Verses from Mama

Hearing God speak one Bible verse at a time.

Worry – The Biggest Energy Waster

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Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Dear Kids,

Worry - The Biggest Energy Waster

Nathan & Dalia Sheridan

Have you ever noticed how the things you worry about the most almost never happen? In fact, the problems I encounter usually stem from situations I never gave a thought to. In the end I’ve found it is a waste of time to worry. A person can’t control everything in his or her life. Instead why not just trust the One who can!

Mishaps are a Part of Life

This past weekend our Nathan got married. For months before I spent a lot of mental energy deciding what dress to wear, hoping my shoes wouldn’t hurt my feet, fretting over the wrinkles in the tablecloths for the reception, and scores of bothersome concerns. And as usually happens when planning a wedding, a few mishaps did occur along the way.

The flowers to decorate the reception venue didn’t show up as expected. One of the bridesmaids and one of the ushers got sick. Nathan and Dalia had to change their honeymoon plans due to COVID-19. All of these glitches in the wedding preparations, while they created some frustration, worked themselves out and happily everyone adjusted and moved on. But on Wednesday of the wedding week, as I prepared to host the bride’s family, the one thing I never dreamed of happened.

The Things We Worry About Almost Never Happen

After spending the day setting tables at the reception site I ran home to make final preparations for our dinner guests. On arrival John-Keith informed me that while he was sitting at the kitchen table he heard a crash. Upon investigation he discovered, much to his surprise that our kitchen sink had fallen out of the counter. Has ANYONE in the whole world ever worried about their kitchen sink falling out of the counter on the day they are expecting a large group of people for dinner?

Thankfully, John-Keith was able to prop it back up with supports, and we enjoyed a lovely time with Dalia’s family despite this disaster. The next day a friend fixed the problem for us.

It just goes to show you that worrying is a waste of time. But it’s also a lack of faith. God tells us in His word that we should not be anxious for anything. He tells us in every situation, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, to present our requests to Him. When we do the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Unload Your Worry on God

There will always be mishaps and even a few disasters. But we are not to spend our energy worrying about them. Instead we must unload our concerns on God, and then move forward enveloped in His peace. He has control of every situation we will ever encounter. And He will help us find joy despite any misadventures.

The wedding was beautiful! Nathan beamed. Dalia was radiant! And everyone enjoyed celebrating with the happy couple. None of the frustrations dampened the day. And now we have another beautiful daughter added to our family.

So don’t bother worrying about anything – not even your kitchen sink falling out. It will probably never happen. But if you do experience any feelings of anxiety over unknown mishaps don’t waste your energy. Instead take your worries to the Lord in prayer. Recognize His complete control over all circumstances. Thank Him for His love and power. And then relax into His comforting arms of peace.

Love,
Mama

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A New Name – A New Identity

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Revelation 2:14 “ Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.”

A New Name: A new Identity“How did you get your name?” I asked the man standing at my desk. His given name interested me and I was curious as to the origin. He explained he was named after his father because of his father’s birth month. The neighbor and midwife had suggested it. Years later it was passed down to the next generation.

Names Can Have Special Meanings

Names often have special meanings. Sometimes parents name their children after relatives or someone who made an impact on their life. Others seek to come up with uncommon names to set their children apart. Usually a given name follows a person from the birth certificate to the epitaph. But sometimes individuals take on a new name.

Many times in the Bible we see persons renamed when changes took place in their life. Abram, “exalted father,” became Abraham, “the Father of many nations.” Sarai, “my princess,” became Sarah, “woman of high rank.” Naomi, “pleasantness,” called herself Marah, meaning “bitter,” after experiencing a life full of tragedy. And those who know Christ as Savior will also be given a new name one day.

A New Beginning – A New Name

All throughout the Bible we see that God is a God of new beginnings. From the Creation in Genesis to His Second Coming in Revelation He is always doing something fresh. In Christ we become new creatures. Our sins are forgiven and we receive a new nature. We now belong to Him. Someday God will restore all of His Creation by making a new heaven and a new earth. In that day those who believe will be given a white stone with a new name on it. No one knows exactly what this will be, but the names we receive will identify each of us with our heavenly Father. As one commentator has said, we will “share His authority, protection and identity.” What an exciting time that will be.

