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Showing posts from September, 2010

Afterthoughts . . .

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Heart Work: Emotional Workout Mind Work: Mental Workout Soul Work: Spiritual Workout

Let the Angels Guide You, Recommends Pope

VATICAN CITY, SEPT. 29, 2010 ( Zenit.org ).- Benedict XVI is encouraging the faithful to take advantage of the help of the angels, noting the feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. In his traditional closing remarks at the general audience, the Pope spoke of this feast, as well as the Oct. 2 feast of the guardian angels. He said the two celebrations "move us to think of the provident care with which God looks after each human person." The Holy Father recommended that youth should "feel the presence of the angels beside you" and "let yourselves be guided by them, so that your whole life is enlightened by the Word of God." He encouraged the sick to avail of the help of their guardian angels and thus "unite your sufferings to those of Christ for the spiritual renewal of human society." Finally, the Pontiff suggested that newlyweds should "often take recourse to your guardian angels, so that you can grow in the constant

Theme For World Day Of Social Communications

VATICAN CITY, 29 SEP 2010 ( VIS ) - Made public today was the theme chosen by the Pope for the forty-fifth World Day of Social Communications: "Truth, proclamation and authenticity of life in the digital age". His Message for the Day will be published on 24 January 2011, feast of St. Francis of Sales, patron of journalists. The theme is "to be understood as focusing on the human person who is at the heart of all communicative processes. Even in an age that is largely dominated, and at times conditioned, by new technologies, the value of personal witness remains essential". "To approach the truth and to take on the task of sharing it requires the 'guarantee' of an authenticity of life from those who work in the media, and especially from Catholic journalists; an authenticity of life that is no less required in a digital age". "Technology, on its own, cannot establish or enhance a communicator's credibility, nor can it serve as a sour

2010 Young Adult Conference : TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE - October 9, 2010 in San Antonio, Texas

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"TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE"

30 DAYS TO TAMING YOUR TONGUE- Day 30

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Day 30 The Silent Tongue There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven . . . a time to be silent and a time to speak. Ecclesiastes 3:1,7 Today’s Affirmation: I will not keep silent when I should be speaking.

The Archangel Prayers

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Saint Michael the Archangel Saint Michael the Archangel , defend us in the hour of battle, be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil, may God restrain him we humbly pray, and do thou oh Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, cast into hell satan and all the evil spirits that roam through the world , seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. Saint Michael the Archangel , please protect us from the evil one and help us to obtain the grace to do the Will of God. Saint Gabriel the Archangel Please announce the Holy Word of God to us, write it in our hearts, help us to remember it and to put it into practice. Saint Raphael the Archangel Fill me with the Love of God, with the ardent flame of Love of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, with the Love of all the angels and saints. My Holy Guardian Angel Protect me and guide me, open the way for me to do the Will of God in every action, remind me to praise God and to reject temptations Angels and Archangels

30 DAYS TO TAMING YOUR TONGUE - Day 29

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Day 29 The Indiscreet Tongue Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. Proverbs 2:11 Today’s Affirmation: My discretion will protect me and understanding will guard me.

Afterthoughts . . .

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Getters try to grab on to everything they can in order to find happiness. Givers let go of everything and happiness finds them.

The Call: Fr. Thomas Dubay - MAY HE REST IN PEACE

Fr. Thomas Dubay, S.M.,  well-known retreat master and expert in the spiritual life, explains his call to the priesthood. MAY HE REST IN PEACE... In Memoriam Fr. Thomas Dubay – 1921 to 2010

30 DAYS TO TAMING YOUR TONGUE - Day 28

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Day 28 The Loquacious Tongue When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. Proverbs 10:19 Today’s Affirmation: When my words are many, sin is not absent, but when I hold my tongue, I am considered wise.

Afterthoughts . . .

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Don’t panic over a problem; instead pray over a problem.

