Category: Kindness

Posted on in Fear, Faith, and Moving Forward book, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Kindness, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Perseverance, Wisdom

Thanksgiving Thoughts

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, which is one of my favorite holidays. Growing up, my family had some fun traditions. I always enjoyed taking a few moments to say what we are thankful for. We often went to the movies, and we almost always had an extra guest or two around the table.

We haven’t had a big family Thanksgiving for a few years because now we live in four different states in three time zones! So, generally, Thanksgiving and other holidays do look a little different for Lydia and me.

If you flip back to some of my 2015 and 2016 blog posts around the holidays, you would see more emotion and grief. I’m grateful to be a little further out from all that now. God has brought us through so much!

Sometimes we get invited to spend the holidays with other families, but this year, they all have different plans. We have invited friends over to our house in the past, but this year, we are on our own. And that’s okay! Traditions are good, but so is flexibility.

Lydia and I are planning to cook our favorite foods and maybe go to the movies. Or, maybe we will play games and stay in our pajamas instead. Either way, I know God’s grace surrounds us, and I am grateful for all He is and all He has done.

I’m also thankful for the gigantic Costco pumpkin pie a friend left on my doorstep! 😉

Cake, Pastry, Sweet, Sugar, Unhealthy, Food, Fat, Diet

This season, I am excited to have my book, Fear, Faith, and Moving Forward, out in the world. This is the first holiday in about seven years that I don’t have to think about writing or editing in my free time! Woohoo!!

I am already amazed to see how God is using it, too. I’ve heard stories of people wanting nothing to do with God now open to reading my book. His love never fails!

I love that people are buying extras to give as gifts. I’m grateful people trust me to speak into the lives of those they love… even before they have read the book! 🙂

I understand the holidays can be sad for many people, as it is a time to miss loved ones. I have dealt with those same complex emotions. If that’s you, know God is holding you close.

Recently, I met with a few lonely Veterans. They were each coming for help nutritionally but had other issues on their minds. I was able to listen to their stories, acknowledging their grief and other dilemmas, and in the end, I encouraged them to try something new.

One lady decided she might volunteer at a nursing home this year, choosing to be the friend she wishes she had. Perhaps you can be brave and step out of your comfort zone, too. Put yourself out there. God loves you so much, and the best is yet to come!

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God, You are so good and have good things in store for us. Help us be brave and embrace the difficult moments, knowing it can launch us to greater things. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Do you have any special holiday plans? What are you thankful for?

Tasks: Be open-minded regarding your holiday plans. Look for all the ways God is at work around you. Perhaps, looking back, you will see this as a turning point in your life.

Posted on in Being Gracious, Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Gratitude, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Wisdom, Words

Be Bold, Be Brave

I have a friend who recently took a step back from what she was doing to go in a new direction. Society sometimes tells us what to do or not do, but I am proud of my friend for listening to her heart and following her dream.

God can do far more than we ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

But still, it takes guts to go against the grain!

Lake, Mountains, Banff National Park, Islet, Bank

A blessing for her and for anyone who dares to trust God for greater things:

Be bold, be brave! Remember, God is with you and for you!

He is more than able to provide for you with the riches of His grace.

All good gifts come from God. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Breakthrough is coming.

Following God’s plan is sometimes difficult… but it is always worth it.

Work as if it depends on You, and pray as if it depends on Him.

Then, receive what He has for you. He is faithful.

Breakthrough is coming.

Whatever happens, it has passed through God’s hands first.

No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.

What is for you… is for you. He will give you everything you need. Trust in Him.

Breakthrough is coming.

Don’t be afraid. Do the difficult thing.

God will help you through it and redeem any pain along the way.

Have courage and be willing to try something new.

Breakthrough is coming.

Lay aside your expectations and stand in faith, knowing God’s plan is best.

It may turn out different than you thought, but He will never let you down.

Rest in Him. Nothing is impossible for Him. He’s got this.

Breakthrough is here.

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God, You are King of our hearts and the God of breakthroughs. Nothing is impossible for You! Help us trust You for greater things. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Questions: Have you ever done something so big and life-changing that the only option was to trust God? Looking back, can you see His faithfulness?

Tasks: Print out this blessing and tape it to your mirror, or make your own!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Gratitude, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous

Everybody In!

