31 Potential

Anticipation

noreply@blogger.com (Eliza) — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 12:56:00 +0000

Do you believe it? :)

I was dealing with a little bit of illness earlier this week, but we serve a healing God! I'm feeling much better - thank you Jesus!!

Be blessed this weekend! I'm going to be taking this week off of posting to spend the week with my precious family and friends. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! See you in December - with some Christmas posts! (Cue Hallelujah Chorus)

Don't Weigh Down the Balloon

noreply@blogger.com (Eliza) — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 12:38:00 +0000

I've always loved the idea of floating high above the earth in a beautiful hot air balloon. (I hate heights, so I don't really see that happening!) When you go up in a hot air balloon, most people don't bring a grand piano with them.

If you did, you'd weigh down the balloon - you couldn't reach the heights you could have reached if you didn't bring the extra weight. (Duh, right?)

In the same fashion, we can never reach the heights that God wants us to reach if we're holding on to unnecessary baggage.

It could be anything.

Anger, grudges, guilt, pain - all of those things are UNNECESSARY! God wants you to soar! Why sabotage your flight and bring extra weight onto your hot air balloon?

You can soar so high, sweet sister. Let God cut off the sandbags - He wants to take you to a new place of His love and blessing.

Be blessed today!

Unfailing Love

noreply@blogger.com (Eliza) — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 12:28:00 +0000

How many things in this world are unfailing? Cars break down. Cell phones die. Pipes can leak. God never fails. It's as if He gives you an 100% guarantee that His love will always be with you. I take so much joy in that fact! No matter where I am, I have that constant connection to a loving Father. Sometimes, we forget to remember all the times God has been good to us. Think about it. The fact that you are saved, and set apart, is a testament to His goodness! He sent His only Son to die for your sins - to take away every shame. How good is that? Thank You, Lord, for your unfailing love. I praise you today because You are so wonderful. I thank you that Your love is with us always - every second of every day. I pray that you will help us to remember your Love, and to use our words and our lives to spread your Love to others. In Jesus' Name we thank you, Amen. Be blessed today!

Quiet Battles

noreply@blogger.com (Eliza) — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 12:29:00 +0000

via Pinterest

Goooood morning!

There are times when openly praying is beneficial - praying for an ill friend, praying with someone about a problem, etc. But there are other times when you are alone, in a quiet space, where you really tap into the heart of God.

Today, let's try to win some battles without telling anyone. Remember the Pharisees? When they prayed, they tried to be as conspicuous as possible. Let's try to get quiet and have some quality time with our Lord and Savior.

I think you'll enjoy it! :)

Happy Monday!

Happy Weekend!

noreply@blogger.com (Eliza) — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 12:36:00 +0000

via Pinterest

Let's be all there this weekend!

God Bless!!! :)

Worth

noreply@blogger.com (Eliza) — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 12:40:00 +0000

via Pinterest As I was praying and thinking about something to talk about for today, I felt like God placed something on my heart. Something so many women struggle with (myself included!) is self-esteem. It doesn't even have to be merely about your outward appearance, (although we all know that is a very real issue) it can also be about your abilities, talents, or skills. I'm going to be candid today - I don't always use the nicest words about myself. I don't just comment on a feature I dislike - I dissect myself, leaving no feature, talent, or skill criticized. Guess what? That's not what God does when He sees me! That's not what He does when He sees you! Those words and thoughts? Are from the devil! He is a liar and wants you to see yourself as imperfect, and useless, and flawed. God calls you beautiful. He says that you are PERFECT. You are necessary, useful, special, amazing, talented, flawless, equipped, and blessed. I repented for the way I've been talking about myself. Going forward, I'm going to focus less on what I dislike about myself and focus more on God. The closer I get to Him, the clearer my self-image becomes. Encourage a sister today. Send her a message telling her how special she is. Call her and build her up. Shoot her a text! We're all in this together, girls. Instead of talking badly about ourselves, let's edify someone else. The more love you spread, the more love you feel. He doesn't see you the way you see yourself. He sees the beautiful creation that He spent so much time on. Every feature, every facet of your character is designed specifically by Him. YOU ARE A MASTERPIECE! :)

Each Man

noreply@blogger.com (Eliza) — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 11:40:00 +0000

Isn't that a beautiful, amazing thought?

