Caution!

It is not the brains that matter most, but that which guides them—the character, the heart, generous qualities, progressive ideas. - F.Dostoyevsky

My Definition of "Uglies"

Well, as far as this subject goes, it seems that I've been on a roll later; that is, regarding words and being cautious in their use. And now onto the subject at hand:

Aren't there days when you wish there weren't newspapers or any form of news media? Today, it's the "wrongs" not the "rights" that make headlines. Praises for doing good don't sell papers or products. People thrive on the negatives. Just stand in line at the supermarket and read the headlines on the cover of the magazines strategically placed right there before us then tell me that negativity isn't alive and thriving. Sensationalism is number one, and to be sensational, you must be negative. Truly we must be careful to guard ourselves so that we do not enter into this realm of thinking.

I have had space to note many uglies in my lifetime. "Uglies" (my definition) are the negatives that come from wagging tongues that have exaggerated minds. It is important that we identify any contrary word or words spoken for "uglies" are an abomination to God and to mankind. Take measurement of what flows from the mouth and the price to be paid for raging at one's character. Focus on peoples' accomplishments for the good - and if we can't say anything positive or good than elect to say nothing.

I was with someone the other day when they received a call with the person wanting to know about a certain situation. This person was burning up the lines trying to get a hold of a tidbit or two. Do you know someone like this? They search far and wide to get the "scoop". God-fearing people should avoid this type of person like the plague. Hearsay/Gossip has no place in God's Kingdom. We shouldn't associate with the "Did you know so-and-so did. . .”, “Did you hear that they . . .", "Did you know, did you hear" person or persons for anyone who offers information about another in the form of detrimental/negative verbalization is an idle conversationalist, a chatterer or more bluntly, an abomination.

Please don't fuel a fire by being an accomplice to debasing someone’s character, and letting tongues wag so loosely that it consumes someone's soul. Never feel so spiritual that we believe God has us working on people's spirits. God doesn't need us! If we feel that way, we took on that role all by ourselves. Life alone will take care of our spirits. In fact, I can attest that I for one do not need any help from anyone in getting my spirit in order. God and life itself are doing a very good job, thank you. The Lord definitely has established events in my life to work on my spirit - and His methods make for a better (and cleaner) job anyway.

And I will close with this - who of us has time to worry about how awful everyone else is doing or living? Don’t we have enough difficulty keeping ourselves saved and rapture-ready?

Be On the Watch

Watch your thoughts.....for they become words.

Watch your words.....for they become actions.
Watch your actions.....for they become habits.

Watch your habits.....for they become character.
Watch your character.....for it becomes your destiny.

How To Stay on Top

"Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character
to keep you there"

John Wooden

Guarding Our Character

Sometimes, the tearing down of one's character doesn't happen all at once. It may take years for the signs of deterioration to make itself openly know. Normally one's character is destroyed inwardly a little bit at a time - removing a section here, a section there. And then one day, one may be opened up for the whole world to see.

We must guard our character for when everything else fails, our character may be the only thing left standing!

Whacked or Trimmed?

"Why has thou…broken down her hedges,
so…all…which pass…do pluck her?" Psalms 80:12

The Lord removed Job's hedge, at Satan's insistence. God wanted to prove that Job was not someone who gave only lip service but through adversity Job would continue to serve the Lord. When the trial of all trials hit Job, I am sure it felt like a weed eater had come in and whacked away his hedge. He lost everything, and everyone was looking to see how he would react. Today, the Lord does the same thing - only this time, we are the "Jobs." There are days when our hedge is removed and we stand exposed to the whole world. Being exposed can come in a whacking or just a trimming; however, no matter which, it will let us know in what shape our experience with the Lord is.

Whether we like to hear it or not, adversity reveals our true character. When we are exposed, every little thing has opportunity to get at us. We become a target to be bruised, taunted, mocked, and/or belittled. Our anxieties bring stress...stress to be what others think we should be, to go through pain within a certain time frame and a certain way, or to agree with whatever advice we receive. That's makes for stress, for sure; but the paramount of our stress is when we stand alone, face-to-face with ourselves. It is then that our flesh starts taking over, and we may think He doesn't care one bit about us or our own. In some situations, it would be far more logical to agree with rejection than believe that God cares. It is during these times that tears may cloud our vision, allowing our confidence to retreat. Hopefully, we will catch ourselves and trust that He will place His protective cover around us once again (in His own way, and in His own time).

I can guarantee that we have all had “Job” moments. So, as the Job of old, we as the “Job” of today must trust until the covering returns. I wrote the poem below a number of years ago after two of the greatest losses in my life. I remember standing exposed for the whole world to see. I wanted to retreat into a cave, and never come out - but I couldn't let my love for Him become only words, for my love for Him was originally born in my heart. I had but one choice, to stand exposed until the hedge grew back.

Why I penned this today, I don't know - but if you are in a Job experience, all I can say is, don't give in - wait patiently for the covering. The hedge will grow back. You can be a survivor! How do I know? Well, I am! (and I'm no one special but for the Grace and Love of God).

The removing of a hedge reveals not only my character
But places me face to face with contentiousness,
Leaving my heart open for bitterness to insert.
It takes words spoken in times of glorious elation,
And boisterously returns them in turmoil.
At this point, I must consider my heart’s location.

Vanity says, denounce creation, recant any inward hope.
Arrogance chimes in, "let go of what is right, what is true"
But it is here that my faith must hold strong.
In the removing of a hedge, my dedication is exposed,
A dedication, an allegiance, not found in books
But written on the pages of endless love.

If I will but believe that He does truly care,
I will allow strength to enter during weakness,
Reclaiming commitments originally sparked.
Setting my mind within reality’s boundaries,
Building a protection for peace to return.
A peace that can only come from above.

The removing of a hedge comes to all,
Uprooting adverse growth woven inside my domain.
The inner makings of my soul will be displayed,
And I will chance openly speaking thoughts once hidden.
Yes, I am destined to become a modern-day Job,
and there will be times when I stand uncovered for all to see.