Language

I get this weekly email for Youth Group leaders. Remember this is my own blog, not the school's so if you're worried about the separation of Church and State, just don't read this blog post, scroll down to the next one or something.

It has to do with what we talk about. have you ever heard the old saying; "big people talk about ideas, average people talk about things, small people talk about other people" ???
Well, this devotion deals with gossip and cussing big time. Definitely something Cheerleaders should consider, since they are their schools ambassadors...

www.youthspecialties.com

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YS STUDENT E-MAIL NEWSLETTER #233
April 17, 2006

Contents
1. Something for Your Heart
2. Surf Report
3. Forgettable Fact
4. Potent Quotables
5. Parting Shot

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1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefi t those who listen."
~Ephesians 4:29

If all the words you said last week were written down, would they show that you didn't let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what builds others up? Th at's a pretty tough command to keep--especially when you're with your friends. Th ough it's hard, you've still got to do your best to obey. Makes you want to yell for help, doesn't it?

Well, if the apostle Paul wrote an advice column--like Dear Abby or Dr. Laura--on how to use your words when you're with your friends, it might read something like this:

Today's column features Dr. Paul's handy-dandy list of do's and don'ts for talking to your friends:

* Do speak the truth. Be honest and real.

* Don't deceive others and pretend to be something or someone you're not.

* Do get rid of slander. As the saying goes, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."

* Don't use obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse jokes. If you're not sure what that means, follow this rule of thumb: If you can't say it to your pastor, you probably shouldn't say it to your friends.

* Do speak to each other about the stuff that really matters. Talk about God and the good things he's done in your life.

* Don't let unwholesome words come out of your mouth. Never tear others down, even in "fun." Saying "she knows I'm only kidding" doesn't make it any less hurtful. Resist the temptation to make yourself look better by pointing out someone else's faults.

* Do say things that will build others up and benefit those who listen to you. Go out of your way to say encouraging things about others and to others. Rely on God for the strength to use the power of your words to make a positive difference in the lives of your friends!

Check out more of "Dr. Paul's advice" on both your actions and words in Ephesians 4:22-5:20

If you'd like, pray this prayer:

"God, I want to pay more attention to my words. Help me use my words to help others instead of hurt them..."

Taken from "True images Devotional", copyright 2006, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here: http://www.youthspecialties.com/product/267056

3. FORGETTABLE FACT

The Mona Lisa has no eyebrows. It was the fashion in Renaissance Florence to shave them off!

4. POTENT QUOTABLES

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless."
- Mother Teresa

"Do not save your loving speeches
For your friends till they are dead;
Do not write them on their tombstones,
Speak them rather now instead."
- Anna Cummins

5. PARTING SHOT

It is important to stay cool, but be sure to not get frostbite.