We get to choose what weapons we use in our everyday life.  When conflict arises we make decisions as to how we are going to react to the warfare around us.  Focusing on love, kindness, and compassion helps us better manage our weapons.     The question I hear most often is, “How should I respond to this, what should I say?”  My answer is always the same, the truth.  Whatever you choose to say, make sure it is the truth.  Often we can think of numerous reasons to want to say something other than the truth, but that doesn’t make…

There are days when I work at moving through my day but I seem to continue to find roadblocks in my way and failures mounting.  I find the easiest task that would normally take me little effort is thrown off by the slightest hiccup.  The big tasks are difficult to start and my eyes want to close the moment I begin.  Getting up on the wrong side of the bed might be an old saying, but it often applies to my not-so-successful days on the job.  A very important part of moving forward through failures is starting with…

I had a conversation with a lifelong friend this week that made me step back and think about how I manage difficult situations.  I rarely think or worry about any situation.  If it is not productive, I don’t spend time thinking about what could be or might be, I just move forward knowing that Jesus will guide me so long as I pay attention and listen for the clues.  It is rare that I even want to talk about difficult situations. There are some exceptions, particularly when I or others can learn from the mistake or issue.  For the…

My girls often tease me about having a positive attitude and outlook.  It has always been difficult for me to see people go through life looking at the glass half empty.  Negative thinking is toxic to me and I hurt inside when people believe there is no hope.  I have built my whole life around hope, faith, and love. Recently I heard someone say, “If you act negatively you can’t expect anything positive to happen.”  It was a quick comment, but one that stuck with me.  I understand that it is very difficult to change negative thinking.  However, I…