Quotes from Saint Vincent de Paul

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-The most powerful weapon to conquer the devil is humility. For, as he does not know at all how to employ it, neither does he know how to defend himself from it. -Free your mind from all that troubles you; God will take care of things. You will be unable to make haste in this (choice) without, so to speak, grieving the heart of God, because he sees that you do not honor him sufficiently with holy trust. Trust in him, I beg you, and you will have the fulfillment of what your heart desires. -It is our duty to prefer the service of the poor to everything else and to offer such service as quickly as possible. If a needy person requires medicine or other help during prayer time, do whatever has to be done with peace of mind. Offer the deed to God as your prayer.... Charity is certainly greater than any rule. Moreover, all rules must lead to charity. Saint Vincent de Paul, pray for us.

30 DAYS TO TAMING YOUR TONGUE - Day 27

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Day 27 The Doubting Tongue For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, “Be removed and be cast into the sea,” and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he say. Mark 11:23 Today’s Affirmation: Anything is possible for me if I believe. Therefore, I will declare my faith rather than discuss my doubts.

30 DAYS TO TAMING YOUR TONGUE - Day 26

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Day 26 The Discouraging Tongue When they were discouraged, I smiled at them. My look of approval was precious to them. Job 29:24 Today’s Affirmation: Worry weighs a person down; but my encouraging words will cheer them up.

2010 Catholic Women's Conference in San Antonio, Texas on October 1 - 2

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2010 Catholic Women's Conference Conference Date October 1-2, 2010 Conference Site Antonian College Preparatory High School 6425 West Avenue San Antonio, TX 78213

Afterthoughts . . .

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Remember to ask God’s help for everything.

Blessed Chiara Luce Badano

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Beatified on September, 25, 2010

30 DAYS TO TAMING YOUR TONGUE - Day 25

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Day 25 The Accusing Tongue The accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. Revelation 12:10 Today’s Affirmation: With God’s help, today I will tune my ears to wisdom and concentrate on understanding. I will cry out for insight and understanding. I will search for them as I would for lost money or hidden treasure.

Interview With Los Angeles Coadjutor, Archbishop Gómez

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A ZENIT DAILY DISPATCH Leading the Biggest Flock in the US Part 1 and Part 2 Interview With Los Angeles Coadjutor, Archbishop Gómez

40 Days for Life - See for yourself

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The local media in cities all over has been covering the launch of 40 Days for Life ... ... and that is helping to spread the word! It's only Day 3 ... and we're already seeing lots of positive coverage for 40 Days for Life in local newspaper and TV reports. Here is one example from Texas . . .  BRYAN/COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS Want to see how the local media portrays 40 Days for Life in the community where this mission began? KBTX-TV reported on the kickoff rally there, and interviewed a good friend and pro-life hero of mine, Dr. Haywood Robinson. The newscast shows people quietly praying, contrasted with Planned Parenthood's written statement complaining about "harassment" Needless to say, the video proves there was not a single person being harassed. To read the KBTX report and see the video, go to: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1029 For Life, Shawn Carney Campaign Director 40 Days for Life

Afterthoughts . . .

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It’s only when you’re sick that you fully realize that what people say is so true, that when you have your health you have everything.

30 DAYS TO TAMING YOUR TONGUE - Day 24

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Day 24 The Retaliating Tongue Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you to do, and he will bless you for it. 1 Peter 3:9 Today’s Affirmation: I will not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessings, because to this I have been called so that I may inherit a blessing.

Feast of Saint Pio

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Pray, Hope and Don't Worry

Afterthoughts . . .

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Let God solve all your problems. Let God answer all your questions.

30 DAYS TO TAMING YOUR TONGUE - Day 23

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Day 23 The Complaining Tongue I cry aloud with my voice to the Lord; I make supplication with my voice to the Lord. I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare my trouble before Him. Psalm 142:1-2 Today’s Affirmation: Because God works all things together for my good, according to His purpose for my life, I will not complain.

Afterthoughts . . .

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Start the day with the Word of God so you won’t let people’s words steer you the wrong way.

