“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” James 1:19

Life really is important and how you live it. To be intentional and alert. Life is like making cookies for example. Cookies are good and delicious if made correctly but you have to read the directions and follow them carefully or they might not be so good. God has given us the directions for the perfect life but if we choose to ignore the directions we can cause problems that we really don’t want. Some mistakes can be painful and hard. We want to be well taken care of and blessed but that is up to us. God is very faithful and he keeps his part. But he has left us with free will to choose what we want. To do it our way or the right way. Just keep thinking of the hot, chewy, delicious cookies that come from following directions and it’s not so hard. One minute at a time. Think before you speak because once you say something you cannot take it back. Our emotions can take charge over our brains if we aren’t careful and hurtful, angry words will come out. You also should listen intently as someone is speaking so you don’t misunderstand and jump to conclusions. Really hear what they are saying and think with love and compassion. It is better not to speak if you don’t know what to say. Even a fool looks wise when they keep quiet. Our words can bring life or death and sometimes hurt and pain. Be patient with people even when they do something you don’t agree with. Take a breath and be quick to forgive while it is still easier. We have to deal with people all day everyday so it’s important to be loving. God has given us a great example in his son. If he wouldn’t do something then there is a good reason because he only did his Father’s will for him. Perfectly! He new his mission and followed it the whole way through no matter how hard or painful because he knew how important it was to have that big perfect family to spend eternity with, and it was worth it.