MEAN WHAT YOU SAY!

The average woman speaks about 20,000 words a day. Now we can be proud to add to that by texting or e-mailing. We may not be saying anything but we are communicating which is what we do best. Men on the other hand, speak only about 5,000 words a day and that's if there isn't a good sporting event on TV. So, that being the case, we have an awesome opportunity to speak life to those around us. We are so used to saying things because they are a habit or we want to fit in with the crowd. Move over Oprah, we are about to make a mark in this world. We are so easily influenced by what we watch, listen to, and what we let be a part of our lives. Well ladies, WE'VE GOT A NEW ATTITUDE! On purpose, we need to stop and think about what we say and start saying what we mean. For instance, if you are watching what you eat, don't talk about how fat you are. You need to wake up everyday and say I am in good health, physically, emotionally, and mentally. Pretty soon your flesh will get tired of hearing it and get in line with your words. Also for all of us parents, if your kids haven't caused you to have a meltdown, they will. But we are going to chose to speak over them that they are happy, healthy, and successful all the days of their lives. How about Monday morning when you're driving to that job that may not have been your first choice. That's right, we're going to say that we love our job and expect promotion. Look around you everyday and see who you can speak words of encouragement to. If you don't need this word, I do. I need therapy for my tongue. I think there is something to this and we need start today. I speak blessing over each of you precious ladies and grace to starting saying what you mean. The word says that the power of life and death are in the tongue. Speak life into your situations and watch God pour out blessings that you cannot contain.

TICKLE YOUR FUNNY BONE

Bumper sticker: Cheer up! Someday you'll be dead. How many of us are living our lives this way? I grant you, if you concentrate on what is going on in the world today, it may be easy to adopt that mindset. I got a vision of the game of operation and everybodys funny bone was missing. If you are alive you know the game and how it works. Although we know that it is an odd name for a bone, when hit, is anything but funny. It will get your attention and take your mind off of anything else that may be happening at the moment. Are you getting the point? Laughter is the same way. It spreads chemicals through your body that can lift your spirits in an instance. So much for my medical terminology, but even doctors will tell you that at least one (or many more) belly laughs a day is good for your health. If you are convinced that you have nothing to laugh about, here are a few suggestions. Get some old photos out or yearbooks and look at when you thought you looked hot with your hair three feet high and sporting the lastest fashion. Watch some old home videos that at the time didn't seem so funny but years have a way of letting you see things in a different light. Try doing some of the things that used to come easy to you. I tried doing a somersault one time and thought I would have to be in traction for the rest of my life. Try to remember what made you laugh the longest, hardest, and loudest and bring those things back into your life. Instead of letting our minds get clouded with everyday life, try to put happy thoughts in on purpose. We all have a memory that if you just think about it will bring a smile to your face. I have to share mine because I can't think about it without laughing. My grandma, God rest her soul, was using the restroom and the entire toilet fell over sending a gush of water toward the ceiling. We didn't know what had happened and she wouldn't let us in because her pants were still down. She was fine but needless to say she was the hit of the family reunion. Along with precious memories let's make new ones for others to charish throughout the years. If you see someone that needs a smile, give them one of yours. If you can't seem to achieve this on your own, help is on the way. The word says that God will fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. Our father wants us to be happy. Just ask him and He'll put a smile on your face that has to be surgically removed.

OLD OR OPINIONATED

If you are over 30, you can relate to this: HELP ME, I'M TURNING INTO MY PARENTS! There seems to be an old tradition that needs a little tweeking. We need to try to stand in the gap, the generational gap, that is. Now I must admit that I am annoyed by some younger people but I'm really trying to remember what it was like to be there age. Anyone below 20 qualifies. I was spiritually spanked the other day and decided to try to adopt a new mindset. I don't pretend to understand all the abbreviations, hair colors, clothing styles, etc. But this is what I plan to do. I am going to get involved with our young people and be the best mentor I can. This is going to take time, prayer, and dedication but our youth are worth it. The first thing we need to do is listen. It is so easy to form an adult decision based on what is important to us. When you've worked all day, ran errands, and come home to cook, I know the last thing on your mind is what Susie said about Jane and it got back to her. Come on, you all know the drama we went through. But now that we are mature adults and have it all together (well maybe not) we can only think we wish we had such serious problems. If all we do is bark at the up and coming generation, we are pushing them to find a place to be accepted. Rules without relationship equal rebellion. What I'm not saying is let them do whatever they want. Our biggest problem today is our society is make them happy oriented instead of spending time with them. For instance instead of yelling at them for texting, share with them when it is appropriate to text and when it is not. Let's face it, our children have alot more outside influences then we did. Technology is wonderful but it will never take the place of a kind word, a big hug, or a comment of encouragement. If they are your children, know what they are doing and who there friends are. Keep the door of communication open. My son said he was going to nominate me for the World's Strictist Parent but we talked and laughed because I explained to him that I love him and I want to know what is going on in his life. I think it would be an honor to be nominated for that award. I'm not a perfect parent or even close but I'm learning as I go. Even if you don't have children at home, there are plenty of programs that you can volunteer to make a difference in someone's life. You don't have to look far because they are your neighbors, coworkers, clerks, and waitresses. Someone is looking up to you and needs your advice and leadership. The word says do we have eyes but fail to see and ears but fail to hear. Let's open our eyes, ears, and hearts and make a deposit that we can never withdraw.

