WORDS...
A single word can have profound impact on a person's life.
Flirt
Hussy
Tramp
Jerk
Creeper
Stalker
Cheat
Loser
They say "talk is cheap."
I beg to differ with them. Talk is anything but cheap! Words can be divisive, harsh, and crush the spirit. What happens when these types of words are spoken isn't "cheap," it's life-altering stuff.
WORDS...can cut life a knife, shatter fragile spirits, take down the strongest of men.
Used simply, used profoundly, used in spite, they can never be taken back and I find that I don't think enough before I speak. I tend to just spew.
In James it talks about the words we use. How they can be constructive and steer but that the tongue is also deceitful and well - just plain mean.
At the age of 13 I was told that I would never amount to anything. I suppose it was because my favorite past time at that point was laying around reading books, but that statement has plagued me ALL of my life. Whenever I want to just sit and relax it plays through my head. Since I have been physically sick and it's affected my productivity, it has severely plagued me.
There was another time in my life when in a fit of anger someone very close to me devastated me. The words spewed from her mouth, quiet and cutting. There was no erasing them from my mind. They cut DEEP. She told me that she would never respect me ever again and it broke me. I was devastated.
Similar stories have come from the young teens I've had the privilege of knowing like A. Her dad told her she was worthless. Or C, whose mom told her life would be so much easier if she wasn't around. And then there was K, her mom screamed at her repeatedly, "I wish you'd never been born." How can this be? How could a mother ever come to feel that way?
I'm so thankful that God isn't like this. That his Word never changes. His Truth remains. And though I am human, I have determined that I need to stop and think before I speak. I need to weigh my words and make sure what I am saying is breathing life and not death. Lately I think I've been breathing death...a lot. The Taylor Swift song..."Why you gotta be so mean?" plays through my head a ton right now because well...I am just that...MEAN. :(
I guess the good thing about realizing that I am a meanie is that it causes me to stop and ponder the state of my heart. Since out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. If what's coming from me is mean and I'm breathing death rather than life - well, then I know I need to stop and consider and work on my heart. Yeah I can blame it on others around me. Yeah I can justify until I'm blue in the face - but that's not going to change the fact that the only person speaking the words is ME.
I have also found that rather than speaking in spite, or verbal vomit, I prefer to turn to humor. Finding humor in something that frustrates helps me to speak life once again. Seeking God's Word of encouragement or as our family puts it, EDIFICATION helps me build others up rather than tearing them down. And a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold. And that's how I truly know talk isn't cheap!
So next time "Why you gotta be so mean" is playing in your mind and you think you're about to blow just take a deep breath and STOP, DROP & ROLL!
STOP what your saying,
DROP the bitter brouhaha, and
ROLL out some sweet words of edification!! :)
Friday, March 29, 2013
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
HOW NOW SHALL WE LIVE?
Has God called us to an existence of redundancy or is there more to living the day-to-day life?
I know that God desires for us to live a life worthy of our calling and we are to "imitate God in everything [we] do because [we] are his dear children." (Ephesians 5:1)
We are to live lives filled with love, following the example of Christ - our Savior who has done so much for us! And yet...we are so consumed with making a living that we forget to LIVE! Or at least I feel like I do sometimes.
Adding to that, I wrestle with my flesh on a daily basis.
"So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead I do what I hate." Romans 8:14-15
I long to be a light, but between wrestling with the flesh and feeling like a foreigner in a strange land...working full time during the day (in an office where I only see about 2-3 of the same people daily) plus some evenings where it's just Sara and I, there's not much time for a life outside of my current existence. And what life I have, I desire to pour into my family which leaves very little left over for strangers.
SO...HOW DO I DO THIS? How do I live a life that touches other peoples lives with His love?
Here's what His word clearly states, "So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what The Lord wants you to do...be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to The Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 5:15-20)
So now I know...
I need to be careful.
Live with wisdom.
Make the most of EVERY opportunity.
Act thoughtfully.
Seek the Lord's direction and what He wants me to do.
Be filled with the Spirit.
Praise God.
Thank God.
All in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, because in order for me to make something of my days I must have His strength, His grace, His wisdom, and His guidance. And to keep from growing arrogant, I must give all the glory to the One who takes my meager attempts and makes them into something amazing!
