So one of the weeks at camp this year, they had a class based on image and how God sees you/what He has to say about you. Though I did not get to really participate, I know they all really enjoyed it.
The first day they traced and cut out a big piece of paper in the shape of themselves, then wrote what they thought of themselves or what people have said about them. Then they hung it on the wall and later, anyone could write something positive about them on the back. I really loved this idea after I saw what the kids wrote.
Keep in mind these kids are 11-13 and they wrote things like: dumb, ugly, failure, fat, not good enough, unwanted, hideous, annoying, nerd, slut, whore, good for nothing.. And the list goes on.
I wanted to cry when I read them. Kids that I know well wrote terrible things that I would never have thought they would believe about themselves. I was absolutely heartbroken that 11-13 year old's were thinking suicidal thoughts. I realize now I was a bit ignorant.
So as I was in the room where the pictures were, by myself, writing some encouraging words, my heart was completely broken for these awesome kids. God then kinda revealed that I can prevent these thoughts from coming about in people's lives. And what I mean by that is, after I spend time with someone, I do not want them to feel fat or stupid. I want them to be encouraged. I never want someone I come in contact with to feel worse about themselves because of me.
You never know whose day or even life you might change by encouraging instead of discouraging them. Lifting them up, instead of bringing them down and by spreading the love of God instead of the lies of the enemy.
One of my favorite verses ever happens to relate and that's Psalm 19:14 "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer."
(Proverbs 18:11) "Death and life are in the power of the tongue"
(Ephesians 4:29) "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouth, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."
My prayer is that I will be a light to people suffering from lies and that I will have no part in the enemy's plan of destruction.
God help me keep my tongue from evil and lips from speaking deceit.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Sibs
This blog is really just a shout out to all my awesome sibs that make me so proud and happy. And I hope there's no character limit cause this is going to be LONG!
Chris- Probably one of the smartest people I know. There is such a wide range of stuff you know about. Totally made to worship and does such a good job at leading. Reminiscing my Birthday of last year, driving from camp to Nashville was the last thing I wanted to do especially with a brother I really hardly knew. Little did I know it would be the most enjoyable 10 hour trip of my life. We are so much a like and I didn't know it until last year! We talked literally the whole way. Such a good trip and start of a new relationship.
Kristen- I also recently got to know you a little better than I did before and I am so thankful that I've gotten a chance to. You're part of my favorite things about camp. I love talking to you. You are a fantastic listener and always have good advice. I really feel as though I can talk to you about anything and I consider that a gift. SO excited to be moving in with you guys and can't wait to see what God has in store. Love your writing. Love your teaching and love painting our nails together. :)
Jeremy- I really am not sure you will even read this but just in case.. :) I wish I saw you more because you are HILARIOUS. Love when I get to see you. You're so optimistic and positive. I know if we lived closer we would definitely be closer because I think we're a lot alike too. Can't wait til I see you again! Love you lots.
Denise- You are just all around a wonderful person. Very well rounded and confident and I love that about you. You are a fabulous oldest sister and such a great mom. I really love how you make me feel important. I don't think I could ever get sick of spending time with you. You are not only very smart but very wise and I would go to you for advice for anything. Thanks for being so loving and kind, favorite oldest sister!
Jacob- Thank GOD Denise married you. You are way too funny. So talented and smart and SUCH a great dad. You are a true example of the way a man should treat his wife. I love spending time with you guys and I feel right at home at your house. Thanks for being a Godly, strong, loving husband to Denise and I am so thankful for you.
Josh- I know if I ever need help with anything, to call you. You are so caring and willing to go out of your way to help anyone in need. Incredibly talented and smart. God is so apparent in your life and I know you will raise your kids to love the Lord. You and Steph are such a big part of my life and I appreciate ya'll taking the time to care about me the way you do.
Stephanie- God made you to be a mother and you are SO good at it. You are a mother I definitely want to model after when it comes time. I love talking to you. I am so glad you became a Folsom. You are such a wonderful wife to Josh and I am so thankful for you. I forget we're sister-in-laws. As different as we are, we get along so well. I know you are there for me whenever and I am so thankful for our relationship. I love spending time with you and you're definitely a role model of mine.
Rebekah- I forget if we're sisters or best friends.. Love hearing from you so often. I enjoy every phone call we share. :) You have so much going for you and I can't wait to see what God has in store for you. You are way wiser and way stronger than me. I hope you rub off on me. You are always just a phone call away and soon you'll be in driving distance and that excites me so much!! You are so fun to be around and I love your spunky personality.
