Where is the Love? Part 1

Know how sometimes you're sitting somewhere and someone says something that you recognize as the answer to a prayer question that you yourself had asked of God? The person who says it usually has no clue that they've blessed you. Well...tell 'em!

First and foremost, I want to thank Dr. Jimmy D. Hunter, Pastor of The Toliver Chapel Missionary Baptist Church for the idea for this title and confirmation (in the sermon of the same name) that LOVE should be the topic of the next few posts.  It’s so critical to living an abundant life. 

Period.

I’d also like to thank my ‘other’ Mom, Erna Watkins, for inviting me to present the Bible lesson at a Women’s Ministry Meeting that she hosted in her home some three years ago. I researched and wrote about Love. Pastor’s recent sermon was on another commandment regarding love that will make for an excellent follow up topic. It’s about how we are to love one another.

This series, “Where is The Love?” is based on Matthew 22:37-39.

“Jesus replied, ‘You must love The Lord Your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

So let’s explore what it means to Love The Lord Our God with All of our heart, soul and mind; plus what it looks like to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. 

I welcome your comments.

Before we get started, I want you to see this video by Man Navales. It’s really something to think about.

Thank you so much for reading, sharing and for your very kind words. 

They mean a lot! 

Stay tuned! God Bless You!

Top 10 Ways to Both Teach and Treat Children with Respect: Conscious Appreciation Tip Sheet #2

by L. LaShawn Erby

1. Do not ever put them down or make fun of them. Try not to raise your voice excessively. It's disrespectful and will defeat your purpose, not to mention over time, it's completely ineffective.

2. Listen attentively to what they tell you and pay attention to the body language of what they are not saying.  If you don't, over time they won't be as likely to share with you.

3. Take their ideas, dreams, suggestions and opinions seriously.  Then respond accordingly.

4. Respect their feelings and each child's unique personality and identity.

5. Insist that they show respect to others.  This is most often taught by your own actions.

6. Be patient - whatever that looks like for you, make an effort to improve by being even more understanding.

7. Show appreciation by being generous with genuine compliments.

8. Focus on strengths by commenting often on what is done well.  Once you know the challenges of this young person, make an effort to help him or her get the support they need to be a success.

9. Show confidence in the young person by encouraging him or her often.

10. Be authentic and be consistent!

(Caution: All of these suggestions may prove useful with adults, too!)