From The Journal: A Crown of Beauty

On December 1, I had decided to read through Proverbs the whole month.

They're all about wisdom. 

I wouldn't of guessed that I'd be tested & my prayer would be answered:

"Help me to understand how to be wise." I prayed.

Well God answers prayer, doncha know?

Yesterday, I went to my cousins house. It was a blast!

But that's not the point here. 

The point is that I was being tested.

You see, lately, it's been hard for me to turn down a movie when someone wants to watch it.

I'm talking about worldly movies. And I'm also talking about watching it at home, when it's harder than turning down a movie @ the theater. 

Is that hard for you? How can I say, "No I don't agree with the things they do in that movie"?

It's harder than it sounds.

Especially if you're younger & don't know if they'll think you think you're better than everyone else, or if they'll actually take you seriously.

I felt like I wasn't standing up for what I believe in.

Well, those verses were somethin' else. I can't believe how relevant they were to my situation.

I think God was preparing me. I think He was testing me, & I think He allowed all this to happen.

What the devil meant for harm....

God used for good.

"...when trouble & stress overcome you...they will call to me (wisdom) , but I won't answer...[because they chose] not to fear the Lord." 

-Proverbs 1:27-29-

I didn't fear Him. I feared man.

"Never let loyalty & faithfulness leave you."

-Proverbs 3:3-

I want to be loyal & faithful to God. More than I have been. & in every part of my life.

"Her (wisdom's) ways are pleasant, & all her paths [are] peaceful."

-Proverbs 3:17-

I was anything but peaceful as I sat there hearing blasphemy of God's name. 

"...and your sleep will be pleasant."

-Proverbs 3:24-

No, my sleep last night wasn't pleasant. 

"Keep your way from her ( the forbidden woman)...Don't go near the door of her house. Otherwise, you will give up your vitality to others & your years to someone cruel..."

-Proverbs 5:8-9-

I am not saying that my cousin or anyone else is cruel or at fault for what I do. We all have our own faults.

But I made the mistake for choosing the foolish "woman" instead of the "wise".

When I want to please God & do, I am peaceful & mysleep is sweet. But when I blow it, I am so miserable.

"Carefully consider your path..."

-Proverbs 4:26-

The forbidden woman will ruin my life.

But wisdom, she will give me a crown of beauty. 

(Prov. 4:9)