solomonswords

Learning To Say No

by

Pastor B.J. Knefley

Do you have trouble saying no? Before we go much further let me explain a little about what I mean. I’m not necessarily speaking about the saying no to others, although I may touch on this, it’s saying no to yourself.

Since I opened the box, let me explain that saying no to others is extremely important. It has much to do with boundaries and setting good ones. It also relates to knowing your limits, something we all can learn about. When your heart is saying no while your mouth is saying yes you need to start listening to your heart, it can save us a lot of heartache and anxiety. So, if you find yourself asking the question, “What was I thinking,” you might find that you need to work on personal boundaries and self.

Now to saying NO to yourself. I’ve learned over the years that I bite off more than I can chew. In other words, I over do it. I extend myself beyond my limits and then wonder why I’m in such a difficult place. Often this is because I’m thinking that I’m still in my 20’s or 30’s. Let’s face it, I can no longer run a 4:50 mile or bicycle 40-60 miles a day. I’d like to, but I can’t. But guess what? It doesn’t stop me from trying and that’s where I need to learn to say NO! The Scriptures remind me that just because all things are permissible, not all things are good for me. Now I know that Paul wasn’t referring to my specific issue, but I believe it relates.

Learning to say no to yourself is about understanding and knowing your limitations. Of course, one must not only know them but be willing to live within the confines of of their limitations. Perhaps that’s where the problem is found. It’s easy to know what you can no longer do, it’s another to submit to that reality. You see, I find that is where I need to learn to say NO, I can’t do that. Another aspect of this is the issue of asking for help. Part of saying no to yourself is recognizing that you need help. Wow, now that is a big one. Asking for help is admitting that you’re unable to do something that you probably used to be able to do without any problem. Where are you in this conundrum? Think about it.

If April Showers bring May flowers, what do May showers bring?

I think we would all agree that May showers bring fast-growing grass. Actually, the trees are very well fed and have produced a very healthy covering of leaves. The flowering trees are very nice this May too. 

Looking back to a very dry spring last year it is a pleasing change. Pine Crick is beautiful too. Everyone now can get one’s lawn mower out and use them on a weekly basis.

This May we received 5.38″ of rain last year we measured 1.59″. The combined reading for April and May is 11.16″.  We recorded measurable rain for 20 days in May. That, of course means you could only mow for 11 days. The mornings were mostly cloudy with temperatures in the 40s and 50s. However on the morning of May 31 it was a cool 34 to 37 degrees in town and in the suburbs (West Pike).

We had 17 foggy mornings, 4 thunderstorms and one damaging wind storm.

Summer begins in 3 weeks.  Have a good summer and keep on mowing. Potter County looks like it is well mowed from one end to the other. 

Henry W. Lush   

National Weather Service Observer

Electricity – Plug Into God’s Power, 

Come Join the Musical Merrill’s Evangelistic Team at the Hilltop Baptist Church Vacation Bible School.

June 2nd through June 6th, 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.  4 years old to 6th grade.  The Musical Merrill’s Evangelistic Team is putting on  VBS this year

Have a great day. Jill Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and Him and He shall direct thy paths…Proverbs 3:5,6