Sometimes I Wake Up Grumpy….

Posted on June 22, 2019June 21, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Are you a morning person? When the sun lights up your bedroom do you stretch and declare it a glorious day? Perhaps not and grumble while burrowing under your pillow. Some people need just 5 more minutes, which often turn into 45 minutes and they are still cranky.

My husband and I are totally different morning people. The old joke “Sometimes I wake up grumpy and other times I let him sleep” was written for us. He loves his sleep and can get a bit irritable if it is interrupted. After decades of awakening at 6:00 a.m. to go to work, he delights in sleeping “until he’s finished” as he puts it. Being in the Army has something to do with it, too.

Me? When the light shines and a wet nosed fur-baby greets me, I am ready to pray and get up. Thanking God for the new day and safety of the night, I begin my morning prayer before my feet hit the floor. The older I get the less sleep I seem to need. Are you at this age yet?

What is your relationship with mornings? Are you thrilled with the endless possibilities of the new day? Scripture tells us in Psalm 118:24 “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” No time like the present. Get out of that bed and enjoy this gift from Abba.

The trajectory or path your day will take depends a lot on how you wake up or get up. Have you ever encountered someone so crabby you asked if he “got up on the wrong side of the bed today?” Your and my day begins when we first open our eyes, stretch our arms or legs, and (hopefully) pray. Then when we hop out (do you hop out or like I do gingerly get out) of bed, we are ready to tackle the day with strength from our Father.

Just because the day started grumpy, doesn’t mean it needs to stay there. You are able to shake off that bad mood that began earlier. You have the power. Use it. Trade in the frowns for smiles.

I hope you start your days happy and give smiles away generously. If a cantankerous one slides in, exchange it for a happier one. There will always be time for napping later. Use today to bring glory to God.

Gardening, Harvesting, and a Recipe

Posted on May 30, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Summer is here. It is a beautiful season! Already it’s hot in Southern Indiana. Are you ready to begin planting flowers or have you done that? Do you like to garden, too?

Gardening is something that soothes me. Nurturing seeds and seedlings into plants is relaxing and produces resulting that can be seen. The plants yield vegetables, fragrant herbs, or beautiful flowers. I love it all. Do you? My grandparents on both sides gardened and it is in my blood.

Of course, it takes care to get the desired results. I can’t just scatter the seeds and hope everything works. Seeds must be carefully planted and watered. Fertilizing or feeding helps give the plants nourishment to grow strong. I will want to protect them from things seeking to destroy them by eating them. Here we not only have bugs but critters like bunnies, groundhogs, and even deer that like to munch on tender young plants. Most importantly, they will also need sun. That will be beyond my control. When the little seeds have everything they need, voila, we are rewarded with plants.

A couple of years ago I purchased yellow squash seeds. I love yellow squash and have many recipes. The seeds went in the ground and I made certain they had everything they needed to thrive. I watered, fertilized, watched, and waited. The seeds sprouted into three tiny plants. Wow, I was happy. They continued to grow and finally the yellow blossoms appeared.

Yellow squash dishes ran through my head for what would be first. Would I have enough to share with others? Yes, more blossoms formed. I was excited. Finally the flower turned into a vegetable. Oh, no. A green zucchini! The seeds had been mispackaged. We like zucchini, but not three more plants worth when one had been planted.

My lesson was you reap what you sow. I thought I was planting yellow squash but really all along had zucchini seeds. I had a harvest of something I hadn’t anticipated. Even though I thought I was doing everything right, one thing at the beginning spoiled everything.

How true is this in areas of our life? We think we are doing something and put forth all of our energy to it. When it is finished we find we were off track and are reaping something we had not expected? It can be accidental like the seeds. Someone else tripped me on that one. Perhaps it is known but at the time it doesn’t seem like a big deal. Ignoring someone in a store or not inviting someone to your party might seem innocent, but what happens later?

Maybe we think our children aren’t watching how we treat some people, and grow up to mistreat them because we did. Our work habits are excessive to provide for our family and now our family has no time for us. Watch carefully what you sow so you don’t reap something unexpected.

Been There, Done That, Let Me Help

Posted on March 16, 2019March 15, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

The other day we were going somewhere new. The address did not sound familiar and the GPS often is unreliable. “Turn left” it tells me when there is no stree! My parents had been to our destination and offered for us to ride with them or follow behind. It was so much easier going with someone who had already been there.