You are so loved! He wants us to realize just how much He loves us. Nothing - and I mean NOTHING - could ever make Him stop loving us. When He was going through unimaginable pain, He thought of you! The thought that you would be walking, free from shame and from sin, made it all worth it for Him.

I am so thankful for His love. He saw us, and He loved us enough to die for us - so that we should never be in pain or in guilt again.

This, my friends, is the message we should be sharing with the world. They need to know that there is Someone who loves them more than they could ever imagine - who gave His life to save them!

This week, let's try and take every opportunity we can to spread the light of the Gospel in the world. Think of it like a challenge!

Be blessed!

You Are Loved

noreply@blogger.com (Eliza) — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 11:18:00 +0000

via Pinterest All day, every day! No matter what you do. :)

Marrying Young

noreply@blogger.com (Eliza) — Mon, 20 Oct 2014 11:40:00 +0000

via Shutterstock In light of John Luke Robertson's recent engagement (dramatic sob) I thought that I would talk about getting married young. I've touched on this subject before, but I've never really dedicated an entire post to it. So, is it a good idea to get married young? I would say that it depends on the people. Are you ready to make the lifelong, serious commitment that is marriage? It doesn't mean "playing house". When you walk down that aisle, you are tying your life to someone else's - for the long run. All too often, couples will get married before they are ready. People often rush into decisions without praying about it. That's something that is great to develop during your single years - praying before making important decisions. Until all parties involved are at peace, you don't have a green light! Are you ready to be a wife? Is he ready to be a husband? You need to be honest with yourself. Can you be that partner and helper to someone? Is he ready to love you and lead you - to take that God-given mantle of "husband"? It's a big job! It's a job that can't be done by a boy. He needs to display a godly life and the maturity to take care of you. Are you getting a "green light" from God? As in every marriage, it has to be approached with prayer. If you aren't at peace with the situation, don't go into it. These are the decisions that can alter the rest of your life - make sure you are relying on God during these "building years". You're building your future! What does young mean to you? For some people, getting married "young" is getting married at 18. For others, that age is closer to 21. For me, I think getting married under the age of 21 is getting married young. That's something that you will probably want to pray about and discuss - so you can set that age.
There is no rush to get married! You have your whole life set before you. Let me tell you this, whether it's at 19 or 35, God has a plan for your marriage - stay in that plan and all things will work out for your benefit! :) So, dear friend, I would say that this topic is entirely dependent on you. If you (and your mentors or parents!) feel that you are ready to enter into that new part of life, and you are getting the go ahead from the Lord, then go for it! By the way, trust those people that God has put into your life to be your mentors. They have your best in mind. Happy Monday!

Fashion Fridays // 02

noreply@blogger.com (Eliza) — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 11:28:00 +0000

(Funn Fashion, Yellow Bliss Road, Etsy, Brooklyn Blonde, Mackenzie Horan, Pinterest, Pinterest)

Can someone please tell me why I love mint so much? Anyone? Please?

Women of God

noreply@blogger.com (Eliza) — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 11:28:00 +0000

That's some truth right there!

My goal is to become that kind of woman. Raise your hand if you believe that there is a difference between a woman and a lady. *forcefully raises hand*

Hump daaaay!

Does Purity Mean Being Naive?

noreply@blogger.com (Eliza) — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 11:38:00 +0000

via Fanpop

This is something I encounter quite a bit when dealing with purity - does it mean you have to be naive?

I think it depends on what naive means to you. Generally a "naive" person is thought to lack wisdom or experience. They don't know very much about the world, and can be viewed as an "easy target".

So in my opinion, no. Purity doesn't mean being naive.

It means being innocent.

Yes, there is a difference. An innocent person shows wisdom. They know that the apple of temptation, while it looks beautiful, is rotten on the inside!

Innocence is a choice.

You make a commitment to keep yourself pure. You have wisdom - when the wrong guy comes knocking, you have the discernment (developed through time with God!) to say no.

In the very same way that Snow White was too naive to see through the witch's friendly demeanor, sometimes people who make that choice to stay pure can become an easy target.

