"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 (KJV) During the spring of 2017, God called me to return to work after a two-year absence. I felt overwhelmed with despair about returning to a job I no longer wanted, which demanded more hours and responsibilities than I had previously. Taking care of a client, who had become more like a member of my family, made me feel uneasy. She had told me she was planning a move to a new area when her name came up on the list of an older adults apartment complex, where she desired to be. I didn’t drive, so I would not be following her to continue care. God had graciously called me back to a job that again was not secure and would drain the juice out of me. During this time, my daughter and grandchildren lost everything because of a divorce and financial calamity. The money I was earning was going to them for support, so I knew my returning to the job wasn’t about taking care of me. Sitting with my client one day, grieving for my daughter and grandchildren, fear gripped my soul. Turning away from my client, I glanced out of the window. To my surprise, I noticed some birds fighting outside the window. I had seen that flock of birds before, daily pecking at the ground for food. But this was one of those special days when my client threw out old bread on the lawn just outside her apartment. A few birds pecked pieces from the pile until only one lump of bread was left. A fight broke out between the birds as they scrambled for the last piece of bread. I was stunned as the adorable little birds fought for the last crumb. As they flapped their wings, ferociously trying to prevent one another from gathering the last bit. Suddenly, a big black crow swooped in and flew away with the entire lump of bread. My first thought was, "He's taking it back to his nest for later." It was then that God spoke to me about the battle, "They are fighting over human food when I have already generously supplied them with food." I didn't see anything with my naked eye, and I walked that field every day to get to her house, unless it rained. Three days later, after a torrential rainstorm in our area, I saw just what he meant. Walking along the sidewalk to get to my client's house, which was just around the corner from mine, I couldn't help but notice the vast number of worms. They were everywhere, and I couldn't avoid stepping on piles of them as I walked to get to her house. Usually, I could step over one or two as I walked along after a storm, but this day, there was no clear path for me to walk to avoid them. "Where in the world did all these worms come from?" I declared out loud as I gasped in disgust over the matter. Then, I heard God say, "They were there all along; you just couldn't see them in the ground until the storm washed them out. But the birds always knew they were there; however, they preferred to fight over the scarce human food rather than enjoy the abundance that I had already provided for them." He also added, "That black crow is a lot like the devil, who will swoop in and take from you the ungodly pleasures you enjoy, leaving you fighting to get back little, when I have sufficiently supplied you with abundance that you don't appreciate." I walked away that day with a better understanding of God's word in Matthew 6:25-27 (NIV), "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" That scripture and that lesson were of significant support to me because the battle had just begun. My client had a bout with bedbugs and lost all her care-provider support, except for me and 84-year-old aunt. We had to break down her house and bag up everything to prepare for the exterminator. This ordeal would take months to resolve. In addition to that, she was hospitalized twice, and I was very ill with a severe cold three times. I seldom catch colds, so catching three colds back-to-back was shocking and debilitating. On three occasions, while I was with my client, she heard her name being called. “Did you call me?” she asked. “No, I didn’t,” I responded the first two times. The third time, I declared, “I think God is calling you.” I had often remembered how I would hear my name being called out, especially as a child. I didn't know at the time that God was calling me, but later I clearly knew it was him. She was not a born-again Christian, although she and I talked a lot about God. This time she inquired more about him. One day she asked me about a relationship with God, and gave her life to Christ in November 2017, as we sat together in her home and prayed. In the spring of 2018, we were preparing the house for extermination, and at the same time, we were preparing her for back surgery. She was a bit hesitant and nervous, so I prayed with her frequently. In the early morning hours of April 24, 2018, I wheeled her out to put her on a medical van to be transported to the hospital where she would have her surgery. I stayed behind and cleaned the house, then went home. I had no idea that would be the last time I would see her alive. She passed-away in early May 2018 due to complications in the rehabilitation center. After her burial, I had a conversation with the Lord, inquiring about why he had sent me back. It was then that I understood he hadn’t sent me back to a job. He sent me back to do a greater work—to lead my client to Christ and prepare her to come home to meet him. Sometimes, as caregivers and ministers, we take on more than we think we can bear. I didn’t want to go back to that position of employment, and I was worn out from it. But God provided just enough strength to help me help my client. And he also provided