Monthly Myrrh
November 2023
Gratitude
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!
Know that the Lord, He is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. ~ Psalm 100:1-5 ESV
Let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, ~ Hebrews 12:28 ESV
Weather ReportYoung and old, we all operate in a world filled with challenges, pressures, and unexpected events. Those who navigate it best check the weather regularly - their internal weather. A peaceful heart and mind can serve as an umbrella during the storms of life and the rush of any given day. Making morning check-ins a priority can identify our and our children's obstacles to being our best selves. This gives us the information we need to reset, refuel, or just love on each other as we face the day together. Check out this helpful video by Breathe-for-Change. | Love ConquersAngry men and women dominate the news and yet God's word is clear. The wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. James 1:20 KJV
Whether it is in the news or in our homes we must be reminded daily that love conquers all. Our natural inclination is to believe that just the right "come-back" or action will make all the difference. Doing things God’s way feels counterintuitive.
In response to the mass shooting in Charleston NC in June 2015, a young man who lost his mother responded with this truth that continues to inspire, "Love is stronger than hate." Chris Singleton
Love is a powerful response that can change everything. | Navigating Negative NewsJesus warned us that in this world we would have trouble and indeed the realities of natural disasters, mass shootings, and war are an ever-present part of our lives.
No matter the age, grim and violent news takes an emotional toll. We must navigate these events with faith as well as provide age-appropriate information to our children.
First and foremost, our children will look to see how we respond to events. What we model will become their reality. We must:
READ MORE about age-appropriate actions from Common Sense Media. Check HERE for helpful information on Navigating Violent Content on devices |
Weather Report
Young and old, we all operate in a world filled with challenges, pressures, and unexpected events. Those who navigate it best check the weather regularly - their internal weather.
A peaceful heart and mind can serve as an umbrella during the storms of life and the rush of any given day.
Making morning check-ins a priority can identify our and our children's obstacles to being our best selves. This gives us the information we need to reset, refuel, or just love on each other as we face the day together.
Check out this helpful video by Breathe-for-Change.
Love Conquers
Angry men and women dominate the news and yet God's word is clear. The wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. James 1:20 KJV
Whether it is in the news or in our homes we must be reminded daily that love conquers all. Our natural inclination is to believe that just the right "come-back" or action will make all the difference. Doing things God’s way feels counterintuitive.
- Love your enemy (Luke 6:27-28)
- Feed them when they are hungry (Romans 12:20)
- Do not celebrate when they fall (Proverbs 24:17)
- Leave vengeance to God (Romans 12:9)
In response to the mass shooting in Charleston NC in June 2015, a young man who lost his mother responded with this truth that continues to inspire, "Love is stronger than hate." Chris Singleton
Love is a powerful response that can change everything.
Navigating Negative News
Jesus warned us that in this world we would have trouble and indeed the realities of natural disasters, mass shootings, and war are an ever-present part of our lives.
No matter the age, grim and violent news takes an emotional toll. We must navigate these events with faith as well as provide age-appropriate information to our children.
First and foremost, our children will look to see how we respond to events. What we model will become their reality. We must:
- Remain calm and prayerful
- Stay informed of the facts
- Be open and available for their questions
- Limit access to violence appropriately
READ MORE about age-appropriate actions from Common Sense Media.
Check HERE for helpful information on Navigating Violent Content on devices
Generosity
The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. ~ Proverbs 11:25 NLT
Mother Teresa, one of the greatest servants of all time, once said: "We cannot do great things on this earth, only small things with great love." God not asking us to change the world, only to serve the person that He has put in front of us this moment...and then the next...and then the next.
When we are faithful to serve in the small things, God will use us in big ways.
We may never know the impact of our service to God in this life, but we can trust His Word when he says in I Corinthians 15:58, "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor is not in vain."
~from Touching Lives with James Merritt
Texoma Christian School Guidance Counselor
© Kathy Pierce Howard