Do I really need to explain #10?

Life would be so much easier if we just did rule number 10.

10.  When angry, count to 10 before you speak, if really angry count a 100.

Speaks volumes!  Think about it!

Getting a Handle of Things with TJ: Rule #9

This next rule caused me to stop and to think about what TJ is telling us.   Honestly, I had no idea.  This led me to do some extra research.  Exhausted after reading a zillion commentaries and this is what I found…..

8.  Take things always by the smooth handle.

This little rule was stated by TJ in efforts to produce peace,  harmony, and consolation.  Apparently, wise old TJ did not like to argue.

To argue for or against a stand, a purpose or a point worth arguing over will eventually lead to someone being hurt.  Whether or not it is a physical hurt or an emotional hurt, someone always loses in an argument and feels defeated.  I mean let’s face it.  When we argue our point, the augment isn’t over until someone is “right.” Or at least someone feels as if the have gotten the last word in and therefore is deemed “right.”  Someone will lose causing a strain in a relationship.

Jesus teaches us to love and respect one another.  “Love one another as I have loved you.”  So why do we argue?  Why is it that we get our tail feathers ruffled?  God wants us to have loving relationships with one another so why do we seek to be right all the time?  Why don’t we just agree to disagree on matters.  Turn the other cheek, possibly? Have you ever argued with a smug “I know I’m right so I will let them argue their point then I will calmly nail them to the wall” person? I have and that is the worst kind of argument.  They sit there until I get so angry I ready to hit them…. then the smug…… OHHHHHH  See I’ve been hurt!  Ouch, should have listened to TJ’s advice.

When we argue, we lose sight of the Jesus kind of love.  We end up angry at others and sometimes ourselves.  Ultimately, losing a relationship or tainting one beyond the repair of trust because we don’t want to be burned again.

Wouldn’t it be easier just to listen long and to not open our opinionated mouths.  I have a long way to go on this rule.  See, I like to argue.  I am a freak in nature I guess.  I like to debate.  But I hate to lose friendships.  So if I lose a friendship, am I really winning an argument?  Ponder on that one.

So this year, I am going to stop arguing as much.  I will put my debating on the back burners and listen to the others without being smug and pouncing on them in the end.  I will turn the other cheek and will stop arguements before they get heated and someone ending up hurt.

TJ + Worry = Rule #8

How many times have I worried over the silliest things?  How many times have I worried over situations that didn’t seem to have any hope.  I have worried so much in the past that I am almost complete grey headed!  (More apparent now than ever since the hair coloring was put into the luxury-can-live-without category in our budget.)  Now that is something to worry about!

8.  How much pain the evils have cost us that never happened.

If you look up the definition for worry, you are going to be shocked with the answer you have found.  According to Dictionary.com worry is defined as “to torment oneself with or suffer from disturbing thoughts; fret.”  TORMENT ONESELF!!!!  That sounds horrible.  Yet, we do it.

How many times have I worried about…. I mean tormented myself over outcomes to situations.  Do you do this?  What if this happens…… What if I said this…….  What if I did this……  What if they do this……..  What if He says this……. I could go on forever!  I have spent hours in day dreams of tormenting scenarios.  What a waste!!

Now the Bible says clearly in Phil. 4:6 that we should not worry over anything.  We should however, give our worries over to God to handle.  I mean He is big enough to handle them, don’t you think?  I should pray for Him to take care of those thoughts (torments) as I roll around at night worrying instead of sleeping.  He can handle it.  He has already promised to take care of me as far as food and clothing and shelter….. do I really need anything more?

So, in 2009 let’s stop the worry! Just think of the health benefits, too.  Cast those evils unto God and enjoy life! Stop the waste!

TJ and Grandma Cannon: Rule #7

Looking back over the years with my Grandmother, I find such admiration for her life and the example she was for me.  In her younger days, I could picture her as the feisty, full of fun, young lady she was in the 30’s and 40’s.  By the time my brother and I were around, she was living up to the “coolest” grandma title.  Later in her life when her health and its toll on her emotional health was affecting her, we saw a change.

She repeatedly said to my mother and later to me after Mom’s death, “I’m such a bother” or “I know I am causing you so much trouble.”  Huh, perhaps, Mom and I should have quoted today’s rule:

7.  Nothing is troublesome that we do willingly.

But I think TJ was hinting at something more that a child or grandchild caring for an aging parent.  I think TJ was referring to simple acts of kindness that are random and worth every moment doing.

Think about it.  Is it trouble for someone to hold open a door for someone? Is it a bother to look in on someone who needs tending to?  Is it troublesome to clear your schedule and just spend time with someone you love?  Not if we are willing to go that extra mile…….

I watched how my mother do exactly that.  She never resented going to her parents home and helping them out.  Whether it was to do laundry, cook supper, or to pay their bills, she never complained.  She simply loved doing it for them.  I saw it when she worked with her students.  She was patient and never grew tired of making a difference in a child’s life.  She never thought of  it as troublesome to go over the lesson one more time for little Johnny who was having trouble understanding.  With her friends, she always did little special things for them.  Leaving cookies and a sweet message on their desk.  Calling them every evening when they were sick.  She loved being a “secret pal.”  She lived up to the task at hand and never once complained.  And she never got tired to telling Grandma, “You are not a bother, mother.  I love you.”

So, be willing and do something nice today for someone who needs a pick-me-up.

Oh Thomas, Did You Have to Go There? Rule #6

Thomas!  Thomas!  Thomas!!!!!  Did you have to go there?  Rule number 6….. can I just say OUCH!!

6.  We seldom repent of having eaten too little.

Well, I guess I will have to loosen the belt on this one!!  Well guess what folks, Thomas has a point here.  Think back to Thanksgiving day…..  Were you sorry that you ate enough for a small army? Did your waistline in your “fat” jeans remind you that you ate too much?  How about the heartburn did you make you wish that you had stopped after thirds?

Oh, the Bible has a few things to say about overeating.  Gluttony is the term used.  Okay, I am going to shock you.  Go do http://www.dictionary.com and well look it up….. did you see the definition? excessive eating and drinking…..  Whoa wait a minute here!!  You mean the Bible says not to overeat?  I had to check it out myself.  I found my answer!!  OUCH!!! Check out Proverbs 23:20-21; Proverbs 28:7;Proverbs 23:2….. OUCH!!!

Okay I must admit I am an over-eater!  I am a glutton.  I hate to say it but my scale told me this just this morning.  My jeans tell me every morning.  And my mirror has been telling me for years and yet I blindly eat my heart out whenever I can.

God gave us this control thing.  No not your remote control…. but the ability to control our food intake.  Some of us chose or have developed an addiction that prohibits control, not to control the food intake.  It is as simple as this….. It is a SIN!!  Just like drug abuse. Just like adultery.  Just like murder.

So this new year is your year to take back the control and to enjoy God’s fruits, vegetables and of course apple pie with moderation.  Cut your portions in half.  Better start now before the economy of ours forces it upon you.  So, let’s do a little a little experiment shall we….. eat portions in moderation.  Cut your portions in half and stretch your meals. I bet you that you will see a difference in your food budget.

Okay, Mark and kids….. NO MORE SECONDS…. hold me to this now!!  Don’t allow me to talk myself into another spoonful.  NO MORE ENORMOUS MOUNDS OF FOOD ON MY PLATE!!  Let’s see if we can save the budget and our waistlines!!