Have you ever thought about the influence your words have on others? Your words have the ability to build others up in a positive way or tear them down in a negative way.
One weekend this summer, I was trying to decide whether to go on a long trip to a family reunion by myself or just stay home. The first night of the reunion, one of my sister-in-laws at the reunion called to jokingly ask what kind of toppings I wanted on the pizza, as they were ordering some. It was a joke because they were five hours away! But, it made me smile to think that she thought of me and called me. She asked if I was coming the next day.
Truthfully, I was still feeling overwhelmed with finishing a long day of work with pressing deadlines, taking care of two kids who had wisdom teeth out, running to the store to get them more varieties of food they could eat and the list goes on. I told her I would wait and decide the next morning.
The next morning came, and I was still unsure what to do…whether to go or just stay home. Once again, this same sister-in-law texted me to say she thought I should come. Her words inspired me to really get ready and start on my journey. I felt she really wanted me to be present and join in the festivities.
So, I started to pack up for the long ride. It was suppose to rain along the way, but thankfully the weather was just fine the whole way, I got to play lots of good music, and the traffic was not bad at all. It turns out I was very thankful to go, and everyone was very happy to see me.
At times, our words can have an adverse reaction on a person. Can you think of a time when someone said something to you that maybe was very cutting and hurtful? Maybe the comments even made you feel incompetent in some area of your life. In many cases, it is very likely that the person did not even realize their comment hurt you. It might be possible that now you totally alienate yourself from the person, but hopefully, you either told the person how the comments made you feel, or you chose to forgive them and move on.
Living Waters by Len Matthews under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
It is important to remember that your words have the power to built someone up or tear them down. Try to think before you speak in the hopes of not tearing someone down, but rather encouraging them along this journey.
“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” –Proverbs 16:24
OUR JOURNEY OF THE SEASONS
While thinking about the seasons,
I couldn’t help but think
How our life’s journey is similar
to the different seasons God created.
Sometimes, our walk with the Lord 
is like the springtime.
We see things in a new way
and have so much hope.
We are like the budding flowers,
emerging with renewed energy in full bloom.
Other times, our walk with the Lord
is like the good ole summertime.
We rest peacefully knowing He is
in control of our lives.
We enjoy the beauty of each day
and live life to the fullest.
At times, our walk with the Lord
is like the fall time.
We see all the beautiful colors that
surround us,
Yet at the same time, we may grow
tired and weary,
Just as nature begins to slow down
and hibernate.
Once in a while, our walk with the Lord
is like the wintertime–
kind of quiet and barren
maybe even lonely.
The winter can be a time to grow
within and reflect on our journey.
In each season of our journey,
there are good days and bad days–
Just like in the seasons, there are
cloudy days, stormy days,
and bright sunny days.
Each of the seasons has its own beauty
and “specialness”
Just like the seasons
that God’s children experience.
But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields is fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. –Psalm 1:2-3
See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me. –Song of Songs 2:11-13
CRASHING DOWN
Have you ever been in a situation where it seemed you are on top of the world and everything seemed too good to be true? And then you know what comes next…Your world seems to come crashing down on you. Sometimes it just seems so unfair and you don’t know how you are going to deal with the issue at hand.
Can you think of a time when you felt like that in your life?
For me, I can think of three times in the last few years where I felt that desperation.
One example would be when I was diagnosed with Stage 0 DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ) Breast Cancer. It is the “best” stage and form to have, but at the same time, it was like a life sentence. The Breast Center seemed to still treat it as “cancer”, and even sent me all kinds of brochures on support groups, etc. To this day, I struggle with saying “I have cancer.” I think it is because it seems that something with a Stage 0 should be insignificant.
There were a few months of torture, first waiting for tests to determine the diagnosis, then researching options, and talking with others who have had a similar issue. That was followed by trying to decide what treatment options to pursue, seeing specialists, having one surgery, then finding out I needed a second one a week later and waiting for results. Thankfully, things have turned out well so far, and I was spared much compared to most people. I am forever grateful for that. In fact, to this day I wonder why the Lord would spare me, yet so many others suffer through so much more.