just enough time for me to minister God’s grace to her in the gift of his “Great Salvation.” Losing my client, friend, sister-in-Christ, and my other daughter (she affectionately called me her other mother) was a shocking blow. Losing my job and income was just as traumatic. But when I look back at what God did, I am able to smile knowing that she is right where she needs to be—in the loving arms of her Heavenly Father. My grandchildren, who also loved her, asked if we could resurrect her back to life. “No, I think she’d much rather stay in heaven with God rather than to come back here to a place that she hated,” I responded, laughing. I admire how God anticipates our needs and provides graciously through his hidden treasures and abundant supply. His grace is always sufficient, even though we may not recognize his generosity in that moment. Prayer: Father, help me recognize your abundant supply in all creation. When I don't have a clue how I will make it, help me remember you. I may not understand all the "why's" that I have to live through, but I definitely understand that I will get through because of you. Your love and support are my inner strength, and I thank you for your abundant supply of it. Because of you, I know that when I am weak, I am indeed strong! The Scripture 2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds me, "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." Hallelujah!!! In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

One morning, I accompanied my client to a doctor's appointment. As I sat in the waiting room, waiting for her visit to be over, a man entered the office. He wore ragged blue jeans, an old shirt, flip-flops, and his head was buried in his cell phone. He looked to be in his forties. When greeted by the receptionist, “Good morning.” He growled, “Is it?” Then made his way to a seat and went back to gazing down at his cell phone. Only minutes later the door opened and in walked a woman. She appeared to be in her sixties. She was overweight and laughing as she greeted everyone. “Good morning,” she shared, excited to be in the presence of others just to share her joy. Greeting the receptionist, she asked to see photos of the receptionist’s newborn child. Turning with a warm smile, she made her way to a seat. I thought, wow, rain walked in and now here comes sunshine. What a difference your attitude makes. Both were called into the examination rooms relatively quickly, but the atmosphere had been affected by both people. He never looked up from his phone, and she never let go of her smile. They both made an impression on me. After that visit, I became more aware of how I should present myself, especially in public. We may only have that one opportunity to be sunshine to someone. I never saw either of those people again. But they are a part of my memories forever. And I pray he finds peace and joy, and that she keeps her peace and joy, because it is contagious and definitely appreciated. Prayer: Father, bless me to bring sunshine to brighten someone’s day. And let me always keep a friendly attitude, even in life's difficulties. As I go about my day, may I always be mindful that my presence is affecting someone else’s life directly or indirectly. Help me make a loving impression that lingers in their hearts and minds, always. And when I come up in their memory, may they praise you for the joy it brings them. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, amen!

Although the world is currently in a season of lack, it is still vitally important that we, as the Body of Christ, continue to give. Our supplies may be little, but our giving spirit is still useful. I realize that it’s good to be a blessing, serving others while you wait on God for your promises and restoration. I know that giving in a season where you feel you like you don’t even have enough for your family, seems pretty ridiculous, but the scriptures states in 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (NIV), “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever. Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” I whole-heartedly agree! And I am a witness that giving, even sacrificially, is the key to overcoming your season of lack. How God is able to provide enough for us to give, even when it seems like we don’t have enough, is a mystery? But somehow, in his amazing grace, he provides for us to do so! I think we often overthink giving, as if we need to be wealthy or have a lot to share. But it reality, it's not about the amount that we have; it's the heart posture to share what we have that prompts the giving, even in lean seasons. The way we serve others is the way God serves us. I know firsthand that when I refresh others, God refreshes me. So, I encourage you to give refreshment to as many people as you can in your season of lack. It doesn’t always have to be money; it could be a meal, a hug, a smile, a listening ear to someone who is worse off than you, or even encouragement. Just give refreshment to someone who needs it, then watch God refresh you! Prayer: Father, please open my eyes to see your provision in my hands, in whatever form it may be. I want to be a blessing to others, just as you are a blessing to me. Help me not to let the opportunity to help someone pass me by. Instead, show me daily where my gifts can be shared to bring divine refreshment to someone else’s life. I thank you for continuing to refresh me in my times of need, which provides me with extra seed to sow. You are truly my Jehovah Jireh, who provides for me and who loves me. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen!

