| Choosing Our Words Carefully | | Posted on Thursday, September 2, 2010 at 6:00am |  Between writing a book, Twittering, Facebook, blogging several times a week on several different blogs, email and messages it’s easy to run out of words. Sometimes I sit in front of the screen and just stare and pray and pray and stare. I’m amazed at the people who “tweet” all day. Where do they come up with all those words?
Yesterday I was reading in Ezekiel and the following passage stood out.
He then said to me: "Son of man, go now to the house of Israel and speak my words to them" (Ezekiel 3:4 NIV)
I looked it up in the King James Bible: “speak with my words unto them.”
What struck me was “speak my words”—speak with my words.
As I write my blogs and tweet more each day, I want my words to come from the Spirit of God. I don’t want to twitter my time away blogging words that are meaningless. I want to speak and write as God directs, not because it’s the
"thing to do."
If you are reading this blog, you’re probably a blogger yourself. Perhaps you’re on Facebook and Twitter too. Do you struggle with finding the right words?
When I surrender my words and use God’s words, as he instructed Ezekiel, he is faithful to give me the words I need. God placed a scroll in Ezekiel’s mouth and it tasted sweet, even though the message was a hard one. The Lord was sending the prophet to warn the people of Israel because of their rebellion. God’s words are sweet and true—even if the message is tough at times.
- How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! (Psalm 119:103)
- All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal (Psalm 119:160).
- Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones (Proverbs 16:24).
So as I twitter and blog, I pray that my words are God’s words and that I do not babble and “tweet” useless messages.
- A man of knowledge uses words with restraint . . . (Proverbs 17:27) .
- When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise (Proverbs 10:19).
In my previous blog, I discussed dumb things we say to our kids. Definitely not words from the Lord. Words are so powerful. Spoken and written, they can encourage or discourage; build or destroy. We must choose our words carefully and make sure we use God's words.
This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words (1 Corinthians 2:13).
Since you’re reading this blog, it’s safe to assume you are a blogger and perhaps a tweeter too. Do you struggle with finding the right words? Let’s pray we obey the following passage:
If anyone speaks (writes), he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen (1 Peter 4:11).
| | | | | | Stupid Things We Tell Our Kids | | Posted on Monday, August 30, 2010 at 6:00am | While cleaning up some files I ran across one of those internet messages people send around that list stupid things. This one was of dumb instructions printed on packages such as:
- Sears hairdryer: “Do not use while sleeping.”
- Bag of Fritos: “You could be a winner. No purchase necessary. Details inside.” (So am I suppose to steal it?)
- Bar of Dial soap: “Directions: Use like regular soap.”
- A American Airlines packet of nuts: “Instructions: Open packet, eat nuts.”
These are just a few, and after I stopped laughing, I started thinking of stupid things we moms say to our kids. Have you ever said the following?
- “You’re grounded. . . for life.” (That would mean your kid will never leave home . I don't think so.)
- "Do as I say, not as I do.” (So what are you doing?)
- ". . . because I said so, that's why!" (So who died and made you God?)
- “Do you want a spanking/timeout?!(What kid is going to say YES?)
- "I'm going to tell your father!” (For some kids this might not be a threat.)
- “That’s the last time I’m going to tell you.” (So how many times have you already said it?)
- “Don’t come running to me when you break a leg.” (If he breaks his leg, he won’t be running anywhere.)
While this is fun, we all say things we really don’t mean. Our words may seem appropriate at the time, but they can be harmful to our children. Words are powerful and our tongues often work faster than our minds. As Proverbs 15:2 tells us, “The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.”
As believers we want our kids to belief and obey the Word of God, the Bible. It starts with making sure they can trust us to say what we mean and that our “yes is yes and our no, no” (James 5:12). If we tell our kids they will be grounded for life, which of course we cannot really do, they may think that God doesn’t really mean he will punish the wicked for eternity. They may feel no consequences for bad behavior.
When we preach one thing then do another we set a double standard. Our children may follow our example and keep secrets in their own lives. They will think it's okay to lie and act differently in public than in private.
It’s tough sometimes in the heat of the moment to keep our mouths shut. However, we will earn our kids respect and obedience when we keep our words simple, to the point, and trustworthy.
Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few (Ecclesiastes 5:2).
