Spiritual Makeover

Make Over My Mouth Project 2012: 5 Ways to Squash the Seeds of Gossip

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000-08:00

OK. You’re determined not to spread secrets about your friends. You’ve decided that you are going to be a trustworthy person. But you still find yourself in situations where others are not so discreet or honorable. How do you nip gossip in the bud?

Here are 5 ways to squash gossip before it grows:

Plan ahead with safe topics of conversation when attending social functions.
Change the subject. Before the speaker has a chance to get the gossip out, interrupt with a question or perhaps a compliment on what the speaker is wearing.
When your conversation partner is about to share a juicy tidbit about “Shari,” ask, “Did Shari ask you to share this information with me?”
If your group begins chatting about someone who isn’t present, smile sweetly and say, “You know, this is making me uncomfortable.”
Let your friends know you are trying to observe a gossip “fast”—trying to avoid all gossipy conversations.

It’s true that initially you might make someone uncomfortable, but they will also know that they can trust you with their secrets. Perhaps you will start a trend of gossip fasts!

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Make Over My Mouth Project 2012: Delicious Gossip?

2012-01-26T07:00:00.000-08:00

"If you haven't got anything nice to say about anybody, come sit next to me."

~Alice Roosevelt Longworth

"The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
they go down into the inner parts of the body."

Proverbs 18:8 ESV

Gossip is sometimes described as America’s pastime. Looking at the number of celebrity gossip shows and magazines, I am inclined to agree.

Why do we like to gossip?

Sometimes gossip has a positive motive:

I an interested in people. I want to know what is happening in their lives.

But usually gossip has negative motives.

Spreading news about someone else makes me feel important. I know something you don’t.
Finding out something sordid or embarrassing about someone else can make me feel superior to them.

The dictionary defines gossip as, “to spread rumors or tell people the personal details of others' lives, especially maliciously.” Our motives in sharing details about our friends are usually not very pure. And the results are usually not positive either! Friends are hurt, relationships are damaged, our reputations for trustworthiness are sullied.

In the end, gossiping doesn’t benefit anyone. Look at Proverbs 18:8 in the paraphrase of The Message:

“Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy;
do you really want junk like that in your belly?”

Today make it your goal not to listen to or share any gossip.

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Make Over My Mouth Project 2012: The Door to My Lips

2012-01-25T07:00:00.000-08:00

Set a guard over my mouth, LORD;

keep watch over the door of my lips.

Psalm 141:3

How can we guard our mouths? How can we only let good words pass through our lips? How can we keep the not-so-good ones locked behind the door?

It isn't easy. Evidently even the eloquent psalmist David had trouble with this. Psalm 141:3 is his prayer for a mouth guard!

We can also pray David's prayer. In addition, let's try using a mental checklist to help us know when to open the door of our lips and when to keep it shut.

Before you speak ask yourself these 3 questions:

Is what I am about to say necessary? Or am I just trying to fill the silence?
Is it kind? Sometimes hard words are necessary, but perhaps there is a kinder way to day them.
Is it something I would say if Jesus were sitting next to me? If I were more aware of Jesus' presence, perhaps I would be more careful with my speech.

Let's try using this checklist as we learn to use discretion in our speech.

Make Over My Mouth Project 2012: The Best Kind of Friend

2012-01-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

"The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch swing with, never say a word, then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation that you ever had."

"The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing...not healing, not curing...that is a friend who cares."

Henri Nouwen

"The more the words,
the less the meaning,
and how does that profit anyone?"

Ecclesiastes 6:11

Father in heaven, help me to be the kind of friend who knows when silence is best. Show me how to comfort in times of grief and despair, times when words are not enough. Help me to know when to refrain from offering advice, platitudes and cliches and simply give my presence and compassion.

Amen.

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Make Over My Mouth Project 2012: Quick to Listen

2012-01-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."

James 1:19

One of my problems in speaking is that when there is a lull in conversation I feel like I need to fill it and so I start to talk about myself. Or I complain about the weather. Or I choose to prattle on about something insignificant.

James tells us we are to be slow to speak and quick to listen. His formula for a pleasant talk might look something like this:

Slow to Speak + Quick to Listen = A Good Conversation

What if I followed that formula? What if instead of talking about myself, I asked the other person a question? What if I used the pause in conversation as a time to listen and learn something new?

