Words Count

We have been studying about gossip and watching what you say in our middle school girls' Sunday school class. We talk about how what we say is like a sword and can hurt the person we are talking about. We also talk about how much better it is to say things that edify and encourage others. It is amazing how much power words can have. As parents, teachers, coaches, etc. we can either help those we come in contact with or harm them. We have the opportunity to encourage those we work with and say words that will build them up. Or, we can say things that will be harmful and maybe even leave scars. I found that it is much better to say words of encouragement. A coach will usually get better results from his/her team if they encourage their players instead of being negative with them. Just this weekend, the opposing coach at Katie's basketball game got a technical foul for unsportsmanlike conduct because of the things he was yelling at his team. It was terrible. I hope that as a wife, mom, daughter, friend, and teacher I can put into practice using words of encouragement instead of words that harm. Let's all remember that our words count - for either good or bad.

Letting Go

Well it was very different having a 16 year old driver during Christmas Break this year. Chris was gone from home much more than he was home during the break. The new found freedom of being able to drive was very real for Chris. It was also very eye-opening for me. Another phase of life has come. Even though he has to tell us where he is going and check in with us often while he is gone, it is still not possible to know where he is every minute that he is gone. It made me realize that I have lost some of the parental control I have had for the past 16 years. It used to be he would only be where I took him. Now he has the freedom to take himself places. Though that is in some ways very freeing for me, it is also scary. But, I must say that I am very thankful that he is a good kid and that for the most part he has a good head on his shoulders. It is hard to let go, but is a little easier when you can feel confident that you have instilled good values and morals into your child and they are seeming to follow in the path you have set for them. I know I have to put him in the Lord's hands and pray for protection every time he leaves the house. It is amazing the peace I have in the midst of this change. God is good and gets us ready for the next thing we have to face.

Another Year

Well, 2008 is officially over now. As I look back on this year and am thankful for how God continues to bless me. Even though this has been a crazy year for our country, God has been faithful to me and my family. As I think back over the year, these are a few highlights.

1. My youngest started middle school ( and some other things too:) )

2. My oldest turned 16 and is driving - Yikes!!

3. I've been blessed to work part-time again, and God saved my job at Ford!

4. God started a new work in my life after going to Deeper Still.

5. I've turned into a tennis fanatic - just can't play enough.

6. I was able to visit with many old friends at GSU Homecoming.

7. God continues to bring people in my life who are now dear friends.

8. God is preparing me for the change in my Mom - she's not the same as and it has been hard.

As I think back over the year I can also think of some difficult, painful times as well. But, it is awesome how God helps us put those things away and mostly remember the good times throughout the year. "His mercies are new every morning - Great is Thy faithfulness." No matter what we may experience and no matter what this new year may hold, the one thing I know is that God is faithful and has promised to never leave us or forsake us.

May God bless you and your family in this new year.