Limits?!?!

Really?  Limits?

I’m sure it’s a flaw of some sort, but I’m not very respectful of my own limits.

Physical Limits

Since elementary school I’ve struggled to fall asleep.

Some people love to sleep.  Other people need more sleep.

I seldom sleep more than six hours.

Amy’s adjusted.  Josh doesn’t care.  Shannon still chides me, “Dad, go to bed.  You need your sleep.”

I don’t know if I’m dysfunctional, but even when I go to bed at different times I always sleep about six hours.

I love this picture.

I see friendship, camaraderie, community, peace and hope.

On our best days TreeHouse feels like that.

Every time I meet someone I know they have legitimate needs and wants, hopes and dreams.

One of our hopes and dreams includes are desire for genuine community.

Community Vs. “Community Compromisers”

We want to know others and to be known by others.  Known for who we are are, not for who we pretend to be.  There are practices that compromise our safety in a community.

While talking to a police officer friend of mine today we landed on a great topic:  Why do good people do bad things?  Why do smart people make stupid choices?

You ever wonder that?

Have you ever wondered that about someone you knew?  Maybe you thought that about your enemy, or your neighbor, or your family member, or your friend, or even yourself?

We are all at war!  We’re all in a self-esteem civil war!

Despite my best intentions, many times I have found myself in a familiar situation, a Homer Simpson “DOH!” moment.

Everyone,  — even angry and crabby relatives — everyone is lovable, capable and worthwhile.

When talking to your “loved ones” this week, choose to use caring words.

Kind words heal and help;
cutting words wound and maim. [Proverbs 15:4, MSG]

Caring words bring healing not hurt.

Talk the way you wish other people did.

Regardless what the other person chooses you can chose caring words.

When tempers flare during your holiday gatherings here’s a wise bit of advice:

Choose to use a soft voice.

“A gentle answer deflects anger,but harsh words make tempers flare.”
[Proverbs 15:1]

Regardless what the other person chooses you can chose a soft and kind tone in your voice.