Here are 5 intriguing questions to get others talking:

If You could replay any moment in your life, what would it be?
What is your favorite holiday (or season)? Why?
What's the best surprise you've ever received?
What word would you say describes you best? Why?
If you could meet any one person, whom would you choose?

Today let's use one of these questions and be quick to listen and slow to speak.

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Make Over My Mouth Project 2012: Quiet?

2012-01-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

There is a time for everything...

a time to be silent and a time to speak.

Ecclesiastes 3:1a, 7b

When my nephew, Seth, was three, my sister called with the news that her husband’s brother had died. She asked if we could watch Seth for a week while they made a trip to West Virginia for the funeral and to take care of cleaning out the brother’s house. I quickly agreed. I knew Seth would have a lot more fun playing with his cousins than going to the funeral of an uncle he had never met.

My own kids were about 11 and 8 at the time and were able to entertain him quite a bit, even when I was occupied with giving piano lessons. The only trouble was that Seth had not yet learned how to use his “inside” voice. Even though I taught piano lessons in the living room—which was across the whole house from the family room where he was playing—I could hear his voice! Then I would hear one of my kids try to tell Seth, “Quiet.” And Seth would reply, “QUIET?” Apparently it was a foreign concept to him.

We finally gave up and I would just greet my piano students with an explanation of the situation and ask them to excuse my houseguest who seemed to have no understanding of “Quiet.”

Sometimes I’m still like that. I think of something to say.
Complaining words are on the tip of my tongue.
A little juicy “news” about a friend is about to leave my lips.
Angry outbursts are on the way up my windpipe.
The Holy Spirit whispers, “Quiet,” but I ignore Him and blurt it out anyway.
Too often I’m reckless with my speech, thoughtless with my words.

This week let’s concentrate on using discretion when we speak.

Listen to the Holy Spirit. When He whispers, “Quiet,” obey.

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Make Over My Mouth Project 2012: 5 Ways to Cultivate a Gratitude Attitude

2012-01-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

One sure way to develop Complaint Restraint is to cultivate a Gratitude Attitude.

Thanksgiving is the best antidote to the poison of negativity. When I am conscious of the blessings in my life, I am less likely to grumble about life's irritations.

Just like any skill, cultivating that gratitude attitude does take some practice. However, with a little work, thankfulness transforms the way we look at the world. Here are some ways to practice thankfulness:

Keep a gratitude journal. Every day write down 3 things for which you are grateful. Last year one of the small groups I was in did this for several weeks in a row. After two weeks one woman commented that she went into the assignment expecting no results, but was surprised at how this simple practice made her feel better about life.
Use visual reminders. Put up sticky notes with gratitude scriptures or quotes.
Think of the mundane. Gratitude is not limited to the big things in life. My mood will instantly lift when I remember to express thankfulness for the little things that make my life better: my microwave, my soft, fluffy robe, and dark chocolate!
Avoid comparisons. When I compare my life to someone else's, I can easily find something to complain about. But if I focus on my blessings, gratitude flows instead.
Keep a written list of your most precious blessings. Put the list in your purse or post it on your refrigerator. When you feel like complaining, look at your inventory of blessings.

Do you have other ideas to make gratitude a habit? Share them with us!

As we cultivate a gratitude attitude, complaint restraint will become an easier task.

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Make Over My Mouth Project 2012: Are You Wearing the Shade of Whining Wine?

2012-01-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

Are you wearing the lipstick shade of Whining Wine?

Years ago, when I first enrolled in graduate school, I connected immediately with another graduate student. She had been in the school the year before and, therefore, was familiar with the schedules, routines and teachers. She began telling me which classes were the worst and which professors to avoid. I felt like I was getting useful data and the “scoop” on the school, but after awhile I noticed that all of her information was negative. There was something wrong with every class. Every teacher was either boring or demanding. All the other students in the school were unfairly promoted ahead of her.

I began to wonder if I had made a mistake in choosing that particular school. That is until I discovered inspiring teachers, caring students and interesting classes. Soon I recognized this friend as chronic complainer. It seemed she was always wearing the lipstick shade of Whining Wine.

I also found that when I hung out with her that my speech tended toward the negative. I needed to change my words from the negative to the positive!

So what are some practical things we can do instead of complain?

