Words & Actions

Today, I really have been thinking about the power of my words and actions.  My words and actions have the power to tear down or build up those around me.  Especially those who are closest to me.  The ones that see me every day.  My co-workers.  My customers.  My friends.  My kids. My husband.  It's easy to build someone up with positive words and actions, when the other person is loving and caring and receptive.  

But what about when the other person behavior is less than desirable.  I know that I really struggle with keeping my words and actions in check during these times. But I'm learning that it's in those times when it is MOST important to really be aware and intentional about EVERYTHING I say or do. Because especially in those times, the other person needs to be built up and not teared down by what I say or do.

I've borrowed a list of attributes that can tear down or build up a relationship. (www.whitestoneresources.com)

Tearing Down:

Punishing

Controlling

Judging

Criticizing

Threatening

Blaming

Nagging

Keeping score 

Building Up:

Serving one another

Encouraging daily

Accepting

Loving

Kindness

Patience

Forgiving

Honoring

Every day, I strive to build up those around me. I don't always get it right.  Sometimes, I mess up.  But I apologize and I keep striving to do better. 

"Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres."
 1 Corinthians 13:7

Love,

Julie

What Does Autism Look Like?

What does autism look like?  

Take a peek at these precious boys.

Love,

Julie

Reflections

Lately, I have really been reflecting over the year and about the people who have come into my life.  Every single person that has crossed my path has made an impact on me.  I am thankful for each person.  Friends who have there through the joys and laughter, along with the pain and tears.  New friends.  Old friends.  Unexpected friends.  I have learned so much from each of them.  It is easy to be thankful for the friends who have been supportive.

But, it's not always easy to be thankful for those that hurt me, for those who have walked away, for those whose hurtful words that pierce right into your heart .  Do you find that true for you?  It's so easy for me to get wrapped up in the hurt and pain from these types of relationships.  For so long, I have let myself carry around this hurt.  I let that hurt control my behavior.  It wasn't until a GOOD friend (you know who you are) pointed out that I allowed myself to be continually hurt by these experiences...instead of forgiving, learning and growing.  And, I am proud to say that I have done that & I am continuing to do that.  And you know what I'm learning....that it is TRUE freedom.  Freedom from that hurt.  From that pain.  From the past. 

So, I am thankful for each person that has crossed my path.  Each one has taught me something about myself.   I am learning that I am stronger and braver than I have ever thought.  Each choice that I have made, each person that I come in contact with, each experience I have had, both good and bad, has been instrumental in shaping me into the person that God wants me to be.

Thank you, friends.  I will be forever grateful for you.

Love,

Julie

For Good--Kristin Chenoweth

"So much of me is made from what I learned from you.

You'll be with me, like a hand-print on my heart.

And now whatever way our stories end,I know you have re-written mine by being my friend."