Give thanks!

 

"We give thanks to God

always for all of you."

1 Thessalonians 1:2

In Word Among Us,  it pointed out 

that the First Letter of Paul to the 

Thessalonians is almost equally divided

between words of praise and gratitude

for the witness of these new Christians

and words of teaching and warning

to them as the face new challenges.

 I should remember this "shrewd strategy",

especially with Josh, my 16 year old son.

I always tend to teach him, "lecture" to him even,

without first praising and encouraging him!

Josh (on the right) and his cousins
will be back from 

World Youth Day in Madrid.

This is a timely reminder for me-

I was ready to ask him to 

read all the messages of the Pope,

to write down what he learned

so he won't forget, 

to ask him his next plan of action....

before I praised and encouraged him

for all the sacrifices he made there,

and for the responsibility and dedication

he showed during his trip there.

 

This was the crowd in

Cuatro Vientos for the 

World Youth day vigil.

The kids had to walk to go there for 2 hours

in scorching heat (40 degrees)

then wait for the Pope for several hours.

When the Pope started his homily,

there was a strong wind and rain.

Josh and company put up a tent with tarps

and sticks so they wouldn't get wet!

"Share with others the joy of your faith," 

the Pope enjoined the youth.

He also encouraged the pilgrims

for their "joyful, enthusiastic and intense presence."

He says they will be returning home as

"missionaries of the Gospel"

who will help their friends

"discover that loving Christ

means living life to the full."

Linking with
Spiritual Sundays.
Graceful for Hear it on Sunday,
Use it on Monday,
and Brag on Friday. 

Let the children come to me

 

"As for me and my household,

we will serve the Lord." 

Joshua 24

My household.

That would include our children.

I only have one son,

and a few months ago he asked

if he could go to Madrid for

World Youth Day.

My first reaction was,

"No way! You're too young!"

He's 16, and he's never travelled

without his parents.

 

But eventually after praying,

talking to my sisters,

we allowed my son to go.

Jesus said, "Let the children come to me."

We have to help our children grow

in loving the Lord, knowing Him,

serving Him.

 

 And so, my son is in Spain now,

attending a youth camp

with many other kids from all around the world.

He said he's met some Lebanese friends!

After that, he and his group will 

join the World Youth Day activities in Madrid.

Thank you lord for this wonderful opportunity!

Linking with
Spiritual Sundays.
Graceful for Hear it on Sunday,
Use it on Monday,
and Brag on Friday.