Love. Think. Speak. - Page 10 of 41 - Love first. Think deeply. And finally, Speak. Will you join me?

It’s early on a quiet Saturday morning. My husband and I have enjoyed a 2 day, mountain cabin get-away with dear friends. I’m working on my first cup of coffee, thinking about the travel day ahead. It’s snowed quite a bit the last 24 hours and the roads between here and home will certainly be slow going. I’m also thinking about Trader Joe Cocoa Truffles as I eye the counter top full of snacks we’ve been grazing from.

Have you ever had a Trader Joe Cocoa Truffle? You would know if you had. They are smooth as butter and downright sinful. They are just one of the many calorie packed holiday treats I’ve enjoyed in excess the last 6 weeks.

In no uncertain terms my body is screaming for a post-holiday sugar fast. My mind knows it’s necessary but my heart hates the idea.

Generally speaking, I can stay away from “candy” but a hint of chocolate or icing requires true resolve. I hate that it hurts, but Self Control Really Does Matter.

In reflecting on the holidays, certain situations might highlight some victories and failures in self control. Did you set and stick to a budget for Christmas gifts? Did you continue your fitness routine and eat in moderation? Did you continue to spend some quiet time every day with God? Did you lose your cool when your nephew knocked your grandmother’s relish try off the wall? Looking back over the last 6 weeks, I’ve got some self control work to do in an area or two.

It’s helpful, in my experience, to really approach the thing you’re working on with focus on the final outcome.

I turned 40 this year. I want to be fit at 45. I want to fit into my wedding dress for my 20 year anniversary. At 50, I want to roll on the floor and hike with my grandchildren.

I want to be debt-free, including the mortgage, before long. I don’t want finances to keep me from serving where God calls. I want to be able to home-school our children and volunteer my time and talents alongside my husband in ministry.

I want my extended family to be close. I want my siblings and their families to value our relationships. I want my nieces and nephews, as adults, to reach out and share their successes and struggles. I want them to know that I love them and will be praying for them until my time on Earth is over.

Those end goals are important to me but they aren’t going to magically happen. They will require self control in the present.

Let this serve as fair warning. I’m going to be sugar-free the majority of January and February. Proceed with caution 🙂

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For more from Marea, check out Me and Thee Studios’ faith based leveled readers for 1st-2nd graders at http://www.meandtheestudios.com/early-reader-collection.html

We very explicitly advertise on our signage that our leveled readers are “faith-based”. Several of my conversations about the descriptor “faith-based” have been eye-opening. Not long ago I was at an event and a man, a metal-works vendor, was curious about the “faith-based” nature of our collection. The conversation that followed left me feeling shell-shocked. I walked away convinced more than ever that A Gentle Spirit Really Does Matter.

Harold asked me, “What do you say about the animals Noah took into the ark”? I told him that I simply say, “Noah led many animals into the ark.” Harold was frustrated that I didn’t accurately explain the difference in Genesis 6 and 7 and the 2, male and female, versus the 7 pairs of animals.

I tried to explain that I retold the story of Noah in 78 words for children ages 4-6. I shared that I worded our stories, laboring over every word, to make them 1) scripturally sound while being 2) readable and comprehensible by young children.

He wasn’t satisfied. He pointed his finger in my face and quite literally growled his disgust. He went on to question me about several other sections of scripture, and argued that simplifying The Word for children was unacceptable.

I knew arguing with him was futile. I let him “school me” for several minutes before excusing myself for a quick coffee break.

I’m grateful for the peace and calm The Holy Spirit wrapped me in for that conversation. Harold came back several times over the course of the 2 day event and I (only by the grace of God) was able to visit with him with a smile on my face (though I never let the topic of conversation move beyond the weather and the goodies in the vendor’s lounge).

My encounter with Harold has given me much to think about.

There is certainly a rub for believers. We know that we are to speak Truth. We know that we are not to be lukewarm in the gospel or in our walk with God, but an old adage comes to mind that also rings true. No one cares how much you know ‘til they know how much you care.

I’ve walked away with a simple thought, “Lord, forgive me if I’ve ever used Your Holy Word as a battering tool to “prove” myself superior in my understanding of scripture. If I’ve ever hurt someone in that way, and have carelessly blemished Your name, move in a mighty way to right my wrong.”

Galatians 5:23 – Gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Ephesians 4:2 – Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Philippians 4:5 – Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Colossians 3:12 – Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Before you leave the site, follow my blog (top, right of this post). It’s quick and easy!

For more from Marea, check out Me and Thee Studios’ faith based leveled readers for 1st-2nd graders at http://www.meandtheestudios.com/early-reader-collection.html