" ... so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." ... Acts 20:24
"Return home and tell how much God has done for you." ... Luke 8:39
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Oh dear. Critical Old Lady Disease is spreading. It's everywhere and you don't even have to be old (or female) to catch it. Now, that's scary.
At Facebook for months, a friend who used to be cheerful and encouraging--now, 90% of the time--posts what's wrong with Today's world. Then her friends comment and list the negative things that bother them.
We already know what's wrong. The News reminds us, like, every hour. Oh, the redundancy.
Her negativity and resistance to change began pecking at my head like a woodpecker. I'd walk out into my peaceful backyard and feel sad because my friend has been replaced with someone who--instead of thinking about whatever is right, lovely and of a good report--now thinks about whatever is wrong, ugly and of a bad report. And when she began calling trash what I call special, well, I admit it: it majorly bugged me. Oooooo.
Which is probably my own weakness, ok, and so yet one more reason I must bail out of reading her comments. Just a tiny spoonful of yeast will inflate a thing till it's huge.
Maybe you can spend hours alongside folks with Critical Old Lady Disease and come away your same, sweet self. That's wonderful! But so far, I don't have the grace to do that. In this situation, I had to click on 'stop seeing posts' by this person.
Daily we all must make decisions which will keep us on track, strong and not distracted. We must protect our callings, gifts and our sanity and if that means cutting loose the Maxines in our lives so to finish our race with joy, so be it.
Walking away is controversial, yet eternity is too long a time to regret that-- what others thought--guided our most vital decisions.
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"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." ...Proverbs 4:23
"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." ...Proverbs 4:23
" ... but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God." ... 1 Peter 3:4
" ... whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."...Philippians 4:8
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Deb Raney asked to see my new white shelves (these were a cinch to assemble--whew!) so here you go:
I can't even explain how wonderful it feels to have additional storage. (And of course, I'll rearrange the items on the shelves 20 times. At least.) I'll be ordering two more sets today for the room's opposite side.
And maybe next week I'll show you my new linen closet. :)
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Oh! And we desperately needed a new kitchen clock (long story), so how perfect that, while standing next to me in a kitchen of an ancient house holding an estate sale, Tom looked up and saw this one:
It was just right, with the vintage patina I'd wanted and had even searched for at Ebay. And for only $3. :)
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Free Kindle Books:
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"A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough." ... Galations 5:9
Thanks for the warning! I really don't want to have the Critical Old Lady Disease. FB posts can be a problem and there are some relatives I have to check on but find myself quickly scrolling through posts that are political and putting "like" instead on pics of family.
ReplyDeleteNow, ahem! I must also help someone I live with who just might be developing Critical Old Man Disease!
Philippians 4:8 is precious to me too. Some friends come into our lives only for a time, like your critical old lady friend. It is sad to let them go but it may be for the best.
ReplyDeleteI like to look on the bright side....the saying, if you can't say something nice, say nothing at all. I take it a step further....Praying for the negative people & people messed up by the devil. God is just a pray away. Amen! :)
ReplyDeleteDewna--yep! I, also, am learning to leave my 'likes' with greater discretion, as in, only when I truly mean it and not just to be nice. :) And uh-oh about the Critical Old Man. heh. But you know? I'm sure your sunny disposition will help him greatly. :)
ReplyDeleteTerra--yes, it was a freeing day when I finally realized that some friends are only meant for a season. I'd always heard that friends are forever--and true--some are. But many were mainly sent to teach us and God keeps them there for as long as we need them--and no longer. Glad you've seen that, also!
Reading --oh yes! I've definitely prayed for my friend. That's become second nature for me. But there comes a time when God tells us we've done everything we can and now it's time to move on lest we pick up some bad habits and go down sad bunny trails, ourselves. He has a greater purpose for us all and He does everything He can to see that it takes place. What matters is that we're willing to follow Him through some hard places to get there. Sadly, not everyone is willing.
Thanks, Ladies! Blessings, Debra
I have a hard time figuring out how to handle the negativity as well. I've stopped following quite a few friends for that reason (I still have them as friends, I just don't see their posts).
ReplyDeleteLove that clock :)