Some Words Go a Long Way

When I was a little girl my mom would always say "Sticks and stones may break your bones but words will never hurt you". I can't believe that my mom told such a horrific lie! The words that people say can bring you up or knock you down very quickly. This week God allowed my words to be used to comfort a confused student. I teach ESOL- English to Speakers of Other Languages. I got a new student straight from Mexico. He was placed in a 1st grade class where he had no clue what everyone was saying. I went to check on the student after lunch and his teacher said that he had been crying all day. I called him over and started to speak Spanish to him telling him that he was ok and that he would be alright. He engulfed me in the biggest hug I have ever gotten from a student. By the time I left he had the biggest smile on his face. I think that he blessed my heart as much as I blessed his. He was very excited to hear that someone spoke his language. How do you use your words? Do you use the to bless or to curse people? Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29.  So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do (or SAY), do it all for the glory of God. 1Corinthians 10:31.

Joyful Sadness

What is Joyful Sadness to you? I have experienced Joyful Sadness many times. It is definitely the worst sadness to have. It is the feeling that you have when you are leaving a mission trip. You are joyful to be going home but sad to be leaving something where God has changed your life. Joyful sadness is hard. It is very hard to be joyful in sad times. Even though you know things are for the best things are very tough. My saddest times are when people I love move far away. I know that God has called them to serve somewhere else, but when someone has made such an impact on your life it is hard to let them go. After a while the sadness goes away but you still think of and miss that person. I know that God has experienced joyful sadness as well. When He let his son (Jesus) die on the cross it had to be the hardest sadness anyone could have ever felt. I bet it was hard to be joyful in that situation. I know that God walks with me and helps me get through the ups and downs in life. I am glad that He is by me guiding me down the pathway we call life. Even in the sad times Rejoice always, pray without ceasing in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you! 1Thessalonians 5:16-18. But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:25. May God be with you even in Joyful Sadness!