I was listening to the radio on my way to pick up Lydia from work yesterday. They were doing a fundraiser and someone offered to match the amount if others called in during the next song.

Astonishingly, NO ONE called in during the song. I don’t know if the person extended the offer or not, but I was thinking… what happens when no one responds in other areas?

The radio personalities explained that if we all think someone else will step up, then there’s a chance no one will. They gave several examples, such as when someone is stuck on the side of the road, or when there’s an emergency in a crowded area, or even how we all walk by the same mess without cleaning it up.

Somebody else will take care of it, right?

Interestingly, this situation is really common. It even has a name… the bystander effect.

It’s not necessarily because we are uncaring, but perhaps we don’t think we have time or don’t think we can adequately fix the problem. So, we just keep driving and/or ignore it.

Flatfoot, Senselessly Mature, Flat Tire, Breakdown

I don’t know ALL the ways to get around it, but I can relate. I am sure you have been there, too. One thing I have learned: Usually, doing something is better than doing nothing.

The radio personalities mentioned how, during a different song, someone gave $500 and someone else gave $5. But, it all counts. We all have something to give.

We can achieve more when we work together, each of us taking part in the solution. Teamwork makes the dream work! When everybody’s in, everybody wins!

I’m not saying you need to donate money to a cause. But maybe you can change a flat tire or call for a tow truck. Maybe you can watch someone’s kids in a pinch, or bring a meal for a hungry family, or help rake someone’s yard.

If you still don’t know what to do, then maybe a gift card or an encouraging word is good enough. Don’t overthink it. Each of us will serve in our own ways, but it all counts!

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God, thanks for all the ways You love us. Help us to be willing to step up and offer whatever we have. After all, everything we have comes from You. You are the giver of all good things. Give us wisdom to know what to do and the courage to do it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Have you ever offered to help a total stranger? How did it make you feel afterward? Was it worth it?

Tasks: Next time you see a chance to help someone, do! To see an example, read the story of the Good Samaritan. Pray for wisdom and courage… then follow through. Let God lead and see how He moves through you!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Books and Movies I Like, Gratitude, Kindness, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #292

You may have seen the acronym GRACE as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace is also God’s unmerited favor, or God doing for us what we cannot.

I find grace overflowing with God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

Tree, Deciduous Tree, Sunbeams, Sunrays, Linden, Autumn

Where did I find God’s love and favor—His abundant grace—this week?!

This was a great week! Over several evenings, I raked up as much of the dead grass as I could. My neighbor boy and Lydia helped a bit, too!

It was another busy work week. But, it all went well. I picked up some extra patients, but I also had some cancellations. As usual, I always leave it all in God’s hands. That helps me feel good about what I accomplish (and not to take it too hard when I don’t get it all done).

I had some great phone conversations this week, as well as some fun texts with friends and family. I talked with a woman whose boyfriend of many years died a few months ago. I also talked with my parents in Florida, and it was great to hear their voices. I also talked with my sister and her family in Illinois. My little nephew is in a really fun stage of toddlerhood!

Today, I woke up early and well-rested because I actually went to bed early! Imagine that! 🙂 I took advantage of the opportunity to finish the last round of raking before the rain came. While raking near the bike path, I talked with a lady and petted her two dogs, an Australian shepherd named Rudy and a Yorkshire terrier named Walter. So fun!

Then, I walked a few miles on my treadmill and did some chores before spending the rest of the day resting. I did some cooking and caught up on some reading. I am reading a book called, The Other Half of Church. It was a little therapeutic to relax on a rainy day!

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These are only a few examples, but God’s grace never runs out!

There’s grace in every situation—we just need to look for it. God promises if we seek Him, we will find Him (see Jeremiah 29:13)!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Gratitude, Kindness, Miscellaneous, Perseverance

Happy Helper

Last weekend, I spent several hours raking dead grass from my lawn. It had rained, so thankfully, it came up a little easier. Lydia helped me for a little while, but then one of the neighbor boys invited her over to play and ride their scooters.

On Saturday, I listened to my chronological Bible using some old headphones, and then made a couple of calls. The Bluetooth option was great because I was able to continue raking the whole time. In all, I spent 4+ hours raking a small portion of my yard.

