“My mother used to say that…” or “Oh, my goodness, I haven’t heard that in ages…” or “That is something my grandmother told me…” or “That quote was hanging in my 5^th grade classroom.”

Sayings.  Adages.  Wisdom.  Proverbs 4:23 (From the Message): “Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts.” Proverbs seems to be a great book in the Bible for so many adages and wonderful life guidelines.  I just bet that is where my mother and grandmother got their “sayings.” Indeed, it was!

Watch over your heart for me this means try my best not to expose myself to trash talk, to gossip, to the AI news someone created with untruths. Hm? Doesn’t always seem easy to decipher what is “real” and what is “fabricated.”  I love the rest of the verse in Proverbs that tells me whatever I allow my heart to take in, that’s where life starts.  Praying for wisdom helps. We are loved so unconditionally and our heavenly Father wants us to protect our thoughts and minds and heart from negativity, from untruths, and from hate-filled talk.  Your thoughts control the outcomes.

“Don’t take any wooden nickels. (Watch out for trickery.) If there is a will, there is a way.  You’ll catch more flies with honey than vinegar. (Being kind is more effective). Blood is thicker than water. (family comes first).”  I’m certain you can add to this short list of sayings.  Wise Words from His Holy Word will strengthen and empower you.  Your heart will be filled with Him…and that’s where life starts.

Jill