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WISDOM 

From San Francisco's Golden Gate bridge, past the sheer cliffs of Big Sur to the sun-drenched beaches of Southern California, the views along the 644 miles of Highway 1 are breathtaking. The views of the Pacific crashing against the shore compete with the rugged beauty of the mountains, forests and gentle hills of California's Central Coast. No wonder economists estimate that the Highway brings several billion dollars in tourism to the state every year. 

Beautiful? Absolutely. 

No wonder engineers have found a way to take the road where no road was meant to go—across protected wetlands, over deep arroyos, and through active landslide areas, not to mention the earthquake faults. Highway 1 is in a constant struggle to survive. Cal Trans (California Department of Transportation) is constantly rebuilding the road after the adjacent mountain slides into the ocean, taking chunks of the Highway with it. 

If a mudslide takes the road out, they can always rebuild it. But what about the homes the mudslides destroy? Replacing a section of road is one thing, but a home is another. Homes are filled with memories, irreplaceable keepsakes and our loved ones. Homes can't be replaced simply by building a new house. 

Wisdom dictates that builders choose a solid surface, not a shifting one for a building's foundation. To know the importance of a solid foundation and choose a shifting one is foolish, and will result in destruction. 

—http://www.smithsonianmag.si.edu/smithsonian/issues99/jun99/highway.html Illustration by Jim L. Wilson 

Matthew 7:24-27 NASB "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts upon them, may be compared to a wise man, who built his house upon the rock. [25] "And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded upon the rock. [26] "And everyone who hears these words of Mine, and does not act upon them, will be like a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand. [27] "And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and it fell, and great was its fall." 

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WISDOM 

Recently, Michael J. Fox, testified before Congress about the promise stem cell research has for Parkinson’s, the disease he suffers from. Stem cells have the potential of becoming any kind of human cell. Researchers believe that using these cells could help them find a cure for diseases like Parkinson’s and diabetes. According to ABC News, “Fox urged people not to have a ‘knee-jerk’ response to the stem cell debate and said the research had the potential to ‘literally change the world.’” 

—ABCnews.go.com, May 23, 2000 Illustration by Jim L. Wilson 

I like Michael J. Fox. I always have. I was sad when I heard he has Parkinson’s and when I heard his plea for stem cell research, I wanted to do whatever it takes to help him with his problem. But I’m still left asking, should embryos be used for research? What about aborted fetuses? Would this research create a demand for them on the open market resulting in planned abortions? 

Choices aren’t always easy to make. What do you do when helping one group could mean hurting another? 

James 1:5 NASB “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” 

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WISDOM 

A Phoenix investment group recently hired a demolition crew to tear down a vacant, boarded up house in southwest Phoenix. They planned to sell the property or perhaps build a new home on the lot. Unfortunately, the demolition crew mixed up the addresses and tore down the wrong house. 

The house that was destroyed belonged to Jenny Lopez. She had lived in the house for thirty years, though at the time, it was also vacant. Lopez’s family was using their house to store household belongs and had hoped to sell it. 

One of Lopez’s old neighbors saw the construction equipment in her yard and alerted her family. By the time the family arrived, the demolition was complete. 

The house numbers in the neighborhood are not well marked and all the mailboxes are on one side of the street, which made identifying the house difficult. The house that was supposed to have been torn down was across the street for Lopez’s house. The foreman in charge of the demolition crew did not comment about the mistake, but did tell a local television crew that he would probably lose his job. 

—Associated Press, Demolition Crew Tears Down Wrong House, July 10, 2003, Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell. 

I think he may be right. The lesson here is obvious. We need to be careful what we destroy. 

Ecclesiastes 9:18 NIV “Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.” 

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WISDOM 

In the conclusion to his speech to the joint houses of Congress on September 20, 2001, President George W. Bush said: 

"I will not forget this wound to our country, or those who inflicted it. I will not yield—I will not rest—I will not relent in waging this struggle for the freedom and security of the American people. 

The course of this conflict is not known, yet its outcome is certain. Freedom and fear, justice and cruelty, have always been at war, and we know that God is not neutral between them. 

Fellow citizens, we will meet violence with patient justice—assured of the rightness of our cause, and confident of the victories to come. In all that lies before us, may God grant us wisdom, and may He watch over the United States of America." 

