Engagement Photoshoot

A couple weeks ago my Dad and I took Isabel and Trevor's engagement photos. I have never done a photoshoot before, so it was exciting! :)

 

Here are my favorites! My Dad took the first two and I took the rest.

 

 

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Any Favorites??

 

Love,

 

Ava Katherine<3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why is the Electoral College Important?

Prompted by the Democratic senators recently attempting to abolish the Electoral College, I will be writing about its importance.

 

 

 

I would like to start by telling you what the Electoral College does...

 

Article 2, Section 1  of the Constitution tells us:

 

"...Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress: but no Senator or Representative, or Person holding an Office of Trust or Profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector. The Electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by Ballot for two Persons, of whom one at least shall not be an Inhabitant of the same State with themselves. And they shall make a List of all the Persons voted for, and of the Number of Votes for each; which List they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the Seat of the Government of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate. The President of the Senate shall, in the Presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the Certificates, and the Votes shall then be counted. The Person having the greatest Number of Votes shall be the President...."

 

 Secondly, why is it important? 

 

 

The Founding Fathers established the Electoral College as a compromise between Congress choosing the President and those qualified to vote choosing the President. It assures that the President is chosen by a Constitutional majority and maintains the rights of the less-populated states.

 

 

 

Love,

 

Ava Katherine<3

 

 

 

Old-Fashioned Pecan Pie

Inspired by our Thanksgiving feast, I give you our Toasted Pecan Pie recipe. :)

 

Old-Fashioned Pecan Pie

 

Ingredients:

 

1 cup maple syrup

1 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 Tablespoon molasses

4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 inch pieces

1/2 teaspoon salt

6 large egg yolks, lightly beaten

1 1/2 cups pecans, toasted* and chopped
1 (9-inch) unbaked pie shell, chilled in pie plate for 30 minutes (use 1 half-recipe of Apple Praline Pie Crust (http://laviestbelle31.blogspot.com/2016/08/)**

 

 

Directions:

 

1. Preheat your oven to 450^oF.  Heat syrup, sugar, cream, and molasses in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Whisk in butter and salt into syrup mixture until combined. Whisk in egg yolks until incorporated.
 

 

2. Scatter toasted pecan pieces in the pie shell.  Carefully pour filling over. Place pie in the hot oven and immediately reduce the oven temperature to 325^oF. Bake until filling is set and center jiggles slightly when pie is gently shaken, 45 to 60 minutes. Cool the pie on a rack for 1 hour, then refrigerate until set, about 3 hours and up to 1 day. Bring to room-temperature before serving. Serve with sweetened whipped cream or ice cream.

Recipe from Cook's Country


*To toast pecans, heat your oven to 350^oF. Place in a jelly-roll pan and stir every few minutes. Once darker in color and fragrant, they are done! (About 10 minutes.)

**If you have extra dough, I like to use small cookie cutters and cut leaves out to place around the border, using a little bit of water to make them stick. :)

 

 

Enjoy! :)

 

 

Love,

 

Ava Katherine<3

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

 

To commemorate this celebrated holiday, I would like to share with you George Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation and bring us back to the true meaning of its origination.

 

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor and Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their Joint Committee requested me "to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanks-giving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness."



Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation
in the Massachusetts Centennial

Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be. That we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks, for His kind care and protection of the People of this country previous to their becoming a Nation, for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of His providence, which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war, for the greatest degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed, for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted, for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge and in general for all the great and various favors which He hath been pleased to confer upon us. And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions, to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually, to render our national government a blessing to all the People, by constantly being a government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed, to protect  and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shown kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord. To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and Us, and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

 

Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

 

Go. Washington

 

 

May your Thanksgiving be blessed!

 

Love,

 

Ava Katherine<3

 

 

 

 

Why Is the Bill of Rights Important?

       When the Constitution of the United States of America was written in 1787, many of the Founding Fathers did not deem it necessary to include a bill of rights. For one, they did not think it a critical issue, because they visualized a national government that was limited. Also, almost all of the state constitutions included a list of rights that the people were guaranteed. However, many Antifederalists feared that without this bill, the new government would take away the rights that the  people had just fought for. So, to appease those who opposed the Constitution, the Federalists drafted about 350 ideas, which then were reduced down to 12 amendments, passed through Congress, and then were sent to the states. Although only 10 were ratified by the appropriate number of states, those 10 became known as the United States Bill of Rights.

         The Bill of Rights was written to protect the U.S. citizens, to secure their rights, and to defend their beliefs. Highly important, this set of laws is the basis on which all our basic rights as Americans are founded upon. It bans actions that would threaten—and possibly blight—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Were these rights taken away, America would not be the free country it was designed and intended to be. The freedom of religion, the right to bear arms, and the freedom of the press are some of the greatest liberties America is known for. If those were taken away, where would we be? Wouldn’t we be a bit like Great Britain, whom we just spent a costly war breaking away from? Protecting the rights listed in this bill is essential to preserving American liberty.

