“He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself from calamity.” Proverbs 21:23
The simple message for today is to be careful what your tongue utters. If you watch over what you say you will save yourself from disasters. If you shield your mouth you will prevent yourself from devastation. If you keep safe your tongue you will avoid tribulation. If you preserve your mouth you will free yourself from blows, failures and misfortunes and the like. Speak the word of God and speak positive words over your life daily.
When someone asks you out to dinner, it really means something. Dining with someone means that there is a connection. The connection can be business, personal or spiritual. Great food and good conversation are rewarding when sharing a meal with someone. I personally love fine dining at best, complete with table cloths, extraordinary silverware, glassware, extravagant food choices, an elegant atmosphere and most of all good company. I enjoy spending time with friends in a dining setting. I also enjoy spending time with loved ones from time to time. The most rewarding time to dine is with someone who is in your life who is loyal and who genuinely loves you. It is a time to share the happenings and experiences of life and most importantly hopes and dreams. Dining with that special one should be focused and enjoyable. It’s a great way to decompress, laugh, and have fun. If you have someone to share special moments in dining, take the time to enjoy that person and embrace the intimate experience of sharing a meal and life.
“Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work – this is a Gift.” Ecclesiastes 6:19
“When God allows us to enjoy our work and to gain in a just manner more than we need for our necessities, we must consider that what we have is a gift from God to be used to help others and to advance God’s cause on earth.” (Study notes, NIV)
It is great know that God’s gifts and blessings are available. To be happy in your work is exceptional and definitely a gift from God. Grab a hold to God’s blessings that are in store for you!
Do you really know the people who say they know you? Do you have discernment? Sometimes people are not who they say they are. Take the time to pay attention to those who are attached to you or who are interested in you. It is important to understand that everyone who approaches you for friendship or otherwise has an agenda. It is your responsibility to find out what that agenda is. If that agenda is not anything that benefits you, then you may need to evaluate your situation again. Pay attention and look below every personality surface. Look beyond the mask that people wear and decipher their motives. Make sure you understand that some people really do support you and others are secretly envious of you. You need to know the difference. Your life may depend on it.
Many years ago, I married very young and had children. Eventually I divorced and set out to raise my children with the commitment to be the best mother that I could be. Those stages in my life were not easy but we made it through. The best part of that time in my life was being a mom. But each stage of my life now is exciting and filled with wonderful experiences as well as challenges. The stage of my life at this moment is particularly magnificent. Being single again, well established in my career, and with the kids all grown and on their own, life has an interesting flavor and I love it. I really miss being an “everyday mom” and sometimes I find myself looking for opportunities to play that role again with them. But I have learned to “embrace the space” that I am in and to make the best of it. I can travel more frequently and participate in activities that I didn’t have time for previously. Being “single-single” means that I am not married and I do not have children at home. So, I do not have the responsibility of being a wife and everyday mom. That makes me single twice over. Of course, this is my definition and my perspective. I feel that I have earned this great space in my life. With God’s help I was able to raise three daughters practically alone, earn two college degrees, travel as a performing and studio musician for over 10 years, with appearances on national television with song writing credentials, enjoy the privilege of being a cast/family member on a reality show with Bravo TV, and serve as a high school educator for over two decades.
My busy life sometimes limits time for a social life, but dating is still included in being single-single. However, dating does not tie me down and I’m free to explore the world of culture, writing, music and other interests. Having the freedom to make spontaneous decisions without having to ask or consult anyone is one of the best perks. I can share my time as I please, I don’t have to cook dinner for anyone, I can eat out as much as I want to, catch a dinner show at a whim, attend festivals, go on vacations and get-a-ways more than once a year and many other options. However, having total freedom is the reward for being dedicated and I feel blessed to experience this stage with so much joy. If you are single or single-single, embrace your space and enjoy your life. Make the best of it, create and enjoy new opportunities. But by all means consider yourself blessed!
“And we know that all things work together for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
One of the hardest concepts for me to grasp is the fact that challenges and obstacles in one’s life are included in the scripture above. To know that all things work together for the good of them who love the Lord is really saying a lot. It is sometimes difficult to comprehend how losing a loved one, a job, a wonderful opportunity, enduring sickness and hardship or any other negative situation could work together for our good. But when looking at the situations closely, we will find that in some way these challenges are teaching us things like patience, perseverance and faith to name a few. Think about some of the challenges that you have endured. Take a close examination of what you could have learned from it. Most likely there is something that the Lord was trying to show you. Most of us probably do not like learning lessons through challenges. But it all works together for our good. Be encouraged today.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!” Luke 12:22-28
What a relief to know that we do not have to worry about such things in our lives. God will take care of us even more so because he takes care of the birds and the lilies in the fields. As we continue to trust God and allow him to be our provider, we might as well sit back and bask in the protection and provision of God!
Today, as I was standing in line at Publix to order a Sub, a beautiful elderly woman was in front of me trying to place her order. Because she was in a “Sitting Shopping Cart,” she was not able to see the Deli Technician. As both ladies were trying to see each and practically shouting over the large salad and meat service case with no communication success, I decided to offer my help. I leaned over and asked the lady what kind of sandwich she wanted and what she wanted on it. I relayed the message to the Deli Technician who was practically hidden behind the deli service case. Meanwhile, there was a long line behind us and some of the people waiting in line became slightly irritable. As the technician continued to prepare the elderly woman’s sandwich, I asked the elderly lady her name. She said her name was Mary. She wanted me to place her order as an Ultimate whole Sub on Multi-Grain Bread, all veggies, garlic pickles and all peppers, including Jalapenos with Mayonnaise and spicy mustard.
I noticed that Mary was sketching a photo on an index card. The sketch looked just like me. I said, “Mary, is that a drawing of me?” She said, “Yes, it is. I appreciate you for helping me to place my order today. I want to leave this with you.”
Mary sketched this drawing of me while I ordered her sandwich for her. She told me that she was an artist and she was a writer for a News Paper. I feel so privileged to have met her today!
I thanked her and gave her my business card. I told her that I have a blog and would like permission to post a blog about this. She became so excited and exclaimed, “I’m gonna be famous!” I looked at her and said, “Well, over 50 countries log on everyday. If that is what being famous is, then your debut is tomorrow!”
I told her that it will be posted by morning and that all she had to do was to type in the website off of my business card. I had never seen such a more beautiful smile. She lit up like a Christmas tree. By this time, the Deli technician had completed preparing the sub and she handed it to me to give to Mary. I turned around and looked at the people in the line. They all were smiling and a few placed their hands over their hearts as if to say that this was such a heartwarming moment. Mary thanked me over and over and rode off with excitement.
There is nothing like being nice to people and helping them. I made a new friend today. Take the opportunity to help someone if possible. Kindness is always a win-win situation. It feels great to help others and it is such a blessing to give. Today was a great day! Until the next post, keep being nice and kind to others. Kindness always wins.
When life gets tough, find the courage to move forward. Living your life will involve facing challenges and also facing triumphs. Regardless of what you are facing, take charge, be courageous and face all things with grace. Find your face and live great.
It is much easier to accomplish your goals if you collaborate with like-minded people. No man is an island. We all need someone to help us with our aspirations. Sometimes all is needed is a kind word or deed. Learn how to encourage, uplift, and celebrate people who are in your corner. Learn how to work together.
