November What??

Some people call it “No Shave” November.

Some people call it “No Heat” November.

Sardis United Methodist Church has declared it……. “Not Negative” November.

November, What?????

You heard me “Not Negative” November.  So how is this going to work?  Simple.  Our goal is to live Philippians 4:8-9.

 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Okay, Regina, what are you planning to do??

1.  Lift up instead of tearing down.  It is my goal–and this is going to be tough–to say words to and about people that speak life.  And trust me…. there are some people in this world that really get on my everlasting nerve.  We all have those people that just drive us nuts.  Well, instead of being negative, I am going to remind myself they, too, are God’s children.  I am going to pray for my heart to soften and to understand why they do the things they do that just make me want to run down the street screaming like a mad woman.  I will speak positive statements about them, to them, and on their behalf.

Let no evil talk come out of your mouths; but only what is useful for building up, as there is a need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear.  Ephesians 4:29

2.  My words are to be useful.  Okay.  Hmmmm.  This is really going to be hard….. especially at lunch.  Teachers’ Lounge.  All you teachers out there…… you know what I am saying or NOT saying.  I am guilty of complaining about things that do not make sense.  It is a wonder that my lunch ever gets digested from all the belly aching that I do.  And it isn’t just in the teachers’ lounge.  I complain about housework, homework, church…… every one just needs to listen to me cause I have all the answers.

Ahem…… I have words and no actions.  I rarely have anything nice to say. Rarely do I try  to find true solutions to what is going on around me.  When was the last time my words were actually useful?  When did they create a positive change?  Maybe if I shut up for just a few moments…….. actually stop being a part of the problem and start being a part of the solution…. my actions will follow and create change.

This is truly going to be a tough challenge.  But I am eager to see the change in my heart this little project brings.  So, my friends, are you ready to accept this challenge?  I promise it won’t be a fun ride.  But, I would love the company on this roller coaster…… at least the support you can give me.  You know the saying….. kill them with kindness….. let’s just hope this kindess doesn’t kill me!!  I am just joking….. no really, I am….. honest.

And remember to look for God in all the little places…… even in the little positive comments I will soon be making!!

Don’t be a Fool

My 7 year old self was stubborn.  Completely.  Some say I came about it honestly.  Looking at all sides of my family……. this could really be a true statement.  Hmmmm……

So, at all of 7….. I was angry.  So angry at the little girl across the street.  She promised to come over and play.  She didn’t.  I was mad.  My little brother broke my toy and to be speak frankly….. my panties were in a wad.

Mad doesn’t begin to express how I felt that day.  I was so mad….. I was going to end it all.  I took a deep breath and held it.

I’ll show them……

I will turn purple like they do in cartoons and then it will be all over for me.  I will go streaking across the room like a deflating balloon.

Yep.  I’ll show them……

So today…… two students got into a tiff.  It began like three classes before the blow up.  One holding a grudge.  The other ready to pop the other’s balloon.

I went into referee mode sending each to the corner of the ring.  Slowly as tempers cooled, I brought them back together.  I gently pointed out the oopsies and guided them into a truce, a hand shake and an apology.

Then, I thought about my 7 year old self.  Sigh.  I completely get the holding a grudge and then unleashing on some innocent bystander.  In fits of rage, I am not so pretty.  Who am I kidding???  I am a snotty mess because this gal can’t get MAD without crying.  Ugh!  So frustrating.  I want to yell and scream, yet all  I can do is sniffle and blow into tissues.  But let’s go with the tougher Regina that can argue/battle like Whacko  Wonder Woman.

Does getting worked up and angry really worth it?  Does it truly get the results you really are wanting?  Why is it that we want to yell and scream to get our angry point across?  Are we that self indulgent that we need to be heard over every sound in the room? Blood pressures go up.  Relationships get strained.  Trust can be severed.  Love can be lost.

Is it really a smart thing to do?  My student earned detention over holding a grudge then exploding.  Detention may not be the adult consequences but there are some very hurtful things that can happen.  Declining health.  Divorce.  Cutting ties with family members or children.  Distrust.  A cold heart.

But of course the Psalmist said it best in Psalms 20:3

It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.

Hmmmm… I gotta remember that when this fool is feeling the urge to blow someone’s hair back….. with my tear-filled hankie!!

Y’all look for God in the little things in life.  He’s there.