—http://detnews.com/2001/nation/0109/20/nation-299402.htm Illustration by Jim L. Wilson 

Two things strike me about the President's comments. First, it is clear that our President is not exclusively depending upon military might to win this war on terrorism. He said that God is not neutral between justice and cruelty and freedom and fear. I'm encouraged that our President understands that military might cannot thwart the purposes of God, but that it can be used by God to administer His justice. 

The second thing that impresses me about our President's conclusion to his speech is that he ended it with a prayer. He said, "may God grant us wisdom, and may He watch over the United States of America." And to that prayer I say Amen. 

James 3:13-18 "Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. [14] But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. [15] This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. [16] For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. [17] But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. [18] And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."

In His book, Restoration Road, author Mitch Kruse encourages readers to allow the Lord to take on a path that leads us back to His divine plan. One of the first steps is to recognize the value of godly wisdom. Mitch writes, “Money is pride’s measurement of our giftedness (time, talent, and treasure). Wisdom is humility’s measurements of our godliness (Christ in us). Although the Bible often comments on money, it is the latter commodity that we are advised to pursue repeatedly throughout Scripture. 
Wisdom is the intersection of the vertical with the horizontal. It is God’s heart (vertical) combined with street smarts (horizontal). Wisdom applies one’s relationship with God to one’s relationships with others, including the tasks to be achieved. We were designed to have a heart for wisdom. We were designed to desire wisdom. We were designed to pursue wisdom with our three resources of this life. Wisdom begins with a humble, malleable, clay-like heart toward God.”

--Kruse, Mitch; Restoration Road, pg 25. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

Proverbs 3:13-15 (CEV) God blesses everyone  who has wisdom and common sense.   (14) Wisdom is worth more than silver;  it makes you much richer than gold.   (15) Wisdom is more valuable than precious jewels;  nothing you want compares with her. 

Scientists studying a star in a nearby galaxy say the ball of burning gas could be the heaviest star ever discovered. Astronomers say the star, called R136a1, may have weighed as much as 320 times the mass of our own sun.  They say it is burning with such intensity that it shines nearly 10 million times the brightness of the sun, and the surface temperature is estimated to be 7 times hotter than the sun. 

Scientists say they have found larger stars, which are known as re giants, but those stars weigh far less than R136a1. The star is located at the center of a star cluster in the Tarantula Nebula about 165,000 light years away from the galaxy containing Earth. Astrophysicist Paul Crowther says the star has already lost a lot of weight over its lifetime because this kind of star tends to burn through their energy reserves quickly. Crowther says, “Unlike humans, these stars are born heavy and lose weight as they age.” He added, ”R136a1 is already middle aged and has undergone an intense weight loss program.” 

--Scientists find most massive star ever discovered, http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100721/ap_on_sc/eu_most_massive_star; July 21, 2010. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

Though this discovery is new to us, God made every star and knows everything about them.

Psalm 147:4 (CEV) He decided how many stars there would be in the sky and gave each one a name. 

If you are looking for help getting your life together, Dr. Billy Graham says look no further than the Holy Bible. When asked to recommend a good self-help book for personal development, Graham told the person that the Bible is the “greatest ’self-help’ book ever written.” The famous pastor says purpose for living is found by discovering that God created every person for a reason. He said when a person decides to know God and live for Him; they find the purpose of existence. Graham added that the Bible explains the reason why people’s lives are broken and describes the best way to live, which is asking for God’s guidance rather than following a set of rules. He added, ”Every other self-help book will only give you the author’s ideas, but the Bible gives you God’s wisdom on how to live. Can you think of anything more important?”--Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

The Bible is the greatest ‘self help’ book ever written,
http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/tribu/sns-201208140000--tms--bgrahamctnym-a20120907-20120907,0,1690597.story. Accessed September 7, 2012.

Psalm 51:6 (RSV) Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart. 

WISDOM

According to a consultant’s report obtained by the Detroit Free Press, The Detroit Water and Sewage Department employs a horseshoer at a cost to the city of nearly $60,000 per year in salary and benefits. “According to the official job description—not updated since 1967—the DWSD horseshoer is required to ‘shoe horses and to do general blacksmith work.’” There is one small problem. No one can even remember the last time the city owned a horse. 

