it/looking for this my whole life without knowing that it is a known area of study for the Scriptures and for one's life

-I have so much to learn.

...

Anyway, these verses stood out today:

Proverbs 11:25-31, 12:15-6

Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor, but evil comes to the one who searches for it.

Those who trust in their riches will wither, but the righteous will flourish like green leaves.

Those who trouble their house holds will inherit wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise.

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, but violence takes lives away.

If the righteous are repaid on earth, how much more the wicked and the sinner!

...

Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to advice.

Fools show their anger at once, but the prudent ignore an insult.

-Daiko~
^{(Pray for me...)}

Proverbs 11:2-6
Topic: quotations (Scripture)

-When pride comes, then comes disgrace; but wisdom is with the humble.

The integrity of the upright guide them,
but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.

Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.

The righteousness of the blameless keeps their ways straight, but the wicked fall by their own wickedness.

The righteousness of the upright saves them, but the treacherous are taken captive by their schemes.

_-sigh-
...

wake up and take in the sunshine
Topic: quotations (Scripture)

I need to do as it says in [Proverbs chapter 6] and not just remember to spend more time awake, but to do so and to fill my time with productive and efficient work being accomplished- I find myself taking naps during the day even if I do get to sleep earlier than I used to -_-;

-aside from that sorry status report, I've read from chapter 11 to 15 last night <3 but I see that reading and re-reading and thinking over the Scriptures is what I need to do rather than speed through the verses, so today, I'm going to continue posting from chapter 10:


Proverbs chapter 10:27-32

The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short.

The hope of the righteous ends in gladness,
but the expectation of the wicked comes to nothing.

The way of the LORD is a stronghold for the upright, but destruction for evildoers.

The righteous will never be removed,
but the wicked will not remain in the land.

The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom,
but the perverse tongue will be cut off.

The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable,
but the mouth of the wicked what is perverse.

-even in this day and age so far off in time from when these words were first written, the last part is still glaringly apparent...

re-thinking my plans again...
Topic: seasonal

...now that I think about it, my Bible studies should not focus on the sheer volume of verses I read in a day or just how much I can re-type/write, but on understanding and really taking in the wisdom and knowledge that that fine book has to offer

I've got a long way to go in my journey then. _-sigh-


Proverbs Chapter 10:19-25

When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but the prudent are restrained in speech.

The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the mind of the wicked is of little worth.
The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense.

The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.

Doing wrong is like sport to a fool, but wise conduct is pleasure to a person of understanding.
What the wicked dread will come upon them, but the desire of the righteous will be granted.

When the tempest passes, the wicked are no more, but the righteous are established forever.

-I'm also re-thinking my set limitations for internet usage over the period of Lent since I also go online to communicate with others about things that are going on- Christian events and what not

I won't be avoiding it altogether, but I do need to find a good balance between being on the computer all day and missing out on the important things that others have to say. -_-; ...

_help!

today is Ash Wednesday, the start of '07's season of Lent.
Topic: seasonal

^{...the past two days I was away doing frivolous things (akin to having a Fat Tuesday celebration by myself for twice as long) since today is the start of Lent and I had wanted to get more of Disgaea finished- I'm still at the beginning of the eighth chapter of that game and none the more enriched by putting so many hours into leveling up my characters _-sigh-}

Anyway, it is Lent now so I'm going to stick to my lovely Bible study, and make it a bit more structured:

-read at least one chapter of Proverbs daily
_{(except on Sunday in which I shall shift my focus on to the [Mass readings])}

-type out the more poignant verses of my studies for further memorization and meditation
_{(this is in opposition to my practice of merely re-tying whole chapters- it is good for me to do that, but my mental stamina is pretty low so I should put my focus on the best portions rather than just copying and not remembering or focusing...)}

-make sure to post here at least 3 times per week
_{(with 2 days as leeway for not posting, but I will still make sure to read even if that isn't evidenced here!)}

and for now, that is about it for my Bible study Lenten practices as it relates to this blog.

