Several years ago my husband and I had a puppet ministry. We traveled around the State of Washington and put on programs for Bible schools, Sunday schools, church camps, and various other functions. In order to add more interest to our programs I learned ventriloquism, and my husband learned how to make twisty balloon creations. Having grown up believing I had no particular talent, it was fun to learn that I not only had a talent in ventriloquism, but I enjoyed doing it, too. I often use my talent of ventriloquism when we visit Amish and English schools.

I also enjoy using my ability to write books for adults and children. I feel blessed when someone who has read one of my books shares with me that something I have written has touched their life in some special way.

God gives each of us talents, and I believe He wants us to use them for Him. The Bible tells us in Colossians 3:17: “And whatsoever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” What are your special talents, and how are you using them for Him?

Sometimes the busyness of life weighs in on us, and we forget that others have needs. Time and time again I have seen how my Amish friends show their community spirit by helping their own as well as others whenever there’s a need.

Hebrews 6:10 reminds us: “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown toward him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”

Our lives are really about relationships with other people, and one of the most important things we can do as Christians is to love, support, and encourage one another when there’s a need. This week I’m asking myself if I know of someone in my family, neighborhood, or community who has a need, and what are some things I might do to offer support and encouragement? How about you? Is there someone who needs your help today?

A few weeks ago the message at the church we attended was about how what we say can affect others, and the scripture reference the pastor used was from James 3:1-12. The things we say can either delight and lift others up or destroy and crush their spirits. What a person says reflects how others will think of them — in a positive or negative light. What a person says will either bring joy or sadness to God’s heart. Gossip is one of the most hurtful things we can do, and so are words spewed forth in the heat of anger.

Have you ever been on the receiving end of gossip? You know how much it hurts to hear someone say something about you that isn’t true, or even something you’d rather not have others know.

Proverbs 16:24 reminds us: “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” With God’s help I want to speak kind, soothing words to my family and those I meet. What battles do you think you could win in the area of the tongue this week?