Practically speaking it could be that I am supposed to go pickup that little outfit for the cashier at the grocery store who just had a baby, or watch for our elderly neighbor who walks downtown even in subzero weather to pickup groceries and his mail every day and give him a ride, or grab a bag of M&Ms and take it to the post mistress who's been having a rough time lately, or make a concentrated effort to get to know my neighbors and begin praying for them regardless of whether or not I do know them.
Whatever the case may be, whatever it looks like. I just pray that I am ready when The Lord lays something on my heart and I am called to act!
I know that God desires for us to live a life worthy of our calling and we are to "imitate God in everything [we] do because [we] are his dear children." (Ephesians 5:1)
We are to live lives filled with love, following the example of Christ - our Savior who has done so much for us! And yet...we are so consumed with making a living that we forget to LIVE! Or at least I feel like I do sometimes.
Adding to that, I wrestle with my flesh on a daily basis.
"So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead I do what I hate." Romans 8:14-15
I long to be a light, but between wrestling with the flesh and feeling like a foreigner in a strange land...working full time during the day (in an office where I only see about 2-3 of the same people daily) plus some evenings where it's just Sara and I, there's not much time for a life outside of my current existence. And what life I have, I desire to pour into my family which leaves very little left over for strangers.
SO...HOW DO I DO THIS? How do I live a life that touches other peoples lives with His love?
Here's what His word clearly states, "So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what The Lord wants you to do...be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to The Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 5:15-20)
So now I know...
I need to be careful.
Live with wisdom.
Make the most of EVERY opportunity.
Act thoughtfully.
Seek the Lord's direction and what He wants me to do.
Be filled with the Spirit.
Praise God.
Thank God.
All in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, because in order for me to make something of my days I must have His strength, His grace, His wisdom, and His guidance. And to keep from growing arrogant, I must give all the glory to the One who takes my meager attempts and makes them into something amazing!
Practically speaking it could be that I am supposed to go pickup that little outfit for the cashier at the grocery store who just had a baby, or watch for our elderly neighbor who walks downtown even in subzero weather to pickup groceries and his mail every day and give him a ride, or grab a bag of M&Ms and take it to the post mistress who's been having a rough time lately, or make a concentrated effort to get to know my neighbors and begin praying for them regardless of whether or not I do know them.
Whatever the case may be, whatever it looks like. I just pray that I am ready when The Lord lays something on my heart and I am called to act!
Saturday, March 2, 2013
21 Year Tribute! Mackenzie Miyoshi - our M&M :)
When Kenzi was born the nurses at the hospital thought her name was too long and shortened it to M&M. They loved her so much we didn't see much of Kenzi while at the hospital because the nurses were always running around with her and loving on her.
Kenzi was lactose intolerant almost from the start - her baby formula was some special stuff that cost 3x what regular formula cost.
At 9 months old Kenzi moved to the mountains of Colorado and came down with the worst case of chicken pox any of our daughters suffered through - but she only had her daddy to care for her b/c her then very career minded mommy was in training for 2 weeks in another state.
Kenzi and her cousin Shelby were born one day apart and have so many similar interests and are both sweet and generous people. They celebrated their first birthday together in Meeker.
Kenzi was always sneaky...there were many occasions where I would walk in to find Kenzi at 6 months up on top of her dresser after pulling her drawers out like stair steps, or in the middle of a pile of trix cereal, or in the living room with a cookie when she was supposed to be in the kitchen or on the step stool at the kitchen sink doing the dishes or flying down the basement stairs Wonder Woman style - at least she landed on my pile of laundry at the bottom - that was one time my laziness paid off.
At 18-months-old she lived on a Buffalo/Cattle ranch. The pet buffalo liked her and she got to ride her. Not many kids can claim they've ridden a buffalo!
Kenzi loved her big sister Bethany - they were best buds and Beth took great care of her - always reading stories to her and cuddling with her on the couch. When Bailey came along Kenzi modeled her sister Bethany and began mothering Bailey - even though they were only 18 months apart.
Kenzi was always pretty gullible. One day Bailey and Kenzi were playing under a table and Kenzi began wailing - after calming down she said that Bailey wanted to play James and the Giant peach and Kenzi pathetically cried, "I was the peach!!!" Apparently Bailey had tried to take a bite out of the peach...
