Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
I'm not one to waste time. When I found myself waiting on Scott for thirty minutes this afternoon, I decided to clip Clara and Carynne's fingernails.
One moment I'm feeling jazzed about my organizational skills and productivity. The next second my eye is screaming. A stray clipping flew through the air and weaseled its' way through my eyelids for a direct hit on my eyeball.
This morning I read Psalm 39. David is practicing the art of holding his tongue. Perhaps he remembered sitting on Great-Grandma Ruth's (see the book of Ruth) knee and hearing her say, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."
This adage sounds like expert advice. Practicing this bit of wisdom is giving David a case of serious heart burn. "But when I was silent and still, not even saying anything good, my anguish increased. My heart grew hot within me, and as I meditated, the fire burned." (Verses 2-3).
Notice David's anxiety was caused by not saying good things. God's standards blow mine out of the water. If I'd penned the Bible, I'd have awarded a crown to anyone who managed to hold their tongue when faced with an enemy. God's bar is not to hold your tongue but to spew kindness in response to venom.
When the fingernail infiltrated my eye, nothing could keep me from removing it. All I could think was...Get. It. Out. Immediately! What if my guttural response to unkind words hurled at me was words of blessing and peace? What if God's speech pattern was so ingrained, it naturally came out of me as instinctively as I got the culprit out of my eye.
Hours later my eye still aches. Isn't that what happens when I release careless words? They land on the heart of others, fold themselves between the layers and cause hurt for hours or even days.
Jesus, I surrender my mouth to You. Help me do more than hold my tongue. May the words flying out of my mouth today bring healing and sweetness to the hearer.
I Want to Know: What's been flying out of your mouth lately?
Hi Shannon - One can never be told enough to watch one's words. I sometimes prepare myself, "Tracy, when so and so comes and says something, just be quiet, say something positive" and when the moment arrives, I'm like mount Etna with no holds barred! Its a constant battle to tame the tongue. No wonder its mentioned so many times in the bible. Great reminder to speak words of grace and not words of destruction.
ReplyDeleteGod bless
Tracy
I love this analogy! I blogged about our words today as well. We really need to watch what we say. I want my words to be few.
ReplyDeleteTracy, you are so smart to prepare mentally before you face a difficult situation. Love the idea of setting my mind to set my mouth! :)
ReplyDeleteJennifer, I love it when God puts the same message on two sister's hearts. Going to read your post right now! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I found your blog through vB. I'm a Christian also, trying to delve deeper in my relationship with Jesus and I can see you're going to give me some food for thought!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Jenny
Full Cart Full Wallet
Jenny, I am super excited to connect with you through VB! Can't wait to start visiting your blog!
ReplyDeleteIt's times like this that what is really in our heart comes flying out. If we get our heart right, our mouth will follow. I love your message. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletehttp://imitationbydesign.blogspot.com
Jennifer, so true. Our hearts bubble up and spill out our mouths. Change my heart, I'll change my mouth.
ReplyDeleteIt's a case of a moment on the lips, a lifetime as a chip, to misquote the old saying about over-indulging food. I felt the love cascading out of this blogpost.
ReplyDeleteNeil, what an insightful, creative comment. So true that a momentary slip of the tongue can cause long-term hurt. Thank you so much for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteOuch! And so true! Is your eye doing better? :-) Hey, TJ from www.MeasuringFlower.com here popping by to follow and say hi from VoiceBoks' Christian Moms hop. I hope you have a great evening!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing site and post. I need to remember this myself. Awesome blog :0)
ReplyDeleteTJ, Thank you so much for your visit. I am so honored you stopped by. As a matter of fact, my eye is better, you can read about it here: http://shannonmilholland.blogspot.com/2011/08/long-term-residence.html.
ReplyDeleteElisabeth, don't we all? It's so easy to start letting things slide right out of our lips, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteI've read several posts lately about our language and how it can affect us. Thanks for being so conscientious and sharing with us!
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining our vB Christian Mom’s Blog Hop! I look forward to reading about your experiences a Christian Mom!
Happy Wednesday,
Becky Jane
http://RiseAboveYourLimits.blogspot.com/
Becky Jane, clearly we should be getting the message then huh? So glad you stopped by today. Your smiling face always warms my heart!
ReplyDeleteI love "great-grandma Ruth!" Our words are so important. Isn't it just like God to take things up a notch. Instead of just avoiding what's wrong also dish out what's good, amazing. My thoughts are so not like God's, boy am I thankful for the Holy Spirit!
ReplyDeleteBeck, walking up the notches hand in hand with friends like you make the journey so much more fun!
ReplyDeleteHi from your newest follower from the Mod'N'Natural Blog! I have not been holding my tongue at all lately for some reason... I feel like a hot mess. This was an awesome reminder and reflection time for me!
ReplyDeleteWe would love to have you join us for the Worship Wednesday Blog Hop :o)
http://naturalmommas.blogspot.com/2011/08/worship-wednesday-8312011.html
~Rebecca~
Rebecca, Thanks so much for your visit - I am so honored. And thanks for the invite to the Worship Wednesday Blog Hop! :)
ReplyDeleteHi, new follower here! :) Keep up the great posts. In January I will be a the speaker at our Awana program and I am going to be speaking on words! :)
ReplyDeleteCome visit me when you have a chance, I am looking forward to getting to know you and your blog! :)
Praises from a Wife and Mommy, so excited to hear about your upcoming speaking engagement. Super cool! I am honored by your visit today and look forward to visiting your blog as well!
ReplyDeleteHi Shannon! I've seen you around, and when I saw that you were a member of Christian Moms, I thought I'd check out your blog. I love it, and this is a great post about being careful with words. The Bible tells us that life and death are in the power of the tongue. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteGwendolyn, thanks for your visit. So honored you stopped by and shared a moment with me in the oasis. Please come back by soon!
ReplyDeleteHi Shannon your post made me think of an image I have seen on facebook recently if I did it right this should take you to it.https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150868036065475&set=p.10150868036065475&type=1&theater
ReplyDeleteCheryl, what a powerful picture. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletePrayers, constant prayer! That's not always the case but lately it has been and how refreshing and sweet it's been. Excellent post as usual Shannon. In the business of my move and settling I've missed reading your words of goodness!
ReplyDeleteBeck, praying for you as you get settled in this new adventure God has for you and your sweet family!
ReplyDeleteGreat analogy! It is so important to watch our words. Thanks for the reminder! I'm visiting from the vB Hopper Mania Christian Moms group. Have a blessed Sunday!
ReplyDeleteLisa
http://susannasapron.blogspot.com/
Columba Lisa, Watching my words could be a full-time job! ha!
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