Sticks and Stones.....

Hello again!

I'm up rather early today, for no particular reason whatsoever, so I figured I'd get in some writing.  I've been doing quite a bit of reflecting on the power our words have to act as a catalyst for either a positive or negative outcome.  Too often, we are quick to simply blurt out the first response that comes to mind, failing to consider the possible ramifications.  I know I'm one of the guiltiest when it comes to "lacking a filter," as to which it's often referred.  My friends know "if you don't want the full honest truth, don't ask me."  I don't sugar coat much, and while that is generally not a bad outlook, I know I've hurt others with either my tone or choice of words, even if my intentions were to simply "tell it like it is."

So, I decided to go on a scavenger hunt through to scriptures to find what God says about the power of words....A LOT...no surprise there.  Here are a few of scriptures that stood out to me.

 

These verses are just a few out of a list of MANY that outlines and discusses how words, though small, can have a huge impact on our lives and especially the lives of others.  Take a moment today to consider how your words and tone have the power to either hurt or help.  Those extra few seconds could be the most valuable time you spend all day!  

Sticks and Stones

Sticks and Stones may break my bones, 

But words can never hurt me!

A clever lie we all believed, but here's the brutal truth

Sticks can hurt, and stones can kill, 

And words can utterly destroy me!

So from now on, I'll stop and think,

On these few simple truths. 

Do my words love, do my words build,

Or are they a tool that kills? 

   

                                                                                                                  ~TKH

Until Next Time! <3 

"FALL"ing in Love!

Hello, hello, hello!!! 


Wow!  I can hardly believe the last time I wrote was nearly TWO MONTHS ago!  Life has been so filled with events and graduate studies, that I've found it very difficult to sit down and write for pleasure.  I have missed this therapeutic activity and hope to purposefully find time to write once again.  

I pray you are all well and are blessed!  So much has happened, I hardly know where to begin.  

I just want to write a short post, ya know, to get myself back into the swing of things.  In celebration of the arrival of FALL, my favorite season, I took some time to simply enjoy the beauty of God's creation.  

In the midst of what has been an insanely, crazy two months, nothing is more rejuvenating than pausing to absorb the majestic, splendor of God's craftsmanship.

I recently went to visit a friend, who lives up in the mountains of Pennsylvania. Completely and utterly jealous!  South Jersey equals flat land, and I am a lover of the mountains.  As most of us know, the north is kissed by the touches of Fall several weeks sooner than the states farther south.  As we drove around the paths and rolling hills of his hometown, I was in awe of the stunning beauty.  I believe I may have mentioned it to him a time or two-or perhaps ten. 

The leaves were already turning various hues of brilliant oranges, fiery reds, bold yellows, and luscious purples.  The air carried a crisp scent of leaves, mulch, burning wood, and everything else that represented Fall.  I could have stayed there forever.  My senses were overwhelmed, and I escaped, if not for a moment, to a peaceful, serene place in my soul.  Content to just be still and forget the stresses I had left at home and to which I would soon return. 

I thanked the Lord for this time, fleeting as it was, and prayed I could learn to find that peace anywhere.  I was reminded of the verse 

Psalm 46:10

For a worrier like myself, this is often easier said than done.  But!! Here's the catch!! It doesn't need to be.  How often do I unnecessarily tax myself emotionally, mentally, and spiritually simply because of my lack of faith and trust?  How often do we ALL get in the way of God's work and will in our lives?  How often, if we simply shut up and listened, could save ourselves hours, days, or even weeks worth of fretting, stress, and worry?  

Thankful to serve a God who is infinitely PATIENT.  Infinitely GRACIOUS.  Infinitely MERCIFUL!  Without Him, there is NO PEACE.  Without Him, there is NO JOY.  Without Him, there is NO HOPE.  So, when I am tempted to allow my fears, doubts, and worries to consume me like a raging fire, I stop and breathe in the serenity of His Creation, drink up the promises found in His Word, and surrender to His Calling to my soul.