"I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"

~Patrick Henry

 

Love,

 

Ava Katherine<3

Proverb of the Day--October 31st

~Proverbs 31~

 

 

 

 

"An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels....Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and bless her; her husband also, and he praises her, saying: 'Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all.' "

 

 

~Proverbs 31:10 & 25-29

 

 

"This poem offers a beautiful description of the excellent wife as defined by a wife and mother. Spiritual and practical wisdom plus moral virtues mark the character of this woman in contrast to the immoral women of verse 3. While the scene here is of a wealthy home and the customs of the ancient Near East, the principles apply to every family. They are set forth as the prayer of every mother for the future wife of her son."

 

 

~The MacArthur Study Bible

 

 

I have enjoyed posting these Proverbs daily, and I hope you have been as blessed reading them as I have been in posting them!

 

Love,

 

Ava Katherine<3

Proverb of the Day--October 30th

~Proverbs 30~

 

 

 

 

"Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar."

 

~Proverbs 30:5-6

 

 

"[The psalmist] now turns from the revelation of God in nature to His revelation in the Word. He asserts the infallibility of the sacred scriptures--'Every Word of God is pure'. Then he speaks of the security of all who trust in the God of the Bible--'He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him'. The absolute sufficiency of the scriptures is asserted next. No man should dare to add his thoughts and speculations to [the written Word of God]."

 

 

~The Believer's Bible Commentary

 

 

 

Love,

 

Ava Katherine<3

Proverb of the Day--October 29th

~Proverbs 29~

 

 

 

"The fear of man brings a snare, but he who trust in the LORD will be exalted."

 

~Proverbs 29:25

 

 

 

 

 "Here, 1. We are cautioned not to dread the power of man, neither the power of a prince nor the power of the multitude; both are formidable enough, but the slavish fear of either brings a snare, that is, exposes men to many insults (some take a pride in terrifying the timorous), or rather exposes men to many temptations. Abraham, for fear of man, denied his wife, and Peter his Master, and many a one his God and religion. We must not shrink from duty, nor commit sin, to avoid the wrath of man, nor, though we see it coming upon us, be disquieted with fear. He must himself die and can but kill our body. 2. We are encouraged to depend upon the power of God, which would keep us from all that fear of man which has either torment or temptation in it. Whoso puts his trust in the Lord, for protection and supply in the way of duty, shall be set on high, above the power of man and above the fear of that power. A holy confidence in God makes a man both great and easy, and enables him to look with a gracious contempt upon the most formidable designs of hell and earth against him. If God be my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid."

 

 

~Matthew Henry's Commentary

 

 

 

Love,

 

Ava Katherine<3

Proverb of the Day--October 28th

~Proverbs 28~

 

 

 

"Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand all things."

 

~Proverbs 28:5

 

 

 

"[Wicked] men do not understand justice; by refusing to practice it, they lose the power to understand it. Those who seek the Lord's will are given proper powers of discernment. There is a close link between morality and understanding."

 

~The Believer's Bible Commentary

 

 

Love,

 

 

Ava Katherine<3

Proverb of the Day--October 27th

~Proverbs 27~

 

 

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

 

~Proverbs 27:17

 

"This intimates both the pleasure and the advantage of conversation. One man is nobody; nor will poring upon a book in a corner accomplish a man as the reading and studying of men will. Wise and profitable discourse sharpens men’s wits; and those that have ever so much knowledge may by conference have something added to them. It sharpens men’s looks, and, by cheering the spirits, puts a briskness and liveliness into the countenance, and gives a man such an air as shows he is pleased himself and makes him pleasing to those about him. Good men’s graces are sharpened by converse with those that are good, and bad men’s lusts and passions are sharpened by converse with those that are bad, as iron is sharpened by its like, especially by the file. Men are filed, made smooth, and bright, and fit for business (who were rough, and dull, and inactive), by conversation. This is designed, 1. To recommend to us this expedient for sharpening ourselves, but with a caution to take heed whom we choose to converse with, because the influence upon us is so great either for the better or for the worse. 2. To direct us what we must have in our eye in conversation, namely to improve both others and ourselves, not to pass away time or banter one another, but to provoke one another to love and to good works and so to make one another wiser and better."

 

~Matthew Henry's Commentary

 

 

"As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects man."