I was starting to wind down when that same little neighbor came over and asked if he could help. He’s a few grades behind Lydia in school, but I was so impressed!

Leaves Broom, Raking Leaves, Computing

I had him pick up some of the grass and then gave him another rake when he asked for one. It was a lightweight rake and not as sharp as mine. He noticed how mine had more tines (sharper, worked better) and asked me why.

I said, “Oh, well, they are just good at different things.”

He quickly replied, “Just like people!”

He worked in an area not too far from me and chatted the whole time.

“Do you want to ask me some math questions? I know plus and minus.”

So, we covered several math facts up to around thirty!

Next, he asked if we wanted to tell jokes. We each had a few up our sleeves. After that, he showed me his new hat and asked if I liked his shoes. Then, we emptied our buckets of grass into the larger container.

Trash, Can, Dirt, Bin, Garbage, Waste, Container

As we talked, I thought I should reward him for his help and kindness. I asked if he would rather have some ice cream from Dairy Queen or some ice cream from my freezer in which he could add his own toppings. He asked if I had sprinkles and cherries (yes!), then he opted for the ice cream with toppings.

I was nearly done (and fairly sore), so was ready to pick everything up. He challenged me to keep going a little more because he wanted to try out a dustpan he was using to shovel dead grass into our buckets. With his help, I lasted another fifteen to twenty minutes! 

What he said next warmed my heart even more. “I’ll help you more tonight if you want! I really like raking. It’s one of my favorite things to do.” What a happy helper!

But, soon we cleaned up instead and had the ice cream. He helped me carry everything across the street because, in the spirit of generosity, he thought Lydia and his family should also partake in the reward he earned. So considerate!

I used Sunday as a rest day and ran out late on Monday night to rake some more on my own. It was almost dark, so I didn’t stay outside long. But, on Tuesday night after dinner, Lydia and I planned to go out and rake for about forty-five minutes.

Steam, Grass Rake, Grass, Meadow, Green, Nature, Swath

Once again, our neighbor came over to ask if Lydia could play again. This time, I said she needed to help me. To my surprise, he said, “I’ll help, too!” And then, he laid down his skateboard and helmet and grabbed a rake. I let him pick out the one he wanted.

Altogether, the three of us spent about twenty-five minutes raking and accomplished a lot more than we would have otherwise. I told our neighbor I was going to write about him, so maybe others would be inspired to help each other.

It was fun to see such initiative in my young neighbor. He saw someone who needed help and didn’t wait to be asked. In honor of him, today, do your work unto the Lord and with a cheerful heart!

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God, thanks for all the ways You love us and provide for us. May we love each other and help with a cheerful heart! May we please You in everything we do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: When was the last time you offered to help someone with yardwork?!

Tasks: Be willing to step out of your comfort zone today. Speak up and be a happy helper!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Kindness, Miscellaneous, Words

A Gentle Hello

Years ago, when Dave was sick in the hospital on any given Sunday, it bothered me to sit in the church service on my own. It was a reminder of all our pain.

After he died, I had to learn a whole new way of living. Sitting alone has gotten easier with practice, and now, I don’t mind.

These days, if certain friends are there, we will sit together. Still, we don’t always coordinate our schedules between the two services, so it may be hit or miss.

A couple of weeks ago at church, I sat in my usual area and waited for the service to begin. Sometimes, I catch up with emails or texts. But generally, I look for others who may need a friendly face to sit with. Not for my sake, but to encourage them.

That Sunday, I saw a young woman sitting alone in the pew in front of me. I leaned forward and introduced myself with a gentle hello.

To my surprise, I got a gruff ‘hey’ back. I asked a few more questions about herself, including her name. (Let’s call her Anna.) Mostly one-word answers. I could tell she didn’t want to talk with me. So, I silently prayed for her and left her alone.

The service ended, and by that time, one of my friends had come to sit with me. My friend and I started talking while I kept my eye on Anna. She quickly gathered her belongings and walked away. I noticed she lingered about fifteen feet away, but I couldn’t tell if she was needing prayer up in front or wanted to talk with me.

I decided to pray for her that following week, that God would soften her heart and meet her needs. I didn’t know what was going on, but I am glad He knows exactly what we need!