How did you get your name? Were you named after a family member or a friend? This name will probably follow you throughout your life on earth. But if you know Christ as your Savior, you will also receive a new name, one that connects you with your heavenly Father. And that name will last for eternity.

Love,

Mama

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The Church – A House to Remember

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Hebrews 3:6  “ . . . but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house – whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end.”

Dear Kids,

Kearny Gospel Chapel – The church building of my youth. Now it’s a preschool.

There is nothing like your home . . . except the residence of your childhood. I still have a soft spot in my heart for the little house on 24 Stewart Ave. This is the place where I spent my growing years. In my mind’s eye I can still picture my room looking out across the driveway into the neighbor’s yard. I can still hear the birds chirping and the whir of the lawn mowers clipping grass while I lay taking naps as a toddler. Every nook and cranny of that old place has embedded itself in the fiber of my soul. The front step sitting, backyard playing, and neighborhood connecting have become part of who I am.

God’s House is Made Up of Believers

I have another memory of a house. It was a small chapel located next to a funeral home on Bergen Ave, Kearny, NJ. This is the place where from birth I spent hours hearing God’s word, learning memory verses, and singing songs about Jesus. Much of my spiritual formation connects with this little building and the loving people who poured into my life. As a child I equated this building with God’s house. But now that I am older I have a better understanding of what God’s house really encompasses.

God’s house is not a building. It is not a place. God’s house is made up of people who have put their faith in Christ. In the book of Hebrews Moses, an important figure to the Israelites, was said to be faithful as a servant in God’s house. But Jesus was faithful as a Son. When we believe on the Son of God we become part of God’s household. Each believer is a living stone building on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ as the all-important cornerstone. Together we form the house of God indwelt by the Holy Spirit.

A House to Remember

There is nothing like your childhood home. It will always conjure up special memories that tug at your heart throughout the years. But it’s only a man made dwelling that will eventually meet its end. God’s house, on the other hand, will last forever. Its components are alive and eternal. Christ is the Cornerstone, believers are the building blocks, and the Holy Spirit lives within. Now that’s a house to remember!

Love,
Mama

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Renew Your Mind – The Power of the Refresh Button

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Psalm 51:10 “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

Refresh Button – Renew Your Mind

Dear Kids,

Have you ever had your mind get stuck? Obviously a healthy individual possesses a strong and healthy brain that functions normally. But I mean getting stuck in a particular mindset. No matter how you think about a situation you keep coming up with the same answers or understanding of the circumstances. Or worse, you have no idea that you are stuck. You think you are right, and just can’t see the scenario from a different person’s perspective. This is the time when you need to ask God to hit the refresh button and renew your mind.

The Power of the Refresh Button

Today’s young people have grown up with computers. They have lived and breathed technology since birth. I, on the other hand, grew up without this benefit. I had to learn the ins and outs of computers as an adult. Over the years I have come to understand the importance of the refresh button. If you come back to the website up on your screen the next day you may find the information is out of date. In order to get the newest report you must hit the circular arrow in the search bar and refresh the screen. I have also learned that changes you make to a website may not take effect if you don’t do the same.

Sometimes we live our lives stuck on the same page with old or errant information. We may carry around unfounded fears, prideful opinions, misunderstandings of God or His ways. Then we base our decisions or experience emotions originating from this wrong perspective. It is crucial for a child of God to understand the healing power of the refresh button. This is the key to renew your mind.

Ask God to Hit the Refresh Button and Renew Your Mind

Anxieties sometimes awaken me and disrupt my sleep. Work issues, family circumstances, financial concerns swirl around in my head. Soon I find the negative thought patterns cause my mind to freeze in fear over things out of my control. I have learned at that moment to ask God to hit the refresh button. He usually answers my prayer for help by bringing Scripture to mind that bring me back to His reality.

