BOILING BLOOD...August 10 Devotion

What do you do when someone cuts you off in traffic?

How do you feel when your children disobey you?

Do your co-workers ever get under your skin?

How do you react to your spouse when they make you late?

Face it... arguments, tension, annoyance, and resentment are all too common. Displays of temper lead to embarrassment. Harsh words can turn people off, possibly even wrecking relationships. Constant complaining and annoying can make marriages intolerable. Explosive tempers can even do worse; they can lead to violence. Anger is not pretty and it is rarely justified.

This week I had an email from a christian friend who had an outburst of anger towards a family member. My friend said some things that were not "Christ-like" and she felt terrible afterwards. She felt like she was "less" of a christian for allowing anger to boil up inside of her.

This week's YOUR OPINION MATTERS POLL reveals to me that my friend is not alone. Anger and frustration is something that we all deal with. When polled this week, "What caused your most recent frustration", the poll revealed...

13% of those polled said that their children or a friend frustrated them recently.

26% voted that their frustration was a result of their spouse.
40% of the readers said that they were frustrated with something other than what was listed.

Many times we are thrust into situations that cause our blood to boil. I have heard people say that they could not help it, that they were provoked to anger. I have many times lost my cool and said and did things that I wish I had not.

I have been studying the book of Proverbs, and have come to the conclusion that anger is the vice behind behaviour and attitudes that display the opposite of love.

1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-5
"Love is patient; love is kind. Love does not envy; is not boastful; is not conceited; does not act improperly; is not selfish; is not provoked; does not keep a record of wrongs."

Anger is quite the opposite of what Paul is telling us here. Anger is impatient, unkind, envious, boastful, conceited, causes us to act improperly, it is selfish, easily provoked, and anger tends to keep a record of wrongs.

ANGRY is NOT the way we want to act. "I couldn't help it. I was angry." The fact is ...WE CAN HELP IT!

How many times have you gone days without speaking to a friend because of angry words exchanged, only to have forgotten what you were even mad about later?

Have you ever yelled at your children in the heat of the moment? only afterwards, realizing that a firm discipline would have been smarter.

ALLOWING YOUR BLOOD TO BOIL CAN BECOME A HABIT...
Like any other habit, the quick temper must be dealt with. The way to beat the temper habit is to prepare in advance for anger-inducing situations. Read the book of Proverbs and memorize Solomon's wisdom for that upcoming situation that may cause your blood to boil....

* DO RUDE PEOPLE ANNOY YOU?

Practice using a kind word to that person who may insult you.
Memorize Prov. 15:1 "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

* ARE YOU EASILY SET OFF IN TRAFFIC?

Conquer your anger!
Memorize Prov. 16:32 "He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city."

* DO YOU FIND YOURSELF IN FREQUENT QUARRELS?

Think of the quarrel as a dam releasing water...stop the flood before it is unstoppable!
Memorize Prov. 17:14 "The beginning of strife is like releasing water; therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts."

DO YOU ADMIRE SOMEONE WHO SEEMS TO BE INCREDIBLY PATIENT?
Solomon writes in chapter 16 that a patient person is better than a war hero. Controlling temper is just simply being in control of yourself. This may seem difficult to accomplish, but it is possible!

WISDOM (or insight) WILL GIVE YOU PATIENCE.
The wisdom Solomon teaches us is realizing that your anger is harmful to those you love. Solomon also suggests that we learn to prefer others over ourselves.

It is my prayer that you will meditate upon the wisdom found in the book of Proverbs and remember that whether we use gentle or harsh words, our conversation REFLECTS our character.

MAY THE BLOOD THAT RUNS THRU YOUR VEINS AT THAT

"difficult" MOMENT BE THE BLOOD OF JESUS!

Thank you for joining us for this weeks devotion. It is my prayer that your heart was challenged and changed by Gods Word! Thank you for TAKING A STAND with me.


PLEASE VOTE IN THIS WEEKS POLL.... (located on the side bar)
"What benefits do you think would come from an increased amount of humility?" YOUR OPINION MATTERS...thank you for voting!

THEN SINGS MY SOUL SATURDAY...the man you've become

OK...OK...I heard you loud and clear ...WHERE'S THE PICTURES?? Today on THEN SINGS MY SOUL SATURDAY, I have some pictures of the wedding.

As you look at the beautiful pictures, keep in mind that we had only a week and a half to pull this wedding together. I have one word for you if you have a wedding in your future ... SIMPLICITY!! Simple is beautiful!

As you look at the pictures, I wanted to share with you a song I heard, "the man you've become", when I heard this song my heart filled with emotion as it said exactly what was in my heart this past week as my son became a husband.

