"Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment" ~Benjamin Franklin
Words have the ability to soothe the soul or stab the heart. As Christians our words should be of truth and love. In a world where everyone "speaks their mind" or "cusses out" others being mindful of words is difficult. We want to feel vindicated or that we had the upper hand. One party walks away feeling victorious. However, the result is both parties are hurt and neither win.
The Lord has been showing me areas of improvement needed in my life. One of the areas I need to improve is words. I use them carelessly at times. Last nights scripture included Matthew 12. Verses 33-36 stood out to me. "Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak, what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil. But I tell you that every CARELESS word that people speak, they shall give an ACCOUNTING for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be JUSTIFIED, and by your words you will be CONDEMNED." says Matthew 12:33-36. I knew God would hold me accountable for my choices, thoughts, and sins. I did not realize the magnitude my words would have on judgment day.
Another quote I like is,"we do not have to entertain every argument we are invited to." In life we have differing opinions on religion, parenting, relationships, and the list goes on. Most want others to share similar beliefs, so they do not feel alone or alienated. Usually when an individual comes upon an opposing view they want to bring the other to their side. There are a few current "hot button" topics religious rights, gay rights, abortion, politics, and vaccines, to name a few, and everyone has an opinion on the right choice. We all want our voices heard and will debate these topics relentlessly. Some even bring in vulgarity to belittle others. What if we walked away instead of giving others fuel for their fire? How about letting them assume they have "won"? Less people would be hurt and the topics would receive less headline attention. I am not saying we should not stand for Christ or deny our beliefs. I am saying if someone truly wants your opinion on a topic they will ask. When someone comes to you for that opinion they are more likely to listen to logic and reasoning. See, I am learning not everyone wants to hear my opinion. Slowly, but surely, I am becoming okay with this realization.
Our words are more powerful than we will ever know. They leave an impression on others. We, as Christians, should leave the impression of Christ. If I "won" an argument on vaccinations, but made a mother feel less worthy...did I truly win? No and whats worse is I made her feel less. That should never be my goal as a Christian. My goal should be to love others and help them be the best they can be. Should I say whatever whenever I want? No. If I take time to think through my word choices I can uplift verses tear down. By thinking first I will say only words I meant and no further explanation will be needed. Honestly, there are times silence is the best answer. My challenge is to listen to God...He will give the words to speak and tell me when to say them. If Moses was given words to speak before Pharaoh in Exodus, which has far more importance than my words, then I am sure God can handle my words. I am positive what He has me say will garner better results than anything I could ever do on my own.
On another note:
I have not blogged lately, because I have been reading and crafting.
I finished cutting my Downton Abbey fabric for the LoveBug Studios quilt along( http://www.lovebugstudios.com/2013/09/09/register-now-for-the-downton-abbey-quilt-along/ ) which I started in the fall, but was not able to finish. Now when my 1/4 piecing foot arrives I can sew the quilt top.
Another finished project was this one( http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/neptunes-tears ) , but on a smaller scale. I found the pattern here ( http://www.lacompagniedeslaines.be/medias/files/free-neptune-s-tears-chale-crochet.pdf ). The pattern needs some improvements, but I was not terrible.
***Please ignore the picture quality. Do not judge too harshly the outcome as the picture does not flatter the shawl.***
I read Think Like A Freak ( http://www.amazon.com/Think-Like-Freak-Authors-Freakonomics/dp/0062218336 ) yesterday and enjoyed the book. If you would like to discuss this book with me, I would enjoy that. :-)
