Yes, I Ate the Last Granola Bar

by | Oct 25, 2023 | road blocks

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

So what stalls you out from speaking?

Silence is agreement, so loving people speak up. Boyd Bailey

For me, it’s about not wanting to create friction. I hate arguments, and it’s hard to share a dissenting view and not have it turn into a bit of fussiness. I’m doing better about keeping conversations calm, but it tends to be some work and then are just folks who are committed to be fussy with anyone who thinks differently. Sigh.

The other thing is owning up to my own bad behavior. It’s hard to admit to doing something wrong (I spent more than I said I would) or unkind (yes, I ate the last granola bar, I’m not going to blame the grandkids).

empty baking pan

I also don’t like to speak up if I haven’t thought things through clearly enough. It’s like handing someone a half-baked scone. It’s messy and gooey, not really ready for consumption. I’m still working through that one. Sometimes I just admit I haven’t thought an issue through well enough to have an opinion or viewpoint.

What stalls you out in those moments when you know you need to speak up?

 

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.
Image credit © Maryia / Adobe Stock
We’re Donation Supported

Speak Up

by | Oct 24, 2023 | first try

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

Take the day and listen to your speech and observe your inner thoughts.

Silence is agreement, so loving people speak up. Boyd Bailey

Are you speaking up when you need to? Are you fully truthful? Do you leave things unsaid or tell a partial truth?

speaker's mic

In thinking about your marriage, is there something you need to communicate better or more fully?

 

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.
Image credit © Cornelia Schneider-Frank from Pixabay
We’re Donation Supported

Your Silence

by | Oct 23, 2023 | self-examination

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

Have you ever not said something and allowed people to think what they like? I have. I didn’t want the hassle of disagreement.

Have you ever not acted because it would have put you in the line of fire? I have. I didn’t want people to think badly of me or treat me rudely.

silent hand puppet

Speaking up can be a difficult choice with consequences!

Take the day and look at the honesty of your words and actions. Where have you done well? Where have you struggled? Has your silence cost you in your marriage relationship?

 

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.
Image credit © Franco Antonio Giovanella / Unsplash
We’re Donation Supported

What Does Your Silence Say?

by | Oct 22, 2023 | concept

CONCEPT  (Day 1 of 7)

Last week’s concept about standing with those in difficulty spun in several directions for me. I can’t fix every problem or champion every cause (not enough time in my day), but I have a voice and if I don’t at least speak up, what am I communicating?

wife covering mouth

Silence and inaction are a choice and a position.

Silence is agreement, so loving people speak up. Boyd Bailey

Hmmmm. Thinking about this one today. Where do we need to speak up? How does this concept impact marriage? Where does silence hurt relationships? Where is it seen as silent agreement?

With our recent rains there are bazillions of mushrooms springing up in the forested areas of our property.

chanterelle mushrooms

Here’s part of our recent chanterelle haul.

 

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.
Image credit © Victor Koldunov / Adobe Stock
We’re Donation Supported

Take Courage

by | Oct 21, 2023 | conclusions

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

Wow, standing with those in difficulty really takes courage!

May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me. 2 Timothy 1:16-17 ESV

I need to have more conversations with my sweetie and friends. I think I need more encouragement to do this well.

group standing together

It feels very vulnerable to me, but it’s something that has value and I want it routinely in my life.

How are y’all doing? Has this week challenged you? Are some stances easier to take and other harder?

Summer’s over and Whiskey (the property dog) is sad to see it go.

Whiskey moping in fall leaves

That’s OK because she is a lover of snow, and it won’t be long till she’s rolling in it.  🙂

 

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.
Image credits – group standing together © Helena Lopes / Unsplash, Whiskey laying in fall leaves © Lori / Doing Marriage Well
We’re Donation Supported

Be a Champion

by | Oct 20, 2023 | resources

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

I think it’s a good plan to watch (read) and learn from others.

May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me. 2 Timothy 1:16-17 ESV

Read biographies about folks who have stood firm with others (who are the champions in history?).

Have conversations with your spouse and friends about those times people have stood with them or they have stood alone. What did they learn?

superhero couple

How would this concept play out in your personal world? Would your spouse be willing to walk with you in standing for others?

We finally got the hoop house closed in and functional.

hoop house

We live in zone 5b/6a, so we need a little help extending our growing season. Raspberry plants are all cleaned up and ready for next year. More projects planned! (Our old RV door is our temporary garden gate.)  🙂

 

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.
Image credits – superhero couple © LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS / Adobe Stock, garden © Lori / Doing Marriage Well
We’re Donation Supported