Son, I am so proud of you!!

Mute the music on the side bar of the blog and listen to this video after you look at the wedding slideshow. May it bring joy and remembrance to the man your son is becoming.

CLICK HERE to view the wedding slideshow pictures!

Thank you to Amy over at Signs, Miracles and Wonders for hosting THEN SINGS MY SOUL SATURDAY. CLICK HERE to find other great videos!

Blessings,

Laurie

THANKFUL THURSDAY...friends

THANKFUL THURSDAY... the day of the week that I look forward to in bloggy world because I have the opportunity to share with my readers what I am giving thanks to my Lord for.

This past week, my christian friends have shown me what it is like to give from your hearts. If it wasn't for a few good friends, I would have gone insane trying to put together a wedding for my son and his bride.

PROV. 17:17

A friend loves at all times.

I am so blessed to have such great girlfriends, so I dedicate this THANKFUL THURSDAY post to you....

YSylvia...THANK YOU for all that you have done for my family, but what you did for the wedding was so OVER THE TOP! Your calm and coolness during the wedding was a great relief to me. And how much fun we had getting all of that stuff out before the wedding! You are the best!! I love you.

YDione...THANK YOU for all that you do for me. You are my stress release on Mondays! You are such a blessing to me and what you did for the kids so they could have somewhat of a honeymoon was such a blessing! I love you.

YWanda...THANK YOU for always being there for me. Your prayers and support mean so much to me, it is great to know that no matter what - you will always be there for me. Thank you so much for being at the wedding and for staying behind to help clean up. I love you.

YJenny...THANK YOU for always being a good friend. Your love and support means so much to me. You always know just the right time to make me some "hello dollies", what a great way to cheer me up. We have shared joy, sorrow and stories of our kids growing up...you have taught me so much. You are an awesome friend! I love you.

I would be amiss if I did not mention 2 other great friends

that I would be so incomplete without....

YClayton...THANK YOU for being my best friend for the past 27 years. You are the mate in my soul. (soul-mate) You are my calm when I feel stressed. You are the most amazing person on the face of this earth, and I am so blessed that you chose me to be your bride. Thank you for loving me, and for always believing in me! I love you.

YJesus...THANK YOU for sticking closer than a brother. I would not be the person I am today without Your love and forgiveness. I cannot take one breathe without You. I cannot live one day without You. (and why would I try?) Your grace is unbelievable and I love You!

"A man who has friends must himself be friendly,

but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

PROV. 18:24

Thank you IRIS from over at Then Stings my heart for hosting THANKFUL THURSDAY. You can find more grateful hearts over HERE!

A PIECE OF MY HEART... my 100th post!

TODAY IS MY 100TH POST!

I have met so many new friends since I started blogging over nine months ago. What fun it is to stay in touch with all of you and to see how God is using the Internet to share His love and truth!

Today is my 100th post on my blog! I thought it would be fun (and interesting) to share 100 things you may or may not know about me. By the end of this post, hopefully, you will know me alittle bit better. It will be fun to see your comments on the most unusual thing that you learned today....

100 things to know about Laurie:

