I Can Control ME!

I thought I’d mix it up. Instead of my usual chair that faces the TV, I decided to sit in the chair that faced out to my screened-in patio. Amazing how changing things up can change our perspective. My eyes were drawn to this wall hanging that the previous owners left behind. It was a bonus to see words that I needed, and maybe you do, too!

I read with intention: “Think deeply. Speak gently. Love much. Laugh a lot. Work hard. Give freely and BE KIND." That's a great mission statement for anyone! Was God nudging me to read those this day? I did, with a little haughtiness. If God was wanting me to read them, I figured I passed His test. Actually, I think He was wanting me to up my game! Each one of those phrases is a sermon in itself.

“Think deeply” – that one gave me pause because lately I haven’t been thinking deep thoughts – pondering, like Jesus’ Mother, Mary, did. Treasuring these times instead of resenting them. I embraced these words today – to think deeply about God's promises and how He loves me so much and He is surely working on good for me. I needed to reel myself back in from the things that have distracted me from Him and ponder and treasure Him.

"Speak gently" -- it's easy to get caught up in all the angry folks out there, who speak anything but gentle words. I really want to be gentle with an encouraging voice, but there are times when I know I need more gentleness! But, Lord, it’s so hard to stay quiet when I or my friends are being attacked by unkind words! Oh, I get it, you are wanting ME to control ME!

"Love much" -- This is the crux of what God wants from us. Remember how Jesus narrowed down the 10 Commandments to just two? "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. AND, love your neighbor as yourself." If we loved that much, we would always keep "the ten"! Lord, You loved much when You were attacked, rejected and spoken lies about. Please help us love as you love. WWJD!

"Laugh a lot" -- I have a friend in Tulsa who helps me with this one. Witty, herself, she sends me jokes and hilarious stories. I love hanging with my grands. They make me laugh, especially when they remind me of ME and some of my ways! Laughing is good medicine. I love the laughter that families are embracing during these times. I've seen many funny memes that have come out of it.

"Work hard" I can give myself a high-five for this one. I’ve always been a hard worker – even when I wasn’t working. I’m a doer. I loved watching The Chosen Series. It portrayed Jesus as a hard worker – cooking meals, carving wood, making furniture – after all, He was born into a hard-working family. He set the example for us.

"Give freely" My husband had the gift of giving. He would give away anything we had to someone who needed it more than we did. He gave away our bed when I was having severe back problems. We resorted to our son’s water bed and within two weeks of sleeping on that warm, watery bed, my back was completely healed. I think God wants us to freely give, so He can bless us even more with abundance.

"Be kind" -- What a wonderful world this would be if kindness was our mode of operation! My mind is flooded with examples as I am sure you can reflect on encounters where kindness made a difference in your life. Kind words and actions from others have caused me to realize that every day I have the opportunity to let kindness pour out from me. I want to be sensitive to God’s prompting when He nudges me to be kind and to speak kindness into the life of another.

We can’t always control the things that life brings our way -- especially during times like these -- but we can control how we respond. I’m taking in the words of this sign today. I will accept Jesus’ invitation to walk more closely to Him and to “Think deeply. Speak gently. Love much. Laugh a lot. Work hard. Give freely and be kind." Thanks, Lord, for loving me so much that you want me to be the best version of ME that I can be! And, thanks to the sellers of this home who left that message for me!

Cross Words – How About a Game of Scrabble?

I’ll admit, this blog today came from seeing this “Cross-Words” graphic as I scrolled through images. That graphic spoke volumes to me so I added the Scrabble words to a cross. I saw those words and immediately I started thinking about a little game-play I’ve been indulging in during this time of isolation. I don’t typically take the time for such idle play, but when I saw an advertisement for a Scrabble play app, I conceded!

The Scrabble board game was one my husband and I often played together. I remember us making up a word to fit. The opposing player, if they didn’t believe it was an actual word, would grab Webster's dictionary and reveal if it was a real word or not! Now, it’s easy to play online because it tells you right away if your word is actually a real one or not. Cha-ching! Oh, the joys of technology!

