I have been thinking this week a lot about the power of words. Words have the ability to tear down or to build up. They have the ability to enhance life or to destroy life. I guess that's why we are counseled in Scripture to "be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger" (James 1:19b). I must admit this is a hard one for me! Those of you who know me can attest that I love to use A LOT of words- especially when preaching (there, I said it so no one else had too- Ha!). Learning to listen more and talk less is the key to being slow to anger in my estimation. When I really listen to people, it is not long before I start to get a sense of their heart. This helps me to interpret their words and actions so that I respond appropriately, and most importantly, in a God-honoring way. Words- they make us or break us. Let's all pray for greater wisdom and self-control so that our lives reflect our Father in Heaven and our words build up rather than tear down.

Hey Guys!

This is my first entry in my new blog. I am pretty new at this so it will take me some time to get my legs under me. Anyway, I hope that this blog will become a place to talk about all the great things that God is doing all around us. There are some pretty incredible stories that need to be heard. In fact, if you have a great "God story", post it here! Let's encourage each other and do a little "bragging on the Lord!" By the way, the picture above was taken on a beautiful beach in California. I was there last summer at the Vineyard National Conference. I cannot tell you how awesome it was to look out at the Pacific ocean and ponder how God scooped it out with His hand. It reminded me just how big our God really is. It also reminded me how really small I am. Isn't it really cool how such a big God can care about someone as small as me? The Scriptures tell me that God knows me right down to the number of hairs on my head. That means that He knows what I am going through and loves me enough to walk with me through it all. To everyone out there who is suffering or struggling, remember, a really BIG God loves you BIG and is walking with you through all of life's ups and downs! Be encouraged!