I know this sounds strange, but I’m not really one for apologies. It doesn’t mean much if someone says “sorry”… but I know they mean it if they sincerely try to not to do the same thing again. Not that I don’t appreciate an apology, it’s just that it doesn’t mean much if someone continues to do the same thing over and over.
I’m not sure if this has to do with my love language or what, but I think we can all agree talk is cheap. Don’t TELL me something…..SHOW me. I try to make sure I do this. There are a LOT of people who say one thing, but proclaim something completely different with their actions, lifestyle, etc.
I think this is why so many people think Christians and the church is full of hypocrites. Don’t get me wrong. I am FAR FROM PERFECT. I screw up every single day, almost as soon as I wake up in the morning. But you better believe I try my best to make sure my attitude and actions reflect what I say.
If you’re going to talk the talk, WALK THE WALK.
This rings true in so many areas. You can’t be a personal trainer telling people to eat grilled fish and veggies, then go eat cheeseburgers and drink beer. I’m probably not going to trust a hair dresser whose own hair is a hot mess. Probably not very effective for a parent to tell their kid not to do something, then they do it. You can’t be a Christian and then judge everybody, gossip, etc. and expect people to want what you have. You can’t be a financial advisor if your own finances are a wreck. (I know there are exceptions to each of these, but you get my drift. These are just a few examples of why our ACTIONS have to back up our words and beliefs!)
It drives me ABSOLUTELY bonkers when people are negative, constantly complaining, and ungrateful. I have written multiple posts about CHOOSING to focus on the positive in our circumstances and all of our blessings. That is a CHOICE. The reason some people’s lives suck so bad is because they focus on all the negative. I mean REALLY….do we all have a roof over our head? a computer or phone to be reading this on? are we naked? when is the last time you had to skip a meal?? Let’s get serious. We all have LOTS of blessings in our life we can focus on.
Gotta be honest….The last few months have been pretty trying for us. Our house flooded and we were out of our home for over 2 months. We had to deal with the insurance company, which you know is a nightmare. Jon’s transmission went out. We’ve had some family drama. It was the end of a school year, which is always crazy hectic. I’m dealing with some emotions from meeting my biological family this summer. We’ve been in the process of refinancing for a lower interest rate, which means a TON of paperwork. Plus, Jonathan is building a new business and has been working ridiculous hours, so we haven’t been able to spend as much time together as we normally do. We are normally inseparable and do EVERYTHING together….and we both like it that way- we’re best friends.
Yes, a lot of those circumstances are not ideal. So, I had/have a choice. I can dwell on them, whine and complain, feel sorry for myself, etc. OR….I can choose to be JOYFUL through the trials. I think it smarts with every small thing, and if you’re not choosing to focus on the positive in small things, you’re not going to be able to during bigger trials either.
I chose to focus on the positive. At least we have a house- our very own home that we love. It didn’t burn down. And the Lord provided the perfect place for us to stay during those 2 1/2 months. AND now we have new floors, countertops, and paint. At least we both have vehicles, and he was able to catch the transmission issue before it caused him to wreck. And that we have family who allowed us to borrow a vehicle for the 2 weeks it took to get his truck fixed. At least school is out for summer and I have a few months to rejuvenate. At least I have an opportunity to meet my biological family, establish some new relationships, and learn more about my family history. At least we have the option to refinance and rates are killer! At least Jonathan is the MOST HARDWORKING man I have ever met and has an incredible desire to provide for our family. (Seriously, I KNOW what a blessing that is…I have never. ever met another man as driven in this area as my husband is and I am truly thankful for that.)
See how that works? It’s so simple….I chose my perspective on those situations, and I can tell you that I was much better off (along with everyone around me) by remaining optimistic, positive, and continuing to focus on my blessings. Like I said, I am not perfect by any means. I have LOTS of flaws and things God is constantly dealing with me about and revealing to me. But I refuse to let Satan steal my thoughts and joy and take glory away from all that God has blessed me with!! (Have you ever thought of it that way? If you focus on the negative, complain, whine, mope, have pity parties, etc., YOU are CHOOSING and ALLOWING Satan to steal your joy! That’s almost like slapping God in the face.)
I truly feel SO BEYOND blessed!!!! I hear so many people say that, write it on FB, whatever, but when it comes down to it, they sure don’t act that way.
If you’re thankful and grateful, show it. WALK the WALK.
I honestly don’t have much sympathy for people who are “woe is me” when their life is full of blessings. It’s exhausting and mentally draining to be around people like that, and I don’t really enjoy being around those type of people. I try to encourage them as much as I can, but honestly, I try not to be around them if I can help it because I believe in surrounding yourself with people who are going to lift you up and encourage you.
I also believe God POURS out blessings on a joyful heart. He LOVES a joyful giver/believer. Whether you’re giving finances, time, a lending ear, whatever, if you’re doing it for Him, he will bless the snot out of you. I want that. His desire is to give us “exceedingly, abundantly more than we can ask or imagine.” The thing is, He has already given most of us that, and we are missing it.
Have you thought about lately…..”WHAT ARE MY ACTIONS/ATTITUDE SPEAKING TO OTHERS???”
Some of us need to really get it in check, because it’s not lining up with our words.
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