Discuss a situation with which you are dissatisfied. Complaining about a problem only expresses your frustration. Discussing the issue tries to find a cause and solution.
Ask for help. Sometimes I complain that no one is helping me. But did I ask anyone for assistance? Politely request help when you need it—don’t assume that everyone can see your struggle.
Distance yourself from chronic complainers. We all know people like this. Usually spending time with them does nothing but get our negative talk going.
Voice positive comments on purpose. Make a practice of talking about the good things in your day, your work, your relationships. Don’t just speak up when things go wrong, talk about the things that go right!
Develop an attitude of thankfulness. Even when we’re having a bad day, we can usually find something to be grateful for.

Do you have any helpful tips for eliminating the shade of Whining Wine from your lips?

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Make Over My Mouth Project 2012: A Complaint-Free Diet

2012-01-17T07:00:00.000-08:00

Do everything without complaining or arguing.

Philippians 2:14

Did you start a diet on January 1st? Perhaps you are trying a sugar-free diet or a fat-free diet. Maybe you're testing a simple-carbs-free diet. My sister is a vegetarian and consumes a meat-free diet.

These diets all have their merits, but what our mouths need is a complaint-free diet!

This probably sounds a bit extreme and if you're like me you are probably wondering, “If I can’t complain, what will I talk about?” It’s so easy to grumble because it seems so very few things in our lives ever go our way. It seems logical to gripe about all the mishaps in our days:

“The waiter at the restaurant didn’t get a single part of our order right.”

“The line at the grocery store took forever!”

“Traffic was terrible and some nut in a pickup cut me off!”

This week let's try to give up all complaining.

The complaint-free diet means no more indulging in grumbling.

It involves weeding out whining.

It means giving up griping and cutting out carping.

It’s going to be difficult, but there are benefits. In Philippians 2:14 Paul gave the instruction, “Do everything without complaining or arguing,” but in verse 15 he outlines the benefits of a complaint-free diet:

“so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe”

I see three benefits to a complaint-free diet:

1. We will become blameless and pure. Blameless means without fault; when we give up complaining, our lives will not be open to criticism. Pure means our lives will not be a mixture of good and evil.

2. We will be children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation. If we are not complaining, other people will be more likely to recognize that we belong to God. We will stand out in a perverse and corrupt society.

3. We will shine like stars in the universe. Without complaining, our light will shine brighter, we will be more able to point people to the Light of the world. Complaining will only dim our brightness.

Hopefully, as we concentrate on eliminating complaining from our vocabularies, we will make this a life-long practice. This new habit will clean up our characters, purify our attitudes, and polish up our witness.

Let me know how your diet is working!

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Make Over My Mouth Project 2012: 5 Ways to Encourage Your Kids

2012-01-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

Children are like tropical plants—they flourish in the warmth of encouragement and wither in the coolness of criticism. However, sometimes kids are not easy to encourage. They are noisy, messy and often make mistakes. So here are some tried and true methods of praising and supporting your children.

1. Catch them doing something right and comment on it! Too often we only mention their negative behavior. (The Illinois Early Learning Project gives more information on this.)

2. Express appreciation when your children are cooperative and helpful. Don’t take their efforts for granted. Even when they are doing something they are supposed to be doing, acknowledge when they are trying to do the right thing. (The Magic of Encouragement: Nurturing Your Child’s Self-Esteem by Stephanie Marston)

3. Praise and encourage a child for his efforts and not natural talent. Research shows that praising natural intelligence or talent may make children overly conscious of their image or become perfectionists. Or it may make them think that because they have natural talent they don’t have to try and may not want to attempt things they aren’t naturally good at. (Click here for an excellent article on this point.)

4. Praise improvement and progress. Nobody is perfect and we shouldn’t expect perfection from our children. Encourage them when they have made any improvement. Click here for more information.

5. Have some fun together. Do something your child enjoys. Have a tea party or watch a movie. Do something silly. Have a snowball fight or play a game of Simon Says. Just doing something fun with your kids will show them that you enjoy their company. Click here for more ideas.

Moms—please share the ways that you encourage your kids! That way we will all get more ideas!

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Make Over My Mouth Project 2012: Try an Encouragement Blitz

2012-01-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

Here is a simple, fun way to encourage everyone in your family. Have an Encouragement Blitz! This is a good activity to play during a long car trip, at dinnertime, or during a family meeting.

Each person gets to be the focus of an encouragement blitz. During that person’s turn his/her role is simply to listen without saying anything.
For sixty seconds everyone else calls out all the things that they love, admire, or respect about the focus person.
It is helpful to use “I” phrases. For instance: “I love your smile.” “I admire your perseverance,” “I appreciate your help with the dishes.”