Does this mean purity is a weakness?

No! It doesn't!

When you make that commitment to remain pure (or become pure - Jesus has made us as white as snow!) you allow yourself to be separate from romance and relationships until it's the right time. When the right guy comes into your life, you'll know.

Until then you have the benefit of a clear head and a heart focused on the Lord - you can make better decisions!

Be smart when dealing with guys. Keep those accountability partners in your life - an indifferent party is invaluable. They can see the things that your feelings have glossed over. They also should have that benefit of years of wisdom. Think of them as the watchdogs. When the wrong guy comes along you have someone who can help you discern.

Girls get into trouble because they try to go it alone. Even the strongest people need their backup. As you are developing this wisdom, have someone in your corner. That someone could be your parents, pastor, mentor, or an older, trusted Christian. They can look out for you - it makes your job so much easier!

Purity doesn't have to mean inexperience. You just know that those "experiences" are worth waiting for. Use these single years to gain that wisdom and discernment - when your mister comes along you'll be so ready for him.

Be blessed today!

3 Things We Really Need to Stop Saying

noreply@blogger.com (Eliza) — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 11:45:00 +0000

via Shutterstock

Have you ever heard something you've said repeated by a kid? For instance, when my little sister was very young, she had heard someone exclaim "Oh shoot!". Right after that, my little sister (who was maybe 3 at the time) used that same phrase.

It seems wrong, doesn't it? Is it a "bad" word? Not necessarily - but is it a good one?

The Bible says in Proverbs 13:3 that "The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; the one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin."

So, ladies. What are some things that we really should quit saying?

The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. - See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Speech,-Power-And-Significance-Of#sthash.u2VA6sOW.dpuf

1. I hate....

This one completely applies to me. Lately I've been feeling very convicted about the way that I throw this phrase around - "I hate those shoes", "I hate that song", "I hate this", "I hate that". When you were reading those phrases, did it make you feel good? Not me.

Instead of saying what I dislike, I should be saying what I love!

2. Died laughing/It's killing me/I could die!

While I was thinking about my speech, I also started to realize just how much I say things like "I died laughing" or "my head is killing me".

The Bible says that the "power of life and death are in the tongue". (Proverbs 18:21) When I use words like that, I'm not: 1 - Glorifying God and 2 - Confessing good things over myself.

We talk so much about death - why not talk about what we're living for?

3. That's dumb/stupid/ugly

Words like these, while not necessarily "bad" words, certainly don't uplift the subject. Think about your most commonly used adjectives. What are they?

Having an opinion isn't a bad thing. The way we express it can become a bad thing.

Let's work on positive speech - today and every day.

Have a great day!

Rejoice

noreply@blogger.com (Eliza) — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 11:34:00 +0000

via Pinterest

Are you rejoicing today?

(Even on a Monday, haha!)

Peace vs. Worry

noreply@blogger.com (Eliza) — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 11:39:00 +0000

(via Tumblr)

I love this quote. We as Christians are called to be more like Jesus.

Jesus doesn't struggle with sin. Jesus isn't hateful. Jesus is full of peace.

Guess what? We can be just like that! My prayer is that by the end of my life, I reach the place where I'm not worried about anything. God has me covered, why do I need to stress out?

Is that your prayer today?

Have a peaceful weekend!

Worship: Why It's So Important

noreply@blogger.com (Eliza) — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 11:33:00 +0000

(via Lee Wolfe Blum)

It's good to be back! I was dealing with a little sickness on Monday, but I'm much better today. God is good!

Last week I had asked for some opinions on topics you ladies would like to hear about. One such lovely lady requested that I talk about worship. I was super excited because that had been on my heart for a while as well. Being a lover of music, worship is a topic that is very dear to me.

So, why is it so important?

It's a way to glorify God.

When you worship, you are declaring for all the world to see (and hear!) that God is good. Your praise is so special to the Lord. The Bible says in Psalm 71:8 that we should have our mouths "filled with praise", "declaring God's splendor all day long".

Worship isn't only about singing - it's about showing God how much we love Him!

It's encouraging to us.

Have you ever been going through something, and you hear a song at church or on the radio and it's like it was written for you? Sometimes a line in a worship song will jump out at me and remind me who I serve.