 

~Proverbs 27:19

 

 

"This shows us that there is a way, 1. Of knowing ourselves. As the water is a looking-glass in which we may see our faces by reflection, so there are mirrors by which the heart of a man is discovered to a man, that is, to himself. Let a man examine his own conscience, his thoughts, affections, and intentions. Let him behold his natural face in the glass of the divine law, and he may discern what kind of man he is and what is his true character, which it will be of great use to every man rightly to know. 2. Of knowing one another by ourselves; for, as there is a similitude between the face of a man and the reflection of it in the water, so there is between one man’s heart and another’s for God has fashioned men’s hearts alike; and in many cases we may judge of others by ourselves, which is one of the foundations on which that rule is built of doing to others as we would be done by. One corrupt heart is like another, and so is one sanctified heart, for the former bears the same image of the earthy, the latter the same image of the heavenly."

 

~Matthew Henry's Commentary

 

 

 

Love,

 

Ava Katherine<3

The Importance of Voting

Inspired by a recent discussion, I would like to dedicate this post to the importance of voting.

 God has richly blessed Americans with the ability to vote. Many Americans in our day and age take this privilege for granted. Numerous Christians in countries around the globe are persecuted under tyrannical governments that do not allow their citizens to have a voice in choosing their leaders. We in America are mercifully blessed that we are able to partake in electing our leaders without fearing for our lives and for those of our families. In recent elections, 2 out of every 5* self-professing Christians underappreciated this right and did not vote. About 1 in every 5* eligible Christians are not even registered to vote.

 

It is my contention that we should be good stewards of this privilege of voting and not squander the opportunity we have been given to use this great gift. Just because God is in control of all things does not mean we should be apathetic and not further His will.

 

            As said in Matthew 5:13-14: "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven." Casting a vote in the right direction is acting as a grain of salt, or a city on a hill, because it will affect the outcome. For..."All that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing."~Edmund Burke

 

It is our responsibility as American citizens to give our aid to our nation during such a critical time as the presidential election.

 

 

"A vote is like a rifle: its usefulness depends on the character of its user."

 

~Theodore Roosevelt

 

 

*Statistics from Gotquestions.org

 

Love,

 

Ava Katherine<3

Proverb of the Day--October 26th

~Proverbs 26~

 

 

"For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, contention quiets down."

 

~Proverbs 26:20

 

 

 

"Just as fuel feeds a fire, so gossip feeds trouble. Unless a troublemaker keeps adding aggravation and gossip and lies, strife will soon die out."

 

~The Believer's Bible Commentary

 

 

 

Love,

 

Ava Katherine<3

Proverb of the Day--October 25th

~Proverbs 25~

 

 

 

"Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances. Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise reprover and a listening ear."

 

~Proverbs 25:11-12

 

 

"Solomon here shows how much it becomes a man, 1. To speak pertinently: A word upon the wheels, that runs well, is well-circumstanced, in proper time and place—instruction, advice, or comfort, given seasonably, and in apt expressions, adapted to the case of the person spoken to and agreeing with the character of the person speaking—is like golden balls resembling apples, or like true apples of a golden colour (golden rennets), or perhaps gilded, as sometimes we have gilded laurels, and those embossed in pictures of silver, or rather brought to table in a silver network basket, or in a silver box of that which we call filigree —work, through which the golden apples might be seen. Doubtless in was some ornament of the table, then well known. As that was very pleasing to the eye, so is a word fitly spoken to the ear. Especially to give a reproof with discretion, and so as to make it acceptable. If it be well given, by a wise reprover, and well taken, by an obedient ear, it is an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold, very graceful and well becoming both the reprover and the reproved; both will have their praise, the reprover for giving it so prudently and the reproved for taking it so patiently and making a good use of it. Others will commend them both, and they will have satisfaction in each other; he who gave the reproof is pleased that it had the desired effect, and he to whom it was given has reason to be thankful for it as a kindness. That is well given, we say, that is well taken; yet it does not always prove that that is well taken which is well given. It were to be wished that a wise reprover should always meet with an obedient ear, but often it is not so."

 

 

~Matthew Henry's Commentary

 

 

Love,

 

Ava Katherine<3

Proverb of the Day--October 24th

~Proverbs 24~

 

 

 

 

"By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; and by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches."

 

~Proverbs 24:3-4

 

 

 

"The house [mentioned] here may refer to a man's life. A great life is not built by wickedness but by godly wisdom. Wickedness wrecks a life but understanding gives solidity. Wickedness leaves it empty, but true knowledge [fills] it out with precious and pleasant furnishings."

 

 

~The Believer's Bible Commentary

 

 

Love,

 

Ava Katherine<3

Proverb of the Day--October 23rd

~Proverbs 23~

 

 

 

 

"Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, cease from your consideration of it. When you set your eyes on it, it is gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings like an eagle that flies toward the heavens."

 

~Proverbs 23:4-5



"Rather than wearying one's self out pursuing wealth, pursue the wisdom of God and what glorifies Him, and He will bless [you] with prosperity as He chooses."

