Need a refresh and renew how you think about prayer: This little video was so good.

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One of my favorite things from that video was the 4 prayer points.

I made a graphic for it to share with you.

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It has been all things birthday in my world:

My niece turned 18 on Aug 23

My daughter turned 26 on Aug 24

My granddaughter turns 5 today

Time goes by so fast 
Memories fly away like paper airplanes
stuck in chain link fences in my mind
a whole row of knowing who you were 
and now to who you are
I can walk back the lane and pull each one
I remember strawberry cheeks 
and little girl pink princess shoes
I remember first word flowers 
and blueberry-stained faces
I remember cartwheels 
and bare feet and white dresses
Little kisses and I love you notes
I am grateful I've got to watch
and stand in awe of what you all have become. 

Best photo of my heart:

My daughter took this picture of her and her 3 kids – what a blessing they are to me.

She is raising a household of little polite, kind, joy filled, Jesus lovers.

The littlest is Baby B – I had him over last night while she and her husband took E and S to see a birthday movie for E.

At first, he was a little distraught that he wasn’t going but then with a little love, dancing to some music, and understanding he just needed to tell me how he felt about not going and missing them, he was fine, and we ate dinner together with Grandma W and Grandpa D and Uncle D.

We walked the yard and played some ball. He sneezed and I said, “Oh bless you B” and he said, “Thank you Lala.” He is not even 2 yet. That is power of consistency on manners and being responsive to the people around you. My mom made the observation that they (my daughter and her husband) are on it. Every time! Meaning, every time they are spoken to – if they ignore – they will gently turn them and say, “did you hear what (name) said?” What are you going to say? Then they will teach them how to answer whatever it is or remind them to respond because it is rude to ignore people. I love how they are teaching them how to have conversations and to look at people when they are speaking and how to respond.

Honestly, they are teaching me too and causing me to notice how often I am not polite, kind, or responsive. (and I see it more in those around me and in the world) 5 years of consistency and learning from them how to speak to their children and how to help them have those values – I love the effect it has had on me. Ps. not that I was a terribly rude person. lol but it is always good to keep and build your skills in loving well.

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A passage of God’s word that helps us to understand this and see the importance of it.

1 Peter 3:8-12 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; ⁹ not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. ¹⁰ For

“He who would love life
And see good days,
Let him refrain his tongue from evil,
And his lips from speaking deceit.
¹¹ Let him turn away from evil and do good;
Let him seek peace and pursue it.
¹² For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
And His ears are open to their prayers;
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

1 Peter 3:8-12, shares with us social manners and acts of kindness that are important to build in your life for positive relationships and living a righteous life.

1. Unity – walk together as you go together – be for one another.
2. Empathize with others, care about each other, be helpful.
3. Treating others with the same love and care that one would show to a sibling – we are all God’s kids. It is important to have close, supportive relationships.
4. Being gentle and kind in the way care for the needs and feelings of others, avoiding harshness or insensitivity.
5. Showing respect, politeness, and consideration for others in both actions and speech.
6. Respond with blessings. It is important to forgive and the value of responding to negativity with kindness and grace.
7. Speaking truthfully and avoiding harmful or dishonest words.
8. Turning away from evil actions and instead doing good, actively seeking peace, and pursuing it. This reminds us to value relationships.
9. And remembering that the Lord watches over the righteous and listens to their prayers, there is a great connection between living a righteous life and being in a favorable relationship with God.

Social manners and acts of kindness aren’t just pleasantries but rather are foundational for building a just, peaceful, and compassionate community, aligning with the teachings of love, forgiveness, and righteousness.

The Final Entry on the Titus 2 – Other Themes study! This one is called ZEALOUS

https://starlalala77.substack.com/p/6-study-other-themes-from-titus-2

Thanks for Listening,

Starla