Monday Musings ... words

I am weary of careless words.  Civil conversations on television and radio programs have become a rarity.  People interrupt each other, talk over each other, and often raise their voices to make a point. Outlandish the comments seem to garner more attention.

A few  years ago, I was so upset over comments on a radio talk program, I called in to talk with host.  Waiting, I had been on hold for over an hour. Finally, I was the next person in line to speak.  Whew! Finally, I could add my two cents. Sadly I was not quick enough … the host… said, Jackie from city. Jackie from …. Oh, I guess Jackie is not there, click … What! Did he just hang up on me! Yes.

 Who was I calling? Why was I upset? I was calling Rev. Al Sharpton on his, Keeping it Real Radio program.  I needed to call and give him a different point of view. My family had been waiting with me while I had put the call on speaker phone. 

To this day, my family encourages me to not listen to those shows…. They really upset me.  

Over the past several weeks, I again, want to give Rev. Al my opinion. If I had a chance to give Rev. Al Sharpton some advice, I would tell share with him this word.

 “But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the Day of Judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."

Matthew 12:36 

The scripture is a reminder to me as well. Measure words well.

In that day this song ...

"In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah;

We have a strong city

God makes salvation

its walls and ramparts.

Open the gates

that the righteous nation may enter,

the nation that keeps faith.

You will keep in perfect peace

those whose minds are steadfast,

because they trust in you.

Trust in the LORD forever,

For the, LORD himself, is the Rock eternal.

He humbles those who dwell on high,

He lays the lofty city low;

He levels it to the ground

And casts it down to the dust.

Feet trample it down –

the feet of the oppressed,

the footsteps of the poor.

The path of the righteous is level;

you, the Upright One make the way of the righteous smooth.

Yes,  LORD walking in the ways of your laws,

we wait for you.;

your name and renown

are the desires of  our hearts."

Isaiah 26: 1 - 8 ( NIV)

... best use of my time.

 “The decisions you make matter today. Every decision points your life in the direction you are about to travel. No decision is an isolated choice. It’s a chain of events. If you choose wisely, your future will reflect that. But if you don’t choose wisely, the decisions you make now will take you places you don’t want to be later.”

Lysa TerKeurst The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands

In the midst of this Christmas season I think many of us find our calendars full. I often have to pause and ask myself,  “Is this the best use of my time?” “Is this the best use of my money?”  To be honest, I need to ask these questions more frequently.

For the past 10 days, there has been some activity or event every evening. Last night I was prepared to breathe deeply and stay at home. Yet, I remembered the Christmas program at church.

I know that being a part of the worship services was the best use of my time. 

Pet of the week, Cheddar

Cheddar is comfy cozy on a trendy couch. Wait, is that a comfy chair? Well ... Cheddar is resting. This adorable golden retriever is this week's pet.  Cheddar lives with his awesome owner Jason. 
Golden Retrievers are known for the sweet dispositions, loyalty, and ease in training.  
Merry Christmas Cheddar! 

Special thanks to Jason for allowing me to borrow his picture.
Jason and my daughter Jara have been good friends since their college days.  

Make myself

This morning, I had to make myself get out of bed. I did not want to miss my exercise class. Getting started in the morning is often a struggle. Aches and pains are often a part of my morning. Then I remember, how much better I will feel when I exercise. So, I make myself get ready. 

Then, my instructor has this Nike slogan on her t-shirt. Make yourself. Are you familiar with the slogan? What do you have to make yourself do? Here are some of the tags... Make yourself fit ... make yourself proud ... make yourself strong... 
I think this slogan was introduced a few years ago... 
For me, this is an inspiring quote ...  

my exercise buddies... enjoying a Christmas tea ... we make ourselves attend our weekly exercise classes.

Wordless Wednesday

Monday Musings ...

Monday Musings…

Tuesday Edition J

Eating my way through December…

Sunday School Fellowship, Saturday Book Club Brunch, Monday morning potluck luncheon, dinners, Christmas Tea, cooking class, dinner meetings and so goes the list.

What am I to do? Practice portion control, savor each bite, enjoy conversations,  keeping exercising, ask the question.  Am I really hungry?