~The MacArthur Study Bible


Love,

Ava Katherine<3

Proverb of the Day--October 22nd

~Proverbs 22~

 

 

 

"Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge; for it will be pleasant if you keep them with you, that they may be ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the LORD, I have taught you today, even you. Have I not written to you excellent things of counsels and knowledge, to make you know the certainty of the words of truth that you may correctly answer him who sent you?"

~Proverbs 22:17-21

 

 

 

"Here is, I. An earnest exhortation to get wisdom and grace, by attending to the words of the wise men, both written and preached, the words of the prophets and priests, and particularly to that knowledge which Solomon in this book gives men of good and evil, sin and duty, rewards and punishments. To these words, to this knowledge, the ear must be bowed down in humility and serious attention and the heart applied by faith, and love, and close consideration. The ear will not serve without the heart. II. Arguments to enforce this exhortation. Consider,1. The worth and weight of the things themselves which Solomon in this book gives us the knowledge of. They are not trivial things, for amusements and diversion, not jocular proverbs, to be repeated in sport and in order to pass away time. No; they are excellent things, which concern the glory of God, the holiness and happiness of our souls, the welfare of mankind and all communities; they are princely things (so the word is), fit for kings to speak and senates to hear; they are things that concern counsels and knowledge, that is, wise counsels, relating to the most important concerns; things which will not only make us knowing ourselves, but enable us to advise others.2. The clearness of the discovery of these things and the directing of them to us in particular. "They are made known, publicly known, that all may read,—plainly known, that he that runs may read,—made known this day more fully than ever before, in this day of light and knowledge,—made known in this thy day. But it is only a little while that this light is with thee; perhaps the things that are this day made known to thee, if thou improve not the day of thy visitation, may, before to-morrow, be hidden from thy eyes. They are written, for the greater certainty, and that they may be received and the more safely transmitted pure and entire to posterity. But that which the emphasis is here most laid upon is that they are made known to thee, even to thee, and written to thee, as if it were a letter directed to thee by name. It is suited to thee and to thy case; thou mayest in this glass see thy own face; it is intended for thee, to be a rule to thee, and by it thou must be judged.’’ We cannot say of these things, "They are good things, but they are nothing to us;’’ no, they are of the greatest concern imaginable to us.3. The agreeableness of these things to us, in respect both of comfort and credit. (1.) If we hide them in our hearts, they will be very pleasing and yield us an abundant satisfaction (v. 18): "It is a pleasant thing, and will be thy constant entertainment, if thou keep them within thee; if thou digest them, and be actuated and governed by them, and delivered into them as into a mould.’’ The form of godliness, when that is rested in, is but a force put upon a man, and he does but do penance in that white clothing; those only that submit to the power of godliness, and make heart-work of it, find the pleasure of it, ch. 2:10 . (2.) If we make use of them in our discourse, they will be very becoming, and gain us a good reputation. They shall be fitted in thy lips. "Speak of these things, and thou speakest like thyself, and as is fit for thee to speak considering thy character; thou wilt also have pleasure in speaking of these things as well as in thinking of them.’’4. The advantage designed us by them. The excellent things which God has written to us are not like the commands which the master gives his servant, which are all intended for the benefit of the master, but like those which the master gives his scholar, which are all intended for the benefit of the scholar. These things must be kept by us, for they are written to us, (1.) That we may have a confidence in him and communion with him. That thy trust may be in the Lord, v. 19. We cannot trust in God except in the way of duty; we are therefore taught our duty, that we may have reason to trust in God. Nay, this is itself one great duty we are to learn, and a duty that is the foundation of all practical religion, to live a life of delight in God and dependence on him. (2.) That we may have a satisfaction in our own judgment: "That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mayest know what is truth, mayest plainly distinguish between it and falsehood, and mayest know upon what grounds thou receivest and believest the truths of God.’’ Note, [1.] It is a desirable thing to know, not only the words of truth, but the certainty of them, that our faith may be intelligent and rational, and may grow up to a full assurance. [2.] The way to know the certainty of the words of truth is to make conscience of our duty; for, if any man do his will, he shall know for certain that the doctrine is of God, Jn. 7:17 . (3.) That we may be useful and serviceable to others for their instruction: "That thou mayest give a good account of the words of truth to those that send to thee to consult thee as an oracle,’’ or (as the margin reads it) "to those that send thee, that employ thee as an agent or ambassador in any business.’’ Knowledge is given us to do good with, that others may light their candle at our lamp, and that we may in our place serve our generation according to the will of God; and those who make conscience of keeping God’s commandments will be best able to give a reason of the hope that is in them. "

 

~Matthew Henry's Commetnary

 

 

Love,

 

Ava Katherine<3



Proverb of the Day--October 21st

~Proverbs 21~

 

 

"There is no wisdom and no understanding and no counsel against the LORD. The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the LORD."

