Each of us is "under construction".
If you think of everyone you meet
as a wall under construction,
what will you do when you encounter them?
Do you add bricks and mortar? Do you smooth the mortar and settle the bricks,
or do you loosen the mortar
and knock down the bricks?
In other words, do you build up
or do you knock down?
Every time we interact with other people,
we do exactly that.
Our words and actions will either build up
or knock down others.
We can either brighten someone’s day or darken it. We can bring Jesus’ light or Satan’s darkness.
It costs us nothing to give a store clerk a kind word but may take the sting out of
someone else’s thoughtless remark.
A misbehaving child may need a hug
more than anything else.
He or she may have been acting out
just to get attention.
An act of love can turn around a life.
Our lives consist of a series of choices
and each choice leads us to our final destination. The love we show may be passed on.
The bricks we lay make that wall stronger.
The lack of love only tears down walls and lives.
When we build up, it strengthens someone else,
it also shores up our souls against the darkness
that fights every moment to take over.
Our building up, our laying of bricks can be small
or large actions.
Even a smile can brighten a day
and spread Jesus’ love.
Sometimes we think we don’t matter,
that what we do really isn’t important,
but it is.
There is a battle waging in the heavens
for each of us.
Light versus darkness.
What we do, gives ammunition to one side
– or the other.
I choose to lay bricks. I choose light!
What will you choose?
Ephesians 4:29 tells us ”Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give good grace to those who hear.”
We've lost the brilliant reds and orange colored trees but the sun shining on these golden trees is beautiful on this glorious day.
This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!"
Psalm 118:24
This is a side road near Paul Smiths, NY a week ago.
I can choose to dread the snow
or choose to see the beauty that God places in my path
and edify others with the beauty that I see.
The image of the trees on the water is only a distorted image of reality.
Do we only see the reflections of life?
For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror;
then we shall see face to face.
Now I know in part; then I shall know fully,
even as I am fully known. 1 Corinthians 13:12
I challenge you to choose the light
and to soar above the evil that tries to fill this world.
When you fly to the light, your heart will sing.
Your choices to build up others will give strength to your wings
and JOY to your soul.
When you fall short, as we all do, keep trying.
God sees your efforts and loves you for it.
All photos taken by Debbie McEwen
All bible reference from the NIV
unless otherwise noted.
unless otherwise noted.
If you are interested,
you can click on the Blog Archive
dates on the top right side of this post
to connect to previous blog posts.
you can click on the Blog Archive
dates on the top right side of this post
to connect to previous blog posts.
I would love to hear from you either
on the comment section of this blog post
or through my email.
debbieamcewen@gmail.com
I usually post every other Saturday.
or through my email.
debbieamcewen@gmail.com
I usually post every other Saturday.
Lately I have been very busy with Grandma duties on weekends
so I may try to post during the week.
so I may try to post during the week.
The next post should be in about 2 weeks.
and may your life reflect the beauty
of God's love in you.
Debbie, I copied the early winter photo near Paul Smith, NY, and added it to my blog post for Tuesday, with the link to this post of yours. Thanks for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteExcellent in both pictures and words. Love you!
ReplyDeleteThe snow always looks more beautiful out your living room window when you are retired and don't have to go out in it. Unfortunately I am not there yet. And, in this climate, we need more bridges and fewer walls. Great messages and reminders of hope, you send, so keep 'em coming.
ReplyDelete