Be Nice.

"B" for Be Nice.  :)    Source

Be nice, people.  Seriously, just be nice.

I'm not going into the details, but let's just say I realize how painful senseless gossip can be.  We all do it.  I'm guilty of it, too.  But when the tables were turned, I felt the sting of chit chat that doesn't fall under the THINK category. You know, the

T - is it True?
H - is it Helpful?
I - is it Inspiring?
N - is it Necessary?
K - is it Kind?

Yeah, if you live your life with these five in mind, you'll discover most of the talk talk talking that is done isn't True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary and/or Kind.

It's not like I haven't known this forever. Or written about it here several times... like here and here. So it's not like I am not already aware of how important being nice is... but I still slip and spread gossip like anyone else.  So although I am currently hurting and sad, I'm also understanding that I've hurt others in the past, too.

Yesterday was a rough day - a painful day with emotions running high.  Last night, when I settled down to do my devotion, this is what I read:

"Don't retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you to do, and he will bless you for it" 1 Peter 3:9

Well, there you go.  I felt like I had also acted very inappropriate in being so upset.  So today is a new day and I'm going to do better. I'm asking God to help me do better.  To offer blessings instead of smackdowns. :)

So that's my neck of the woods - what's happening in yours?

Don't forget my birthday wish - check it out here!

Monday Muses.

So what did my mind wander about this weekend?

-- True Love is Beautiful.  I attended a wedding of this couple that are so totally and completely in love. The wedding was So Simple and you know what, it was ten times as beautiful because of it. All you could see was the Bride, the Groom and their Love. They totally glowed with it. And were so gracious in speaking to everyone, so thankful to each person for sharing an afternoon and a lifetime moment with them. Truly, it was beautiful.

-- People who honestly understand God's Blessings amaze me.  A lady who has been seriously sick for 2+ years, in and out of the hospital, lost half of her kidneys, liver, and more - all her reproductive organs - she shared with me how God has blessed her.  She has been in and out of the hospital for years, 22 days, 15 days, you get the picture ... her bills are sky-high. And she's sharing how blessed she is for now understanding how people with serious health issues deal with them. Especially those with children, and she's thankful to understand their struggles now. Wow. She gets it in a way I haven't opened up to yet. I have a lot to learn.

-- Don't kiss off people just because they are leaving your life or you are leaving theirs. Minimize the hard feelings and let it go.  Trust me, there is a strong possibility they'll pop back up at some point and you may regret the actions of the past.  Hmmm... yeah.

So there. That's what I've had ping ponging about in my mind. :)

How was your weekend? In addition to the wedding and working on scrapbooks, I shopped with my sister and Macy and I skipped my 20th high school reunion this weekend.  I kinda felt down for a moment about skipping the reunion, but when I saw they were still up at 6:15 a.m. the next morning, I realized it wasn't a bad thing to miss it at all.  Not many of my old peeps were there, and I don't really share anything with these people anymore. No hard feelings (remember what I just said!) but it's ok I didn't go.  Maybe next time - the 50th or something.

Mondays.

I love this. You can get it here. 

Mondays just aren't the same without my trusty sidekick, Muffin, so I thought I needed to do something new for Mondays.  I'm not sure what it will be yet, but something will come to me. 

I've been struggling lately with how someone "hears" God.  Like - how do you know you are doing what His will is, or that you are on the right path?  How do you listen? 

Sometimes I think I've got it - as is the case with this message that has been hounding me for two weeks now.  I've been tied up in knots, not sleeping, just worrying worrying worrying. About any and everything.  It's driving me crazy. And in several devotionals and random places in my life lately, this is the scripture that keeps popping up.  

Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again; Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksigiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philppians 4:4-7)

I like this one too!! See it here!

Or another translation (just verse 6)

Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God.    

So yes, I think I'm getting the memo.  It all but written in neon lights on my bedroom wall!! HAHA! So, I need to stop worrying so much and have faith that everything is in His hands. So give it up already! It's not like I really have control of any of it anyway. :)

I'm learning, despite having a very hard head. And it makes me feel so much better when I just get the memo.

So there. That's my Monday morning blog.  Ya'll so enjoy your Monday, your week, and I'll see you back here at some point.  :)

Friday's Letters.

Dear Friday, I thought it was Saturday on Wednesday. So for the love of heaven, please be nice to me because obviously this has been a long week.

Dear co-worker peeps, Thanks for going along with the mouse ears, just to be silly for A.  We are really happy for you, A, A, A, & A, that you are heading to Disney World! I hope you have a GREAT time!

Dear Sweet Niece #2, I know teething is driving you insane and I'm sorry. But that doesn't make it OK to throw blocks around the house. Tsk Tsk. You are supposed to be a SWEET niece, remember?  Did you know one year ago (this week) your mama fell down the steps with you in her belly? Yup. She was so scared - ended up breaking her foot. Then you were born one week later!! :) Almost one, baby girl!

Dear Muffin, girl, not only are you putting me in the poor house with vet bills, but you made me cry all day Monday I was so worried about you. I'm glad you are feeling better. Let's work on not spitting your medicine out all over my house, OK? Thanks.

Dear Self, sunscreen is your friend. Especially when you are super sugar white. Maybe you'll remember next time. :)

Dear Sweet Niece #1, Look at you! All grown up, got your braces off and I hear you got contacts this week, too! WHAT! And you'll be heading into SIXTH GRADE! *sigh* I thought growing up wasn't allowed! I'm very proud of you (congrats on your Yellow Belt, too!)

Dear next three weeks, you are SO BUSY, calendar, and I'm thankful for all the great events coming up.  I sincerely hope my body will recognize the need for sleep to survive it all! :)

Go link up with Ashley and enjoy other folks' letters! Fun stuff! :)