Words have power. Kids are listening even when you don’t think they are. If they hear you say it, they will repeat it. Make certain your words are worth repeating. More importantly, choose words that build up and encourage, rather than tear down and discourage. Children’s perceptions of themselves are shaped by the words that are spoken over them. Tell them that they are wonderful, beautiful, mighty, bright and God’s precious children. If they hear it often enough they will believe it. There’s nothing wrong with talking to yourself as well.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
-Ephesians 4:29
Prayer for today – Help me Lord to choose my words carefully, so that I am able to build up and encourage rather than tear down and discourage.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Better Not Bitter
It’s been said that trials come to make you strong. Someway, somehow, God uses the rough seasons in life to produce something great in His children. After all of the disappointments, difficulties, and maybe even drama…something beautiful remains. Remember that a brilliant diamond started off as a chunk of coal. Diamonds are made under conditions of extreme temperature and pressure in the earth. We, being diamonds “in the rough,” shine forth with brilliance after the extremes and pressures in life have done their job. With this knowledge, we can become better and not allow the trials of life to cause us to become bitter.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
-James 1:2-4
Prayer for today – Dear God, though at times the pressures in life seem extreme, thank you for taking off the rough edges so that I may shine brightly for you.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
-James 1:2-4
Prayer for today – Dear God, though at times the pressures in life seem extreme, thank you for taking off the rough edges so that I may shine brightly for you.
Friday, January 9, 2009
ROYALTY
I went to the dentist this Wednesday...typically an unpleasant experience for most. The office isn't your typical small office dentist, but an actual facility with departments for the specialties, etc. They're huge! We were referred there because a friend at work heard me talking about the fact that my kids need braces, and she had a family member that had gone there and was satisfied with the service AND the price.
So, we did go there initially for braces for my kids, and I was prompted to make an appointment because of a tooth that was bothering me.
Well, I was quite impressed with this facility, and the professionalism of the staff...it's an overall pleasant atmosphere. The dental hygenist was also very nice, made the visit more relaxing, considering that I'd rather birth a child than have dental work done. Her name, if I recall correctly was Miranda. A middle aged woman, that appeared to be of hispanic origin. Very pleasant, we even joked about whether I needed to remove my ponytail for the x-rays, because of the metal bobby pins used to secure my neat bun. There's no shame in my game...I luv my ponytail! But thankfully I didn't need to.
Well as Miranda sent me off to schedule my next visit, she stopped and said something to me that made a lasting impression on me. Her words were "You are very beautiful. I call you Jackie, as in Jackie O, Kennedy...you have that 'quality' about you." Wow, what a delightful compliment. There's no remote physical similarity between myself and Lady O. It would have never entered my mind to even make such an association. However, a sincere compliment from another woman has a lot of mileage and it was quite humbling to be referred to in such fashion as the woman that symbolizes "americana royalty." I expressed my appreciation for the compliment and let Miranda know that she'd made my day.
As I reflect on the scenario above, I'm reminded that we all appreciate recognition for outer beauty. I mean we do make the effort to "look good"and it's a nice boost to receive a compliment. That boost is fleeting though, for we know that outer beauty is not what we strive for. It's that unseen quality that we know matters the most. It's a blessing when that intangible inner quality is acknowledged. That something about you that's on the inside, that radiates on the outside.
As women of God, and as daughters of the King Most High, we know that we're ROYALTY. That doesn't mean that we have to put on airs, or expect to be treated with priviledge. We just let our light shine....and it will be apparent to others that we are indeed ROYALTY.
So my sisters, you can hold your head a little higher, stand a little taller, with the knowledge that you are something special. You're the beloved of the Father. I call you ROYALTY.
So, we did go there initially for braces for my kids, and I was prompted to make an appointment because of a tooth that was bothering me.
Well, I was quite impressed with this facility, and the professionalism of the staff...it's an overall pleasant atmosphere. The dental hygenist was also very nice, made the visit more relaxing, considering that I'd rather birth a child than have dental work done. Her name, if I recall correctly was Miranda. A middle aged woman, that appeared to be of hispanic origin. Very pleasant, we even joked about whether I needed to remove my ponytail for the x-rays, because of the metal bobby pins used to secure my neat bun. There's no shame in my game...I luv my ponytail! But thankfully I didn't need to.
Well as Miranda sent me off to schedule my next visit, she stopped and said something to me that made a lasting impression on me. Her words were "You are very beautiful. I call you Jackie, as in Jackie O, Kennedy...you have that 'quality' about you." Wow, what a delightful compliment. There's no remote physical similarity between myself and Lady O. It would have never entered my mind to even make such an association. However, a sincere compliment from another woman has a lot of mileage and it was quite humbling to be referred to in such fashion as the woman that symbolizes "americana royalty." I expressed my appreciation for the compliment and let Miranda know that she'd made my day.
As I reflect on the scenario above, I'm reminded that we all appreciate recognition for outer beauty. I mean we do make the effort to "look good"and it's a nice boost to receive a compliment. That boost is fleeting though, for we know that outer beauty is not what we strive for. It's that unseen quality that we know matters the most. It's a blessing when that intangible inner quality is acknowledged. That something about you that's on the inside, that radiates on the outside.
