Encouraging Words (November Challenge)

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Encourage Each Other[/caption]

I'm so glad you stopped by! I was jogging with the twins yesterday and KK reminded me of a quote in the dining hall at camp that reads, "Words are so powerful, they should only be used to bless, to heal, and to prosper." Do you remember the scene in the movie "The Help" when Aibileen would repeat to baby girl "You is kind, you is smart, you is important." Words are so powerful. Imagine someone telling you everyday that you are kind, you are smart and you are important. What would that do for you? Obviously you would believe that you were kind, smart and important. The spoken word is a powerful tool!

What are you speaking to your children? What are you speaking to those around you? When your children spill juice are your words impatient or kind? When your children disobey are your words filled with anger or wisdom? When your husband is unable to read your mind or forgets something from the grocery store, are your words that of forgiveness and understanding? It's something to think about. Our words are strong. We can choose to build each other up or we can destroy with a single word. I used an illustration with my children when they were little that I will never forget. We were doing a devotion on words of encouragement. We gave them a tube of toothpaste and let them squeeze all the paste out. (that was really fun!) Then we said, " Now try and put it all back in the tube." I remember MaryCam looking at me with this adorable grin that said "Really?" Of course the boys tried to cram it all back in the tube with their little hands. It was hilarious! Anyway, when everyone realized the paste was NOT going back in the tube, it was time for the teaching moment! The paste is like our words, once they've come out of our mouth we can't put them back. In other words, think before you speak. Use your words wisely, to encourage and to love. Harsh words are so painful, even when said in fun. At our house we say sarcasm is the lowest form of communication. But an encouraging word is like Christmas everyday! They are a gift.

I think a lot of time we think encouraging words, but for whatever reason we forget to say them out loud or we tell a friend something awesome about someone else. What is it that keeps us from telling others directly what they mean to us? In the past two days I have received a couple of emails with encouraging words that have sent me over the moon! It's amazing what sweet words can do! Today I am thankful for encouraging words. Words filled with thoughtfulness and love. They are so fine! So open your eyes and your hearts  and pull out those encouraging words! Change someone's whole day with a smile and an encouraging word! You have changed mine! Thank you! love love love Ruthie

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight Oh Lord my Strength and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14