King David also needed his mind refreshed. In his case, the problem was his sin.  He had committed adultery with another man’s wife. Then, when he found out she was pregnant, he set up the murder of her husband.  Somehow he missed the gravity of his wicked decisions. He was stuck in an attitude of entitlement as king, and his transgressions had to be pointed out by the prophet Nathan. When David grasped the reality of what he had done, his heart was broken. He prayed asking God to create a new heart and to renew a steadfast spirit within him. God was glad to oblige.

The Refresh Button Changes Everything

The day I discovered the refresh button on the computer changed everything. I was no longer stuck with old news or left wondering why my changes to a website were not taking effect. But the best refresh button I can ever recommend is related to the mind. We all get stuck with wrong thinking once in a while. It may be related to a misunderstanding of a situation or a failure to understand our own personal blind spots. But regardless, when we ask God for help He will respond. He has the power to release us from stagnant thinking and reveal our wrong perspectives. Try it – there is healing power in the refresh button!

Love,

Mama

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The Parade That Washed Away the Rain of A COVID-19 Graduation

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Proverbs 15:30 “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.”

It was the end of an era! Twenty-two years, five children, myriads of smiles and tears . . . This past Thursday our youngest, Abigail Sheridan, graduated from Cedarville High School. It was not at all the typical ceremony and celebration we had anticipated for her graduation day. But thanks to administrators, teachers, friends, and family the day was perfect! My heart was full with the outpouring of support. But my eyes pooled and my throat choked up especially when I saw the crowds lining the street. These spectators of our parade of cars were the icing on the cake. In fact, this parade washed away the rain of disappointment resulting from a COVID–19 graduation.

Sadness Over a COVID-19 Graduation

A COVID-19 Graduation

For days leading up to the graduation ceremony we had moments of sadness at our house. It just seemed so disappointing to have missed all the final rites of passage for Abigail, but also for Dad and me as we prepared to send our youngest out into the world. There was no prom, no tennis tournaments, no class trip, and no final goodbyes. We, too, were saying our farewells to years of involvement at a school we have loved.

Abigail chose her local siblings to join her in our van for the big day. We dressed and met with the other graduates in their vehicles at a local church parking lot. Then we started the procession to the school. My eyes fill even now thinking about all the friends and family with signs and bells waving and cheering us on. They could not attend due to the crowd restrictions, but all along Main Street their cheerful faces and effervescent enthusiasm supporting the class of 2020 was overwhelming.

We pulled our cars into the reserved spots in the school parking lot and enjoyed the event from the comfort of our vehicles. The wide screen portrayed baby pictures along-side the more recent senior portraits, as well as all speeches recorded ahead of time. When the moment came for Abigail to receive the diploma, we drove around the crowd of parked cars and stopped in front of the stage where Abigail, Dad, and I got out. She handed us carnations and we handed her the diploma as the event photographer snapped away.

Thank You Cedarville Schools

After all was over our vehicles caravanned back to the street. But the fun was not over yet. Along the final stretch of parking lot to the school’s exit fire trucks and police cars blasted their sirens to bid the class of 2020 a final farewell. Again I was overwhelmed with gratitude to all who worked so hard to make this day special!

There is a saying, “Don’t rain on my parade.” This adage pleads with nay-sayers not to ruin a good time. But in this case – at the end of this era for the Sheridan family – the parade is what washed away the rain. And I am forever grateful!

Goodbye Cedarville Schools! Thank you for everything.

Love,
Mama

Cedarville High School Graduation Ceremony

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A Life-Long Growth Spurt – “So Big” and Growing

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1 Peter 2:1-3 “Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.”

Dear Kids,

“How big is Ruby?” “So big!”

I’ve always loved babies. They are so cute and cuddly. As these little ones grow, they charm everyone with their cute antics and funny sayings. One of the questions we often ask toddlers is, “How big is baby?” We expect them to stretch their arms wide and respond, “So big!” As the years pass we assume the child will continue to grow even bigger and mature even more. If they didn’t we would know something was wrong. This expectation of growth applies to more than babies and toddlers. It is for God’s children too. Spiritual growth is crucial for Christians.

Spiritual Growth Begins at Salvation

When we come to know the Lord and ask Him to be our Savior, we receive the Holy Spirit. He changes us and we become new creations in Christ. There is nothing we can do to earn this blessing; it is a free gift from God.