While I was sitting one afternoon, resting after a day of housework, I noticed a houseplant that I had watered the day before. It was a pretty large plant that had many vines extending from its root base. The leaves on the plant were many and standing tall, which was not the case the day before. The plant's leaves were quite withered, which caught my attention and prompted me to water the plant. I gathered a pitcher of tap water and poured a generous amount down onto the dirt that covered the root base. To my surprise, the very next day as I sat, my eyes were drawn to a droplet of water hanging from one leaf. It amazed me so much because that particular leaf was far away from the pot itself and even farther away from the root base. It was hanging almost off the table, but somehow that little leaf had perked up and was a vibrant color of green. I thought, “Wow, I just watered that plant yesterday, and today it’s overflowing with beauty and moisture.” It had been so well-watered that the little leaf had excess water to spare, and a droplet hung from the tip, suspended like a crystal. It was a beautiful sight to behold. Immediately, the Lord spoke John 15:5 to me, reminding me that, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” It was then that I was able to personally make the connection between that scripture and my life. He also explained that I had not directly watered the little leaf; it was receiving continuous watering from its root base. And because the root base was well sourced, so was the little leaf with much more to spare in the form of a water droplet hanging from its tip. Then it hit me: God is my source of overflow, and as long as I remain in him, he will provide for me without me having to strain to do it for myself. That little leaf was not begging the root base for life-sustaining watering; it was simply receiving the benefits of its root source. It was well-watered as a result of being attached to the vine, which was attached to the root base. I ran and grabbed my camera to capture the picture for a pictorial reminder of how we can rest in God’s abundant overflow because he is our Well-Watered Vine (Source) and in him; we are well-watered branches overflowing with his goodness to spare and to share.

“Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” Proverbs 13:20 (NLT) There are different levels of relational love, but the level of intimacy is unique. It’s the level that only you, God, and your mate can share. It’s also the level where you experience the most value. Yes, we have our family, friends, neighbors, work, creativity, and financial prosperity, but these don’t give us our greatest value, only some of our greatest enjoyment. Do you know how valuable you are? I only ask because a lot of people don’t know how valuable they are. I used to be one of those individuals. I spent years hating myself and searching for value outside of myself, until I had a life-changing encounter with Jesus, who showed me I had value in him before I entered my mother’s womb and was born. We are in multiple relationships every day, but we don’t always experience value from all of them. It wasn’t until I experienced God’s love and his value of me that I began to value myself. From valuing me, I am able to value others around me through him. In the two most important relationships we will enter: Holy Oneness with God, and Holy Matrimony with our mate; we must express value. The best way to express value to someone is to show love and support. God always shows us his love and support, John 3:16 (KJV) is evidence of his ultimate love and support for us, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” However, support in a relationship can sometimes be questionable, or not be there at all. Some years after my daughter’s divorce, she and I were having a conversation about how badly she was treated. I shared with her what God had taught me: “When a man/woman doesn’t see your value, then they can’t treat you as valuable, so they will mistreat you instead. This is especially true if you are a Christian and have mated with a wicked unbeliever. Not every unbeliever is wicked, but the wicked unbelievers will mistreat you the worse! They are completely blind to your value because of their own darkness, so they can only share with you the darkness that they have. There is no light or love in them to share. They are perpetrating