Motives. Proverb of the Day.

Proverb of the Day. 

http://www.lizcurtishiggs.com/your-50-favorite-proverbs-29-hidden-motives/

Motives. 

For some reason, motives seem to be a theme in my Proverb of the Day, so I decided to take a look at it – and at my own heart.  I was pleasantly surprised and encouraged! 

I followed my usual habit and first sought a definition for “motive” from Merriam Webster.  The simple definition was: 

a reason for doing something.

The complete definition was: 

something (as a need or desire) that causes a person to act. 

So, basically, motive is the reason, need or desire behind our actions.  

As I recall my actions of the past days, at least the ones that really stand out, I realized my motives were pure. 

1)     An uncomfortable discussion with a family member

a.            Motive:  protecting and defending another family member

2)     Designing and creating the landscaping in my backyard - which I now call my Healing Garden. (One day Ill show you the end results….) 

a.            Motive:  Create a healing, tranquil Heaven on Earth for myself, family and friends.

3)     Crocheting, sewing

a.            Motive:  A nice creative outlet, a way to make inexpensive, yet treasured gifts, and the joy of creating something beautiful.

4)     Keeping a fairly clean house, laundry, ironing, cooking

a.            Motive:  I love enjoying my home and taking care of my husband.

http://quoteaddicts.com/topic/accuse-quotes-and-sayings/

But, in all honesty, if I “weigh” my heart with regards to my Healing Garden, my crocheting and sewing and my home, there is some pride in there as well.  

And I felt bad about that, until, again, I went to Merriam Webster. 

Let’s remember, words have more than one meaning, as is the case here: 

: a feeling that you respect yourself and deserve to be respected by other people

: a feeling that you are more important or better than other people

: a feeling of happiness that you get when you or someone you know does something good, difficult, etc.

I relate my sense of pride to the last definition – a feeling of happiness.  I love to share my gardens, crafts and home with friends and family!  I love having them over to relax over a meal or simply a cup of coffee.  I love the look of delight on their faces when they open a handmade gift.   It gives me great pleasure and joy. 

https://winterlyrics.wordpress.com/2012/07/17/dont-be-too-hard-on-yourself-love-yourself-and-be-proud-of-everything-you-do-even-mistakes-mean-youre-trying/

However, I’m sure not all my motives are pure, which is why this Psalm is so important to remember:

http://dailyverses.net/psalms/51/10

This month I have been looking at the motives behind my actions.  

https://learningthewayofwisdom.wordpress.com/2014/02/10/prayer-whats-your-motive/

At the same time, however, I am also modifying my actions as I look at my motives.

I’m learning to be quiet instead of continuing an argument.

I’m learning to be still and know He is God.Psalm 46:10

I’m learning to begin facing extremely hurtful and difficult situations gently leaning on His everlasting arms.

I’m learning.

Dear Friend, this is my truth.

Proverb of the Day. Pain. Fatigue - again.....Encouraging Songs.

Proverb of the Day

Proverb of the Day

Lately, I do feel like I’m going through the fire, not necessarily, the fire of refinement, but a fire.  The pain and fatigue have made me sad, not depressed, just really sad.  Especially during the evenings, when I'm wanting  a cup I find myself wondering if what I want is worth the walk to obtain it…..is it worth the pain?  This song continues to minister to me.

How does God test the heart?  My little bit of research shows that He uses pain, afflictions…well…fire to test our heart.  During chemo, when I could still walk, the LORD asked me to listen to the book of Job, which I am did – three times.  Now, I’m going to try to read through it.  They are definitly two different processes in which we are able to glean very different lessons.  At one point, He asked me to simply focus on Job’s words….he was

discouraged,

confused,

questioning God,

BUT

he never cursed God.

I’m looking forward to physically reading this book.  I believe God will give me 
encouragement,

insights,

courage.

After all, in spite of my fiery trial,

I still love God.

I still have faith in Him.

I still trust Him.

Would you join me in doing the same?  Would you please pray for me as I try to learn to grasp His hand even more on this journey of a breast cancer survivor?  I'm really needing prayer right now.

http://www.karipatterson.com/category/prayer/

Dear Friend, this is my truth.

Proverb of the Day.

Proverb of the Day

I have met people who, upon meeting them, they would proudly share all their "ministerial" activities in their local church and community. 
Every. 
Single.  
One. 
Of. 
Them.  

Then they would ask me, "What are you doing?"

"Uhhhh....." Well.......

I have to be honest.  I have been involved in ministry in our churches over the years.  But, unless it is to encourage others, (like my dear friend who shared that she was the lay minister for newly diagnosed cancer patients)I'm extremely uncomfortable talking about it.....

Sort of like this verse:    

Be careful 

not to practice your righteousness 

in front of others 

to be seen by them.  

If you do, 

you will have no reward from 

your Father in Heaven. 

Matthew 6:1: 

I'm having some trouble explaining myself because I fear coming across as judgmental, which is not my intention.  But, this is a subject that has troubled me for some time.

Proverbs 16:2 really helps me to see that motive is so important to our precious LORD!  

Of course there are times we minister or act simply because our LORD told us to - and that is our motive.  Other times, we don't even think about our motive - we just minister - meet the need.  I just pray that, for me, my motives remain pure and next time I am in the situation I described, I will realize

1) Jesus loves me as well as the person speaking.

2) We are all at different places in our walk with the LORD - NOT better places, but different places.