Having made the trip before us, my parents knew what to look for and what might go wrong. They also knew where to turn to make the journey easier. Traveling together allowed quality time to chat and catch up. The drive which I was dreading turned out to be lovely and extremely enjoyable.

The journey of life is exactly like that. People who have travelled the same path can help us. By giving us direction, tips from their journey or just going with us, others can chase anxiety away. They can take our hand and walk beside us to let us know we have a traveling companion, a seasoned on. Not only are they assisting us, but they are serving God. Scripture says in Hebrews 6:10 “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.”

Do you ever look to someone for counsel? Someone who has gone through a tough situation and made it through with flying colors? We need people to encourage us. My sweet grandson Isaac is special needs and my daughter Vanessa is always offering support to other parents of special needs children. Isaac is now seven so it is routine now, but she will never forget the trying first months.

Sometimes I forget that I am serving God by helping others. Do you? We need to make it such second nature that we just do helpful things. Chatting with someone on the phone recently we were able to offer encouragement to each other. Taking a meal to a new set of parents brought tears to their eyes. Offering to pray with someone immediately stunned them speechless, but they were very appreciative.

We have all “been there, done that” so let’s take those experiences to serve Abba and someone here in need. It makes a great Lenten project for however often you decide. Even if it isn’t for Lent, don’t ever give up doing good for others.

Christmas Joy not Stress

Posted on December 22, 2018December 20, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Are you enjoying the Advent Season? Is your life filled with joy or stress? This time before Christmas should be a time to reflect and prepare our hearts for the great gift that our Heavenly Father sent to us…..His Son, Jesus, our Savior, God with us. Sometimes it is hard to do amidst the hustle and bustle of buying presents, sending cards, making cookies, decorating and all of the other preparations we think we need to do.

One good thing that comes with age is wisdom. I have realized that Christmas comes whether I have cookies baked and cards sent or not. Plus, the world goes on. This time of year isn’t about being stressed out and tired. No, not at all. It is about love. God’s great, everlasting, unimaginable love for us.

I would think He would want us to be joyful and happy, spreading His love and light to others instead of grumbling and be anxious that we are too busy and do not have enough time to get everything done. My friend, perhaps you are trying to do too much. Relax. Enjoy this season for what it is. Let peace overtake you.

What things might make this season easier for you this year? Perhaps using gift bags instead of wrapping would free up time. If you don’t have time for decorating like you usually do, that is okay. As the saying goes “the prettiest Christmas decorations are my children’s faces” at home. Dinner is another pressure point. Go with paper plates. Make it a pitch-in. Order some of the food instead of cooking. Take some things off of your shoulders so that you can be happy. Your family will appreciate a happy you more than a fully decorate house.

Let’s examine the other side where you have everything under control. Wonderful! You are able to enjoy Christmas music and doing things with family. Have you considered helping someone that is stressing? Maybe offering to bake cookies or dessert would take a load off of their shoulders. What about helping with errands or sending dinner one night to free up some of their time? Your giving to them before Christmas could make a vast difference.

Offer to babysit or wrap a neighbor’s gifts for their children. That is a difficult task and would be most welcomed. What things can you add to this list?

Christmastime should be a special season. One to anticipate each year with joy. Not one to dread. It is a season of good will and peace. Let those reign with love and joy.

We are celebrating the birth of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Read the story of His birth again. Think about His humble beginnings. Ponder the true meaning of Christmas. Concentrate on Him and not the things of this world. He will make your days merry and bright.

Put Christ back in CHRISTmas

Posted on December 18, 2018December 18, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

The most wonderful time of the year is fast approaching. Is it one of your favorites? There are lovers of Christmas and then there are the Scrooges. In fact, throughout the Advent Season, we could even find that we switch from one to the other. Oh my! Isn’t that a dreadful thought?!

Christmastime is one of the most delightful times for me. Just thinking about Jesus being sent here to be our Savior bring tears to my eyes. I never get weary of listening to Christmas hymns. Today I absent-mindedly hummed and half sang “O Little Town of Bethlehem” while I did paperwork. That isn’t even my “go to” Christmas song. Usually “Mary Did You Know” is first on my mind.

