Have you heard of the Between Me and You Journals? They are fabulous hard back journals created by my friend Winston. He and I met on my giving journey and we've been meeting for breakfast since 2011! Boy how times flies.
Years ago, I bought the "mother" journal and gave it to my mom to fill out. There is a page in the book that asks, "If you felt the need to offer some advice to me, what would it be?”
Instead of advice, my mom wrote her favorite quotes and Bible verses. I view the list as a simple gift she gave me, that I can pass along to you, to them pass along to others.
"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13
“If you want to increase the power of God in your life-see how many times a day you can give.” – Joyce Meyer
“Lord- how do you want me to live this day? What is it you want me to do with this one day you have given me? What is the work you want me to accomplish today?”
“It is better to be kind than right.”
“When God tugs at your heart, that’s the moment to act.”
"So don’t worry, because I am with you. Don’t be afraid because I am your God. I will make you strong and will help you; I will support you with my right hand that saves you." -Isaiah 41:10
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” -Martin Luther King Jr.
“Those who say it can’t be done are usually interrupted by others doing it.” -Joel A. Barker
“It's kind of fun to do the impossible.” -Walt Disney
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” -Gandhi
“If it weren’t for running, I’d go crazy.” -Martin-lead guitarist for Jethro Tull
“Hills are speed work in disguise.” – Frank Shorter- 1972 Olympic Marathon Champion
“Pray hard. Work hard. And leave the rest to God.” – Florence Griffith Joyner “Flo Jo”
"Be joyful always; pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19
“Instead of thinking about all the reasons that I couldn’t do it, I started thinking about all the reasons that I could do it. I encouraged myself and allowed the word of God to empower me.” – Victoria Osteen
"The Lord will hear when I call to Him." Psalm 4:3
I don't know about you, but if someone gives me a compliment, text me a positive quote or post an uplifting video on social media it gives me a little boost and pep in my step. Kind words make us happy.
As we go through the second half of the summer giving challenge, and beyond, let's, as a group, think about the words we speak to others, find ways to fill people up with kindness, instead of tearing them down, and post only positivity on social media. You up for the challenge?!
But think about the opposite of kind words. What happens if someone puts you down? How do you feel? If you read a negative post or rant on social media, do you get angry, sad, anxious, maybe even a little depressed?
Happy Giving,
Day 8 Giving Challenge: Give compliments, speak words of kindness and post a positive story or quote on social media.
Did you know... John Gottman, a researcher, conducted a study on predicting if a couple would get divorced or stay together based on the words they spoke to each other. Couples who spoke five positive comments to every one negative comment were more likely to stay together vs couples who divorced, which had an average of four negative comments to three positive comments. The take away, whether it's your friends, coworkers, spouse, and children, the higher ratio of positive comments with a lower number of negative comments, will improve those relationships.
Chat with your Children: The old saying, "Stick and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." really isn't true. Words hurt. Usually children who are hurting, many times will use their words to hurt others. Our children need to know and understand that many children don't mean the words they say. Often, the hurting children who hurt others, home life is difficult, they aren't being treated well, and they want attention, and acting out is a way to do that. I'm saddened every time in the news when I hear a child has committed suicide due to being bullied. I've recently seen a child, as young as eight years old, take his life, due to kids bullying him. Think about that. Because of someone's words, another child takes their life. This is a difficult conversation and must be had with an age appropriate child. With that said, children need to understand there can be devastating consequences, to our actions.
Bonus Story: We never know how our words are going to impact those around us, even when we don't realize they are paying attention and listening. Kindness Matters!