As women of God, and as daughters of the King Most High, we know that we're ROYALTY. That doesn't mean that we have to put on airs, or expect to be treated with priviledge. We just let our light shine....and it will be apparent to others that we are indeed ROYALTY.
So my sisters, you can hold your head a little higher, stand a little taller, with the knowledge that you are something special. You're the beloved of the Father. I call you ROYALTY.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
While You Wait
One of the common themes heard among single Christians, is that they are “waiting on God” to send them a mate. It’s absolutely essential that we do wait on God for such an important aspect of our lives, HOW we wait is also vitally important.
Have you ever had to wait in line at the grocery store with two items, one cash register open, and you’re behind someone with a full cart? I know that tense feeling of impatience, and intentionally taking a breath and reminding myself that “patience is a virtue.” Or, how about being stuck in traffic on the way to work, you’re due to be at your desk in 15 minutes but you’re a half an hour away? Been there too.
In both scenarios above, “how” you choose to wait can set the tone for your experience. Perhaps the next time you’re stuck in line, you can use the time to make a quick call on your cell, or take a quick inventory of your day. While stuck in traffic, I’ve had many a praise session in traffic, listening a CD in the car. I’ve gotten to the place where I APPRECIATE the time in my car, thanks to WOW GOSPEL in the morning. Waiting does not have to be an agonizing experience!
Unfortunately many singles Christians allow the season of singlehood and waiting for the Lord for a mate to become an agonizing experience. The scripture tells us in James 1:4 “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” It’s important to understanding that God’s timing is not our timing. I’ve learned that God will allow cause our patience to develop by allowing us to wait…and to wait some more. God will also allow our focus to shift from biding our time to enjoying single life, and seeking his purpose and plan for our own lives. When our focus changes, we begin to ask, “how can I serve God and His people?” and “what can I do for God’s kingdom?” rather than asking “when Lord when? “
It took me several years following a divorce to realize that “one is a whole number” and appreciate this chapter in my life. God has also used this time to develop (still a work in progress) me in areas that I hadn’t considered for my life before. I’ve learned that you don’t have to delay enjoying your life or pursuing your goals and dreams, until the “so-called” perfect person comes along.
As a Christian single, it’s possible to embrace the truth of the words found in John 10:10 “…I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” Now, that’s what I’m talking about!
So, while we are “waiting on the Lord” we do so while walking as victorious single Christians. Through Christ we are empowered to live life to the full, enjoy the journey and be about God’s business.
Most of us have had the experience in the grocery line, where we found ourselves with two or three items, stuck behind the full cart, with only one register open. Just as we resolved to exercise patience, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of joy at the light going on in the next lane, and we navigated our way over and sailed through the checkout in an instant. And so it is with God. When you least expect it, He can move you suddenly into a new chapter in your life.
In the meantime…wait on Him, and wait patiently!
Have you ever had to wait in line at the grocery store with two items, one cash register open, and you’re behind someone with a full cart? I know that tense feeling of impatience, and intentionally taking a breath and reminding myself that “patience is a virtue.” Or, how about being stuck in traffic on the way to work, you’re due to be at your desk in 15 minutes but you’re a half an hour away? Been there too.
In both scenarios above, “how” you choose to wait can set the tone for your experience. Perhaps the next time you’re stuck in line, you can use the time to make a quick call on your cell, or take a quick inventory of your day. While stuck in traffic, I’ve had many a praise session in traffic, listening a CD in the car. I’ve gotten to the place where I APPRECIATE the time in my car, thanks to WOW GOSPEL in the morning. Waiting does not have to be an agonizing experience!
Unfortunately many singles Christians allow the season of singlehood and waiting for the Lord for a mate to become an agonizing experience. The scripture tells us in James 1:4 “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” It’s important to understanding that God’s timing is not our timing. I’ve learned that God will allow cause our patience to develop by allowing us to wait…and to wait some more. God will also allow our focus to shift from biding our time to enjoying single life, and seeking his purpose and plan for our own lives. When our focus changes, we begin to ask, “how can I serve God and His people?” and “what can I do for God’s kingdom?” rather than asking “when Lord when? “
It took me several years following a divorce to realize that “one is a whole number” and appreciate this chapter in my life. God has also used this time to develop (still a work in progress) me in areas that I hadn’t considered for my life before. I’ve learned that you don’t have to delay enjoying your life or pursuing your goals and dreams, until the “so-called” perfect person comes along.
As a Christian single, it’s possible to embrace the truth of the words found in John 10:10 “…I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” Now, that’s what I’m talking about!
So, while we are “waiting on the Lord” we do so while walking as victorious single Christians. Through Christ we are empowered to live life to the full, enjoy the journey and be about God’s business.
Most of us have had the experience in the grocery line, where we found ourselves with two or three items, stuck behind the full cart, with only one register open. Just as we resolved to exercise patience, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of joy at the light going on in the next lane, and we navigated our way over and sailed through the checkout in an instant. And so it is with God. When you least expect it, He can move you suddenly into a new chapter in your life.
In the meantime…wait on Him, and wait patiently!
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