Every check up time, I still get nervous and anxious because you just never know if you will remain clear. Thankfully, there are friends and family there to encourage and support me with a scripture or words of faith at those times.
I have seen friends who have lost their loved ones, had miscarriages, or gone through so much hardship with their children. Your world crashing down on you could even be something as simple as the thought of losing a friendship over some misunderstanding.
Photo credit NEWS OF PEACE under Creative Commons License (CC BY-2.0)
When my world comes crashing down, I know I have found that my faith gets shaken, even though I like to think it is strong. Sometimes it is hard to be strong when your world comes crashing down.
So what can we do to try to stay strong in our faith?
***Surround ourselves with faithful people who will encourage us and help lift us up.
***Listen to encouraging Christian music to help inspire us.
***Ask other Christians to pray for us.
***Read the Bible and other encouraging Christian books.
***Look for God’s blessings through the tough times.
***Remind ourselves that God is still in control and leading us even when we don’t feel it.
When we are experiencing these tough times in our lives, it is important to reach out to God and others.
Just as important is trying to be aware of when others need our compassion, listening ear, or encouragement to help them make it through difficult time. Are we there for them when they need a human touch of kindness?
“When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” –Psalm 34:17-19
THE MESSAGE OF THE TREE
In the Bible, Jesus often tells us parables about animals and nature to get us to think about our human nature and our relationship with Him. Consider a simple, big old tree—even it can speak to us about our personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Photo credit by Brian Yap under Creative Commons License (BY-NC/2.0)
Envision the big, sturdy trunk of a tree—representing Jesus—the firm and solid foundation. From the trunk grow many branches—you and me and all of us—which eventually produce many beautiful colorful leaves. Each leaf—each of us—reflects the beauty of its source—Jesus—to all who see them.
Consider how the leaves and branches get their nutrition in order to grow more—from the roots and trunk. As Christians, our main source—Jesus and Scripture—are our major supply of growth. Without this life-giving supply from the roots and trunk, the branches couldn’t survive—they—we—can’t make it on our own.
Photo by photosbyflick under Creative Commons License (BY-NC/2.0)
Once in a while, a branch or two gets out of hand a little and grows the wrong way. When this happens, the branch may need pruning to shape it up. Don’t we sometimes get that way too?
At times, storms may come along, shaking the branches and leaves, but they will survive if their grip is tight to the source—the trunk. We, too, will survive the storms and trials of life if our grip is tight to our source—Jesus. The storms will eventually pass away—and all will be calm again.
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up by Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7
FOLLOW YOUR HEART
Are you aware of that still, small voice deep inside of you that helps direct your path? Do you try to listen to it and follow where it leads? The Holy Spirit is within us helping us to follow God’s leading.
I think it is important to follow your heart, that still, small voice, not necessarily what society thinks is right or correct. We might have to endure hardship because of our choices but that is better than going against where God is leading.
There was one major time in my life when after much prayer, and weighing pros & cons, I ended up following my heart rather than do what was expected. It was a difficult thing to do as I am not one to go against what is expected, but I had to follow my heart and trust God that it was the “right” decision for my life.
Photo credit by pocketful of perspective under Creative Commons License (by-nc-nd/2.0)
Recently a conversation with a friend made me think about how I followed my heart in another life choice I made. The friend believes there was a choice in my past that was not the “correct” one. The choice was a difficult one but one that I still stand by. In my heart, I feel it was the “right” decision for my life. Yes, it still had some repercussions but it was more important to follow God’s leading.
Can you think of some incidents in your life where you followed the Holy Spirit’s prompting? Try to be more aware of that small, still voice in your life and follow it. It is so worth the hardships you may endure for going against the norm.
GOD’S BLESSINGS IN THE ORDINARY
Isn’t it amazing to experience God’s blessings in the ordinary tasks of this life? For me, seeing Him work daily makes my heart smile and makes His presence more real.
Recently there were two days, three separate encounters, where God truly blessed me while simply running to the store.
