Journey Into Space

Happy Monday!


As mentioned last week, I mentioned I took my younger daughter to a space exhibit last week.  She and I have had a space interest in the past 10 years, so it is always fun to learn more.  The more we learn, the more questions we have as well.  It is so fascinating to learn about space travel.

We had fun playing this game where we had to stay alive as we balanced battery life while going between solar energy and the night time.

Here we stood on a mock component of the International Space Station. 

Here we tested how much a jar of peanut butter would weigh on different planets.

And here we are on planet Mars!

This girl, who is now taller than her momma, has always had an interest in space.  We had the coolest space birthday party for her when she turned 6, so almost 10 years ago! Here is a picture from when she was 5:

I could post lots more space pictures of her from childhood and if you're interested, I will post some old birthday party pictures soon.

Happy Monday!

Book Review, 5th Edition

Today I will finish up my book review highlights from The Power of a Woman's Words.
Thanks for your patience, as I know I'm a slow reader :).

The remaining chapter highlights are:

The Power of a Woman's Words to God - When the Bible says, "God remembered", it doesn't mean He has forgotten or has not seen, but instead, He is about to act. (examples:  God remembered Hannah, Noah, Abraham, Rachel).

*The next section of the book is about the potential to change

The Promise of Power - "It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we are able to control this little muscle that rests between our teeth.  However, change does require our cooperation.  We must work in tandem with the Holy Spirit to rein in this feisty force.  The Holy Spirit gives us the power, but our responsibility is to put God-given principles into practice."

A quote from Corrie ten Boon - "A glove can do nothing.  But if my hand is in the glove, it can do many things, cook, play the piano, write, etc.  Well, you say that is not the glove but the hand in the glove that does it.  Yes, that is so.  I tell you that we are nothing but gloves.  The hand in the glove is the Holy Spirit of God.  Can the glove do something if it is very near the hand? No!  The glove must be filled with the hand to do the work.  That is exactly the same for us.  We must be filled with the Holy Spirit to do the work God has for us to do."

When someone says something rude to us, we can put on the humility of Christ & not retaliate.  We must choose to walk in the Spirit instead of the flesh, which can happen only by the power of the Holy Spirit, & when it comes to changing the way we speak, we may have some powerful reflexes to overcome, but it becomes easier with practice, training, & reprogramming.

The Product of Practice - When we choose not to react in anger, but extend grace, the aroma of Christ is released.  The only way to be free of bitterness is to let go of past offenses & refuse to collect them.  The fact is, hurt is inevitable in relationships.  We are sinful creatures living in a fallen world, & only by the grace of God can we be a blessing to anyone.  The only way to be better rather than bitter is to extend the same grace to others that God extended to us through Jesus Christ.

The Potency of Silence - "Just because something is true, doesn't mean that you should say it."  Wow, I am asking the Holy Spirit to help me with this one with my family.  Psalm 141:3 says "set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips."

**Final thoughts..........

This was a suggestion from the book - For 21 days, put five pennies in your left pocket.  Each time you say an encouraging word to someone, move a penny to the right pocket.  Make it your goal to move all the pennies from the left to the right pocket while encouraging people you come in  contact with, whether they are strangers, friends, or family members.

A thought to leave you with from the book - What kind of old lady are you going to meet in 10, 20, or 30 years?  Will you be a gracious old lady or a someone who is cynical & bitter?  She is waiting for you.

A scripture to leave with you (and we had this scripture printed on the wall of our house in Memphis)

"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that is may give grace to those who hear."  Ephesians 4:29

Book Review, 4th Edition

As I sat to write this post, I found this on the computer...

My oldest daughter, Isabella is AMAZING!! and p.s. she did not write this...at all:) have a great day! Proverbs 30:31

True. I am blessed with amazing daughters!  And my husband isn't so bad. I was about to go crazy last night (nights are often hard here), so he said let's walk to the mall to get a drink.  I got my favorite fruit drink, strawberry juice in water.  When we came back to the apartment, we spent an hour in the lobby talking with 2 guards.  In the elevator, we said that conversation would have lasted 7 minutes in English, but everything takes a lot longer here.  It was good to build those relationships with our guards.

On to the book review....

I will share some more highlights from The Power of a Woman's Words.

First, the power of a woman's words to her friends spoke a lot about the Naomi & Ruth story from the bible.  We need friendships for mutual support, accountability, & friendship.  It spoke of being a Ruth & caring for a broken spirited friend.  I've needed a "Ruth" this year & I want to be a "Ruth" to friends.  The chapter spoke of us sharpening our friends, but we have to have a relationship where we love them first & it also spoke of looking inward where we need correction.

Next, the power of a woman's words to fellow believers spoke of being in the body of Christ & "we are dependent on each other to function well, to love, well, & to struggle well."  It made reference to the many one another verses in the bible.

Last, the power of a woman's words to the world spoke of how we live our day-to-day lives as a representative of Christ.  Here is a quote from the book: "  Most people are not drawn to Jesus because of an advertising campaign, a sign along the road, or a steeple along the skyline.  Most people are drawn to Christ through cords of kindness formed in relationships with other people."

