Lori’s Desk Lori Greenwood’s Blog

Giving Away Your Treasure 
  
“For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” — Matthew 12: 34b-36

Giving Away Good Treasure
Statement #1: I love you 

“I love you.” Start saying it! To your mate, your Mom, your kids, your pastor, your friends — never miss an opportunity to tell someone that you love them. It may take people a while to get use to it, but keep saying it until it sinks down into their soul and they believe it! (Galatians 5:14, Ephesians 5:28) 

Giving Away Good Treasure
Statement #2: You have great value to me
You know, contemplating this whole “treasure” theme sort of makes me think of pirates.  Over the last few years, we’ve seen a resurgence of pirate-theme films. In most pirate movies, the story revolves around treasure — and pirates will do anything to get to the treasure! They give their time, their energy and their blood if necessary, because treasure has great value to them. Do the people God has placed in your life know that you treasure them?  Are you giving them your time? Your attention? Are you telling them that they are valuable and precious to you?
 
Giving Away Good Treasure
Statement #3: I believe in you
Nothing builds the confidence in your kids more than to simply tell them, “I believe in you!” But, it doesn’t end there, it will work for us bigger people, too! Life can be filled with difficult obstacles. Most times, your family doesn’t really need to hear your criticism and correction on how they should have handled the situation. Sometimes, a small simple statement like, “I believe you can do it,” is enough to put them over the top!
 
Giving Away Good Treasure
Statement #4: Forgive me
“Forgive me,” is one of the strongest statements of respect you can make to another person. If you made a mistake, over-reacted, or said something critical that brought pain to another person, saying, “I’m sorry,” is very powerful. If you cannot ask for forgiveness (or even admit that you might just possibly be wrong), then it is paramount to saying you do not respect the person that you wronged.
 
Giving Away Good Treasure
Statement #5: Because
Explain yourself. Sometimes, the people closest to you just need more information. This is something I learned from my children. While I may not always be able to share all the details of the complicated seasons of life with them, doing my best to answer their question, “Why?” has built a great deal of trust and respect between us. Finishing the statement that starts with “Because,” goes a long way in building understanding between you and the people you love.
 
 
Giving Away Good Treasure
Statement #6: You can count on me 
Do the people in your life really feel that you will be there for them? If not, what could you change to let them know that they can count on you? Don’t just think about this in practical ways (i.e. I’ll cook for you, I’ll pay the bills, or I’ll do your laundry), but more importantly, think about it in emotional ways. This will produce peace and a sense of security, safety and trust.
 
Blessings,
Lori Greenwood, ThD 

Dr. Greenwood will be teaching at Word of Truth Christian Center in Everett WA on Sunday, June 14 at 10:30 AM, and again on Wednesday June 17 at 7:00 PM.   For more info, visit the church website at http://www.wotcc.org