We’re wrapping up a full summer of great memories. The boys and I started taking Karate together at UpLevel Martial Arts. It’s been great! I took Karate as a boy, which taught me great life skills. It has been fun to now do Karate with Isaiah and Amos. Mr. Barnes, the program director, and all the other teachers are phenomenal with kids. They are patient while also pushing everyone to grow their discipline and social skills. I see the boys growing in confidence, self-control, integrity, and social courage. The program has been a blessing and a great find.

One of my big to-dos this summer was getting through my class, Interpreting the Old Testament, at Gordon-Conwell. This was my third class in Hebrew studies. I’ve spent about 30 minutes every day for the last year memorizing Hebrew vocabulary and verbal paradigms. It’s been a grind, but the reward is that I can now read most passages of the Old Testament in the original language. I’m amazed! I’ve also recently completed two preaching classes that have greatly expanded my toolbelt for preaching. I’m set to graduate in May of 2024. So, I’m in the home stretch.

Hadley has been incredible in her support as I’ve been in school. She’s picked up my slack and solo-parented on school nights. Also, she’s discovered the perfect way to pan-sear salmon over the past year. She knocks it out of the park every time! Yes, she’s a woman of many talents and a blessing to me. If you’re not already, you should follow her hand-crafted jewelry business on Instagram called Messenger_Co. She makes beautiful pieces of jewelry.

Recently, one thing I’m teaching our boys is how to communicate their feelings when they are frustrated. It’s easy to want to kick, scream and punch instead of talking maturely. So, I’m working with them on slowing down to process their feelings and then sharing them respectfully. I’ll give them prompts, like “I’m feeling…” and “I’d prefer if you…”. I’m having them say “I’m sorry for…” I see them growing their communication skills as we work on this together.

Speaking maturely about feelings is honestly something that I’m growing in too. Even as an adult, there are often moments when my communication is immature. I snap and say something to Hadley out of frustration. I may be tired or just lazy, but it’s not helpful when I speak rashly. So, my personal challenge in this season is to communicate maturely and lovingly. So, I’ll end this personal update with a few Scripture verses to help us remember the importance of controlling our tongues.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

James 1:19

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Ephesians 4:29

The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

Proverbs 15:28

Blessings in Christ,

Gentry Eddings