Watcha Saying?

Somebody gave me a compliment today.

There was no hidden agenda behind it; nothing for them to gain by saying what they did.

They were quiet words that caught me completely off guard.

We had all been standing there laughing together when there was a pause and these words were said. They spoke, and then this person walked out the door and everything around me went quiet. Quiet, as I let the words soak in and turn to encouragement in my heart.

It is easy to do damage with our words, but a few kind words can be used for so much good. It’s easy for me to go through my routine and not think about offering kind words to the people around me.

How you doing today?

You look lovely.

What a beautiful smile you have.

I love hearing you laugh.

Simple words that might just make a big difference in somebody’s day.  They made a difference to mine.

Try it.

It's like giving somebody a hug with your words.

The words of the reckless pierce like swords,

but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 12:18

Calming the Storm

Some days I am overwhelmed with thankfulness.

Not necessarily for any particular reason but simply…because.

Today is one of those days.

The odd thing is, my life has had a few potholes in it this week, but somehow today that doesn’t seem to matter. Last night I was stressing out about them, but here in this moment I’m at peace.

The past several days I have read many stories (blogs) about couples who’s marriages have survived against the odds and about families who have faced immense personal tragedy, yet in the midst of it all they have stayed faithful.  Faithful to the ONE who can work it all out and who gives us the strength to make it through the worst of storms.  Ahhh yes, the One who spoke to the storm and calmed the rough waters. 

Through my teen years, there were some lyrics to one of my favorite Christian songs that said: “Sometimes He calms the storm, and other times He calms His child.”

Isn’t that just how it is?  In the midst of our life’s chaos, He can reach into our lives and place a peace in our hearts that is unlike anything else.  When the war rages on, it is an incredible feeling to be completely secure and at peace in the knowledge of His presence in our lives. 

To borrow a quote from Jo March in “Little Women”, I am hopelessly flawed.  And I always will be this side of Heaven.   But how I thank God that the process of sanctification continues on, day by day, inching me closer to the day when my heart is made new and the old things have passed away. 

I am a work in progress and how I thank God He hasn’t (and never will!) give up on me. Today, I think that is the biggest thing I’m thankful for.

On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. . .

Today's Thought

"God cannot give us a happiness

 and peace apart from Himself,

because it is not there.

There is no such thing."

-- C.S. Lewis