a fraud. They’ve invited you into their lie and entrapped you into their evil. It won’t be too long before abuse and abandonment occur.” The Lord also ministered to me, “When someone removes their support, it doesn’t negate God’s blessing for you as his child; it only negates the blessing that they could’ve enjoyed by being a blessing to you.” Basically, they forfeit being the blessing that they could’ve/should’ve been to you, and they reap a return on their wicked investment of pain and suffering that they gave to you. That’s so sad! But it happens. We just need to make sure that in our relationships with God and our mate; we are reaping a positive value effect. We only want a return of value on our relational investment seed that was sown. Prayer: Father, please help us comprehend the relational value that must be present in our relationship with you and our husband/wife. Help us choose wisely the mate that we will marry and minister to and with. And help us build together a relational intimacy that is valuable to you, to us, and to our generations after. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

The other day, a friend of mine complained about a friendship that had been over for months and had recently reopened. It brought to my remembrance a season in my life when I kept trying to preserve two friendships. The problem with the friendships was that they were completely disrespectful. Every time we had a disagreement, I would try to rectify the situation through respectful dialogue. However; they both always hung up on me. I didn’t have a problem with them disagreeing with me; we just needed to talk about the situation to find a happy middle ground. They refused to talk and would abruptly hang up! I felt disrespected because I don’t handle my business that way, and I always try to consider the other person's feelings. Well, I missed it on one occasion, but I rectified it. After the relationship was over, a few months later, they would call me, and I would always let them back into my life through forgiveness, until another disagreement occurred, and I found myself on the back end of another hang-up. After some serious introspection, I realized God was trying to close doors I kept allowing others to keep open. Losing a friendship hurts, but being disrespected by someone who is supposed to be a friend hurts worse. And sometimes, those disrespectful occurrences are there to show you who people really are. I have had friendships for years; some for over 30 years, and we have never disrespected each other. Honestly, I don’t think we planned to still be in each other’s lives for this long, but we are still friends today because we love and respect each other. We nurture the relationship with loving kindness, not wreck it because of emotional neediness and selfishness. Looking at my successful relationships helped me to see the hang-ups were an indication of the season being over. And it was time for me to move on, with no hard feelings. Every time God would allow the doors to be closed, I would allow them to reopen them, and I paid the price in the end. I kept thinking that forgiveness was the answer, but forgiveness can’t cover continual disrespect. After the last hang-up, I began to understand that some relationships are seasonal, and others are lifelong. The problem is we don’t always know which one is seasonal and which one is lifelong in the beginning. We only come to know the difference when God reveals it to us through a closed door, or when we look up 30 years later and the person is still there. Let’s just surrender to his will, because he knows who and what’s best for us. ​ And let’s remember to choose wisely who we mate with, because that should not be one of those closed-door seasonal relationships. Prayer: Father, please help us know the difference between a closed-door relationship and a lifelong relationship. Also help us know the difference between a wait and a closed door because sometimes we lack patience and want to move in another direction thinking you have answered us with a “No” instead of a “Wait.” We only want to remain in your will, not following our own will and emotional discontent. Please lead and guide us continually, so that we may always be where you desire us to be, and in proper fellowship and relationships with the right people. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, amen.

