Wisdom Notebook

Hello Wisdom Seekers! I'd love to hear your thoughts about today's Scripture and episode.

Wisdom Notebook — Episode #020

Proverbs 20 — When the Drink Takes Control

Alcohol can destroy more than a person's health. It can damage relationships, break families, and leave wounds that last a lifetime.

In this deeply personal episode, Orlando shares his experience growing up with an alcoholic father, the precious years they shared during his sobriety, and the heartbreak of addiction's return.

Through Proverbs 20:1, we explore the dangers of allowing alcohol—or anything else—to take control of our lives, while remembering that those struggling with addiction need compassion, support, and hope.

From My Wisdom Notebook

“Wisdom recognizes the danger when something I consume begins to control me.”

Scripture

Proverbs 20:1; Proverbs 23:29–35; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Corinthians 6:12

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Seek wisdom. Write it down. Live it out.

Scripture Copyright

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

Hello Wisdom Seekers! I'd love to hear your thoughts about today's Scripture and episode.

Wisdom Notebook — Episode #019

Proverbs 19 — I Had Other Plans

Have you ever had big plans for your life, only to watch them fall apart?

In this personal episode, Orlando shares how his dream of developing a major theme park in Phoenix, Arizona, eventually gave way to a life he never expected—one in teaching and ministry.

Proverbs 19:21 reminds us that our plans may change, but God's purpose will stand. Sometimes the life we didn't plan becomes a life filled with meaning and purpose.

From My Wisdom Notebook

“My plans may change, but God's purpose for my life is worth trusting.”

Scripture

Proverbs 19:21; Proverbs 16:9; James 4:13–15

Join the Wisdom Seekers

Join free at WisdomNotebook.com and receive your 31-Day Proverbs Notebook.

Seek wisdom. Write it down. Live it out.

Scripture Copyright

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

Hello Wisdom Seekers! I'd love to hear your thoughts about today's Scripture and episode.

Wisdom Notebook — Episode #018

Proverbs 18 — The Rest of the Story

The first version of a story can sound convincing, but there's often more to discover. Through Proverbs 18:17 and a personal memory of his history teacher sharing Paul Harvey's The Rest of the Story, Orlando explores the importance of listening carefully, seeking the whole truth, and having the humility to change our minds.

From My Wisdom Notebook

“Wisdom listens to the whole story before deciding what to believe.”

Scripture

Proverbs 18:13, 17

Join the Wisdom Seekers

Join free at WisdomNotebook.com and receive the 31-Day Proverbs Notebook.

Seek wisdom. Write it down. Live it out.

Scripture Copyright

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

Hello Wisdom Seekers! I'd love to hear your thoughts about today's Scripture and episode.

Wisdom Notebook — Episode #017

Proverbs 17 — More Than a Family Name

Children and grandchildren are among life's greatest blessings, but the legacy we leave is about more than a family name. Through Proverbs 17:6, a personal memory of holding his granddaughter for the first time, and the family photographs that bring treasured memories to life, Orlando explores the importance of passing faith, wisdom, and love to future generations.

From My Wisdom Notebook

“The greatest legacy I can leave isn't just my family name, but the faith, wisdom, and love I pass on.”

Scripture

Proverbs 17:6; Psalm 78:4

Join the Wisdom Seekers

Join free at WisdomNotebook.com and receive the 31-Day Proverbs Notebook.

Seek wisdom. Write it down. Live it out.

Scripture Copyright

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

Hello Wisdom Seekers! I'd love to hear your thoughts about today's Scripture and episode.

Wisdom Notebook — Episode #016

Proverbs 16 — Love That Doesn't Let Go

God's steadfast love and faithfulness offer the forgiveness we could never earn on our own. Through Proverbs 16:6 and connections to Exodus, Lamentations, and Romans, Orlando explores God's enduring mercy, the atoning work of Jesus Christ, and how gratitude for His forgiveness should shape the way we live.

From My Wisdom Notebook

“God's steadfast love and faithfulness offer the forgiveness I could never earn for myself.”