God can speak to you through music. During those worship times you can feel His presence - and His love.

God loves to hear you!

You don't have to be an amazing singer to worship God. That's something I hear all the time - "I'm not really a good singer, so I try to stay quieter during worship."

God doesn't care how you sound. If you are a mom, would you tell your child that their artwork is anything but wonderful? No - you'd put it on your fridge! God is the same way. All praise from His children is perfect to Him.

My friends, worship is so crucial to the Christian life. The Lord loves your praise, and you!

Hump daaay!

Fashion Fridays // 1

noreply@blogger.com (Eliza) — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 11:45:00 +0000

(via Wedding Party App, Dottie Couture, The Perfect Palette, Marie Claire, Social Cafe Mag, Pinterest, Pop of Style)

Yay for fall fashion!

I wear skinny jeans, but I also wear maxi skirts. It depends on the weather and my mood. As long as everything's covered, I'm good. (I'll talk about shorts next summer! I do wear them, just selectively, haha!) I never really liked long sleeve shirts or sweaters, (especially during coat season - I get SO hot!) but I've started to reconcile with them. We're working it out.

Finally the weekend is upon us. I'm looking forward to a relaxing weekend. My goal for the week ahead is to worship more each day. God deserves daily praise, don't you think?

Happy weekend!

More Than You Will Ever Know

noreply@blogger.com (Eliza) — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 11:18:00 +0000

via Interiors by Studio M

I know I kind of talk about this a lot, but the love of God is just such an important subject!

Incoming message from the Lord - He loves you! He created you for a purpose and with a plan! Nothing, and I mean nothing, you could ever do will separate you from that love.

God broke through every barrier between Himself and us - even becoming like us so that He could understand us. He died to make that relationship with us.

Please hear this, even if you hear nothing else. God ADORES you! His heart is for you! This is sometimes hard to accept - even after everything I've done, God loves me? Yes! He does! He is offering you forgiveness, and a new heart and mind.

I'm going to give a little sneakie peek for a new column on the blog - starting tomorrow. FASHION FRIDAYS! (Yay!) My goal is to find modest and stylish outfits and pieces. (It is possible!)

I'm super excited!

Is Purity Only About Your Body?

noreply@blogger.com (Eliza) — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 11:41:00 +0000

via Her Campus

If you've made a commitment to purity, I'm pretty sure that you've asked a question like this at one point.

Is the physical side of purity all that's important?

I would tell you - No. It's not. Physical purity is vastly important, but it is not the only part of being pure.

Emotional purity is another aspect of staying pure.

What is emotional purity?

When you get married, there is a natural and godly physical side, and then there is an emotional side to that relationship. You love that person. You know them. They are truly your other half - two become one.

Outside the bounds of marriage, this emotional connection can easily lead to a physical one. As I've said before, people in love do crazy things. When you care about someone there will be that attraction - which can become very dangerous!

How do we stay emotionally pure?

This is sometimes very difficult. Something that I've always done when I have guy friends or when I'm interacting with guys is I remind myself to think of them as brothers.

Until I'm ready to make that commitment to that special someone, this is a way to guard my heart.

I will say, though, that sometimes crushes are inevitable. You don't have to be an emotionless robot your entire life. It is what you with those feelings that makes a difference.

Be smart, ladies! Don't flirt with guys. Sometimes even teasing can come off the wrong way. Even if you're "just friends" with a guy, you can be leading him on. Make it crystal clear that you consider him a friend. (Put him in the "friend zone"!) You don't have to be paranoid - but be cautious. Have fun but don't get too close.

Or, better yet, don't give him any reason to question if he was in the "friend zone" or not. Guys feel let down after being "friend-zoned" because the girls were leading them on. Until you have that commitment of courtship (or, better yet, engagement!) keep your heart and words pure.

Happy Monday!

Let It Go

noreply@blogger.com (Eliza) — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 11:59:00 +0000

via Designlovefest

I was laughing while I wrote this - a day in my life usually involves one or more family members singing Let it Go. (From Disney's Frozen.) I happen to live with a Frozen superfan, so I can safely say that I have heard this song more times than I can count. (And maybe I've sung it a few times....whoops!)