May you take time to find Peace in the Lord this week and the weeks to come!  

Until Next Time! <3       

For the Beauty of the Earth

Hello again my dear friends!

This is a reflection on one of the final days of my vacation. 

I am sitting in a rented lake house, enjoying a cool, refreshing breeze, while the sun gently kisses my face.  The birds are busily chirping in the trees and flying with effortless grace across the expansive body of water called Lake Winnipesaukee (pictured above).  The water is perfectly still, reflecting the bordering trees with the clarity of a freshly etched piece of crystal.  I soak in the grandeur of the sharply cut mountains that create an immovable backdrop against a stunning, bright blue sky with nary a cloud in the sky.  I breathe in the fresh sent of grass and flowers of various aromas.  My senses are simply overwhelmed by all of the beauty, and I sigh in deep contentment.  

If I could freeze time; I would stay like this forever.  Daily life with its responsibilities and demands somehow manages to strip away this euphoric feeling, often leaving me feeling used, abused, and stripped to the bare depths of my soul. 

Question is...does it HAVE TO or do we LET IT?

Many times through the scriptures, God reminds us of His eternal PEACE and CONTENTMENT.  Here are several scripture passages that remind me of His promises!

Matthew 11:28

Psalm 4:8

Exodus 33:14

Philippians 4:6-7 

No matter the experiences of this life, take time to step back and reflect on the Lord's promises of FAITHFULNESS.  You may not always "feel happy" but contentment is a permanent condition, constant choice, and intentional practice of the SOUL.  It is an understanding; a peace that transcends the superficial human emotion that takes you to a place of supernatural connection with our Heavenly Father.  Allow Him to take you to that place daily.  

Until Next Time <3    

  

Tranquility....Hearing God's Voice in the Stillness!

Hello again my dear friends!  

It has been over a month and a half since I have last written.  Since my May 11th post, I began my official grad school courses, and I must admit-I have been overwhelmed.  I have missed blogging, and while on vacation-hope to get in a few posts!  

I pray you are blessed, and healthy, and enjoying the start of SUMMER!!!  

Yesterday morning I arose at an early hour-5:15 a.m. to be exact.  Now, for those of  you who know me...mornings are NOT my thing.  But, for some reason, I am pulled out of my peaceful sleep, wide awake, and somewhat restless.  So, I decide to get dressed and make myself a cup of coffee.  While I am waiting for the coffee to brew, I sit at my kitchen table-looking out into my backyard.  I catch a glimpse of the sun through the trees.  I instantly get up, grab my coffee mug, and head outside on my front steps.  Here is what I see.....

As I stand on my front steps, clutching a piping hot cup of my favorite morning brew, I am awestruck at the Lord's handiwork.  I watch the sun creep up over the horizon, slowly spreading light and warmth over the Earth.  I look around and watch as the rays reach out like long, graceful fingers; gently caressing the tress and planting a sun-kissed glow on the grass and flowers.  The reflection of the sun on the glass panes of the church windows sparkle like bright, flawless diamonds-and for a moment, I am blinded by the brilliance.  The shadows frolic happily across the roof of the church, as if to say, "at long last, I can rest until yet again, evening returns."

These are the few precious moments for which we take for granted.  Too often we are too busy to simply STOP and drink in the Lord's gifts and blessings; to stand in wonder of His Creation-His Masterpiece.  It is in these quiet moments, with only the birds busily twittering away, that my heart is still and quiet, and I can feel my Father pull me into His arms and hold me in a warm, comforting embrace.  In this moment, I am reminded of His abounding Love for me and His unfailing Mercy and Grace.  Mind you; He reminds me of these things all the time-but a quiet heart and soul is one most ready to listen and receive. 

May you make time to soak in the Lord's blessings and allow Him to remind you how DEEPLY and PERFECTLY you are LOVED and TREASURED!!! 

Until Next Time <3 

God Bless Mothers!!

Hello again!