I found this idea in a book called The Magic of Encouragement: Nurturing Your Child’s Self-Esteem by Stephanie Marston, but I think this idea could also be used by adults in a small group setting, like your Bible study group or a committee that you are working on.

Have fun with an Encouragement Blitz!

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Make Over My Mouth Project 2012: Elizabeth, the Excellent Encourager

2012-01-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

Imagine you’ve just discovered you are pregnant. You are engaged to be married, but your fiancé is not the father of the baby and you’re quite certain that when he finds out you will no longer be engaged. You have not done anything improper but no one believes your story. You really need some encouragement, but where can you go for support?

Of course this is Mary’s story.

Who needed encouragement more than Mary when she was faced with being an unwed mother in the first century? Mary ended up going to her relative Elizabeth who was also experiencing a miraculous pregnancy.

As we read this story, we can see that Elizabeth was an Excellent Encourager. What can we learn from her?

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

Luke 1:39-45 NIV

Here are 6 Principles of Encouragement from Elizabeth’s example:

Use your experiences to encourage people going through similar circumstances. Mary went to Elizabeth because the angel had told Mary that Elizabeth was also pregnant.
Rely on the Holy Spirit—do not offer comfort or advice on your own. Elizabeth was “filled with the Holy Spirit” (v.41).
Speak God’s blessing on others. Elizabeth told Mary, “Blessed are you among women!” (v.42).
When encouraging others, put the focus on them and not yourself. Elizabeth was the elder, but she declared she was honored to have Mary visit (v.43).
Tell others the positive effects they have on your life. Elizabeth told Mary how her own baby leaped for joy at the sound of Mary’s voice (v.44).
The most important encouragement is the encouragement of someone’s faith. Elizabeth told Mary she was blessed because she believed God’s Word (v.45).

How can you use these truths of encouragement this week?

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Make Over My Mouth Project 2012: What Not to Say to Our Husbands

2012-01-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

A quarrelsome wife is like
the constant dripping of a leaky roof.

Proverbs 19:13 NIV

I love the television show What Not to Wear. The real life participants on this show get fashion advice on styles to avoid and recommendations for fashion that will let their beauty shine. I love to see the transformations that are accomplished with just a few changes in wardrobe.

What if God were hosting a What Not to Say show? What advice would He give for a mouth makeover?

Many of God's speech recommendations are found in the book of Proverbs. And Proverbs 19:13 is a mini-lesson for us wives in What Not to Say. Too many times what comes out of my mouth at home is like a irritating drip, drip, drip. I don't mean to be quarrelsome, I don't mean to nag, but sometimes I just don't pay attention to the words that escape my mouth. I don't even listen to my tone of voice. God is asking us to use our words wisely, especially with our families. Ask Him for a miraculous Mouth Makeover!

If God were hosting a What Not to Say television show, here are some examples He might give us in "What to Say" and "What Not to Say" to our husbands.

What to Say What Not to Say

“You look handsome today “You’re wearing that?”

“Thank you for providing “You’ll never amount

for our family.” to anything.”

“I trust your decisions.” “I told you so.”

“You are one of God’s “I don’t know what I

most precious gifts to me.” was thinking!”

“The best part of the day “Oh good, you’re home.

is when you come home.” Can you take out the

garbage?”

Holy Spirit, Miraculous Makeover Artist, please transform my lips today. Help me to be aware of my words and the tone of my voice. May my lips act more like a fountain of life than an irritating leaky roof. May your grace flow through my mouth today, especially to my husband. In Jesus name, Amen.

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Make Over My Mouth Project 2012: Encourage a Friend

2012-01-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

Just a short post today with five ways to encourage a friend.

Use your phone. It’s always a treat to hear a friend’s voice.
Leave a message. A variation of #1—call when you are sure they won’t answer and leave a fun message that they can play over and over.
Send an email. Don’t have much time today? Email is a quick way to lift someone up.
Send a card. In this digital age real mail is something special.
Make a date. Set aside time to go window shopping or out to lunch.

Gotta go. I have to encourage a friend!

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Make Over My Mouth Project 2012: Day 7

2012-01-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

The most essential ingredient of a Mouth Makeover is prayer. Without God's help we have no hope in controlling our tongues!

However, I think that there are some practical steps we can take that will also help us in the process.

