back on the saddle

After a grueling encounter with mr stress. I had a chance to bike around the up oval. Great day!

Post Created Jan 10, 2012 6:25:14 PM

January 10, 2012

Mean Girls
Lynn Cowell

"But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips." Colossians 3:8 (NIV)

Standing in line for the concert gave my family plenty of people-watching time. As girls and guys made their way to the back of the line, I pointed out all the immodest clothing. "Why would she wear those in public?" "Oh my! I can't believe she feels comfortable dressed like that!" I commented as one-by-one they passed us.

I must have shared quite a few of these statements because my oldest teenaged daughter finally said, "Mom, you are being mean!"

I felt so small. I hadn't thought I was being mean. I was simply pointing out to my girls how not to dress. But my daughter was right.

The truth is, my girls already know how not to dress; I have been teaching them since they were five. And now I was teaching them how to judge another woman. I was teaching them to be mean.

Since that night at the concert I've come to the conclusion that mean girls often come from mean mamas. When we point out other's flaws, we are modeling for our kids a judgmental heart. Instead, what we mamas need to demonstrate is compassion.

Our key verse today says we are to rid ourselves of slander, which means a scandalous remark. In fact, in the verses before and the verses that follow, it doesn't mention of any time when it is okay to slander others.

One way we are overcoming a mean spirit in our family is through accountability. When my girls are gossiping or putting another girl down, I gently point it out and my girls do the same for me.

At first, having my child call me out was a bit uncomfortable. But making this a family issue, rather than just me correcting my kids, is bringing us to a deeper level of kindness.

Like me, you may be surprised to discover just how often you say unkind things . If you watch each other's words, both you and your child will become more compassionate, less judgmental and a whole lot more careful about the words you say! It's working for me; I know it will work for you too!

Dear Lord, I want to rid myself of slander and in turn teach my children to do the same. Please cleanse my heart of judgment and help me to set a guard over my mouth. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

new year new plans

Whether this new year succeeds in changing my oh so blah complaining attitude ... I will be in prayer. I have tendencies to slow down and feel old. I don't want that anymore!

Grabbed from kev

Thank God I survived Christmas! It was crazy!

traffic

Suddenly I'm so tired of this traffic. Manila traffic can be so overwhelming! There's got to be a better way to fix this mess. Every Christmas season it's all tied up in knots more than ever!

Post Created Nov 23, 2011 1:38:19 PM

Missing the trees...

reflections

Currently working on a few things in my life... Sorting out thoughts and unfinished work that needs pruning and pushing. There are days when I wonder if time is just passing me by but there are days when I seem to know quite clearly where the Lord is leading me. There is no end in sight but the ride is quite clear. 


This is my reflection for today when I realized my battles are within.

May the Lord deliver me from unhealthy thoughts and keep me upright .

Psalm 6:1-10 (NIV)
O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. [2] Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am faint; O Lord, heal me, for my bones are in agony. [3] My soul is in anguish. How long, O Lord, how long? [4] Turn, O Lord, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love. [5] No one remembers you when he is dead. Who praises you from the grave ? [6] I am worn out from groaning; all night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. [7] My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes. [8] Away from me, all you who do evil, for the Lord has heard my weeping. [9] The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer. [10] All my enemies will be ashamed and dismayed; they will turn back in sudden disgrace.