God-o-nomics

  To many, being blessed looks like having wealth, power, and influence. Jesus had a radically different view of what being well-off and being blessed really looks like.

30 DAYS TO TAMING YOUR TONGUE - Day 22

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Day 22 The Cursing Tongue Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. James 3:10 Today’s Affirmation: Cursing does not proceed out of my mouth. Today I give God full charge of my tongue. By His grace I will only speak words that will bring honor to His name.

The Positive Role of Religion

By Father John Flynn, LC ROME, SEPT. 19, 2010 ( Zenit.org ) A study published Sept. 9 by Pat Fagan, senior fellow of the Family Research Council and director of the Marriage and Religion Research Institute , on religion and children's academic performance entitled " Religious Practice and Educational Attainment ," Fagan revealed that a higher level of religious practice can positively affect a student's ability to perform in school. Pupils involved in religious activities spend more time on their homework, the study reported. They also achieve better test results and are less likely to drop out of high school. Moreover, its positive impact is not confined to school, but continues at college level. One study found that 19.5% of students who infrequently worshiped drop out of school, compared to only 9.1% of students who attended worship often. The paper identified a number of ways through which religion help students: -- It internalizes values and norms t

Afterthoughts . . .

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Great minds discuss meaningful subjects; small minds discuss mindless gossip.

30 DAYS TO TAMING YOUR TONGUE - Day 21

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Day 21 The Self-Absorbed Tongue Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4 Today’s Affirmation: I look no only to my own interests, but to the interest of others. Therefore, my issues are not the primary topic of my conversations.

Texas Catholic Conference 82nd Legislative Session Priorities

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The Texas Catholic Conference is the association of the 15 ordinary Roman Catholic Bishops of Texas, and includes the Auxiliary and Emeritus Bishops as consultative members. Because we are made in the image of God, there is an inherent value of human life from which all of our social obligations and rights flow. The following list highlights some of the priorities of the Texas Bishops prior to the 82nd Legislative session. 1. Life and Family Life Issues : Our foundational principle to protect the life and dignity of all human persons calls us to work to end abortion, euthanasia, destruction of human embryos, cloning and assisted suicide. Marriage and the family are central social institutions that must be supported and strengthened. 2. Immigration : We recognize the historic and present-day contributions of immigrants in Texas by supporting their ability to work in a healthy environment in order to provide for their families and continue their valuable participation in the communit

30 DAYS TO TAMING YOUR TONGUE - Day 20

Day 20 The Judgmental Tongue Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged. Matthew 7:1-2 Today’s Affirmation: I do not judge others or I too will be judged. For in the same way that I judge, I will be judged.

Afterthoughts . . .

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God in our past, heal our past. God in our present, heal our present. God in our future, heal our future.

JUDGE NOT!

BEST POEM IN THE WORLD I was shocked, confused, bewildered As I entered Heaven's door, Not by the beauty of it all, Nor the lights or its decor. But it was the folks in Heaven Who made me sputter and gasp-- The thieves, the liars, the sinners, The alcoholics and the trash. There stood the kid from seventh grade Who swiped my lunch money twice. Next to him was my old neighbor Who never said anything nice. Bob, who I always thought Was rotting away in hell, Was sitting pretty on cloud nine, Looking incredibly well. I nudged Jesus, 'What's the deal? I would love to hear Your take. How'd all these sinners get up here? God must've made a mistake. 'And why is everyone so quiet, So somber - give me a clue.' 'Hush, child,' He said, 'they're all in shock. No one thought they'd be seeing you.' JUDGE NOT!! Remember...Just going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in your garage m

30 DAYS TO TAMING YOUR TONGUE - Day 19

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Day 19 The Rude Tongue There will be a highway called the Holy Road. No one rude or rebellious is permitted on this road. It’s for God’s people exclusively. Isaiah 35:8 Today’s Affirmation: I will slow down and take the time to do unto others as I would have them do unto me.

Afterthoughts . . .

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God heal our thoughts, feelings, words, actions. God be in our thoughts, feelings, words, actions.