In today’s world, and in the church, change is coming at us quickly. We need to work hard to meet the challenge of a changing world and not let the times catch our churches with the equivalent of a horseshoer. –Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

World, September 22, 2012 p. 25

1 Chronicles 12:32 (NKJV) of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command; 

A forgotten block of Wisconsin cheese dating back to the 1970s will be sold for $10 an ounce. Edward Zahn was preparing to close down his shop when he moved several stacks of cheese and discovered several boxes that had been forgotten for years. The crates contained blocks of cheddar cheese that were now 28, 34, and 40 years old. Experts say this may be the oldest collection of cheese ever assembled and sold to the public.

Since the original shop was closing, another local retailer bought the unintentionally aged cheese and plans to sell it by the ounce, in order to allow more people the opportunity to taste the unique cheddar. On the outside of the blocks, the aged cheese is crunchy and looks more like potatoes chips, but at the center is the cheddar is creamier and has a very sharp taste. Zahn says, “It just got overlooked. It looks just like the others except it's just a lot sharper. It's got character."

Old cheese has unique character. --Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell
New life for decades-old Wis. cheddar blocks, by Dinesh Ramde, http://www.modbee.com/2012/08/30/2351033/new-life-for-decades-old-wis-cheddar.html, Accessed August 30, 2012.

Proverbs 20:29 (ESV) The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendor of old men is their gray hair. 

Election officials in Ohio say most of the votes in the 2012 Presidential elections were cast for the official candidates, but there were some write-in votes.  In the Canton area, write-in votes were reportedly cast for actor Clint Eastwood, New York Jets backup quarterback Tim Tebow, and comedian Jon Stewart.  The 242 write-ins also included other sports stars such as racing icon, Richard Petty. There were votes for fictional characters like Tigger and Cookie Monster, and one voter took the time to write-in Democratic Senator John Kerry’s name, even though that vote would be roughly 8 years too late.  The Stark County, Ohio deputy elections director said God and Jesus also received several votes, and noted that none of the votes for unregistered candidates were included in the official counts.—Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

Eastwood, Leno are Ohio write-in presidential picks, http://www.wdtn.com/dpp/news/ohio/Eastwood-Leno-are-OH-writein-presidential-picks, Accessed November 12, 2012.

Wisdom dictates making your decisions count, not acting frivolously. 
James 3:17 (HCSB) “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy.”

When Florida authorities arrested 49-year-old Jeffrey Hawkins on charges of trespassing, they expected him to say very little for his own protection. Instead, Hawkins waved his right to right to remain silent and began talking about his fraudulent use of credit cards saying he was “sick of running.” Police discovered the man had spent the last 20 years traveling the country, staying in hotels and living off stolen credit card information. Hawkins told authorities he had been homeless and jobless since the 1990s and first began committing credit card fraud by writing down numbers he saw or overhead. He had over 100 different numbers with him when he was arrested, and receipts indicating he had traveled up and down the East Coast doing the same thing.  When asked about Hawkins exploits, a resident of Orlando summed up his feelings saying, “Obviously he’s a pretty smart guy. He should have found something legal to do.”—  Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

Jeffrey Hawkins, Homeless Man, Allegedly Lived In Hotels For 20 Years Using Stolen Credit Cards , http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/26/jeffrey-hawkins-homeless-man-hotels-stolen-credit-cards_n_2023792.html?utm_hp_ref=weird-news, Accessed October 26, 2012

Ephesians 5:16 (HCSB) “making the most of the time, because the days are evil.”

A Bible signed by renowned physicist Albert Einstein sold at a New York City auction for $68,500. The final price exceeded pre-sales estimates by thousands. Most observers believed that at best the rare Bible would bring between $1,500 and $2,500. The Bible was signed by both the Nobel prize-winning scientist and wife in 1932 when they gave it to a friend who lived in the United States. The auction house said part of the added value was an inscription Einstein penned in German on the page he signed. The physicist wrote, the Bible “is a great source of wisdom and consolation and should be read frequently.”—Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

Bible signed by Einstein sells for $68,500 in NYC, http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/06/27/einstein-bible/2466055, Accessed June 27, 2013.

Proverbs 16:16 (CEV) (16) It's much better to be wise and sensible than to be rich. 

