It’s easy to underestimate the power of words. But we believe that words have the power to encourage, strengthen, and uplift others. So let’s get started by understanding 3 ways words can be powerful:
- Words can Encourage: Be sure to use your words as a source encouragement for the people around you. Be aware and involved in their lives so that you’re able to give specific encouragement. Perhaps that means encouraging them to pursue their dreams, encouraging them to share the gospel with a friend, or encouraging them to seek counseling.
- Words can Strengthen: Words have the power to strengthen or weaken the people you speak with. So be careful that your words are compassionate and true, rather than insensitive or negative.
- Words can Lift: And finally, remember to use the power of words to your advantage–by lifting up the people in your life. Write a quick note to your spouse sharing how much they mean to you. Tell your son how proud he made you at his football game. Or email your boss a quick note of appreciation.
What are some other ways you can use your words in a positive way? Comment below with your ideas.
Posted on: March 26, 2024
It’s easy to rely on our own purposes and our own plans. But God’s purpose for our lives is so much bigger and better than we could ever imagine.
Below are some bible verses to help remind us that God’s purposes are greater than man’s purposes:
- “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.'” Isaiah 55:8-9
- “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21
- “And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
- “‘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.'” Jeremiah 29:11
- “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show my power in you and that my name may be declared in all the earth.” Romans 9:17
What are some other bible verses that encourage you to trust God’s plan? We’d love for you to comment with your verses below.
Posted on: March 21, 2024
Want to know the best kept secret to great relationships? Encouragement.
No matter how good or bad life may be going, words of encouragement are the best way to love others well. So today, let’s look at some examples of ways to encourage your family.
Encourage Your Kids:
- I’m so proud of how hard you studied for that test, Son.
- You are so kind to your little brother.
- Keep practicing. You’re doing great!
Encourage Your Spouse:
- Our kids are so lucky to have you for a parent.
- I appreciate how selflessly you served dinner to our family tonight.
- I love how hard you work to provide for our family.
What are some other ways to encourage your family? Leave your ideas in a comment below.
Posted on: March 19, 2024
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” Ephesians 5:25
We’ve been told over and over that husbands are called to love their wives. But what does this really mean? And what does this really look like? Well today, let’s talk through 3 things to love and appreciate about your wife.
- Love Her Patience: Start by being grateful for your wife’s patience. Though life is full of setbacks and unforeseen difficulties, your wife’s ability to remain patient is sure to foster peace for your family.
- Love Her Selflessness: Be sure to appreciate the way your wife selflessly serves your family…by cooking meals, helping your kids with homework, and keeping your home in order.
- Love Her Beauty: And finally, affirm your wife’s beauty. This means not only loving her outward appearance, but also knowing and loving her heart.
How else can we love our wives well? Comment below with your suggestions.
Posted on: March 14, 2024
Bitterness is a much more powerful weapon than we realize. Why? Because when we harbor bitterness, it has the power to hold us back from reaching our full potential. So today, let’s examine the 3 ways bitterness is dangerous.
- Bitterness is Emotionally Draining. Holding onto unforgiveness drains us emotionally. How? Well for starters, it demands our attention and takes up space in our minds. Instead of focusing on ways to encourage others, we are stuck dwelling on the negativity in our life.
- Bitterness is Physically Exhausting. Oftentimes, bitterness puts unwanted stress and pressure on our bodies–prohibiting us from expending our energy in positive ways. We clench our fists, tense up our bodies, and narrow our eyes. Such physical stressors easily build up until we reach exhaustion.
- Bitterness is Not the Solution. If you’re experiencing bitterness, it’s because the story isn’t over yet! Bitterness is not the end goal God has in mind for his children. Instead, God wants us to experience freedom and grace from past mistakes. So be quick to let go of bitterness and cling to forgiveness.
How has bitterness affected your life? Comment below with your answer.
Posted on: March 07, 2024
Lauren and Tony had a wonderful time reading last week at Kenly and Palm River Elementary Schools
We are grateful to Hillsborough County Public Schools to allow our foundation reading program to visit with second grade students every Thursday. It has been an awesome blessing, and we are very grateful.
Posted on: March 05, 2024
There’s no doubt about it: Life is hard.
Why? Because there are so many potential trials you and your spouse may face in life…
- You may face financial setbacks
- You may face a lost job
- You may face a rebellious teen
- You may face a broken home
- You may face an illness
- You may face an addiction
- You may face the death of a loved one
But there is one thing that can help you overcome this list: your spouse. Despite any difficulties you may face, your spouse is someone you can always trust, always love, and always cherish. Because no matter the outcome of the game, you are in it together.
What are some ways your spouse has helped you through a difficult time? Please share your story in a comment below.
Posted on: March 05, 2024
The impact you have on your child is immeasurable. So make it count!
Here are 3 simple ways to make a difference in your child’s life:
1. Take Your Daughter on a Date
All little girls crave validation. So show your daughter how much you value her by taking her on a date! Whether it’s biking around the neighborhood, packing a picnic, or going out to the movies, be sure to find something special for just the two of you.
2. Take Your Son Fishing
There’s nothing like a father-son fishing outing! Fishing is a great opportunity to talk to your son, teach him life lessons, and bond over a great catch.
3. Write Your Child a Letter
Most importantly, make a lasting difference in your child’s life by writing them a letter. Share why you’re proud of them, why you love them, and why you will ALWAYS be there for them.
What are some other ways to make a difference in your child’s life? We’d love to hear your idea in a comment below.
Posted on: February 29, 2024
It’s a thin line between pride and confidence. All too easily, our healthy confidence develops into unhealthy pride. Not sure where your fall on the scale of confident to prideful? Just check out the list of phrases below to figure it out.
Prideful:
“No one makes burgers the way I do. They’re the best you’ll ever taste!”
“You can’t change your car oil? I’ve been changing oil since I was a teenager. It’s a breeze!”
“My son will win this game–no doubt about it. He’s the most talented quarterback in the state.”
Confident:
“Here, try some of my burgers! I spent all evening doing my best to grill them well.”
“I have experience changing car oil, so I’d love to help you out with yours.”
“My son is an incredibly hard-worker. I can’t wait to see him play his best in this game–win or lose.”
How would you define pride or confidence? Comment below with your answer!
Posted on: February 27, 2024
We’ve all heard how romantic it can be when opposites attract.
But one of the hardest parts of marriage is dealing with your spouse’s differences…
- Maybe you’re an extrovert and your spouse is an introvert.
- Maybe you communicate best with your actions and your spouse communicates best with their words.
- Maybe you love sports and your spouse loves books.
The list goes on and on. But today, let’s talk through how differences in marriage can be a blessing in disguise…
Differences Lead to Acceptance: Once we recognize how we’re different, we can come to better accept our spouse for who they are. We can learn to love their boldness in spite of our timidness. We can learn to love their strength when we are weak. And we can learn to love their patience when we are angry.
Differences Lead to Fun: Differences in marriage also mean FUN! It means having the opportunity to try things you never thought you would…things like traveling, skydiving, or tasting foreign food. Be sure to explore your spouse’s differences and make the most of them.
Differences Lead to a Balance: Finally, differences lead to a healthy balance in marriage. When you struggle with negativity, your spouse’s optimism will come in handy. And when your spouse struggles with daily stresses, your big picture mindset will bring peace.
How are you and your spouse different from one another? We’d love to hear your answer in a comment below.
Posted on: February 22, 2024
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