Speaking of “for real” words that matter are the words of Christ – you know, those red-letter ones in the Bible. He always packed-a-punch with anything He said. But none were more impactful than his last words spoken from the cross. You may have been with someone in their last hours of life and you have never forgotten those last words.

For every one of us, there will come a last meal, a last breath, and, perhaps, a last statement. In many ways, what we say in the end can be an insight into what we were in life, what we stood for, lived for. I’ve heard of many people who lived a life without Christ and their last words were of bitterness, hatred and despair. Their words were “cross” words – that represented a life of rejection, anger and hopelessness. But, oh what a difference for those Who know our risen Lord and Savior. They are at peace and you sense it in their calmness and in their words.
Jesus uttered seven impactful phrases from the cross, but I’m most struck with these words: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34). Those were the words of forgiveness for those who mistreated Him, lied about Him, rejected Him and were crucifying Him. Oh, Lord, may I daily offer prayers of grace and mercy as I forgive those who don’t know what they’re doing to me, and to others.

Jesus’ example of forgiving in the greatest, most profound way is a clarion call to us. If He could forgive, so can we. Since He was God in the form of man, He could have condemned His torturers or destroyed them with His breath. But, He didn’t. His words of forgiveness should be indelibly imprinted on our hearts! Those CROSS WORDS I choose to make my words. How about you?

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32)

Taking the High Ground With Kindness

After I finished my blog and posted it about “watching our words on the battlefield”, yesterday, I read this daily email from a ministry. It was the “icing on the cake” of what I had said in my blog: “I call you, My people, to be kind to one another. The world is filled with selfishness and hatred. But you belong to Me and not to the world. When you become one with Me, your attitudes will reflect My heart and not yours. And the fruit of My Spirit will be evident in all that you are and all that you do, says the Lord." "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, KINDNESS, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such, there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

Those words pack a punch, don’t they? I reeled them in my heart --.hopefully to stay there, germinate and then produce a bumper crop of those fruit – especially the “kindness” fruit. Yep! That’s a fruit I needed a couple of days ago – before my blog, yesterday. From hearing way too much irritating smack talk that I “shushed” that person with fingers to my mouth. To someone else, I really wanted to retaliate (but didn’t) when they opposed my way-of-thinking. And to another, I even let casual words slip out that “stung” them enough to end a conversation. Holy kindness, Lord, I pray!

What in the world? I’m that on-purpose gal who does her best to never get my “panties in a wad”, but that day I did. Eventually, I realized the enemy was setting me up for a crummy day. Those are his tactics – it’s not just one little incident, but incidents -- multiplied. But, he is such a loser that he doesn’t get that those of us who are the blood-bought, filled-with-the-Holy Spirit, strivers to improve our love-walk daily – recognize him. We take that nonsense long enough and, in my case, I turn it into a blog that teaches a better way – God's way of handling opposition. You messed with the wrong girl, devil!

I love this quote Joyce Meyer says about herself: “Each morning, before getting out of bed, I pray that I will love and be kind to everyone today. But, then I get up and encounter people!” That hits home. I live by myself so, really, I should be okay, but then again, I know myself enough that I need to stay on guard for myself to keep ME out of trouble!

If anyone should speak on behalf of staying in tune with the Holy Spirit, it’s the Apostle Paul. He wrote these words: “Ask God to bless those who persecute you — yes, ask Him to bless, not to curse”. (Romans 12:14). We all have people in our lives that require extra grace from us. They annoy, anger, frustrate, and test us. But they also help us grow. God calls us to demonstrate mercy and kindness to everyone -- even those who cause us the most trouble. And being Spirit-led people who have the fruit of the Spirit in us, we just get "kindness" out of the fruit basket and refuse to be offended. Most of all we purpose to always take the higher ground. Proof positive of being fruit bearers!

When we take the high ground, we can see past the behavior of others. When we take the high ground, we rise above the irritation and the conflict and choose to live in peace and to be loving and kind fruit bearers.

Ronald Reagan said it well: "Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, leave the rest to God."

