Proverbs 12

<READ PROVERBS 12 ON BIBLE GATEWAY>

From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him. – Proverbs 12:14 NIV

It's all in the presentation. How the words come out of your mouth makes all the difference, especially to kids, but undeniably each time we engage with one another. Just the other day my son Logan took issue with the words I used to ask him to cut up some strawberries. "Mom, if you'd have just said...." Kids!

On paper, I edit, re-edit and then edit again. Everything we say or write can come out wrong or be misunderstood with a simple word. Face to face, it's all about the way it's said. You can probably stop right now and think how an encounter would have gone better with a different intonation, approach, facial expression or hand gesture.

I ask too many questions. There it is. I love to meet new people, and I enjoy connecting people. So, I get to know people by asking questions. When I meet someone at church I try to find out something about them. Do you live nearby? Where are you from? In the end, it's how did you get here and how can I help you find what you're looking for in a church home?

Wouldn't it be awesome if every Sunday we could step out of our comfort zone and seek out one person and let that one person feel God's love by a few words or a handshake? Imagine over 1200 people greeting friends, as well as those we haven't yet met, each Sunday at Cove. It's as simple as saying "I don't believe we've met. Nice to see you."

I am passionate about our church, my church. Just as we all welcome guests into our home, I aspire for guests and members to feel just as “at home” at Cove. I hope you share that desire as well.  If you meet a new person on Sunday, why not grab a Welcome Gift Bag for them?  From your “lips” someone may be filled with “good things”, a good feeling about our church, and you may experience the “rewards” knowing you made a difference to one person.

So if you see me around Cove, I'd love to get to know you! And one question will certainly be "What is your name again?"

See ya around Cove!

Emily Riley

First Impressions Coordinator

P.S. Three weeks ago we were invited to contribute to this blog.  I chose this verse, this topic, before being asked to lead the First Impressions Team on both campuses. What a rare thing to love doing your job. Will you join me in sharing the joy on the sidewalks of Cove? I’ll be asking.