truth

Practicing Kindness

/ Gail Johnson / 23 Comments

Good morning! I hope you enjoyed your holiday.

This month we’re talking about kindness. Do you find it hard to be kind to others?

You know, the person who cut you off when driving to work. The waitress who brought you the wrong order. The lady in the checkout with 100 coupons! The friend who uses and abuses your friendship. That child who can’t seem to get it right. The spouse who continually makes bad choices. I could go on and on. Just add your pet peeve to the list.

Now before you think I’m suggesting that we never defend ourselves or our beliefs, let me clarify. I’m talking about common courtesy that we were taught as children. The kindness we learned about while sitting on a pew or at a school desk.

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up. 1 Corinthians 13:4 KJV

Love is longsuffering. Love doesn’t fly off the handle.

Love is kind, filled with compassion.

Love doesn’t envy another.

Love doesn’t boast. Love is humble.

Love is not proud or self-centered.

Kindness is…

Webster defines kindness as being kind.

Synonyms for kind include compassionate, considerate, courteous, and friendly.

I don’t know about you, but I think the world could use a lot more kindness. And a lot less speaking every thought that pops into our heads. Imagine what the world would be like if, when we did speak, our words were laced with compassion and humility and a little less pride. When we treat others as we like to be treated every moment of the day, kindness becomes a lifestyle and not just a random act.

 

Rambo 2-1 Seneca 2

This is Rambo. He belongs to my niece. He is a barrel racer. I love taking pictures of him.

Seneca’s statement suggests it would be better if we were unable to speak rather than say the things we often say.

It has been stated that we can say the right thing the wrong way and still be wrong. Hmm… Yes, in the span of our lives we will have to say hard things, but the spirit in which the message is delivered will speak louder and remain longer than the words spoken.

I don’t know about you, but I have room for improvement. The good news is our Father, through the Son’s work at Calvary and the gift of His Spirit, has given us power to overcome. We don’t have to remain the same. We can change. Isn’t that marvelous?

May we all become kinder in our relationship with others.

Click to Tweet: When I think over what I have said, I envy dumb people. Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Reflection

Have you ever wished you’d remained silent in certain situations?

Finding Peace

/ Gail Johnson / 19 Comments

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3

Good morning! For this month’s theme, I chose the word peace. Who doesn’t appreciate a little peace? I know I do! But what about those times when peace seems to allude us even when we’re doing all the right things? You know, those times when we’re showing symptoms of Martha syndrome.

For example, as vessels, we are in need of filling. If we’re filled to the brim with everything around us, we have no room for the things of God. Empty, we have nothing to offer those we meet along the way. That is why we must take the time to rest, rejuvenate, and connect with the Prince of Peace.  Such was a time for me this past week!

As I pondered on this month’s posts, colorful visitors kept dropping by to say hello. Less than ten feet outside my office window, their bright colors kept catching my eyes and diverting my attention from the monitor. It was as if the Creator was inviting me to come away for a moment and enjoy His gifts.

My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away. Song of Songs 2:10-13

Mama Flycatcher CHW-1

O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely. Song of Songs 2:14

At times, finding peace is as easy as changing our focus.

Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Matthew 10:31

Perfect Tree Canopy CHW-1

Sometimes, it’s as close as lying beneath the shade of an oak contemplating our blessings.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights… James 1:17

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Peace can be as close as our backyard!

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Psalm 19:1

 Sunset 3-1

Such wondrous beauty we often forfeit when we fail to take the time to appreciate God’s gifts. Creation is a testimony of His greatness. Take a look around and drink your fill. I promise you won’t leave thirsty!

What are some things you do, other than reading your Bible and praying, to connect with the Prince of Peace? Let me know in the comments!

 

Abounding Hope

/ Gail Johnson / 12 Comments

Have you ever made a mistake? I daresay, we all have. If there is breath, there is a possibility of error. How do you handle your mistakes? Correct them and move on? Or run and hide while beating up yourself? In the past, I did the latter. Thankfully, I’m learning this journey is a growing process.

Last week, I made a mistake for all cyber world to see. It may have escaped some, but I’m sure it was noticed by others. This mistake? I misquoted a scripture. Yep. I had everything correct but one thing. Where it was located. I quoted Hebrews instead of Romans. Sigh.

Maybe it was because I was thinking of my devotion. Maybe I had too many things open on my desk. Or maybe I just needed to know the world wasn’t going to end if I made a mistake.

Ever been there?

Of course, I know others have done the same thing because I’ve seen it several times. But rather than smirk at their oversight or correct them in the comments, I extended grace. Maybe they were having a bad day. Maybe I needed to pray for them. Or maybe they weren’t paying attention. Who knows?

Oh, why is it so much easier to offer grace to another, and yet fail to dispense it in our own situations? Honestly, I can’t answer that one, my friend. But we do it all the time. At least, I did in times past. But not this time. Well, maybe for a moment. 🙂  But before I could get the party started, I was gently reminded of Peter.

Precious, loveable, and impatient Peter. Peter who spoke when he should have been listening. Doubting Peter who tried to walk on water and failed. Impulsive Peter who whacked off a man’s ear. Cursing Peter, who denied the very One he had promised to protect. Hopeless Peter who thought all was lost and went fishing.

But then…

Jesus came by for a visit. There on the shore, Jesus sat and spoke with Peter about love. Afterward, we see Preaching Peter on the day of Pentecost. Believing Peter healing the sick. Teaching Peter in Cornelius’ house. Writing Peter penning God’s truths. Historical Peter crucified on a cross.

What if Peter had given up? What if he had stepped into the boat and sailed away never to try again? What if he hadn’t accepted the Lord’s grace and forgiveness? Thankfully, Jesus didn’t give up on Peter. And He doesn’t give up on us!

Whatever you do don’t give up! Don’t let fear stop you from trying. Keep fighting. If you make a mistake, don’t beat yourself up. Correct it and move on! Hope waits in front of us. All we have to do is reach out to Him and accept His grace. And then…extend it to ourselves and to others.

Here is the corrected poster. May it warm you to your toes! I know I need it this week! Brrr.

Happy Tuesday, dearest reader! ❤

coastline-1081897_1280 Hope corrected