Scripture

Proverbs 16:6; Exodus 34:6–7; Lamentations 3:22–23; Romans 5:8

Join the Wisdom Seekers

Join free at WisdomNotebook.com and receive the 31-Day Proverbs Notebook.

Seek wisdom. Write it down. Live it out.

Scripture Copyright

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

Hello Wisdom Seekers! I'd love to hear your thoughts about today's Scripture and episode.

Wisdom Notebook — Episode #015

Proverbs 15 — The Heart Behind the Smile

A cheerful face can reflect a glad heart, but a smile doesn't always tell the whole story. Through Proverbs 15:13 and the powerful reminder that Jesus wept, Orlando explores the reality of sorrow, the importance of being honest about our feelings, and the need to show compassion toward those carrying unseen burdens.

From My Wisdom Notebook

“I don't have to pretend my heart is glad when it's hurting, and I shouldn't assume someone else's smile tells their whole story.”

Scripture

Proverbs 15:13; John 11:35

Join the Wisdom Seekers

Join free at WisdomNotebook.com and receive the 31-Day Proverbs Notebook.

Seek wisdom. Write it down. Live it out.

Scripture Copyright

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

Hello Wisdom Seekers! I'd love to hear your thoughts about today's Scripture and episode.

Wisdom Notebook — Episode #014

Proverbs 14 — More Than a Title

Leadership is about more than authority or recognition—it's about responsibility. Through Proverbs 14:28 and 35, and a familiar lesson from Spider-Man, Orlando explores how wisdom calls us to use our influence to serve others and to be faithful with our responsibilities, whether we're leading or following.

From My Wisdom Notebook

“Wisdom uses the influence I've been given to serve others, not simply myself.”

Scripture

Proverbs 14:28, 35

Join the Wisdom Seekers

Join free at WisdomNotebook.com and receive the 31-Day Proverbs Notebook.

Seek wisdom. Write it down. Live it out.

Scripture Copyright

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

Hello Wisdom Seekers! I'd love to hear your thoughts about today's Scripture and episode.

Wisdom Notebook — Episode #013

Proverbs 13 — Birds of a Feather

The people we spend time with influence the people we're becoming. Through Proverbs 13:20–21 and a memorable saying from his grandfather, Orlando explores the importance of walking with wise people—and being a wise influence on others.

From My Wisdom Notebook

“The people I walk with help shape the person I'm becoming.”

Scripture

Proverbs 13:20–21

Join the Wisdom Seekers

Join free at WisdomNotebook.com and receive the 31-Day Proverbs Notebook.

Seek wisdom. Write it down. Live it out.

Scripture Copyright

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

Hello Wisdom Seekers! I'd love to hear your thoughts about today's Scripture and episode.

Wisdom Notebook — Episode #012

Proverbs 12 — Words That Wound, Words That Heal

Our words have the power to wound or to bring healing. Through Proverbs 12:18 and 25, and a memorable childhood lesson involving a cow's tongue, Orlando explores how wisdom calls us to speak with care, offer encouragement, and use our words to build others up.

From My Wisdom Notebook

“My words can be weapons that wound—or instruments that heal.”

Scripture

Proverbs 12:18, 25

Join the Wisdom Seekers

Join free at WisdomNotebook.com and receive the 31-Day Proverbs Notebook.

Seek wisdom. Write it down. Live it out.

Scripture Copyright

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

Hello Wisdom Seekers! I'd love to hear your thoughts about today's Scripture and episode.

Wisdom Notebook — Episode #011

Proverbs 11 — What Can I Give?

Proverbs 11 reminds us that generosity can look like loss in the moment—but what we pour out can become part of the way God brings life and beauty to someone else.

Like the cracked pot watering flowers along the path, sometimes what seems to be disappearing is actually becoming a blessing.

From My Wisdom Notebook

Wisdom doesn't ask only what I can keep; it asks what I can give.

Scripture

Proverbs 11:24–25

Join the Wisdom Seekers

Join free at WisdomNotebook.com and receive the 31-Day Proverbs Notebook.

Seek wisdom. Write it down. Live it out.

Scripture Copyright

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.