“ … Words are powerful; take them seriously” (Matt. 12:36 MSG).
Several years ago, in a workshop for Christian Leaders and Speakers (CLASS), Christian communicator and author, Florence Littauer, taught us to ask ourselves two questions before standing in front of an audience to speak.
(more…)1. Do I have anything to say?2. Do people need to hear it?
Beware kind friend as you pass by;
Where you are now, so once was I.
Where I am now, you soon shall be.
Prepare for death and follow me.
(Resthaven Cemetery, Silsbee, Texas)
What will your epitaph say?
When my husband Dan and I were dating, we visited the local cemetery and read the tombstones with a flashlight. That seems like an odd thing for a couple to do on a date, but we lived in a small, southern town, and there were not many activities available. But the local cemeteries provided some interesting discussion points at times. (more…)
Going on a guilt trip this Christmas?
Sometimes I feel like I can’t breathe because of self-induced pressure or the weight of others’ expectations. In fact, I get tired even thinking about doing any work that involves writing during the holidays. So, how can I focus on my writing projects with all of the distractions of the holidays? (more…)
We tend to forget that we might have our own stories to tell … We wish that we had preserved the stories of Grandma, but miss the fact that, for our own children and grandchildren (and even for our own generation), we are the ones who must be the storytellers if there is to be a richness of family (or faith) stories in years to come. (Donald Davis, Telling Your Own Stories)
Can you recall some of the stories from your last family gathering? In my family, some of my relatives (again, not to mention any names), repeat the same stories time-after-time at reunions and funerals. I love our humorous family tales. Other stories inspire me to carry on some of our family traditions. But sometimes, our family narratives remind me of some very painful memories. (more…)
“Siblings are the people we practice on, the people who teach us about fairness and cooperation and kindness and caring, quite often the hard way” (Pamela Dugdale).
“Mom, Ethan has my new marble shooter, and he won’t give it back!” Six-year-old Aidan whined.
“Aidan, were you playing with it first?” his mom replied.
“No, but I want to play with it!” Aidan demanded.
House rules. “Aidan, in our house we share our toys, and we do not take toys away from each other.” My daughter Tara does not overreact when her boys squabble. She simply reminds them of the rules about sharing their toys.
“But it’s mine! Tell Ethan to play with his own toys!”
“When Ethan is finished playing with it, you can have it back.” Aidan’s mom explained, trying to calm Aidan’s temper. “You have a treasure box for keeping things that are special to you.”
Sibling rivalry. Four-year-old Ethan smiled, as he shot another marble across the floor, under the watchful eye of his frustrated, older brother. And when Ethan’s interest waned, he walked away to another activity, leaving Aidan’s toy on the floor of their family room.
Treasures stored. Aidan jumped up from his puzzle, and he grabbed his toy, carefully examining it for damage. Then, he dragged a step stool up to a nearby bookcase, climbed up the steps, and placed his new marble shooter inside of his treasure box, away from his brother’s reach.
Photos/KarenJordan
How did you help your children handle conflicts?
Yes. Yes. And yes! I’m ready “to take a real rest,” how about you?
Stress. Most of the time, I must admit that I approach problems in my own strength. I get stressed out searching for the resources I need, and I try to conjure up the motivation to tackle problems on my own.
But recently I’ve been hitting a wall with my efforts. Even the simplest of tasks seem overwhelming to me–like writing a blog post or even planning a grocery list.
Not long ago, I could listen quite attentively to the problems of my friends and family. But now, I seem to overreact to the smallest issue. I can feel the stress building in my head, as my blood pressure rises. I tend to want to run from commitments and from heavy conversations. And my mind refuses to consider organizational ideas–I’d rather watch a Hallmark movie
My counselor friend encouraged me let go of the self-condemning thoughts (Rom. 8:1). She reminded me that no one is perfect (Rom. 3:10), and that I’ll never live up to my own perfectionistic standards. So, I’m trying to embrace that truth.
Promise. I want to “learn the unforced rhythms of grace,” don’t you? I’m tired, worn out, and burned out on trying to do the right thing in my own strength.
In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites His disciples to bring our burdens to Him. And He never intended for us to take on the burdens of others. He wants us to encourage others to take their needs to Him, too.
Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.
(Matt. 11:38-30 NLT).
Photo/KarenJordan
Where do you find “real rest”?