Here are five suggestions to assist you in your Mouth Makeover:

Be aware of the people you hang out with. Some people seem to be chronic gossips or constant complainers and may bring out the worst in your speech. Be aware of these people and steer the conversation into more positive waters or limit your time with them.
Count to 10. It's an old technique, but an effective one when you're upset or angry. Slow down, take a breath and count to ten before you speak.
Try to see things from a different perspective. When you're in a difficult conversation, ask God to help you to see things from the other person's point of view. Ask yourself, "If I were the other person, what words would help me?"
Know your triggers. When are you most likely to speak with an untamed tongue? In the car? With a difficult person in your life? When a certain topic is discussed? Know what is likely to make your mouth misbehave and be prepared to be extra diligent and prayerful in those situations.
Get enough sleep! My mouth is much more likely to do damage when the rest of my body is tired. Knowing how much sleep you need and obtaining that rest whenever possible may be one of the best antidotes to mouth mayhem.

"Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out."
Colossians 4:6 The Message

Make Over My Mouth Project 2012: Day 6

2012-01-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.

Matthew 12:34b NIV

Jesus tells us that the mouth speaks out of the overflow of the heart. Picture an overflowing cup. What is running out of the cup? Whatever is being poured into it.

And what I am pouring into my heart will eventually come out. The Greek word translated as overflow means abundance, what one delights in and what fills the heart. What I delight in and what I am interested in will naturally be what I talk about. (Just ask all my friends who have patiently looked at dozens of pictures of my grandsons!)

In order to improve my speech, I need to examine my interests because they will direct what I put in my heart. And what I pour in my heart will eventually flow out.

So I ask myself:

Am I pouring good things into my heart so that what overflows will be positive, noble, holy, and God-pleasing?

Are the things I delight in the things God wants to fill my heart?

We all need to pay attention to what comes out of our mouths and determine the source of our words.

Are angry words coming out because of what is going on in your heart? Do you need to speak to a counselor or sit down with a friend and work things out?
Are you cutting others down because you don’t feel valuable? Read God’s Word (especially Song of Songs 4:7; Isaiah 43:4, 62:5; Zephaniah 3:17) to discover how precious you are to Him.
Are complaining words escaping your lips? Maybe TV commercials and ladies’ magazines are breeding discontentment in your heart. It might be time to change what you watch or read.

May your heart overflow with joy and your mouth spill out the blessings!

Make Over My Mouth Project 2012: Day 5

2012-01-06T07:00:00.001-08:00

What do YOU do to tame your tongue?

When I asked this question my friend Sandi sent me a couple of great tips. She agreed to let me share them with you and I have added a third idea.

Write scriptures about your words or the mouth on sticky notes. Put them in conspicuous places where you will see them often during the day. Try your bathroom mirror, above the kitchen sink or on your car dashboard.
Set an alarm for three times during the day to remind you to say a specific scripture about the mouth out loud (Psalm 19:14 anyone?). Perhaps pick times you know are difficult for you to keep a civil tongue, e.g. morning (drive to work), afternoon (most difficult time of the work day), and evening (the drive home)
Turn these Scriptures into a prayer! The combination of scripture and prayer is sure to give us improved control over our lips.

Here are a couple of examples:

The right word at the right time is like precious gold set in silver.
Proverbs 25:11

Lord, please give me valuable words to speak--words that are like precious gold. Give me just the right word at the right time.

Gold there is, and rubies in abundance,
but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.
Proverbs 20:15

Father in heaven, give me lips that speak knowledge. Help me to listen to You before I speak. Help me to remember that it is better to wait to speak if I don't have any useful words to give.

I encourage you to find your own verses. Use your concordance or do a search at BibleGateway.com on words, mouth or lips. Please share your experience. Thank you Sandi for your suggestions!

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Make Over My Mouth Project 2012: Day 4

2012-01-05T07:00:00.000-08:00

My mouth has gotten me into trouble more times than I can count--BUT--I have noticed there are some rather predictable ways that it chooses to misbehave. So, in the spirit of David Letterman, here are:

The Top Ten Ways to Get Your Mouth in Trouble

10. Avoid listening to other people.

9. Interrupt whenever you have something to say.

8. Complain loudly about anything and everything.

7. Talk endlessly about yourself, your kids, your grandkids...

6. Be sure that everyone knows about your friend's embarrassing situation.

5. Speak before you think.

4. Make jokes about your spouse.

3. Let your mouth run on automatic when you're angry.

2. Nag! Nag! Nag!

1. Assume you can control your tongue on your own without God's help.

The next time my mouth misbehaves I'm going to make it stand in the corner.
But hopefully before it misbehaves, I will remember that:

The number one way to keep our mouths out of trouble is prayer!

