Friends and Living Out Loud

When people behave in a way that we do not understand, we are quick to put up our defenses or to look upon them with mistrust and fear (often masked by anger). Truly, this does not serve us.

1 Corinthians 13 is commonly referred to as the “love chapter” and verses 4 through 8a encourage us to/defines love as follows: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy. It does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

The best way to live according to psychologists and John 17 is wide open… let your truth be known and live it out loud. If someone calls into question who you are… talk it out. Often we hit a bump in a friendship or other relationship and assume we know motives, intentions and even feelings based upon our own reactions/actions in the same situation. We fail to remember that everyone is stuck with living their own truth; scars, wounds, bandages, that ever delightful baggage and all.

So what do we do with friends/loved ones when they behave in a way we don’t understand? According to 1st Corinthians, we are patient and kind – not easily angered – and we trust, hope and persevere…and ask. Keep the doors of communication open. We are meant to share each others burdens which brings all that much more joy when there are rejoices to delight in…… so today – Live wide open, big, bright and beautiful – sharing, spreading, realizing and experiencing love...and if you're struggling - share that too so that you burden may be divided.

New day – New spark in the eyes!

http://gratitudeattitudetoday.blogspot.com/

If you have a concern or are struggling, please feel free to email me and we'll get through it together.


Of all the "attitudes" we can acquire, surely the attitude of gratitude is the most important and by far the most life-changing. Zig Ziglar

Make it a Great Day!! Debby

Attitude of Gratitude - Safe to Live Out Loud!!

Today I am grateful for all that I have and the time (unknown) that I have left to enjoy.

Our days are numbered but none of us knows that number. So today – I choose to give it all I’ve got…. To shine bright, dream big and be honest in kindness and love.

I grew up in a family that camped on vacation. Memories, lessons and times that were very dear to me and have served me well throughout my life. My sister and I had a habit of running ahead on the trails to find the next new and exciting sight to behold, whether it was a babbling brook, a banana slug, or a cool big rock to climb and sit upon. Every moment held excitement and that bottled up energy inside so full of life. Every once in a while, however, I would have the great “luck” to have a snake meander across the path separating me from the rest. (I’m not so much into snakes.) One time a train was coming – my family had said – just jump over it – but I had visions of the snake jumping up and biting me as I jumped across… so I froze. My father came and I jumped toward him as he held his hand out to me.

There has always been safety in my father’s grasp or embrace. As times come that loom in front of us as “a snake” we must remember that our Heavenly Father’s grasp is there. His hand extended – His arms open saying – “jump, I’ll catch you.” In that leap of faith – we are free to live – to dream – to love all of those around us as we are called to do in this life.

The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8

So today – jump, leap and run arms wide open into life and live this new day – running ahead, smiling, giggling, looking for the new and exciting sights along the way for your Father is with you.