I am a consultant for Pampered Chef and do my parties on Facebook. Like in-home parties we, too, play games. One of my popular this year has been to name something that has to do with Christmas starting with A, the next person takes B, and on through the alphabet. As I totaled points for the door prize drawing, I reviewed the answers.

The results were about 50% Christian answers and 50% secular. The letter J brought words Jesus, Joy, Jingle and Jolly. S gave Savior, Star, Santa, and Stockings. Every one of the reindeer were mentioned, but I don’t remember seeing Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, or Bethlehem.

What about your list? When you think about Christmas do your thoughts immediately turn to the first six letters in that word…..CHRIST? Maybe this world has pushed Him back from the front because of the hustle, bustle, and commercialism of today. Don’t let that happen.

This is the season of love and miracles. God gave us all a miracle, His Son, our Redeemer. That is the biggest, best present anyone has ever given you and me. Hmmm, what have we given Him in return?

For me, I am going to try to keep more CHRIST in Christmas. Play more hymns, read more scripture and Christian based books. I have decided “do not stress and show grace” is my motto. Without stressing out, I am a much nicer person. Not only do I get grace from Abba, but I will in turn give it to others. Everyone deserves grace. People are more important than some of the silly things that upset others.

Okay, so our focus will be on Jesus and helping show Him to others this year. Even if we are playing a game or singing a song, we can easily do this. A former minister once told me if I kept dripping little drops on someone eventually they would get wet. Are you game?

Take Christmas back. Give it to Jesus. It is His birthday and so much more we are celebrating. Spread joy, love, grace, and His light. Let’s shower drops of Jesus on everyone.

Book Tour & Giveaway, The Amish Midwife’s Secret by Rachel J. Good

Posted on December 3, 2018December 1, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Review of The Amish Midwife’s Secret:

It is no secret I like to read Amish fiction. Lately there have been books in various genres about midwives and healing. I enjoy those also. This book was especially enjoyable because it had all of those.

Author Rachel J. Good knows about the Amish culture. She has researched it and has friends that are Amish. That is one reason her books are authentic to their way of life. This author has an easy way with words. Her characters are well rounded and described. I felt as if I knew Leah, Kyle, and the old doctor. I was invested in the story early.

The story was organized written, organized, and planned so that there were a few twists. I wanted to keep reading and longed to visit Amish country again after finishing this delightful book. Christian inspiration was sprinkled throughout along with life lessons. It is a sweet romance.

I would recommend it. It earned a 4.5 out of 5 stars from me. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own, honest ones.

About the Book

Book: The Amish Midwife’s Secret

Author: Rachel J. Good

Genre: Inspirational Amish Romance

Release Date: November 27, 2018

“A beautiful story of forgiveness and second chances.” -Shelley Shepard Gray, New York Times bestselling author

They won’t see eye-to-eye until they meet heart-to-heart…

Kyle Miller never planned on becoming a country doctor. But when he’s offered a medical practice in his sleepy hometown, Kyle knows he must return… and face the painful past he left behind. Except the Amish community isn’t quite ready for Kyle. Especially the pretty midwife who refuses to compromise her herbal cures and Amish traditions with his modern medicine…

The more Leah Stoltzfus works with the handsome Englisch doctor, the more she finds herself caught between the expectations of her family and her own hopes for the future. It will take one surprising revelation and one helpless baby in need of love to show Leah and Kyle that their bond may be greater than their differences… if Leah can find the courage to follow her heart.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

rachel good Inspirational author Rachel J. Good writes life-changing, heart-tugging novels of faith, hope, and forgiveness. The author of several Amish romance series, she grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for many of her stories. Striving to be as authentic as possible, she spends time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farm and attending family events.

Rachel’s Amish series include Sisters & Friends (Charisma House/Harlequin), Love & Promises (Grand Central), Hearts of Amish Country (Annie’s Book Club), and Surprised by Love as well as several anthologies—Springs of Love, Love’s Thankful Heart, Plain Everyday Heroes—and the Amish Quilts Coloring Books.

Guest Post from Rachel

The Amish and Herbal Remedies

As many of you know, my Amish novels are based on real life. I get ideas from hanging around Amish friends, hearing their stories and observing their lives. I’d never invade their privacy by telling their stories exactly as they happen, but the things I learn trigger plot ideas.

