A Soft Gesture

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Are your favorite relationships strained at times?  Or maybe a relationship you have with someone is always strained?

It could be with a co-worker, a neighbor, a parent, a spouse, a kid, or even just an acquaintance; maybe a disagreement you had with a clerk or something?

Sometimes talking (or even yelling) things out has gotten you nowhere. 

I would ask you to try a "soft answer" or "soft gesture."

It could be something as simple as a sweet text, a kind note, or maybe bringing someone some fresh flowers or homemade cookies. You fill in the blank of what might be natural for you.

Some people might consider this idea "sweeping the issue under the rug," or maybe people might say "you're getting stomped on."

I call it moving forward in peace.  I call it being the bigger person.  I call it heroic.  It takes a strong, confident person to be unaffected by the disagreement and just reach back after conflict with words or with a gesture of something good.

Maybe pausing for a minute today and thinking about a strained situation or relationship whether slight or large, and responding with a soft word or gesture will take the relationship to a peaceful place.  Ether way, what have you got to lose? 👊

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

— Proverbs 15:1

You Are Growing

After

When We bought our little cottage in Jacksonville, it was pretty much in need of lots of TLC.  Including the yard.  The yard was full of dirt and dirt alone (See "before" photo below).

It was fun to design and landscape.  It's only been about 4 years and you can see how the gardens have taken root and grown into pretty flowers and greenery. It's turned out to be a peaceful and tranquil backyard. 

When I go in my backyard today (pictured above), I forget what it used to look like until I think back or look at an old picture.  I think our lives walking with God our much like this.

We sometimes get discouraged because we know the steps backwards we've taken, but we forget about the steps forward we've taken... And we aren't actually able to see our growth accurately.

But I want to tell you, as you walk with God, walking in wisdom and understanding... you are growing.  Even if you don't notice it yourself.

So don't give up.  Through the spiritual rain and sunshine you are growing.

Maybe you're saying, "Actually I haven't been walking with God in wisdom and understanding, and I've taken my life to the spiritual metaphor of your backyard in the 'before' picture..." Know today you are forgiven and you can move forward.  No need to live in the past and in guilt.

It might seem like there is a lot of dirt in front of you, but just start planting my friend.  You're still breathing which means it's not too late to start now!  You will be surprised at just how fast you begin to see life! 🌱 🌴 🌳

Before

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”

— Proverbs 4:23

From Generation to Generation

3 Generations: Papa Merle, Jon, and Ben Courson

I ran across this great old picture the other day.  I'm guessing it is right around 25 years old. 

One of the things I love about this picture is that it has 3 generations.  And what is so cool is it is 3 generations of men that live and lived their lives walking with God.  And the impact has been a great and beautiful one. 

What's interesting is... Papa Merle came from a tough home life.  Though no one ever heard him speak of it, Jon's mom Mary tells the story that Merle as a young boy had a Dad that was brutal and mean and drove Merle's mom to commit suicide right in front of him.

All that to say, Merle didn't say "this is just the family line I've been given so I'm going to just continue on more of the dreadful same."  Instead, he decided to walk with God in a simple yet beautiful and glorious way.  

He was a kind and loving man with a beautiful smile.  He was giving and thoughtful.  He is now in heaven, and it will be incredible to see him again!

Merle is such a great picture of the fact that one doesn't have to settle for what was handed to them in any area of life. We can instead settle for what God has in store for us, and it's not more evil but rather to usher in God's love and beauty into the world. 

Merle decided to "...Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.  Be kindly affectionate to one another..." Romans 12:9-10. The effect Merle's decision has made on the generations that have followed him is something to marvel at.

“One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare you mighty acts.”

— Psalm 145:4

Go ahead...

Go ahead... and set that phone down every once in a while. 😊

The other day, Jon said to me laughing "If I believed in reincarnation I would want to come back as your iPhone." 😂😭😳

I laughed too, but I did think about that.  Because that came from somewhere.  He maybe sometimes feels like my iPhone gets a bit more attention than I actually give him. 

Now I am exceedingly thankful for my smart phone.  #1 it's smarter than I am.  #2 it allows me to stay in contact with those I love so much. #3 it is a great resource to use to accomplish a lot.  #4 it is wonderful to document life by always having a camera with me, bringing a smile to my face when I see fun pictures I've taken.

BUT, I also don't want to forget to sometimes just lay it down.  It certainly won't hurt anything, and I don't need to fill every minute of my life with it. And on top of that, I absolutely don't want my husband to feel like he is always competing with it! 😉

Maybe this is a simple thing that you can relate to too, that might be helpful for you as well to think about.  Just in case it is... I'm posting it! 👍

“...All things are lawful for me, but I will not be enslaved by anything.”

— 1 Corinthians 6:12

"I Love You"

New Cross Painting - Shop Paintings

Today know that God loves you, precious human.

He created you.  He knows you.  He loves you.

He love YOU!  Yes, YOU!

And remember also, He loves every single other human too. 

We are all loved by GOD!

God is drawing each of us today with His love and His kindness... ❤️

“...I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.”

— Jeremiah 31:3

Follow Me

Steps Jesus Walked (photo available in "shop")

The best way to move forward is to be clear on who we are following. 

Jesus said over and over again, "Follow Me."

As we follow In Jesus' footsteps and walk where He has already cleared the way for us, we go farther faster.  

I love that we know WHO to follow.  Which means we know HOW to walk.  Which means we will end up where we are designed to BE. 

Sometimes we get confused and can worry about the future, but that's where "one step at a time" comes in.  Just take one more step following in Jesus' footsteps! 

I love that we have a present relationship with God.  I can talk and walk with Him.  He is faithful to light the right path.  To empower us to go where we are to go. 

We will end up in a place of saying, "Wow...God... you did above and beyond all I could have asked for or even though!" 

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”

— John 10:27

Sista Love

"One Love!  One Heart! Let's get together and feel all right" 🎶  Bob Marley's tune usually is the soundtrack going on in my head when I'm with these two! 😊

As I've been hanging with Char and Lula throughout this weekend I've been thinking about how much they bring such a fresh scene of easy, carefree, natural, real love!

What a picture it is to see my twin granddaughters connect so beautifully in every way. It's not like they are trying, they just have sister love.  

They inspire me so much to have this sort of carefree beauty of love and natural care.

I believe as we pray in this kind of love, we too receive love  from the One who loves the very most.  There is nothing more impacting than to see big hugs, smiles, warmth, care, and concern from one person to the next.  

Let's impact the earth today with this kind of beauty that is hard to ignore.    

“Let all that you do be done in love.”

— 1 Corinthians 16:14

Our Father and Friend

I love going for walks.  The picture posted here is one of the beautiful vineyards I pass on my walks through Jacksonville.

One of the things I love to do on my walks is talk to my Father in Heaven because He is my Friend.  Jesus is my FRIEND.  We can talk to Him as a Friend.  

He is my most majestic most powerful and amazing Friend in every way , that's for sure!

But He is my Friend.  And He is yours too!  Jesus is your friend!

“...I have called you friends...”

— Jesus (John 15:15)