PLEDGEtalk

Join us today for the inaugural Global Marriage Conference, commencing at 5pm Eastern.
Secure your spot by registering now via this link: https://www.lifeservicecenterofamericallc.com/global-marriage-conference-2026-Event

Join us for the inaugural Global Marriage Conference, co-hosted by myself and Dr. Gigi Sabbat. This exceptional opportunity to fortify your marriage is not to be missed.
Register now by following this link: https://www.lifeservicecenterofamericallc.com/global-marriage-conference-2026-Event

We invite you to join us for our inaugural Global Marriage Conference, co-hosted by myself and Dr. Gigi Sabbat. Register now via this link: https://www.lifeservicecenterofamericallc.com/global-marriage-conference-2026-Event

Saw this hanging on the wall of a teacher today…

I performed a funeral and was stunned by this...

A Legacy That Stunned Me

Last weekend, I performed a funeral for a dear friend of ours who was 80 years old. I did her husband's funeral 3 years prior.
In preparation for a funeral service, I always see if anyone would like to say something about the person who has died. Usually, there are zero - two or three at the most people who want to do so. This time, I had nine people who wanted to speak or write something for me to share!
That was amazing, BUT not the most amazing.
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What actually STUNNED me was that eight of the nine were adult grandchildren!
Think about that.
This friend of ours had such an impact that two generations were giving her praise!
Wow. I want that. I'm guessing you do too.
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What Creates That Kind of Legacy?
What can we do to help assure we have that kind of impact in the lives of our children and grandchildren, that kind of legacy, and make that kind of difference?​
For sure, there are numerous factors, but I am pretty sure I know two of them.
​
1. Going Deeper in Our Relationship With Jesus
The first is that you and I keep going deeper in our relationship with Jesus. I don't say that because of the need to check off some kind of box in our religious belief system. No, it's because Jesus is alive and carrying forth His plan and purposes in this world, and in you and me. He is at work changing us and making us more like Himself.
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2. Learning to Love as Jesus Loves
And that connects with the second factor - that of Love. Throughout the story of Jesus' life as is written in the Bible, we see that He regularly speaks of and teaches about LOVE. Just three of the clearest examples:
"For God so LOVED the world that He gave His Son..."
The story of the Prodigal son and Father
The two greatest commandments: Love God and Love others.
You can't get any clearer than that. God is love and wants us to love as He loves!
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Why This Matters for PLEDGEtalk
If you have followed me long at all in regards to PLEDGETalk, you have heard me say over and again that ultimately I am not teaching people how to resolve conflict, but how to love well in the way we communicate.
Soon after the first of the year, I will be sharing a PLEDGEtalk project we have been working on for months to help us all become better lovers of those around us, starting with our spouse, children, and grandchildren. I am praying you will give serious consideration to what we will be offering.
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Two Actions to Take This Week
For now, whether or not you would call yourself a follower of Jesus, I would encourage you to take two actions:
1. Pray.
Pray that God would teach you, show you, and mold you into a better lover of others - especially in the way you relate to them.
2. Remember the Power of Your Tongue.
A proverb says life and death are in the power of your tongue. Today and each day this week, practice using your tongue in conversations to bring life to others.
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For now,
Mark Oelze, Author/Creator of PLEDGEtalk
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PS
Eight Grandchildren writing about how much their Grandma loved them and helped them... What if we did the same with our kids and grandkids by showing them love in the way we communicate?

Like many around the world, I was stunned when I heard the news of the shooting and death of Charlie Kirk. Millions are mourning his loss. And, shockingly, some seem not just indifferent—but even celebratory.

I’ve found myself reflecting on what to think… and what to say.

Read the rest at: https://pledgetalk.com/mourning-charlie-kirk-some-personal-reflections/

For years, the divorce rate in our country in any given year has reportedly been as high as 50% of the number of marriages that were performed that same year.

Results from a 1997 Gallup Poll, however, suggested extremely LOW divorce rates among couples who pray together regularly, like 1 out of 1,152 couples!

WHAT? !!!

Follow this link to read some helpful tips to not becoming a statistic!! https://pledgetalk.com/a-surprising-insight-on-relationships/

God’s Invitation: A Friendship Awaits!

In last week’s Talking Tip, I wrote about John Gottman’s idea that we make “bids” to each other to start a conversation. To the degree they are noticed and appreciated, a healthy and helpful conversation ensues.

This week I have been thinking of another kind of bid…

Follow this link to the rest of the message... https://pledgetalk.com/gods-invitation-a-friendship-awaits/

Some of us get this wrong a lot of the time. Here is a little tip to help out...

https://pledgetalk.com/what-if-its-not-an-attack-but-a-message/

https://www.shepherdsstaffministries.org/2025/07/what-if-its-not-an-attack-but-a-message/

A little tip for when we get defensive...
https://pledgetalk.com/i-get-defensive-too-ugh/

https://www.shepherdsstaffministries.org/2025/07/i-get-defensive-too-ugh/

✝️✨A Christmas message from PLEDGEtalk!✨✝️

The Christmas season can be can be a very FULL time of year for many (ok, MOST!) of us.

As we trek through this season together, how can we ensure that we are leaving room for THIS ONE THING? The most important thing!

Watch this video for a heartfelt Christmas message from Zerrin and I. ❤️

Wishing you and yours the most blessed Christmas!

Mark (and Zerrin!) Oelze, Author & Creator of PLEDGEtalk

Why Make Room for THIS during Christmas! This Christmas is like every other - BUSY! Now is the time to make room for one thing. Watch to know what that is!