Colossians 3:12-13 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Dear Kids,
Sometimes it’s necessary to hear hard words. We often fail to see ourselves in a proper light. But God has a way of pointing out our weaknesses. When this happens don’t shy away from the truth but respond appropriately. His reprimands will hurt “so good” and the results will be great blessings in your life.
God Sometimes Speaks Hard Words
A person who reads God’s word regularly may once in a while become uncomfortable. There will always be calming words of encouragement to soothe the frazzled heart and mind, but there will also be times when a strong exhortation will stop you in your tracks. The question then is what are you going to do about it?
It was a long and hot Monday and I just wasn’t feeling the routine beginnings of a new week. I grudgingly dragged myself through the motions while constantly checking the clock for quitting time. Right before five I took a phone call. The particular circumstances of the call stirred up some previous frustrations and I drove home feeling annoyed.
I grabbed my daily devotional book and plopped down in a lawn chair on the porch hoping to read an inspirational passage of Scripture and something to make me feel better about the unreasonable people who were ruffling my feathers.
Forgive Others as God Has Forgiven You
But instead God used the passage of the day to point out my own personal need for an attitude adjustment. He reminded me that His chosen people must always put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. It is our duty to bear with others and forgive them just as God has forgiven us.
This was not what I wanted to hear!
But as the words penetrated my heart I started to think about all the annoying things I do and say. Despite my blind spots and flaws God is always so forgiving and gracious. And I hope that others will also cut me some slack when I grate on their nerves.
God’s Words Demand a Decision
It was decision time! What would I do? Would I shut the book and tune out this pertinent reminder, choosing to cling to my annoyance and frustration? Or would I agree with God, repent, and let the offense go?
It didn’t take too much convincing. I know how I want to be treated despite my flaws. And as God’s child it is my responsibility to treat others accordingly.
Obedience Brings Healing From Hard Words
The uncomfortable feeling dissipated as I let the wrongdoing go and immediately I felt so much better. I had forgiven. I was forgiven. And the previously elusive peace I had desired finally took over. Life was good again.
If you are human, you can be sure you have some blind spots. But take a lesson from me. When God’s word hits you right where you need it most, don’t shy away. Listen to what you need to hear and respond. It will hurt “so good.” You will be much happier. And the result will be great blessings for all!
Love,
Mama
There are some people who just seem to inspire others. Their presence stimulates the desire in those around them to be like them or do what they do. They may possess a special talent that pushes another to work hard to attain success in the same endeavor. Or they may just have a kind and loving personality that awakens an aspiration for the same kind of compassion. These people hold a special type of power. They have the ability to mold those around them and change the world for better or for worse.
Apparently, Dalia’s beautiful white wedding dress captivated this little girl and she wanted to be like her new aunt. So she chose the closest matching outfit she could find and insisted on wearing it, twirling in it, and enjoying the attention she received because of it. Dalia’s beauty, enhanced by her lovely personality, inspired Ruby to be just like her. What a precious role model!
“How did you get your name?” I asked the man standing at my desk. His given name interested me and I was curious as to the origin. He explained he was named after his father because of his father’s birth month. The neighbor and midwife had suggested it. Years later it was passed down to the next generation.
It was the end of an era! Twenty-two years, five children, myriads of smiles and tears . . . This past Thursday our youngest, Abigail Sheridan, graduated from Cedarville High School. It was not at all the typical ceremony and celebration we had anticipated for her graduation day. But thanks to administrators, teachers, friends, and family the day was perfect! My heart was full with the outpouring of support. But my eyes pooled and my throat choked up especially when I saw the crowds lining the street. These spectators of our parade of cars were the icing on the cake. In fact, this parade washed away the rain of disappointment resulting from a 
After all was over our vehicles caravanned back to the street. But the fun was not over yet. Along the final stretch of parking lot to the school’s exit fire trucks and police cars blasted their sirens to bid the class of 2020 a final farewell. Again I was overwhelmed with gratitude to all who worked so hard to make this day special!
of them have. Behind the barn at the edge of the property there sits a line of deciduous and evergreen trees. All of these were planted at the same time. But you would never know it because two remain scrubby and underdeveloped. We have speculated about the cause and have come to the conclusion that something in the soil stunts their growth. In this environment they will never reach their full potential.
Have you ever wanted something so badly that you exerted an all out, heart-and-soul effort to attain it? These kinds of goals are few and far between. They take a tremendous amount of time and effort. But seeking the Lord is a pursuit in which the reward is amazing!