Iron Sharpens Iron

While there are still many individuals "struggling" within the hospitality arena, there are thankfully those who still love their jobs, love being of service, and are able to maintain a balanced work schedule. These individuals are finding hope, support, and encouragement among those they work with and for.

From my own perspective, I have noticed that those who have a strong faith, seem to be approaching their work days, and life in general, with an attitude of gratitude and service.

This does not mean that they do not experience trials and tribulations. It does not mean that they do not have "struggles" in one or more areas of their lives. It does mean that they rely on their faith, and seek counsel from those who can offer some wisdom, grace, and guidance. Iron does indeed sharpen iron, and the fruit of the spirit shines ever so brightly.

"Suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character hope." - Romans 5:4

#hope

#perseverance

#character

#support

#encouragement

#gratitude

#faith

#graceandguidance

A great podcast, that I highly recommend is "Hope Still Wins" with Ben Higgins.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hope-still-wins-with-ben-higgins/id1568735974

Ben is also the author of the book "Alone in Plain Sight," and is the Founder of Generous Coffee – a great brand dedicated to creating, inspiring, and increasing the good in the world. Be sure to check out https://generouscoffee.com, and if you are in the Colorado area, stop by the Generous Coffee Shop at 701 12th Street, Golden, CO 80401 and try out their best selling Honduran blend.

#aloneinplainsight

#hopestillwins

#benhiggins

#generouscoffee

#goldencolorado

The Power of Words

In a previous blog post, I mentioned one of my favorite Bible verses - "a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." (Proverbs 25:11)

With so many individuals "struggling" within the hospitality arena with overwork, harsh demands, unreasonable expectations; along with the seemingly "never ending" staffing shortages, it does help when we can connect and share with others who understand what we may be going through.

We are all given a voice, and we can all make a difference each and every day with those within our sphere.

Support, hope, and encouragement does come from conversations that provide comfort and compassion.

"The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out." - Proverbs 20:5

#workshortages

#workplacewellness

#powerofwords

#hope

#encouragement

#deepinsight

We all understand the power of words. Choose wisely when it comes to communicating with others. One never knows what another may be going through, unless one is present, sensitive, and aware enough to just listen and choose words wisely. Comfort, compassion, and kindness do indeed go a long way!

#choosewisely

#kindness

#strengthinsensitivity

#comfort

#compassion

"Kind words are like honey, sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." - Proverbs 16:24

"The right word at the right time is like a custom made piece of jewelry." - Proverbs 25:11

"Listening to good advice is worth much more than jewelry made of gold." - Proverbs 25:12

"The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." - Proverbs 12:18

"The words of good people are a source of life." - Proverbs 10:11

#kindwords

#rightwordsrighttime

#wisdom

#healing

#goodadvice

Takeaways & The New Show “Takeaways” – Part Three

Since my next blog series is going to be on women and wellness, I thought I’d do my last blog post in this series, “My Takeaways & The New Show 'Takeaways’,” on the segment that Kirk did with his sister Candace Cameron Bure.

Kirk's entire series to date, is really great! He shares wisdom, thoughts, and perspectives with both men and women, and I highly recommend watching.

As a young girl, all I wanted was to get married, and have children. I was not one of those women who dreamed of a “career.” Though I did well in school, I was more interested in the arts, as well as seeking for truth in my life. I learned early on my first year in law school, that man’s laws can be quite different than God’s laws, and through the years, it becomes more and more evident to me.

As a woman, I look out into our culture, and ask where are all the great female role models? As I listened to this interview, when Kirk mentioned the fact that Woman's Day Magazine named Candace their chief spiritual advisor, I thought how terrific!!!

Candace is a mom, wife, “celebrity,” and also a woman of grace, faith, and hope. For me, this was one of my favorite interviews, and I hope that other women, as well as men, enjoy all she shares!

#kirkcameron

#candacecameronbure

#grace

#faith

#hope

Kirk talks about the fact that people often get angry with those who don’t think like them, act like them, and don't believe like they do. I have witnessed this most of my life, and I do believe that now especially, it is more common than not. Kirk asks his sister,” how does she manage to stay kind among opposing views,” etc...

“A gentle voice will diffuse a situation,” Candace says. Kirk mentions the verse in

Proverbs (Proverbs 15:1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”), and they go on to talk a bit about kindness.

“Kindness does not mean you have to be agreeable,” Candace shares,” it just means you have to be kind and respectful.” She goes on to talk about the importance of being calm and also sober in demeanor.

Kirk makes a great point when he says that sometimes one can be kind, and it can “blow up” in his/her face. He asks the question as to "how can we be kind without becoming a doormat for someone?"

Candace agrees that sometimes kindness does not work. She goes on to share that one can still be respectful and kind, but it does not mean one has to be a doormat. One can be kind, and also strong and tough at the same time. Kirk mentions the great Bible verse Micah 6:8 “Do justly, love mercy, walk humbly with God.”

#kindness

#calmness

#lovemercy

Later in the interview they talk about joy. Kirk asks the question to his sister as to how does she find joy when storms are circling around? Candace makes the distinction between joy and happiness, and I do agree, that there is a true distinction.

She says that “Joy comes from the inside and sustains you when circumstances around you are tough/unhappy. Happiness is conditionally based, and that can change at any moment.” She goes on to say there are many days where she may be unhappy, but she still has joy. “The joy I have comes from God.”

Later on it the interview they talk about peace, and how true peace comes from God.

#joy

#peace

Be sure to check out the full interview on TBN, it is wonderful!

#takeaways

#kirkcameron