This prayer walk made me do some deep thinking. I have been really trying to listen to others and not interrupt before they finish. Bad habit! I also have been working on the feelings I have about myself. Liking myself some days is really hard to do let alone love myself. There is a big difference in loving yourself and being in love with yourself (selfishness). I want to show more love to people and to God. Thanks Donny for another great prayer walk.
What a serene and mesmerizing area you chose for this walk. I loved the varying shades of green, in shadow or sunlight, that appeared on the trees and shrubbery. The scenery was so lovely and calming. As to the questions, great food for thought. I find at my age, so many friends and my siblings are lonely and so listening is necessary in most cases. I try to avoid advice unless asked. Not easy sometimes. As to my relationship with God, I find he doesn't always answer and so I have to depend on my intuition and hope this guidance is the right path to tread. There never seems to be a perfect answer so I do the best that I can. May things change for you and bring the outcomes that suit your needs. Blessings always.🙏🙏
Donny, I came across a quote that said, "Those who remain silent to listen, know how to speak.” I admit I am still learning to listen, whether it’s to someone sharing their heart or waiting on God for answers. Being present and listening to someone who needs to share is more meaningful than offering my thoughts and opinions. My goal is to help, and although it’s hard to stay silent, I understand that silence often communicates love to others and trust in God’s timing. I am working on improving in both areas. Patience, however, is not my strongest trait.
Donny, lots to think about this morning. I never thought I would leave my job two years ago when I had no earthly idea to what was next. My first question was, "okay now what?" That's what I asked God. It was hard. It was uncomfortable, but one thing it has taught me was to absolutely trust for every provision and never take those provisions for granted. The other thing God opened to the door to learning and growing in my faith. Two years later and I'm still learning, but being a Kingdom Christian life coach in which I definitely feel God has called me to do has taught me so much. As a coach, I listen to what the client or the one God has asked me to help. If I don't listen to them, then what good is it being a coach? If you don't listen, you won't know the next question to ask them that could help them. Asking them questions causes them to think. Each one is different as it keeps you honest and mostly humble before God when He puts those people in your life for a reason. I have many flaws so I can catch myself wanting to respond and wishing the other person would finish, but I do my best personally to wait patiently to let them finish as I know that is so important, and as you said, it shows agape love and respect. Listening is valuable for ourselves and while we are the presence of others.
The other topic of waiting on the Lord I've found can be challenging depending on where we're at in our own walk of faith. Waiting doesn't mean stopping what we're doing or living, but it can be a period of refinement, and for me that means keep seeking God, keep moving forward, keep surrendering, trusting, and being obedient to Him and following His lead as best I can. I get this wrong too as I'm human, but I'm learning more and more each day.
Take care and always praying for you my friend! God bless you and everyone within the community.
You know I love animals and especially my dogs, God did not give them the ability to speak yet my dogs listen better than I will ever. If I’m on my phone and he has something to say he holds me hand to get my undivided attention. I could learn from him how to be quiet. He is more loving than I can be , he doesn’t judge just listens. I’m better at listening and when someone is talking I’ve learned that maybe the other person needs to vent. Silence is a virtuous thing. I speak to very few people so I really have to work at being like my dog Levi and just listen. I can hold a persons hand and speak volumes. Thank you my friend.
Hi Donnie ~ glad to join you on this beautiful prayer walk. I love it when we wander through the trees. This topic hit close to home. I have been working on being a better listener than "advice-giver" for years -- to be honest, since they told me to talk less in my final class to become a counselor. I always thought talking was my gift. That was embarrassing! But I used to think if I could just say the right thing, I could "fix" people. Ha! Actually, I learned how asking the right questions while listening fully helps the speaker figure out their own issues.
I am going to have to contemplate your question about waiting for God vs Him waiting on us. I've never really thought of life in either of those ways. Waiting??? Thanks for triggering my interest. ~Jan xoxo
I opened the link to your walk tonight on my computer right before I put my granddaughter down for the evening. She saw the screen and asked "Is that Donnie Mac, can I listen with you?" She sat with me and listened to every thing you had to say. You may not remember but we had breakfast with you last summer in Indiana when she was visiting and she still talks about meeting you and your brother. Anyway, I thought I would let you know just a tiny example of the impact you are making even if you don't realize it.