Then last week, I missed church because I was working. My mother-in-law was able to take Lydia to church for me, and thankfully, I can watch the service online! 

So, this week, I started off the service by sitting alone. I texted a couple of friends, but they had gone to the other service. Before I sat down, I greeted a couple of guests behind me and explained a few things about our church. They were very friendly.

Then, as the first song began, we stood up and started to worship God. That’s when I saw Anna make her way to the pew in front of me. Before she sat down, she saw me and quickly came over asking if I was the person that greeted her two weeks ago.

Of course, I said yes and invited her to sit with me. Anna apologized for her bad attitude from before and admitted she has been on the “wrong path” and that she is trying to make better life decisions now.

Apparently, she had been grumpy with me because she didn’t really want to be in church that day! She had been wrestling with God about her choices.

It was so cool to see the change in Anna’s attitude and on her face. We talked for a few minutes and I learned more about her background. After the service ended, we talked a little more.

I mentioned how difficult it is to do the Christian life on our own. Then, I introduced her to one of my friends as they have a few things in common. I’m hoping Anna will continue to come and get more involved.

As followers of Jesus, we often want to see Him do something BIG, or we wait around for a sign overlooking the small opportunities in front of us. Sometimes, God does give us a significant responsibility or task.

But how often does He just want us to say a gentle hello, or invite someone to sit with us? A kind word, smile, or prayer can go a long way in reaching people for the Kingdom of God. Don’t underestimate the power of being friendly!

Serving others may cost more than mere acknowledgment, however, so don’t stop at hello. It might mean picking someone up for an event or taking them to get groceries. In other words, God’s love is practical.

Let’s be open to all the possibilities and see what He does through us!

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God, thanks for the ways You use us. You can move large mountains, or work through a still, small voice. Help me not overlook simple opportunities to reach people for You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: Do you have a specific seat or pew at church, or do you like to move around? Do you enjoy greeting others or minding your own business?

Task: Wherever you are today, at church, work, school, or even the mall, take a few moments to get off your phone and look around for someone to encourage. Say hello or offer a compliment. Maybe it will be the start of a new friendship!

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Food and Nutrition, Gratitude, Kindness, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #287

You may have seen the acronym GRACE as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace is also God’s unmerited favor, or God doing for us what we cannot.

I find grace overflowing with God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

Where did I find God’s love and favor—His abundant grace—this week?!

This week was fun and productive! On Sunday, we enjoyed talking with family over Zoom and catching up with a couple of friends. I also made some vegetarian-style pozole (soup). I had a recipe but didn’t follow it much. I just winged it and it was good!

Work was busy this week, but good. I encountered a few unexpected tube feeding challenges and a couple of food insecurity problems. That said, I am glad to be in a position to help our Veterans, especially those who have had a rough life. I am grateful to do what I do, even if it makes me teary-eyed sometimes! Also, I was in charge of a birthday celebration for a coworker, and I brought all sorts of fun toppings for a sundae bar! Yum!

This weekend, my mother-in-law is here visiting for the long weekend. We have tried a couple of new-to-us restaurants and went shopping for Lydia. She received some new clothes and two new pairs of glasses (as backups in case her other pair breaks–all on sale!). We enjoyed a gorgeous day, walking through our neighborhood and the local zoo. Just about every animal was alert and active today, more than I have ever seen before! It has been a fun visit all around!

We had a week of awesome weather. Mostly, it was sunny and in the 70s (my favorite), but we also had a day of rain. Just what we needed! I enjoyed using my umbrella at the morning bus stop and walking into work. I’ll have to mow my grass again soon, though it seems fall is on its way! 🙂

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These are only a few examples, but God’s grace never runs out!

There’s grace in every situation—we just need to look for it. God promises if we seek Him, we will find Him (see Jeremiah 29:13)!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Wisdom

Bring the Light

Recently, one of the ‘can lights’ in my basement went out. No big deal, I just went to the store for a new one. Turns out, it was a little more involved than that!

This was one of four lights, the only four I hadn’t already switched over to LEDs. That’s because they were the only ones that hadn’t gone out in the eleven years I have lived here!

So, I soon realized a lot has changed! At first, I couldn’t find the right size, color, and wattage equivalent. I finally found someone to answer my questions. Still, they didn’t have exactly what I was looking for.

