Keeping your Mouth in Check with your Heart

We've all done it. 

Had that moment, when we've said something we wished we hadn't. Boy, those words linger a long time don't they? Bet you can remember your face flushing red, or the look on the other person's face, or the sound in their or your own voice.

We've all experienced it.

A friend, loved one, co-worker let loose a statement or comment that knocked you back and maybe knocked you straight down to the ground. You remember that moment well. It's been with you for awhile. Maybe you've had several from the same people. Regardless of the circumstances, you've experienced the hurt, devastation and frustration from someones thoughtless words.

I've been spending a lot of time trying to listen to what I've been saying. I have been in a constant reminder over the past month or so about my words and what they really mean.

That probably sounded a little vague. Let me explain. I'm sure you've probably encountered a few of these sayings some where in your life.

Kind words are like honey-they cheer you up and make you feel strong.
                                                          -Proverbs 16:24 (CEV)

Watching what you say can save you a lot of trouble.
                                                          -Proverbs 21:23 (CEV)

A bird that you set free may be caught again, but a word that escapes your lips will not return.
                                                           -Jewish Proverb

The heart of a fool is in his mouth, but the mouth of a wise man is in his heart.
                                                        -Benjamin Franklin

Among the things you can give and still keep are your word, a smile and a grateful heart.
                                                         -Zig Ziglar

Don't let your mouth write a check your tail can't cash.
                                                          -Bo Diddley

For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.
                                                          -Matthew 12:37

Good people do good things because of the good in their hearts. Bad people do bad things because of the evil in their hearts. Your words show what is in your heart.
                                                          -Luke 6:45 (CEV)

Even fools seem smart when they are quiet.
                                                               -Proverbs 17:28

I think that's enough to get the point over. The big one that I keep getting is the message from Luke 6:45. Your words show what is in your heart.

Do you ever hear people constantly being negative? Constantly coming up with drama? If you listen to them, and what they're really saying, you'll learn to read between the lines. They're unhappy. They have some thing in their heart that is just sad, and that is why they say all the things they do.

Have you ever been around someone who is just joyful? Who just speaks great things and helps to build you up? You would know if you had. I'm talking about a person who was sincere and genuine. Not someone just throwing compliments randomly out there, but someone who has a great heart. Someone who can help you see the positive, when something negative tries to hit you. (Sometimes, it can almost be annoying! But, never the less, you still are so thankful for those people who can help show you the wonderfulness that life has.)

I've been more quiet lately. (Go ahead and laugh a little right now, because if you know me, it's almost funny to imagine me being quiet.) But, I've been struggling lately. I know that I've encountered a lot of negative words recently. It made me wonder if I had been doing the same thing to other people. I needed time to look inside myself and see what I was battling and dealing with. I needed to listen to what my heart was telling other people and myself. 

If the power of our words brings life and death, happiness and sorrow, healing or hurt-why is it, we don't treat them all like the treasures they really are?

There was a time that all people had were words. There were no cell phones, computers, books and documents. If someone gave you their word, it was a done deal. Goods traded and sold, all at the power of a word.

There are still a few things that only require a few words, in order to change a life. Words like, "Will you marry me?" "I do!" "We're pregnant!" "We'd like to offer you the job!" "Congratulations!" "I'm proud of you." "I love you."

These small words, are so powerful. They are also not offered, often. 

I bet some of your most memorable days, included some of the most kind hearted words you'd ever heard. Mine do. The day I got engaged, was so special and amazing. Some of the most difficult days I've made it through, were all because someone gave me some kind words and positive encouragement.

Maybe if we all started using more positive words, we could see a difference and change in people. Have you told your kids you're proud of them lately? Have you reminded your mom and dad that you're thankful, for all they've done and sacrificed for you? Have you ever told your friend that their support was what changed their whole week around, or maybe life? Have you told your spouse how wonderful they are and why?

I've never heard anyone, EVER, complain about being told something positive.

Well, ok, that's not entirely true. I was once given a work evaluation and told, as a negative point, that I was too "cheerful and bubbly." (Pause for an awkward moment.....) Yea, I thought it was weird too. There's always someone who wants to rain on a positive parade, but again, you can see those people have some deep hurt/fears/hate in their hearts.

