May 21, 2009
· Filed under relationships · Tagged Bible, boundaries, Christian, conversations, encouragement, God, health, intentional, relationships, talk, tonic, toxic, words
Have you met a “toxic talkie” ?
Some of these people are obviously toxic – their language is full of swear words laced with anger. But there are others who are not so obvious. These are the people we have let into our lives, and then over time we come to realize that their lengthy conversations leave us with a bad “taste” in our mouth !
Subtle negative comments, self centeredness and insensitivity to your own needs become warning signs. Sometimes these people will push into your life with shallow caring words to draw you in, only to find out later that they had their own agenda.
Many times these people have had past hurts, and are looking for someone who will listen to them. Perhaps they have chosen you, but that does not mean that you must take responsibility for their feelings and moods. You can still show you care, and at the same time set healthy boundaries for yourself.
Personally I rely on my “ten minute timeline” for toxic talkies ! Usually within the first ten minutes the conversation can stay somewhat healthy. It gives you time to offer words of encouragement and then end the conversation before it becomes tainted.
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” (Prov. 25:11)
Let our words be the “tonic” for the “toxic” !
May 13, 2009
· Filed under thoughts · Tagged anxiety, Bible, bondage, Christian, concern, courage, freedom, God, grace, happiness, health, intentional, Jesus, life, Lord, panic attacks, peace, problems, protection, provision, Savior, water, waves, worry
Don’t worry – be happy ! These are the words to a popular song a number of years ago. (It’s still a good song!)
When we worry we bring others and ourselves down. It does not seem to accomplish very much. It is a paralyzing activity.
There is always cause to worry. Life is full of problems. These problems can bring on a state of fear that fuels a worrisome attitude. Then fear becomes our “worry” ! We can then be in bondage to panic attacks.
Facing our fear, even embracing it can prevent panic. God tells us in His word that He promises to protect and provide for us. Our faith in God’s promises carry us through these “waves” of worry – we can turn our worries into manageable ”caring concerns”.
“Therefore, I say to you, do not worry about your life……..”(Math. 6:25)
“”Be anxious for nothing……..” (Phil. 4:6)
I have experienced panic attacks, and they are truly terrible. I no longer am in bondage to them. My saving grace through the Lord Jesus Christ led me to God’s unending supply of peace – and courage.
Now when the waves of worry come, I dive headfirst up, through, over them. Sometimes I come up sputtering, but Jesus is always there to help me up, and keep me strong.
Now I can start to look forward to the “bigger” waves as they approach -
- and dive right in !
May 9, 2009
· Filed under thoughts · Tagged anguish, blessing, Christian, family, God, intentional, joy, love, Mom, Mother's Day, purpose, responsibility
Words do little justice to describe the anguish and joy of motherhood. There is no greater responsibility – with no greater purpose – with no greater reward………………..
God bless you all and may you all be a blessing to your families.
May 5, 2009
· Filed under thoughts · Tagged appetite, balance, Bible, Christian, eternity, gluttony, God, health, Heaven, intentional, Jesus, joy, love, moderation
Do you eat too much, work too much, play too much, talk too much……..?
How do we know if we are doing or having too much? At what point do we realize that there should be a limit?
It would seem logical that if whatever it is we are being gluttonous about boomerangs and ends up being hurtful, then maybe that would be the sign to stop………..although, stopping altogether may not be the answer either – maybe just cutting back would be good enough.
The Bible talks about the sin of gluttony. It is described as being a characteristic of the wicked, that it could lead to poverty, and that it is sternly forbidden.
“Put a knife to your throat if you are a man given to appetite.” (Prov. 23:2)
Overdoing something, even if it is a good thing, can end up tainting the goodness of it – even if it seems innocent. Finding the “balance” of moderation seems to be the healthy alternative. Sometimes it takes some trial and error attempts before we find that balance point.
I had to wonder – how about overdoing loving others? How about overdoing spending time with God? These seem like acceptable “overdoing” categories.
Then it occurred to me that overdoing anything, can take ”time” away from something else – and that ”something else” could be just as important……….hmmmmmmm……
- so until we are in Heaven where “time” no longer exists, “too much” will continue to be a problem -
- then “too much” will turn into eternal joy – forever……..and it will never be “too much” !
