Scripture

Anxious fear brings depression, but a life-giving word of encouragement can do wonders to restore joy to the heart.

~Proverbs 12:25, Passion Bible

Quote

“The soul is healed by being with children.”

~ Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Small children are innocent and in their innocence, they say and do funny things. Children make us laugh. Jackson is two this month and he can make complete sentences but for months it was two words and some time only one–“Nan-Daddy ride”…or…”Keys” which meant he wanted to ride the side-by-side. As we grow older, reality sets in and with it comes problems. Sometimes we feel surrounded by problems. It is like we are a drift in a sea of problems. If we stay focused on the problems, they take us down. Like Peter in storm, we have to keep our eyes on Jesus our victorious Savior. This is much easier said than done. I am reading Proverbs in the Passion Bible and I highly recommend it. Here is one that caught my attention on the 14th, “Don’t expect anyone else to fully understand both the bitterness and joys of all you experience in life.” Then yesterday, “When you speak healing words, you offer others fruit from the tree of life.” The same verse also says, “Unhealthy, negative words do nothing but crush their hopes.”

I have a daughter who has become an accountable partner in the last few years. I am bad to speak negative words. I don’t like liberals but unfortunately, that is not all I dislike. She gets on to me…she says “Daddy, you have got to watch your negativity.” She is right of course and when she admonishes me, I don’t argue with her because I know she is right. Are there things about your personality that you don’t like? I have some ways and tendencies that I hate. If I know my heart, I don’t want to discourage anyone except the democrats [See what she means]. Matter of fact, I would love to have the gift of healing. I am not talking about physical healing; I would love to speak words that bring healing to the soul and mind. Twice this past week I have gotten text or calls in which words of healing and encouragement were spoken to me. Matter of fact, I had healing words spoken to me yesterday evening late. All three times, these words came from women who have the gift of compassion and encouragement, but guys, there is no reason for us not to do the same. If you want to pray for me in this regard; I am not offended. I want to be a healer not a hurter.

Footnotes: Scripture references

Proverbs 14:10, Proverbs 15:4

Extra

Emma Johnson is still in Hospital at Chattanooga so I guess I put out some bad info yesterday. I think she is going to be alright. They think I might have been caused by her taking Tamiflu. I am not a doctor, but I would think twice before taking tamiflu or Pfizer. She told me last night that she could come home today but I doubt that is possible on account of the roads. Mike Childers is in ICU at CRMC in very serious condition. Mike has multiple problems. He is a clot, he is septic, double pneumonia and congestive heart failure. He was not very responsive yesterday but is better this morning PTL. Pray for Mike and family. Also, my neighbor Leldon Chasteen is in Decature Morgan.  Sun is out so we will see some thawing possible. I think the high is 23 but the sun will do wonders. Iron Man road is a sheet of ice. June and I got my little Japanese truck out last night and were having a ball until the accelerator got stuck wide open. Our side by side is at Hannah’s.

I hope you have a good day. Stay warm and at home if you can.