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Monday, January 5, 2009

Motivate Me Monday! Communication


First things first - meet 5:16 gal Traci from...

Milk & Honey


Traci was the second gal to sign on to our little club. She first caught my attention when I read that she had adopted a little boy. For those of you who have gotten to "know" me through this blog, you know I have a HUGE heart for adoption (and can't wait to adopt myself). She is a hero to me (and her boy). Check this post out to be in awe of her commitment.

Not only should you check out her blog, but prepare for the smile vs. tears episode you are going to go experience when you read "The Story of Us in 100." If you don't play tug-o-war with your emotions on this one, you're just not human. :)

Her MMM post this week is on living with intention. Here is a little excerpt:

What I've been seeking the most over the last 2 weeks is the idea of a New Years resolution. The mornings I have risen early I've sat quietly with my beautiful Christmas tree* and asked God to reveal to me what 2009 needs from me. In the end I decided to choose a word that I wanted to use to convey my goal for day to day living. My word is intention.

Now go check it out!

Motivate Me Monday - Communication

As many of you know, I am beginning a series tomorrow on modesty (10 Days To Modesty!), a rather hot topic. I have found myself in a roller coaster of emotions when it comes to the way women dress. I have gone from compassionate to angry and everything in between. How can I communicate to Christian women the utmost importance of modesty in a culture that is seeped with feminist ideology and laize-fair attitudes about dress, even in the church?

"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry..." James 1:19


When communicating truth I must guard my words and not speak out of anger.


"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, so that it will give grace to those who hear." Ephesians 4:29


I must be careful that I am using my words to edify instead of tear down, making sure to give grace instead of condemnation.

"Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him." Proverbs 29:20


If I am quick with my words, such as in a venting session, I am worse off than a fool.


"A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1

I must be gentle if I am to be effective in my communication. If I just spout out harsh words (which is so easy to do), all I will accomplish is anger.

My heart through the modesty series to offer truth and grace in a humble and edifying fashion. As you comment, I ask that you would also take heed with your words and the attitude of your heart.


Your Turn! *You do not have to be a 5:16 am gal to participate!

  • What have you learned and/or how God has spoken to you lately?
  • Share some advice, wisdom, practical applications, tips you've learned, etc. that you think would benefit and motivate others.


*Make sure to link directly to your MMM post and then link back here!




13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Modesty is an excellent thing to address. I am with you on this. For us, it is a no compromise thing. We want to convey the same message to our little ones when they're little as we convey when they are older. :) This eliminates any mixed messages. I look forward to your series and hope I can add some input and encouragement. :) Happy Monday!

kymber said...

Hi Sarah Mae,
Thank you for starting this! What a great motivator for us all. I hope my post isn't too heavy for what you wanted. I needed to keep it real and do some inner house cleaning. I have felt so motivated by our new 5:16 am forum. This is all a part of the process for me - to clean up my inner house in order to fill it up with all things right and good again - instead of all of the junk there before.

NOW that my house is clean -My focus is back where it needs to be.
Thanks for this opportunity!
Blessings,
Kymber

Robin said...

Modesty is such a hot issue. Such diverse thought on what it means to be modest. I thought I would share that modest means "not flashy" as in a modest home.

Discreet means "hidden or covered" which is really what we oftentimes mean when we now say modest.

The Bible says that we are to be both! Thanks again, Sarah, for taking on this challenge. I am praying for you!

Robin

Anonymous said...

Sarah Mae,
I do not have a blog, nor do I remember how I found yours several months ago, but now look forward to reading it daily. I appreciate your "realness" (if thats a word)and commitment you have to raising a Godly family. I also was so inspired by the Garber blog that you linked to today. So, all this to say thank you for once again motivating me this Monday morning.
Sweet Blessings,
Maggie

Jodi W said...

I linked up - hope it works as this is my first attempt at this. It's a whole new world...

Bless you for taking the time out of your schedule and life to host this and keep up your blog -I have thoroughly enjoyed lurking for months now.

Gina said...

This continues to be such an encouragement to me-hearing how God is challenging others and sharing what He's speaking to me.

I look forward to your thoughts on modesty too!

Anonymous said...

What an great topic. Can't wait to read more.

Blessings!!

Christy said...

Sarah Mae,

I'm sorry that I forgot to add the button... going back to do it now:)

I didn't have a post that was ready for today but knowing that I had written this one and still had this one up is why I choose to go ahead and add my name to your link.

I'm looking forward to your posts and all that you have to say!

Beth Herring said...

I'm working on this linky thing...
I enjoyed each post on here today. Lots of things to mull over and think about and apply to my life.

Seeking Him,
Beth

Lisa said...

I can't wait for your modesty series! My husband was immediately intrigued when he noticed your title a few days ago about the pastor and cleavage. He thought it was just a joke. When I explained how real this is, he thought I was joking. I guess he hasn't "noticed" the scenery at church! Thanks for addressing the touchy topics!

mlc said...

Sorry I linked twice... I don't know why the first one links to YouTube instead of my blog... I never even go on YouTube. Anyway, your blog is such an encouragement! Thanks for your insight!

Unknown said...

Sarah Mae, I know you will do an excellent job with this topic! It's a great issue to discuss. Thanks for all you do with the 5:16 AM Gals - isn't it wonderful how it has taken off?

::Traci:: said...

First off, incredibly kind words from you - thanks. I feel a little unworthy! Actually, we've yet to finalize an adoption, so he's still a foster placement - adoption should be finalized this summer! Wahoo! I see u linked for me {yesterday was crazy!, but I finally have my post all clean & button added, etc!} thanks!

As always, thanks for sharing your amazing words with us and for encouraging us to be more.