I’ve always been fascinated by the way the Amish approach healing. Once thing I’ve learned is that, although they’re usually willing to visit doctors, they don’t always take the medicines that are prescribed. Instead, they often substitute herbal remedies. That, and several visits to one of my favorite Amish natural products stores, gave me an idea for one of the conflicts in The Amish Midwife’s Secret.

Leah, an Amish midwife, prefers herbal remedies. Of course, that puts her in direct conflict with Kyle, the new Englisch doctor in town, who only believes in science and traditional medicine. Put the two together and lots of sparks fly. Of course, some of those sparks are also of a romantic nature.

Leah is not only a midwife, but her family owns a natural products store. She knows the best herbs for healing. Rather than sending a small boy to the hospital for pneumonia, Leah covers the baby’s chest with a warm mixture of onions and other herbs and spices (some Amish friends prefer raw onion for congestion), and she feds the baby fresh pineapple juice for his cough.

As a doctor, Kyle is horrified. He wants to admit the baby to a hospital at once. And he expects the old country doctor he’s replacing to back him up. Instead, Dr. Hess informs Kyle that many of the Amish go to doctors for a diagnosis, but then rely on herbal treatments rather than prescriptions.

Kyle, who’s been debating about whether to stay in Amish country or move to a big-city hospital, decides to remain in Lancaster and make it his mission to prevent the Amish midwife from harming newborns and their mothers. He certainly doesn’t expect to have his eyes opened to other ways to handle illnesses. But he has to admit, Leah’s methods do seem to work. When a crisis comes, they soon discover that it takes both of them to save a baby.

***

A extra little secret: Those of you who get my newsletter already know this, but Kyle in The Amish Midwife’s Secret appeared in two earlier books. The Midwife story stands alone, but if you want to know more about Kyle and Emma’s past, you can find it in the Sisters & Friends series, Book 1, Change of Heart, and Book 2, Buried Secrets.

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, November 27

Christian Bookaholic, November 27

KarenSueHadley, November 27

The Avid Reader, November 28

A Baker’s Perspective, November 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 28

Genesis 5020, November 29

Reading Is My SuperPower, November 29

cherylbbookblog, November 29

Because I said so- adventures in parenting, November 30

Bigreadersite, November 30

Quiet Quilter , December 1

Blossoms and Blessings, December 1

Bibliophile Reviews, December 2

Britt Reads Fiction, December 2

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 3

Captive Dreams Window, December 3

Cafinated Reads, December 4

Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, December 4

Carpe Diem, December 4

Maureen’s Musings, December 5

Christian Author, J.E. Grace, December 5

Janices book reviews, December 6

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, December 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 7

For the Love of Literature, December 7

Inklings and notions, December 8

Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 8

Moments, December 9

Random Thoughts From a Bookworm, December 9

Texas Book-aholic, December 9

Miss Tinas Amish Book Review, December 10

The Becca Files, December 10

Vicky Sluiter, December 10

Giveaway

d0a01f88-74e5-47c2-b56d-1b4bff749542

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away a grand prize package of two faceless Amish dolls and an autographed copy of The Amish Midwife’s Secret and Plain Everyday Heroes!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d66f/the-amish-midwife-s-secret-celebration-tour-giveaway

If I Won the Lottery, I Would . . .

Posted on November 25, 2018November 24, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Many people buy lottery tickets. Are you one of them? It is easy to get caught up in the excitement and frenzy when its numbers get high. My friends and I play what my hubby calls the “What if” game. What if we won the lottery? What would we each do?

To begin with we would first need to buy a ticket. Just like their add says, you can’t win if you don’t play. As much fun as winning would be I don’t think donating my money would make me happy. So for our game, I need to pretend I would buy a ticket.

A7132DCD-439D-4F4C-9D7F-BDEC7868E3E0

We all decided a lot of the money would be put to good use. We would help family and friends in need. I see you nodding. You would do the same. Charities and churches would get donations, too. We weren’t all selfless. We would keep some for ourselves.

Some wanted to travel the world and others wanted nice homes. One friend wanted a mountain home, beach home, and another near family. We all wanted different things but decided we wanted the luxury of not working and having enough money to do whatever we wanted. Notice I said whatever we wanted and not what we needed.

0D3BE46E-1329-4766-A19C-50A376DE4110

What would winning the lottery do to our spiritual life? Would we continue to attend church each weekend or would we be too busy traveling? If things were always going our way, would we talk to our Heavenly Father as much as we do now? Our daily prayer time might not be as important if we had most all of the things we thought we wanted. Would we still want more? With all of our extra time where would God fit in?

