Whatever!

What comes to mind when you hear the word "whatever"?  That used to be considered a four-letter-word in my house.  Seriously - my kiddos knew that saying that word could get them some precious alone time in time-out.  But a year or so ago, God placed a verse on my heart that let me hear "whatever" in a different way.  It also made me ponder why that word used to send a shiver down my spine.

Let me tell you why -- I used to say that word (quite often) to my mom when I was a teenager.  Please picture me with my right hip thrown out and my hand on said hip, at which time I would then spit out the word "WHATEVER!" to my mom.  And my voice was quite sassy and biting when I said it.  ShAMe on me!

When my kiddos would use the word "whatever" to me, even in an innocent answer to a question such as "would you like juice or milk?", I would hear what I used to mean by my "WHATEVER" to  my mom.  And my kids would catch it.  Poor things!  And then God handed me Philippians 4:8.

"whatever is true,

whatever is noble,

whatever is right,

whatever is pure, 

whatever is lovely,

whatever is admirable -

if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - 

think about such things."

Now when I hear the word "whatever", in whatever tone of voice it is delivered, this is what comes to mind.  It's a verse I had read many times, but did not place on my heart until I had a teenager.  Thanks, God!

Me and my precious mom...that I love so much...and never say "WHATEVER" to anymore!

*The domino necklace above is for sale - $5 plus shipping and handling.  Or special delivery by Viv (my poor mom) if you live in Coldwater.  I think I have 2 or 3 left.