Acts of Random Kindness aka ARK

Yesterday, I joined with about 60 other volunteers from my church, to donate the fixin’s and make over 2,400 sandwiches for the homeless in downtown Dallas. The sandwiches, carrots and raisins were then taken to the “The Soup Mobile” which is a mobile soup kitchen that feeds and shelters the homeless in Dallas. Their Mission Statement are the three simple words of Christ to Peter, “Feed my sheep.” It felt so good to participate in a simple act of kindness to feed Christ's precious sheep.

Jesus said, in Matthew 5:25, "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in."

I remember the story of the starfish -- we can't help them all, but we can certainly make a difference one by one. That's what God calls us to do – every day -- at home and in places where we can help "save" a life!

After that time well spent, I stopped by Taco Bell for a quick drive-through lunch, placed my order and went to pay my $5.95 bill and the cashier said, “Your food was paid by the man in front of you. The lady in the car in front of him paid for his bill." I wasn’t about to be outdone – I paid for his bill. We were paying it forward. Acts of Random Kindness aka ARK – those times when we just can’t help ourselves, we want to see kindness spread like wild fire.

I love seeing the generosity of people who do random acts of kindness -- like that one who stops to help someone with a flat tire or who leaves a little "extra" tip for their waitress or simply rushes to open the door for others.

When we genuinely care about people, we find ourselves paying attention to what might be a blessing to them. As our love grows, the details of their lives become more and more important to us. It begins to really matter to us if they are sad or discouraged, struggling or in pain, needy or lonely. A sure sign that our concern for people is growing is when we find ourselves looking at people and thinking, “What would help her? What would help him? What does he need? What does she need?” We might even ask God, “How can I serve this person? How can I make his or her life easier?

A.R.K. -- Acts of Random Kindness -- Let's start a flood of kindness!! The flood that comes from a simple Act of Random Kindness -- caring and sharing from our bounty of blessings with others. What can we do to make someone's life better each day? Maybe it's just a hug or a smile.....randomly pay for someone's meal....pay a compliment, offer to baby sit for a weary single parent, take someone a meal, wash someone's car, send a card or make a phone call to encourage someone. There are so many little things we can do to help someone have a better day – that doesn’t cost anything.

Let's TRY A LITTLE KINDNESS today......perhaps our kindness might just be what someone needs to change their dark world to light and bright!

Ephesians 4:31-32 “Stop being mean, bad-tempered, and angry. Quarreling, harsh words, and dislike of others should have no place in your lives. Instead, be KIND to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another..."

Bless Your Heart

I’m a Southern girl -- born and raised by a Southern girl. My expression of "Southern girl" isn't exclusive to Southern girls. I'm quite sure what I learned from my Mama, is still impressive and important for all of us girls -- Southern or not. Manners matter and chivalry and respect shouldn't be dead. I love it when a man offers to put my carry on suitcase in the upper bin of the airplane for me or gives up his seat so I can sit down (or a very pregnant woman to sit down) or when one of my grandsons (or any other man) opens the car door for me. In return, those guys will know this sweet, polite Southern belle that her momma raised her to be. You’ll for sure hear me say “Bless your heart, Darlin'! Keeping my word, and you keeping your word is key and I really pay attention to honesty and integrity…..and especially kindness. I think if I had to sum it all up in one word…..it would be KINDNESS. Kindness goes a long way in showing the caliber of GENTLE-man that you are.

I’m sure just about everyone gets all kinds of "Friend Requests" on social media. I sure do and I really do want to welcome anyone to be my FB “friend”, because I want them to be encouraged by my positive posts that, hopefully, their day will be brighter and off to a better start when they read what I believe God directed me to post. But I have some fail-proof ways to know if those asking hold up to my measure of rule (The Southern Girl’s Rule). Before I “Accept” them as my friend, I’ll check their language and lifestyle and, above all, I’ll check their posts to see if they reflect kindness.

Yesterday, I received a Friend Request and went to the individual’s FB page and saw several hate-filled and hurtful comments. I am shocked at how mean people can be. I mean really shocked. Words so heartbreaking, they can bring tears to your eyes. I get that name-calling and blaming and judging abound from the sense of security they feel behind their computer screens and phones.