 

~Proverbs 21: 31

 

 

"Men may go to elaborate plans to insure military success, but the victory on the day of battle comes from the Lord alone. It is better to trust in Him than in horses--or in...weapons."

 

~The Believer's Bible Commentary

 

 

Love,

 

Ava Katherine<3

Proverb of the Day--October 20th

~Proverbs 20~

 

 

"There is gold, and an abundance of jewels; but the lips of knowledge are a more precious thing."

 

~Proverbs 20:15

 

 

"The lips of knowledge (a good understanding to guide the lips and a good elocution to diffuse the knowledge) are to be preferred far before gold, and pearl, and rubies; for, 1. They are more rare in themselves, more scarce and hard to be got. There is gold in many a man’s pocket that has no grace in his heart. In Solomon’s time there was plenty of gold and abundance of rubies; every body wore them; they were to be bought in every town. But wisdom is a rare thing, a precious jewel; few have it so as to do good with it, nor is it to be purchased of the merchants. 2. They are more enriching to us and more adorning. They make us rich towards God, rich in good works. Most people are fond of gold, and a ruby or two will not serve, they must have a multitude of them, a cabinet of jewels; but he that has the lips of knowledge despises these, because he knows and possesses better things."

 

~Matthew Henry's Commentary

 

 

Love,

 

Ava Katherine<3

Proverb of the Day--October 19th

~Proverbs 19~

 

 

"He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will find good."

 

~Proverbs 19:8

 

 

 

"Those are here encouraged, 1. That take pains to get wisdom, to get knowledge, and grace, and acquaintance with God; those that do so show that they love their own souls, and will be found to have done themselves the greatest kindness imaginable. No man ever hated his own flesh, but loves that, yet many are wanting in love to their own souls, for only those love their souls, and consequently love themselves, aright, that get wisdom, true wisdom. 2. That take care to keep it when they have got it; it is health, and wealth, and honour, and all, to the soul, and therefore he that keeps understanding, as he shows that he loves his own soul, so he shall certainly find good, all good. He that retains the good lessons he has learnt, and orders his conversation according to them, shall find the benefit and comfort of it in his own soul and shall be happy here and for ever."

 

~Matthew Henry's Commentary

 

 

 

Love,

 

Ava Katherine<3

Proverb of the Day--October 18th

~Proverbs 18~

"The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe."

 

~Proverbs 18:10

 

 

"This expression [the name of the Lord], found only here in Proverbs, stands for the manifest perfections of God such as faithfulness, power, mercy, and wisdom, on which the righteous rely for security."

 

~MacArthur's Study Bible

 

 

Love,

 

Ava Katherine<3

Proverb of the Day--October 17th

~Proverbs 17~

 

 

 

"He who restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is considered prudent."

 

 

~Proverbs 17:27-28

 

 

 

"He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. Rash speech and a quick temper betrays a shallow character. You may not be able to tell a fool from appearance; he [may even] look...wise."

 

 

~The Believer's Bible Commentary

 

 

 

Love,

 

Ava Katherine<3

Proverb of the Day--October 16th

~Proverbs 16~

 

 

 

"By lovingkindness and truth iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one keeps away from evil."

 

~Proverbs 16:6

 

 

 

"See here, 1. How the guilt of sin is taken away from us—by the mercy and truth of God, mercy in promising, truth in performing, the mercy and truth which [join] each other in Jesus Christ the Mediator—by the covenant of grace, in which mercy and truth shine so brightly—by our mercy and truth, as the condition of the pardon and a necessary qualification for it—by these, and not by the legal sacrifices. 2. How the power of sin is broken in us. By the principles of mercy and truth commanding in us the corrupt inclinations are purged out (so we may take the former part); however, by the fear of the Lord, and the influence of that fear, men depart from evil; those will not dare to sin against God who keep up in their minds a holy dread and reverence of him."

 

~Matthew Henry's Commentary

 

As a side note, my family and I are going on a camp trip from the 17th through the 21st. I will, God-willing, post these from the road, but as I am relying on fallible human technology, if I do not post, you will know why. :)

 

 

Love,

 

Ava Katherine<3

Proverb of the Day--October 15th

~Proverbs 15~

 

 

 

"Better is a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and turmoil with it."

 

~Proverbs 15:16

 

 

 

"A poor believer is better off than a wealthy [man in turmoil]. Wealth has trouble attached to it, but the life of faith is the carefree life."

 

~The Believer's Bible Commentary

 

 

 

Love,

 

 

Ava Katherine<3

Proverb of the Day--October 14th

~Proverbs 14~

 

 

 

"The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, that one may avoid the snares of death."