I'm talking about a different kind of letting go here - letting go of guilt, regret, and worry.

We have all, every single one of us crazy humans, sinned. (Romans 3:23) You can choose to do one of two things: live with guilt from your past actions, or accept the forgiveness and cleansing that Jesus Christ is offering you.

Let me tell you - when God looks at you He doesn't see your sin! He isn't condemning you. Jesus died on the cross for our sins. If you are a Christian you are made righteous.

Let go of the regret. Let go of all of those horrible feelings. There is room at the cross for me, and for you.

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

You are forgiven. Absolutely, totally, 100% forgiven.

God is extending His love to you today.

Happy weekend!

Promises

noreply@blogger.com (Eliza) — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 11:39:00 +0000

via Flickr

If you go through the Bible, you can find tons of examples in Scripture where God makes a promise - either to an individual or a people group.

Have you ever made a promise that you didn't keep? It may not have been your fault - you could have had the best of reasons to break that promise. Whatever the case, I would be willing to bet that everyone has at one point broken a promise.

Ladies - God will never break His promises to you!

There is a catch, though. I assume that you aren't in the habit of making a promise to a stranger. (Or making a promise to someone who you don't have a good relationship with!) The Lord is very much the same way - you need to be able to trust Him. That comes from a relationship with Him.

When you were younger, would your parents reward you for misbehavior? If you played hooky from school, they probably wouldn't take you to Disney World the next day.

Please don't misunderstand me - I am not saying that God ONLY blesses those who obey Him. The Bible says that "He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." (Matthew 5:45)

He does that because He loves us. That's His grace at work there - His exceeding hope that someday all will know about the good news of His son.

However - if you want to see that blessing at work in your life every day, you need to obey Him. A relationship is built on love and trust - those are key parts of faith. A wise person trusts the Lord to fulfill His promises.

This doesn't only mean financial promises. That is a part of it, though - God wants you rich! (Proverbs 10:22) I could talk for days about prosperity, but that's another post!

It also stems into promises of health, happiness, peace, and eternal life. God has promised you so much, sweet sister! You are an heir to the kingdom - both in this life and after it.

"For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God." (2 Corinthians 1:20)

God's promises are fulfilled in Jesus! His death was the signature on the contract - you are set free!

"Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled." (Joshua 21:45)

You will never have to wonder if God will keep His promise to you. Every promise is "yes" and "amen". When Jesus died He took that victory for you - you are blessed and powerful!

"My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises." (Psalm 119:148)

Wow. I don't know about you, but I love to sleep. We see here that the Psalmist is saying - meditate on God's Word. Fill up on His promises! There is power in those words, dear friend.

You can even pray some of those promises over yourself and your family and friends - find some verses that pertain to your situation and believe in those promises.

Wrapping up - I'd like to put a little note here. I am of the belief that God's promises are for us, and that we have been given the authority to receive those promises in our lives. I do not believe that God wants us to be poor or makes us sick. Not to punish us and not to teach us a lesson. It's not in His nature. When Jesus Christ died for our sins, He took our sickness too. It isn't ours to have anymore. If you are sick right now, there is healing at the Cross.

God wants you healed! He wants you blessed! He wants you full of joy!

If you want that too, would you pray a little prayer with me?

Dear Jesus, I thank you for your promises. I thank you that You are increasing my faith so that I can believe in your Word. I praise you because You are so good. I love you, Lord. Thank you that I am going to start seeing fruit in my life. Bring to light those areas where I can become more like you - help me to obey You and honor you with my life. I receive my healing and I choose to be joyful. Thank you so much, Jesus. In Your Name I pray, amen.

Start standing on His Word. You will see those promises in your life.

Hearing God's Voice

noreply@blogger.com (Eliza) — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 11:35:00 +0000

When I was a little girl I saw a ray of light out in the ocean while on a family vacation. It was so beautiful - and I thought that it meant that God was having a talk with someone.

Have you ever heard God's voice? It may not have been audible - it could have been like a little quiet whisper in your heart.

Sometimes it's awfully hard to get tuned into the heart of God. With all the distractions we face every day, that still small voice can get drowned out.