Kenzi was always the little prayer warrior - a couple occasions of her sensitive spirit and prayer warrior's heart included Bailey (then just 18 months so Kenzi 3) cutting her hand on a razor she'd grabbed out of the tub. I couldn't stop the bleeding and was frantic. Kenzi calmly asked me if I'd prayed. I asked her to pray - and in her sweet little voice she asked God to heal Bailey's hand. When I pulled the towel away there was no more blood and no real sign of the cut. Another occasion was in Ft. Morgan, I was very pregnant with Sara - we were walking home from the grocery store and the sky was ominous. I asked Kenzi to pray we make it home safe before the storm broke. She promptly prayed and God held off the crazy weather until we set foot on our porch at home.
Kenzi got to ride in the front seat of an ambulance while Bailey rode in the jump seat and I was strapped to a gurney - after we were in a car accident when I was pregnant with Sara.
Kenzi has a compassionate heart! She loved her Bethy and was so protective of her - when Daryl was trying to get a splinter out of Bethany's hand and Beth was crying - Kenzi was yelling at Daryl, "Don't hurt my Bethy!!!"
Kenzi loves adventure - she was always up for something new or creating something or making her sister's lives an adventure as well. She was there the day Bailey fell in the driveway (when they were roller blading) and busted her chin open and had to have stitches. I'm sure she was freaking out about getting in trouble because Bailey had tripped over the rope Kenzi was pulling her with. Kenzi was also in our ram charger as a little tyke and somehow had wrestled it into gear and was cruising down the street - Daryl had to jump in the driver's side window to rescue our girl - of course she wanted to "do it again!" She was also there when they were swimming in a "no swimming" zone, jumping from a bridge support when the park ranger found them.
Kenzi was a bit accident prone...there are few pictures of Kenzi's first year of life - it wasn't for lack of trying - it was simply the fact that at 9 months, 12 months and 18 months Kenzi had black eyes! All of them due to various mishaps like climbing into the penny car at Safeway, running into a table, etc. This followed her for the first couple years of driving. Fortunately her streak only lasted a couple cars - not like my captain crunch reputation!! (we won't go there!)
She also loved theme parties. The most notorious was the Pirates of the Caribbean party! Always queen of hospitality Kenzi threw the best parties!
She has always been amazing in the kitchen! Kenzi could cook from a very young age and unlike some of us who HAVE to have a recipe and eventually develop cooking skills, Kenzi was born them. She seemed to know just what spices to put together, had a knack for not only baking but making dinner - she became our designated chef when I went back to work full time, taking on that responsibility with her school work. She would make sure we had dinner on the table and it was always amazing! She also mastered cooking a turkey long before I did AND she makes the best pumpkin pie around with the lightest flakiest tastiest crust. I can't even make the crust, let alone the pie!
Kenzi has always been crafty and has hidden skills in the area of woodworking - I believe she's yet to discover just how amazing she is in this realm but someday she will have the tools and she will be able to show us her skills in building things and crafting things that are incredibly beautiful!
Kenzi is good at naming things...mostly her cars! From Archibald (Archie) to Reginald (Reggie) to the newest addition "GUS" - I'm not sure why all of Kenzi's cars are male and mine have always been female (Bertha & Fiona) but her fondness for her cars has always cracked me up.
Kenzi is going to be an awesome mom someday! She has always been a nurturer. She mothers everybody! She is SO compassionate and caring. But with the seriousness that comes with this, she also has a very light and fun heart. She loves to laugh, make people smile, and is full of mischief. This makes for a very fun and lively combination that will blossom into a very fun family and household of her own someday!
It's incredible watching your child grow up and seeing who they have become and who they are becoming! I love watching the Lord transform her heart and shape her into the Godly woman He has called her to be!
I love you Kenzi! May your 21st year be an incredible journey into adulthood!
Kenzi was lactose intolerant almost from the start - her baby formula was some special stuff that cost 3x what regular formula cost.
At 9 months old Kenzi moved to the mountains of Colorado and came down with the worst case of chicken pox any of our daughters suffered through - but she only had her daddy to care for her b/c her then very career minded mommy was in training for 2 weeks in another state.
Kenzi and her cousin Shelby were born one day apart and have so many similar interests and are both sweet and generous people. They celebrated their first birthday together in Meeker.
Kenzi was always sneaky...there were many occasions where I would walk in to find Kenzi at 6 months up on top of her dresser after pulling her drawers out like stair steps, or in the middle of a pile of trix cereal, or in the living room with a cookie when she was supposed to be in the kitchen or on the step stool at the kitchen sink doing the dishes or flying down the basement stairs Wonder Woman style - at least she landed on my pile of laundry at the bottom - that was one time my laziness paid off.
