"Apples of Silver"
by Nancy Sebastian Meyer
“A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Proverbs 25:11
My office gets cluttered when my schedule gets too full. Running from event to event, my desk becomes layered with project leftovers. My production levels decrease as I feel more and more discouraged and overwhelmed.
I’ve noticed that my mouth has the same problem. When I get too busy, too excited, too tired…I talk too much. Ironic, isn’t it, the times I shouldn’t talk are the times...
[read more]
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News from hope4hearts...
Exciting News: Nancy is partnering with Kent Bottenfield (singer, songwriter and retired Major League Baseball Pitcher) to do a series of marriage conferences called Talk Easy, Listen Hard: The Couples Communication Conference.
If your women’s ministry or organization needs a speaker, contact Blanche to reserve a place in Nancy’s schedule.
Reminder: Nancy’s Focus on the Family interview programs are scheduled for March 24 and 25. |
Giving God Glory:
Dear Nancy,
We sat down last night and did a few exercises together [from Beyond Expectations]. That’s the first time in a long time we've done something together without one of us getting mad. We laughed and carried on for hours. I am shocked that just doing a few simple things is actually improving our marriage. It's really working. Thank you!
– Happiest wife ever, Kayla
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Worth Your Time: Nancy Recommends...
Sanjay and Keren Dalavai, through Life Change Ministries International (www.lcmintl.org), set up camps in India where children see, hear about, and experience Jesus. You can send a child to camp for a week for just $50—and make a difference in a life for eternity. What a meaningful Christmas gift! |
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A Season of Gifting...
Dear Friends,
Are there more commercial advertisements this Christmas than ever before, or does it just seem that way? In John 14:27, Jesus says, “…I do not give to you as the world gives….” What would Jesus give this Christmas?
I challenge you to join me in practicing these tips when selecting presents for friends and family:
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ray for God’s direction—He knows everyone’s needs and is the all-time best gift giver |
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ealize “it’s the thought that counts”—choose something meaningful, within your means |
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njoy thinking and praying about your loved ones as you look for and prepare the gifts |
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hop wisely and be consumer-savvy—but sometimes a sale isn’t worth the gas or hassle |
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xpect frustrations, delays, and annoying obstacles—ask God for grace, peace, & patience |
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ote the personality of each recipient and make sure the gift and wrapping fits that person |
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ime your giving effectively—pick the best situation for sharing with special loved ones |
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implify—scale down your spending, schedule, and stress by only doing what God directs |
Have you thought through what to give Jesus this year to celebrate His birthday? Check the recommendation section of this e-talk for a suggestion.
Merry Christmas!
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Creatively Communicate Your Love
Communication is more than talk. In fact, Dr. Gary Chapman’s book, The Five Love Languages, offers various ways to communicate our love with friends and family. Sharing our love is especially important around holidays, birthdays, and other special times of the year. Here is a brief overview of this interesting communication concept and examples to help you start thinking about the special people in your life. [read more] |
Ask Nancy:
Question: Should I forgive someone who doesn’t ask for forgiveness or admit there is anything wrong?
Answer: The answer is a simple “yes” (see Colossians 3:13), but the working out of forgiveness is anything but simple. Releasing our spirit of unforgiveness does not absolve the other person from the trespass or erase the consequences. Forgiveness is more about us than the one who wounds us, because it frees our spirit to love the person even when the problem must be confronted or graciously endured, depending on the circumstances. If the offense against you is great or constant, seek wise, godly counsel.
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“Thanks for the electric guitar you gave me for Christmas," little Chris Cody said to his uncle the first time he saw him after the holidays. "It's the best present I ever got."
"That's great," said his uncle. "Do you know how to play it?"
"Oh, I don't play it," the little fellow said. "My mom gives me a dollar a day not to play it during the day and my dad gives me five dollars a week not to play it at night.
If you've heard of a funny, clean joke,
send it to us. |
Be sure to forward this on to your friends and neighbors! |