This walk was good for me - because I like to help people fix their problems and many times I find myself working toward a solution for them as they are sharing. This was a great reminder for me to stop and truly absorb what they are saying or needing before I offer my advice or help. The phrase "working on the Lord's time" I have heard this so many times in my life and never really gave it much thought until you talked about it on this walk - I think that many times I am so focused on waiting for the big reveal that I miss out on the beautiful things happening in the moment - I need to reflect more on this and appreciate each moment good or bad as they happen. Thank you as always for these walks and for all you are doing to spread Gods Word.
My best friend and I talk constantly when we see one another. I try to stop and ask someone if they want me to listen or if they want advice. If I am not sure what to say, then I tell them that I will get back to them depending on the situation. Then, I actually get back to them.
Good evening Donny, I love to listen to people talk. I do a better with others than I do with family. This is where I have to be quiet and listen to what they are saying, so I can answer appropriately. I use to have patience when I was younger, since I am older I wish I had that back. Asking God to help me make a decision is easy waiting in not. It’s been a quiet season for a while. Though I do still ask God for patience in me being patient with him answering my prayers. It’s hard and I’ve still got a lot of learning to do.
I did love the question is really what you are saying important. I think for some it’s how you approach helping or giving advice. The things you say to help others has to be said the right way so you don’t offend anyone when and if they let you give advice. For God he’s is so thrilled when you bring what’s on your mind to him. Both are important but I think God knows what you bring to him is important. No matter how you say it. Thank you Donny and blessings to you. I’ll keep on praying for you my friend.
Though I spent over 20 years in a profession where I was trained to listen to others, sometimes it is definitely difficult for me in my personal relationships to be still and not jump to a solution. I love what you said about men not appreciating unsolicited advice. Lots to think about and put into action. Thank you 🥰
Love this brother! Wonderful questions to ask and inspired some deeper reflection!
This prayer walk made me do some deep thinking. I have been really trying to listen to others and not interrupt before they finish. Bad habit! I also have been working on the feelings I have about myself. Liking myself some days is really hard to do let alone love myself. There is a big difference in loving yourself and being in love with yourself (selfishness). I want to show more love to people and to God. Thanks Donny for another great prayer walk.
What a serene and mesmerizing area you chose for this walk. I loved the varying shades of green, in shadow or sunlight, that appeared on the trees and shrubbery. The scenery was so lovely and calming. As to the questions, great food for thought. I find at my age, so many friends and my siblings are lonely and so listening is necessary in most cases. I try to avoid advice unless asked. Not easy sometimes. As to my relationship with God, I find he doesn't always answer and so I have to depend on my intuition and hope this guidance is the right path to tread. There never seems to be a perfect answer so I do the best that I can. May things change for you and bring the outcomes that suit your needs. Blessings always.🙏🙏
Donny, I came across a quote that said, "Those who remain silent to listen, know how to speak.” I admit I am still learning to listen, whether it’s to someone sharing their heart or waiting on God for answers. Being present and listening to someone who needs to share is more meaningful than offering my thoughts and opinions. My goal is to help, and although it’s hard to stay silent, I understand that silence often communicates love to others and trust in God’s timing. I am working on improving in both areas. Patience, however, is not my strongest trait.
Thank you for another inspired prayer walk. 🙏
Donny, lots to think about this morning. I never thought I would leave my job two years ago when I had no earthly idea to what was next. My first question was, "okay now what?" That's what I asked God. It was hard. It was uncomfortable, but one thing it has taught me was to absolutely trust for every provision and never take those provisions for granted. The other thing God opened to the door to learning and growing in my faith. Two years later and I'm still learning, but being a Kingdom Christian life coach in which I definitely feel God has called me to do has taught me so much. As a coach, I listen to what the client or the one God has asked me to help. If I don't listen to them, then what good is it being a coach? If you don't listen, you won't know the next question to ask them that could help them. Asking them questions causes them to think. Each one is different as it keeps you honest and mostly humble before God when He puts those people in your life for a reason. I have many flaws so I can catch myself wanting to respond and wishing the other person would finish, but I do my best personally to wait patiently to let them finish as I know that is so important, and as you said, it shows agape love and respect. Listening is valuable for ourselves and while we are the presence of others.
