The latest from Coralville: February 2011

The FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT in February was Gentleness.

Temperatures outside were frigid,
but the spirit inside was warm and glowing!

As we arrived, the sun was setting.

But upon entering the outer foyer, we began to feel warm.

Madeline was the first to arrive, and she found her name tag.

Carolyn helps Courtney with her name tag.

Lots of coats in the coat area!

A banana represented gentleness.

Bananas are some of the first solid foods that are introduced to babies.
They are so tasty that they are used in salads, desserts, and milkshakes!
Yet a banana is so tender that it can be damaged very easily.
They are easily bruised and can spoil quickly.
We must be gentle when working with bananas.

It is the same way when we are working with people.
If you want to have friends, then you need to be a friend.
When we are kind and gentle, people will enjoy spending time with us.
Our words and actions toward others can leave bruises on their
hearts if we are rough and mean.

In Proverbs 15:1, it says,
“A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

And in Philippians 4:4-5
" Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all."
.

Upon arrival, we work on the fruit for our Spirit Tree.

Our Bible story was from Mark 10: 13-16.
Jesus was gentle with all people,
and he was especially kind and gentle with children.
People were bringing little children to Jesus
for him to place his hands on them, but the
disciples tried to send them away.
When Jesus saw this, he was not pleased.
He said to them, “Let the little children come to me,
and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs
to such as these.

Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom
of God like a little child will never enter it.”
And he took the children in his arms,
placed his hands on
them and blessed them.

It is now time to go to the lower level for our meal.

We sang our blessing before going downstairs.
"Thank you God
For our food.
And our many blessings.
Amen"