Throwback:

This month he hits 50. I spent less than 20 years with my first family. I have been with him for 30 years. This photo is from a wedding we attended close to 20 years ago. So many times I didn’t see him for who he was. I was far too selfish, far too interested in getting my own way, far too in need of winning the argument, and proving myself right. But him, patient, immovable to manipulation, steady, willing to forgive (and forgive), giving, protective….. stubborn. lol not perfect but darn near when it has come to loving me. He has always gone to work and come home, even if it was to hang out in the garage because inside the house was not fun with me. But he was there. He has always been honest, even if I didn’t like the way he said it. These days his tender heart shows far more; I imagine that is because I am far less likely to try and wound him. Though I have. He still shows up.

I am so grateful for this man. 30 years ago, I was alone, afraid, and in search of something I thought I would never find. While I was trying to find out if God was real, one Sunday morning I ended up at a little church on Ellis Blvd. Sitting in the back row, I prayed for a man who would love me for me and love me forever. God knew how impatient, pushy, and in need I was. I met him later that day. We’ve been together ever since. I am so glad. He is one of a kind, and he is mine.

Song I keep waking up with:

Middle of the night thought:

I woke up in the middle of the night around 12:15 am and had these thoughts rolling around in my mind.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

— Proverbs 9:10

Have you ever heard the term “greenhorn”?

Traditionally, a greenhorn is a newcomer—someone completely brand new to a trade or task who doesn’t know a thing. They have zero experience, yet they often charge in with full confidence, convinced they know exactly what they’re doing.

Old-timers might describe a greenhorn as “full of piss and vinegar” or, in this case, they are “full of energy and eagerness, but with nowhere to direct it.” They have all the enthusiasm in the world, but no idea where to put it. The danger isn’t that they lack knowledge; the danger is that they don’t know what they don’t know. Left unchecked, that kind of self-assured ignorance is a recipe for disaster.

Human nature hasn’t changed much. We often fall into the exact same trap. We think we are so smart, yet in reality, our natural understanding is far more limited than we care to admit. Sometimes we can be dumber than a box of rocks. We rush into life’s decisions with full confidence in our own instincts, acting like seasoned experts when we haven’t even learned the basics.

True wisdom doesn’t start with knowing all the answers; it starts with acknowledging our own limitations.

Real wisdom is having the humility to admit when we are out of our depth. It’s knowing when to keep our mouths shut, when to listen, and how to properly apply God’s truth to our daily lives.

So how do we move from being an overconfident “greenhorn” to living a life of genuine wisdom?

1. Start with the Fear of the Lord: Scripture makes it clear that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. ( Proverbs 9:10) True wisdom begins when we recognize who God is—His absolute authority, holiness, and sovereignty—and who we are in comparison. When we bow before His majesty, our pride evaporates.
2. Anchor Yourself in the Word: You cannot apply truth if you do not know truth. God’s Word is where truth is found, revealing His character and His will for our lives. As Jesus declared in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
3. Study to Be Approved: Spiritual maturity isn’t automatic. It requires us to diligently study Scripture, seek God in prayer, and let His truth reshape our motives and actions.

Don’t let spiritual pride or untrained zeal push you forward on your own steam. Lay down the impulse to act like you know everything. Step into the Word, cultivate a holy awe of the Lord, and let His wisdom direct your path.

Reflection Question:

Is there an area in your life right now where you’ve been relying on your own confidence rather than seeking God’s wisdom through His Word?

Ladies Night – Cider and Sweaters

We had a good turnout. I love these ladies. I observed how they laughed, talked, prayed for each other, supported one another, helped each other, watched out for each other, and encouraged one another. It’s rare. It’s beautiful. I love when my daughter and I are together doing anything.

We met at Dash, a local coffee shop run by Rebecca – one of our ladies. She makes great coffee. (Decaf — or I would be up all night.) HAHA perhaps that little nighttime thought was coffee thoughts lol.

Thanks for listening,

Starla