Mary- when I think of you I think of like a teddy bear or something. Probably because 90% of the time we're together we're hugging or being weird and touchy. You are so genuinely sweet and lovable. You also, are one of my best friends. You're my favorite person to work with and I just love being with you. You have such a beautiful smile and personality. You're responsible and reliable and very smart and I you are always there when I need you. So thankful to live in the same town with you.
Caleb- I am so glad we are next to each other in age. God really knew what he was doing. So thankful for our relationship. I wouldn't trade the annoying arguments for anything. God shines through you whether you realize it or not and He is going to do incredible things with your life. I already know it. You are seriously the best ever and I know it's awkward for us to be nice to each other but I really don't tell you enough how great you are. You are such a joy to have around and I love and cherish our heart to hearts. I will miss our relationship when we move but I am so thankful for the time we had together growing closer. I know you'll be there for me always. Love you!
Love you all and am so thankful for each of you.
Chris- Probably one of the smartest people I know. There is such a wide range of stuff you know about. Totally made to worship and does such a good job at leading. Reminiscing my Birthday of last year, driving from camp to Nashville was the last thing I wanted to do especially with a brother I really hardly knew. Little did I know it would be the most enjoyable 10 hour trip of my life. We are so much a like and I didn't know it until last year! We talked literally the whole way. Such a good trip and start of a new relationship.
Kristen- I also recently got to know you a little better than I did before and I am so thankful that I've gotten a chance to. You're part of my favorite things about camp. I love talking to you. You are a fantastic listener and always have good advice. I really feel as though I can talk to you about anything and I consider that a gift. SO excited to be moving in with you guys and can't wait to see what God has in store. Love your writing. Love your teaching and love painting our nails together. :)
Jeremy- I really am not sure you will even read this but just in case.. :) I wish I saw you more because you are HILARIOUS. Love when I get to see you. You're so optimistic and positive. I know if we lived closer we would definitely be closer because I think we're a lot alike too. Can't wait til I see you again! Love you lots.
Denise- You are just all around a wonderful person. Very well rounded and confident and I love that about you. You are a fabulous oldest sister and such a great mom. I really love how you make me feel important. I don't think I could ever get sick of spending time with you. You are not only very smart but very wise and I would go to you for advice for anything. Thanks for being so loving and kind, favorite oldest sister!
Jacob- Thank GOD Denise married you. You are way too funny. So talented and smart and SUCH a great dad. You are a true example of the way a man should treat his wife. I love spending time with you guys and I feel right at home at your house. Thanks for being a Godly, strong, loving husband to Denise and I am so thankful for you.
Josh- I know if I ever need help with anything, to call you. You are so caring and willing to go out of your way to help anyone in need. Incredibly talented and smart. God is so apparent in your life and I know you will raise your kids to love the Lord. You and Steph are such a big part of my life and I appreciate ya'll taking the time to care about me the way you do.
Stephanie- God made you to be a mother and you are SO good at it. You are a mother I definitely want to model after when it comes time. I love talking to you. I am so glad you became a Folsom. You are such a wonderful wife to Josh and I am so thankful for you. I forget we're sister-in-laws. As different as we are, we get along so well. I know you are there for me whenever and I am so thankful for our relationship. I love spending time with you and you're definitely a role model of mine.
Rebekah- I forget if we're sisters or best friends.. Love hearing from you so often. I enjoy every phone call we share. :) You have so much going for you and I can't wait to see what God has in store for you. You are way wiser and way stronger than me. I hope you rub off on me. You are always just a phone call away and soon you'll be in driving distance and that excites me so much!! You are so fun to be around and I love your spunky personality.
Mary- when I think of you I think of like a teddy bear or something. Probably because 90% of the time we're together we're hugging or being weird and touchy. You are so genuinely sweet and lovable. You also, are one of my best friends. You're my favorite person to work with and I just love being with you. You have such a beautiful smile and personality. You're responsible and reliable and very smart and I you are always there when I need you. So thankful to live in the same town with you.
Caleb- I am so glad we are next to each other in age. God really knew what he was doing. So thankful for our relationship. I wouldn't trade the annoying arguments for anything. God shines through you whether you realize it or not and He is going to do incredible things with your life. I already know it. You are seriously the best ever and I know it's awkward for us to be nice to each other but I really don't tell you enough how great you are. You are such a joy to have around and I love and cherish our heart to hearts. I will miss our relationship when we move but I am so thankful for the time we had together growing closer. I know you'll be there for me always. Love you!
Love you all and am so thankful for each of you.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)