Kidz Topic ... ENCOURAGEMENT

This is a new segment of my blog where I will be sharing a variety of thoughts, scripture verses, and “sparkle” ideas just for kids. Feel free to pass them on to your children, grandchildren, or any other young people that God has put in your life.

KIDZ ☮ PEACE ... The Bible tells us that we need to encourage one another and build each other up. It doesn’t matter whether you are a kid or an adult, everyone needs encouragement! How do you feel when your teacher tells you that you did a good job? What about when your parents cheer you on at a sports game? How about when your best friend says they are glad you are friends? Do you like it when you get an unexpected card or note in the mail? These are all examples of ways that people encourage each other.

1. Who are some of the people in your life that might need encouragement?

How about ... your brothers and sisters, mom & dad, grandparents, pastor, Sunday school teacher, neighbors, friends, teammates & coaches, teacher and others at school like the lunch room workers, janitors, office staff, principal.

2. What are some of the ways you could make a different in the lives of others, to encourage them and give them hope?

• Say “thank you” or “well done”
• Offer a hug, or a “high five”
• Show interest in something they are doing
• When someone is sad or hurt, ask how you can help
• Write a note and tell someone how much they mean to you
• Do something unexpected for someone
• Offer to lend a hand
• Tell people how they have encouraged you

3. What does God’s Word tell us?  When we go to God in prayer, He will help us find the right words to encourage others. And when we read our Bible we can find words that tell us how important it is to encourage each other. Check out these verses: 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Ecclesiastes 4:10,12, Proverbs 12:25, 1 John 3:18, Philippians 2:4

Paul and Timothy were friends in the Bible. Paul was much older than Timothy, and he was not only his friend, but a teacher and a mentor. Do you know what the word “mentor” means? A mentor is someone who cares about you – someone who is wise and trusted, and is willing to teach and encourage you. Paul wrote these encouraging words to Timothy, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” You can find them in your Bible, just look up – 1 Timothy 4:12.

Kidz Thought for the Week: "Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless."  - from Mother Teresa

Keeping you in my prayers.   'til next week.... be an encourager!
God's Peace, Donna

A Closer Look at Shopping Malls

“Too many people spend money they haven't earned, to buy

things they don't want, to impress people they don't like.”

- Will Rogers

Consumer behavior is greatly influenced by advertising and marketing that target our identity, and tell us that we are what we buy. It also focuses on our social status, and compares what we own to our peers, neighbors, and co-workers. This only proves once again that we are living in a material world.

No Cash Needed:

Shopping malls are one of the biggest sources that feed our problem of materialism. TV commercials, newspaper ads, and retail signs, scream the messages of discounts, bargains and remind us that all credit cards are welcomed. If you don’t have a credit card – no problem, many retailers offer instant credit. And of course, all malls and department stores make ATM’s readily available.

When I was growing up, we had seven children in the family so we couldn’t just take off to the mall and buy whatever we wanted. Mom and dad planned ahead for major purchases, so they could pay cash. In those days credit was not encouraged. If there was something special I wanted that was not a necessity, I had to earn money to pay for it. I used to do a lot of babysitting for my extra spending money, and remember having such a sense of pride when I had saved up enough to pay for a special purchase.

I once read an article that described shopping malls and department stores as “temples of goods.” How true... it doesn’t take much to become slaves to our debt. It is my belief that if we can’t have everything we want at the swipe of a credit card, we begin to appreciate what we do have and with that comes a certain satisfaction and contentment. And one thing this journey has taught me is that when we become content, PEACE follows!

What the Bible tells us:

“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower becomes the lender’s slave” (Proverbs 22:7).

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:12-13).

Mall Theology:

As I was writing this blog, I came across some sermon notes I had written a few years ago. The sermon didn’t have anything to do with materialism, but its lesson seemed to fit well with our talk about shopping malls.  Below there are four categories of people you may find at a shopping mall. In each category, I will compare 3 groups of people: A = shoppers at the mall, B = followers with Jesus, and C = students (anyone) studying God’s Word.

PEOPLE WATCHER
A = This shopper goes to the mall just to watch people and hang out.
B = This follower of Jesus had no investment with people. They were in the crowds just for show, but the next day they would be somewhere else.
C = This person is not sure why they are studying God’s Word, or attending Bible study or small group. They have no investment in learning and don’t put forth any effort, just like to hang out.

RECREATIONAL WINDOW SHOPPER
A = This shopper likes to browse but has no intention of buying anything. They switch malls constantly.
B = This follower of Jesus left when the price got too high. They had no investment in eternal life and asked God, “What do you have for me?”
C = This person does the basics, just what needs done. They cut back on daily devotions and prayer time.

SHOPLIFTER
A = This shopper wants things but doesn’t want to pay the price. They may even make shoplifting a profession.
B = This follower didn’t want to be Christ-like, they just wanted His stuff (power). They wanted the benefits without relationship, or without paying the price.
C = This person wants the end result (the degree, the tools) without doing the work. In the end they are not transformed by Holy Spirit.

SERIOUS BUYER
A = This shopper’s attitude is “I know what I want and don’t care what it costs.” They are willing to pay the price, to make an investment.
B =This follower was called by Jesus. They were willing to take up the cross and follow Him.
C = This person does what it takes to be transformed, is willing to pay the price, and longs to become more like Jesus.

Now it’s time to take a personal inventory. When we evaluate where we are, it helps us change our ways or set new goals to get to where we want to be. Whatever type of shopper you are really doesn’t matter, but the real questions are ... What type of “follower” and “student” are you?

It’s Friday, Let’s “Sparkle”... action required ... Since this is a holiday weekend, many people have time off of work and will be visiting family, or getting together with friends. Let your attitude (joy, peace and love) reflect His Light in all that you do... walk the walk of faith. Remember: You may be the only Gospel someone ever reads.

Happy Labor Day weekend everyone... stay safe, relax and have fun!
God’s Peace, Donna Weaver

“All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be

undertaken with painstaking excellence” – Martin Luther King Jr.