A Word to Live By . . .

In the past I have chosen at the beginning of each new year a word and a motto and a verse or poem that I wanted to take into my life and make a part of me.

Well, if you read my blog a couple weeks ago you would have seen that I failed miserably last year with my choice of the word, 'patience', so I have thought some and think I have a solution.

Once a week I will share a word that I wish to incorporate into my world and take more seriously.

"Tenderness"

The word 'tender' first showed up for me this week in Oswald Chambers writings (click here) that I follow on-line.  

"The main characteristic which is the proof 
of the indwelling Spirit 
is an amazing tenderness in personal dealing, 
and a blazing truthfulness 
with regard to God's Word."
                       -O. Chambers, "Disciples Indeed"

After reading that, the word 'tender' kept coming back over and over through the next day or so...I even listened to Michael Buble and his rendition of "Try A Little Tenderness"...

When I was tempted to be snarky or cruel that word kept coming back.  The word was making an impression on my heart.

"You don't blast a heart open," she said.  
"You coax and nurture it open, 
like the sun does to a rose."
-Melodie Beattie "The Lessons of Love"


"Live in the wisdom of accepted tenderness.
Tenderness awakens within
the security of knowing we are thoroughly and
sincerely liked by someone..."
-Brennan Manning

Go try a little tenderness . . .















Comments

  1. You are indeed ambitious, with one word a week! You go, Tender Lady! Great idea, great word.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am finding words to be as exciting as colours, right now. There are so many words and I want to use more of them...they are like beautiful flowers for my garden. I do promise I won't throw them around like I was sowing wildflower seeds on the hillside. It is important for me to learn how to use them 'prudently'!! That is another of my favourite words.

      Thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
  2. Tenderness is a wonderful word. You could not have picked a word that is more you.

    And your photo is so perfect and tender. Good choice.

    This is going to be a lot of fun to follow.

    I am really looking forward to this!

    And just think... by this time next year, if you are faithful to this project we may have a list of over 50 great words to live by.

    No doubt in all the reading you do some of these great words will keep reappearing... and there will be further insights to share.

    Just maybe you will find the urge to repeat a word in another week. I think that would be fine.

    I love it! Add me to cheer list.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love your word--"Tenderness" and what a great idea to have a new word every week--I am going to do this too--and Sherwin, good thoughts--maybe the same word will come up more than once. I figure if it does that means I need to work more on that particular word. I will be following you in your pursuit of "words".

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Right on, Jeanne...I probably will find that I need to repeat and repeat some words...too soon old, too late schmart!!!

      Delete

Post a Comment

Popular Posts