So what crazy thing have you told your kid that you wish you hadn’t?
| | | | | | Sailing to Mexico | | Posted on Friday, August 27, 2010 at 8:01am | .jpg) I usually don't share too much about my "other life" on here, but our family is very active in the Christian Publishing industry. My husband is Executive Publisher for WinePress Publishing where I'm the Editorial Director and Publicity Director. Our children are actively employed or involved as well. It's a blessing to work with my family in this way.
So I want to announce that WinePress Publishing is sponosring a cruise to Mexico February 27-March 6. The exciting part for me is that my long-time writing mentor and dear friend Cec Murphey will be our keynoter. Nick Harrison, editor from Harvest House Publishing will also sail with us (in fact, it was his idea since his wife was already cruising with her quilting group). These two men are two of the finest, most encouraging men I know in the Christian publishing industry.
Sign up right away before the prices go up!
If you are an aspiring writer or just want to sail to Mexico with some really fun people--during the cold winter months--then join us!
| | | | | | Typos in Life | | Posted on Monday, August 23, 2010 at 6:00am | If you received my ezine this week you may or may not have noticed a typo. In  my list of books I read this past month, I messed up on one title. Instead of Missing Max by Karen Young, I typed Mixing Max. The crazy thing is, I kept looking at it, knowing something wasn’t right, but couldn’t see the problem. I even woke up in the night knowing I had sent a typo out, but couldn’t put my finger on it. Then in the light of day, of course I see it! Ugh! (By the way it's a fun, suspenseful read.)
I thought about sending out another message immediately to the ezine list, but thought “Who wants more stuff in their email box?” The damage was done and if you linked to the book you see the title, but it still bugged me all weekend. Hey, I’m supposed to be a professional who doesn’t make mistakes. Then I got busy and forgot about it—until this morning, it started eating at me again.
Isn't this how sin works in our lives? We say something hurtful or do something we shouldn’t. Or our pride kicks up and we dig our heels in and refuse to admit we’re wrong. We see it in our kids too. They do something wrong—don’t make their bed, forget to feed the dog, tell a lie—and they immediately try to cover up with excuses or more lies. If it’s not dealt with we soon forget about it —until the next time.
Human nature is a funny thing. We live in a fallen universe so typos are going to happen. The problem comes when we try to cover it up or deny we sinned or “forget about it.” Unfortunately minor things turn into sin when we make excuses. For example, I could blame spell check or the fact I have so little time to do everything on my plate for “mixing” up Max. But the truth is I was in a hurry. I wanted to send out my newsletter right then. It frustrates me when it’s late—which often happens—and I didn’t want to let it rest, like I know I should. But this is my prevailing sin—not resting. How many times does my husband have to tell me “Slow down?” He’s constantly reminding me that everything will get done in God’s timing. The ezine was about finding rest, for goodness sakes! And I couldn’t let it rest for one night before sending it.
We often refuse to admit our frailties, sins, and typos and convince ourselves no one notices or cares. What harm did it do? Yet, the damage is done in our hearts. When we excuse our sins, our hearts can soon grow cold and hard. We no longer acknowledge or recognize the truth—or see the typos in front of our face.
Praise God for his Light that reveals our sins and exposes our hearts. When we run to the Light and bask in it, then the typos don’t matter. God backspaces our sins away.
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin (1 John 1:7).
| | | | | | Ask Mom Resource: Momology | | Posted on Thursday, August 19, 2010 at 9:16pm | 
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him (James 1:5).
This book is packed with lots of "ask mom" types of questions and answers. Designed similar to a “dummies” book, Momology : A Mom's Guide to Shaping Great Kids is a comprehensive course on motherhood. Author Shelly Radic uses her position as chief of staff of MOPS International and 36 years of research based on the ministry. Momology looks at the four core elements of successful mothering. It includes stats, tips, ideas, and stories "voices" from parents, relationship experts, and the team at MOPS International. 
This book addresses topics such as depression, community, sense of humor, discipline, caregivers, understanding childhood, focusing on God, and other “mom” issues. There are “practicums” throughout the book, providing real life action steps for moms. Mix and match and choose the steps and ideas that fit your needs. There is a section focusing on the "grandscape" and God's view on parenting. | | | | |
|
|
 Links  Recent Posts  Categories |
Sign up for The Spiritual Mom eZine and receive a FREE mom-inspiring screensaver.
|
|
Authorized Log-In