Saturday, September 5, 2009

Savoir vivre!

Recently, I realized that I need more savoir vivre (sa'vwar ve're). Say what? Yeah, I need more of that stuff. Come on. Say it out loud with me: savoir vivre. Don't you love the way it sounds? So sophisticated. So se_y. So French. And it's.... No. Not lingerie. Not wine. Not cuisine. Savoir vivre is simply: knowing how to live. Like with enjoyment. Meeting every situation with poise. Good manners. And elegance. That's the word's denotative/dictionary meaning. But what shakes me up is the connotative meaning. How a word is actually used/the feelings associated with the word. The connnotation of savoir vivre? To live intentionally. So, are you beginning to see why I need some more savoir vivre? I want to know how to live. How to face all situations. How to live with intent and with purpose. Most of us have that same desire. We want joy. Grace. Elegance. In every situation. But the reality is that we often overextend ourselves. Our schedules. And our strength. In an attempt to live each moment to the max. Is it really possible to live life well? Yes, intentional living lies within our reach. If we make the right choices. Jesus Christ knew exactly what living to the full extent means. And He shows us how: "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed" (Mark 1:35). I love this verse. This picture. Of Him. The Son of Man. Son of God. Arising before daylight. Leaving everyone. Everything. Behind. Going to a place. To be alone with God, His Father. To talk. To listen. Wanting to hear His Father's voice before He heard any other. Christ's first choice was to spend time with God in prayer. Before He preached to the lost. Healed the sick. Made the blind to see. The lame to walk. Cast out demons. Forgave sins. Jesus chose His Father. What's our first choice? Do we savor the status quo of our lives too much to change? Or will we go to Him? To a solitary place. And give Him all that we've got. Our busyness. Our brokenness. Our bankrupt hearts. When we go to God, He gives us strength. Joy. Peace. Grace. He forgives us of our sins. He equips us so that we can face all situations. He transforms us through His word. That's how He teaches us to live life well. Our Savior knows the true meaning of savoir vivre! Sweet dreams, Deb

21 comments:

  1. Dropping in from SITS!
    Happy SITS Saturday Sharefest!

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  2. My oldest son is a joy to watch as he practices "joie de vivre"..the sheer joy of living..he plunges headlong into life...
    "The joy of the Lord is my strength"..
    Blessings, Deb...

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  3. My dear friend Deb,
    This post is yet one more proof of the reason that I always look forward to coming here.

    Savoir vivre!

    Living intentionally!

    How I love what you said...and how you said it.

    So timely, and so well written.

    And, dear Deb, do visit my Aug 31 post to pick up the special inspirational award I passed on to you. Freely have I been given, freely will I give to others!

    You were such an inspiration to my heart today, and I thank God for it.

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  4. Wow Deb that was so heartfelt. Thank you for that, its is something I feel that I need to hear. It's easy to get lost in a busy lifestyle but thank you for the reminder of how Jesus went about his days and how we should acknowldge that is ourselves.

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  5. I'm so glad you stopped by my blog! I've been enjoying yours and was thrilled to learn we are sisters in Christ! Keep up the good fight!

    Leigh

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  6. Well written...

    Live on purpose, with intention and it starts with my first choice.

    I loved your use of the three 'b's.

    A timely reminder.

    Thank you!

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  7. This is such a great reminder. Thank you for sharing and giving me cause to think this morning...

    Blessings,
    Cory =)

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  8. Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and I am so glad I stopped by yours. I love this post. I definitely needed to "hear" this.

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  9. Deb,

    Stopped by here after reading your comment on my blog this morning and I am so glad I did. I love what you write and how you share things that others simply need to hear. I was deeply moved by your post today and found myself watering my trees and plants in the cool of the morning today just talking to the Lord. What a lovely reminder of Jesus starting off His mornings the very same way.

    I hope that you come back to my blog soon and become part of my family! I'd love to get to know you even more and have decided to become part of your followers as well.

    Love and Hugs ~ Kat

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  10. Hi Deb,

    A beautiful post with wise words. I'm doing my best to live intentionally. Every day.

    Oh, and thank you SO much for praying for me amd my family yesterday. Those prayers are so very appreciated. I'm grateful. SO grateful.

    Happy Labor Day!

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  11. Intentional living - something I have been focusing on for some time. What a mighty God we serve!
    Blessings ~ Lisa

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  12. I found your blog through SITS, and I love this post! I've been in survival mode just living minute to minute trying to get through the day. But I have been feeling lately like I'm ready for more than that- to start living intentionally. You put the words to my feelings!

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  13. this post is good but the one before really hit me. Your honesty is great.

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  14. Thanks for stopping by my site today. And,thank you for your positivity in your post. Is that a word?
    - Cougar Tales
    http://cougar-tales.blogspot.com/

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  15. Visit my blog - you've officially been Splashed.

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  16. You speak the good and right truth here; making a place for God is the well-spring of our living life on purpose and with intention. I've not been doing such a great job as of late; doesn't mean I don't want to, I just haven't fully leaned into the truth like I know I need to.

    Here's opening up my heart for a better work this night...

    peace~elaine

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  17. Deb, I saw your comment about Milam, MO. Sorry, I haven't heard of it but I'm going to have to check the map. Thanks for you kind comments on my photos. Have a wonderful day in the Lord!

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  18. Joy! Grace! Elegance! It sounds like a peaceful spirit! I know that my days have more of that peaceful spirit when I start it off with God. I've unpacked. I found my bible. Now I need time with God! You so gently remind me to not just unpack my stuff, but fill my house with that peaceful spirit of God by spending time with Him! Thank you:)

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  19. Yes! To live intentionally! That is exactly my need and desire!

    My problem is determining the intention. Discipline? I think so...

    May the Lord help me to obtain, and to strive in the spirit. To reach my goal with the simplicity of trusting Jesus. Raw faith.

    Thank you for such beautiful sharing. Thank you for blessing my heart. As always, I am better for visiting you, dear friend.

    Love in Christ,

    Andrea

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  20. As we remember 9 11 today, let us look up in hope for our redemption draws near!

    I have dedicated my Sept 11 post to all my American friends.

    Love
    Lidj

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