An Ohio judge ordered a man accused of threatening police officers to make a public apology by standing near a police station with a sign describing himself as an “idiot.” 58-year-old Richard Dameron was convicted of threatening officer during 911 calls that he made. The judge ordered him to hold the sign outside the police station three hours a day for a week. Dameron is not the first person who has received such a sentence from the same judge. After a woman was convicted of driving around a school bus by passing on the sidewalk, the judge made her wear a similar sign.—Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

Judge orders man who threatened police to hold 'idiot' sign, http://www.theindychannel.com/news/daily-extras/judge-orders-man-who-threatened-police-to-hold-idiot-sign, Accessed September 3, 2013.

Proverbs 23:12 (NASB) Apply your heart to discipline And your ears to words of knowledge. 

A few years ago, Oil tycoon Eike Batista of Brazil predicted that he would become the world's richest man. Things didn’t turn out as he planned.

Today he is bankrupt.

Economist Miriam Leitao said that his "main error was to declare that he had what he didn't . . . He's always exaggerated the potential of his companies and thus increased his stock . . . He built a house of cards,"—Jim L. Wilson and Larry Tong

--http://www.smh.com.au/business/world-business/eike-batista-goes-from-billionaire-to-bankrupt-20131101-2wod8.html

Luke 14:28-29 (NIV) "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? (29) For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, “

The old adage says a picture is worth a thousand words, but a picture found hidden in the collar of a stray dog only raises more questions about the animal’s past.  When the two-year-old pit bull was brought into the Greenville South Carolina animal shelter, workers noticed it was wearing an unusual collar which had an old black and white photo tucked inside. The staff has nicknamed the dog “Soldier” because the picture inside of his collar appeared to be a soldier in a causal pose next to a gate post or fence railing. The dog has no microchip or other identifying marks which might help the shelter locate the owner.  Susan Bufano, the shelter’s media relations coordinator, said “it seems someone put the picture in the collar for a reason and even though they have posted the story on their Facebook page, they have no leads.” Bufano added, “Someone might not even want this dog back but may have forgotten they put this photo in there. It’s sad because this photo definitely means something to someone.”—Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

Mysterious Black and White Photo Found in Stray Dog’s Collar, By Eliza Murphy, http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/lifestyle/2014/01/mysterious-black-and-white-photo-found-in-stray-dogs-collar, Accessed January 21, 2014.

Ephesians 1:9 (ESV) (9) making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 

Several studies over the past few years point to changes that are taking place in humans due to the technology we are exposed to. Technology has made people think, feel and dream differently and it has altered memory, attention spans, and sleep cycles. These changes are attributed to the brain’s ability to alter its behavior based on new experiences, also known as neuroplasticity. Some of the observed changes are a greater likelihood to dream in color for younger people who grew up with color television and movies, made more people fear missing out on things, and caused many to miss out on sleep because of electronic devices. Other studies suggest overall memory is not as good, and attention span and concentration have decreased for younger generations. The studies have found that positive effects include better visual skills and more creativity , which are offset by poorer impulse control. Most experts are not clear as to whether or not the overall impact is positive, but they do agree that technology is changing the way people think.—Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

8 Ways Tech Has Completely Rewired Our Brains, By Rebecca Hiscottmar, 
http://mashable.com/2014/03/14/tech-brains-neuroplasticity, Accessed March 14, 2014.

Mark 12:30 (HCSB)  Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. 

If you ask them, police in Portland, Oregon say they know it’s an old joke, but they really don’t know why the chicken crossed the road either. When they received a call, officers were dispatched to check on a report of a chicken crossing a local highway during rush-hour. The caller said the bird was causing a traffic hazard, so police went to remove it. Later, they released a statement saying they were unable to locate the bird and that animals in a roadway were no laughing matter.  A spokesman said officers regularly tend to duck crossings, and have rescued ducklings form storm drains. He said this was the first time they had received a serious call about a chicken trying to cross the road. Officers will remain on a lookout for the bird he said, and added, for the time being, officers were unable to determine the chicken’s intent.—Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

--Why did the chicken cross the road? Oregon cops don't know, http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/08/15/us-usa-oregon-chicken-idUSKBN0GF22Y20140815, Accessed August 15, 2014.

