Blocks to Gentleness

by | May 31, 2023 | road blocks

ROADBLOCKS  (Day 4 of 7)
(Need to start at the beginning?  Day 1)

So how did yesterday go? Were you able to address others with more gentleness? Did your husband respond to your gentleness? Others?

pile of rocks

I keep finding the same roadblocks for much of what I want to change in me – busyness/exhaustion and distraction. If I keep a sane daily pace and try to stay present, I do better. If not, sigh.

I also realized that a number of folks in my life were harsh (blunt?) and that was normal. I’ve had that as a model, so I need to be aware of that and choose differently.

What were common stumbling blocks for gentleness for y’all?

 

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A Gentle Day

by | May 30, 2023 | first try

FIRST TRY  (Day 3 of 7)
(Need to start at the beginning?  Day 1)

So what are your thoughts on gentleness? What will that look like for you today? How does gentleness play into your marriage relationship especially?

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12  NIV

I’m going to wear gentleness today. 🙂

gentle wife

Should be interesting.

Thoughtful article by Dr Corey Carlisle – Life’s Disappointments

And just a pretty picture.

pretty plant

 

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Image credits – gentle woman © Eber Braun / Adobe Stock, plant © beasternchen / Pixabay
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R U Gentle?

by | May 29, 2023 | self-examination

SELF-EXAMINATION  (Day 2 of 7)
(Need to start at the beginning?  Day 1)

How gentle are you?

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Philippians 4:5  NIV

This is something of a new one for me. I’ve read the fruits of the Spirit a number of times and many other scriptures about gentleness, but because I am a woman, I just assumed I was gentle. It’s never really been the focus of attention or study for me.

wife gently holding butterfly

Well, I think I need to take a better look. Am I tenderhearted when someone is in any difficulty? (I tend to be terribly practical.) Can I ask a question and really listen to my husband’s answer (and the words behind the words)? Can I slow down and really see the people around me? What would gentleness look like for me and my relationships?

How about y’all?

Last year I had one purple blossom in a new clump of irises. This year I have a purple explosion!

purple irises

I’ll have to divide them this fall and share with friends.

 

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Gentleness

by | May 28, 2023 | concept

CONCEPT  (Day 1 of 7)

I was watching The Chosen* the other day and was struck by how the series portrayed the gentleness of Christ. He had a tenderness and softness toward others that I found attractive.

Jesus reaching out to someone

It is little wonder that the Holy Spirit (being God) is gentle and creating gentleness in us.

But the fruit of the Spirit is … gentleness … Galatians 5:22-23 ESV

I get physical gentleness. When I have a new litter of rabbits, I’m very gentle with the kits as they are so small and new, but what does a more relational gentleness look like?

I don’t think gentleness is some uber mild-mannered creepy softness, but rather a sensitivity to others, a general sense of kindness and care. In relationship, perhaps it is about a much deeper level of caring and grace.

Take today and talk to God about gentleness. What is that supposed to look like? How would that play out in marriage? (I know we have some guys here, how does gentleness and masculinity play out? Thank goodness for Jesus’ example.) 

*The Chosen is an artistic compilation of the Gospels. Though it does take some artistic license, I think it does a good job of representing the life of Christ.

 

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Live Generously

by | May 27, 2023 | conclusions

CONCLUSIONS  (Day 7 of 7)
(Need to start at the beginning?  Day 1)

I read something interesting in an email and I think it applies to much of what we do here, including growing in generosity.

Just because improvements aren’t visible doesn’t mean they aren’t happening.

You’re not going to see the number change each time you step on the scale. You’re not going to finish a chapter each time you sit down to write.

Early wins come easy. Lasting wins require a lifestyle. James Clear (You can sign up for his newsletter here.)

We’re looking to build a lifestyle that supports a healthy marriage. Little steps will get you there, even if it takes a while to see the proof of it.

footprint in sand

Build a generous lifestyle. Practice being kind and thoughtful. Day by day, do those small important things.

Little by little we’ll get there. 🙂

 

James Clear also asked this cool question in his newsletter: What are the current habits that are hindering your future progress?)

 

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Generous Trial and Error

by | May 26, 2023 | resources

RESOURCES  (Day 6 of 7)
(Need to start at the beginning?  Day 1)

So where do we go to learn about generosity?

The generous man [is a source of blessing and] shall be prosperous and enriched, And he who waters will himself be watered [reaping the generosity he has sown]. Proverbs 11:25 AMP

When I first started exploring generosity, I didn’t have much to go on. I basically stopped doing anything grumpy and tried to do thoughtful things. (Gotta start somewhere.)  🙂

I paid attention to others and tried to understand what would encourage or help them. It was mostly trial and error (hopefully not too much error).

I did read one book that was encouraging. The Generosity Factor by Ken Blanchard (co-author of The One-Minute Manager) and S Truett Cathy (founder of Chick-Fil-A).

The Generous Factor book

It’s told in story fashion which makes it an easy read, and it messes with your understanding of what success really means.

J of Hot, Holy & Humorous contacted me to share about an upcoming cruise with a marriage theme. How fun!

marriage cruise

Sailing from Galveston on October 14, 2023, with port stops at Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel, this 7-day cruise includes “intimacy” workshops from J. Parker and personalized coaching from guests Brad & Kate Aldrich. It’s a marriage conference, couple’s retreat, and romantic vacation all in one!

Marriage & Intimacy Cruise

 

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Image credits – book © Amazon, cruise banner © Hot, Holy & Humorous
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