Welcome to Catapult Mentoring Group’s Life Coaching w/God

Philippians 4:4 is a biblical verse that says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!". This command, often repeated for emphasis, encourages believers to maintain a constant state of joy rooted in their faith in Christ, regardless of their circumstances. This joy is a choice and a fruit of the Spirit that is sustained by a relationship with God, not by external factors. 

• Meaning: The verse is a powerful and emphatic command to find joy in God at all times. The repetition of "Rejoice!" is not just for emphasis but also reflects the joy the apostle Paul expressed even while in prison.
• Source of joy: The joy described is not fleeting happiness but a deeper, more enduring joy that comes from faith in the Lord, not from outward circumstances.
• Context: The verse is part of a larger passage (Philippians 4:4-13) that provides guidance on how to maintain peace and joy through prayer, thanksgiving, and focusing on positive things.
• Christian teaching: This verse is a fundamental principle in Christianity, teaching that believers can and should choose to be joyful because of their relationship with God, who is greater than any hardship they may face. 

Thematic and Moral Lessons

• Coming of Age: Hansel and Gretel's journey is a rite of passage. They are forced to leave the dependence of childhood and, through their harrowing experiences, grow into resourceful, independent individuals who can provide for themselves and their father.
• Sibling Bond: The core of the story is the strength of the siblings' bond. They rely on each other's help and support to survive, demonstrating the importance of familial love and teamwork in overcoming adversity.
• Dangers of Greed: The stepmother and the witch both die because of their greed and selfishness. The children, by contrast, are rewarded for their resilience and for protecting their family, teaching a clear moral lesson about the destructive nature of avarice.
• Resourcefulness and Cleverness: The children's intelligence (Hansel's use of pebbles and the bone, and Gretel's tricking of the witch) is their greatest asset, teaching that wit and quick thinking can overcome physical danger and evil.
• Stranger Danger: The witch's candy house is a deceptive trap, serving as a powerful cautionary tale for children about the dangers of trusting strangers, even if they appear kind and the temptation is great.