Proverbs 1:5-6 (NASB) A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel, (6) To understand a proverb and a figure, The words of the wise and their riddles. 

One of the terms of Colleen Cudney’s probation for her 2012 DUI conviction is that she is not supposed to drink at all, and must take random breathalyzer tests. Recently she boasted on her facebook page that she passed the test, though she’d consumed alcohol the day before.

What she didn’t think about before posting her boast, was that facebook is a public forum.  She now has a court hearing for violating the terms of her probation.

http://weirdnews.about.com/b/2014/03/31/did-colleen-cudney-make-the-worlds-dumbest-facebook-post.htm

 I can think of two reasons Cudney lacks wisdom—one is the obvious choice to post her probation violation in a public forum. The other is the choice to continue to drink when she obviously has a problem.

Proverbs 20:1 (HCSB) Wine is a mocker, beer is a brawler, and whoever staggers because of them is not wise. 

Research indicates that those who study or work abroad come back with more than a photo album full of memories and a suitcase full of souvenirs. These people may also come back with the ability to think more complexly and creatively and may be more successful at work as a result. The study found that people with international experience or who identify with more than one nationality tend to be better problem solvers and display more creativity. They also tend to be more likely to create new business products and to get important job promotions.  While the benefit may depend on how much individuals open themselves to foreign cultures, researchers say people who choose to study and work in other countries may already be inclined to be complex and creative thinkers.  --Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

How Studying or Working Abroad Makes You Smarter, By Ryan Donnell, 
http://time.com/79937/how-studying-or-working-abroad-makes-you-smarter, Accessed March 30, 2015 

Proverbs 8:11 (HCSB) For wisdom is better than jewels, and nothing desirable can compare with it. 
 

In the Disney animated movie Kung Fu Panda, Po is a struggling young panda working in his family’s noodle shop. Through a series of events, he receives the chance of a lifetime, his dream, to train with the Kung Fu masters. Under the leadership of Master OOgway, who is a mature, old turtle, Po begins his training. Master OOgway is an aged and wise teacher. In one of his most memorable teachings, he says to Po,

“You are too concerned with what was and what will be,
Yesterday is history, Tomorrow is a mystery, but
Today is a gift, that is why it is called the present.”

-- Mastering 'Metrics: The Path from Cause to Effect By Joshua D. Angrist, Jörn-Steffen Pischke, p. 228.
 
Po was in a hurry to acquire the skills of a Kung Fu Master. His teacher was telling him that these skills are only acquired through patience and practice. --Jim L. Wilson and Gay Williams

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (HCSB) There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven: 
 

Wisdom

According to a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol is now the second most lethal drug in the U. S. It is the second leading killer of the American people, following only tobacco. Deaths from heavy drinking have soared to their highest level in 35 years. All together, “alcohol killed more people in 2014 than prescription painkillers and heroin overdoses combined.” These figures do not include deaths from drunk driving and other fatal incidents that occurred under the influence of alcohol.

The Bible warns us, that those who are under the influence of strong drink are not wise. —Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell.

The Week, January 15, 2016 p. 19

Proverbs 20:1 (HCSB) Wine is a mocker, beer is a brawler, and whoever staggers because of them is not wise.

WISDOM

The Lesedi la Rona diamond is the size of a tennis ball and is the largest discovered in more than one hundred years. When the diamond goes to auction, experts expect it could sell for more than $70 million. The gem measures over 1,000 carats. It’s name comes from the Tswana language and means “our light.” The auctioneer said the rough gemstone could produce the largest top quality diamond in history. David Bennett, chairman of Sotheby’s jewelry division said the discovery is the find of a lifetime. He added, “Not only is the rough superlative in size and quality, but no rough even remotely of this scale has ever been offered before at public auction.” —Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

Diamond the size of a tennis ball could fetch $70million, http://nypost.com/2016/05/04diamond-the-size--of-a-tennis-ball-could-fetch-70m, Accessed May 4, 2016.

Proverbs 8:11 (HCSB) “For wisdom is better than jewels, and nothing desirable can compare with it.”

