First, let me explain the why.
I’m attending a bible study on Thursday mornings called Discerning the Voice of God. It is the follow-up to He Speaks (both by Priscilla Shirer). In a nutshell, if we slow down, shut up and try to get closer to God, we’ll hear Him.
These two studies are the only studies I’ve ever attended in my life. Last week I had to choose between the next study offered at the time/place I have been going, or a new one. The new one is called the Power of a Woman’s Words and is offered at the same time, but a different place.
I decided to try this whole, ask God for guidance thing. Literally, within 5 minutes I had what I thought was a crystal clear answer. A woman in the group was sharing some painful childhood memories. In response to that, another woman said, “It’s amazing the affect a mother’s words can have on her children.”
That hit me like a ton of bricks. It was like every harsh word or impatient moment I’ve ever had flashed in front of me. I need to be a much gentler mother. OK God. I get it. I’ll go to the study on the power of words.
Then, as further confirmation, I walked into church on Sunday and discovered that our pastor was starting a new series and had redone the stage to reflect it. A sign that said WORDS was hanging front and center. Seriously, Lord. I get it. I’m going to the new study.
Sorry for the blurry photo. I am a camera-phone-dork. But you get the idea.
I loved the design of the bulletin for the series, so I decided to make it a daily reminder of this positive affirmation.
I took the bulletin and enlarged it on my copier so it would fit a pre-cut mat that I already had. I printed it onto white cardstock.
Then I took an exacto knife and cut out the large letters that spelled “words”. I shot the back of the cardstock with spray adhesive and glued it to colored cardstock. I also went over it with a brayer to ensure it was firmly adhered to the colored paper.
I popped it into the frame and here we go.
I hung this at the end of the hallway from our bedroom. Chances are that I will see this before I see any of my kids and will remember that a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1) and that we should encourage one another daily (Hebrews 3:13).
Wow, that’s amazing. I’ve been asking about whether or not we should have another baby. The next day I see a yahoo news article about this 600 lb woman who had a baby. Then I started seeing babies everywhere…I don’t know what that means.
WOW. I am so impressed! And it looks beautiful too!
God is proud, I can tell ya that much!
I hear ya! The trick on my end is the slowing down to listen part! Bt good for you for “hearing” and “doing”!
Brilliant! Several years ago I felt God was wanting me to talk a lot less and listen a whole lot more, esp. to my sons. I had this little Easter/Bunny type decoration that was a little wooden sign that said “All Ears”, I keep it hanging on a lamp year round now…in our entryway. I pass by it many times a day.
I am finishing up “He Speaks” and did “Discerning the Voice of God” last year – both have been such blessings!! I love what you did here – such an awesome reminder!
Love what you did! And I did both of those P.S. studies and got so much out of them!
Wow, God was really talking to you. Great frame but wonderful insight!! Thank you for the reminder!!
I love it when God speaks LOUD and CLEAR! I recently had a very similar experience with my current bible study 🙂
That is awesome Vivienne! I need to work on being a sweeter, quieter mom. I love those aha moments – I wish I had more of them!
XOXO
Jen
That is so awesome! Good luck 🙂
Well said Momma, well said.
~Becca
Well you obviously learned a lot about discerning God’s Voice! Love the fact that you made it visual too. Now, if I can only just sit and be quiet…
Isn’t it funny how sometimes God gives you a gentle nudge and sometimes he smacks you upside the head?
I’m glad you listened.
And, I love your artwork. It would be nice to hang something like that at work (high school).
That is beautiful, both the art and the thought.
I love it!
You know every Bible study have ever taken the words I choose to use and the way they roll off my tongue have come up. If I were to go back and look at my notes I would find TMT {tame my tongue} on almost every page.
TMT! Those three easy words can make a huge difference in my day to day life with my children and my husband.
What a powerful weapon we have!
Gday folks… Im completely new here however I can not wait to start out having/getting several good interactions along with you all! I just decided i would introduce myself to you all so hello!
This one is TOTALLY speaking to me right now. Really hits me, as I’ve come to that realization that I am one of two main examples that my children are learning from, and maybe I wasn’t doing the best job possible. (Will you make me one? I’ll pay you for it!) 🙂
Oh my goodness, I wandered over to your blog from Tatertots & Jello because I loved your subway art. So I scroll down and notice that we attend that church too, and I had saved that bulletin because I loved it and wanted to put it up in my house somewhere! So, do you mind copycats? 🙂
What a great reminder to be kind and patient with our little ones! I had a stressful morning with mine and I wish I had some reminder then to slow down and take it easy on them. Thanks for the inspiration!
I love the idea of “words”. I’ve never heard of the bible studies you have attended or the new one. Who does the study? I’d love to share it with our Women’s Ministry leader, I’m on the committee and we will be sharing our ideas soon. Our women’s retreat is the end of April so we must get through that before adding more to our plates.
I would really appreciate if you could send me a copy of the bulletin as well to put up in my home near my computer as I have a very bad time with my “words”. My email address is: mel duzan at chaska dot net, just take the spaces out. Thank you, Melissa
Hi fellas… Im new here however I can’t wait to start having/getting some excellent discussions along with you all! I just thought i would introduce myself to you all so hi there!
I totally support that! Continue that way!
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So I just reamed out my 23 year old son for trashing our house while he was house-sitting…. He deserved it; he’s old enough to not expect this; but my anger probably got the best of me on someone who’s going through some tough times. THEN, I read one of my favorite blogs and find this reminder. God works in mysterious ways. OUCH! Thanks.
A well-structured and insightful post that simplified the topic beautifully. The logical explanations made learning effective and enjoyable.