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14, New King James Version) I don't speak lightly about addiction; I was once a deeply wounded soul who was addicted to food, fantasizing, and pornography, so I understand the battle of the soul. But this was a moment that prompted this story, which really got my attention and made me evaluate my decisions and my life. I was a Christian, but I was new in my faith walk. My first thought was, I don't want any spirits with my sandwich. I didn’t mind getting the sandwich; that might have been good for lunch or later for dinner. But the looming question that kept plaguing my thoughts was, what kind of spirits were they offering? Will they be good spirits that will help protect me and help me maneuver safely through life's many facets? Or will they be evil spirits that I'll spend every waking moment trying to escape? Who knows? But the one thing I know for sure is I am so glad I don't have a drinking problem, because if I did, I sure wouldn't step foot in that liquor store. To go in bound, only to come out in more bondage because of those spirits lingering in the atmosphere, sure would not make for a very enjoyable lunch break. It's bad enough the corned beef sandwich might attack me later, but I certainly didn't need to worry about scary spirits seeking my demise. I wonder if people know about those spirits? They are real. I wonder if they know about God's Holy Spirit. He's the only Spirit that I trust to feed my soul and keep me on the “straight and narrow.” And I also wonder if they know about Jesus? The one who "heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds" (Psalm 147:3). I am so thankful that he's the one whose name I can use to kick the butts of those evil spirits. And there are two other reasons I'm so very thankful: the first is because I’m saved by the grace of God, and the second is because I'm being fed so good with God's Word, that I'm not hungry for a deli sandwich from a place filled with spirits. Or for any other vice to calm a wounded soul. But someone is, so I pray for their deliverance. If you are that someone, please pray this prayer. Prayer: Father, please deliver me from every evil desire that has, is, or will try to overtake me. Restore my soul and keep my feet on the narrow path that leads to life and away from destruction. Fill my heart with love and adoration for you and your Word. I ask forgiveness for every sin that I have committed against you and heaven. And I also seek your perfect will for my life. Save me, lead me, correct me, protect me and establish me in your righteousness and in your Word. And whatever else I do in this life; I ask you to help me do it by your Spirit. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.

A few years ago, I received a report from a young lady who was a support counselor to my grandchildren. She visited periodically to check their progress and give assistance. During a visit to our home, the conversation swayed away from the children to me. She wanted to know how I was doing and managing being a custodial parent to my two oldest grandchildren. I had taken them to give support to my daughter and alleviate some of the burden from her shoulders. I shared a portion of my testimonial experience with Jesus, and she sat poised, listening intently, while I praised the Lord. After her visit was over, I escorted her to the door, bid her farewell, and locked up the house. As I turned to head back to the living room, embarrassment latched onto me. I couldn’t believe I had just commandeered the visit with my story. She wasn’t here for my sake, but for the children's. “Why did I say that?” I argued aloud to myself. A few weeks passed between visits because of her vacation. But upon her returning, I took the opportunity when we were alone to apologize for monopolizing her time during our prior visit. To my surprise, she confessed, “There is no need to apologize, because your testimony blessed me so much that I returned to church after being away for twelve years.” I knew then that the time I took to share with her my story of God’s goodness was a divine intervention prompted by the Holy Spirit. I had not planned to talk about my life, and I’m sure she had not planned to hear about my encounters with God’s amazing grace. However, we both were being divinely led by God. I love to testify about the goodness of the Lord—I can do it all day and night! But what I really enjoy is watching someone else get blessed by my testimony. My past victory became her present victory, and that’s the way God divinely designed it. Amen! Don’t be afraid to share your story, even if you don’t understand why. I really didn’t, but I still felt led to do it. Let God use you. Then wait and see how he will affect a change in someone else’s life. Prayer: Father, please help me never to be afraid to proclaim your glorious name! And lead my words to praise you. Make every encounter with anyone a place where love is received, joy is dispersed, and peace is divinely transferred. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen!

