Monthly Archives: February 2017

The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines

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I’ve had The Magnolia Story on my fireplace hearth on the very top of my “books to read” stack.  When I started reading it this past week, I could barely put it down.  The openness and authenticity is like a breath of fresh air considering all that has been in the media recently.

Their story is a beautiful love story, full of ups and downs.  Has life given them an easy ride?  No way!  They are both very hard workers and have encountered some tough times financially and been in some tight binds.  But through it all, they held on to each other and did not let those hard times drive them apart.  If anything, they brought them closer together.  And time after time, Joanna could see God’s part in leading them to where they are today.

Before I read their book, my family surprised me with a visit to Magnolia Market.  It was as much fun as I thought it would be, maybe more.  I knew it was small, and so I wasn’t expecting this big, huge market.  But I must admit, it’s larger than I thought it would be.  When I got to the part in their book that tells how they came to be where they are today at the Silos, I could picture every bit of it.  Next time I visit, I’ll know the special story about the Silos in The Magnolia Story.  So sweet!

Joanna had a great idea and great design in the Silos Baking Co. which is a must when you visit there.  Don’t let a long line scare you off.  They have this down to a science, and the line moves very quickly considering you make your decisions on which cupcakes you want before you ever get to the counter to order them.  They have the cupcake menu on an order card and you mark your order while standing in line outside on the sidewalk.  Next time I’m there, I want to notice her attention to the interior of the bakery which she mentions in the book.

Chip and Joanna’s whole life story is in The Magnolia Story. I couldn’t help but feel like I know them in a way after reading their book.  If you’ve already read their book or if you’re planning to read it, let me know what you think.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

 

 

Pictures and text on this post are copyrighted, 2017

7 Tips for Communicating Effectively

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Do you ever get in the middle of a conversation and all of a sudden you realize communication is not happening?  I know that happened with my husband and me before.  Somehow, we stopped connecting, we weren’t listening to understand, and sometimes things were said that hurt the feelings of one of us.  Solomon, who is considered by many to be the wisest person, has great advice to help us communicate peacefully and effectively:

  • “He who holds his tongue is wise.” Proverbs 10:19 (Keeps a person from putting their foot in their mouth or hurting someone.)
  • “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18 (Harsh words can pierce someone’s heart, but wise words will bring healing to a relationship.  We can pray for words of wisdom.)
  • “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 (A soft answer makes it easier for the listener to hear what is actually being said rather than reacting to harshness.  It helps keep defensiveness from building up walls.)
  • “A person finds joy in giving an appropriate reply, and how good is a timely word.” Proverbs 15:23 (The right words said at the right time are good, and joy can be found in it. Sometimes we need to wait for the right time to say certain things.  Timing is so important!)
  • “The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction.” Proverbs 16:21 (Want to help someone understand what you mean? Use pleasant words to get your point across.  Think of a positive way to get your meaning across.)
  • “A word appropriately spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Proverbs 25:11 (Words that are appropriate are going to be thought out, not a just a spur of the moment reaction that will stir up anger.)
  • “A gentle tongue can break a bone.” Proverbs 25:15 (A gentle tongue is not weak. A gentle answer can accomplish a lot.)

When voices get louder, people get defensive.  When people get defensive, they stop listening and stop communicating even though they’re talking.  I love how Solomon teaches us to hold our tongues, not use reckless words but careful and thought out words, to use soft and gentle and pleasant words.  Did you notice the proverb that says, “A person finds joy in giving an appropriate reply,” and their words are timely which means a person waits until the timing is right.  Sometimes that means waiting until the next day.  It means thinking about a response ahead of time so an appropriate reply can be given.

There is so much wisdom from God in Proverbs, a book in the Bible!