The value of our words is rather pricey. Just think – if I tell you that you look nice on a day that you feel like you look bad, then those words will minister to you. They have value to you on that day.

Okay – perhaps a silly example. But, you understand what I mean. Words have the power to lift up or destroy. Words have power to affirm or deny.

As a child, I was always happy when someone, anyone, paid the slightest bit of positive attention towards me. That person’s words would hang with me. I needed to be affirmed and reassured of my worth. And, I believe that the Lord would send people to tell me these positive things. Some I believed – some I would not believe – but that’s another blog post. That was an internal issue that I struggled with and is no reflection on the one being used of God to bless me.

You see, words are very important – pricey if you will. So we have to spend them wisely. We have to make sure that we are communicating when we open our mouths – not just spouting out because we can. I had to learn this as well. I used to use my mouth for evil. If it seemed to me that you were out to hurt me or trying to back me in a corner, my mouth would come out swinging, er, spouting. Thank God for deliverance! Thank God for spiritual growth. Now, I know better. I know that my words have to be used for good – for communication. When I use my words for good, God gets glorified. And, now I find, that when I am submissive to Him, He allows me to use my mouth to encourage others – to communicate to them their worth in God. I get to pour forth the pricey ointment of praise on those in need.

So, today, make an effort to chose your words carefully. You have the power to help, heal or hurt all wrapped up in the power of your tongue. I hope that you will use your power to communicate for the glory of God.

And just where did the morning go? I planned to post something to the blog early this morning but then…well, nevertheless, here is Monday’s post, on Monday afternoon! (sorry!)

This weekend was great. I had the opportunity to reconnect with some family members that were in town and catch-up. Also, I had the opportunity to baby-sit – well, I should say “puppy-sit.” I kept the two pups this weekend. They were really good – they love to play – I do too, so they wore me out! I was exhausted when they left Sunday. But, nevertheless, I really enjoyed them. And, now the house is quiet again and I don’t hear those little feet racing around on my linoleum floors. Humph. It’s amazing the things that you get used to. Friday night I was having trouble communicating with the pups. They love to be talked to – but I wasn’t sure what to tell them.

Should I tell them about my work week and the victory that I experienced on Wednesday and the relief I felt on Thursday and my ambitious schedule prior to their arrival on Friday? Nah. Should I tell them about our plans for the weekend and how much fun they would have? Nah. What should I tell the pups?!

Well, I decided to tell them a few things – one being that I loved them and welcomed them at my home. They loved that news – evidenced by all the “love licks” they gave me. And, then I decided that as long as I was talking to them in a gentle way, they wouldn’t care about the topic of discussion. So, this weekend, “we” talked about a great number of issues. They always responded the same way – happy ears, bright eyes, ready tongues. You just have to love pups.

And well, I would never try to compare creation with the Creator, but I did have a thought this weekend. It does not matter how trivial the matter, our God wants to hear from us too. He does not only want to hear about the valley low experiences of our days – He wants to hear about the mountain-top experiences and even the mundane. I believe that He stands ready to hear any and everything that is on our heart and mind. So, today, whatever it is that you are thinking about – tell it to the Lord. You don’t have to get all fancy with it either – He just wants you to speak with Him and commune with Him.

Get talkin’!

I was speaking with a good friend of mine last night. He said something that you don’t hear much from guys – he spoke about the value of communication. I listened while he spoke at length on this topic and had a number of great points. And now, I want to share with you some of the highlights from our little chat – reworded of course, ‘cause I’m wordy....

Is anybody home? That’s what I want to say sometimes when I am talking to someone and they seem to be ignoring me. Of course, this is bound to happen. Our minds are so full of “this and that.” It’s not that “this and that” aren’t important items – I wouldn’t dare to say that they are not. But, I am beginning to wonder, “is it worth the lack of communication?”

In our culture, we generally stay hooked up to something – whether it’s our computer, cell phone with texting capability or email – we are always communicating by typing. What happened to communication by speaking? I think we need more of it! Speak people!

I guess I’m still a little puzzled by the response that I got from one of my students recently. I asked the student a question that only he could answer and he simply went mute. He refused to answer me or the question that I posed to all of the other classmates. Maybe I should have asked him via text message. Maybe then I would have gotten a response.

All jokes aside, I am concerned about this student. I believe this student is just one of many suffering from the same syndrome. We need to be able to speak our convictions. The first step is a de-cluttering of “this and that” coupled with a right focus. Let me give you a quick example: Ask anyone in America what is going on with Britney Spears and you will get an answer and an opinion. Ask anyone about the Ten Commandments or God’s covenant promise to Abraham and you may just get that mute response that I got from my student.

This is just something to ponder. I’m finishing my lunch…and communicating by typing… Add me to the list. We all need prayer.