As I move on from my newly learned lesson, I hope that I've shared something with you, for your life. Listen to what you've been saying. Even if it means you're a little quieter and don't have a lot to say right now. Evaluate what it is you mean.

Maybe, if you're reading this, you're seeing that it's meant for someone in your life. Maybe they need more positive words. Maybe someone in your life needs to be built up, because they're struggling inside. Maybe they just need to be reminded how truly wonderful they are. 

So I dare you-go build someone up! Go use your Super Power Words for GOOD! Go and share the love! You'll NEVER regret saying something positive and meaningful, to someone.


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Friendship: The New Dating Game

30 Acts of Kindness

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More than Generous...

I guess this has been on my heart for awhile. It took a wonderful Christian mom's meeting, to really bring it out and up front in my life and eyes.

I felt the need to share this with you guys, my readers. (I think all two of you out there!) We've had a rough week (our 6 1/2 year old dog disappeared) and it's time to get back to the roots of this blog, doing for others when we're down.

This is the season of Thanks and Giving. The, seemingly, once a year, we all talk about how we're happy to have people and things. 

There are a lot of people out there with HUGE WISH/WANT lists. Trust me, I'm guilty of this too! I really would love to have a mother's ring, a bike, a vacation, a new wardrobe since I'm done being pregnant, yada yada yada. If I don't get any of this stuff, I'll be just fine. In fact, if I got ANY of these things, I'd be shocked.

There are a lot of people out there, who don't think they are rich enough. Who don't have enough 'stuff.' The truth is, if you live in America, you're actually rich. Most of the world's population lives on just $2 a day. How lucky are we? Most of us have rent that well surpasses $2 a day. If you don't, you need to tell me your secret. But, honestly, thinking of having a home that we can afford to pay for, is a blessing. We really are lucky! If you were able to take a warm shower, or put on clothes, or eat a meal, you ARE BLESSED! And if you did all these things, in succession, you're EXTREMELY BLESSED!

I'm telling you this because there are stories attached to this. We weren't always so lucky. There are people out there now, that definitely aren't. So, if you look at the second word, in ThanksGiving (Capitalized on Purpose!), you'll see, what I'm about to talk about. Giving.

Girl & Boy from the Giving Tree.

This week, we've been busy. I donated a turkey to our local Salvation Army. They are in need, every year. I also picked up the names of two kids off the Giving Tree. I always tend to go for the older kids, because babies and smaller children always end up being pretty easily taken care of. The older ones, even though are a little harder to shop for, are the most fun for me.

A long time ago, I remember being a recipient of someone else's generosity. I was very little, my brother and I both were. I might have mentioned that we weren't a very wealthy family. We were poor. It doesn't bother me to say that. It was, what it was. My parents always found a way to take care of us.

Wuzzles, photo from Wikipedia.

I remember one Christmas, I got to go to a special place with my brother, where I got the coolest toy I'd ever gotten! It was a Wuzzle. Remember those?! I got Eleroo! He was half elephant and have Kangaroo. I remember I put stickers in his pouch. He was purple and had orange stripes. He was AWESOME! I don't remember what my brother got, but I remember that's what I got. I had him for the longest time too. Not sure whatever happened to him. Gosh, funny how memories of random things will affect your outlook on life as an adult.

When I became old enough and financially able to do so, I started doing the same thing. I started giving back to kids. It wasn't much at first, maybe one name. But EVERY year, I do this. I do this because, it's important. I knew, at a very young age, how special the smallest act of kindness could mean. Changes your heart and your life.

We give to a lot of different things. Lots of causes that affect children and families. This is what our jobs are. No matter what, you can always find something to give. Whether it be money, items, or just time. You can afford something, for someone.

I remember sitting in church and learning that your job as a Christian, is to take care of, well, everyone. All of mankind. Show love to one another, and treat them as ourselves.

Going back to the ladies meeting I had this week, one of the points we talked about, was excess in our lives. We all have sooooo much stuff.

