Private prayers

They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them, who said, “The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter. ” (Luke 24:32-34 NLT)

I am so thankful for a great family and wondeful group of Christian friends. On Monday, I posted on social media the need for prayers for a personal, private matter. Over 80 people either commented or liked the post. I am thankful for those prayers and continue to need them. I am also thankful for those not asking why. Sometimes prayer requests can turn into nothing more than a gossip session. Every one of my friends respected my privacy and just prayed. I ask you to continue to respect that. When and if you see me, it's ok to acknowledge you are praying for me. Please leave it at that. Don't gossip, avoid speculation, but fervently pray for guidance, discernment, and the glory of God revealed through this situation.

I love all of my faithful brothers and sisters in Christ. Please sincerely pray. I love my Lord even through the tough hurdles in life. I have faith in him through all things. If the Lord chooses to teach me through fire and trials, I accept it because he has been faithful throughout my 54 years of life! I know his power. I have seen it. It has been a big part of my life. Praise God for his undying love, his wonderful grace, and magnificent mercy in my life!

Shh, someone's listening!

Whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be shouted from the housetops for all to hear! (Luke 12:3 NLT)

Be careful what you say! It has been many years since I've had young kids in my house on a daily basis. I remember always having to be careful what you said. Even today, I have to be cautious when talking in front of my grand kids. I love some of the stories I hear from my daughters about things there kids repeat. When you speak, they ARE listening.   

God is also listening. Even when we are quietly in our private homes, God knows what I'm saying. He knows if I'm saying things that at positive and uplifting or gossip and cutting. It really shouldn't matter where I'm at, the standard does not change with location. I should not change how I speak in the "dark" vs how I speak in the "light".

Dea Lord, may my words be your words. May I speak your truth in both the light and the dark. May I always be speak the truth, speak of your love, and speak your grace throughout my entire day. Thank you Lord for your love and mercy. I love you and am blessed by you! Amen!

No more Monday Morning Quarterbacking!

Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs. (Proverbs 10:12 NIV)

It's been a long few days as we start another school year. I've been working late and getting up early, putting in 16 hour days between school and working at home getting ready for the next day and adjusting curriculum for new students, etc. I think only teachers can appreciate the first couple weeks at school. It makes the floor of the New Yprk Stock Exchange seem like a peaceful walk on a quiet beach! 

But, I love the start of school. Everyone has pretty good attitudes. We haven't developed a dull routine and everything is fresh and new. Even the teachers lounge is a positive place. 

I have made a goal of completely avoiding negative people this year. People that hate everything and everyone about life drag others down and I won't be a part of it. I will respond to Gossip, he-said-she-said talk, and bad mouthing teachers and students by TURNING AND WALKING AWAY. I've never been more serious about any goal. Monday morning Quareterbacks don't just criticize on Monday morning, it happens every day in schools, businesses, and homes. Not me!

Will you join me, we can stamp out hate and negativity if more people just do the same. Stop it, walk away, don't feed in to the hate!