Money used correctly does help a lot of people. Wanting and obsessing over money tears marriages and families apart. It can destroy a person. Scripture tells us in Timothy 6:10 “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

33699FE8-597E-4EBA-AB40-E075F2DDCB57

It is cliche but true. Money cannot buy everything. Think about all the true blessings in your life. They are priceless. You didn’t purchase them and they most likely cannot be replaced with money.

Be aware of what you have that cannot be bought. Take inventory of your own personal lottery winnings. Are you kind? Would people say you have integrity and morals? Do people trust you? Are you loved? You, my friend have won!

B0B5815E-4E2B-4F19-B7C1-8461D53D4AE8

Other life lottery blessings would be a loving, supporting family. Friends that are always there for you and a circle of prayer warriors to intercede on your behalf are irreplaceable. Money cannot buy any of these.

I agree the “What if I won the Lottery” game is fun, but is it really something Abba wants for our life? We are His children and parents know from experience it is not always good to allow children to receive everything they want. For instance what happens when kids have too much candy, too little sleep, or play unattended?

Our Heavenly Father knows what is best for us and what would happen if we won the lottery. What do you think would happen? Would we still be the same people and be as close to Him? If not, I say keep the money and just give me Jesus.

EBFAE8EB-87B4-48BE-82D9-5FEC96C97D6E

Do You Remember?

Posted on September 11, 2018September 11, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

What were you doing on that Tuesday morning September 11, 2001 when America was under attack by terrorists? Ninety percent of adult Americans will remember the nightly news reported. Honestly, I think even that percentage is low. I remember being in my kitchen alone that day mixing up banana bread. The television on the counter was turned down low. I glanced and saw chaos on the screen. As I watched in horror a second plane hit and the news reporters were frantic. The bowl of batter dropped from my hands as I fell to my knees in prayer.

My phone rang nonstop. Friends and family called in disbelief. My daughter was in college and I just wanted her home. Same thing with my working husband. He is ever the voice of reason and I needed him. My son wasn’t home either. He had his own house. I wanted them all here so our family was together and safe. The sky was eerily quiet without a single aircraft.

Church was more emotional than ever before on Sunday. Attendance was extremely high. In crisis we turn to God, don’t we. Isn’t it a shame we all don’t stay that close after it is over? It looks like our country could use His protection, guidance, and healing again. The death total was just under 3,000 while the injured was twice that. The terrorists coordinated four airplane attacks to kill Americans. Innocent people in what they deemed a Holy War. I cannot imagine how saddened God was by this. We all were, and we don’t even begin to love like Him.

America pulled together then, and we turned to God. What changed that made some of us turn our backs on Him and His commands? Why have we turned on each other? Where did our love, compassion, and kindness go? We need to take back our patriotism and faith. Give up this name calling and bickering. Kneel and pray for each other. As the Bible says “humble ourselves”. If we do, then we will start to see more unity.

If you can remember where you were, you will remember the horrible feeling of terrorism, and the wonderful feeling of unity in America. Our nation was one. Let’s stand together again in memory of those that lost their lives that day. Remember, except for the grace of God, it could have been us dying in an attack. God didn’t save us to bicker, insult, and fight.

I Wish I Had or I’m Glad I Did

Posted on August 22, 2018August 21, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

I wish I had…. How many times have we all started a sentence with those four little words? I wish I had gone to see her. Perhaps, I wish I had said or even had not said that. The list of “I wish” is endless unfortunately.

A few days ago a friend died. It was unexpected for most everyone. I listened to mourners and read tributes from so many people. The majority of people started theirs with “I wish”. “I wish I had called him instead of texted that morning.” “I wish I had told him I loved him the last time I saw him.” “I wish I had taken more time to talk when he called.”

Cliche as it might sound, maybe it is time to give up the wishes and regrets. It is time to live life doing those things. There is a song that talks about “Live Like You are Dying”. What if we lived like our family and friends were instead? Would we treat them differently? Yes, I certainly would.

My words would be much more thoughtful and kind. I would definitely consider others’ feelings and needs. All of the things I wanted to say would get said. There are things I have learned thatI would share. It would be a priority to discuss Jesus and salvation. How will I know if I don’t ask?

