Wisdom & Foolishness - Proverbs

Proverbs 13:20 (NIV)
"Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm."

Commentary

Proverbs 13:20 teaches a simple but powerful truth: the people we spend time with influence who we become. Solomon contrasts two paths. Those who choose the company of wise people grow in wisdom, while those who closely associate with foolish people eventually experience negative consequences.

The verse begins with a promise: "Walk with the wise and become wise." In the ancient world, walking with someone implied sharing life with them, learning from them, and adopting their habits and values. Wisdom is not gained merely through information but through relationships. When we spend time with people who fear God, make thoughtful decisions, and pursue righteousness, their influence helps shape our character.

The second half offers a warning: "a companion of fools suffers harm." Notice that Solomon does not say a person must become a fool to be affected by foolishness. Simply choosing close companionship with those who reject wisdom can lead to trouble. Foolish behavior often brings consequences such as damaged relationships, poor choices, financial problems, or spiritual decline, and those who stay close to such influences may be drawn into the same outcomes.

Deeper Spiritual Meaning

This proverb highlights the importance of intentional friendships. Throughout Scripture, God uses relationships to shape His people. Jesus gathered disciples to walk with Him daily. Paul encouraged believers to imitate godly examples. Our hearts, attitudes, and priorities are often molded by the people we admire and spend the most time with.

This verse is not teaching believers to avoid all contact with unbelievers or struggling people. Jesus Himself spent time with sinners. Rather, it warns against allowing ungodly influences to become our primary source of counsel, identity, and direction.

Application

Consider these questions:

• Who has the greatest influence on your thinking?
• Do your closest friends encourage your faith and growth?
• Are there relationships that consistently pull you away from God's wisdom?
• Are you becoming the kind of wise person who can positively influence others?

For those continuing a college journey, this verse may be especially relevant. The people you study with, follow online, and seek advice from can significantly affect your goals, faith, and character. Choosing mentors, friends, and communities that reflect godly wisdom can help you grow both spiritually and personally.

Reflection

"Lord, help me to seek the company of wise and godly people. Give me discernment in my relationships, and make me a source of wisdom and encouragement to others. Amen."

:) Photo Story & Resumé - Knead Cafe, College Photography Course

Creating a resume for one of my college photography classes gave me an opportunity to reflect on the skills I've been developing as a photographer. Along with the resume, I've included some of my photography work in this post. The images showcase a variety of photography techniques and come together to tell a small photo story. It was a fun project that allowed me to combine creativity, technical skills, and visual storytelling while continuing to grow as a student photographer. 📸✨

Vase on end table next to grey couch in living room; flowers & lamp

Vase with painted on flowers and seashells within on the kitchen counter

A colorful sloth plush massager sits on a cat tree wearing sunglasses
while Dusty the cat perches next to it.

a plastic pink rose in foreground with snowy landscape in background

chihuahua plush wearing a pink hoodie; couch & soft window light

pink bear on tan/ light brown wooden table, blurred background, in focus foreground

colorful assortment of highlighters.

Lucky Cat

String lights hanging in front of pink curtain

about how i juggle mom life, faith, and my college design studies

 

Juggling Mom Life, Faith, and College Design Studies

There are days when my planner looks impossible. Between being a mom, staying grounded in my faith, and keeping up with my college design studies, it can feel like I'm balancing three full-time jobs at once. Yet somehow, in the middle of the chaos, I'm discovering that each role strengthens the others.

As a mom, my days rarely go according to plan. There are meals to prepare, appointments to remember, laundry that never seems to end, and the countless little moments that come with raising a family. Motherhood has taught me flexibility, patience, and problem-solving in ways no textbook ever could. These are the same skills I find myself using when deadlines pile up or a design project isn't coming together the way I envisioned.

My faith is what keeps me centered. When life feels overwhelming, I'm reminded that I don't have to carry every burden on my own. Spending time in prayer, reading Scripture, or simply taking a few quiet moments with God helps me refocus on what truly matters. Faith reminds me that my worth isn't measured by grades, productivity, or accomplishments. Instead, it comes from being loved by God and trusting Him with each step of the journey.

Going back to college as a nontraditional student has been both exciting and challenging. As a design student, I'm constantly learning new skills, exploring creative ideas, and pushing myself outside my comfort zone. Sometimes I look around and wonder if I'm too old to be starting this journey. But then I remember that growth has no expiration date. Every project completed, every new technique learned, and every challenge overcome is proof that it's never too late to pursue a dream.

One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that balance doesn't mean giving equal time to everything every day. Some days my family needs more of me. Other days a major assignment requires extra attention. And sometimes my spirit simply needs rest and time with God. Balance is less about perfection and more about recognizing what is most important in each season and trusting that some things can wait.

Interestingly, my three roles often overlap. Motherhood inspires my creativity. Faith influences the values and meaning I bring into my work. My design studies challenge me to see beauty, purpose, and possibility in the world around me. Together, they shape who I am becoming.

There are certainly moments when I'm tired, stressed, or tempted to doubt myself. But when I look back at where I started, I can see God's faithfulness through every step. He has carried me through busy semesters, family responsibilities, and countless uncertainties. What once seemed impossible has become part of my everyday life.

If you're juggling multiple roles yourself, whether as a parent, student, caregiver, or something else entirely, know that you're not alone. Progress doesn't require perfection. Some days success looks like completing a project. Other days it looks like simply showing up and doing your best.

For now, I'll keep moving forward one assignment, one prayer, and one day at a time. And in the midst of the busy schedule, I'm learning that faith, family, and education aren't competing priorities. They're all part of the beautiful story God is writing in my life.

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Why I like this version for your blog: It reflects your experience as a homemaker, your faith in Jesus, and your journey as a design student at Penn State World Campus while keeping the tone personal, encouraging, and authentic. It reads more like your own story than a generic article, which should fit well with the style you're building on your blog.