WISDOM

In only one year, two mechanical engineering graduates from Cedarville University are demonstrating their knowledge by signing an agreement allowing Lowe’s stores to sell their product, a device that makes central air conditioners more efficient. The men, Andrew Parks and Josh Teekell, developing a device called the “Mistbox” which cools the outside air temperature before it enters the air conditioning unit. The process helps consumers save up to 30 percent on their cooling costs and reduces the carbon footprint. Teekell said, “Distribution at Lowe’s presents a huge opportunity for us to put Mistbox in every home with an air conditioner, furthering our mission to contribute to a greener world without asking our users to compromise on quality of life.”—Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

 ‘Mistbox’ technology created by Cedarville Engineers, http://www.klove.com/news/2016/06/22/mistbox-technology-created-by-cedarville-engineers.aspx, Accessed June 22, 2016.

Psalm 90:17 (HCSB) “Let the favor of the Lord our God be on us; establish for us the work of our hands— establish the work of our hands!”

WISDOM

Wise people find a way or make a way when faced with obstacles. When too much rain threatened to ruin the cherry crop in New Zealand, orchard owners used helicopters to dry the crop so they could meet the demand created by the Chinese New Year celebration. Over the past seven years, China has become the second largest consumer of New Zealand cherries. The busiest season is the Chinese New Year and producers were under tight deadlines to get the fruit to market. Too much rain will cause the cherries to crack, so producers paid thousands of dollars an hour to have the helicopters fly over the trees to protect the fruit. Martin Milne, a grower in the city of Cromwell said, “It’s a bit of a worry at the end of the day the weather is what it is and you can’t do much about it except getting helicopters out.”—Jim L. Wilson & Jim Sandell

New Zealand choppers save cherries for China in Lunar New Year rush, By  Charlotte Greenfield, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-newzealand-china-cherries-idUSKBN1520EU, Accessed January 17, 2017.

Proverbs 3:13 (HCSB) “Happy is a man who finds wisdom and who acquires understanding,”

Wisdom

Airport administration officials in Moscow say an intoxicated, forty year old man drove his car into the airport terminal departure gate. Video footage shows the car drive past a check-in desk and into a departure gate before going back outside to a railway terminal. As you might expect, authorities arrested him. At his court appearance, he told the judge that he had a lady friend arriving at the platform and this was his way of greeting her. He said he had planned the route very carefully and added, “I had to get on the platform. I was fighting for love.”—Jim L. Wilson & Jim Sandell .

Russian man drives into airport, says he did it for love

https://www.yahoo.com/news/russian-man-drives-airport-says-did-love-155725330.html, Accessed December 23, 2016.

Proverbs 20:1 (HCSB) “Wine is a mocker, beer is a brawler, and whoever staggers because of them is not wise.”

WISDOM

Officials at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas say a teenager found a 7.44 carat diamond at the park. The diamond, found by 14-year-old Kalel Langford, is the seventh largest found at the park since 1972. Park interpreter Waymon Cox said the diamond is the size of a pinto bean and is the same color as coffee.  Langford said he was hiking near a stream when the spotted the diamond among some rocks. He called it “Superman Diamond” and told reporters he plans to keep the gem.—Jim L. Wilson & Jim Sandell

Teenager Finds A 7.44 Carat Diamond On A Hike, http://www.klove.com/news/2017/03/16/Teenager-Finds-A-7-44-Carat-Diamond-On-A-Hike, Accessed March 16, 2017.

Proverbs 8:11 (HCSB) “For wisdom is better than jewels, and nothing desirable can compare with it.”

WISDOM

A mouse caused a delay and lot of inconvenience for passengers aboard a British Airways flight from London to San Francisco. The rodent was spotted scurrying under a door aboard the flight just as passengers were buckling in for departure. The airline forced everyone to switch planes which delayed the trip for four hours. Some passengers joked about the delay and one person, Anna Salven said she really did not want to eat food on a plane that had a mouse. British Airways said their concern was more serious because mice have been known to chew through wiring on aircraft which could result in a potential disaster. A statement confirmed the airline’s concerns. It said, “on this occasion there was one very small customer who we had to send back to the gate.” –By Jim Sandell

The mouse that soared: Rodent discovery disrupts flight to San Francisco,

https://www.yahoo.com/news/mouse-soared-rodent-discovery-disrupts-flight-san-francisco-183610415.html, Accessed March 2, 2017.