I will finish up this book on the next book review & have a few others to write about too.  This has been a good book,  but I'm generally a slow reader, especially when I have several books on my nightstand!

Today, I have lunch with a teammate & tomorrow, we have a big Spanish exam.  Pray for us to remember what we've learned!

































Marilyn is pretty amazing too:))

Book Review, 3rd Edition

Today I am continuing with some highlights from the book, The Power of a Woman's Words. (eventually I will get to one of my other books, but I will probably finish this one first).

My reading these past 2 weeks from this book has focused on the power of a woman's words to her children & to her husband.  

First, I will share some thoughts from the chapter on words to children.  Oh my, there was a lot in this chapter that brought conviction as I have often struggled in this area.

The first thing that struck me was how terrible it is to be a part of a family where the only thing noticed are mistakes.  Lord, may I look for & acknowledge the right things my girls are doing every day.  They also mentioned that kids are not miniature adults.  

"Our words can do more than just make our children feel good.  Our words can make them feel like somebody who can accomplish great dreams or like a nobody who is destined to be a loser."

"We should never be stingy when it comes to speaking good words to children, but rather sow them profusely.  Scatter compliments!  Plant affirmation!  Sow courage!  Water with kindness! Fertilize with prayer!  There will be plenty of other people along life's journey who will sow weeks of doubt, dread, and discouragement."

We should be specific in our praise of our children.  The most important traits we can praise are when our children display the fruit of the Spirit:  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.

Next, here are some thoughts from the chapter on words to your husband.  Words can break, debilitate, & devastate a man.  Be careful ladies.  Words can also make, motivate, & captivate a man.   There are scriptural examples of both. Words to avoid....(these apply to children & spouses)

   "You never........"
  "You always......."
   "I told you so."
   "You should have thought about that before."
   "I don't know why you do......"
   "How many times do I have to tell you."
   "You just don't think."
   "You should or you ought..."

Words to say....

   "I trust your decisions."
  "Thank you."
   "I am sorry for...."
   "You are a wonderful husband & father."
   "I believe in you."
   "How can I pray for you?"
   "What can I do for you today?'
   "You make my day brighter.  I love spending time with you."

There are so many other things we could say & things we can avoid.   Just a few verses to share as a reminder to us wives:

 "A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping." Proverbs 19:13  - I know I've sounded like a constant dripping many times nagging & repeating myself to Avery just to get my point across.

"Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife." Proverbs 21:19

Proverbs 11:22, Proverbs 21:9, Proverbs 25:24, Proverbs 27:15-16

I challenge you & myself....think before you speak. We don't have to speak our mind.  Think about if what we are saying will build up or tear down our spouse or children.  This is a huge prayer of mine.

   

Book Review, 2nd Edition

Today I am continuing with some highlights from the book, The Power of a Woman's Words. Click here for the 1st edition.

When God created the world, He spoke.  He used words.  

"By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth."

Psalm 33:6

This book talks continually about how our words have the power to encourage or discourage someone.  Here is an interesting analogy from the book:

Like a knife, the tongue has a sharp, powerful edge that can either be used to heal or destroy.  A knife in the hands of a skilled surgeon brings healing and life, but a knife in the hands of a felon brings death and destruction.

The tongue is difficult to control.  Our words should build up and not tear down.

The book also tells lots of stories, a lot including school teachers & how they encourage & discourage students.  One story, however, was about an inspiring writer.  Here is the quote:

Don't give up when you are rejected.  The difference between a writer and a published author is that the published author doesn't give up.  You can do it.  Press on!

Another great quote from the book:

Every individual believes deep down that he or she has a greater capacity for success than they are currently experiencing.  They simply need someone who will believe in them and tell them so - someone who will fan the flame rather than extinguish the fire.  We have that potential with our words. 

I hope that some highlights from this book encourage you to be an encouraging voice & choose words carefully.  I am learning I do not have to say everything I think or feel.  The next chapters in the book deal specifically with speaking with your children, spouse, friends & others.  May I be one who speaks that I believe in my children, spouse, family, & friends.

Book Review, 1st Edition

I mentioned on a previous blog that I hoped to read some more this year.  I have several books I am reading through & twice a month, thought I would share some highlights from what I have read in those few weeks.

Today I will share from the book, The Power of a Woman's Words, by Sharon Jaynes.

So you can get an idea of what this book is about.....from the back cover:

"Your words become the mirror in which others see themselves. Words - one of the most significant forces in the universe - can be used for good or evil.  Your words can change the course of a day, the course of a life."

A careless word my kindle strife;

A cruel word may wreck a life.

A bitter word may hate instill;

A brutal word may smite and kill.

A gracious word may smooth the way;

A joyous word may light the day.

A timely word may lessen stress;

A loving word may heal and bless.

Author Unknown

James 3:9-12 (ESV)

9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers,[a] these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.

May we not be filled with condemnation but with conviction of our words.  Condemnation defeats us but conviction allows for us to change.