OIYears ago, while grocery shopping, I noticed our local grocery store sold bouquets of flowers three for twelve dollars.  That’s when I made this decision.
First of all, my husband does spoil me.  So, this decision does NOT reflect negative on Tim at all.  He’d buy me beautiful flowers, that I don’t even what to know what he spent on them, and then they would only last for a few days…if that.  Once I randomly started purchasing the 3/$12 bundles, I noticed how they would last for days…sometimes even two weeks!  Well, that was it.  I initiated the “purchase flowers for self” approach each month. Maybe I shouldn’t say “self”, because I believe fresh flowers displayed around the home makes everyone’s heart feel a bit happier. Agree?
This approach remains years later…and for the SAME price!
The other day, I must have grocery shopped on the same day the flowers were delivered.  There was an abundance of florals to choose from, and they hadn’t yet reach the point of saying, “Voila!  I’m here.  See my gorgeous bloom?”  No sir/ma’am, the blooms were almost ready to present themselves in full fashion.  This was the perfect time to purchase.
I truly didn’t need all three bouquets.  I was ready to bring home just two bouquets, but something (or Someone/God) nudged me to purchase all three.
While in the checkout line, I noticed an elderly gentleman behind me, and he replied, “Those flowers are beautiful.”.  In Stephanie fashion, not one to simply say “thanks” (I didn’t grow them), I proceeded to agree and tell him the story of how I purchase flowers for the home every few weeks.  (This drives my husband crazy!  LOL!  Why do I give too much information?!.)
I asked this kind and handsome senior citizen about his wife and tried to give him a bouquet to present to his bride.
He declined.
I persisted. “She’d think you were greater than you already are.”
He smiled, and again…declined.
Bummer.  I tried to do something kind, and this man stole my joy.
Ahhhh, but God had a plan.  Remember, He nudged me to buy all three, so He had something, unbeknownst to me, up His flowing sleeve.
When I proceeded to my car, I saw another elderly gentleman standing beside his wife who was in a wheelchair.
I stopped.  Wheeled my buggy around.  Asked if they like flowers.  Offered them the bouquet. Ahhhh…smiles!  Great big smiles, and a huge “THANK YOU!” greeted me in return. Blessings!
Yep, God did have something, and a certain someone, up His sleeve.
The reason why I’m telling you this story is to encourage you as I’ve been encouraged recently.
Candace Cameron Brue’s new book Kind Is the New Classy:  The Power of Living Graciously was delivered to my home this week.  I was so excited to begin reading it.
I’m only beginning chapter four and loving it!  Candace is a Hollywood chic who is not afraid to be bold and live for God.
Two statements she’s said thus far, that have stuck with me are:
“It’s so important to know your purpose with clarity and conviction before you’re ever in a situation of compromise.”
“A person is for more than their intellectual stances, and every person is always worthy of our respect, even if we don’t agree with their views.”
Can I get an “Amen!”?
One of my favorite verses, which I’ve used often with my children, is Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
I challenge you to be kind, be bold in your faith, and let others see Christ in you.

• Pray for your enemies. (Matthew 5:44, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. (those who treat you badly)”
• Stand up for the weak. (Psalms 82:3, “Stand up for those who are weak.”)
• Love others. (Leviticus 19:18, “Forget about the wrong things people do to you. Don’t try to get even. Love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.”)
• Control yourself. (2 Timothy 1:7, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control”)
• Call out to God.  (Psalms 18:3, “I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies.”)
• Hate it like God does.  (Proverbs :16-19, “The LORD hates these seven things: eyes that show pride, tongues that tell lies, hands that kill innocent people, hearts that plan evil things to do, feet that run to do evil, witnesses in court who tell lies, and anyone who causes family members to fight.”)
• BE KIND! (Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”)

Many blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
 
#bekind
#kindisthenewclassy #thepoweroflivinggraciously
 
 

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