Ecclesiastes 7:12 (HCSB) “because wisdom is protection as money is protection, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of its owner.”

WISDOM

Stressed-out new Yorkers are getting advice about life from an unusual source. Hundreds have spoken with 100-year-old Eileen Wilkinson who loves to share her wisdom across the country from her living room. Wilkinson lives in Washington state and communicates through a laptop and webcam set up on the streets of New York. Wilkinson’s grandson Mike Matthews, a social media professor at New York University set up the makeshift therapist’s office in New York because he wanted to give his grandmother something fun to do. He said Wilkinson gives good advice to the people who stop by the booth and New Yorkers appreciate the insight of someone with a lot of life experience.—by Jim l. Wilson and Jim Sandell

https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/grandma-gives-advice-stressed-new-yorkers-3000-miles-away

Proverbs 16:31 (CSB)

Gray hair is a glorious crown;

it is found in the ways of righteousness.

WISDOM

Several groups of concerned people met in Portland, Maine seeking a solution to a problem that impacts several industries. About 100 years ago, the green crab, which is native to Europe, was introduced into the waters around New England. Since then, the crabs have multiplied and have threatened the shellfish industry in the area because the crabs are relentless predators. To combat the problem, several groups organized the Green Crab Working Summit to pool ideas about controlling the crab population. The ideas presented included creating a crab cookbook with suggestions about serving the crustaceans or using them as bait to catch other gourmet seafood items. Brian Beal, a professor of marine ecology said there are billions of the crabs and finding new uses for them is worthwhile because they will never be eliminated. He asked, “So what do you do? We can adapt.”—Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

http://www.klove.com/news/2018/06/07/If-We-Eat-Them-Will-They-Go-Away

1 Kings 3:12 (CSB)

I will therefore do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has never been anyone like you before and never will be again.

WISDOM

In China, a restaurant begin a promotion that was so successful that it put them out of business. They offered a month of “all you can eat,” as it turns out their customers had quite an appetite. Halfway into the promotion the restaurant was $100,000 in debt and had to close their doors. —Jim L. Wilson

https://www.npr.org/2018/06/20/621726925/all-you-can-eat-was-too-much

Proverbs 4:6–7 (CSB)

Don’t abandon wisdom, and she will watch over you;

love her, and she will guard you.

Wisdom is supreme—so get wisdom.

And whatever else you get, get understanding.

WISDOM

Construction crews tearing down an old middle school in Massachusetts found a 124-year old time capsule under the front steps. It had an April 28, 1894 date, which was the day the school was originally dedicated. The capsule contained two newspapers, remnants or military uniforms from the Civil War, a war medal, and the names of local resident who served in the war. Angela Ippolito, chairperson of the Planning Board said they knew there was a time capsule at the site, but did not know where it was. She said, “These were people who were trying to take a snapshot of their life at that time. This isn’t like reading history; it really brings it to life.”—Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/msn/school-demolition-crews-unearth-124-year-old-time-capsule/ar-BBLLjgE

Deuteronomy 32:7 (CSB)

Remember the days of old;

consider the years of past generations.

Ask your father, and he will tell you,

your elders, and they will teach you.

WISDOM

Missouri police spent two hours investigating a suspicious plastic container found behind a sandwich shop before they figured it that it was a high school science experiment. Authorities said a worker at a nearby convenience store saw the package behind the sandwich shop and reported a suspect item. Police found a container filled with blue liquid that was connected to other items. They eventually determined it was an experiment designed to demonstrate how hydrogen could be used as a power source. They also discovered that a student had brought the project to show his friends at the sandwich shop and then left it behind the store so other friends could see it. Police said there was no danger and no charges were expected. –Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/suspicious-item-turns-science-experiment-141346291.html

Proverbs 18:15 (CSB)

The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge,

and the ear of the wise seeks it.

WISDOM

When San Bernardino County Sheriff’s officers responded to a report of a loose pig, they found an animal the size of a mini horse wandering the streets. One of the deputies had a bag of Doritos chips in her lunch and sacrificed them by placing the chips on the ground for the pig to follow. The animal followed the trail, happily devouring chips as he went. Officers had responded to previous calls about the pig, so they know where to take it. They returned the pig to his pen and secured the gate to prevent another escape.—Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

http://www.klove.com/news/2018/10/15/Nacho-Cheese-Or-Cool-Ranch-Doritos-Lure-Rogue-Pig-Back-Home/ 

Matthew 7:6 (CSB)

“Don’t give what is holy to dogs or toss your pearls before pigs, or they will trample them under their feet, turn, and tear you to pieces.”