So, how do we get quiet enough to listen?

"Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known." (Jeremiah 33:3)

God will answer your calls, sweet sister! If you open your heart to Him, He will guide you and teach you - with all of His love and wisdom.

Read His word! That is His voice recorded forever and ever for us! It's like a message on the answering machine - a reminder that He is with us.

"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." (Romans 10:17)

We see here again that you can hear God's voice through His word. It's like if you get a text or an email from someone you know - you don't have to wonder if it's that person saying it. (Unless their phone gets stolen or something, but that's not the point!) You can hear them saying the message.

It's the same way with God. If you hear Him speak it will line up with His word, and vice versa.

"After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper." (1 Kings 19:12)

God wasn't in the show - He was in the whisper. Sometimes you can hear it - that still, small voice that you hear deep within your heart, reassuring you of His love for you.

God loves you! He wants to have relationship with you - to talk to you just as easily as you talk to your best friend.

When you pray today, have some quiet time and just listen. He wants to reveal Himself to you - His Word is meant for you!

Be blessed today!

Autumn Breeze

noreply@blogger.com (Eliza) — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 11:56:00 +0000

"He has made everything beautiful in its time." (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

Isn't it true, though? Autumn just happens to be one of my favorite seasons. I feel like during this time God's creation is shown off to its best advantage. The beautiful colors - the crispness of the air.

Sorry - weather enthusiast.

Let's try to notice the beauty of creation every day, shall we?

Oh, and by the way - that includes you! No bad words about yourself, you masterpiece you.

Have a great weekend!

This is Amazing Grace

noreply@blogger.com (Eliza) — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 11:32:00 +0000

This song is such a blessing. Take a little time today to thank God for his love, would you?

Whisper Whisper: Why Gossip is So Toxic

noreply@blogger.com (Eliza) — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 10:49:00 +0000

Have you ever heard a really juicy piece of gossip? You always feel a little guilty (hopefully!) about having this knowledge about somebody - something private, and usually negative, about a person that is not meant for everyone's ears.

Gossip hurts. It isn't funny, and it's not worth your time. Let me tell you in all honestly - anyone who gossips to you will gossip about you. It's never fun to find out that someone is talking behind your back.

It doesn't even have to be about someone you personally know. Celebrity gossip is just as toxic. Put yourself in their shoes - I can't imagine what it must feel like to have your every move or life decision followed and commented upon. There are entire sites dedicated to the purpose of sharing and spreading celebrity gossip - usually with a healthy portion of snark and sarcasm. Anyway, who needs to know about any of those things? All too often we know "who's dating who" but would be lost if asked to quote Scripture.

So, how can we stop gossiping?

Even if you don't personally gossip (or spread stories about a person) others can still come to you with this story or that story. You can usually tell that someone is about to gossip if they start off the conversation with "Hey, have you heard about so-and-so," or "Did you hear that so-and-so..."

You don't have to listen to gossip. If that person is trying to gossip to you, you can tell them that you aren't interested. By listening to that gossip you are allowing that person to continue being toxic.

Let's look at the Word.

"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." (Ephesians 4:29)

Gossip doesn't exactly build you up, does it? It especially doesn't build up the person the gossip is about. Have you ever found out that someone is spreading rumors about you? That's a horrible feeling - don't put others through that!

"A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends." (Proverbs 16:28)

Here gossip is compared to lying. Even if the stories are true, there is no reason for you to spread them around. This is especially important if someone confided in you. Don't you realize that by telling others about their personal issues you are breaking their trust? You can lose a friend - and that person is left feeling badly.

"Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble." (Proverbs 21:23)

Have you ever noticed that truly wise people aren't always talking? They are content to listen and observe. When a person talks often there is a very good chance that something is going to come out of their mouth that probably shouldn't. Save yourself the risk of putting your foot in your mouth. ("I give myself very good advice, but I very seldom follow it...")

My sweet sisters, you are so very precious in God's sight. Gossiping just isn't worth your time. Let's take that energy we would spend on getting "the scoop" and instead use it to encourage people. Sometimes a compliment is all that's needed to make someone's day. Every time you go out - look for chances to bless others. It will make you happy, too!

Have a wonderful day!