The Power of Words

When is the last time someone encouraged you with words? When's the last time you've said something you wished you could take back?

It's a funny thing how powerful words really can be; I guess the whole "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me" message really never panned out.

Words are so powerful, and ironically enough they can go either way- for good or evil.

One of the most humbling passages I've ever read about the words I use is in James 3:3-6. It says, "When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell."

Is what I'm saying wholesome? Am I encouraging people or pulling them down...especially even when they deserve it?

May you be blessed today with words of encouragement, hope, and most of all. love.

Blessings and inwauh!

Promises Kept

Have you ever promised someone something and not followed through?

I sure have. I remember several summers ago I promised a camper to hang out after supper time. After supper time is when all of Camp just gets to hang out and do just about anything. Some campers are catching frogs and minnows by the pond, others hit the volleyball around to see how many times consecutively they can hit it, and some campers and counselors just hang out and talk on Horned Frog Pavilion.

So, I had promised to spend time with this camper after supper. As often times it happens, something came up that needed my attention and I didn't follow through on my promise. I remember the camper be very upset with me, as they should have been, and I was left with the guilt of not following through on my word. Since that time, I've worked at two things. First, I try to only promise people things that I intend to do. Second- when I do promise those things then I do everything in my power to make sure I take authentic action and actually come through. Even though I've gotten much better at this- it's amazing that I still fail! How frustrating!

The good news is that there is someone out there that never goes back on their promise, no matter what. His name is Jesus, and he's the one person we can go to daily who will not let us down. He never changes, which is pretty cool to know. Even when those closest to us do change or do mess up, He's always there. Hebrews 13:8 says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Another one of my favorite promises is Jeremiah 29:11, which says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." All we have to do is abide in Him daily.

May you have a blessed week and know that He's always there to keep His promises!!

Having a Bad Day? Look up

Have you had a bad day lately? Maybe even a bad week?

This week I got to visit another camp for C.A.M.P. here in Texas and we got to take a tour of the camp grounds. It was really neat to see another Texas camp and at the same time made me appreciate all that we have at Huawni. Towards the end of the tour, we walked up a hill to an outdoor amphitheater made of rocks; this is where the kids meet on Sunday as a church and where kids sometimes go to get close to God.

Soon enough, I begin thinking of all the places at Huawni where I've encountered God and felt really close to him. The Little Red Church, Mimi and Daddy Earl's grave site, the TJ bridge, the deck by the pool, Horned Frog Pavilion, the Glory Gang, and the Main Cabin porch were just a few places that jumped into my mind. It's at these places that I like to spend time alone or with a few friends praying and reflecting on the Lord's creation and His will for me.

So at the base of this cross, it read "I life up my eyes to the hills- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2 .What a great reminder- my help always comes from Him. Are you getting sick of school or work already? Are there things that are weighing heavy on your heart? Just look up- He's there and is the best help we could possibly imagine. Even though we can't go back to the Little Red Church or SOJ by the pool until next summer, it's okay.....He's still with us.

May the Lord bless your week, and don't forget to "look up"!:)