P.S. Snips and Whit

Suzanne recently wrote a book review for a newly organized book club created by podcasters, Penny & Sam @podcast: Backpack Chit Chat. This is a super cool and informative podcast from two moms who are teachers with a lot in common, and plenty to share. Their tips and advice can help you throughout your journey as a teacher and/or mom. 

In January 2023, the podcast added a book club! If you would like to join, send an email to backpackchitchat@gmail.com and they will add you to the email list. You will also be able to ask questions and add your thoughts and take on each chapter.

The first book of study is The Mothers and Daughters of the Bible Speak, written by Shannon Bream. The book is full of lessons on faith from nine Biblical families. You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

Chapter 3 – Mary & Elizabeth

This chapter is overflowing with great faith in the God whom had been silent for nearly 400 years!

Mary & Elizabeth were cousins but did not live in the same neighborhood. Zechariah, Elizabeth’s husband was serving faithfully in the priesthood of Israel. The angel Gabriel said to him, “Your prayers have been heard.” How long had he and Elizabeth asked God for a child? The scriptures tell us they believed they were too old and past the years of child bearing. It is possible this prayer had been spoken years prior to the angelic encounter. This is encouraging to us to keep the faith that even if the need/prayer seems so long ago, we must trust His timing and ways, for surely it will happen at exactly the right time.

The young Virgin Mary believed Gabriel’s word and immediately proclaims, “I am the Lord’s servant May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38)

Mary’s biological family is not mentioned in detail but Mary travels to her cousin Elizabeth’s home and stays with her for three months.

Not doubt Elizabeth who was much older than Mary became a mentor and great help to Mary as she navigated a pregnancy with no husband in the beginning.

What a tremendous blessing it is to have a friend or family member who is full of wisdom and we can go to for encouragement.

The Bible speaks of how a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. (Proverbs 25:11) I am so very grateful for the people in my life who have been there for me with a word of faith and inspiration in low times. Times when I felt like giving up or could see no way out. These are the ones you know are just a phone call away and you can depend on their prayers. They serve as a reminder, God has placed them in our life for a reason.

Our words of hope and encouragement can also serve as confirmation and increase someone’s faith to believe for what they are praying about. I try to pray daily that God would help me be sensitive to the needs of others around me and to give me the right words to share should the occasion arise.

Who is your person that you enjoy being around and who leaves you feeling uplifted and inspired? Are you this person to someone?

We can all be this person to others. It is a wonderful feeling to know your words and prayers have helped someone. Instead of us sharing only our troubles or negative thoughts, wouldn’t it be better to share our faith and encourage others to keep the faith? Our words can bring inspiration at just the right time in someone’s hour of need or our words can bring damage and more hurt to someone.

Let us all remember to pray for wisdom and may our words be fitly spoken when we are in the company of our friends.