I wanted LEDs that were the 65-watt incandescent equivalent and could only find the 75-watt equivalent LED bulbs. I ended up buying four of them in case I decided to replace the other three, which still worked. Though, I didn’t want to toss three good lights unnecessarily.

As soon as I changed the first bulb, I was shocked. It was so bright! The rest of the room looked dim and hazy, almost like smoke. Had it always been that way and I just now realized it?

It took me a while to decide what to do. In the end, I couldn’t just leave the new light all alone, so I changed the rest, too. It’s been a few weeks, and I am finally getting used to the new lights. I think during the long winter nights, the lights will be extra appreciated!

Jesus is the Light of the World. He shines so bright and banishes all the darkness. When He is in our lives, He clears out all the hidden spaces in our hearts, too.

We have the opportunity to share the Light and Love of Jesus with people every day. What’s holding you back? Is it the fear of standing out? Is it the awkwardness of transition?

There is a common message which says, “Be the light.” We can’t really do that, however, because we are not Jesus. 🙂 But, we can bring the Light everywhere we go!

If we allow Jesus to do all He wants to do in our lives, there’s no way people can miss Him. As a friend once said to me, “We can see your light shining all the way in Illinois!”

This week, Lydia’s class discussed ways to help a friend in need. (No one specific, but just general brainstorming ideas.) Their answers ranged from making donations or other providing resources, volunteering to help with tasks, and respecting the friend. Other ideas could include smiling, praying, bringing a hot meal, writing an encouraging note, sitting with someone when they are down, or just listening without judgment.

This world can be dark at times, especially now. Let’s move past our own discomfort and share Jesus! It doesn’t take much!

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Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus! May we be a conduit of His light, love, and grace. Not just with words, but with actions, too. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How can I pray for you today? Do you

Tasks: Check out the resources at Struggle Care, which is run by KC Davis, a licensed professional therapist. A friend of mine mentioned the website helped her, and it has shed some light in my life, too. Namely, taking some of the pressure off of my to-do list. 

Posted on in Being Gracious, Gratitude, Kindness, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Perseverance, Prayer, Wisdom

Love One Another

“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” — 1 Peter 3:8, NIV

Recently, Lydia and I were talking about growth. She pointed out how she can’t ever tell how much she is growing until she wakes up and her pants are too short. Or, when she hugs me and she suddenly is above my shoulder. True story…she’s getting taller day by day!

My dear sister-in-law, Stephanie, is a new mom. I really enjoyed meeting my sweet little niece in July. Now, of course, Steph has been up all throughout the night. So, she’s had some extra quiet time to think… and I can already see growth! Steph posted something profound to her own social media account, and I asked her if I could share with you.

Here’s what she wrote:

“Having a baby has no doubt been rough, as anyone can imagine, but it has also been rich in lessons. When babies fuss and cry, we understand that it’s because they’re tired or hungry or in pain. Sometimes they’re just fussy. We don’t judge them. We don’t shut them out. We sympathize with them and try to soothe them.

As we grow older, we get so lost in our own world that we may be too quick to judge others when they are less than joyful. When we’re hungry, tired, not feeling well, or in pain, we’re irritable. We then tend to shut them out instead of understanding where they may be coming from. We should work on our understanding and patience and even celebrate successes, no matter how small or trivial or delayed they may seem in comparison. Let’s work on loving one another, taking care of one another and supporting one another.”

Thank you, Steph! We go to great lengths to protect and prepare our children for life. Indeed, parenting is a refining process. I am proud of you and all you have already learned. These days are tough, but they will get better soon.

 I really appreciated those wise words, especially in light of the last few days, weeks, months, and year. I hope all is well in your life, but chances are, there are some parts that need Jesus’ help and healing.

It’s okay to disagree with someone, but can we please treat them with compassion and understanding? Can we show even a measure of the grace and mercy we need, too?

There are many hurting people right now, considering COVID-19 (and all the competing viewpoints and losses), the earthquake in Haiti (plus tropical storms), wildfires, and the complete Taliban takeover in Afghanistan.

Amid death, destruction, and loss, people may feel frustrated, afraid, sad, helpless, grief or distressed. In some situations, it is common to feel angry or betrayed. There is likely to be an increase in mental health symptoms like PTSD, depression… and even avoidance. There are many questions, and to start, I have seen mixed reactions with the Veterans I serve.

