How Well Do You Listen

How Well Do You Listen

Union Mound Baptist Church Evening Worship

Look at the faces of Wayne and Barbara as they listen intently to Dr. Wade Paris sharing God’s Word from his heart.

I want to listen like that; not just to a speaker, but to every person who wants to talk to me. I want my face to light up with compassion and love. I want to really hear what they are saying.

Compassionate listening is an art; it takes practice. It takes patience. It takes time. In our hectic, busy world, one of the greatest gifts we can give to our family and to others is taking time to listen well.

Click here for some wisdom from the Great Listener.

Charles Dickens said: “No one is useless in the world who lightens the burden of it to anyone else.” One of the best ways to lighten a load is to learn to become a good listener.

Proverbs 18:13 “To answer before listening— that is folly and shame.”

Here are a few ideas as together we learn to become better listeners.

  • Try not to judge another person’s reactions or give unsolicited advice. You may not relate to what the person is saying, but it is real to them. This can be tricky if you are caring for someone with memory issues; however, they need a compassionate ear.
  • Learn to give appropriate feedback. Instead of saying, “I know how you feel,” try saying, “That must be difficult for you.” Or simply “I’m sorry you are feeling this way.” As I visited with a recent widow, I could not say I knew how she felt even though I have lost two husbands. My experience was not hers; I can understand the hurt, but I needed to hear her story, hold her hand, and say “I’m so sorry.”
  • Consider the health and well-being of the person. Do they have family and friends nearby? Are they confined to a chair, bed, or room for most of their time? Before you hurriedly walk away, realize you may be the only person who actually took a few minutes to listen to their story.
  • Watch carefully for clues as someone talks to you. Do they sound overly worried about what should be an insignificant matter? Could there be more to the story than is being said, hidden reasons for their concern?
  • This last tip may seem to be the most obvious. However, it is often the most neglected. Give a smile and a gentle hug. A smile has a tremendous healing effect on everyone. Pray for the situation when appropriate; at least add them to your personal prayer list. A simple pat on the hand or shoulder and a genuine smile can make someone’s day. Good medicine for them–and good for you!

As you take time to really listen, you will reduce tension and build trust. Go the extra mile. Keep a small notebook handy and jot down concerns or things to remember for the next conversation.

Have a great week and, as you listen to others, allow time to listen to Our Heavenly Father as well; He is the ultimate Compassionate Listener. He longs to listen to you!

Hugs,

Your comments are a part of listening; I look forward to hearing from you.

No Expiration Date on God’s Plans

No Expiration Date on God's Plans

Goodman High School, Goodman, Missouri

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 ESV

In the late ’50s, with no established art or writing classes in our rural school in Goodman, Missouri, I grabbed every opportunity to express my creative self. In addition to the school newspaper and annual, I thrived on creating bulletin boards and posters and working in the school office.

I was clearly at home with a pen and pad and relished each opportunity to exercise my God-given talents. Although I wasn’t sure what all that would entail, I knew God had called me to be a writer.

Sadly, I must admit that God and His plan for me were far from my mind as I left school. Selfish ambition, the lure of the world, bad choices, and circumstances beyond my control pulled me away from my destiny.

But, God is faithful. He never abandons His children! Incredibly, my first book, My Mother My Child was published in my sixties. Later, after I upgraded it to include detailed discussion guides for each chapter, I put the pen down.

Click here for God Has A Plan For You Scriptures.

My loving, patient Heavenly Father used a few days in ICU and a lengthy hospital stay to draw me back to His plan. I now have four books in print.

I intend to publish two books in my eightieth year. The Rebel and Preacher Man will be out this summer. And Patches the Turtle will introduce his new friend this fall in his third book.

So, I have to ask. Have you ever felt God tug on your heart? Do you have gnawing desires in your soul that won’t let go? Could it be that He is still wanting to bless you in that way? Trust me, you are always the winner when you obey God.

And, it is never too late!

I will eagerly look forward to your comments. I challenge you to earnestly pray. There is no greater encouragement and joy than following God’s plan for your life.

hugs,

Nature’s Lessons from The God of Comfort

Nature's Lessons from the Great Comforter

One of Adams’ Acres Blessings

Calico says, “Get me outa here!”

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8-9

Comfort may mean staying put.

Not pictured are three tiny fawns. Upon hearing me on the porch, they froze in place. As other deer approached, they immediately seemed to relax and melt into the soft grasses. Fear was replaced with confidence as they felt the comfort of a mother’s love.

Other times, comfort means to flee.

At the same time, a flock of turkeys in the cow pasture had stopped in their tracks. The sound of a car speeding by the house caused them to quickly turn and wobble down the hillside to safety. Secure in the shadows of thick brush, and no longer filled with fear, they gingerly resumed pecking the ground for tasty morsels.

In the second picture, the young doe followed my cat all the way up the hill. Calico was in no mood to play. Besides, he knew some good cuddling and snacks awaited as he headed for the porch!

Nature Points us to our Comforter.

I learn much from watching the critters on Adams’ Acres. Perhaps I relate all too well to the feelings of fear and doubt that paralyze and hamper good judgment. Especially as I grow older and my situation changes, even the smallest detail can cause stress.

Can you relate? Do you ever stand paralyzed or frozen in your tracks when facing some circumstance in your life? Maybe it isn’t even a big thing, but it seems overwhelming at the moment. Your breath is short and you can’t seem to shake that feeling of hopelessness.

God wants to bring comfort.

We have a Comforter who is waiting to help. He is the Great Caregiver. He knows us; every hair on our head is numbered, and every breath we take is by His command.

“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” Psalm 29:11 Click here for 50 more great scriptures on our Faithful Father’s care.

I want to encourage each of you, whatever your circumstance, to make time to lean on Him for rest. His word in Psalm 23 reminds us that He will lead us beside still waters and restore our souls.

Today I pray that you will “cast all your care upon Him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) And you will, like the baby deer, allow yourself to melt down into the soft grasses and allow your loving Father to bring comfort and hope and peace for your journey.

Hugs,

I am looking forward to hearing from you. Let me hear the ways that God has brought comfort and encouragement to your heart.