First, I have to say, what an absolutely stunning day!!!  When I woke up this morning to a gorgeously bright sun, birds chirping, and a warm breeze, I was overwhelmed by the beauty of God's creation. Overwhelmed to tears of joy and thankfulness.  What a perfect day for Mother's Day.

I just want to take a moment to lift up an extra Prayer of Thanks for the blessing of my Mom.  I know I don't tell her nearly enough how much she means to me.  I know I don't express my gratitude for the sacrifices she's made over the years nearly as often as I should.  I know I don't tell her "I Love You" nearly enough times in a day.  So today, I am making sure to do it all.  

Mother's Day is a wonderful reminder and celebration of the blessing and gift of our Moms.  However, it shouldn't begin and end here.  Sure, it's nice to give Mom a bouquet of flowers, cook her favorite meal, send her to a spa, and shower her to love and admiration.  After all, she deserves it!  But!  Let's not stop giving thanks for Mom after today is finished.  Let's make sure to let her know how cherished and treasured she is 24/7, 365 days, and 52 weeks in a year.  

And for those of you who have lost your Mom, my thoughts and prayers are with you today.  I know today is emotionally difficult, but instead of dwelling in sorrow; take time to remember and cherish the precious memories you DO have of your Mother.  While she may not be here physically, her love lives on through you, and her hand print is forever embossed on your heart! 

Also!  I want to give a shout-out to all of  my extra "Moms" who God has so graciously placed in my life.  From my boss at work, to my wise sisters in Christ, to my favorite seamstress, and my bible study leaders; you all play an important role in mentoring, guiding, and loving me throughout my life.  Thank you for standing beside me, listening to me when I need an ear, holding my hand in times of struggle, holding me accountable when I am out of line, and most importantly-loving me unconditionally!  Today, I celebrate the gift you are to me!! 

God Bless all the Moms out there!  Today, we celebrate YOU!! 

Until Next Time! <3 

Encouraging Word-What we WANT is not always what we NEED

Hello, hello, hello!

It has been far too long since I last posted.  Forgive my extended absence.  My computer is on the brink of dying and often freezes and shuts down on me.  This may be in fact the last blog post I submit on this laptop.  I love technology, but sometimes it is more trouble than it's worth.  You ALL know what I am talking about.  

I recently posted a quote on my GoodandFaithfulServant Facebook Page regarding TRUST.  

If you haven't had a chance to visit my page, please do.  Would love to read your comments and welcome any posts you would like to share :) 

 

Trust is not something that comes easily to me.  In fact, it is sometime I struggle with daily.  Trust requires an element of vulnerability that is terrifying.  I like control and knowing what to expect.  Surprises and change and I don't get along too well.  

If you've read previous posts, you may have come across the one titled "God Changed the Dream I Dreamed."  In this post, I described my struggle in finding a teaching job after graduating college with my degree in 2010.  I was determined to teach despite innumerable mailed resumes and numerous failed interviews.  I refused to accept the possibility that God was calling me somewhere other than teaching.  After all, how could He allow me to spend 4 years of my life studying and learning a skill I was never actually going to use?  I was the person banging at every closed door and desperately trying to pry open the windows too.  

I am thick-headed; don't deny it-you're a bit stubborn too.  It took being knocked down and shut out one too many times for me to FINALLY understand that God was NOT going to open up teaching opportunities despite my best efforts.  

However, He didn't leave me down and out.  He has placed wise and caring people in my life who call me out, hold me accountable, pick me up, and hold me when I am broken.  God used a wonderful friend of mine to tell me to "stop moping, and start seeking God's will-not my own." 

Long story short, another friend of mine suggested I look into Speech Pathology for my Masters.  At first, I was resistant, but she encouraged me to at least check it out.  After all, what did I have to lose?  

Over a year later, I am starting my first two graduate courses for, you guessed it, Speech Pathology.  The journey to this point has been long and difficult.  God never let me slack in my need for Him.  Every time I got just a bit too comfortable in my own abilities, He reminded me ONLY with Him are ALL THINGS POSSIBLE!  

