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October 2023 Blog Post, Please Click Here
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MAY 2023 Blog Post, Please Click Here
I knew it not only as a commandment of God, but as a daily experience. Since the end of the war, I had had a home in Holland for victims of Nazi brutality. Those who were able to forgive their former enemies were able also to return to the outside world and rebuild their lives, no matter what the physical scars. Those who nursed their bitterness remained invalids. It was as simple and as horrible as that.
And still I stood there with the coldness clutching my heart. But forgiveness is not an emotion–I knew that too. Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.
“Jesus, help me!” I prayed silently. “I can lift my hand. I can do that much. You supply the feeling.”
And so woodenly, mechanically, I thrust my hand into the one stretched out to me. And as I did, an incredible thing took place. The current started in my shoulder, raced down my arm, sprang into our joined hands. And then this healing warmth seemed to flood my whole being, bringing tears to my eyes. “I forgive you, brother!” I cried. “With all my heart!”
For a long moment we grasped each other’s hands, the former guard and the former prisoner. I had never known God’s love so intensely as I did then." Read the entire story here: Guideposts Classics: Corrie ten Boom on Forgiveness - Guideposts
APRIL 2023 Blog Post, Please Click Here
APRIL 2023
The Power of Our Words
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, those who choose one shall eat its fruit.” ~Proverbs 18:21
We spend a lot of time talking to our children about their words. Reminding them to say, “please and thank you” By helping them notice when their words are unkind and hurtful or helpful and encouraging.
One would think that with all the time we spend reminding and teaching our children about the power of their words, that we wouldn't so often forget this lesson ourselves, but we are human, and we are prone to forget.
As adults we still need to pray for daily help so that whatever comes out of our mouths will be "good for building up" and "gives grace to those who hear" Ephesians 4:29
Our words hold a great deal of power, both to give life and to tear down. We all want our homes and our school to be full of life-giving words, and yet, just like our children, it takes a lot of practice to consistently notice the impact our words have and how to use our power for good.
Who we listen affects how we speak and how we treat others. Who are the five voices that you listen to most? This could include the news, a blogger, as well as the people around you. We begin to sound like the voices that we listen to. Are we listening the voice of God, spoken through His Word? It is His voice/Word that has the power to transform our lives, and our families.
What Scripture has to say about the power of our words:
"If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, his religion is in vain." James 1:26 Ouch!
Ephesians 4:29 exhorts us to, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Our words should bring life to others. It is so much easier to complain, to hold on to grudges, to bite back with our words, but Scripture is clear how Christians are to speak.
"Refuse no one the good on which he has a claim when it is in your power to do it for him." Proverbs 3:27-34 This means do good to all! Imagine that each person we encounter in our days, if we knew that today would be their last day. How would we speak to them? How would we treat them?
“Whoever walks without blame, doing what is right, speaking truth from the heart, who does not slander with his tongue, does no harm to a friend, never defames a neighbor.” Psalm 15:2-3
How much damage is done within our families, our Church, and our nation by our sharp tongues? We should be quick to bite our tongue before we complain or criticize someone. This first verse addresses how we speak. "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." Luke 6:45
Have you ever had someone speak damaging words that have remained in your heart? Or perhaps you have said damaging words to others you would like to retrieve.
Food for thought: Have you heard the phrase think before you speak? So often we react to our circumstances or to others without taking that pause to breathe in God’s wisdom, before we respond: “Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.” Proverbs 10:19
T: Is what we are saying truthful?
H: Is what we are saying helpful or hurtful?
I: Is what we are saying impulsive or inspiring?
N: Is what we are saying necessary?
K: Is what we are saying kind?
"Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier." ~Mother Teresa
Watch: "The LOVE/HATE Experiment AMAZING RESULTS!" on YouTube
Song: Speak Life by Toby Mac
Lift your head a little higher
Spread the love like fire
Hope will fall like rain
When you speak life with the words you say.
Read: A Kid's Guide to the Power of Words: Evans, Tony: 9780736972987: Amazon.com: Books
"Words are tools your child (age 8-12) can use to bless others and praise God. Bestselling author Dr. Tony Evans wants to unlock the tremendous potential in your kid to speak carefully and prayerfully, cultivating a new generation of youth who build one another up and point others to Jesus.
With wisdom and guidance, your child can use words to
praise the Lord
be wise
bless others
be thankful
heal instead of hurt others
...and so much more!
Each chapter contains valuable teaching from Dr. Tony on the power of the tongue and includes practical questions designed to get your child thinking and writing about what he or she has just read. Help your child learn to say the things that bring honor to God and to others."
MARCH 2023 Blog Post, Please Click Here
FEBRUARY 2023 Blog Post, Please Click Here
Upcoming Dates: 2/9, 2/21,3/14
For: Pre-K and older sibling's welcome
Contact: Richelle Weber to sign up 998-9777
Scripture Verses
JANUARY 2023 Blog Post, Please Click Here
Advent
DECEMBER 2022 Blog Post, Please Click Here
Kristoph & the First Christmas Tree: A Legend of St. Boniface
NOVEMBER 2022 Blog Post, Please Click Here
- Increased happiness and positive mood
- More satisfaction with life
- Less materialistic
- Less likely to experience burnout
- Better physical health
- Better sleep
- Less fatigue
- Lower levels of cellular inflammation
- Greater resiliency
- Encourages the development of patience, humility, and wisdom
OCTOBER 2022 Blog Post, Please Click Here
Gratitude