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14

P.S. Do you have any additions for our Top Ten List?

Make Over My Mouth Project 2012: Day 3

2012-01-04T07:00:00.000-08:00

In your everyday speech, what is the ratio between your life-giving words and heart-slaying comments? I recently read a book that told me there is a “magic ratio” of positive to negative comments.

“Experts in the field of positive psychology are finding that the frequency of small, positive interactions is very important. According to the research of John Gottman on marriage, this “magic ratio” of positive to negative is 5 to 1. Gottman claims that marriages are much more likely to succeed when spouses maintain the magic ratio; when it gets down to 1 to 1, there is a high likelihood of divorce.”

Focus on the Good Stuff, by Mike Robbins

Interesting! Of course, we would like to be able to speak only positive comments. But being human, this is impossible.

Today see if you can speak 5 positive comments for every negative one!

God bless you as you continue your Mouth Makeover!

Make Over My Mouth Project 2012: Day 2

2012-01-03T07:00:00.000-08:00

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14)

When I began my Mouth Makeover in the beginning of 2011, my major motivation was that I wanted to stop looking foolish with my foot stuck in my mouth. As I studied the subject more, another motivation became to touch the lives of people I care about--to inspire and encourage them. But as I prayed David's prayer in Psalm 19:14, I saw that a more important purpose in any mouth makeover is to please the Lord, to elate the Rock of my life, to bring a smile to the One who gave His life to save mine!

I researched some of the original Hebrew meanings of the words in Psalm 19:14 and came up with and expanded version of the prayer. Here is Sharla's amplified version.

May every utterance and every word that comes out of my mouth and every musing and thought of my heart bring You pleasure and delight, O LORD. Let me always speak as if I were in Your presence for truly You are always with me. Help me to remember You are my Redeemer--the One who saved me and who will continue to forgive me when I fail--and You are my Rock--the source of my strength.

I pray that God will bless your heart today as you bless His!

Make Over My Mouth Project 2012

2012-01-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

Turn on your television and you have the choice of many makeover shows. You can learn how to remodel your bathroom, transform your garden, or refashion your wardrobe.

But you probably won’t find a show titled "Make Over My Mouth."

You may be wondering, “Why would I want to make over my mouth?”

As women we have an incredible power in our words, yet we sometimes use that power to tear down instead of build.

At times I have worn these shades of speech:

Killing Crimson

Criticizing Cranberry

Backbiting Berry

But I want to wear:

Revitalizing Red

Praising Pink

Complimenting Coral

Sometimes I catch myself wearing the first set of colors simply because I am not all that aware of what is coming out of my lips.

King David wrote in the Psalms:

I said, “I will watch my ways
and keep my tongue from sin;
I will put a muzzle on my mouth

Psalm 39:1

I think the first step in this mouth makeover is to watch my ways—to be aware of what I say. If you are interested in a mouth makeover too, will you join me this month in a challenge? Here are the three steps to the challenge.

Pray David’s prayer found in Psalm 19:14: May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Be aware of what you say throughout the day.
At the end of the day, evaluate your words. Were they God pleasing?

God's blessings on your words today!

Fun New Year's Resolutions

2011-12-26T07:00:00.000-08:00

What New Year's resolutions are you making this year?

Most of the time mine are something like:

Lose the five pounds I gained eating Christmas cookies
Organize my office
Clean out my basement

Not very inspiring. Although I feel better when these things are accomplished, they are not a lot of fun.

Last year I read a different kind of resolution list. It included things like:

Learn how to make one new dessert each month
Read 10 books just for fun this year
Learn a new hobby

I have to admit, I never did those things last year, but as I am making my 2012 Resolution List, I am definitely going to add some fun resolutions to the mix.

I'm still pondering this list, but so far I have:

Lose the 5 pounds I gained eating Christmas cookies
Learn how to make one new dessert each month (Oops, that might cancel out the first resolution!)
Relearn how to crochet and begin making fun scarves and hats
Host at least three parties this year!

How about you? What fun resolutions will you add to your list?

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