A Tale of Two Households

"I got two A's," the small boy said.

His voice was filled with glee.

His father very bluntly asked,

"Why didn't you get three?"

"Mom, I've got the dishes done,"

The girl called from the door.

Her mother very calmly said,

"Did you sweep the floor?'

"I mowed the grass," the tall boy said,

"And put the mower away."

His father asked him with a shrug,

"Did you clean off the clay?'

The children in the house next door

Seemed happy and content.

The same things happened over there,

But this is how it went.

"I got two A's," the small boy said.

His voice was filled with glee.

His father proudly said, "That's great;

I'm glad you belong to me."

"Mom, I got the dishes done,"

The girl called from the door.

Her mother smiled softly and said,

"Each day I love you more."

"I've mowed the grass," the tall boy said.

"And put the mower away."

His father answered with much joy,

"You've made my happy day!"

Children deserve just simple praise 

For the tasks they're asked to do.

If they're to lead a happy life,

So much depends on you!

~Author Unknown

as quoted in The Power of a Woman's Words by Sharon Jaynes

Helpful Tip Tuesday: Words For A Friend

"Words a Friend Would Love to Hear

Jesus taught, 'Treat others as you want them to treat you' (Luke 6:31 TLB). Make a list of words that you would like to hear and then use those same words to bless others. If there are words you would like to hear, chances are there are others out there who would like to hear them too.

Below are some of my favorites:

*You bring out the best in me.
*You are an inspiration to me.
*I love to hear how God is working in your life.
*How can I pray for you today?
*I can help you with that.
*I'd like your opinion.
*What do you think?
*You teach me so much about friendship.
*You inspire me to be a better person.
*You are a great wife, mother, friend, etc.
*Can I bring you dinner tonight?
*I believe in you.
*You can accomplish anything God has called you to do.
*I am so glad we are friends.
*Yep, you made a mistake. Now, let's put it behind us and move on.
*You won't see me throwing the first stone.
*We all make mistakes.
*Thank you for...
*I am hurting with you.
*I don't understand either.
*Will you help me_____________? You are so good at it.
*What can I do to help you reach your goal?
*You are such a good friend.
*I have learned so much from you.
*I want to be like you when I grow up."

~taken from The Power of a Woman's Words by Sharon Jaynes

***What words do your friends tell you that make you feel loved and special? Please share them in the comments below!

Growing a Healthy Church

God's Garden

In growing a healthy, fruit-bearing church, try this plan:

Plant three rows of squash:

*Squash gossip.

*Squash criticism.

*Squash indifference.

Plant seven rows of peas:

*Prayer

*Promptness

*Perseverance

*Preparedness

*Purity

*Patience

Plant seven heads of lettuce:

*Let us be unselfish and loyal.

*Let us be faithful to duty.

*Let us search the Scriptures.

*Let us not be weary in well-doing.

*Let us be truthful.

*Let us love one another.

~As quoted in The Power of a Woman's Words by Sharon Jaynes

Helpful Tip Tuesday: Avoiding Gossip

"Gossip often veils itself in certain phrases:

"Have you heard...?"

"Did you know...?"

"They tell me..."

"Keep this to yourself, but..."

"I don't believe it's true, but I heard that..."

"I wouldn't tell you, except that I know it will go no further."

Of course, the most infamous such rationalization in Christian circles is,"I am telling you this so you can pray." It sounds pious, but the heart that feeds on evil reports leaves flaming fires in its wake. Oh, the heartache that comes from the tongue."

~Barbara Hughes, Disciplines of a Godly Woman, pg. 88-89

Anything you would add to this list of possible gossip phrases?

 

Words For Your Family

I'm proud of you.

Way to go!
Bingo! You did it.

Magnificent.

I knew you could do it.

What a good helper.

You're very special to me.

I trust you.

What a treasure.

Hooray for you!
Beautiful work.

You're a real trooper.

Well done.

That's so creative.

You make my day.

You're a joy.

Give me a big hug.

You're such a good listener.

You figured it out.

I love you.

You're so responsible.

You remembered.

You're the best.

You sure tried hard.

I've got to hand it to you.

I couldn't be prouder of you.

You light up my day.

My buttons are popping off.

I'm praying for you.

You're wonderful.

I'm behind you.

~Gary Smalley and John Trent from "Leaving the Light On" as quoted in Lists to Live By