My husband and I took our children to a pumpkin patch recently.  As we walked around looking for the perfect pumpkin, we were frequently deceived. Some of the pumpkins looked big, round and smooth. They looked pretty great! Then, when we would look closer at them or turn them around, we would see that they were rotten on the inside. Ultimately, we did get some really great pumpkins in the end. Although, it got me thinking about the way we sometimes perceive things, or even people. Sometimes the things we fill our mind with seem great, then if we look closely, it is like feeding our minds poison. On another thought, if we are not careful with the company that we keep, it can put poison in our hearts. Some people can be charming and seem great on the outside, although on the inside they can be rotten. That does not mean God does not love them. However, if they are living in a way that goes against God, it isn’t just their own hearts they can hurt; it’s ours too. Although we can choose kindness, prayer and love for them, that does not mean we need to associate with that kind of behavior. Friend, when we are making choices along our journey called life, may we look closely at what we our feeding our minds, and putting into our hearts. God can always give us wisdom, directions and discernment. May we stay in His word, pray, and walk with Him daily. For like walking through a pumpkin patch trying to find the right pumpkin, may we keep God close to us. So, He can ensure that the things we choose in life, are the right choices.

Erin Fitts-Brower

Proverbs 4:23 NIV

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

Proverbs 12:26 NIV

The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

Proverbs 13:20 NIV

Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.

Proverbs 13:14 NIV

The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.

Ephesians 5:15-17 NIV

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

Philippians 4:8 NIV

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.