Do they know that in times of sorrow, Jesus is my comfort. He is my strength. In Psalm 46:1, the Bible tells us “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” This is so true. I cannot make it a day without Him. He shelters and strengthens me. I draw my peace from Him.

John 14:27 gives us Jesus’ assurance that “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” This is the “peace that passes understanding” that we sang about in Sunday school. A pure peace is given to us by Jesus when things are in chaos.

Scripture says “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” That is my goal. To make certain my family and friends have one of those mansions. It has already been bought and paid for by Jesus. All I can do is give them the good news and pray they accept the keys.

No more wishing for me. It is time for action. Live each day purposefully. Say the “I love you” and “thank you”. Make the phone call. Take the time. Go to lunch. Share the love. Talk about Jesus. Say goodbye to “I wish I had” and hello to “I’m glad I did.”

What are your I wish sentences that turn into regrets instead of sweet memories? How about doing something now instead being disappointed later?

Reflections from a Word Nerd

Posted on July 25, 2018July 24, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Since I have been young, words have fascinated me. Numbers do nothing for me, but words are exciting and powerful. Okay, I will admit to being a word nerd. Reading, writing, even listening to meaningful lyrics move me and put me in my sweet spot. Even if you are a numbers person, words affect you. Some words or phrases bring certain people to mind.

0EF7A0E7-F7A6-4A16-90BF-1194C079BE2F

My dear mother has a quaint way of terming kisses. Our family doesn’t kiss each other we “give sugar.” My hubby does not decide or conclude, he “reckons.” When Dad is sincere about something, he states it “quite frankly.” Pappaw Reeves was never hindered but “stymied.” According to him, planets were never just in a straight line but in a “sygyzy.” My Granddaddy was a Lockmaster at Dam 43 near us and my hubby worked in Engineering in a ship building company. Many times both men replaced left and right with port and starboard, the nautical and aeronautical terms for left and right, respectively. 79193B57-AC0C-44EA-9510-0B1FBE551571

Just think how important they are and moving in weddings. In our wedding we had the song “Whither Thou Goest” sung. Just hearing that phrase or the word whither takes me back decades to a church altar where I plighted my troth to my husband. Isn’t that more romantic than saying at my wedding? Words can be magical when used correctly and thoughtfully. They have power to transform and transport.

For me, I love poetic, old fashioned words and Southern phrases. Women in my family swoon over thing and say “I swan or swanee” because no proper lady should ever say I swear. We don’t sweat but perspire. One does not simply hug my Auntie June but must “hug her neck.” Most importantly, never did I nor have I heard my grandparents, parents or aunts and uncles say what my Grandmother deemed “ugly words.” Never.

8513471A-BE4E-44DB-900B-5A3DDBA08918

Ugly words or swearing abound in society today. Using the Lord’s name in vain, cursing, and horrible four letter words are rampant. Even name-calling seems to be at an all time high. Tattoos are permanently imprinted on bodies with words that should not be written, spoken or seen. 14BC4EB3-1B26-459A-95DC-A93412EF1357 Clothing prominently sports things that are “ugly” and offensive. Even some “Christians” have attire proudly proclaiming “Yes, I am a Christian and I cuss a lot.” What?! So, I wonder how our Father feels about that? Or if these people consider the example they are setting? Ugly words take away from a person’s beauty. They can sting and hurt.

When I think of my Savior there are many words that come to mind. Beloved is the first and means dearly loved. Definitely Jesus loves us dearly. No doubt about that. Redemption is another one. It means being saved from sin or evil. Christ sought us out before we were born and bought us with his blood on the cross. He paid the entry fee to eternal life for us. That fee was his own life. Absolutely, freely given to us in love is our gift of salvation, which means deliverance from harm or destruction.

5D3B5884-0618-4B6B-87BE-BD4B8F914BA4

Tell me about you? What words do you relate to people? Better yet, what words do you think people relate to you? What if our words appeared on our skin? Make them pretty words to inspire, bring about happy memories and smiles. Don’t leave behind ugly words as your impression or influence on this world. Let your children and grandchildren read “hug my neck” and “give me sugar” or remember you when they hear nice, virtuous, sweet words. Don’t let #*@$ or worse be your legacy.

0DE38B35-06E0-496E-8FEF-738AA375387A