Weekly Practice 11/3/25
Hey, all. If you’re able, try to do and/or reflect on this week’s practice with someone else, maybe a friend, spouse, or even your kids. Iron sharpens iron, right?
Scripture
Philippians 4:8 NIV
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Practice
Affirmations
I think our community is especially gifted at affirmations. My recent birthday is the perfect example. I felt incredibly seen and loved by what so many of you said, and I felt seen and loved by God through you. I also know that, when bogged down with my own stuff, it can be hard for me to notice God’s good and beautiful work in others. In Finding Freedom in Constraint, Jared Boyd writes:
“I think we do not have enough of a culture of noticing and naming the good we see in others. We are much more acquainted with work cultures and family cultures where the things we do wrong are pointed out but the places where we are flourishing are less noticed. At the very least successes are less often verbalized than criticism unless a culture of celebration and affirmation is being created intentionally. But we can change this by showing up with a focus on noticing and naming the good in others. It will help others see the good in themselves in ways they may not have seen before. We help them see the truth of themselves.”
This week, during your times of prayer, ask God to help you notice that work that he is doing in others. If you notice anything, try sharing it with the person. Don’t make up an affirmation just to make someone feel good. This practice is as much about you tuning in to God as it is about blessing others. But when you do notice “if anything is excellent or praiseworthy” in another person, be brave. Tell them.
For your consideration
Aaron mentioned Wide Awake International this last Sunday as a ministry Trellis may support in the near future. Our friends Jed and Kim Johnson started Wide Awake in 2013, working to deinstitutionalize disabled boys and men in Ukraine. Please be praying for them. This isn't just a ministry; it’s their life, and they live it with a Christlikeness that is “excellent and praiseworthy.” You should sign up for their newsletter, too!
