Say what you mean and mean what you say

Proverbs 12:18 - There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

I know it's been a long time since I've been able to get on here and blog. I appreciate the loyal "followers" as you check in periodically. 


I've been thinking a lot about the holiday season, what a blessing it is to celebrate with family and friends, to reflect on those things we value and worship, and to re-focus on what matters most...which is Christ, and who we are becoming in and through Him.


Of late, I've been dealing with how to grant Jesus access to all areas of my life, as I have felt more busy with work and the "hustle and bustle" that surrounds us.


The devil tries to distract us, to get us worked up about small things, to be offended by what we think others are saying or doing...and when we allow him to deceive and lie to us, one small evil thought can carry a long way...and before we know it, what comes our of our mouths is unwholesome, hurtful and does not build up at all.


So my lesson to you today is two-fold...one - to be careful to tame our tongues...and to take time to listen before we jump to any conclusions, two - to be deliberate about communicating clearly, so that others will not misunderstand where you are coming from.


I have been at the giving and receiving end of each.  I know how easy it is to speak without discernment, to let loose because of emotive passion, to assume that something said or done demands an immediate response or rebuttal.  I also know how frustrating it is when someone is unclear, that you feel misled and defrauded in a sense, because you don't know for sure what someone means.


Let's all work on learning how to better judge what to say, when to say it, how to best say it, and then making sure those who are listening understand it well.


Grace and peace to you.