The other topic of waiting on the Lord I've found can be challenging depending on where we're at in our own walk of faith. Waiting doesn't mean stopping what we're doing or living, but it can be a period of refinement, and for me that means keep seeking God, keep moving forward, keep surrendering, trusting, and being obedient to Him and following His lead as best I can. I get this wrong too as I'm human, but I'm learning more and more each day.
Take care and always praying for you my friend! God bless you and everyone within the community.
Donnie Mac,Thank you for sharing, caring,I so appreciate your words the Lord gives to you. May God bless you
You know I love animals and especially my dogs, God did not give them the ability to speak yet my dogs listen better than I will ever. If I’m on my phone and he has something to say he holds me hand to get my undivided attention. I could learn from him how to be quiet. He is more loving than I can be , he doesn’t judge just listens. I’m better at listening and when someone is talking I’ve learned that maybe the other person needs to vent. Silence is a virtuous thing. I speak to very few people so I really have to work at being like my dog Levi and just listen. I can hold a persons hand and speak volumes. Thank you my friend.
Hi Donnie ~ glad to join you on this beautiful prayer walk. I love it when we wander through the trees. This topic hit close to home. I have been working on being a better listener than "advice-giver" for years -- to be honest, since they told me to talk less in my final class to become a counselor. I always thought talking was my gift. That was embarrassing! But I used to think if I could just say the right thing, I could "fix" people. Ha! Actually, I learned how asking the right questions while listening fully helps the speaker figure out their own issues.
I am going to have to contemplate your question about waiting for God vs Him waiting on us. I've never really thought of life in either of those ways. Waiting??? Thanks for triggering my interest. ~Jan xoxo
I opened the link to your walk tonight on my computer right before I put my granddaughter down for the evening. She saw the screen and asked "Is that Donnie Mac, can I listen with you?" She sat with me and listened to every thing you had to say. You may not remember but we had breakfast with you last summer in Indiana when she was visiting and she still talks about meeting you and your brother. Anyway, I thought I would let you know just a tiny example of the impact you are making even if you don't realize it.
This walk was good for me - because I like to help people fix their problems and many times I find myself working toward a solution for them as they are sharing. This was a great reminder for me to stop and truly absorb what they are saying or needing before I offer my advice or help. The phrase "working on the Lord's time" I have heard this so many times in my life and never really gave it much thought until you talked about it on this walk - I think that many times I am so focused on waiting for the big reveal that I miss out on the beautiful things happening in the moment - I need to reflect more on this and appreciate each moment good or bad as they happen. Thank you as always for these walks and for all you are doing to spread Gods Word.
It is heart warming to hear about you and your granddaughter, Thank you Robin for sharing this.
My best friend and I talk constantly when we see one another. I try to stop and ask someone if they want me to listen or if they want advice. If I am not sure what to say, then I tell them that I will get back to them depending on the situation. Then, I actually get back to them.
Good evening Donny, I love to listen to people talk. I do a better with others than I do with family. This is where I have to be quiet and listen to what they are saying, so I can answer appropriately. I use to have patience when I was younger, since I am older I wish I had that back. Asking God to help me make a decision is easy waiting in not. It’s been a quiet season for a while. Though I do still ask God for patience in me being patient with him answering my prayers. It’s hard and I’ve still got a lot of learning to do.
I did love the question is really what you are saying important. I think for some it’s how you approach helping or giving advice. The things you say to help others has to be said the right way so you don’t offend anyone when and if they let you give advice. For God he’s is so thrilled when you bring what’s on your mind to him. Both are important but I think God knows what you bring to him is important. No matter how you say it. Thank you Donny and blessings to you. I’ll keep on praying for you my friend.
Very helpful. I often pray to be a better listener. This helps me. You really are spot on with this
So good….i was so convicted. Love it when God keeps growing me. What a gift from God your are Doonny.🫶🏻
Though I spent over 20 years in a profession where I was trained to listen to others, sometimes it is definitely difficult for me in my personal relationships to be still and not jump to a solution. I love what you said about men not appreciating unsolicited advice. Lots to think about and put into action. Thank you 🥰