Growing Up

It seems that when we are children/teenagers, we say "I can't wait until I'm grown, then I can do whatever I want to do."

I'm trying to teach my children that being an adult is not easy. We have so much responsibility and it seems that sometimes we don't know what to do about the situations that arise in our life.

I think the life they see on television gives them the misconception that it is all fun and games. Not I think we should enjoy our lives, but at the same time being a responsible adult is far more serious.

Depending and trusting in the Lord is a good foundation. I believe my children will grow up to be strong individuals who love God. I pray they take strength in knowing that God is able to do whatever it is they need him to do and beyond.

I appreciate God for that myself. (smile)

Encourage Yourself

There is a song by Donald Lawrence and The Tri-City Singers titled "Encourage Yourself". Oh what a beautiful song.

The ministry at my church called Ministry With Purpose is going to attempt this song on this coming Sunday. This song really means alot to all of us because there are only about six members in this group. We have been encouraging each other to keep going despite the fact that there are only a few of us. God will get the Glory!

As we practiced this song, it really touched me. We've got to believe what the word of the Lord speaks about us and our lives. And that the devil is a liar.

Life is good. We feel like we're soaring above the clouds. Nothing can bring us down, then something unexpected happens and we fall to the ground. I believe we have to get up and dust ourselves off and keep going. Never quit, never give up. It can be hard because it may seem it's impossible and can't be overcome. But I say to you and to myself (I definitely have to remind myself). God will meet us at the point of our impossibility.

Remember, even when others try to encourage and lift us up, sometimes we have to do it for ourselves.

If you're going through something today, just be encouraged. Even if nobody else says a word of encouragement, ENCOURAGE YOURSELF!!!

Sticks and Stones

I know you've heard of the saying: "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." I used to hear that phrase and say it myself when I was a young girl. I've experienced alot of things in life now and I believe this phrase is completely FALSE.

I have found that people love to fight with words. See, there is no physical weapon and it takes little effort. The results, however can be more harmful than if you hit someone. I believe when you are hurt physically, after the wound heals you don't feel the hurt anymore. But, if someone hurts you with the words they spoke to you,sometimes that kind of wound never heals.

To me negative, hurtful, uncaring words can cut deeper than any knife. The words do more than sting, they can be destructive. Even after we've apologized to the person we've hurt with our words, it can't erase the person's feelings. It can take a person a long time if ever to get past the negative words to see your I'M SORRY.

The bible speaks of our tongue having the power of life and death. I believe that. Relationships are destroyed by negative words. I want to speak life not death. I want to encourage, not discourage. I want to build up, not tear down. I want to help people, not hurt them.

I try to be very careful about what I say to people. I know that once I've said them, there is no taking them back, even if I do say I'm sorry.