Word of wisdom

Today after our house was shown, I decided to get out some magazines that I have had for a couple of weeks, but never took the time to savor.  The first one was Real Simple.  I believe that is somewhat of a misnomer because many things they promote would not come "real simply" to me.  I did enjoy one article on creativity.  It encouraged us to play and think outside our proverbial boxes.  One thing that I found worthy, was the studies that have proven that dementia and Alzheimer's are kept at bay by creative thinkers.  Well, I am hoping that my creative juices really start flowing.  One of the tactics mentioned was to get on the floor and type, so that a new perspective could be seen and shared.  Please note that I have not moved my laptop to the floor to write this missal.

I moved next to Southern Living.  One of the best articles this month was sharing "mother's wisdom" from several different writers.  Oh, how it put me in touch with some of my early training.  One of my favorite, was that each day one writer asks her children if they have their manners tucked in their pockets.   You see, manners do tell a lot about us; they tell a lot about our values.  I was always taught that beauty is as beauty does; it is only skin deep.  I believe that Proverbs 31 tells it best as the virtuous woman is described. 

Another lesson shared was that courtesy is owed, respect is earned, and love is given.  What would our world and society look like if that were the norm?  Another that spoke to my heart was this "Good manners will often take you where neither money nor education can."  Here it is again...manners.

I am so proud of my daughter, Laura.  She is teaching her daughter (my granddaughter), Elle, to be polite, use good manners, and respect others.  If Elle never learns much else, those values will carry her far.  It is these simple things that create avenues of opportunities for us as doors open to us because we are gentile people.  We are a people that others want to have around.  It all boils down to living "the Golden Rule"...treating others as we wish they would treat us.

So for tonight, I wish you grace and creative ways to share good manners.

A Day Full of Serenity

Today would not be a red letter day to most of you.  Nothing spectacular happened. 

Today was a cherished day for me because I was intentional about the things I did.  This morning started with finishing my homework for James, Mercy Triumphs by Beth Moore.  It led me to read the whole book of James aloud and then write under each block for a corresponding chapter what jumped out at me.  Could it be that the Holy Spirit was telling me what I need to do to improve my life.  I choose to believe this was His message to me.  Therefore, I will endeavor to watch my tongue, love others whole heartedly, show Christ by my actions and service to others....and, most importantly, I will pray fervently without doubting that He is able and willing to answer my prayers.  WHEW!!!

After that, I went and bought groceries...really stuck to my list without a lot of impulse buying.  That is a hard one for me because I am usually trapped by all the enticing end caps with such good bargains that I did not realize we needed.  Most of the time we did not need them.

Then, I relished the time I sat in my swing reading my book club selection, Lost in Shangri La.  It is not a joyful read, but it does impart some WW II history I did not know.  It tell of a plane crash in Dutch New Guinea, and how the survivors fared.  I am about 1/4 of the way through and am still drawn to continue.

The next thing I accomplished was starting back to my work out at Longview Rec Center.  I had left this off way too long.  My blood sugar and weight readings have revealed this to me for a couple of weeks.  Today is the first day to get with the program and take charge of my health once again.  Even though I have been eating properly, without the exercise, it can be futile.

Tonight we get to share a meal with some of our Otter Creek family and help the youth group raise money for a mission trip this summer.  Then I will once again join with my sweet small group to discuss our Beth Moore study.  This is winding down; I have not been able to participate as I had planned with them.  God had other plans for me that took precedence over being there, but I sure am happy that I can be with them again!!!

So, I will close by wishing you days of intentional choices that lead to a serenity for you!