 

~Proverbs 14:27

 

 

 

"[The fear of God] is an over-flowing ever-flowing spring of comfort and joy; it is a fountain of life, yielding constant pleasure and satisfaction to the soul, joys that are pure and fresh, are life to the soul, and quench its thirst, and can never be drawn dry; it is a well of living water, that is springing up to, and is the earnest of, eternal life. It is a sovereign antidote against sin and temptation. Those that have a true relish of the pleasures of serious godliness will not be allured by the baits of sin to swallow its hook; they know where to obtain better things than any it can pretend to offer, and therefore it is easy to them to depart from the snares of death and to keep their foot from being taken in them."

 

~Matthew Henry's Commentary

 

 

 

Love,

 

Ava Katherine<3

Proverb of the Day--October 13th

~Proverbs 13~

 

 

 

"He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm."

 

~Proverbs 13:20

 

 

"We should seek out the companionship of wise men; they will lift us up. 'Evil company corrupts good morals' (1 Cor 15:33). A man is often known by the company he keeps. A companion of fools is brought to ruin."

 

~The Believer's Bible Commentary 

 

 

 

 

"He who withholds his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently."

 

~Proverbs 13:24

 

 

"Early childhood teaching requires both parental discipline, including corporal punishment, and balanced kindness and love. There is great hope that the use of the 'divine ordinance' of the rod will produce godly virtue and parental joy. Such discipline must have the right motivation and appropriate severity. One who has genuine affection for his child, but withholds corporal punishment, will produce the same kind of child as a parent who hates his offspring."

 

~MacArthur Study Bible

 

 

Love,

 

Ava Katherine<3 

Proverb of the Day--October 12th

~Proverbs 12~

 

 

"The righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray....In the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway is no death."

 

~Proverbs 12:26 &28

 

 

 

"See here, 1. That good men do well for themselves; for they have in themselves an excellent character, and they secure to themselves an excellent portion, and in both they excel other people: The righteous is more abundant than his neighbor; he is richer, though not in this world’s goods, yet in the graces and comforts of the Spirit, which are the true riches. There is a true excellency in religion; it ennobles men, inspires them with generous principles, makes them substantial; it is an excellency which is, in the sight of God, of great price, who is the true Judge of excellency. His neighbor may make a greater figure in the world, may be more applauded, but the righteous man has the intrinsic worth. 2. That wicked men do ill for themselves; they walk in a way which seduces them. It seems to them to be not only a pleasant way, but the right way; it is so agreeable to flesh and blood that they therefore flatter themselves with an opinion that it cannot be amiss, but they will not gain the point they aim at, nor enjoy the good they hope for. It is all a cheat; and therefore the righteous is wiser and happier than his neighbor, that yet despise him and trample upon him....The way of religion is here recommended to us, 1. As a straight, plain, easy way; it is the way of righteousness. God’s commands (the rule we are to walk by) are all holy, just, and good. Religion has right reason and equity on its side; it is a path-way, a way which God has cast up for us; it is a highway, the king’s highway, the King of kings’ highway, a way which is tracked before us by all the saints, the good old way, full of the footsteps of the flock. 2. As a safe, pleasant, comfortable way.There is not only life at the end, but there is life in the way; all true comfort and satisfaction. The favour of God, which is better than life; the Spirit, who is life. There is not only life in it, but so as that in it there is no death, none of that sorrow of the world which works death and is an allay to our present joy and life. There is no end of that life that is in the way of righteousness. Here there is life, but there is death too. In the way of righteousness there is life, and no death, life and immortality. "

 

 

~Matthew Henry's Commentary

 

 

Love,

 

Ava Katherine<3

 

 

 

 



Proverb of the Day--October 11th

~Proverbs 11~

 

 

 

"When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish, there is joyful shouting. By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down."

 

~Proverbs 11:10-11

 

 

 

 

"Two occasions when a city breaks out in joyful celebration: [first], when the righteous prosper and [secondly], when the wicked perish. The blessing of the upright may refer to their prayers for the city, or to the benefits which their presence and godly influence bring to the city; (Being salt and light).

The deceit, broken promises, fraud, and profanity of the wicked are enough to ruin any local government."

 

~The Believer's Bible Commentary 

 

 

Love,

 

Ava Katherine<3

Proverb of the Day--October 10th

~Proverbs 10~

 

 

 

"The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers a multitude of sins."

 

~Proverbs 10:11-12

 

 

 

"The Lord is the source of this fountain [of life], which the springs up in a wise man as wise speech, wise laws, the fear of the Lord, and understanding. [While the wicked seek to tear down,] true love seeks the highest good for another."

