carolmj's Journal

It's a while since I've shared what I use to call my morning eyeopeners......it began to feel kinda "preachy" and I know  that no one wants nor needs to be preached at!  But every once in a while I still come across something that I find helps me to be the kind of person I truly want to be..........they go into my 'keeper' file, (not the one for jokes, another one!) When they make it into my 'keeper' file it just becomes hard NOT to share them!

So here is one that had my name on it today, I pray that it blesses you also!

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"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so
that you may know how to answer everyone." (Colossians 4:6)(NIV).
"How are you?" is a question I often dread. Some people truly want to
know, and can relate to what we're feeling. But there are so many well
intentioned "others"- those who care, but may not really want to or
need to hear our painful answer.
I'm finally beginning to ask myself, "Do they really want to know?"
before I respond. What will happen, I wonder, if I respond, "I'm
having quite a painful day and I'm terribly emotional,"? Will I
receive well-meaning advice? Will they stumble over their sympathies,
or will there be that long, pregnant pause, because they just won't
know what to say?
Colossians 4:6 tells us that our speech should always be "full of
grace." Another Bible version I use reads "pleasant, gracious and
winsome." I wonder, what can I possibly say that is pleasant when I'm
truly feeling rotten? What words can I offer that are seasoned like
salt, flavorful enough that one would want to feast on them, or relish
them like a favorite dessert?
Our words have an impact on others, so perhaps we need to think of our
response as an opportunity. Can we, despite how we're feeling, bless,
encourage, love, and make them feel warm inside? Perhaps, we can
express thanks and indicate how much their caring means. Or perhaps we
can share our love for Jesus and the strength He gives us as He helps
us persevere each day.
Yes, our physical feelings would then remain unsaid, or be said less
frequently. But thankfully we know that we can bear all to our Lord
and Savior and He will listen, and truly understand, care and comfort
us, better than any other human ever could!
Beloved, we have an opportunity at hand! Boy, I know I've got some
changes to make in this area! With the Holy Spirit's guidance, we can
serve the best tasting words to others.
Prayer: "Dear Lord, when we're feeling burdened by pain and illness,
we know You understand. Help us then to know how to speak to others,
to build them up and share Your love, despite how we're feeling."
____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _
Doris Farley experiences chronic pain that began after an accident.
Her circumstances have led to an unexpected, life-changing spiritual
journey that has renewed her commitment to our Lord. She thanks God
for reaching her and prays that He will reach you also, through the
words He gives her to write for you. You may write to her at
dorisfarley@ aol.com