Say what you mean... mean what you say....

Exultations of Adoration...

There is no effect more disproportionate to its cause
than the happiness bestowed by a small compliment.  ~Robert Brault

 KB has always been a very empathetic, thoughtful little person.... but lately, she has become very complimentary, as well.  Everywhere we go.... every person we meet... she has something- at least one thing - that she "likes" about the person.  From their dress to their shoes... their earrings to their nails... their eyes to their hair.... . to  their skills - like [music] playing...  She always seems to know just how to bring a smile to a person's face!  And I smile, because after all, everyone needs a little adoration every once in a while... :)

Mark Twain once said: "I can live for two months on a good compliment." ~ And I like to think that people all over, are living even a smidgen happier lives... all because of one little girl's attentiveness to detail...  her big, sincere heart... and her kind, compassionate & loving words! ~  I am so proud of her!!

Mensiversary....

We realized at dinner tonight, that yesterday was our 59th wedding mensiversary!! <3
(and they day before, was KB's 31st [birthday] mensiversary!!) -  LoL!

Happy 2010

As I sit here thinking about the new year that's quickly approaching us,  as well as of the beautiful messages we heard at church, last night -- Let's make the new year one of Separation [unto God], Service, & Stewardship -- this song seems to be perfectly fitted for the theme -  as a prayer on my heart, if you will... 

Obedience

"Mommy, obey.... obey, mommy!" - the words I heard from my two year old, when I didn't do something, the way she thought/told me I should. :-) Hey, at least she's starting to grasp the concept.- haha - Never a dull moment... :-P

KB-isms...

KB's vocabulary is really blossoming lately.... and I wanted to document some of her [most used] phrases - for posterity sake, if nothing else...

What did you say?

"Watch what you say: for you never know who is listening."

I know, I know... it's one thing to say... it's another, to actually do. Matter of fact, it's can even be quite easy to emulate & adhere to, when you are out & about under other people's watchful eye.... But what about when you're at home? It is said: "Character is what we do when no one is watching." - Do your attitudes & character differ between one or the other, just because "no one" is watching? Do you treat your children, spouse, parents, siblings with the same respect at home as you do when you're not. Just something to think about....

Today I had this lesson happen to me first hand....

and boy what a wakeup call that was!

As KB and I settle in to eat lunch, I suddenly notice my phone's display blinking. "That's odd!" I think to myself.... so I set in to do some investigative work. Then it hits me! about 5 mins 7 secs previous, KB had been holding my phone... and in pressing buttons, apparently called someone in my contacts. Then I started thinking... what did that person hear in those 5+ mins? Sometime in there, may have been when KB was begging me a bite of lunch.... as I tried to stall her until the food cooled down, did I let myself get at all irritated towards her? Did B ask me anything during that time? How was my attitude with him? Wow.... though I know the person on the other line is a very understanding & forgiving person (thankfully!)... the sudden realization of what was & (even worse), could have been heard, was very humbling...

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer." ~ Psalms 19:14

My New-Week Resolution...

One typically uses New Years to make advantageous commitments about lifestyle choices, the reforming of habits, etc. But since New Years in another 4 months off, yet... I am going to make a New-Week resolution....

Taming the tongue...

Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand wherein I have erred. ~ Job 6:24

The tongue is a powerful tool which can be used to greatly bless, or completely ravage those we love most. Yet despite it's power, many never learn to control it. I have come to realize that interrupting is an area of controlling the tongue where I really struggle.

The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right place but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment. ~Dorothy Nevill

We've all been there - it's super annoying. You're in the middle of talking, sharing a thought.... when all of the sudden someone interrupts you. And while their input maybe good and/or relevant to the conversation, you wonder... couldn't they have waited until I was done?

A wise person once said "Foolishness always results when the tongue outraces the brain."

We must remember our tongues [words] display who we are…..the true us… our character. Words build our reputation, and prestige.... they are a window into our souls.

The difference between a smart man and a wise man is that a smart man knows what to say, a wise man knows whether or not to say it. ~Frank M. Garafola

So my resolution... ask the Lord daily, to help me tame my tongue.

"Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord, keep watch over the door of my lips" ~ Psalm 141:3

"When you write, you give your readers a chance to look into the inner workings of your mind and heart. The act of putting thoughts on a page forces you to evaluate your ideas more objectively than when you merely think about them. For that reason, creative writing is the sweetest agony known to man."

- Howard G. Hendricks