At the beginning of our Christian life we have limited knowledge and experience. We don’t understand spiritual things or have the same level of faith or understanding that a more mature believer may have. It is a wonderfully exciting time, but it’s also the beginning of a lifelong growth spurt. God works to change us into a mature believer who reflects Christ in all we say and do. But we must cooperate with Him. If we don’t our development will be stunted.

Good Soil is Crucial for Reaching Full Potential

Years ago Dad planted a number of saplings in our yard. Over time these twig-like seedlings have grown into beautiful healthy trees . . . at least most of them have. Behind the barn at the edge of the property there sits a line of deciduous and evergreen trees. All of these were planted at the same time. But you would never know it because two remain scrubby and underdeveloped. We have speculated about the cause and have come to the conclusion that something in the soil stunts their growth. In this environment they will never reach their full potential.

God’s Children Should Have a Life-Long Growth Spurt

Peter tells us our spiritual growth as Christians comes from God’s Word, the Bible. Just as a newborn baby needs milk to grow, believers need the nourishment provided through the Word. This God-inspired letter teaches us about who God is and what He is like. It reveals how powerless we are on our own, but it also instructs us how to utilize all the blessings at our disposal through Christ. It gives directives to show us how we are to live and respond to the world around us. We must sink our roots deep into the soil of the truth and cooperate with the Spirit as He molds our life. This is the way to become “So Big” in Christ. Without it we will never reach our full potential, but will remain scrubby and underdeveloped Christians.

We expect babies and saplings and Christians to grow into maturity. If they don’t something is very wrong. Nourishment is necessary for any type of growth, and for God’s children a life-long growth spurt comes through love and obedience to His word.

So, how big are you? I hope you can respond, “So big and growing!”

Love,

Mama

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Seeking the Lord – An All Out Heart and Soul Effort

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Deuteronomy 4:29 “But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul.”

Dear Kids,

Have you ever wanted something so badly that you exerted an all out, heart-and-soul effort to attain it? These kinds of goals are few and far between. They take a tremendous amount of time and effort. But seeking the Lord is a pursuit in which the reward is amazing!

An All Out Heart and Soul Effort

I daily get a laugh out of our German shepherd dog. Apache has a one-track mind. Each morning when I open the door to the kennel she follows the same routine. First, she darts out of the pen to take a quick run around the yard. Next, she gallops back and nuzzles her head on my leg to gain my attention and get some love. And after the head rub and affirmation she sets her sights on the fields.

As soon as she hears the bajeep bajeep of a nervous killdeer swooping low over the field to distract intruders from her babies, Apache is off! In seconds she hits the ground running at a good 35 miles per hour (I know; I clocked her in the car once). Ears pasted against her head, body tense, and legs stretched out, she gives every ounce of strength to the chase as she fades into a black and tan speck against the brown soil. Soon the bird swings around and heads back to her nest. Apache also navigates a wide arc and barrels towards home without losing any speed. The blur becomes clearer and clearer to me the closer she comes. Exhausted she collapses onto the porch. She hasn’t caught any killdeers yet, but I know she’ll give it an all out effort again tomorrow.

Seeking the Lord is what God wants

Apache knows what she wants and day after day she goes after it with everything she’s got. This kind of effort is how we should be seeking the Lord.

Moses, the famous Israelite leader, urged the Israelites to fear the Lord, walk in His ways, and seek Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. Moses understood the fickleness of the children of Israel and warned them to put God first. He knew they would wander away from God and suffer great punishment because of it. But he assured them that they would find the Lord if only they searched for Him with all their heart.

The New Testament writers, likewise, encourage us to seek the Lord wholeheartedly. Matthew and Luke reiterate Moses’ instruction to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. The Apostle Paul declared, “But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted a loss for the sake of Christ.” Paul wanted to know Jesus and the power of His resurrection more than anything else. He desired it so badly that he gave an all out, heart-and-soul effort to the endeavor. This pursuit eventually cost him his life. But Paul would be the first to tell you of the eternal rewards. He knew Christ was worth more than anything and that to die was gain.

