Help! Bad Winter & Election Ahead!

Help! Bad Winter & Election Ahead!

Squirrels are Hoarding the Walnuts

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”  John 14:27

The wooly worms on my porch are as black as could be! In addition, my neighbors’ persimmon seeds clearly reveal a spoon. And, a dozen squirrels in my yard are storing walnuts faster than the kids can gather them.

Yep, it’s gonna be a doozy of winter for sure! Add to that…should I even mention it? Election! Yikes. Is there any hope at all?

Oh, yes, sweet friend and faithful reader! YES! Absolutely, yes! Of course, the wooly worm, squirrels, and nature may be right on the weather prediction. Most assuredly, the election may not go our way. Many of our needs and wants most likely could go unmet.

However, we have Jesus! He promised never to leave us or forsake us. We know, that we know, that we know He will never, ever leave us or forsake us. He will give us strength to endure, hope for the morrow, and grace to meet the day.

Click here for scripture promises to encourage your daily walk.

As I prepare to leave for our convention and a few days with friends, I wanted to let you know I will be praying for you and your families. I carry my list with me; I keep you in my heart and mind. I trust God to work in your lives and draw you closer to Jesus each day.

I praise God often for you who take the time to listen to my chatter. God’s family is the best. Many of you have suffered great losses this year-through death, health issues, financial problems, and others. Faithfully trusting our Saviour to meet your every need, calm your fears, and put people in your path to encourage and love you.

Trusting, too, that you reach out to others in the same way. Please do let me hear from you with your prayer requests. You encourage my heart!

How Well Do You Listen?

Posted on by
How Well Do You Listen?

Captivated by Every Word – Beautiful

Friends at church, Lorene and little Elizabeth clearly love one another. They know how to communicate; each anxious to hear what the other has to say.

Benjamin Franklin summed it up beautifully. “No one cares what you know until they know that you care!”

Listening involves more than merely hearing.

I am sure your life, like mine, is filled with diversions: cell phones, computers, overloaded work and play schedules, and family responsibilities. Yet, as we make the effort to become better listeners, we benefit others as well as ourselves. You may find, as I have, some of these simple tips are easier said than done!

Your body language can reassure them of your concern.

We can learn from Lorene and Elizabeth.  Smile. Look the person in the eye as they speak. Even as you are busy meeting other pressing needs, you can show sincere care. Pausing for even a very few seconds to look at them directly as you smile or pat a shoulder is a visual sign you care and have their best interests in hand.

Your answers can help others communicate better.

Try to give feedback that encourages further communication. No one wants to hear, “I know how you feel”. A better comment would be, “that must be difficult for you”. Saying “I’m so sorry you feel this way” will often help to win the trust and build confidence.

There is a time to give advice, and a time to wait.

Learn to listen without giving advice. This can be extremely difficult, especially when you think you understand the circumstances. If time is limited, make a note.  Perhaps this is a topic that needs to be addressed at a later time or with others responsible for their well-being.

Learn why certain topics are repeated more than others.

It is so easy to get impatient with repeated conversations. We may turn a deaf ear. Instead, put yourself in the other person’s shoes; consider why these stories might need serious attention. Listen for clues that may help the person, family, or you as a caregiver or friend.

Most people simply want someone to love them; to genuinely care about their needs.

Do not judge the person by what they say. You may not relate to what is said or agree, but you can show the courtesy to listen politely.

Knowing you really care will build trust, help reduce tension, and release emotions. Taking time to listen, even for a few short minutes, will encourage further conversations and can produce life-changing results for all.

We can learn from Jesus who said, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heaven laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me: for I am meek and ye shall find rest for your souls.”   Matthew 11:28-29

Hugs,

The 2nd Edition of MY MOTHER MY CHILD with new Discussion Guides is filled with practical bits of help and encouragement. Friends and family, young and old will find this book a valuable tool in caring for their families and end-of-life matters.

How Wide is Your Friendship Circle?

How Wide is Your Friendship Circle

Some of My Church Friends

“A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” Proverbs 27:9

Yes, friendships do refresh the soul.  My friendship circle includes family, friends from school, workplaces, and church.

However, if not careful, my circle of friends will be only those in my church or community that think as I do. Comfy folk. They will mostly agree with my beliefs and choices in life. Easy, breezy!

To learn more about what the Bible says about friendships, click here.

Because of my stubborn will and Southern Baptist heritage, I have strong convictions on many issues that vary between denominations. A very strict, rural upbringing adds to my opinionated mindset. Over the past few years, God has expanded my friendship circle, and I am eternally grateful.

Each month I meet for brunch or lunch with Evelyn. She and her husband co-pastor an Assembly of God church. Also, I frequently enjoy fellowship with Vicki, a Methodist pastor. I learn from them, I pray they learn from me. We are working to find ways to share Jesus as we meet needs in our communities. We each seek to know and to do God’s will for us as individuals and for our church families. We do not try to ‘convert’ one another to our beliefs. I treasure our prayer times and our friendships.

Every few weeks I meet with Sarah.  She is half my age, and her dress and demeanor are quite worldly. She doesn’t know Jesus as her personal Savior; she has no interest in knowing Him. However, we share some common goals and interests and learn from one another. Sarah knows I pray before meals and often has a request for me to include in my prayer. God is at work in her life.

Being an author and writer, some of my friendship circles include guys and gals who do not have Jesus as their first priority, if at all! Sometimes, the stories they are working on can stir my heart to quietly pray for them. But, here’s the thing. I learn from them. As I get to know them better, I grow in understanding our communities better. Hopefully, I will become not only a better writer but a better person because of their friendships.

So, I have to ask you. How wide is your friendship circle? Are you ready to ask God who He wants you to include? Has he pricked your heart just now with the name or face of one who really, really needs a friend?

Please, pray for me as I continue to grow and seek God’s will in all I do. Praying for you, dear friend is a joy. And, I look forward to the day when you call for that friendship coffee.

Sending hugs and prayers,