Chapter 6- My Blessing

Well, I might as well have highlighted this whole chapter. Between everything I agreed with and everything I needed to learn. There is a lot of bright yellow in this chapter :)

The gift....of listening. Opening our ears and shutting our mouths. My husband and I have talked about this through the years, especially when I was working as a nurse and the first few years of marriage. I was stressed! And Eric was who I talked and complained to. You could tell he was uncomfortable and really didn't have the right words to say, which irritated me even more. So one day he said, but I can't fix it. And I told him, I didn't want it fixed I just wanted him to listen. Because when I was talking I was trying to fix it and figure it out in my own mind. I didn't need him to add to the commotion in my head. So now....he listens :)

I feel like I'm very much a great listener. But the older I get the more experience I have through different situations, I feel like I need to vocalize that. And now I need to tell myself. Shut up! Listen and when the time is right and they ask for my opinion. Then talk.

Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. Proverbs 10:19

So much wisdom in that verse! With wisdom of keeping your mouth shut, comes humility in my eyes. You don't always have to be right, or have the bigger story or have all the answers. Many times people aren't looking for answers. They are looking for guidance and love through your eyes. Eye contact makes anyone know you are showing love and respect to them. You are wise beyond your years when you can give anyone that feeling. This includes your children, husband and friends.... "So the blessing of silence. May we learn it, love it, and live it according to it"....

So, let's end this chapter by thinking and understanding. The greatest gift and the hardest gift for us as women are one in the same. The gift of listening. We know how to talk fast and loud ;) but hold that tongue! Humble yourself and listen. Not listen to always be ready to give an opinion. But listen because people need that love and respect. You will be surprised how you will feel once you have gotten to that point. And you will be surprised at those peoples reactions to you!

Chapter 5- My Best

Have you realized your "life plate" is so full of responsibilities that you can't put your all into every space? Isn't that just daunting to think about?
Of course it has taken me many years to figure out how full I want my "plate", and how to keep it organized in my life. Then life changes and you have to reprioritize again. It's a constant battle!
When I start a project I want to be 100% in. When I'm in a friendship I'm 100% in. When doing anything I want to be 100% in. But when I'm fighting life. I cant be in 100%, mentally, physically, or spiritually. I'm not focused. That drives me crazy!

"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God's glory." (I Corinthians 10:31)

Once in a while a friends talent stands out. And I think, why aren't I doing that? Or... I could teach myself to do that! Then I think how the heck would I be able to add that to my day, or my life. Everyone has a talent that is God given them! Whether it's meal making, being a full time mother, a people person, a sewer, teaching, cake maker, ect....and there are days I want all those talents :) but that is the perfectionist coming out of me...No matter what I would like to do or be, I can't do everything and spread myself to thin. That includes what I want to be involved in with church, family, and friends. I want to give my all and then say "Good Job!" to myself. So saying all that. I want to add. Don't save your best for later. Bring your best. All your gifts, skills, talents, and abilities for his glory. Not for anyone to notice. But for you to notice and enjoy that feeling. How I feel......God blesses those who bless others!!