3) The LORD can work through every person, every situation.  If we can keep our focus on Him, we will learn, grow and rejoice in the process.  

Dear Friend, this is my truth!

Minutes. Proverb of the Day.

Minutes
Ok, this is going to make me sound "Type A", and, to be honest I am!  

http://www.jarofquotes.com/view.php?id=longest-minutes-ever-1-waiting-on-a-text-2-waiting-on-your-food-to-get-out-the-microwave-3-commercials-while-watching-a-good-show

You know those times when we are waiting a minute or two?  Of course you do!  

Waiting 1 1/2 minutes for the microwave to finish heating up your lunch....
we stare at the microwave cooking. 

Waiting of the computer to boot up....
we stare at the computer screen.

Waiting for our TV show to return during a commercial break....
we stare the the TV screen.

Waiting for a webpage to boot up...
we stare again at the computer screen.

Such wasted minutes add up!

I've noticed that if I turn on my microwave and preform some small task in the kitchen, the time passes faster AND I actually achieved a goal!  

Now, I turn on my computer and turn my back on it while it boots up.  That minute or two is mine.

No more sitting through almost 15 minutes of commercials during my favorite evening TV shows.  (I rarely watch TV in the daytime.)  I can actually use that time to turn down the blankets on my bed - I love getting into bed when the sheets are turned down! Or I tidy up my home so the next morning a cleaned up house greets me!

And I can accomplish small tasks at my desk as that web page is loading.

These small actions make me feel 
like my time is now truly mine.
like I'm in control of how I spend my time.
like I'm taking advantage of the day the LORD has given me.
like I have a few minutes to enjoy watching the birds play and eat.  
like I have a few minutes to just breathe......

http://www.lovethispic.com/image/13315/just-breathe

Proverb of the Day

1.  Pride
2.  Lies
3.  Inflicting pain on the innocent
4.  Schemes
5.  Disregard for good
6.  Lying against another
7.  Troublemakers

According to Merriam Webster
Hate:  intense hostility and aversion usually deriving from fear, anger, or sense of injury

Detestable: causing or deserving strong dislike : deserving to be detested

So, doesn't troublemakers sum the other six up?  Don't the first six in the list seem like tools a troublemaker would use?  Hmmm...Interesting.....

So, it would stand to reason that the opposite of these actions are what the LORD loves, right?
1.  Humbleness
2.  Truth
3.  Healing the innocent.
4.  Depending on His will
5.  Hold good in high regard
6.  If we must speak of others, speak the truth, speak as if they were there listening.
7.  Peacemakers

Wonderful guide for living, no?

http://whatgodhastaughtme.blogspot.com/2012/12/holy-and-righteous-living.html

Dear Friends, this is my truth!

Proverb of the Day. Pain, Frustation, Frustration

Proverb of the Day

Oh, I can only pray and hope my ways are righteous in the sight of the LORD! I know that I let Him - and myself - down at times, don't we all?  However, I also know His grace is huge - magnanimous! I hope I can keep this verse in mind throughout my day!  

Pain, Frustration, Frustration
The pain continues.
The frustration continues.
The trust in God continues.
The cancelled plans continue.......what can I say?  I turn to my favorite songs.....

https://wizzley.com/hang-in-there-cat-poster/

Dear Friends, This is my truth.

                             

April Proverb of the Month. Neuropathy? Fibromyalgia?

April Proverb of the Month

This is my Proverb of the Month.  I try to read a chapter of Proverbs every day all the while praying for the LORD to give me a Proverb to focus on for that day.  I write each Proverb on a monthly calendar, post it on Instagram and try to blog about it.  At the end of each month, I prayerfully ask the LORD to show me which scripture He has chosen for my Proverb of the Month.  Then, I make a quick Scripture card and tape it to my mirror so I can memorize each monthly Proverb.  

This type of Bible study has helped me to grow spiritually and emotionally, especially as I faced Triple Negative Breast Cancer and, now, the increasingly progressive pain from either neuropathy or fibromyalgia. Further testing this week will hopefully determine who the culprit is for this terrible daily pain.  

http://www.mykneeguide.com/

Dear Friends, this is my truth.  

Proverb of the Day.

Proverb of the Day

By our, hopefully, wise and kind words, as well as the diligent, honest work of our hands, we are known and receive the reward from our LORD.  In my 12 Step Program, I learned a saying to direct our speech:

http://thequotes.in/before-you-speak-think-is-it-necessary-is-it-true-is-it-kind-will-it-hurt-anyone-will-it-improve-on-the-silence/

Now, the last question about improving the silence is one I just now saw and loved!

Do I live by these questions?  Not all the time, but I'm working on it.  I really am.  Perhaps I need to post this image, along with this one around my house to remind me.  

http://bitesizebiblestudy.blogspot.com/2015/10/how-what.html

Imagine if we could take hold of every thought and hold it to this standard as well!  Perhaps by doing this we can be as Nelson Mandela:

http://www.deseretnews.com/top/1635/11/-The-21-best-Nelson-Mandela-quotes-in-pictures.html

I would love to be free from the 

prison on anger, hatred, bitterness and unforgiveness, 

wouldn't you? 

I would love to earn the reward of 

roaming in the meadows of serenity, 

love, and forgiveness, wouldn't you?

Definitely a goal worth working for.  

Dear Friend, this is my truth!