WISDOM

100 years after the Titanic hit an iceberg and sank to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, Australian billionaire Clive Palmer announced an ambitious plan to build a replica. It will first make the passage from Southampton to New York, then perhaps around the world. The plan is back on track after finances and disputed royalties stalled the project in 2015. Palmer thinks the “authentic Titanic experience” will attract people eager to sail on a similar-looking ship but with modern safety standards and plenty of lifeboats. —Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell.

A safe ride on a Titanic replica? Hmm, not sure I’m ready to jump on board. Especially when I think about the claims made about the original being unsinkable.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-hampshire-45663941

Proverbs 3:7 (CSB) “Don’t be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.”

WISDOM

A Florida travel insurance company awarded a Georgia high school teacher $10,000 because she took time to read the fine print in a policy she purchased. A statement from the company said Donelan Andrews claimed the prize 23 hours after the contest began. The company said it launched the secret contest by putting a line in the fine print offering the prize money to the first person to send an email to an address they provided. In addition to the 10,000 prize the company gave financial gifts to a children’s literary charity and to the schools where Andrews works. Andrews said she had just applied for retirement and will use the portion of the money to take a trip to Scotland with her husband.—Jim K, Wilson and Jim Sandell

https://news.yahoo.com/teacher-wins-10k-reading-fine-print-insurance-policy-215615337.html

Proverbs 16:21 (CSB) “Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning, and pleasant speech increases learning.”

WISDOM

Former Ohio University basketball star D.J. Cooper received a two year suspension from European leagues because he failed a drug test. This wasn’t just any failure. The urine from Cooper, a healthy 28-year-old man, tested positive for pregnancy.

The Week, August 16, 2019, p. 6

Interestingly, officials didn’t conclude Cooper was identifying as a female, nor that he was a female identifying as a basketball player. They all concluded that he was not pregnant; rather he had borrowed a urine sample from his pregnant girlfriend. In the whole gender identity movement what is needed most is a little wisdom. –Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell.

Genesis 1:27 (CSB)

“So God created man in his own image;

he created him in the image of God;

he created them male and female.”

WISDOM

Research from the University of Dundee suggests that it might be a good practice to avoid making important decisions on an empty stomach. Director of the study, Dr. Benjamin Vincent said they discovered that hunger alters people’s decision making process, because they become more impatient and more likely to settle for a small reward sooner that a larger one at a later time. Researchers asked questions when participants were not hungry and when they had skipped a meal. The question involved decisions about food, money, and other rewards.  Vincent said hungry people tended to settle for smaller food incentives that were provided sooner, and the thought process carried over to financial and interpersonal decisions.  He said this thinking pattern could lead people to make short term decisions that made their situation worse. Vincent added, “We found there was a large effect, people’s preferences shifted dramatically from the long term to the short term when hungry. This is an aspect of human behavior which could potentially be exploited by marketers so people need to know their preference may change when hungry.”—Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-09/uod-dmm091619.php

Philippians 3:19–20 (CSB)

Their end is destruction; their god is their stomach; their glory is in their shame. They are focused on earthly things, but our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.

WISDOM

When California based retailer Forever 21 filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, one retail writer in New York said the once trendy retailer moved too slowly for a new generation of young customers.  Anne D’Innocenio wrote that the retailer rode a wave of popularity among young customers from the mid 1980s in the 1990s.  However, they began expanding retail locations, just as many consumers began looking for bargains online. D’Innocenio said retailers used to try to follow big global trends and push it in their stores. The trend today is micro trends directed by influencers on social media. This means companies need to rely on smaller stocks of more diverse clothing to cater to shopper’s tastes.  Forever 21 will focus more on e-commerce and try to build more market share in that arena in the coming years.—Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

 https://ww2.klove.com/news/money/forever-21-bankruptcy-reflects-teens-new-shopping-behavior-4993

Psalm 119:66 (CSB)

Teach me good judgment and discernment,

for I rely on your commands.