I learned that one lady, doesn't buy presents for her kids. They have generous family members that buy gifts and presents for her kids, so in turn they take money and donate it to other families and causes. Woman after my own heart! 

The true meaning of Christmas is giving, helping others and showing love, in honor of Jesus, isn't it? 

We talked about the second chapter in James. It's an EXCELLENT chapter. It popped out at me immediately, because it's something I really needed to hear. I really feel like this applies to all of us. I've been guilty of this, and I need to be better.

Honestly, I kind of really want to type up the entire 2nd Chapter of James, but would probably turn you away. Know that it kind of ties along into Matthew, if you're not familiar with it. (And you totally need to read it and get familiar with it!)

Here are a few verses from James 2: (Common English Bible)

  "Imagine two people coming into your meeeting. One has a gold ring and fine clothes, while the other is poor, dressed in filthy rags.
  Then suppose that you were to take special notice of the one wearing fine clothes, saying, 'Here's an excellent place. Sit here.' But to the poor person you say, 'Stand over there'; or, 'Here, sit at my feet.'
  Wouldn't you have shown favoritism among yourselves and become evil-minded judges?
  My dear brothers and sisters, listen! Hasn't God chosen those who are poor by worldly standards to be rich in terms of faith? Hasn't God chosen the poor as heir of the kingdom he has promised to those who love him?
  But you have dishonored the poor." James 2:2-6

  "You do well when you really fulfill the royal law found in scripture, Love your neighbor as yourself." James 2:8

  "My brothers and sisters, what good is it if people say they  have faith but do nothing to show it? Claiming to have faith can't save anyone, can it?
  Imagine a brother or sister who is naked and never has enough food to eat.
  What if one of you said, 'Go in peace! Stay warm! Have a nice meal!'? What good is it if you don't actually give them what their body needs?
  In the same way, faith is dead when it doesn't result in faithful activity." James 2:14-17

  "Someone might claim, 'You have faith and I have action.' But how can I see your faith apart from your actions? Instead, I'll show you my faith by putting it into practice in faith action.
  It's good that you believe that God is one. Ha! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble with fear. 
  Are you slow? Do you need to be shown that faith without actions has no value at all?" James 2:18-20

Add this along with Matthew 7:21-24, and you've got yourself some big actions and consequences.

I know, I'm still really young and learning in the ways of God and love and showing his amazingness through opportunity. I, by no means, have any or all the answers. But, I was so humbled and touched by these other ladies and their stories of how they connect with one another, and show love and honor God with giving.

Do you know your neighbors? Like, their names? Where they work? We tend to be so isolated, even though we're all socially connected online, that we tend to overlook actual people.

This week, I found out, a man who I had kind of known for a couple of years, lived a few streets down. His wife has some medical trouble and he works full-time and she's home. Why can't I help them? How did I NOT know they lived just a few streets over? We literally, walk by their street almost every day. So, I offered up my services to help. When ever they need it. I'd hope that someone would do that for me, if I ever needed it some day.

Finger Painted Fall Trees Card

Also, this week, (Remember, I said we've been busy!) the kids and I planned a craft day. We called a local nursing home, and asked if we could make some cards for the residents there. The staff was really excited by our offer! They had over 80 residents. I'm not sure how many of these people get visitors, or cards, or anything, so I wanted to make sure to get something to all of them. Trust me, this is a daunting task with a three year old and one and half year old. 

Hand Turkeys, Trees, Scribbles and more on these cards!

Their focus isn't really going to last for 80 cards, so I definitely picked up the slack. But, I did so cheerfully! I was HAPPY to do this! Happy to donate my time into some cards, to show love to others. 

All 82 cards!

It only took us a few hours, and they were done. We dropped off all our finished cards so they could be distributed before Thanksgiving. 

Giving to others, is just such an amazing feeling! Especially, giving something, you know can really help! 

We also, bought food and donated it to the local food shelters. I can't imagine what it would like to be hungry. Or to watch my children be hungry. We give thanks, EVERY DAY, that we have food. 

I know this has probably been beat to death over the past month and that many of you, do find ways to give. Isn't it just amazing, the feeling you get from doing it? Can't you just help, but smile while you do it? 

