From the Desk of Jill Keenon, Operations Director:
You know how James 3 talks about how impossible it is to control the tongue? And it almost seems like you might want to say, "Oh, well, that is never going to happen. I will always say the wrong things." That may be somewhat true, but what it really says is that it is possible to control it and that by controlling our tongues we can control anything else in our lives (the tongue is the body's rudder).
It refers later on in the passage about receiving wisdom from God and how a small bit in a horse's mouth controls the huge horse. Well, God's wisdom is the bit in our mouth. We also worry about so many things we don't do what is right, and we practice self improvement all the time without much change. So, my thought is if we asked God each day, during each situation and most moments for his wisdom and concentrate on that as being the way to control our tongue doesn't it seem logical that all the other things we want to change might come naturally? Let's allow God's the control of our mouths. I have always been afraid I would be boring, not funny, or different than whom I am if my mouth was different.
But I am tired of having cursing and praising coming from the same mouth. I am betting that if I learn to control my mouth I would develop into someone who is even cooler than I already am.
COLOMA PLACE HOME: 1. Still need to sell it. Pray, pray, pray for someone to add to the neighborhood have some kind of ministry to those around them and someone who does not have a money issue to work through. But someone who just wants to buy it and do it.
QUICK HOME: 2. Bob is adjusting but the honeymoon period is not over yet. Pray for him as he seems very eager to please and not able to be his true self. He needs prayer as you know all our kids are hurting deeply.
3. I enjoy seeing Pat when we do because he has come so far. Pray for him to take off this year and allow himself to stretch and enjoy some new things. Help him to know who he is and not just be the robot others may have wanted for him in the past. Allison and Will are doing a great job with him. Pray for continued wisdom for them.
4. Pray for the baby who is really starting to show her own personality and roll all over the place.
KEENON HOME: 5. Our daughter Carmen attempted suicide on Saturday and already left the hospital without her meds. She really could have done it this time. We love her dearly but what can I say?
6. Melissa is starting to work on the deeper things and it is causing more nightmares. Pray for her protection and to choose food and Jesus. (Sounds like a good combo to me). She wakes us up nightly with night frights. Please pray that we can get the rest we need as well.
7. Joel is trying to do some things we talked about last week but I would like prayer for protection for him because it seems like Satan is being really subtle in his attack of him by making him busy and hoping life will just go by and catch Joel off guard.
8. Margie seems to be at a new place but seems a little more agitated and easily frustrated. Pray for us all to know if she needs counseling or a med change or just let her be.
9. Matt will be out of a job soon. Pray for him to find a new one. Pray too that he can set realistic goals, keep his commitments and becomes more spiritually strong.
10. I came home crying today because I just don't think I will be a good nurse. Paul was the perfect husband in his reaction. (Boys come for a lesson) But I would like prayer because I am stressed about school.
11. I, Paul, am trying to figure out why my feelings are getting more anesthetized towards things like our daughter trying to commit suicide. I don't feel like I get emotional enough, even though I realize the strong call God still has on my life to help these unfortunate teens and young adults. I just don't get as nervous or hurt as I used to. Am I callous or just numb from doing this (working and living with abused and immature people) so long? Nothing seems to get me upset anymore. But, please God don't send me enough to find out my limit! I might be reacting to the people who after they are given solid opportunities to change they still put themselves in harms way and are selfish and self-centered.
In Christ's Service for the Community,
Paul & Jill Keenon
Open Door for Teens, Inc.