Seek the Lord and You Will Find Him

What kind of effort are you willing to give in order to develop a meaningful relationship with the Lord? Apache gives her all to catch a mere killdeer. Should we not have this same kind of determination for a much better goal? The best part is our efforts will never be in vain. God promises that when we are seeking the Lord diligently, we will find Him. Now, that’s a desire worth an all out, heart-and-soul effort.

Love,
Mama

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Rejoicing Despite Disappointment

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Psalm 118:24 “This is the day the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Rejoicing Despite Disappointment – Family Trip on Graduation Day

Dear Kids,

This past weekend was supposed to be an exciting one. Luke and Nathan should have been walking onto a stage at the Wright State University’s Nutter Center Arena to receive diplomas. All of us should have been sitting in the stands cheering as Luke was hooded and recognized for earning his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering. Nathan also would have been handed his diploma for a Bachelor’s degree in the same. Two graduates – double the celebration. But because of the circumstances caused by the COVID-19 virus everything changed and we had a choice to make. We could sit around and feel sorry over the disappointment, or accept the day the Lord had made and be glad in it!

Rejoicing in Disappointment

We chose the latter. We packed a picnic lunch and caravanned to Southern Ohio to spend a fun day together hiking, exploring family history, and making memories. We visited Grandma Sheridan’s old homestead where we hiked up to the pond and upper field. We talked and laughed and hunted for mushrooms, all the while enamored by sweet baby Lilly and entertained by two-year old Ruby’s antics.

At midday we found ourselves at an old family cemetery tucked into a hidden spot at the end of a gravel road. There we peeked into the past through the windows and wooden door of a tiny primitive church building furnished only with log benches and a rough pulpit. We reflected on the many generations of family members whose crumbling grave stones gave testimony to the days they once lived. After enjoying our packed lunches on picnic tables under the modern pavilion we began our trek home. We were tired but happy. The day that should have been was different than we had expected. But it was still the day the Lord had made and we found gladness in it.

Life is Not What We Imagined a Year Ago

Many in our society are experiencing disappointments right now. Countless students mourn the loss of wearing the traditional cap and gown of their school and walking down the aisle with their classmates to receive recognition for their years of hard work. Others are exchanging their dreams of a large traditional wedding for a few friends gathered in a living room on the special day. Yet other families are mourning the loss of loved ones without the attendance of extended family and friends.

Life is not what we imagined it would be a year ago, but we still have control over our responses. We can choose to rant and rave about the unfairness of life. We can blame government officials for making difficult choices that affect our hopes and dreams. We can harbor bitterness and shrivel up inside. Or we can choose to recognize that God is still in control. Today is still the day that the Lord has made. Will you rejoice and be glad in it?

Love,
Mama

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Grief – Walking Alone in the Rain

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1 Samuel 30:6 “David was greatly distressed . . . But David found strength in the Lord his God.”

Dear Kids,

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Grief is like walking alone in the rain.

Grief is a lonely street. Devastating events often drop us into emotional places of isolation. The dagger of loss can cut and separate us from even the most caring people around us. Grief comes from many things – disappointment, betrayal, death, life transition, and more. All of the complex emotions derived from the pain can create a sense of loneliness. It’s kind of like walking alone in the rain.

Grief is Like Walking Alone in the Rain

I have a daily ritual of walking the dog. Regularly I either circle our property to give her freedom to run, or I walk her on her leash down our road to the bike path and back. The other day it was raining. But because Apache still needed her exercise, I grabbed her leash, an umbrella, and off we went.

We hadn’t gone far when I sensed the deep quiet. There were no lawn mowers roaring to life, no other dogs barking, no people relaxing on their front porches, no cars to step aside for. Even the chalk messages someone had left on the bike path had been washed away. Except for the pattering of raindrops on my umbrella it was silent. Other than Apache, I was eerily alone.

David Understood the Forsaken Feeling of Grief

David understood this forsaken feeling. Throughout his life he often experienced isolation and pain that came from loss and the lonely place of leadership. One day he and his men returned to their camp at the town of Ziklag to discover that the Amalekites had pillaged and burned their encampment. This fierce enemy had ruthlessly taken all the women and children captive. David was greatly distressed at the terrible shock of losing his family. But it was made even worse because his men blamed him for the disaster and spoke of stoning him. This man of God found himself on a very lonely street with the rain pouring down around him.