If you ever need to hear a testimonial about how something you've done (like donating Toys for Tots, or a turkey) can change a life, just ask me. I was once one of those kids. Your generosity, made a difference in my life. You started a cycle, when you gave that day. Because, I now give. My children, will give. One random act of kindness has changed two generations.

Your giving may not always have that affect, but it will NEVER have a negative impact on anyone's life. Giving, with LOVE, will always have a positive that comes from it.

So, this year, I'm thankful, for everything. I'm thankful for the hardships, that have lead me to be who I am today. I'm thankful, for the chance to help give back to others. I'm grateful for opportunity to teach my children the same, and to make an impact in the lives of the people in my community, and in the world. People, whom, I may never meet, but will hopefully know, that I'm giving because I LOVE. I love, because that's what God does, and wants. And, I am so thankful for God, for His love, and for Him showing me the way.

Remember, faith without action, is dead. Faith, is love. What would we be without love? So, go and do all things, with LOVE!

Happy Holidays!

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I'd love to hear stories of how you've been helped, or been able to be a blessing to someone else! It's always inspiring and giving ideas totally helps us all, share the love!

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Mother's Milk, Donating Life.

I'm pretty thankful, most of the time, about everything and everyone in my life.

I guess November is National Be Thankful Month for everyone else too! It's good to be thankful. It's good to give.

While many food banks across the nation are looking for donations to feed families, there is another 'food' bank looking for the same thing. Except, instead of just feeding families, it's looking for the donation of life.

While the topic of breastfeeding seems to generate a lot of passion in people. Both for and against. It was one of the surprising questions that I got asked when I was pregnant-"Are you going to nurse?" Was something that popped out of not just women's mouths, but men. (Even some men my husband knew, asked him if I planned on doing it.)

I have never taken offense to this. I read up a lot on nursing. While I didn't find it to be as "romantic" as I've read it described, I did find (after a struggling period in the beginning) it to be quite easy and relaxing. 

With my first, I also developed a relationship with my breast pump. (I would say love/hate is a good description!) I went back to working part time after I had him, and so I pumped. I was able to breast and bottle feed him for 13 months. I had a lot of milk stored up in the freezer. 

After he was weaned, I found he wouldn't drink anything from the freezer. So, I threw it out. (Probably about 50 oz.) If you've ever pumped milk, you know, you basically cry if any gets spilled or lost. Especially in the early stages of a newborns life. I think the first time I thawed out a bag and found it leaked all over my fridge, I seriously had a mental break down and cried. It was 4 oz. Of literally, spilt milk.

Yep, Me!

After my daughter was born, she proved to be the breastfeeding champ. I never went back to work after having her. I still pumped, and a lot, because originally that wasn't the plan. I was planning to work part time. I woke up early and pumped when I could. I had a great supply the second time around as well!

She was reluctant to take a bottle though. She wasn't really going to fall for that trick, especially if she knew mom was anywhere within a 5 mile radius of the house. She's a funny kid. 

Anyway, so there I was, with a freezer full of milk, that she hardly ever drank. We tried plan sippy cups, mixing it with stuff, anything you could imagine. She just didn't particularly want to use it. I breast fed her for a loooooooong time.

Donated Mother's Milk Bags*

My frozen breast milk that had been stored up in our freezer, was a ton! I couldn't BARE to throw it away. It was way too much! I remembered seeing a piece on the Today Show about donated breast milk, and then I remembered a family member had done the same with hers. She donated a big cooler's worth! An amount I wouldn't even come close too! I took to google immediately and found The Mother's Milk Bank of Denver. This place is AMAZING!

For a short video of how it helps, click here! 
I called and did my screening over the phone and talked to a nurse and found out I was able to donate my milk. I had the option of either shipping it to them, or if I could get to Denver, Colorado, I could just drop it off. (They did need blood samples, just to do testing to make sure you're healthy! But they take care of all that, or help you arrange it in your home town, to ship to them. They won't just leave you hanging, they are there for guidance.)

This was so wonderful! I was able to donate a little over 100 oz. of breast milk that went to help who knows how many families and little ones.

