We practice self-control. We exercise our bodies. We study. We work hard. We give our all to what we love. Self-control, also known as self-discipline, is a focused practice. It is a determined discipline of the mind, body, and spirit—all that we are. Examples of self-control include exercising, detoxing our bodies, and consuming healthy foods… Continue reading Focused Discipline
Category: Character
Serving with Gentleness
Gentleness is a characteristic that God is developing within us. We exercise gentleness when we willingly place ourselves under God’s authority. By practicing humility, thankfulness, forgiveness, and politeness, we influence others through our words, our attitudes, our responses, our actions. We serve others with gentleness. Scripture says much about people who are examples of gentleness… Continue reading Serving with Gentleness
Responses of Gentleness
A mother’s love. A father’s tenderness. A manager’s soft firmness. A doctor’s compassionate care. A coach’s encouragement. It’s a matter of a gentle response. Gentleness is the same as meekness, which is strength under control. It is knowing when to release your desire to serve another. It is refusing to retaliate when others come against… Continue reading Responses of Gentleness
Great is Thy Faithfulness
Welcome to Faith Connections Friday! I am so glad you joined us! Scripture is abundant with examples of God’s faithfulness. His covenant with Abraham as the father of many nations. His promise to David that he would be king and his descendant would be the Messiah. His promise to Mary that she would bear the… Continue reading Great is Thy Faithfulness
Faithfulness of Cats and Dogs
Welcome to Connections2Excellence! I am so glad you are here! Thank you for being so faithful! Confession time. I love cats. Please don't stop reading--I promise I'm trying to make a point. Yes, I think they are the cutest. They are adorable, independent, and finicky. They fight like little ninja kitties and do their little… Continue reading Faithfulness of Cats and Dogs
Blessings of Goodness
The book of Genesis records the dramatic life of Joseph. It is one of betrayal, forgiveness, redemption, and goodness. When Joseph’s brothers sold him, they thought they would never see him again. Joseph, however, became a leader in Egypt. Several years passed, and Joseph’s brothers traveled to Egypt for food. They unknowingly met with Joseph,… Continue reading Blessings of Goodness
Intentional Kindness
Kindness is a trait that comes naturally to some. It is one that can be easily and intentionally practiced so others are impacted by your thoughtfulness. A fruit of the Spirit is kindness, or lovingkindness. It is a characteristic of God, and He develops this trait in us so we can be more like Him.… Continue reading Intentional Kindness
Unexpected Kindness
What a blessing it is for people to express their kindness! People randomly provide food, clothing, a mowed lawn, or a paid coffee for the next person in line. Unexpected gifts of kindness. Several days are recognized to specifically encourage kindness. World Kindness Day is November 13. Random Acts of Kindness Day is celebrated on… Continue reading Unexpected Kindness
Reward in the Waiting
Patience. It is a fruit of the Spirit we don’t particularly like. Still, it is a characteristic we develop to reflect Christ. There are several examples in Scripture of people who experienced patience. Noah was told to build an ark, yet he waited 100 years for the flood. Moses was used to deliver the children… Continue reading Reward in the Waiting
Beauty in the Waiting
Patience ... This is a word we all dislike at times. Patience ... We want everything when we want it, and we don’t want to wait! Patience ... It is too hard to have patience. Patience ... Is waiting really worth it? Before a beautiful butterfly exits a cocoon, it takes various forms. I once… Continue reading Beauty in the Waiting
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