Thursday, February 13, 2025

Raising Kids With The Wisdom of God : Youth Counseling Session


1. The Power of Words

  • Proverbs 18:21"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."
    • Our words carry the power to bring life (encouragement, wisdom, and love) or death (hurt, gossip, and division).
  • Ephesians 4:29"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."
    • We should use words to uplift, not tear down.

2. The Dangers of Speaking Negatively

A. Gossip and Slander

  • Proverbs 16:28"A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends."
    • Gossip damages friendships and trust.
  • James 4:11"Do not speak evil against one another, brothers."
    • Speaking negatively about others goes against God’s command to love our neighbors.

B. Discouragement and Criticism

  • Colossians 3:8"But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips."
    • Harsh words come from an impure heart and can lead to division and pain.
  • Matthew 12:36"But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken."
    • Every word we say matters and will be judged.

3. Speaking Words of Life and Encouragement

Instead of negative speech, the Bible calls us to speak with kindness, encouragement, and truth.

  • Proverbs 15:1"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
    • Speaking gently can calm situations rather than escalate them.
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:11"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
    • Encouraging words can uplift and strengthen relationships.
  • James 1:19"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."
    • Taking time to think before speaking prevents unnecessary pain.

4. Practical Steps for Youth to Control Their Speech

1.    Think Before Speaking – Ask: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?

2.    Pray for Self-Control"Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips." (Psalm 141:3)

3.    Surround Yourself with Positive Influences"Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’" (1 Corinthians 15:33)

4.    Apologize When Necessary – If you’ve hurt someone with words, seek forgiveness.

5.    Use Words to Encourage – Practice complimenting and uplifting others.

In Conclusion

Speaking negatively can have serious consequences, but we can learn to use our words for good through God's guidance. Let us strive to follow Ephesians 4:32, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

Monday, January 20, 2025

Plagiarism: How To Prevent Plagiarism in my writing

       January 20,2025         Christina Ewanga

 

                    Plagiarism

Definition of Plagiarism:

                  According to Georgia State University’s Policy of Academic Honesty, Plagiarism is defined as presenting another person’s work as one’s own.[1] In essence, “plagiarism is stealing”; “intellectual theft.”[2]

There are various forms of plagiarism, including blatant and incidental plagiarism. According to Georgia State University's Policy of Academic Honesty, the only way to meet the basic standard of academic honesty is to avoid plagiarism.[3]

How to prevent plagiarism in my writing:  

-        By clearly acknowledging the source of the idea or material used.

-        By using quotation marks when using someone else’s words.

-        By properly paraphrasing and summarizing the content of the material used.

-        By inquiring and asking questions.

-        Finally, by learning to cite, paraphrase, and quote properly.

     Sources: Understanding and Avoiding Plagiarism. Georgia State University’s Policy on Academic Honesty.



[1] Understanding and Avoiding Plagiarism. Georgia State University’s Policy on Academic Honesty.

[2] Id.gsu

[3] Id.gsu

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Get to your work!


                                                        Dear Students,

  Please get started on your second reading lesson. All submissions should be done today at 8.00 PM.

       Thank You.

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Praying God's Word Over Our Children

 

Almighty God, I lift my children before You and declare that they will not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor will they stand in the path of sinners or sit in the seat of scoffers. I pray that their hearts will be rooted and grounded in Your truth and that they will love and crave Your Word, meditating on it day and night. Lord, plant them firmly like mighty trees beside rivers of living water, so they will flourish, bear fruit every season, and never wither in spirit, health, or purpose.

Empower them to prosper in all they do, and let no weapon formed against them succeed. Shield them from every influence that would lead them astray, and make them unwavering in righteousness. I declare that they will be a light in the darkness, that Your hand will strengthen and protect them, and that Your favor will surround them all the days of their lives. In Jesus Mighty Name.

Thursday, October 24, 2024

FALSE LIGHT: Max and the Mystery Photo


Max was a kid just like any other. He loved skateboarding, playing soccer, and hanging out with his friends at the park. Everyone in town knew Max as the kid with a big smile and a great attitude.

One sunny day, a local news reporter visited the park. They were writing a story about new playground equipment and wanted to take pictures of kids having fun. Max was skateboarding with his friends, so the reporter snapped a photo of him.

But here’s where things took a strange turn…

Max opened the newspaper the next day and couldn't believe his eyes! The picture of him was in an article titled: "Local Kids Caught Vandalizing Park!"

Max was shocked. He had never done anything to harm the park. He loved the park! But now, everyone thought he was in trouble for something he didn’t do. His classmates looked at him funny, and even his teacher asked, "Is everything okay, Max?"

Max’s parents were furious. They knew the article was wrong and that Max was just an innocent kid enjoying his day. So, they talked to a lawyer to see what they could do.

The lawyer explained that what happened to Max was called false light.

"False light happens when someone publishes a picture or story that makes it seem like a person did something wrong, even if they didn't," the lawyer said. "It gives people the wrong idea, and that can hurt someone's reputation."

Max and his parents decided to take action. They called the newspaper and asked them to correct the story. The editor of the paper apologized and promised to publish the real story the next day, explaining that Max was not involved in the vandalism. They printed a new photo of Max, smiling as he skateboarded, with a big note saying: "Max is NOT a vandal!"

The next day at school, things went back to normal. Max’s friends understood what had happened, and even his teacher apologized for the misunderstanding. Max felt relieved, knowing that people knew the truth.

Sometimes, people make mistakes when they tell stories or take photos, and it can give others the wrong idea. This is called false light, and it can happen to anyone, even if they didn’t do anything wrong. If something like this happens, it's important to speak up and set the record straight, just like Max did!

Here are 10 questions based on the story about Max and the Mystery Photo to help kids think more deeply about the concept of false light:

  1. What was Max doing in the park when the reporter took his picture?
  2. How did the newspaper make Max look like he had done something wrong?
  3. What is "false light"? Can you explain it in your own words?
  4. Why was Max upset when he saw his picture in the newspaper?
  5. How did Max’s friends and teacher react when they saw the article?
  6. What did Max and his parents do to fix the problem?
  7. Why is it important to correct a false story, even if it was just a mistake?
  8. How could the reporter have made sure the photo was used in the right way?
  9. What do you think might have happened if Max didn’t correct the false light story?
  10. Why is it important to be careful about the stories or pictures we share about others?

These questions encourage kids to reflect on the story, the concept of false light, and the importance of truth in communication.

Saturday, October 19, 2024

Reading Assessment 1

Dear Student,

I hope you're feeling prepared for your reading assessment today! Remember to take your time, read carefully, and stay focused. If you come across any challenging parts, don't worry—just do your best and keep moving forward. Believe in yourself, and trust in the practice and effort you've put in.

I’m confident you’ll do great! 

Remember you have the mind of Christ. Shine Out!

Best regards,

Mommy Christie