Donated Milk Ready to be Prepared.*

The people that work at the Mother's Milk Bank of Denver, were unbelievably kind and amazing. They have so much gratitude for the people that donate. They get to see first hand, just how much it helps! 

There are a lot of little videos out there, and I'd encourage anyone to watch a two minute video that talks about how much, donated breast milk, can change the life of a little one that is struggling. I know, if it were my own children, I'd hope someone would be able to do this for us. 

So, like I said before in the beginning of this, if you or anyone you know, can donate breast milk, please consider it. Lots of people also need turkeys and "things," this holiday season, but there are also some who need life! 




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I was young and now I'm old, but I have never seen the righteous left all alone, have never seen their children begging for bread. They are always gracious and generous. Their children are a blessing.
Psalms 37:25-26


More Giving ideas or stories? Click below!
Photographer Love, Library Fine, Coffee Dates, Encouragement in a Balloon

*Photos were taken off a video from 9News Denver*

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Giving Thanks: Photographer Love

A few days ago I sent out a little thank you note, with some love. Thank you notes aren't something that are different for me to do, but to who it went to was.

I think we are living in an age where we can take for granted that we have digital cameras, and photo editing software, pretty much at our finger tips. Pictures get taken all the time!

Growing up, it was a little different. Remember when we had to send in our film, cross our fingers and hope that SOMETHING GOOD came out of the negatives?! Remember when you ruined the negatives?? Remember when 1 hr. photo was the most amazing thing ever! Wow, times have certainly changed, and really quite recently and rapidly.

There really aren't that many photos of us growing up. We had a large family (I have four siblings, which makes five including me). Money was tight, and photos were taken sparingly. Honestly, I've never really given it any thought, until a few years ago.

Someone very special to me passed away a few years ago. She was beautiful and amazing in every way, inside and out. I loved her. She was my mother-in-law. She taught me so much about life-being a wife, a mother, a nurturer, about so many things. She was, my mom. I love my own mother as well, but I learned so many different things from this woman. If we could all be a little like her, this world, would be a completely different place.

She was also the woman, who raised my husband. If you wanted to get an idea of who she was, you'd find it in him. I could go on about all the goodness for a long time, but this was only supposed to be a back story about what I'm writing about now.

Going back through old photos, I realized, we didn't have hardly any, of her. Hindsight can be kinda tough sometimes. But, it also made me go back through all MY photos. Photos I'd taken of the kids. Then I saw it again. I think it's a mother's curse. We spend so much time taking photos of the kids and other things, that the person who's behind the camera gets forgotten. I had almost NO photos of me with my children.

There were several of my husband and the kids, but a handful of me with them. I decided to change that. I called a booked a mommy and me session with each of my kids. I was able to start first with my son, and then after my daughter turn one, I did some with her as well.

I've become kind of a photo crazy person. My husband kind of get annoyed by it, but I simply reply, "I'm documenting life." When this stage is over, all we'll have are memories (which differ from each person who tells the story) but also photos. Our children, I've heard called, are the .Jpeg Generation. Kind of funny, and I get how obsessive people can be, but those will be treasures some day.

In any event, I had just had this family photo shoot with an amazing photographer. It was a cold day and my kids were anything, BUT cooperative. My husband really wasn't so enthused either. But, she worked wonders! It was the shortest session ever, but she still did some amazing work.

I'm so thankful for these people. At the end of the day when you look at the price, remember they're treasures. Of you, of your family, of your life. You're paying someone to do your own little documentary. Someone, who was given a blessed talent, by God. Someone, who learned early they could do some amazing things for families.

Some of the biggest regrets I've heard, are from people who didn't get photos taken. I've never heard someone regret getting them done. And as I've gotten older, I've realized it's not about looking and being perfect. Or having EVERY SINGLE PHOTO turn out to be absolutely amazing. If I get one photo I like, out of any photos I've taken, it's a success.

When was the last family picture you had taken? What are you waiting for????????? 

So, to finish this post, I sent our photographer, a thank you note and little gift. She deserves it and more. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You to our photographer! And to all photographers out there! You're appreciated, more than you know!

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Owe no one anything, except to love each other, 

for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.

Romans 13:8

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