BABYSteps Challenge

Our current challenge is Silence.

Ben's take on it: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself.  Avoiding trifling conversation. 

Webster's: Forbearance from speech or noise; muteness; absence of mention.

My interpretation:  My interpretation was also my mother's:  "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all";  Don't spread rumors or gossip. A few Sunday's ago, my Pastor told a story about a bumper sticker that he and his wife had seen.  I think it applies to this virtue: Make someone happy today, mind your own business.

Biblical interpretation: Proverbs 17:28:  Even a fool silent keeps slient is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

I learned a while ago that not everything needs to be said.  This was a difficult lesson for me, but I believe I embrace it and will definitely continue to as we move through this challenge.

Silence is not just being quiet or not talking.  As the Bible says, 'be slow to speak and quick to listen' (I'm paraphrasing).  It's almost an art.  A craft.  It takes practice and skill. If you're silent, you're listening, you're focused, you're engaged. You're still.  That's difficult for many.  I'm talking about deliberate silence.  Not talking in order to keep the peace.  Silence that is acceptance when you just don't want to argue.  Silence because "it's best", silence because "they have to learn on their own".  This is the difficult part.  Realizing that not everything needs to be said.  Realizing that sometimes, your opinion really doesn't matter.  Ouch!  Sorry, but it's true.  Sometimes not everyone wants to know what you think.  That's truth. Sorry if it hurts.

I don't think I practice silence enough. This challenge will be a difficult one, but an interesting journey. I hope you are up to taking it with me!

Good luck and I hope to hear from you soon. Log your progress here or FB it on our Divas On Vacation page.

Our current challenge spans from Feb 7 to Feb 18 and is the first of our virtues challenge.

Temperance. 

• Ben Franklin defined temperance as: Eat not to dullness. Drink not to elevation. 
  
• Webster's definition: Moderation or self-restraint in action, statement, etc.; self-control; habitual moderation in the indulgence of a natural appetite or passion, especially in the use of alcoholic liquors, specifically, in the use of alcoholic liquors. 
  
• The Bible says:
• • Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. - Philippians 4:5 NKJV
  • And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. - 1 Corinthians 9:25a NKJV
  • Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls. - Proverbs 25:28 NKJV
  • And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; - Ephesians 5:18 KJV
    
• Our interpretation:  Practice restraint and self-discipline.  Don't get too overanxious about anything.  Keep a cool head and control your tongue.  Where food and beverage is involved, eat and drink in moderation.

This virtue helps build a level of self discipline that will help guide you not only through all the other challenges, but all areas of your life. 

Comment here and let us know how you're doing!