1. My middle name is ANN

2. I have a birthmark...a small hole on my ear

3. I was married to my sweetie when I was 17 years old

4. I had all four of my babies NATURALLY! (Yes siree....no epidural for me!!)

5. I love coconut shrimp from Red Lobster

6. My hair is NOT naturally blonde

7. My natural hair color is brunette

8. My eyes are brown

9. I used to live in Wisconsin

10. I have met David Whitehurst (former Green Bay Packer Quarterback from years ago...)

11. I cannot ice skate without falling down

12. I went roller skating every Saturday night when I was a teen

13. I often went disco dancing with my high school friends ( I just aged myself here...)

14. I used to have a poster of Peter Frampton on my wall

15. I have been to Warsaw, Poland

16. I have been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris (more than once)

17. I have been married for 26 years

18. When I got married, my sweetie put my ring on the wrong hand

19. I have 2 brothers

20. My husbands family is kin to David Bowie, creator of the Bowie knife

21. Even though I lived in Green Bay, (the home of the Packers) - growing up, I was a Minnesota Vikings fan

22. I fear being in deep water

23. I scream and hyperventilate when I see a mouse

24. I have Asthma

25. I do not like to ride roller coasters

26. I love custard ice cream (Sheridans in Memphis)

27. I do not like iced tea

28. I do not drink coffee

29. My favorite candy bar is snickers

30. I have been to the Vatican in Rome

31. I walked across the London Bridge in London

32. I have been to Los Angeles (not once but twice)

33. My favorite cereal to eat is Cocoa Krispies

34. I like peanut m&m's...not plain ones!

35. I collect angels

36. I can beat all 3 of my boys in a game of basketball PIG (don't even try to deny it boys!!!)

37. I killed every green plant I have ever had

38. I cannot smell anything (strange...lost my sense of smell a few years ago)

39. I have over 40 picture frames on display in my home

40. I've been on 3 missions trips

41. I have never broken a bone

42. I can drive a snowmobile

43. I LOVE David Phelps Music

44. I DO NOT like country music (except that ooh ooh ooh song by sugarland!)

45. In school, I was a cheerleader

46. I played on the school basketball team in jr high

47. I have always thought wrestling was fake

48. I hate spicy food

49. I cannot sew (except maybe a button on a shirt)

50. I used to be a pre-school teacher

51. I own my own business

52. I need a new car (I'm not kidding!)

53. I saw Celtic Woman in concert

54. Carrie Underwood is my friend on FACEBOOK (so what!)

55. I can put my own worm on a fish hook

56. I do not know how to change a tire

57. Springtime is my favorite season

58. I do not miss shoveling snow since moving to the south

59. I enjoy watching figure skating

60. I am married to my best friend

61. I cannot play an instrument (and I'm married to a pastor and I can't play the piano!!!)

62. I love a bargain

63. I love to shop at Kohls

64. In Memphis my favorite restaurant is Coletta's

65. My favorite dessert is coconut creme pie

66. I used to work as an Executive Secretary

67. I do not own a watch (might be why I am always running late!)

68. I have 3 dogs

69. I am allergic to cats

70. I sneeze very very loudly

71. I cannot stand the sound of finger nails going down a chalkboard

72. I am detail crazy (my family calls it OCD!)

73. I do not like liver and onions

74. I eat my steak RARE (still mooing!)

75. I do not wear flip flops (or anything that has that thing that goes between your toes!!)

76. My maiden name is Nelson

77. I used to work in a pickle factory

78. One summer I worked at the carnival

79. I will NOT drink a diet drink

80. I have twin god-sons

81. I stink at playing guitar hero

82. I enjoy doing laundry (folding is my fav!)

83. I used to sing in the choir

84. I am reading THE SHACK right now

85. I think Oprah is a ding dong

86. My favorite tv show to watch is CSI

87. I send out at least 3 cards of encouragement a week

88. I have had only one birthday party in my life

89. I am 44 years old

90. I have canoed down the rapid river

91. My idea of camping is motel 6 (they leave the light on for me!)

92. My favorite memory of tent camping is Lynn Marion watering our tent (or something like that)

93. I love Southern Gospel Music

94. I love a hot bath (close to scalding!!!)

95. My birthday is in November

96. I have been diamond digging

97. I would like to go to Ireland

98. I have been to Petite Jean Mountain

99. I am working on writing a book

100. I am touched deeply that you hung with me for this entire list!

It is a joy and honor for me to write this blog. I thank all of you who encourage me and support me every week! I am truly blessed to call each of you "friend". Now leave me a comment and tell me the one thing you absolutely did NOT know about me!

AT THE WELL...family vision

It's Monday - which means that my friends and I are gathering at THE WELL today, as we pursue to be more like Titus 2 women! Today AT THE WELL, NATALIE from I AM (NOT) is our guest host. Natalie is leading the discussion around the well today about having family vision. I invite you to join us over at her blog to see what others are saying about family vision.

FROM MY HEART TO YOURS:

Natalie has posed a question to us today..."does your family have vision"?

PROVERBS 29:18
"Where there is no vision, the people are restrained.."

Wow what a great question that Natalie has posed to us today. Certainly each of us can say that we have a vision for our family. Possibly it is a vision to see our family to be in good health, or a goal to teach our children to love God and to love others, or possibly it is vision for each of us to pursue Gods will for our lives.

Having vision is not enough! There must be an action plan attached to the vision! After all what good is having vision if you don't have a game plan?

Something that my husband and I like to do once a year is to make a mission statement (or plan of action), not only for our ministry but also for our family. This mission statement is updated each year and includes our goals for the year. It may include individual goals, but it also includes goals and visions of things we as a family would like to see accomplished in the next 12 months.

It is always fun to look back at the past year and see how many things we are able to cross off of our list as accomplishments. Without vision and goals ... it may be difficult to see where you are headed. It is amazing to me, when we can sit down as a family or as a couple, and see firsthand what all God had enabled and empowered us to accomplish on our mission statement for that particular year.

WHAT IS YOUR MISSION STATEMENT?

