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Amanda Fowler's avatar

What a beautiful truth on grace ❀️

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Our Heavenly Father is so patient and kind as He continues to pursue us.

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nancyaruegg.com's avatar

A quote comes to mind from time to time (Spirit-nudged?), assisting me in using my words judiciously, not carelessly: "To air one's views gratuitously is to imply that the demand for them is brisk" (William Strunk Jr). Humility contributes to wise use of our words. Lord, help me remember!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Love this!

We'd like to think that eveyone's leaning forward to hear the next pearls of wisdom that come from our lips but 99.99% of the time that's probably not going to happen.

Truest wisdom for right living comes only from His Word and His Spirit.

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Lynn J Simpson's avatar

Scripture always points us back into the right direction of peace, harmony, and love within ourselves and for others, doesn't it? (I must mention that I clicked on the link below the lady image, and loved what I saw! Thank you for sharing it. I wonder where that lady is?)

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Linda Stoll's avatar

I wonder where she is, too, Lynn! I can't tell by the photographer's page, but there was something about her that caught my eye immediately. It wasn't easy to find the image I had in my head, but when I saw her she was whispering my name.

And yes and amen to peace, harmony, and love. Come quickly Lord Jesus.

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Paula's avatar

Amen, and I'll say it again Amen πŸ™πŸ». I've thought about just these things as of late Linda. And I'm so glad you talked about this.

Thanks bunches for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month sweet friend.

xo

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Linda Stoll's avatar

We end up writing what God is talking to us about, don't we ...

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Cathy's avatar

β€œFreely giving a piece of our minds (that we really can’t afford to lose).”

Whew! That part. ✨

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Linda Stoll's avatar

I know, right?!

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Jean Wise's avatar

good reminder for all of us!!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

And all God's people said amen.

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Maggie Wallem Rowe's avatar

Linda, your post really resonated with me. I saved it to reread. I was so convicted because I had just come from lunch with friends where a certain topic came up (single moms) and the conversation immediately went off track. I am ashamed I did not know how to get it back other than to change the subject quickly. You are an excellent writer, and whatever your age, you are not an old lady. Old soul, perhaps, with a still youthful mind. Thank you for this!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Your kind words encouraged me from beginning to end, Maggie. Welcome! And thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. I hear exactly what you're saying about getting conversations back on track. Sometimes they go off the rails so quickly that our heads spin. Sigh.

I look forward to connecting with you in the days ahead. Bless you.

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Pam Richardson's avatar

Great post, Linda. I love what the chaplain said and the manner in which he spoke…quietly!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Quietly, yes! In this day and age when everyone is jumping up and down trying to get the most attention, it's refreshing to lean forward to hear a quiet word of wisdom.

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Maryleigh's avatar

When we sit around the table and break bread with other people, we learn about those kitchen tables they sat around growing up - may we take the time to real-time with the hearts in our communities and give each other the grace that often comes with real connection. You have used your soap-box well, my friend. All souls are broken in some way and cry out for mending.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Thanks for the nudge to be opening our homes, friend, sharing good conversation and simple food around our tables. No thanks to entertaining, yes please to warm hospitality.

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Martha Jane Orlando's avatar

Great and timely advice for all of us. We can all too easily become Pharisees instead of offering Jesus' model of love and forgiveness. We haven't grown up at their table or walked a mile in their shoes. Lord, help us not to judge lest we be judged. Blessings, Linda!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Oh we have been forgiven for so much ...

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Cheryl's avatar

Beautifully said, my friend! What we don't realize is somewhere, at some point, there was probably a similar conversation going on in which we were the subject and how it would have made us feel to eavesdrop. So edifying to visit with you today!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Wow, Cheryl, you're absolutely right --'there was probably a similar conversation going on in which we were the subject'

Ouch.

'I will put a muzzle on my mouth' (Psalm 31:9} would be a great life verse for many of us.

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Marilyn Davidson's avatar

Good post Linda. It is a reminder to us all. The other thing that stood out to me was how the quote from the hospice chaplain was said...QUIETLY. I can tell when I'm on my soapbox because I get louder and repeat myself! How we speak is just as important as what we say.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

You can tell we're sisters because we both get louder and more repetitive the more we go on an on.

Maybe we weren't listened to well when we were little? Or one of us was always trying to out do the other?

Whatever. Your husband is a saint who has no need to shout. We hear him loud and clear the first time.

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Cyndi Bailey's avatar

Wow, that was much needed and well said! In fact, would it be OK if I posted this on my FB page?

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Would it be OK?!!!!!

Yes, please do!!!! Help me spread the word about Grace & Space. I'd love to have your people subscribe. You'd bring the best folks to the table.

Thank you, Room.

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Michele Morin's avatar

That message was well worth your ascent onto the soapbox. I forget so easily how much grace I have received for my own β€œkitchen table.”

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Wow. This right here, Michele --'I forget so easily how much grace I have received for my own β€œkitchen table.”'

Yeah. For sure.

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Andrew Budek-Schmeisser's avatar

Linda, may I offer another thought?

***

Peevish people postulate,

and love their Sturm und Drang.

They will never hesitate

to bluster and harangue.

Their thoughts are garlic'd gasses

from a hole that will not close.

Think on Sunday School classes

and gamely hold your nose

while you ponder the solution

that, yes, always succeeds

to bring about conclusion

that the conversation needs.

Know that duct tape always wins,

and covers multitudes of sins.

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Bill Grandi's avatar

I like that phrase. I think I will start using it instead of the old "Walk a mile in their shoes" one. :) But he is correct, and lesson is spot on Linda. it is time we change the conversation.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Yep, and it starts when I look in the mirror.

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