But David didn’t crumble in his despair. He had learned from past experience how to handle his cycle of emotions. He openly faced the pain by weeping aloud over the great loss until he had no physical strength left. Then He called on his greatest source of power and wisdom. David found strength in the Lord his God. He called a trusted counselor, Abiathar the priest, and together they inquired of the Lord how to proceed through this tragedy. God instructed David to pursue the raiding party and promised to help them succeed in the rescue. David believed God and moved forward with a purpose.

Steps to Begin the Process of Healing

We, like David, will someday find ourselves walking alone in the rain. How can we follow his example of strengthening ourselves in the Lord when that day comes? Consider these steps to begin the process of healing.

  • First, we must force our mind to focus on the truth. It is normal to feel the intensity of the pain, but we can’t let it tell us lies. We may feel alone, but our God has promised never to leave nor forsake us. He has assured us He will provide for all our needs and has our best at heart. Search His word for promises, write them out, and cling to them tightly.
  • Second, despite the urge to isolate yourself seek out people who can help you find the road to healing. This may be a family member, a close friend, a counselor, or even a support group. Call on them regularly and allow them the privilege of speaking into your life or silently lending much needed comfort by their presence.
  • Third, try to keep a routine in your life. It may be a new normal, but find rhythms that keep you moving forward. Make sure to eat healthy foods and get enough exercise to strengthen your body and your mind for continued healing.

All of us will someday take a long and lonely walk in the rain. But when you are faced with your unique experience of heartache and distress, look where David looked for the courage to go on.

Grief is a lonely street, and one day – perhaps soon – you’ll find yourself walking its length. But remember the lessons that a very imperfect man, but a faithful one, teaches us from the pages of Scripture. Focus on trusting in God’s provision for you. He was faithful to his servant David; He promises to be just as faithful to you!

Love,

Mama

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Beware of Relationship Dangers During Coronavirus

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Proverbs 12:18 “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

Dear Kids,

These recent times of crisis bring different issues to different people. Some have lost touch with close companions creating extreme loneliness. Others risk the danger of wounded relationships.

In the past month many individuals have been trying to find their way through an emotional haze of isolation. They desperately long for physical interaction with friends and loved ones. This loss of connection can create depression or extreme sadness. But there are others who are struggling with different obstacles.

Coronavirus Can Create Relationship Dangers

Some family members or roommates have been cooped up together in the same house for a much longer time than they ever expected. These ones may not understand the desert of complete aloneness, but instead are hacking their way through a jungle of irritated nerves and frustration.

The first few enjoyable days of staying home from school and work quickly faded away as the weeks passed. But soon I started to notice feelings of frustration building up. All of the little irritations I normally ignore from those around me became magnified when mixed in with my personal inner struggles and disappointments. At this time I found I had to keep an extra tight grip on my tongue.

I am sure others have experienced these same types of conflicts. Brothers and sisters who normally have built-in space between them during school and other activities are now bouncing off the walls. Even husbands and wives can become testy with each other as the pressure of the times increases. Insecurity, job status, finances, crowded living spaces, and an unclear future breed an environment ripe for irritation and unkind jibes. If we are not careful, the coronavirus can create relationship dangers as emotions give way to reckless words that pierce a tender heart like a sword.

Good Relationship Management

How can we manage our relationships during this intense time? With utmost patience and self-control. We must bear with one another in love and show more grace when someone is feeling a little blah. Forgiveness must flow freely and understanding must abound. These are character qualities we should always strive for, but they are harder to demonstrate when locked up together in a pressure cooker.

In our family we have found places to be alone when we need to escape from constant interaction. Taking walks and other exercise eliminates some of the emotional turmoil and boredom. We have planned fun activities to do together such as playing games and cooking new recipes together. And the other evening we even put on music and learned some new line dances.

All of these and more help to lighten the experience of social distancing and build relationships. But above all we must keep our tongue under control when irritation sets in. Reckless words pierce like a sword and do great damage to even the closest of relationships, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Love,
Mama

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