Yesterday I talked a little about the words we speak, and if they are critical or sharp, how they hurt others. Interestingly enough, my devotion for today hits right on it - and I just want to share. It's from "I Hear His Whisper".....
Beloved one, I want you to watch your words. Pay attention to what you say, because it reveals what lies deep within your heart. Do you continuously talk about things that disturb you? Are you constantly complaining? Or are you giving me all of your frustration, in order to enjoy life with me? You can come to understand more about yourself by acknowledging what you talk about and then bringing those things to me so I can purify your heart. Keep your speech in agreement with what I have declared to be true in my Word. Remind yourself often of what I say. Let my Word sink into the depths of your being, until it becomes a part of you. If you will tune in to the sound of heaven, you will notice when the things you say contradict my truth. Speak words of life and light. Your words will bring a blessing or a curse, depending on which kingdom they agree with. They can connect you to the source of my limitless power or drag you down into places you should not be. Never think your words are unimportant. They are important, and I listen to every one.
"You can be sure of this: when the day of judgment comes, everyone will be held accountable for every careless word he has spoken. Your very words will be used as evidence against you, and your words will declare you either innocent or guilty." Matthew 12:36-36.
Does that not pack a wallop? I've been guilty of saying words I really didn't mean, but in hurt, or anger, or frustration, I let them come out of my mouth. Have you had that happen to you? I've learned over the years that even those who I noted did not yell or speak harshly about or against others, they too, are as guilty as me. Words we speak are often repeated to others.... something to think about. I am going to attempt to watch my words more closely. If I have to remain silent, then I should remain silent. I know many times I have wanted to say things in the past, but chose not to - just to avoid a screaming match or an argument. Have you ever done that? I guess I am the one confessing. One learns from what they have experienced. I was beaten with belts, hairbrushes, wooden spoons, and hands when I was growing up; along with words screamed at me. My step father told me one time to 'go do the dishes' and I responded "fooey" - and then picked myself up off the floor across the room. Yes, I had very poor examples.
Unfortunately, I know I passed some of what I learned on to my children in various ways. Not intentionally, but because that is what I was shown, I didn't know life was any different. Just like my abuse; we thought it went on in every family like that. That is one of my prayers at times; that my children will want different for their children; there will be love spoken in their houses, there will be softness, kindness, and lots of love and care. Have you passed any traits on to your children? Are they ones you are proud of?
I actually had a memory I was going to share this morning about an incident with my children's father... but I think I will save it until tomorrow. Today's words are more important. I'll just say it was our first time at church together...... I may have shared it before, but because my son shared a memory on his blog yesterday, this one came to my mind. I really do want to share any memories I have of time with their father. Some words need to be spoken.
Today is Saturday and I have my personal list of things I want to do today. I bought some breakfast pizzas from Schwans this week so perhaps I won't have to cook breakfast... but I am changing my diet (again) to eat more healthy.... so I may avoid those. I'm sure they are loaded with cholesterol. I received notification yesterday from Sonora Labs that my test results were in. I logged in and looked at them. My doctor hasn't called me yet - and since I now I have the lab results too, he will probably call on Monday. There are a few things that look like they may be 'issues' but the main one is cholesterol. I keep thinking how I can convince him that I don't need to take a pill but will work on my diet to bring it back down. I've done it before; I can do it again. I just don't want to take a pill for which I can control what is going on. I take a thyroid pill because I can't do anything about that. But cholesterol is sometimes controllable. I say sometimes because although we don't eat that badly at home, hubby takes two cholesterol pills to keep his down.
Yes, I'm rearranging my 'diet' again to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables (been doing real good about that this week) and cutting down on my portions. Of course the cheezits I had last night as a snack probably reeks of cholesterol... but I do love the saltiness of them. The doctor advised me to cut back on portions (so I get 3 bites instead of 10?). I love that he didn't say leave ice cream alone. Leave bread alone. Don't eat this, don't eat that. He just said watch what I eat, and eat smaller portions. Also walk briskly 30 minutes a day. I've been able to do that the last two days. Yes, hubby got me to go to the rec center with him. He was patting himself on the back that he actually has gone 3 times this week. I have gone two. We have to pay a yearly fee for the rec center (it's mandatory whether you use it or not) so we may as well use it. What is really cool about this rec center, the outside behind the building is all pool. Over half of it is a pool maze that you walk through over and over again. It also has a huge jacuzzi. And it has perhaps 8-10 lanes that are roped so that people can swim laps if they want. I get it - the maze is for people who don't want to swim, don't want to use weights or gym equipment, but are willing to get in the water and walk with the water strengthening their body. Some get in with water weights in their hands, pulling them through the water as they walk. The treadmill I get on is at the window and that is what I do while I'm walking; I people watch. It's really interesting to watch them.
And now I'm rambling again so will hush for today. Hope that you have an amazing day. Take notice of your words today; are they kind? are they true? are they encouraging and building up others?
Blessings!
