This is St. John's Episcopal Church we stayed at on our mission trip to Ocean Springs Mississippi.

Pray

Some days I have alot to say, some days I don't. When I am bursting is where you will generally find me blogging. But the thing is. . . God doesn't just want to hear about it when I'm in trouble, or bursting with thought that I can't keep it inside. He wants to hear everything. Everyday.

One of my roomates is in a long distance relationship. She isn't able to drive right now which really keeps her from seeing him often. But that doesn't keep them from talking. We joke, but at night, it seems like she is always on the phone. They will talk at least 3 times a day. In the morning, in the evening, and to say goodnight. It's the cutest thing ever (have to admit, sometimes it's alittle neasueas). However, they make the committment to make their relationship work.

Any relationship requires work. Time and dedication is all. . . God loves us, but how can we return that love? Be there in the relationship with him. Take time to pray and listen, weather you have alot to say or not.

God Bless,
your sister in Christ

Words

We live in a culture of communication. Language is so very important, what would we do without our cell phones, e-mail, memo's (dry erase memos), or conversations? Communications Studies is an entire major in our university. It's a big deal.

But how often do we catch ourselves speaking before we think? How many times do we wish we didn't just say that? Or that someone else didn't just say that to us. It is not only in words but in tone, in conotation, in the impression given over the internet of what we understood someone's words to mean. How often are those words hurtful, condesending, or teasing and mean? How often are those words encouraging, uplifting, or just meaningful and positive?

One negative attitude can bring down 7 people around you, and it takes quite a bit to bring people out of a negative attitude. What kind of a world do we want to surround ourselves with? Do we want to be a positive influence? I've noticed that your attitude really shows through the little comments that are made. How much to we pay attention to the little things we say? I bet you can remember specifically a recent negative comment about you, but how about a positive one (or several?).

So where does our role as Christians play in the game of language? Well in Proverbs 17:27, it is written:
27Whoever restrains his words has knowledge,
and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
and in Proverbs 21:23:
23Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue
keeps himself out of trouble.

I know my mouth gets me in trouble sometimes, or just not using my head first. God tells us that our words do make a difference and if we are wise we will think about the things we say. In Ecclesiastes chapter 3, we are reminded there is a time for everything, including being silent as well as speaking. I pray today that we all may think about the things we say and if we are being a positive influence on the people around us, or bringing others down with us.

God Bless you and yours,
In Peace~Erin

Ecclesiastes 3:7
7a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;