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Posts tagged ‘Mother’s Advice’

Advice

Daily writing prompt
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
View all responses

The value of tidbits of advice differs as we hear them at different times in our lives.

As a young child, my mom’s advice always included words of encouragement:
“Let your light shine.”
“You can be anything you decide you want to be.”
“You are more than good enough.”
“Take it one day at a time.”

Mom certainly let her light shine!!

Later in life, I have discovered that I can receive valuable advice daily by reading my Bible, reading devotionals written by Christ-like, modern-day disciples, and listening to compassionate friends. They say things like:

We should never tire of seeking advice and heeding the words of wise counsel.
http://www.Motivational Words of Wisdom.com always has sound advice.

It’s hard (in fact impossible for me) to narrow pieces of advice down to the one best.
How about you?

God’s latest advice to me was, “Slow down and watch where you’re going!”
Do you hear God’s advice being shouted in your ear at times, too?

Category:

Aging Gracefully, Faith, God, learning, life, Life's Challenges, Living in Christ's Family, Love

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Press Mute!


Do you have a mute button?

Do you know when to be quiet?

Is there a time when silence is needed?

Oh my, those are such important questions!
When I was in second grade, my teacher wrote on my report card,
“Janet must learn she can’t talk ALL the time!”

Contemplate Silence

While I was up in my sanctuary this morning, that subject of the mute button was raised by one of the writers of a devotional. I contemplated the importance of silence.

I was reminded of my mom’s frequent cautionary quote,

“It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool,
than to speak and remove all doubt.”

I’m sure that wasn’t invented by her!
But I attribute it to her.
And it is reinforced when I read in the Bible,

Proverbs 17:28

“Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise;
When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.”

So, I pressed my mute button and sat in God’s presence without a word. Not easy for me… but I am cautioned often to practice the art of holding my tongue. And as I did so, this poem came to me:

Intention

Intention creates reality –
What do I intend to do today?
I set a goal to be loving
In everything I do and say.

Intention creates awareness –
I realize opportunities are near.
I want to do with grateful focus
The work that God has shown me here.

Intention creates commitment –
I’m determined to do His will.
But first I’ll read His Word and listen;
To hear His voice, I must be still.

Press mute!
Shhhh!!

Category:

Bible Lessons, Faith, God, Life's Challenges, Love, mental health, peace, Poetry, truth

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The Secret of Success

In 1936, when my mother and father were newlyweds, my mom collected more than a dozen poems, cutting them out of the weekly newspaper in Newman, CA, the WestSide Index. Mom lived two states away from her family and friends, who were in northern Washington. Missing her own mother’s wisdom and daily advice, she posted selected articles on a piece of cardboard inside her kitchen cupboard door. Today that yellowing collection of wisdom, still on its original cardboard, is tacked inside my kitchen cupboard door. It’s a constant reminder of the power of words and the influence of a mother who valued the them.

Here is one of my favorites:

The Secret of Success (author unknown)

“What is the secret of success?” asked the Sphinx?
“Push the button,” said electricity.
“Never be led,” said the pencil.
“Take pains,” said the window.
“Be sharp in all your dealings,” said the knife.
“Always keep cool,” said the ice.
“Be up to date,” said the calendar.
“Make light of your troubles,” said the fire.
“Never lose your head,” said the match.
“Find a good thing and stick to it,” said the stamp.

Notice that each “secret” is linked to the attribute of the one speaking. Therein lies the real secret to success in my opinion. Find your natural talents, develop them, and use your gifts to build success. What is YOUR secret of success?

 

Category:

Love

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