The first was on my usual grocery shopping day. Now, I have to admit that I have been spoiled lately as my oldest son has been accompanying me to the store. I realize what a little thing that is, but I am also discovering what a huge blessing it is at the same time. It makes life much easier to have him there to help unload the cart, even pack the groceries, and then load and unload the car once home.
Anyway, this day I was feeling a little lonely and down as I was going shopping solo. I was kind of procrastinating and when I got to the store, I stalled a few more moments checking out social media. When I was finally ready to embrace my shopping trip alone, I got out of the car. Much to my amazement, right at that exact moment, I ran into a friend of mine who was just leaving the store.
What are the chances that would happen? I decided to put my loneliness feelings aside and be open to my friend and take a few moments to converse. I felt terrible as I mentioned to this friend that I was feeling down and lonely. This friend lost her husband unexpectedly, at a young age, a year earlier, so I definitely felt like I put my foot in my mouth. As soon as I got in the store I texted her to apologize. I felt I needed to do that.
I believe that running into that friend was a “God-incident.” It cheered me up seeing God orchestrate our encounter. I am also hoping running into me was a blessing to my friend as well.
The other incident happened after I took my teenage son to check out a summer volunteer opportunity for him and me. We decided to go out to lunch for something different. We drove around a few times in a parking lot trying to find a parking spot to no avail.
What are the chances, that day, on my 27th wedding anniversary, that walking through the parking lot would be the music minister who played the guitar and sang at our wedding? (If I have seen her three times in the past 27 years, I would be surprised.) I was so hoping for the opportunity to talk with her, but that did not happen as I had to go elsewhere to find a parking spot.
After our lunch I had one more errand… And, as only God could plan it, I ran into another friend who actually gifted us the musician for our wedding and was also involved in our wedding. I had the joy of sharing that story with her.
Romans 8:28 by Sapphire Dream Photography under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
I am always pleasantly surprised to see God working in my life and showing His presence through such simple, ordinary ways.
What are some ways you have seen God working in your life? Our God is an awesome God!
“And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” –Romans 8:28
ACCOUNTABILITY
In this world of ours, I think an important thing to remember is that our life is accountable to God and God alone. The people that we become and the things we do should be based on our relationship with God. We are only responsible for our own actions, and we need to make sure our heart is right.
I think it is a good thing to keep in mind daily that what others may think about a decision or choice we make does not matter. Other’s opinion of us should not influence our choice. What God thinks is what should determine the direction we take.
crossroads by Lori Greig under Creative Commons License
(CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Reading the Bible, studying teachings, and praying are different ways to know what God wants from us. Sometimes seeking Godly counsel is the path we need to follow to help us along the way.
For those of us with children, it is easy for us to slip into thinking that if our children’s decisions or choices are not the ones that we would make, that it is a reflection of us. We need to realize our children become responsible for themselves as they mature. We try our best to lay the best foundation we can, and then it is up to them how they ultimately live their life. Not having that control is hard for many of us. I need to continually remind myself that I tried my best and that the rest is up to the Lord. As a friend once told me, the Lord deals with each of us in our own way in His own time.
Holy Bible by maf04 under Creative Commons License (CC BY-SA/2.0)
So, remember to base your decisions and live your life by being accountable to God and God alone. And, you are only ultimately responsible for yourself.
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” –1 Samuel 16:7
EYES ON THE GOAL
“Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off the goal.”
This is a very meaningful quote, that a friend of mine shared with me a few years ago. Michael Jordan, one of my friend’s heroes, has been quoted as saying it.
I now have that verse taped up in my office at work to help remind me of the powerful message during the difficult, stressful times at work.
To me, the verse encourages us to keep our eyes on the goal at hand, so we can overcome any obstacles that might arise or that we may be facing.
I think we can apply that verse to any aspect in our life.
…If you are a student going to school, you need to keep your eyes on graduation.
…If you are a musician, you need to keep your eyes fixed on that album you are in the process of making.
…If you are a writer, you might need to keep your eyes on the book you are writing.
