Say Something!

“And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye?” – Matthew 7:3-4

For many years, I used the above verse to NOT have difficult conversations with my brothers and sisters. Then I read verse 5. “Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.” - Matthew 7:5

If I see my brother or sister struggling with a particular sin, that I have been blessed to have overcome, I am supposed to share in their burden. I am supposed to help them overcome and onto the right path.

Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:1-2

God has placed it on my heart to have (what I perceive to be) a rather difficult conversation with a friend. After many months of excuses, I have accepted this charge and am now praying for His Holy timing and for His voice to be heard through my mouth. I pray that the Holy Spirit directs my thoughts and words and readies her ears to hear the voice of the Lord, not mine.

Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful. The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive. - Proverbs 16:20-21

Challenge: Is there someone God is calling you to speak with, pray with and/or encourage? Pray He gives you the courage to help that person back onto the right path.

THIRD Times a Charm!!

I have a bad habit I need to break. It is something I try so hard to manage but fail at miserably. It is something my friends, family and children can attest I need help on. What is this habit,  you ask?? MULTI-TASKING!! Most women can do this well, but not me!

It was a few weeks ago when I had this "A-HA" moment and realized I needed to change. I was talking on the phone and fixing lunch for the boys at the same time when my friend on the other end very lovingly stated, "Kate, I've shared that with you three times already." My lack of undivided attention caused me to miss information and gave the impression I didn't care. WOW, but I did care!


How often we do this to our little ones too! Our kids are super excited about something ...maybe a bug or a big tower of blocks they've built and because we are doing laundry or dishes we miss the moment to let them know we value their insight and what they have to say.

There is a time for play and work, but I think too often we try to combine the two, causing ourselves frustration and stifling our excitement.  Allow yourself free time with each child where they can have your undivided attention.  Push pause on life as they show you something new.  Praise God daily for how HE created them and the interests they have. Plan out a scheduled time for "chores" when your kids are sleeping or snacking.

Do you multi-task well? How do you react when your child comes in need of your ear? Do they repeat themselves many times, like my phone friend, wondering if this time you will stop & receive what they have to say? My husband said it well, "Kate, there are many things we can multi-task, just not people." I try so hard to balance phone calls, lunches and cleaning but have learned it's better to let the machine get that call and return it later rather than only giving myself partially to the conversation because of tasks at hand I am already involved in at that moment. I am learning!

 As shared in "Words of Wisdom" Part #1...Cherish every moment you have with your child. Time passes so quickly and the day will come when you look back on those memories.