Friday, January 21, 2011

30 boys...

One of our 3 kids has started a group for his sixth grader and their friends each Friday morning, in front of their school. It's called Promise Makers...

Here is the email sent to the parents of the boys today...

"Dear Promise Maker Parents,

Thank you to the Munoz' for bringing donuts today! We had 30 boys....almost half of the 6th grade boys at Amy Parks were with us this morning!

This week we continued our talk on purity. As you can see, we focus on several issues with repetition, and this is one of them.

We began this morning with a contest. Each boy was given their own tube of toothpaste, and the first to completely empty the toothpaste out of the tube onto a plate...won! Zac won the contest......then I asked each boy to see how fast they could get ALL of the toothpaste back into the tube. Immediately, everyone began to explain to me that it was impossible! This was a perfect segway into my discussion.....that what comes out of our mouths, cannot be taken back, "or put back in." What we say has a lasting impact on those around us.
James 3:5-8 speaks about the power of what we say, comparing it to a small spark that can start a large fire. Proverbs 12:18 adds that "reckless words pierce like a sword."

We talked about how our words can be a great blessing to others. We talked about honoring those around us with encouraging words, compliments and honesty!

Thanks again for allowing us to hang out with your boys on Friday morning! It is an honor for us to spend a few minutes with your son, talking about what REALLY matters in this life!
"

I am thrilled that these young boys are getting this kind of message, and doubly thrilled that my son and grandson are involved. What a great alternative to so much of what they are hearing these days.

I can just picture those 30 boys trying to empty the toothpaste tubes, and then trying to get the stuff back in! :)

15 comments:

Marsha Young said...

WHAT a wonderful illustration! Goodness knows, I've spent some time trying to put the toothpaste back in the tube on more than one occasion. And it never did work. :)

Whew - even more reason to become a woman of thoughtful words, as Karen writes today over at Glass of Sweet Tea.

Wishing you a daya filled with Sonshine - Marsha

Beth E. said...

That's wonderful! What a teachable moment for those young boys. :-)

Debbie said...

Oh I love this...and ya know those kind of illustrations and talks are things they will remember always. How wonderful that they are doing this. Have a great week-end. HUGS

myletterstoemily said...

oh, isn't it the best feeling in the world to see your
son do with his son . . . what you did with yours?
i love the toothpaste example.

and so many boys attended! ptl!

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Oh I have heard about doing this and my kids have seen this...isn't it a great example??? It has stayed in my mind since I heard it.
What a wonderful blessings those 30 boys have with your son teaching them...he is passing down his inheritance, and your grandson being involved also...Yea for men who work with BOYS!!!!! The world needs more of them!!

Farm Girl said...

That is so good. That is really something that would make you think.
I need to try it at home. :)

Felisol said...

Dear Sonja,
I know from experience.
I've had to eat humble pie over and over again, due to my lack of ability to get the toothpaste back in the tube.

I am such a slow learner.

Just Be Real said...

What an interesting concept Sonja. Great visual and concept. Thank you for sharing. Blessings

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Most precious soul,

Thank you for your kind words that flowed so gently over my empty heart. I say empty only in terms of my creativity. My heart is full of the knowledge and the faith that God is my end all....my friends are my partners in the journey of this wonderful life that is sometimes silent, mysterious, but always full of surprises. May God give us all the wisdom to seek only that which is pure, and these little boys here are getting a great head start on life with these sincere and treasured efforts.

THank you for coming and may our Lord BLESS YOU TODAY AND ALWAYS!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR! Anita

Debbie said...

EXCELLENT exercise for those boys! I particularly liked the way they had them compete to empty it out first. They won't forget the lesson.

Debbie Petras said...

How special that you are getting to see your future generations sharing Christ with others. I'm sure your mom and dad would be thrilled and so is Jesus.

By sharing this story with us, you gave me an idea for my first grade after school program. It isn't a Christian school but I could certainly demonstrate the power of words and how they can't be taken back with the toothpaste example. So many say hurtful things to others. This would be a good way to teach them. So thank you.

May the Lord bless this ministry to the children.

Love you,
Debbie

Miss Debbie said...

Making a difference where we are...that is what God calls us to do! What a wonderful ministry and how wise to include the parents. I imagine he is teaching many of them, as well as their boys! I know your heart is blessed!

Rita said...

What an absolutely fabulous idea. Wish I had heard of this when my boys were young. It is a great illustration. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Sandy said...

What a wonderful ministry this is!
I am glad you shared it with all of
your friends. How awesome!
Shalom!

Saleslady371 said...

Thank you, Sonja, for this excellent teaching. I'll be thinking about this for a long time!

Love,
Mary