-as for today's chapters, I read through 9 and 10 respectively and of these two I found the latter to be much more understandable and instructive- I love the words of Solomon very much, for it is a shame that wisdom of the sort that he possessed isn't prevalent today... because there's so much foolishness everywhere it makes my heart and mind a bit melancholy as I read his wonderful words and admonishions

er, this may sound like a cop out or that I'm trying to be lazy, but I need to really read and even re-read chapter 10 to get more of the full effect from the quotations of Solomon's sayings- I'll make sure to type them out later as well.

-so I'll be back.

my omission
Mood:  accident prone
Topic: quotations (Scripture)

<sup>My omission of yesterday's study chapter of Proverbs wasn't intentional- I had read it, but did not type it out as I found myself doing other things instead had placed my attention elsewhere and assumed that I'd already posted it e_e;

Today, I will post some of chapter 7 and the first part of the eighth...</sup>


Chapter 7:1-5

My child, keep my words and store up my commandments with you;
keep my commandments and live,
keep my teachings as the apple of your eye;
bind them on your fingers, write them on the tablet of your heart.

Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," and call insight your intimate friend, that they may keep you from the loose woman, from the adulteress with her smooth words.

...

Proverbs Chapter 8:1-21

Does not wisdom call, and does not understanding raise her voice?
On the heights, beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand; beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries out:

"To you, O people, I call, and my cry is to all that live.

O simple ones, learn prudence; acquire intelligence, you who lack it.

Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right;
for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.
They are all straight to one who understands and right to those who find knowledge.

Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold;
for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.

I, wisdom, live with prudence, and I attain knowledge and discretion.

The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil.
Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.*

I have good advice and sound wisdom; I have insight, I have strength.

By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just; by me rulers rule, and nobles, all who gover rightly.

I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.
Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and prosperity.

My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, and my yield than choice silver.

I walk in th way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, endowing with wealth those who love me, and filling their treasuries."

*_{me too~}

...

"Inori no... "
Now Playing: kareoke in the background~
Topic: quotations (Scripture)

_{I have a long way to go with regards to being good at finishing housework swiftly and efficiently since I would much rather leave those sorts of things (especially laundry) to be finished later, but I know better than that- I just need the self-discipline to move forward without hesitation or going off on a tangent...}


Proverbs Chapter 6
_{this chapter is full of Practical Admonitions, but quite notably in this part of the book is the list of the Six things that the LORD hates which is good to know.}

My child, if you have given your pledge to your neighbor...

Go to the ant, you lazybones; consider its ways, and be wise.
Without having any chief or officer or ruler, it prepares its food in summer, and gathers its sustenance in harvest.

How long will you lie there, O lazybones?
When will you rise from your sleep?

A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want, like an armed warrior.


A scoundrel and a villain goes around with crooked speech,
winking the eyes, shuffling the feet,
pointing the fingers,
with perverted mind devising evil,
continually sowing discord;

on such a one calamity will descend suddenly; in a moment, damage beyond repair.


There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him*:

haughty eyes, a lying toungue,
and hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked plans,
feet that hurry to run to evil,
a lying witness who testifies falsely,
and one who sows discord in a family.

My child, keep your father's commandment, and not forsake your mother's teaching.
Bind them upon your heart always; tie them upon your neck.
When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you;
and when you awake, they will talk with you.

For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light,
and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life,
to preserve you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress.

Do not desire her beauty in your heart, and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes;
for a prostitute's fee is only a loaf of bread,
but the wife of another stalks a man's very life.

Can fire be carried in the bosom without burning one's clothes?

Or can one walk on hot coals without scorching the feet?
So is he who sleeps with his neighbor's wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished.

Thieves are not despised who steal only to satisfy their appetite when they are hungry.
Yet if they are caught, they will pay sevenfold; they will forfeit all the goods of their house.

But he who commits adultery has no sense; he who does it destroys himself.
He will get wounds and dishonor, and his disgrace will not be wiped away.
For jealousy arouses a husband's fury, and he shows no restraint when he takes revenge.
He will accept no compensation, and refuses a bribe no matter how great.

...