So, when you think you know best and attempt to tell God what to do, be prepared for Him to lovingly but firmly turn your world upside down.  What we WANT is not always what God knows we NEED.  I for one am beyond THANKFUL I am not left to my own devices.  I shudder to consider what a mess my life would be. 

 

FAITH=Not always UNDERSTANDING God's plan, but TRUSTING it nevertheless.  

Let God radically transform you ONE BABY STEP AT A TIME!

Until Next Time! <3 

        

To Blame or Not to Blame-That is the Question!

Hello again!  

Can I just say what GORGEOUS weather we are having!  Like HELLO PEOPLE!  It's beautiful!  I almost forgot what the sun looked and felt like after this crazy winter we've experienced.  In love!!  Hope you are taking time to enjoy God stunning creation!!!

Quick thought for today! 

Should we feel guilty by how someone reacts to something we've said and done?  Additionally, should we be held responsible for the actions another person takes based on actions we've taken?   

This is something I have been brooding over for the last week or so and I am torn between the answer NO! and YES!  And!  Frankly I think it can go both ways.

I've often heard the argument "You can't hold yourself responsible for what he/she did.  God only holds you responsible for what YOU do!"  In fact, I just used this argument with someone close to me who is going through a difficult time.  And! In her situation, it works.  But!  I don't think this is a universal argument- as every situation varies.  

"YES!" Argument 

Truth is, God DOES hold us accountable for what we do and how it affects the choices others make.  Let me give you an example.  If you are hanging out with a friend who struggles with alcohol addiction but you still order a drink; you're placing that temptation and desire in front of your friend to consume the very thing she is fighting against.  Did you physically force a drink down her throat?  NO!  At least, I certainly hope not; but YOU did reintroduce the problem.  Now, the potential for her to drink again is increased.  Is every situation the same?  NO!  Will every recovering alcoholic who sees beer or wine choose to drink again?  NO!  But!  It certainly isn't helping them in their recovery.  Are you responsible for their addiction?  NO!  But you can take a responsible role in helping them continue their healing process! Therefore, we must be considerate of our decisions and the choices we make privately or publicly.  They have a greater impact than we realize.      

1 Corinthians 

"But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble."  

"NO!" Argument

We are however, not responsible for every action someone takes in response to something we've said and done that was justified.  Let me give you another example.  You and your boyfriend have dated since you were freshmen in high school, and you're now out of college and ready to start your lives as adults.  You've remained pure in your relationship; choosing to save yourselves for marriage. In fact,  marriage and future plans were definitely topics on your minds.  However, irreconcilable differences between you causes a fissure in the once happy relationship, and you decide to break up with your longtime beau.  In his anger and hurt, he gets together with several different girls; breaking the once promised bond of celibacy you shared.  About a month later, he texts you and says "I've made so many mistakes since we broke up.  I've slept around and started partying.  It's your fault, because I only did this to forget you.  If you had just stayed with me, I wouldn't have done these things!"  Are you responsible for your ex taking a turn on the wild side?  NO!  Should you feel guilty for making a choice you felt was best and get back together with him?  BIG NO!  

Reminder!!!  However, despite his hurt and anger, you should still hold yourself responsible for how you react and respond.  God WILL hold you accountable for the choices you make. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

With this said, whether or not we are justified or gravely mistaken in the decisions we make, we are held accountable by our Heavenly Father.  It's easy to say, I can't be responsible for what he or she does, and it's not my problem or business what they do.  But!  We should, nevertheless, strive to live our lives as a testimony of our faith and our commitment as followers of Jesus Christ.  If you are ever doubtful regarding the decisions or choices you are going to make, it is probably a good idea to reconsider them before acting out on those decisions.  

Blessings for you at the start of Holy Week!  Take time to prayerfully consider all you do!  

Remember!  You may be the first glimpse of Jesus someone sees! 

Until Next Time! <3