Free Compliments

This devotion really spoke to me this week. It's so important that we not tear one another down. It's been said, that the church is the only army that shoots it's wounded. How sad, but true! God help us!

People are hurting and going through so much in these challenging and difficult days.

I don't know about you, but I'd rather have words that bring a sweetness to my soul than words that tear me down.

Let's be better than the world and offer encouraging words to those we come in contact with!

Love & Hugs,
LaDonna


Our Daily Bread
March 21, 2011 — by David C. McCasland

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. —Proverbs 16:24

During a time of economic crisis and depressing news, two students at Purdue University decided to lift the spirits of people on campus with some encouraging words. For two hours every Wednesday afternoon, Cameron Brown and Brett Westcott stood along a busy walkway holding a large “Free Compliments” sign and saying nice things to everyone who passed by. “I like your red coat.” “Cool snow boots.” “Very nice smile.” Some students said they deliberately walked past “the compliment guys” every Wednesday just to hear a kind word.

I was struck by these two young men who looked at people with the goal of commending them, rather than finding fault or being critical. Is that how I, as a follower of Christ, view others each day?

Instead of being like the person who is focused on evil and whose speech is “like a burning fire” (Prov. 16:27), we can take a different approach, knowing that what we say begins deep inside us. “The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips. Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones” (vv.23-24).

Kind words may be free, but they give a priceless lift of spirit. Why not encourage someone today?

The power in words can build up or tear down—
Create a big smile or produce a sad frown;
So in all your contacts with people each day,
Be sure to encourage in all that you say. —Fitzhugh


A gentle word of compliment falls lightly
but it carries great weight.

Five Minute Rule

When I was growing up my mom had devotions with my brother and I before we went to school everyday. I can so relate to this devotion this week.

Running late has always been a problem for me. I really don't know why...so this would be a real challenge for my mom. I'd be lucky to sit down and eat a bowl of cereal or a piece of toast as she'd literally run after me reading a Psalm as I was running out the door to catch the school bus!

Mom would read scripture and said a quick prayer over me. I'm so thankful she did!

Because of my mom's example I tried to do this as well with our girls as they were growing up and in school.

Today even though they are adult women I still pray over them everyday even though I don't see them like I did. God honors our prayers over our loved ones.

I hope you enjoy this devotion from Our Daily Bread.

Hugs,
LaDonna


I read about a 5-minute rule that a mother had for her children. They had to be ready for school and gather together 5 minutes before it was time to leave each day.
They would gather around Mom, and she would pray for each one by name, asking for the Lord’s blessing on their day. Then she’d give them a kiss and off they’d run. Even neighborhood kids would be included in the prayer circle if they happened to stop by. One of the children said many years later that she learned from this experience how crucial prayer is to her day.

The writer of Psalm 102 knew the importance of prayer. This psalm is labeled, “A prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed and pours out his complaint before the Lord.” He cried out, “Hear my prayer, O Lord . . . ; in the day that I call, answer me speedily” (vv.1-2). God looks down “from the height of His sanctuary; from heaven [He views] the earth” (v.19).

God cares for you and wants to hear from you. Whether you follow the 5-minute rule asking for blessings on the day, or need to spend more time crying out to Him in deep distress, talk to the Lord each day. Your example may have a big impact on your family or someone close to you.

The issue isn’t how much time
We spend with God in prayer,
But seeking Him throughout each day
And knowing that He’s there. —Sper
Prayer is an acknowledgment of our need for God.

1K Sisters Final FC.mov

Ladies,

Whose in your corner when the going gets tough?

Hope you enjoy this!

Hugs,
LaDonna

Our ladies Tea

We are so thrilled to host our annual WOW Tea on Saturday, March 19th at Gulf Coast Assembly of God in our Life center. Valerie is our guest speaker and she has a powerful word!

She is a precious sister and you'll be blessed by her testimony.

Please invite your neighbors, friends and co-workers!

Be sure and sign up in the lobby this Sunday!

Hugs,
LaDonna