In any relationship – family, friend, spouse, work comrade, community partnership – wouldn’t you agree you’d rather see action than hear a bunch of words? Not that words aren’t meaningful. In fact, they can be encouraging and uplifting. Nevertheless, there’s no doubt that action is better than words.
Today’s agenda – Scriptures that explore this idea.
Once-in-awhile, you wonder what really matters in life. Frankly, I believe thinking, speaking, and behavior matters – in every relationship:
Parent-child.
Without being well-thought, well-spoken, and well-behaved, relationships can be compromised – even shallow. Sadly, they can become destructive.
Conversely, when a person thinks carefully, their speaking and behavior becomes meaningful. Additionally, this benefits everyone around them.
Interestingly, thinking, speaking, and behavior matters even globally. Let’s explore.
To engage life fully, you need to be “all-in.” Consider: have you ever looked at a lamp that blinks off and on? First, you suspect a lightbulb. So, you unscrew it and (to test it) screw it into another lamp. It works! Your mind scans possibilities. Could this be poor wiring inside the lamp? Or the cord. As you follow the cord to the wall, suddenly, you see it. The plug is only half plugged-in. To work, you know it needs to be all-in.
If you are reading this at the beginning of your day, you have no idea how today will look. If it’s the end of your day, you might be pleased – or rather disappointed – depending on how things went. So often, life does not meet people’s expectations. Many times, you must make allowances and adjustments. Especially, when things don’t go well.
Before we start with “Always Say Yes,” I want to tell you about an Easter devotional – FREE – to use this week. This tool gives you 2 pages for each day that feature:
If you follow us on your favorite podcast app, you’ll get the audio episodes of the same content in your feed. So, you can have a visual and audio version to Prepare For Easter.
Click here to get your free copy.
Right now, I’m thinking of the late Queen Elizabeth II of England. One thing I remember and admire about her is how she always carried herself. Without doubt, she portrayed quality character, even in difficulties. Matter of fact, as I followed her life and conduct, I witnessed how she portrayed her position of privilege.
How does a discussion about privilege apply to you? Let’s explore together.
Once-in-awhile, a burner on my stovetop “goes nova!” Unexplainably, it just gets super hot. Interestingly, it even glows! Needless to say, that makes it challenging to cook. As I ponder that frustrating phenomenon, I find myself reflecting about when life heats up and “goes nova!”
When life heats up, you must –
Have you ever gone nova?
Think for a minute. What is your most valuable and effective daily resource? In fact, what are your top two tools you rely on most to effectively navigate your day? Your phone? Car? Washer and dryer? Backyard grill? To-do list? Cup of coffee? Bread machine? Google maps? What if I told you about two powerful tools that help you navigate the territory of your soul each day? Interestingly, that’s where the power of 2 little verses comes in.
Let’s explore.
The first article this year was “Start This Year Well.” We explored 10 great action points. January is almost over, and some of the emotional energy of starting a new year is wearing off. So, we ask the question – how can you live well this year? The entire year!
Afterall, it’s an on-going question.
When you think of “refreshing and rare,” who comes to your mind? What character qualities define this person? I’m guessing they are courageous, personable, persevering. Further, I imagine they are kind and gentle, as well as strong and honest. Most of all, the person who comes to your mind probably lives with hope.
As you enter this next year, you need hope, too. The next 12 months provide opportunity to manage, enjoy, and problem-solve in your life. Thankfully, God provides refreshing and rare hope for every day.