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6:9, NKJV) Is God telling you to go, but your flesh is saying, no? If so, I think you should listen to God; He knows what’s best for you. Although we may not want to do something that God is asking us to do, we need to understand that sometimes that prompting to go is for someone else’s sake. In July 1993, I had an experience that changed my life. It was the beginning of what I thought was the end. I had gone to work one night; I was working the “graveyard shift,” 11 to 7, when I collapsed at my desk. I was rushed to the hospital and told I might have had a stroke. My blood pressure was sky-high, and my stress level was even higher. My family and I were in the middle of preparing to move the following month. It would be the first time that I would have my own apartment. My daughter and I had lived with my family for years, and it was time for us to be on our own. I was so excited, but I was distressed because I didn’t feel well. I had been suffering from severe neck and back pain for a few weeks. Back then, I was very familiar will sickness; I was born prematurely, with a hole in my heart (atrial septal defect), and after years of suffering and fainting, in 1982 at 18 years old, I had open heart surgery to repair the defect. The morning after I collapsed on the job, I was sitting on a hospital gurney, wondering how I was going to get home. I had called my family member, who had taken care of me for years, but she told me, “I’m tired and I’m not coming all the way out there to get you!” I was being released, but I was stuck with no way home. While the doctors prepared my release papers, the morning supervisor walked over to me. I looked up to notice her face smiling at me. Her name was Ms. Sandy, and she inquired about how I was feeling and asked if my family had been notified? Embarrassed, I passed the message on to her. “I’ll take you home,” she offered. The entire ride I sat wondering what I had done so wrong to deserve to be left stranded. I wanted to cry my eyes out, but I held my composure as my body lay weak against the seat. When I returned home, my loved one inquired about my diagnosis. “They really don’t know what’s wrong with me, but they think I might have had a mild stroke,” I replied and went to bed for years. That would be the last time I would see Ms. Sandy, because that was the last day I would work for that company. I went out on long-term disability and eventually had to go on Social Security disability. When life gets hard, especially when you have been serving for so long, and you feel completely depleted of energy to care anymore; just remember to let God be your strength. Psalm 46:1 reminds, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Although I wasn’t born-again yet, I had to forgive my loved one, remembering that she had always been there before, but in that season, she was just tired of caring for me. She had been doing it since I was born, and by the time I was 30 years old, she was worn out. God has a peculiar sense of humor because He has now made me a caregiver, even for her. Every day I serve, I understand how easy it is to want to give up and walk away. Physically, the serving is sometimes draining, but emotionally it can be just as challenging. Regardless of the challenges, as God’s children, we can’t grow weary in well-doing because if we do, we might walk away and leave someone stranded when they need us the most. Family life is the most challenging of all the relationships, but it’s also the most rewarding. Every bit of love and care that is sown creates a strength in our loved ones that helps them to press on. I encourage you and myself to think of others when it’s so much easier to just think of ourselves. We can’t be there for everybody, but if we ask God to be our strength, we can be there for somebody. One person who receives our love is one person who can pass on that love to someone else. One family member we love is another family member who is strengthened to pass on that love. Galatians 6:9 says, “…that we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” I believe that the greatest blessing that we will reap for doing well is to see someone’s life doing well because we didn’t walk away when our flesh wanted us to. Prayer: Father, please help us be strong when we feel our weakest. Help us never to turn our backs on anyone when we can help them. Help us daily to find our strength in You, so that we can share Your strength with others. And help us especially as family members to honor each other by being present to love each other. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Last summer, I was sitting in my bedroom when screams erupted outside my window. As a mother and grandmother, my first response is to jump up and check to make sure everyone is alright. When I glanced out the window, I noticed a little girl, about 11 or 12 years old, screaming at the top of her lungs. As she lay prostrate on the cement pavement, bawling her eyes out, she shouted hateful words of contempt. “I hate you!” she cried as her little brother, who was about three years old, ran about frantically trying to escape her wrath. With tears now flowing uncontrollably from his little eyes, my heart began to sink. What is the problem? I wondered. Then she spoke, voice quivering, “You broke my cell phone.” What? A cell phone prompted all that sorrow? Then it occurred to me that one day her little brother would probably become the very big brother—in size, that she may need, and she just shouted out hateful words that penetrated his soul. How can she take that back? It hurt my feelings, and I wasn’t even involved. Some months later, while disciplining my grandson, I too shouted out words in anger that I can't take back. Like the little boy outside my window, who bore the hurtful effect of those verbal jabs, my grandson looked at me like I had just crushed his soul. We have since made up because I immediately apologized for the way I spoke to him, but not for disciplining him, because he needed it. Sometimes, we lose control and let our anger about the situation rule over our good sense. But the Bible states in Ecclesiastes 7:9 (NIV), “Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.” “…because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” (James 1:20, NIV) “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” (Prov. 19:11, KJV​). So, to ensure that we don’t lose our cool, we should consider Prov. 29:11 (NLT), "Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back." We should also consider what if this had happened within our marriage?