…If you are a chef who wants to start their own restaurant, keep your eyes on that goal.
…If you work, there might be a major deadline to meet so you keep your eyes on getting that big contact awarded.
…If you are a cancer patient going through treatments, you want to focus on that last treatment.
Photo by Celestine Chua under Creative Commons License (CC BY 2.0)
No matter what stage in your life that you find yourself, I think there is some goal that you can keep your eyes fixed on. Even though there will be tough times and possibly many obstacles that arise, if you keep your eyes on the goal you will succeed. Keep being persistent and fighting through whatever adversity comes your way.
So, what is the latest goal in your life? Try to keep your eyes on the goal so you can overcome the obstacles you may endure.
“…But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead. I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” –Philippians 3:13-14
FORGIVENESS
Recently it really hit me that it is a wonderful thing to ask for forgiveness right away. If you do something that you need to be forgiven for, don’t delay. Do your part to apologize and rectify the situation as soon as you can. That way, you will not have that bad feeling hanging over your head.
I will admit I have been stressed about work lately because we are short one worker, meaning there is extra work to do, and I have vacation time to take. But, somehow I have to get all the work done with working less hours than I had been. There are also several items with certain deadlines to meet.
So, I was at work bright and early on a Monday morning when I got a phone call asking if I was going to take care of some paperwork. It was a day where my tasks were to be all doing one task, namely payroll. Anyway, I felt my blood pressure rising as I was talking with this lady. I could not stop the bad tone or the words that I regretted as soon as I said them.
As soon as I got off the phone, I sent the lady an email apologizing for my bad attitude and basically asking for forgiveness. It just felt like the right thing to do. Much to my surprise, she responded by saying, “No worries.” Her responding that way brought me relief. I did not want to strain our relationship and have to wonder if she was mad at me whenever we interacted.
Photo courtesy of Kerolic under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-SA/2.0)
Two days later, bright and early the phone rings again, and it is the same lady. So, I think right away, okay, have a good attitude. But, much to my surprise, when I answered, she jokingly says, “Is this grumpy?” It made us both laugh and start the day off right. To this day, it makes me smile when I think about it or when I talk with this lady.
And, it is a great reminder to make something “right” as soon as you can. It is a great relief to release it and be free once again.
“Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” –Matthew 6:11-12
PRAYING FOR OTHERS
Recently I have taken seriously the gift of praying for other people. There are so many people who need prayer, and it is an honor to be able to join in and pray for those who need it. Prayer is neat because you can really do it anytime and anywhere…whether you are driving somewhere , taking a quick break from work , or when you are rocking a baby to sleep.
What renewed and inspired my praying for others was when the road pastor for Third Day, Nigel James, put a tweet out about praying for the band as they were working on a new album. At that time I committed to it via a tweet. For me, I figured as I was driving to and from work three times a week listening to their music, I would pray for God to bless their new album and work on it. My prayers for them was not just limited to that time, but that was the minimum.
From left to right: Mark Lee, Mac Powell, Nigel James, Tai
Anderson, David Carr, Scotty Wilbanks
I continued to do so while they were working on the album, and then I felt compelled to take each of the band members and pray for a whole week at a time for one specific member, their family, their music, etc. I felt it was also a nice gesture to try to let them know via social media that I was praying specifically for them. It made my day when one member replied that he appreciated it. I know the Lord is blessing them through the prayers, and I feel good doing what I felt led to do whether they respond or not.
When learning of a few other musicians that have been working on special projects, I have since expanded to include them in my weekly prayers.
It is an honor to be able to pray for people which usually ends up being in their time of need. I’m sure we all know of a friend who has lost a loved one, someone struggling with a chronic illness, the student needing prayer to help them survive their intense classes, the worker so overwhelmed with the stress of work, and the list goes on and on. Praying for them can make a difference in their life, and you will feel blessed in praying for them.
So I encourage you to pray for those you know who need prayer. There are so many needs in the world today, and you can help make a difference by praying. Letting the person know you have been praying specifically for them should bless them too.