Pope Benedict XVI in the United Kingdom

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Official Site for the Papal Visit to the UK: September 16 - 19, 2010

30 DAYS TO TAMING YOUR TONGUE - Day 18

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Day 18 The Intimidating Tongue The Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!” I Samuel 17:44 Today’s Affirmation: Because God is in control of every aspect of my life and has set my destiny. I have no need to control the behavior of others.

Afterthoughts . . .

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Prayer in the pew needs to be extended to prayer in the parking lot and in the playing field.

Coming to Texas! 40 Days for Life - September 20 - 22

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  Wanted to give you a quick "heads-up" that I'm coming to Texas this coming Monday and Tuesday to speak at two different 40 Days for Life kickoff rallies ... ... And Abby Johnson -- the former Planned Parenthood director from Bryan/College Station who experienced a conversion during last fall's 40 Days for Life -- will be speaking at another Texas 40 Days for Life kickoff rally! If you can come to any of these events, we sure would love to see you! Here are the details ... MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 MONTGOMERY COUNTY 40 DAYS FOR LIFE KICKOFF RALLY * WHO: DAVID BEREIT, 40 Days for Life national director, and local leaders will speak * TIME: 7:00 PM * PLACE: Conroe Bible Church 4491 Interstate 45 North; Conroe, TX 77304 (Between FM 830 & League Line Rd. on the Southbound feeder road) * INFO: http://40daysforlife.com/montgomerycounty TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 DALLAS 40 DAYS FOR LIFE KICKOFF RALLY * WHO: DAVID BEREIT, 40 Days for Life nati

The Epitome of Deception

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The Epitome of Deception In the Lord’s Prayer, we ask, “lead us not into temptation.” Every temptation is a lie, that makes something evil look good. Among the most masterful temptations of the evil one is to make the killing of a child seem better than the birth of that child. This is the lie that leads each day to thousands of abortions. As we pray, “Lead us not into temptation,” let’s keep in mind the need to protect all pregnant mothers from the deception of abortion. Let’s also pray against the temptation to be silent and passive in the midst of this holocaust. Sins of omission are the most frequent sins, especially in regard to the culture of death. Let’s say more, do more, and sacrifice more for life! Lead us not into temptation!

Respect Life Month

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30 DAYS TO TAMING YOUR TONGUE - Day 17

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Day 17 The Tactless Tongue Let your conversation be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone. Colossians 4:6 Today’s Affirmation: My words are seasoned with grace as I speak the truth in love.

Afterthoughts . . .

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Eyes that merely “look” are everywhere. Eyes that truly “see” are very rare. Ears that merely “hear” are everywhere. Ears that truly “listen” are very rare. Mouths that merely “talk” are everywhere. Mouths that truly “speak” are very rare. Hands that merely “grab” are everywhere. Hands that truly “grasp” are very rare. Hearts that merely “beat” are everywhere. Hearts that truly “feel” are very rare. Minds that merely “compute” are everywhere. Minds that truly “comprehend” are very rare. Souls that merely “subsist” are everywhere. Souls that are truly “sublime” are very rare. Lives that are merely “lived” are everywhere. Lives that are truly “alive” are very rare.

Email from Debbie Felder – Area Co-Coordinator EWTN Media Missionaries

Hello Media Missionaries, Priest and parish secretaries, Once again, we are so grateful to have new members join us in supporting EWTN within our parishes and continuing Mother Angelica’s dream of spreading the “Good News” to all through our evangelization. We welcome you and we appreciate your enthusiasm in getting EWTN programming into your bulletin or on your information board for your parishioners. Many parishes are now listing several EWTN programs for the upcoming week in their bulletins on a regular basis. Media Missionaries are now seeing more parishioners using and requesting EWTN program schedules that are distributed in their parish by the Media Missionaries. This means one thing, more people are becoming more interested in learning more about their faith. Praise God! Jane Sperber (Area Co-Coordinator for MMs) has been working very hard this week to get more EWTN contacts within our diocese and here is what she has to say. “One of our goals has been to have 100% partic