 

~MacArthur Study Bible

 

Love,

 

Ava Katherine<3

Proverb of the Day--October 9th

~Proverbs 9~

 

 

 

"Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you, reprove a wise man and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser, teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One in understanding."

 

~Proverbs 9:9-10

 

 

 

"It is as great an instance of wisdom to take a reproof well as to give it well. Being taken well, it will do good, and answer the intention. A wise man will be made wiser by the reproofs and instructions that are given him; he will increase in learning, will grow in knowledge, and so grow in grace. None must think themselves too wise to learn, nor so good that they need not be better and therefore need not be taught. We must still press forward, and follow on to know till we come to the perfect man. Give to a wise man, give him advice, give him reproof, give him comfort, and he will be yet wiser; give him occasion, occasion to show his wisdom, and he will show it, and the acts of wisdom will strengthen the habits."

 

 

~Matthew Henry's Commentary

 

 

Love,

Ava Katherine<3

Proverb of the Day--October 8th

~Proverbs 8~

 

 

 

"When He established the heavens, I,[wisdom], was there, when He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep, when He made firm the skies above, when the springs of the deep became fixed, when He set for the sea its boundary so that the water would not transgress His command, when He marked out the foundations of the earth; then I was beside Him, as a master workman; and I was daily His delight, Rejoicing always before Him, rejoicing in the world, His earth, and having my delight in the sons of men. Now therefore, O sons, listen to me, for blessed are they who keep my ways. Heed instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorposts. For he who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD."

 

~Proverbs 8:27-35

 

 

 

"The term 'Master workman' describes wisdom as competent and experienced in the craft of creation. When God rejoiced over His creation, wisdom was also rejoicing, especially in the creation of mankind, who alone in the physical creation has the capacity to appreciate wisdom and truth."

 

~MacArthur Study Bible

 

 

Love,

 

Ava Katherine<3 



Proverb of the Day--October 7th

~Proverbs 7~

 

 

 

"My son, keep my words and treasure my commandments within you. Keep my commandments and live, and my teaching 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 understanding your intimate friend."

 

~Proverbs 7:1-4

 

 

 

He speaks to us as unto sons. He speaks in God’s name; for it is God’s commandments that we are to keep, his words, his law. The word of God must be to us, 1. As that which we are most careful of. We must keep it as our treasure; we must lay up God’s commandments with us, lay them up safely, that we may not be robbed of them by the wicked one. We must keep it as our life: Keep my commandments and live, not only, "Keep them, and you shall live;’’ but, "Keep them as you would your life, as those that cannot live without them.’’ It would be death to a good man to be deprived of the word of God, for by it he lives, and not by bread alone. 2. As that which we are most tender of: Keep my law as the apple of thy eye. A little thing offends the eye, and therefore nature has so well guarded it. We pray, with David, that God would keep us as the apple of his eye, that our lives and comforts may be precious in his sight; and they shall be so if we be in like manner tender of his law and afraid of the least violation of it. Those who reproach strict and circumspect walking, as needless preciseness, consider not that the law is to be kept as the apple of the eye, for indeed it is the apple of our eye; the law is light; the law in the heart is the eye of the soul. 3. As that which we are proud of and would be ever mindful of: "Bind them upon thy fingers"; let them be precious to thee; look upon them as an ornament, as a diamond-ring, as the signet on thy right hand; wear them continually as thy wedding-ring, the badge of thy espousals to God. Look upon the word of God as putting an honor upon thee, as an ensign of thy dignity. Bind them on thy fingers, that they may be constant memorandums to thee of thy duty, that thou mayest have them always in view, as that which is "graven upon the palms of thy hands.’’ 4. As that which we are fond of and are ever thinking of: Write them upon the table of thy heart, as the names of the friends we dearly love, we say, are written in our hearts. let the word of God dwell richly in us, and be written there where it will be always at hand to be read. Where sin was written let the word of God be written. It is the matter of a promise which makes the precept practicable and easy. 5. As that which we are intimately acquainted and conversant with: "Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister, whom I dearly love and take delight in; and call understanding thy kinswoman, to whom thou art nearly allied, and for whom thou hast a pure affection; call her thy friend, whom thou courtest.’’ We must make the word of God familiar to us, consult it, and consult its honor, and take a pleasure in conversing with it.

 

 

~Matthew Henry's Commentary

 

 

Love,

 

Ava Katherine<3

Proverb of the Day--October 6th

~Proverbs 6~

 

 

 

"Go to the ant, O sluggard, observe her ways and be wise, whom, having no chief, officer or ruler, prepares her food in the summer and gathers her provision in the harvest."

