Sunday, June 12, 2011

The Words Coming Out of My Mouth

 

by Jennifer AlLee

My son and I were talking with friends yesterday, and somehow, the subject of complaining came up. The conversation went something like this:

Son: "We love to complain at my house."
Friend: "I don't think I've heard your mom complain."
Son: "Believe me, she does."

Enlightening, don't you think? Overall, I really do try to be an upbeat, positive person. But my immediate family - my son and husband - get to experience all my raw honesty. Yes, they have the honor of hearing me complain. Why? Because I love them, of course. And because I trust them enough to let them know exactly how I feel.

My son's joke today made me think about my attitude. It could definitely use some adjusting.

Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.
Psalm 13:3, NLT
I admit, I sometimes have a hard time controlling my tongue. One of my coping mechanisms is humor and sarcasm, so I tend to make a lot of jokes. Sometimes, they are well-placed. Other times... not so much. I've asked the Lord to help me think before I speak. This is still a work in progress.

Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction.
The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
Psalm 18:20-21, NLT
Don't you just love verse 20? Wise words satisfy like a good meal. Yummy! That's what I want to do... deliver delicious, life-giving words. Won't you join me? Let's dish up feasts for the ears and souls of those around us!



 JENNIFER ALLEE believes the most important thing a woman can do is find her identity in God – a theme that carries throughout her novels. A professional writer for over twenty years, she's done extensive freelance work for Concordia Publishing House, including skits, Bible activity pages, and over 100 contributions to their popular My Devotions series. Her first novel, The Love of His Brother, was released by Five Star Publishers in November 2007. Her latest novel, The Pastor’s Wife, was released by Abingdon Press in February 2010. Her upcoming novel, The Mother Road, will be released by Abingdon Press in April 2012. She's a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Christian Authors Network, and the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance.

http://jenniferalleesite.blogspot.com/ - Jennifer's website
http://thepastorswifespeaks.blogspot.com/ - A safe haven for women living on the front lines of ministry.

6 comments:

  1. I am definitely guilty of finding more negative things to talk about that blessings. Maybe I wouldn't be prowling the kitchen and fridge as often if I had WISE WORDS in my mouth!

    Thanks for the reminder. A beautiful post, Jen!

    Oh, and I hear ya on the sarcasm. yikes. Guilty!

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  2. "Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction."

    Great verse. I should memorize that one.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks Jen. I was cleaning up from yesterday and bemoaning my chipped china (why can't my guys be more careful when they load the dishwasher??); but then out of the blue I was overcome with that crazy mother's love- I was just plain happy to have them home, safe and sound... You can always replace dishes, right? Love overcomes a multitude of complaints. :)

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  4. Jen, this is something I need to be very wary of. I'm quiet most of the time, but if I get too comfortable then I tend to joke around. Because I'm quiet most of the time, some people take my jokes quite seriously. :-(

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  5. Thanks, Jen. I'm working on my tendency to spout negativity. And I definitely can get sarcastic. I love that verse and plan to memorize it, too. Your devotional blessed me.

    ReplyDelete
  6. There's another verse that comes to my mind I try (and frequently fail) to remember to apply at home:

    Ps 118:15
    15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents and private dwellings of the [uncompromisingly] righteous: the right hand of the Lord does valiantly and achieves strength!
    AMP

    Thanks for the reminder, Jen! I needed it!

    ReplyDelete

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