Where is the kindness? Where is the compassion? The truth is we all have stuff to deal with. We all have challenges and struggles. We all make mistakes. The fact is, we are all in the same boat. We are all on a journey that will take us through good times as well as loss and difficulties. But, where is the kindness? Where is the compassion? The truth is we all have stuff to deal with. We all have challenges and struggles. We all make mistakes. The fact is, we are all in the same boat. We are all on a journey that will take us through good times as well as loss and difficulties.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
There’s that word again: kindness. Someone may have just lost their job and they don’t know how they will pay the rent. Someone’s loved one may have just been diagnosed with cancer. Someone may have just lost a child. We don’t know. So just be kind. Be compassionate. We should be freely sharing kind words, love, and encouragement, being quick to uplift and encourage, rather than judge.

I sincerely want to be the person who encourages. I want to be acutely aware of the needs of others. I know what it is to witness so many levels of suffering that I didn’t know or even relate to before I walked alongside my sweetheart in his battle against cancer, and eventually his graduation to heaven. As I reflect back, I am reminded of kind words spoken to me and how God used them as healing ointment for my soul. I consistently clung to God for strength, but it was the encouraging words, the delicious home-cooked meals, the calls, the support and offers to help us, was like a shelter in the midst of our raging storm. Today, seven years later, those kind words still comfort me and bring me solace.

I am forever grateful for those who have spoken grace and encouragement into me. My mind is flooded with examples as I am sure you can reflect on encounters in your own life when a kind word ministered more deeply than the speaker could have ever imagined. Those kind words from others have caused me to realize that every day I have the opportunity to let kindness pour out from me. So, I end this post with my favorite Southern belle words “Bless your heart, Darlin'!”

A Little Kindness Goes a Long Way

Yesterday, while speaking to a visitor and her daughter at our 55+ community, I asked if she was married or single. She immediately teared up and said she was a recent widow. I knew what she was feeling and I told her so. After my husband went to heaven, I weighed my options on keeping my 3,600 square foot home or make a move to a smaller home and simpler lifestyle. The man who was marketing this community, asked me the very same question. And, like this precious lady, I teared up when I said I was a recent widow. His words were so kind as he said, “I know how you feel. My wife passed away three years ago.” Yesterday, I was able to comfort this visitor. That reminds me of the scripture in 2 Corinthians 1:4 “That you may be comforted with the same comfort that I have been comforted with.”

Kindness. A word that we could sure use a lot more of these days. I’ve known kindness in action. Different ones who knew my husband will come to me and say “I remember when Ron said……” or “I still carry the ‘hope’ rock he gave us in our Bible Study” or “He had the most beautiful head of hair” or “He always had a good word to say.” They comforted me then, and now, when they remember him to me.” They are being so kind.

I sincerely want to be the person who encourages. I want to be acutely aware of the needs of others.

I know what it is to witness so many levels of suffering that I didn’t know or even relate to before I walked alongside my sweetheart in his battle against cancer, and eventually his graduation to heaven. As I reflect back, I am reminded of kind words spoken to me and how God used them as healing ointment for my soul. I consistently clung to God for strength, but it was the encouraging words, the delicious home-cooked meals, the calls, the support and offers to help us, was like a shelter in the midst of our raging storm.

Today, six years later, those kind words still comfort me and bring me solace. When, at church, I would speak or give the scripture readings, my sweetheart would always pat my hand or hug me when I returned to my seat and he'd whisper "Good job!" Today, friends who remember that, are on point when they hug me and say “Good job”. They know I need those words of encouragement. I know it's a little wimpy sounding, but oh the breath of fresh air when those soft, spoken words hit my ears. Those kind words have been like kisses from heaven.

I am forever grateful for those who have spoken grace and encouragement into me. My mind is flooded with examples as I am sure you can reflect on encounters from your own life where a kind word ministered more deeply than the speaker could have ever imagined. Those kind words from others have caused me to realize that every day I have the opportunity to let kindness pour out from me. I want to be the person who is sensitive to God’s prompting when He nudges me to be kind and to speak kindness into the life of another.

In the words of Glen Campbell’s old song, maybe we should all “Try a Little Kindness”:

You've got to try a little kindness yes show a little kindness.
Yes shine your light for everyone to see.
And if you'll try a little kindness and you'll overlook the blindness,
Of the narrow minded people on the narrow minded streets.