Regardless of what you think (or think you know), can you put that aside for a moment and put yourself in someone else’s shoes? Can you imagine how they may feel? Each of these situations is beyond a simple solution. But, the next generation is watching how we handle these circumstances. You can make a difference now and in the future.

It might require some painful stretching and growth, but your attitude, prayers, words, and actions speak volumes. This may include donating some money or resources, or calling a friend or neighbor to check on them. This also may include keeping your mouth shut and honoring someone else’s preference. Be kind and considerate. Love one another.

Let’s demonstrate the love of Jesus to a world in need. He is our only Hope!

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God, thanks for being our hope and anchor when chaos comes. We know You are sovereign, but still, many people are hurting. Please bring Your peace and give us steadfast hearts. Lead us and help us grow. Help us love one another. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How are you doing this week? How can I pray for you and lift you up?

Tasks: Take a moment right now and pray. Lift up our world in prayer: Afghanistan. Haiti. Pandemic crisis. Wild fires. First responders, legislators, armed forces, missionaries, men, women, children, family, friends, neighbors, coworkers. (If you feel led to help, consider donating money to your local church or Convoy of Hope, a reputable relief organization.)

Posted on in Being Gracious, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Wisdom, Words

Word Up!

Life gets so busy and it seems my brain is always on the go. I’m sure you understand! Sometimes, I take a break and let my mind wander in silence, listening and waiting on the Lord. This week, while I was sitting still, I was reminded of my ThinkUp app, which is a running list of personal affirmations.

I have written about it before, though it’s been awhile since I have used it. Still, listening to my own voice and recordings was moving. Over the course of a few minutes, I was struck by statements of faith and hard won victories. Rather than just a bunch of feel-good messages, each affirmation was really a declaration of God’s faithfulness. I could see how much I have grown and how far the Lord has brought me.

It was like years of random sticky notes and ideas were in one place, and I was able to review the memories attached to them. I teared up as I heard myself speak of trust, hope, and perseverance. Instead of affirming how strong I am or want to be, I was declaring God’s power and plan over my life. He has awesome things in store for me!

Later that same day, Lydia told me about a song she had heard from one of her friends. She thought it was a lighthearted and fun summer song, and she wanted to share it with me.

Based on the title, I was guessing what the first few lyrics confirmed. It was a modern tune by a popular artist, but it was a much different song than Lydia anticipated. Nonetheless, I turned this into a learning experience!

Lydia was horrified when I interpreted the song in mostly kid-friendly terms. She was horrified, and thanked me for catching it before she embarrassed herself. (Side note: I love that she can receive gentle correction with gratitude!)

I simply explained the World has different standards than we do. This is one reason we often listen to Christian radio, but I cannot control what happens when we’re not together.

We talked for a long time about popular culture compared to God’s loving expectations for us. Or, as Lydia put it, “Following God is like having GPS in your heart. If we ask Him for help and direction, He will never lead us astray.”

I confirmed my job as a parent is to protect her, teach her, and help her navigate these situations. We reviewed critical thinking skills and the importance of searching for God’s wisdom in daily life.

We discussed guarding our heart and minds, so only good things come in and go out. We role played how to speak up or walk away from ungodly influences. I also planted a seed so the future Lydia remembers she can come to me with all her questions and concerns. It’s never too early!

Our words matter, and we cannot take them back once spoken. We also can’t forget mean or vulgar things that we hear. So, we need to be wise!

We can bring life through speaking with Truth, grace, and encouragement. Conversely, we can also tear down and discourage others. We can plant seeds of hope or seeds of doubt. 

God’s words are still having impact today. What He set in motion at Creation is still happening! His Word will endure forever, so it make sense to put more value  on, or magnify, what He says than what the World tells us. Yes, we better… Word up!

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God, thanks for the power of Your Word. Help me be responsible with the words I say. Keep me accountable with what I put into my mind so that what pours out of my mouth is honoring to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: If you don’t know all the lyrics to a particular song, do you make up your own words?

Tasks: Tune your heart to God’s Word. Memorize Scripture and meditate on it. Be wise with your words (in person and online) today!