The other night I was asked to speak for a few moments to the youth. I gave them a very short and quick lesson on choices. My title, for memory sake, was Cruella or Cinderella. Without repeating the entire stories of which I am sure you are familiar, let me just say this - Cruella may have been gorgeous and very possibly would have looked beautiful in a Dalmatian coat, but her wicked spirit was despised. Consequently, she never obtained her heart's desire and her very name spoke of her character, Cruella. To the contrary was Cinderella who with a kind, sweet, spirit, became the Prince's bride. Biblically speaking, I could have used Jezebel or Miriam. Jezebel who was so bad she was thrown to the dogs or Miriam who became the main praise leader after years of being a faithful servant. Everyday each of us must make choices - good or bad. Decisions to be an imposter or real, pretentious or truth, cruel or kind, rough or smooth, fake or genuine, miserable or happy, and the list can go on. I won't bore you with my entire outline, but I will list some scriptures. (For those of you who enjoy studying the Bible, you can probably tell by the other scriptures what else I spoke about.) I will quote two scriptures, however, that I feel are so important when we make choices. "Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." Hebrews 12:14 (NIV) "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." Romans 12:10 (NIV) After speaking, my little girl said, "Mommy, I liked that. I am Cinderella." I pray she keeps that sweet, Cinderella spirit.
Other references: Proverbs 31:30, I Peter 3:3-5, Psalm 149:4, Chronicles 28:9, Zechariah 8:16-17, Romans 12:6, Exodus 31:3
Someone once said that a title is to a message what a handle is to a suitcase. I really like that title and the message behind it. The choices we make today are so important, because they affect our(and others around us)future tomorrow. May Bryn always keep her sweet Cinderella spirit too!
ReplyDeleteGod bless,
Carol
Thanks, Carol, for your kind words. The first time I taught this lesson, I was at a Totally Girls Slumber Party. It is where the young girls have an annual slumber party at the church. They meet at the church on a Friday night and have appetizers. Then, they have a service with a couple of speakers. After dinner, they change to p.j.'s, have dinner, and play games, do crafts, etc. They finally sleep about 2 a.m. and the next morning are awakened to a huge breakfast. Following breakfast, they have another service. It is really fun.
ReplyDeleteI love analogies like that. In a way, I think you were telling a modern-day parable to those young girls. Awesome message!
ReplyDeleteKaren
Thanks, Ronda. I'm glad you dropped by.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Karen. I love the word "parable." I wonder why it isn't used much? Have you ever seen the Parable Players? They are the drama team from the church in Hanford, California.
ReplyDeleteGreat message. I believe this one needs to hang on our fridge as a constant reminder concerning choices. Thanks for speaking to me!
ReplyDeleteHi Jana:
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of the Parable Players. They must be good, and I hope to someday see them because I love parables too.
Debbie, thanks for your compliments. One of my best choices was choosing you for a friend.
ReplyDeleteHi, Karen. Sometimes the Parable Players perform at Youth Conv. I hope you get to see them sometime. They really do a good job.
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