March has Arrived!

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant."
-  Anne Bradstreet


Doesn't it feel good to say "March"?  I always think it's a milestone reached when we make it to March! It just sounds like Spring! Now I know that Spring doesn't officially arrive until March 20th, but by then I'll be good and ready...plus March 20 we leave on our cruise! Passports are in, documents and tickets are in so now we just need to pack! We are counting the days down on the refrigerator and everyone is quite excited.

I think everyone is really just ready to see some good ole' SUN and feel it on our very chilled bodies!


March is the month at our house with lots of things going on..
*Income tax
*Basketball ending and track/golf starting up
*Spring cleaning
*Opening windows and airing out the house
*Baby calves been born at the farm
*Horse races begin for son
*Landscaping begins for son in law
*Cleaning up gardens
*Possible planting
*Evening walks
*Cooking out
*Lawn furniture brought out


Have you started your Spring?


Lately, I've been thinking about Edifying and Building Up. I can always use a little reminding! I came across some good words I wanted to share.


Follow God's example. Be an encourager!

You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry (Psalm 10:17).

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope (Romans 15:4).

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus (Romans 15:5).

Think positively. Look for things to encourage.

Do you bring sunshine or gloom into the room? If you are a negative person, don't say, "I'm just a worrier. I was born that way." Or, "It’s my nature to be depressed." God is in the personality-changing business. He wants you to "be conformed to the likeness of his Son" (Romans 8:29). You can change. You can become known for your encouraging words.

Life is full of problems, and we need to deal with them. But if we aren't careful, all we see are the problems. There are lots of good things we can focus on. Instead of "catching people being bad," catch them being good. Make your words a fountain of life. Be a positive person. Encourage one another.

Ask God to help you develop a positive thought life. Immerse yourself in his Word. Pray. Over time, you will discover that you can control the way you think, choosing to focus on some thoughts and to reject others. The following verse can be life changing. Write it out and post it where you will see it regularly, on your refrigerator, bathroom mirror or the dashboard of your car.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if any-thing is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things (Philippians 4:8).

 (My daughter Lacey gave me this sign. I have it in my kitchen above my cabinets.)

When you wake up in the morning, ask God to help you look for and focus on the positive. Pray for this attitude throughout the day. Choose to meditate on the positive. Bring sunshine into the world.

Speak positively. Be an encourager. Encourage others daily.

When you talk, you make a series of choices about what subjects to discuss, what memories to bring up, and what points to make. There always are negative things you could say, but there also are positive ones. Choose the positive. Choose to specialize in encouraging words, not in critical comments. As Paul wrote, "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification" (Romans 14:19). 
Bring friendly speech into your relationships.

Don't start complaining as soon as you see your spouse, child, employee, neighbor or someone else. Ask about his or her day. Give a compliment. Share stories about your day, insights from Bible study, victories on the job, or other things they may be interested in..

Voice words of encouragement, appreciation, support, and respect.

Acknowledge others' abilities and efforts. If someone feels inadequate, encourage him or her.

Monitor your positive and negative remarks.

Learn to be self-aware and listen to what you say. Be sure you make many more positive comments than negative ones.

Respond to problems with hope and encouragement.

When someone talks about personal difficulties, do not respond with a "gloom and doom" attitude. Listen with compassion and avoid simplistic advice. Say something such as, "I know this is a tough time for you, but it won't last. Let me encourage you: God will see you through, and I'm here to help, too."

[God] comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God (2 Corinthians 1:4).

And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone (1 Thessalonians 5:14).

Avoid subtle criticisms.

Watch out for subtle ways you may tear others down, such as pointing out how quickly you can mow the lawn when you know it takes them twice as long.

Discuss problems as a friend.

There are times in every relationship—in a family, on the job, or wherever—when people discuss difficult topics. When you do, speak in a courteous, friendly manner. The way you speak usually is more important than whether your opinions are right or wrong.

Great words I thought...Homework for me!!
Have a wonderful Lord's Day!