DO YOU HAVE GOALS AND VISIONS FOR THE NEXT 12 MONTHS?

Why not write them down and just see what God may empower you to accomplish.

THANKS FOR JOINING US AT THE WELL, and many thanks to Natalie for leading us in today's discussion and super duper thanks to Chelsey for having the vision to lead us all to THE WELL!

RELATIVELY SPEAKING...weekly devotion

Thank you for joining us for this week's devotion.

It is my prayer that God will speak to you

thru my writing but more importantly thru His Word!

Families are a great importance to God. After all wasn't family God's idea in the first place? During the creation of the world, God made a man and then a woman to be man's companion. He told them that men and women would join together and become one flesh.

Throughout the Bible, we see commandments that God has given us in regard to family. But still, we often times use the word dysfunctional to describe families. Marriages can be dysfunctional. Adult relationships with parents can become dysfunctional. The word dysfunctional covers a wide range of family problems.


FAMILIES....They can be a blessing or they can be dysfunctional. In the book of Proverbs, Solomon gives wisdom that covers parenting, marriage, adult relationships with their parents, and even grandparent's relationships with their families. There is so much more to FAMILY than a married couple with children. So for you single folks...this also applies to you!

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT TRAIT OF A HEALTHY FAMILY?

First of all, a healthy family starts with the right attitude. Secondly, a healthy family needs good communication. I love what Solomon tells us in chapter 21 of Proverbs..."family life shouldn't be so bad that we'd rather live on the corner of the roof" or in verse 19, he says, "our communication should not be as irritating as a dripping faucet."

Solomon gives us great advice when it comes to family matters in the book of Proverbs. The Bible is filled with advice about using words wisely, so many quarrels within our families could be avoided with a few simple pieces of scriptural advice:


PROV. 15:1 "Don't respond to anger with anger."

PROV. 19:11 " Don't make an issue out of everything that bothers you or hurts your feelings."

PROV. 17:27 "Think before speaking."

In last weeks YOUR OPINION MATTERS POLL, I polled the readers the following question, "What prevents you from being the best family member you can be?" The top 3 results were:

50% of those polled, said that they have better theories than actual practices in their families.
37% voted and said that they have difficult family members.
25% indicated they have trouble being a good family member because of something else.


THIS POLLS INDICATES TO ME THAT FAMILY ISSUES IS A BIGGIE FOR MOST OF US!

Do you remember the ballad by Harry Chapin from many years ago, "The Cat's in the Cradle?" This song painfully depicted the consequences of a father who did not prioritize his family. It is about a father who travels a great deal and misses out on seeing his boy grow up. The boy in the song is always asking, "When ya coming home, dad?" The father always makes the excuse, "I don't know when, son. But we'll have a good time then." However the good time never happens because the Dad is too busy.

Further in the song, the father finally retires from working and he then wants to spend time with his grown son. The dad asks, "When ya coming home , son?" HERE IS THE HAUNTING PART... the son replies, "I don't know when. But we'll have a good time, Dad." The father contemplates with sadness, "My son is just like me."

ARE YOU STRUGGLING TO BE A BETTER FAMILY MEMBER?

The first step to having a BETTER family life is to realize how important family is! You cannot deny your nature. God made you a family-oriented creature. Nothing can fill the hole if you fail to value family. The years cannot be turned back when you realize too late how important it is. (if you haven't read my personal story of what I lost in my family....READ HERE!)

Once you place the proper value on family life, the key is to unlearn some bad habits and attitudes. If you are currently in a dysfunctional family...there are probably multiple people involved in making it this way. However, the good news is that even one person can make a big difference by changing. Many times, if we would just humble ourselves, difficult family members will find it easier to change for the better.

Family is a deep-felt need of our soul. What can you change to make your family better?



YOUR OPINION MATTERS POLL:
Be sure to vote in this weeks poll (located on the side bar of this blog) - this week the question is... "The last time I got really frustrated was when...." Thanks for your vote!

THEN SINGS MY SOUL SATURDAY...that's what love is

Today on my blog, I am celebrating THEN SINGS MY SOUL SATURDAY. What a beautiful day to give God the glory for His magnificent work in our lives. Yesterday, I stood and watched my son Jeremy become a husband. What a beautiful and heart-stirring moment!

In honor of love today, I wanted to share one of my favorite songs by David Phelps (who is also my favorite artist!) "THAT'S WHAT LOVE IS"....

(make sure you scroll down to my blog music and

"mute" it first before you listen to the video!)

To lift your spirit today, check out AMY at Signs, Miracles and Wonders to see other wonderful songs on Then Sings My Soul Saturday. FIND THEM HERE!