Maybelle Crabtree here. You know I always thought I had good self-control. I mean I don’t drink, smoke, overeat, spend too much money, or cheat. Sounds pretty good, right? But I found out I was mistaking willpower for self-control. They are, in fact, two different things. For instance, willpower is derived from two Latin words which, together, means “to be able to wish or … [Read more...] about Self-Control or Willpower: Which is Better?
Devotion
Can a Bull in a China Shop Find Gentleness?
MayBelle Crabtree here. I have a question: can a bull in a china shop find gentleness and become as gentle as a lamb? To be exact, can I – someone who rushes recklessly head-long into situations without much forethought – become a touchy-feely, easygoing, and good-natured person who helps other people even when they have wronged me? I sure hope so. What Gentleness … [Read more...] about Can a Bull in a China Shop Find Gentleness?
Faithfulness to God and Each Other
When Tom and I married, he stumbled over the word “faithful” in our wedding vows (to be my faithful husband). There were snickers from the guests in the pews and I, myself, had to hold my giggles. Almost every toast mentioned faithful and all of Tom’s friends teased him about his Freudian slip at the reception afterwards. To this day, it’s the one thing everyone remembers from … [Read more...] about Faithfulness to God and Each Other
Be Good, For Goodness’ Sake
“For Goodness’ sake, Maybelle," my mom exclaimed. “Stop asking so many questions!” "Here comes Miss Goody Two Shoes,” my sister sneered to her friends every time she saw me walking toward her. “You’re just too good sometimes, Maybelle," a friend once advised me. “You’re going to explode someday.” I have heard the word “good” in one form or another associated with my … [Read more...] about Be Good, For Goodness’ Sake
We All Need a Little More Kindness
“Why is kindness so hard for family members to show each other?” Tom asked me one morning. It was a rare weekend morning with no activities or appointments and we were alone in the kitchen having breakfast together. “What?” I said. “Well, it just seems that people are nicer to strangers than they are to their own family members. And I was just wondering why that … [Read more...] about We All Need a Little More Kindness