Words - A poem from Kim

A careless word may kindle strife;
A cruel word may wreck a life.
A bitter word may hate instill;
A brutal work may smith and kill.
A gracious word may smooth the way;
A joyous word may light the day.
A timely word may lessen stress;
A loving word may heal and bless.

centerpiece

The beautiful table

Lunch and Bible Study at Roxanne's 7.30.10

What a beautiful luncheon we had today at Roxanne's :-)  She set the bar very high with a gorgeous table including a centerpiece figurine of Christ carrying the cross, and linen napkins (this is over the top for our group!).  Her promised fried chicken lived up to it's heard about reputation, with delicious side dishes, and fresh watermelon for dessert (courtesy of Kim).  Dutch was such a sweetheart, taking care of all the clean-up (now maybe there was a small ulterior motive of stashing away the left-over chicken, but he's still one good man to wash up all those dirty dishes!).  Afterwards, Kim led the Bible study called "Be careful little tongue what you say",  based on James 3:1-12.  It was a great lesson on how powerful our words can be, both good and bad, and how we can't control it without God's help.  There are many, many references to the tongue in the Bible, like Matt. 12:14, where Jesus says "For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks".  We discussed gossip, harsh criticism, name calling and brow beating as ways we've experienced the power of words in our lives and in the lives of others.  Jean offered up a good guideline for discernment in our words.  Ask these questions BEFORE you speak:  Is it true?  Is it necessary?  Is it kind?  Good advice for keeping our tongues tamed!  It was a great time, and we all can't get over how much we love our friendships...God has blessed us all, even in the midst of difficulties and trials.

Pam, I cannot believe this...another "God"incident!!! Earlier tonight I typed a pretty long comment to leave on your blog, "Where has July gone". I wanted to tell you what an inspiration you are to me! I had not seen this Post.
I wrote: God often allows our hearts to be broken so that He can beautify our souls. "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees." Ps.119:67&71. (Beautiful words from David, "a man after God's Heart!"
Sometimes our afflictions can mean other "things" we have done or committed. I love to think that God allows these things to happen to us because He loves us and wants to draw us closer to Him.
When I went to Post...I had forgotten my password...so I lost everything. After I recv'd. my new password I began to read the older posts and I found this one you had written earlier!!!!
SAME SCRIPTURE...isn't it awesome when that happens???
Love you,Jean

Where has July gone?

Wow...I can't believe it's already late July.  The time has just flown by, with everyone busy and so many events taking place.  Please keep up your prayers for Lorraine after her knee surgery, and for Darlene, who is still in the hospital with a blood infection.  Praise God she lived through that awful ordeal.  We love both these ladies so much.  Jean, Patty and Maria (am I forgetting anyone?) had our Bible Study last week with Lorraine in rehab, which was so special.  I know she felt God's love through you all.  Kim's son, Colin, broke his arm pretty badly last week, so we're praying for their family.  Mom is back to her sweet self after some of her medications sent her into personality trauma!  I'm so blessed it wasn't the big A (Alzheimer's), thank you Lord.  Outings, parties, company and lots of work for me (another thank you, Lord) have kept me running this month, but I'm not complaining.   What a blessed life God has given me in this past year, and I thank Him every day.  I hung on to Jeremiah 29:11 for 3 years, and boy, has He ever come through with His promises big time!  I know there will be tough times ahead (there always are, and God will be there for me when that happens), but for now, I'm blessed beyond my wildest dreams!

My dear friends....

Thank you all so much for praying over me last Friday after our Bible study.  I can't express how much it means to have friends like you with whom I can share my deepest fears and failures, and whose prayers for me bring me to tears of gratitude, appreciation and humility.  I still don't know the final outcome, but know that God loves me and I pray for acceptance of God's will in my life, whatever that may be.  I love you all.

Your sister in Christ,
Pam