A Tribute to Solomon Islands

I will preface my utter appreciation if my readers would give commentary and input of their own ideas.

I am experiencing the fullness of life; I wouldn't pass this up for anything. I want everyone to be able to experience what I experience. If I paid your way would you come? I have all that I need. I need no more, but I'll take more if it helps me be a better example to those who don't know. I don't want to just give a sliver of it, I want to give all of it to everyone. I am so blessed to have such a supportive system around me. Over 20 years I can recognize that home provides opportunities for character-building with every decision. When I am away from home, I apply those lessons on my own. I will definitely appreciate family once away from it and value freedom when I'm with family. I often consider how I can be perceived as admirable though this ought not be a thought. I wouldn’t want to let others define my identity, though, I value relationships. There is a Biblical route to improvement. Don't choose a material route.

"Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving.

People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met." (Matthew 6:27-33 MSG). Be honorable, right? I would never want to embarrass my kid. Wouldn't that embarrassment be my fault, not theirs? I am the bride of Christ. He pursues me like a man pursues a woman. What is my response?

I worry I start too late, though its God's time. "The slow and steady Tortoise wins the race against the Hare" Aesop's Fable. At first glance, Jesus is worthy. If we delve deeper, Jesus is truly deserving, and I see this through self-reflection and an understanding of the world. Praise the Lord for revelation!

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Now if you want wisdom don't shy away from Ecclesiastes. Vanity means meaningless. This is Solomon's journey in trying to find fullfillment apart from God. (5:10), fear God, the vanity of wealth and honor. “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.” Self-consciousness can lead to disobedience.

Some will plant seeds as sowers {not seeing the fruit but walking in obedience}, and some will reap as gatherers {discipling and stewarding the Christians who want to know the truth}. (John 4:38)“I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.” I sent you to 'gather' that for which you did not labor {rather than walking in obedience, you stand as an example}. Others walked in obedience, and you witness what others have poured into. You stand in that labor together.

I certainly have to slow down my mind for Island time; It's so relaxing. "The wisest and richest man to walk the earth, besides being wise, the Preacher taught also the people knowledge {factual, conceptual, procedural, and metacognitive}, weighing and studying and arranging many proverbs with great care. The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and rightly, he wrote words of truth. The words of the wise are like goads {provoke!}, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd. My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a ‘weariness of the flesh’ {overwork, a lack of rest, or even spiritual struggles; is very bad}."

"The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil." (Eclessiastes 12:9-14).

The kids roam free, they go as they please, no one stops them. They explore, they entertain, they learn. Anything I want, it is God's time not mine, to not get caught up in my own wants rather than God's voice in any moment. We need discipleship & experiences hand in hand... to produce wisdom! Wonder is a prerequisite to worship. The futility of life was divinely imparted to us as Paul says (Romans 8:20), “For the creation was subjected to futility {frustration} not willingly {not by its own choice}, but because {by the will} of Him who subjected it, in hope.

That the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God."

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Journal entries: What's priority? Peace {not efficiency, striving, multitasking, irritation, doubt, impressing, or distractions}. Smile {its approachable, changes your mind, elegant, builds a healthy face shape, & helps you breath}. Open your eyes {get out of your mind but don't neglect your mind}. Appreciate the scriptures {(Ro12:1) "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship"}. Respect {the Islanders know it; they don't mind if you are good or bad... you are accepted, you don't have to have a good voice to sing & you don't have to be a good cook to be in the kitchen... we will appreciate your effort & help you}.

 One thing David wanted from the Lord. (Psalm 27:4) "One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple."

One thing Solomon, son of David, wanted. (1 Kings 3:9) "Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?" A good request but not the best request.

(2nd Chronicles 1:12) "wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possesions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like." He then goes on to write Proverbs with many metaphors, Ecclesiastes of wisdom revealing vanity, & Songs of understanding love.

"When I see your face I'll wish I'd given more away," worship prevents you from neglecting the power of God.