At 18-months-old she lived on a Buffalo/Cattle ranch. The pet buffalo liked her and she got to ride her. Not many kids can claim they've ridden a buffalo!
Kenzi loved her big sister Bethany - they were best buds and Beth took great care of her - always reading stories to her and cuddling with her on the couch. When Bailey came along Kenzi modeled her sister Bethany and began mothering Bailey - even though they were only 18 months apart.
Kenzi was always pretty gullible. One day Bailey and Kenzi were playing under a table and Kenzi began wailing - after calming down she said that Bailey wanted to play James and the Giant peach and Kenzi pathetically cried, "I was the peach!!!" Apparently Bailey had tried to take a bite out of the peach...
Kenzi was always the little prayer warrior - a couple occasions of her sensitive spirit and prayer warrior's heart included Bailey (then just 18 months so Kenzi 3) cutting her hand on a razor she'd grabbed out of the tub. I couldn't stop the bleeding and was frantic. Kenzi calmly asked me if I'd prayed. I asked her to pray - and in her sweet little voice she asked God to heal Bailey's hand. When I pulled the towel away there was no more blood and no real sign of the cut. Another occasion was in Ft. Morgan, I was very pregnant with Sara - we were walking home from the grocery store and the sky was ominous. I asked Kenzi to pray we make it home safe before the storm broke. She promptly prayed and God held off the crazy weather until we set foot on our porch at home.
Kenzi got to ride in the front seat of an ambulance while Bailey rode in the jump seat and I was strapped to a gurney - after we were in a car accident when I was pregnant with Sara.
Kenzi has a compassionate heart! She loved her Bethy and was so protective of her - when Daryl was trying to get a splinter out of Bethany's hand and Beth was crying - Kenzi was yelling at Daryl, "Don't hurt my Bethy!!!"
Kenzi loves adventure - she was always up for something new or creating something or making her sister's lives an adventure as well. She was there the day Bailey fell in the driveway (when they were roller blading) and busted her chin open and had to have stitches. I'm sure she was freaking out about getting in trouble because Bailey had tripped over the rope Kenzi was pulling her with. Kenzi was also in our ram charger as a little tyke and somehow had wrestled it into gear and was cruising down the street - Daryl had to jump in the driver's side window to rescue our girl - of course she wanted to "do it again!" She was also there when they were swimming in a "no swimming" zone, jumping from a bridge support when the park ranger found them.
Kenzi was a bit accident prone...there are few pictures of Kenzi's first year of life - it wasn't for lack of trying - it was simply the fact that at 9 months, 12 months and 18 months Kenzi had black eyes! All of them due to various mishaps like climbing into the penny car at Safeway, running into a table, etc. This followed her for the first couple years of driving. Fortunately her streak only lasted a couple cars - not like my captain crunch reputation!! (we won't go there!)
She also loved theme parties. The most notorious was the Pirates of the Caribbean party! Always queen of hospitality Kenzi threw the best parties!
She has always been amazing in the kitchen! Kenzi could cook from a very young age and unlike some of us who HAVE to have a recipe and eventually develop cooking skills, Kenzi was born them. She seemed to know just what spices to put together, had a knack for not only baking but making dinner - she became our designated chef when I went back to work full time, taking on that responsibility with her school work. She would make sure we had dinner on the table and it was always amazing! She also mastered cooking a turkey long before I did AND she makes the best pumpkin pie around with the lightest flakiest tastiest crust. I can't even make the crust, let alone the pie!
Kenzi has always been crafty and has hidden skills in the area of woodworking - I believe she's yet to discover just how amazing she is in this realm but someday she will have the tools and she will be able to show us her skills in building things and crafting things that are incredibly beautiful!
Kenzi is good at naming things...mostly her cars! From Archibald (Archie) to Reginald (Reggie) to the newest addition "GUS" - I'm not sure why all of Kenzi's cars are male and mine have always been female (Bertha & Fiona) but her fondness for her cars has always cracked me up.
Kenzi is going to be an awesome mom someday! She has always been a nurturer. She mothers everybody! She is SO compassionate and caring. But with the seriousness that comes with this, she also has a very light and fun heart. She loves to laugh, make people smile, and is full of mischief. This makes for a very fun and lively combination that will blossom into a very fun family and household of her own someday!
It's incredible watching your child grow up and seeing who they have become and who they are becoming! I love watching the Lord transform her heart and shape her into the Godly woman He has called her to be!
I love you Kenzi! May your 21st year be an incredible journey into adulthood!
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