Comments on: A Lenten Offering

By: Just Julie

Just Julie — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 22:46:33 +0000

In reply to Ember.

I thought it was really worthwhile too, Ember. Have you read her books? I loved “Christy” and “Julie”…

By: Ember

Ember — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 22:44:54 +0000

Just read this – hadn’t realised thee was back on blogger :0) Hooray!

As fir what thee says here in this post – oh, Lord, TOTALLY! I’m going to copy that Catherine Marshall piece and put it on my desktop where I can keep reminding myself of it. Thanks so much!

By: Just Julie

Just Julie — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 20:10:02 +0000

In reply to Kay.

Dearest Kay,

Thank you so very much for your transparency and encouragement. I am so sorry you are going through this – it’s sooo hard when the ones you love are the ones hurting you. I will pray for you today. I know that most of the friends who read your comment here on the blog will pray for you too.

God be with you and give you hope today!

By: Kay

Kay — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 19:13:43 +0000

Wow! I felt led to open my bible (sadly, not an often enough occurence) at Psalms today and my eyes rested upon Psalm 141. Those verses that you’ve quoted leaped out at me. I know that I too have a problem with a very critical spirit. Then I put the verses from my mind.
Half an hour ago I returned from my son and daughter-in-law’s house, where, as usual I was treated badly. My heart is breaking and I have cried out to God. After many tears, I then went on-line and found your post. Talk about God speaking to me! It would have been so easy to pour out my grief to my husband and daughter (who are very aware of the situation anyway). But, what good would it do? I still feel very, very depressed. But, for whatever reason, I know that God is saying – ‘keep quiet about it’. Keeping quiet hurts too, but speaking out won’t make anything better and it’s the right thing to do.
Thank you again for this post. I hope that my rambling, self-pitying response might have some value in that you are encouraged that God used you in a powerful way in my life today.

By: Just Julie

Just Julie — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 23:00:01 +0000

In reply to Lorna.

I would love to hear what others think about these good questions of yours, Lorna. Today Michael wanted to go for a drive and we passed some very old houses up the shore that could have used some TLC. I almost said, “Wow – that house is in pretty bad shape!” or something like that, which truly was an honest observation (it was falling apart), but I decided to say nothing. As I drove on, I thought about it – it wouldn’t have been malicious of me to say it, it would have been truthful and just an observation, but since it didn’t seem necessary, I stayed quiet. And it felt nice. I can absolutely see a reason for having to make a less than complimentary observation in the right circumstances, but I’m just experimenting with this and am learning, as you read. I’m picturing my words out there floating around, meaning something, and when I do that, I want to say less, and most certainly say fewer unnecessary things. Help God! About the bowing out of a conversation that is critical – the first thing that came to my mind is, if they were talking about someone you loved with all your heart, would you gracefully withdraw? I would try to. I haven’t always, but I want to learn to make this my way. Lots of words here (maybe I’m talking less so it’s coming out more in print form!) but I’d be so interested in what others have to share about this! God bless your day, Lorna…

By: Lorna

Lorna — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 22:38:08 +0000

Julie,
I thank God for the gift of words He has given you. You encourage and challenge and empower with your words. What are your thoughts on these questions? Is there a difference between simply making an observation and being critical? Also, does a fast from criticism give us permission to leave a conversation that is critical (and I don’t mean important here)? And how does one do that politely and respectfully? I, too, am thankful you are better and up and about. I love you, friend.

By: Just Julie

Just Julie — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 02:55:40 +0000

In reply to Dorothy Sooter. Thank you Dorothy. I'm so glad to know we're all together in this, and I have always been grateful for your prayers like no other's. Love you.

By: Dorothy Sooter

Dorothy Sooter — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 02:47:56 +0000

Julie, I am so glad you are better – would love to join all of you in asking God to forgive me for all of my critical remarks, whether verbal or thoughts in my head. I will be praying for all of us until Easter to get rid of this very bad habit.

By: Just Julie

Just Julie — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 18:14:22 +0000

In reply to Deb.

Thank you Deb…I’ll be thinking of you….come for coffee/tea soon!

By: Deb

Deb — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 17:58:39 +0000

So very glad you are better. Thanks for this wonderful entry……it is a great challenge. I agree with Judy; I think I can do a much better job not speaking a criticism as opposed to keeping the thought out of my mind.
May our Great Good God guard my thoughts as well as my words!