YOU ARE PRICELESS

Do you know how special you are? In our busy lives sometimes words go unspoken by the people we charish the most. Or maybe things have been said to us that are stored in our mind that are not true. We are about to get a confidence booster. If we count on other people to make us happy, we'll be very disappointed. So let's turn the tide on this thing. Write down or take inventory of the lives that you touch. Imagine who has been touched by your smile, your hugs, your kind words, and the things that make you who you are. Sometimes we feel like we do alot of giving and don't get much back. Well, my friend in someone's eyes you are everything. You may never know this side of heaven how you changed someone's life. Our "All About Me" society wants us to think that we're just here to make it through life the best we can. News Flash: you are where you are and an influence to the people around you because you have something they need. It's time for us to take the bull by the horns and intentionally be a blessing to those around us. We experience things in life, good and bad, so that we can help others through what they face. I don't know about you, but I don't want my bad experiences to be in vain if I can help someone else either avoid or walk through the same situation. Also, sharing wonderful moments can be so much fun. For instance, empty nesters can share the hopes and fears of that transition. Being a grandparent can only be shared with those that have held a grandchild. Love your spouse, hug your children, call your siblings, and honor your parents. I think the people that get to be around you are pretty lucky. So stand up straight, throw your shoulders back and grab your destiny with both hands. The only thing you can guarantee to be eternal are those God has entrusted you with. The word says that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. There is only one you. I see the handprint of God on all of us. Go display His glory through you!

STEP IT UP A NOTCH

Last Sunday our pastor used a very interesting formula to show us a basic principle. Information + application = TRANSFORMATION. In my last blog I mentioned that God was calling his ladies to a higher level. This may not be our favorite subject but we knew it was coming. He wants to see us walk in divine health (physically, spiritually, and emotionally). This is what I am NOT saying: DIET! We all hate the (d) word anyway. I have removed it from my vocabulary and I suggest that you do the same thing. What I am saying is, we as woman need a step-up. If we don't feel good physically, then it is harder to achieve the other two. We have all kinds of information on health and fitness. Basically too much and that's why we are constantly searching for the perfect plan. Well, good news my friend. We are all different and God has a unique plan for each of us. Most of us fail because we try to build Rome in a day. How many of us have done the Monday diet. You know where you eat everything you can over the weekend and then plan to become this health nut on Monday. Let me give you some freedom. In order to maintain a healthy change, it has to be a process. It can take months unless Jesus comes back and then we won't care anyway. Here are a few suggestions that I think might help. If you drink 3 sodas (south) pop (I'm a yankee at heart) a day for a week cut down to two. Fill in your own amounts. Water is to the body like oil is to your car. The next week, you can maybe replace a candy bar with an apple. I know this sounds ridiculous but I've prayed and this is what I've heard. It's God's information for us to apply for our transformation. It may take a while but eventually you will begin to see a lifestyle change. If you do it all at once, your body will demand brownies and Krispy Kreme donuts even more. Our flesh is really pretty stupid, it only knows to want what we give it. Too much sugar is like putting dirt in your gas tank. Along with some minor adjustments in our menus, how about a little movement. If you'll notice, I did not use the (e) word. I knew I would lose some people there. Start out small and increase in time. For instance if you have an office job and you get sleepy in the afternoon, go to the restroom, stretch and do a few more squats after you squat on the toilet. I know I'm being a little personal here but we're all ladies and we're all in the same boat. I don't care if you're a size 5, if you're not in good health. This is not about weight, it's about taking back what has been stolen from us. We need balance in everything because the word says the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Let's give him a swift kick in the teeth. I wish you blessings on your transformation.