While at camp my heart has been convicted to change my tone and the words I use with my family. I had to ask for their forgiveness and asked for a change in our home. No more sarcasm or discouraging words or tones in our voices. No talking about others that will tear down. We have made it for 1 week and it has been incredible. My heart has been so heavy over the way I so easily use sarcastic remarks to make a point and how it has grieved God. As I am becoming more aware of this in my own life, I've noticed how everyone does this. Why are we afraid to just share how we are really feeling instead of deflecting to a witty, sarcastic remark. Why do we have to all weigh-in on the choices or the actions of others. How about we build one another up and not tear each down, and then say we are joking! It's not funny! Be real and honest! I just want to be more like Christ. Okay, I'll get off my soap box now. So, this is what I'm working on spiritually for the summer: my thoughts, my words and my facial expressions that may say more than I want. Change has to come from my heart!
So, what are you working on spiritually for the summer??
4 comments:
So, very awesome Cindy! We learned to curtail our word much a few years back and could see much difference in a big way, but it is wonderful reminder here to shape it up this summer more and more as I feel we have all slipped a bit from where and what we once practiced.
This summer we are doing a bit of review...i.e. the bad word, summer
school lol!...which doesn't last long really ;) and I believe the Lord is skimming the dross so to speak in many areas within me...hard to explain. I believe this summer is place for me to know that I know that I know exactly where I am suppose to be in every way. It's very exciting really. I am taking a class at church that has been great fellowship and also...amidst making great decisions that shall make or break. I am not concerned much with this long list of "stuff". He's good to handle it should I let go and that I endeavor to do. Love you!
P.S. You go girl...The world was formed on words so they are very important. Now if we perfect this and share with the rest of humanity in these summer months oh the victory in the task! I know you can do it!
I am working on letting God be God and my actions reflect Him. There are too many times that I LABOR to find a new way to pray so I'm more desperate or forceful or yearning or whatever it is, trying to get God to reward me by giving me what I want simply because I make my heart so He can't deny it. This only makes me annoying to myself, probably to Him, and disgustingly desperate...not to mention unrighteous. He hears, whether I think my words are sufficient or not. He knows. He loves. And He works for my good. So I need to learn to do my best, pray hard, let go, and let God be God instead of feeling like I have to find some new, loud way to drag Him into my drama. :)
Tammy, I hope the class your taking will take you into new places with God, no matter how small. Summer school isn't so bad when it's sooo hot outside anyway.
Aidan, Funny how we "think" we drag God into our mess, when He is already there just waiting for us to call out to him to come and help us. There are no special, holy ways that we speak to God. He is your friend and longs for us to spend time with him talking, screaming, yelling, crying or just lying your head on his lap and being still which is my favorite one. Continue to struggle with God in your mess. I love that we are all a mess and need him! Without conflict there is no growth.
Glad to hear that you both are stretching yourself with Him! To God be the Glory!
Mike and I just started in a marraige class with Guy. It's the first marriage bible study we have ever done together and I think it will be so beneficial. Just in the first day, Guy went through 10 rules for a happy marriage and I think I stopped counting when I had broken 3 of them! My goal this summer is to purpose to build up my husband with affirming words. We both get so busy and take so many things for granted. Including how we feel about each other. I need to speak encouraging words to him. Thanks for the challenge, I give it a good try!
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