Words

Today I realized (thanks to the person who held me accountable) that I need to be careful how I use my words.  I was trying to convey a point and I ended up saying my phrase completely backwards - which was also a contradiction to what is Biblically correct and this person very quickly said to me "wait a minute, what you just said can be dangerous if people believe that".  I knew in my gut I had said something that wasn't quite right (thank you Holy Spirit for convicting me); but I didn't know exactly what I said until this person pointed it out.  So glad this person called me on it, because I don't ever want to misinterpret or misconstrue the word of God.  As I reflected on this experience it made me realize two things - First, I could have easily gotten mad or defensive and claimed I didn't say anything out of line (which obviously I did) and second, we need to guard our tongue...that means we pay attention and we carefully think about what we say.  We do that so that we speak truth.  We do that so we do not lead someone astray.  We do that because God asks us to guard our speech.  We do that so we can build up instead of tear down.  We do that so we can guide and teach.  I've said many times that I want people to hold me accountable and I'm so glad someone stepped up to the plate to do that.  Thank you Lord for this person and the way they taught me tonight.  Guide my tongue, help me speak words that are true to your word.       

Raindrops and Teardrops

Today I had the honor of officiating at the funeral of one of the sweetest ladies I have ever known.  Nan, as she was affectionately called, touched my heart in more ways than one.  She welcomed me into her home and we sat at her dining room table with a cup of tea and had an hours long conversation that flowed so easily you would never guess that this was the first time we had met.  She was loving, caring, giving, creative, funny, and yet would tell you just like it is.  This woman struggled with a terrible disease over the past four years and yet she handled her situation with incredible grace, strength, and dignity.  Perseverance, fortitude, compassion - other words that come to mind when I think of this woman.  So today, post funeral service, as I sit here in my study trying to determine what to do next on my priority list, I just can't seem to make myself move on to quickly.  This time as with so many others - I need to let myself grieve.  I tell loved ones not to cheat themselves out of that process and to give it time.  So this afternoon while listening to the raindrops outside my window I let the teardrops flow and know that they will bring healing.  Thank you Lord for raindrops and teardrops - one is refreshing to the earth, the other refreshing to my soul.