THINK

I have been wanting and trying all week to get on and post about something special that has been on my heart.  I hope it's a blessing to you, like it was to me.

Sunday our Church, Orchard Assembly of God, celebrated it's 70th birthday!  Happy Birthday Orchard! It was a great day and such a special day. Before church, Jeremy and I went through our normal Sunday morning routine of scrambling around trying to get dressed before Ella Claire wakes up and this week I also put a casserole in the oven to take to church for lunch after the service.  We arrived at church a few minutes late and Ella Claire had perfect timing with a horrible dirty diaper that I had to change before dropping her off in the nursery. :/ We have completely outgrown our church, which is a good thing, but that means if you arrive late, good luck finding a seat... especially on homecoming!  So needless to say, I found myself a little tired by the time we arrived at church, changed that dirty diaper and found a seat in the very back row.  But, the service was good and before long I had forgotten how tired I was and what an effort it was to get there.  We had guest speaker, Pastor Ken Draughon, for the morning service and he did a fabulous job! His message was very simple: to be a blessing to other people.  He used Philemon 1:7 which says, "For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother."  This really spoke to me, probably because the Lord has been dealing with me recently about this same subject.  How do I treat other people?  Are the words I say uplifting to others? Am I constantly complaining or am I being positive? Are people glad they saw me and spoke to me or when I walk away are they more discouraged than encouraged?  Pastor Draughon had a great acrostic to help remind us to be encouragers.  THINK....before you speak.

T- Is what you are about to say True?
H- Is what you are about to say Helpful?
I- Is what you are about to say Inspiring?
N- Is what you are about to say Necessary?
K- Is what you are about to say Kind?

This really is such a simple concept, but sometimes not the easiest to do on a daily basis. Our lives are busy, and often stressful which sometimes causes us to not think before we speak.  I'm going to do my best to think before I speak and try to be an encourager to others! I hope you will too! :)

                  Here are a few pictures of us recently.....

EC just waking up from a nap

just hanging out at home

See you again real soon with a fun fall craft!