Choices

Feeling the ocean breeze and hearing the waves crash upon the sand on a hot, beautiful day at the beach is my happy place! Last week, my hubby and I spent a week at Ocean City, MD on a work vacation. Walking on the beach at night was so beautiful!

We both had so much catching up to do… me with Cavod and Dave with his business. It was marvelous! We had one of the best times ever and we have been going for years! What made the difference? Well, thanks for asking. Let me tell you! We were about two weeks into a negativity fast that came from the daily devotional we are reading, “Igniting Faith in 40 Days” by Steve & Wendy Backlund. Here are a few things that describe our fast from the book…

A Negativity Fast is NOT

1. It is not denying that problems exist.
2. It is not stuffing down things that are wrong.
3. It is not critical of others who may be struggling.
4. It is not irresponsible concerning things that need to be done.

What a Negativity Fast IS

1. It is determining to focus more on God’s promises than on problems.
2. It is learning to speak with hope about even the toughest of issues.
3. It is becoming solution focused rather than problem focused.
4. It is becoming solution focused rather than problem focused.
5. It is refraining from reacting and giving voice to pessimism, criticism of others, self-criticism and other forms of unbelief.
6. It is speaking to the problems to the right people in the right way.
7. It is replacing negative words and thoughts with positive words and thoughts based on the promises of God.

It is crucial to not only stop thinking and seeking unbelief and negativity, but to grow in thinking and speaking the positive-truth, the promises of God, encouragement to others, and thanksgiving. The negative must be replaced with the positive in order for this fast to be effective.

This is what transformed our week. We didn’t realize how nit-picky and negative we were to each other, about little things, until we were not allowed to be negative. A simple choice of preferring one another and honoring each other makes a huge difference! Try it! I highly recommend this book. It’s easy to read and so transforming!

Whats new at Cavod? Jill Hertzog, one of our Artistic Directors, her husband Joel, and their boys are moving to Boston. Joel has accepted a pastoral position at a church there. Jill has been with Cavod for 9 years, and has been a building block who has brought so much to this ministry! With mixed emotions we had a farewell celebration for them Sunday evening at our home. Lots of food and Lickity Split ice cream along with tears and hugs, as we said our good-byes! Even though we will miss Jill terribly… we know that God has called them, which makes it easier to let them go.

Our kids have been working hard on Matilda Jr. at their two-week long summer camp! Our devotional theme is “Light in the Darkness” and each morning someone on our production team shares a short devotional to go with the theme.

I just cannot believe how fast time flies! They have developed into beautiful young adults that we can have meaningful conversations with. I believe that was a highlight on our crazy fun family vacation…the moments we had waiting in line and chats over coffee. Someone once told me if you develop relationships with your grands when they are younger, you will have them as friends when they are older. This is so true!

Matilda Jr. takes place on the Cavod Theatre stage this Saturday, July 27th, at 2:00 & 7:00 and Sunday, July 28th at 2:00 & 7:00. CLICK HERE for more info and to purchase tickets!

We are also excited about our open house Saturday, August 3^rd, 9am-12pm at our location in Manheim… with WJTL and Kids Cookie Break LIVE! Join us for lots of food, live performances, meet our teachers, tour the facility and enjoy free ice cream for registered students! Everyone is welcome!

Prayer – “Thank you Lord for your Word that brings life to our bones! Help us to choose life in the words we speak. May we rid ourselves daily of negative thinking, speak hope to every situation, and bring light to all those we meet.You are our hope and source! We are so grateful for your grace to live victoriously! We love you! In Jesus Name, Amen.”

Connie Dienner

Executive Director