Bishop recalls role of Mary of Guadalupe in Mexican independence

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Mexico City, Mexico, Sep 16, 2010 ( CNA ) Auxiliary Bishop Enrique Sanchez Martinez of Durango invited the faithful of Mexico this week to pray for their country as they celebrate its bicentennial. He also urged them to remember the important role that Our Lady of Guadalupe played in Mexico’s independence. “The Catholic Church actively participated in a leading role in all of these events, as the most prominent initiators and protagonists were members of the clergy and the majority of the people were Catholic,” the bishop noted in a recent article. He added that while September 16 is not the anniversary of Mexico’s independence, but rather the beginning of the rebellion, in celebrating it, we cannot ignore the role of Our Lady of Guadalupe in the origin of the national identity of Mexicans.” Our Lady of Guadalupe was the inspiration behind the fathers of Mexican independence and, 100 years later, during the Mexican Revolution, the bishop said. She “presided over the birth of our

Afterthoughts . . .

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It is not that we are waiting for God; rather it is that God is waiting for us.

30 DAYS TO TAMING YOUR TONGUE - Day 16

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Day 16 The Harsh Tongue A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 Today’s Affirmation: I open my mouth with wisdom. The law of kindness is on my tongue.

Life, Love And The Purpose Of Our Existence Preview: Fr. John Corapi

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Life, Love and the Purpose of Our Existence Recorded August 7, 2010 in San Antonio, Texas.  Father's largest conference so far this year! Addressing a crowd of over 10,000 people, Father Corapi stays true to his straight-shooting style as he addresses issues ranging from the evils of abortion to the dangers of socialism. http://www.frjohn.com/

Afterthoughts . . .

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Put God in First Place and everything will fall into its proper place.

Feast Day: Our Lady of Sorrows

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The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary 1. The Prophecy of Simeon over the Infant Jesus. (Luke 2:34) 2. The Flight into Egypt of the Holy Family. (Matthew 2:13) 3. The Loss of the Child Jesus for Three Days. (Luke 2:43) 4. The Meeting of Jesus and Mary along the Way of the Cross. (Luke 23:26) 5. The Crucifixion, where Mary stands at the foot of the cross. (John 19:25) 6. The Descent from the Cross, where Mary receives the dead body of Jesus in her arms. (Matthew 27:57) 7. The Burial of Jesus. (John 19:40)

30 DAYS TO TAMING YOUR TONGUE- Day 15

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Day 15 The Know-It-All Tongue A prudent man conceals knowledge. Proverbs 12:23 Today’s Affirmation: I am prudent and therefore I do not flaunt my knowledge.

30 DAYS TO TAMING YOUR TONGUE - Day 14

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Day 14 The Cynical Tongue Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. Psalm 1:1 Today’s Affirmation: I am blessed because I do not walk in the counsel of the ungodly nor stand in the way of sinners nor sit in the seat of the scornful.

Afterthoughts . . .

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Save a seat for Christ when watching television, when on the computer, in the car while driving, on the job while working. What would Jesus watch on television? What websites would He visit? How would He drive? How would He be at work?

CatholicVote.org: The Dream 2010

Monday, September 13, 2010 CatholicVote.org : The Dream 2010 CatholicVote.org has released its first video in a series of new commercials by the CatholicVote.org Education Fund designed to educate, inspire, and mobilize the Catholic vote this November. Click here to view other CatholicVote.org videos

30 DAYS TO TAMING YOUR TONGUE - Day 13

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Day 13 The Belittling Tongue 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 benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29 Today’s Affirmation: No unwholesome talk comes out of my mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that I may benefit those who listen.

Afterthoughts . . .

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Help is just a Prayer away.

30 DAYS TO TAMING YOUR TONGUE - Day 12

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Day 12 The Betraying Tongue A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret. Proverbs 11:13 Today’s Affirmation: I am a trustworthy person and can be depended upon to keep a confidence.