Tag Archives: kind words

Day 17/31: Dance

“Kind words are like honey-sweet to the should and healthy for the body.” Proverbs 16:24 (NLT)

Day 17: Dance #writetogether31days

As a seasoned bird watcher (that’s a nice way to say I spend too much time looking out my window), I continue to be mystified and even aggravated when more than one hummingbird arrives at my feeder. Don’t get me wrong, I love to have as many as would come except, sometimes it only takes two before the dance inevitably begins. You know the one I mean….the dance of power.

The stage is set, visitors arrive, like what they find, and decide to stay awhile. No one is anticipating trouble but within seconds they’re accosted by the swift wing-work of “the one.” The one who wants control, that is.  Soon they’re all trying to avoid what’s coming at them. Whirls, flits, twirls, bobs, practiced moves all executed with skill in an attempt to claim victory over the nectar. Never mind that there’s plenty for all, the careening continues until the plan put into motion pays off and the dance ends with all but the one who lead the show denied what was provided for them. 

Sound familiar? It’s so amazing how often animal behavior mimics that of humans.  It reminds me of today’s social media driven world where the same thing can happen. We like lots of others on our feed but it can only take two before it begins…..that dance of power.

For us, the world’s the stage, viewers click on, they like the action, and decide to follow along. The thing is, what one person posts as food for thought, not wanting or expecting trouble, can suddenly be stepped on by the fancy footwork of one who wants to control the thoughts and opinions of others. Soon our own words are spun around in a way we never intended, others begin to cut in and twist them in a way we couldn’t have imagined. A well-choreographed plan to trip us up and take the spotlight off our beliefs and onto their own. More and more it seems as if the rest of us are denied the right that has been provided for everyone to express ourselves. I don’t know about you, but it leaves me more than mystified and aggravated when this happens to me!

So what are we to do? I’ll tell you what my first reaction is…my own dance of power. I want to show them what it means to “tango” with me! Thankfully, the Holy Spirit usually takes the lead at this point and reminds me to instead:

“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”
Colossians 3:13 (NLT)

“Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:17-18 (NLT)

What I’m learning is that when we’re in step with God, our actions will speak louder than our words ever can. The truth is we are all going to experience times when we’re invited to the dance of power. The question is who or Who will we chose as our partner?

Share Four Somethings ~ January 2019

Can you believe that January is already drawing to a close and it’s going out with a polar plunge at  that!!!! I’m joining in on the fun of “Sharing Four Somethings” over at http://www.HeatherGerwing.com . I’d love to know yours, so please share them in the comments!

Something Loved:

 It doesn’t happen very often.  Everyone has responsibilities and busy schedules but I just treasure when my family can spend quality time with each other! January brought us all together for a few days and it made my heart so very happy! Meals shared, games played, stories told, love given. What a gift and a blessing! I cherish every single moment!

“Love is patient and kind.  Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude.  It does not demand its own way.  It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.  It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.  Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NLT)

Something Said:

It continually amazes me how God uses the words of others to speak to me! Whether they’re sung in a song, read on a page, or spoken from the heart, there are times when simple words said are a love note to our soul.This past month found me questioning and doubting (what’s new?) Then, at the right moment, just the words of encouragement I needed were said.  I can’t begin to tell you how much they meant! It reminds me how important it is for each of us to always say what’s on our hearts, even if it seems like a little thing, because we never know when God will use what we say as a note of love to a tender soul, exactly like He did with the words said to me.

“Kind words are like honey–sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” Proverbs 16:24 (NLT)

Something Learned:

I am new to the world of Podcasts. I know, I know, I’m behind the times but I’m happy to say that in this new year, I’ve begun to listen to a few and have I found some gems!  The insight shared is inspiring and I’ve learned so much from the episodes I’ve heard! Another great benefit is hearing the actual voices of people I’ve admired from afar!  Now, I feel like a fan on the Red Carpet edging my way up, getting as close as I can to the Stars! 

How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!” Proverbs 16:16 (NIV)

Something Read:

Oh my goodness!  This book! I am still in the process of reading it because I want to take in small amounts at a time and ponder them before moving on. Emily P. Freeman has such a reassuring way with her words both written and spoken. These pages have brought me to tears in such a good way.  If I were to write down all the lines that have resonated with me, we’d be here awhile! But….one that I’ve especially been holding close is this:

“Listen to what makes you cry.” Emily P. Freeman

The message in “A Million Little Ways” is a spiritual journey for me and I know I’ll be changed for the better as I continue to stroll through each chapter!

“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” Psalm 126:5 (NIV)

January has been kind to me, I hope to you, too!  As I said above, I’d love to hear your “Four Somethings” for the month.  Just jot them down in the comments and I will celebrate each one with you! Here’s to a fabulous February!