 

~Proverbs 6:6-8

 

 

The ant is an object lesson to us as it scurries back and forth, keeps on the move, and often carries oversized loads. It gets a lot accomplished without benefit of a boss, foreman, or superintendent. When we watch a swarm of ants, they seem to move crazily in every direction, but their activity is purposeful and directed, even though there is no apparent chain of command. This little creature diligently and industriously works in the summer and gathers her food in the harvest. The emphasis here is not on making provision for the future, but on hard work now. This passage should not be used to teach that Christians should make provision for a rainy day. We are forbidden to lay up treasures on earth (Matt 6:19). It is true that ants do provide for their future, and it is also true that Christians should provide for theirs. But the difference is that the ant's future is in this world, whereas the believer's future is in heaven. Wise Christians, therefore, lay up their treasures in heaven, not on earth.

 

~The Believer's Bible Commentary

 

Love,

 

Ava Katherine<3

 

 



Proverb of the Day--October 5th

~Proverbs 5~

 

 

 

"For the ways of a man are before the LORD, and He watches all his paths."

~Proverbs 5:21


The Lord sees all that man does and in mercy withholds immediate judgment, allowing the sinner time to repent or to be caught in his own sin.

~MacArthur Study Bible

Love,

Ava Katherine<3

Proverb of the Day--October 4th

~Proverbs 4~

 

"My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your sight; keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life to those who find them and health to all their body. Guard your heart above all else, for from it flow the wellspring of life."

~Proverbs 4:20-23

 

 

The sayings of wisdom must be our principles by which we must govern ourselves, our monitors to warn us of duty and danger; and therefore, (1.) We must receive them readily: "Incline thy ear to them; humbly bow to them; diligently listen to them.’’ The attentive hearing of the word of God is a good sign of a work of grace begun in the heart and a good means of carrying it on. It is to be hoped that those are resolved to do their duty who are inclined to know it. (2.) We must retain them carefully; we must lay them before us as our rule: "Let them not depart from thy eyes; view them, review them, and in every thing aim to conform to them.’’ We must lodge them within us, as a commanding principle, the influences of which are diffused throughout the whole man: "Keep them in the midst of thy heart, as things dear to thee, and which thou art afraid of losing.’’ Let the word of God be written in the heart, and that which is written there will remain.2. The reason why we must thus make much of the words of wisdom is because they will be both food and physic to us, like the tree of life. Those that seek and find them, find and keep them, shall find in them.

 

~Matthew Henry's Commentary

 

Love,

 

Ava Katherine<3

Happy 50th Birthday!!!!!

I am dedicating this post to my Mother for her 50th birthday!

 

 

October 4th, 1966

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Graduation!

 

 

 

 

 

2016

 

 

 

 

 This is the least I could do to thank you for being such a wonderful mother, teacher, and for caring for us so well. <3

 

 I love you and I hope you have a blessed birthday!! <3

 

Love,

 

Ava Katherine<3

Proverb of the Day--October 3rd

~Proverbs 3~

 

 

"My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths."

~Proverbs 3:1-6


Solomon instructs that wisdom is: 1) rooted in sound teaching, 2) rests in trust in God, and 3) rewards those who obey. While wisdom demands chastening, it brings profound benefits, and its importance is clear since it undergirded God's creation.

~MacArthur Study Bible

Love,

Ava Katherine<3

Proverb of the Day--October 2nd

~Proverbs 2~

 

 

"The LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice, and He preserves the way of His godly ones."

 

~Proverbs 2: 7-8

 

"[God] provides rich stores of sound wisdom for the upright, and a special shield of protection for those who walk in integrity. He guards the paths of those who live clean, moral lives. His saints escape the pain and bitterness that sin leaves in its trail."

 

~The Believer's Bible Commentary

 

Love,

 

Ava Katherine<3



Proverb of the Day--October 1st

I am going to do a series of devotionals for each day of October. I will be sharing a Proverb or two from that day's chapter with some commentary from various sources. So...I will start with today! :)

~Proverbs 1~

 

 



 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

~Proverbs 1:7

 

To make young people such as they should be, let them have regard to God as their Supreme. He lays down this truth, that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; it is the principle part of knowledge; it is the head of knowledge, that is, of all things that are to be known this is most evident, that God is to be feared, to be reverenced, served, worshiped; this is so the beginning of knowledge that those that know nothing should know this.
 

~Matthew Henry's Commentary

~

 

"Hear, my son, your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching; indeed, they are a graceful wreath to your head and ornaments about your neck."

~Proverbs 1:8-9

"Let [the obedience of] divine truths and commands be to us a coronet, or a collar of SS, which are badges of first-rate honors; let us value them and be ambitious of them, and then they shall be so to us. Those are truly valuable, and shall be valued, who value themselves more by their virture and piety than by their worldly wealth and dignity."

~Matthew Henry's Commentary

 

 

Love,

Ava Katherine<3