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Sticks and Stones

Posted on January 20, 2016 by TreeJanuary 25, 2016  

Who made that up anyways? – “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me!” I remember saying that all the time as I was growing up. It’s a great kid’s comeback, but it’s certainly not true. We may recover quite nicely from bumps and bruises, but it’s words that leave wounds that never fully heal.

“There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise promotes health.” Proverbs 12:18

The Bible speaks volumes about the words of our mouth, the destruction it can bring (even bringing life and death), and how we need to be mindful of what we say. Our tongue is a mighty tool or weapon, depending on how we use it. And God cares very much about how we choose to do so.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Proverbs 18:21

Words have great power. I am a “words” person. I take things spoken to me to heart, literally. This is not always a good thing. I have bad memories of words that were spoken to me, going all the way back to when I was a young teen. I remember them vividly, and am sure I will never forget. I don’t dwell on them, but they do “pop” up in my mind from time to time.

Here is an example of something that happened last weekend when I went on a lunch date with my hubby. I told my husband that I wanted to share something close to my heart with him. He responded in such a way that made me feel super self-conscious, and just literally dumb. He didn’t say anything bad, really. And now l know his intent was not as I had perceived it. But his reply was, “Oh, really?”, and that just shut me down. I was not about to share at that point. I told him how he made me feel, and he replied by saying that he didn’t realize what an impact his words had on me. THAT baffled me – because he has known me for over 30 years, and I went on to let him know that his words pierce me. And then that shut him down. Oh boy, was that date off to a bad start. We were only having our soup before the meal – and I wanted to just leave! After a few moments of silence (besides the soup-slurping), he spoke up. Thankfully, he is full of Godly wisdom. He used new words to make things right, and our date was redeemed!

“A soft answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1

The power of life and death, blessing or curses, encouragement or discouragement, a good date or a bad date – are in our words. What we say matters. Taking a moment to think before you speak is always best. It can not only save you from trouble, but prevent you from hurting those you love. Proverbs 15:28 speaks of the heart of the righteous studying how to answer. My husband has a difficult job, where his character is consistently tested. He has learned to respond instead of react. The difference? Thinking before you speak.

“The heart of the righteous studies how to answer,
But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.” Proverbs 15:28

In the book of Matthew, Jesus says that “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks”. It’s not always as simple as thinking before we speak. Sometimes it’s a heart issue. Here is my prayer:

Psalms 19:14

Do you have trouble reigning in your tongue? Try to remember to pray and think before you speak. Then respond, don’t react.
Teresa

Posted in Faith | Tagged Bible, Christian, faith, Inspiration, speak, sticks and stones, taming the tongue, words | Leave a reply

Resolute Resolutions

Posted on January 17, 2016 by TreeJanuary 20, 2016 1

Happy New Year! I can hardly believe that half of January has already passed into history. By this time, many people have already forgotten about their New Year’s Resolutions. And that is what I want to talk about.

Nowadays, New Year’s Resolutions mean nothing. They are empty promises made to self just for the sake of speaking something . They should really be called, “Things I’d like to do this year – but most likely won’t.” Honestly, I can’t remember a time when these things were taken seriously. I’d be sitting around, just before midnight and people around me would start spouting off their resolutions. They all sounded really good. Even mine – every year I spoke up it was “lose weight, draw closer to God”. Things I thought would please or impress.

Has the word resolution lost all it’s meaning, as so many words in our language today? The root word is resolve. That means to bring an end to a problem. So, if I make a resolution to lose 20 lbs – then at the end of that year, my 20 lb problem should be resolved. If I make a resolution – to “resolve” to eat healthy; I have decided firmly, I have determined to, I have made a resolution to do that thing.

To be resolved is to be resolute, determined, purposeful, firm, unwavering, steadfast, inflexible, unyielding, unrelenting. You get the picture?

So then, as I make a resolution this year – I am not viewing it as something I’d like to do if my time allows, or if I am temporarily inclined.

I am resolute in my commitment. I will not waiver or yield. I will remain steadfast and determined; working relentlessly towards my goals.

A Goal is a Dream with a Deadline

Isn’t this cool? I actually took this picture. Clouds are my favorite.

 

I have many resolutions this year. There are about twelve on my list. Most of them require me to not be “me”. I am asking a lot of myself this year. I want to BE the type of person who will declutter her house, clean out her garage, let go of some collectibles. I want to BE a person who makes the time to exercise, plan healthy meals, and actually lose those 20+ lbs. I want to BE the person who blogs at least 2X a week, and keeps a life plan book. All of this goes against the grain of my creative brain and procrastinating ways. But I don’t care.

What really made me plant my foot firmly is the lifeplan book. I wanted one so badly. But I kept telling myself that it would be a waste of money, and that I wouldn’t use it. Because, after all – I know how I am. And then I thought to myself, “How ridiculous! I WANT to BE the person who uses this organizational tool, so BE it!” In other words – “JUST DO IT!” So, I ordered the planner and am using it, and so far I LOVE IT! It helps me to get my plans and to-do lists out of my head and onto paper, where I can see them. And better yet – I can cross off the stuff I have completed, which is no small sense of accomplishment to me!

My word for the year is “BE”

Some synonyms for be are: remain, stay, last, continue, survive, endure, persist, prevail

It’s used to indicate the identity, qualities, or condition of  a person or thing.

I will BE resolute

I will BE determined

I will BE purposeful

I will BE firm

I will BE unwavering

I will BE steadfast

I will BE inflexible

I will BE unyielding

I will BE unrelenting

A HUGE part of this change in me will come from drawing nearer to God. The time I devote to spending time in His Word, in prayer, and praise will shape me into the woman who is able to do all of these things. My mind and heart will desire the things that He desires.  I will be equipped. He will be the strength in my weakness. And I will become the very best version of me ever.

To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.

All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

Proverbs 16: 1-3

What about you? How do you feel about New Year’s resolutions? Did you make any? And if you did, how do you plan to accomplish them?

Teresa

 

 

 

P.S. The planner I purchased is the Erin Condren LifePlanner. Using the link I provided in the left sidebar, you can visit her site, sign up, and save $10 on your first order! 

 

 

Posted in Faith | Tagged erin condren, faith, goals, lifeplanner, resolutions | 1 Reply

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