Say What You Need To Say!

The power of words is something that I have never taken lightly. I have even talked with my children about their mouths and the words that come out of them can be something powerful. So I have preached to them before speaking you need to think, is this something that needs to be told, is it helping anyone, and does it reflect a christ like heart. Sounds easy, right? It should be, but many times It is a lesson we can all learn from.

The idea that words are powerful is not a new concept, but is something to not take for granted. It is a tool that can be used to build people up or tear someone down. Everyday we make a choice in how to use our words. I have often thought about there is always a place and time to say what one is thinking. It is healthy to convey things, to open your heart, but being careful with words is something only God can give someone. So for me, prayer helps guide me when there are things that need to be said. Honestly, there are many times that I have thought I should say things and then after prayer have realized they don't need to be said at all. I guess this is why God warns us of using our tongues. Smart man. But, as a woman there are times I have struggled to keep my opinions to myself and to be more open minded.

On the flip side, due to recent events that have happened in my life, I have learned that there is no better time than now to use your mouth to tell others around you how you feel about them. Of course, I mean in a positive way. Say what needs to be said to those you love. Tell your spouse how much you still love them, tell a friend how blessed you are by having them in your life, forgive someone, hug someone that needs to be hugged and reassured by kind words. Tell your kids they are awesome, pray daily, tell a friend you miss them if you are no longer living close by. Take a moment and do these things. I know it sounds cliche, but it is true, we are never promised tomorrow. So embrace today and all it has to offer.

One of the last lessons I have taught my kids about the words they say, is by doing what they say they will do. I emphasize to them, nothing speaks louder to those around you than doing! Say what needs to be said and act. Keep promises, work for others, show people through actions who you represent and what is in your heart. Be a voice that even angels listen too.

"I love You this Big!"

So by now everyone has heard the hit song " I Love You This Big" from the American Idol winner Scotty McCreery. Since I do not watch much t.v. my first time hearing it was when we were home in Florida visiting. I loved it immediately and since then has become a family favorite for my family. Recently, while singing this song I noticed my girls would point to me during the chorus of "I love you this big" and how it made my heart melt. As the song continued, I kept thinking about their first smile, first laugh, first steps, first boo boo, and the first time they rode their bikes without any training wheels, I remembered every moment as if it just happened and now here they are both in school and singing the same words to me that I have told them their whole lives. When the song was over, we quickly took to the next one on my playlist. However, this song filled my head for the rest of the day.

Later that evening, when it was time for bed, it was our time to talk about the day, reflect on the things we had done, and pray. And as we talked, I realized how quickly my little ones are growing up.I love this time of night because I get to talk to my children and pray with them individually. I get to see their perspectives on things and we have some really interesting conversations, but we also have some beautiful quiet moments. I tucked in my sweet Caroline and she prayed for the whole world and hugged me and reassured me again, that I would be fine once she began kindergarten. I just smiled because this is something she has reassured me of everyday since she finished preschool and our reading of the book "The Kissing Hand" by Audrey Penn. Great, but a heart wrenching book! I gave her kisses once more and went to my oldest daughter's room and this was our moment. Being that Grace is my more spirited child these evening conversations can be full of questions and energy but this night, she decided to ask me a very heartfelt question "mommy no matter how big I get, will you still love me no matter what?" I was shocked because I thought by now she knew I would always love her. I have only told her a million times since she was born that I did, but I softly explained to her that of course I did. No matter what! She took me by my hand and said ok just wanted to check. And at that moment she began to pray and I just watched her hands in mine. They were still so tiny like the first time she wrapped her hand around my fingers as a baby. Only this time, her fingers are longer and her palm had more strength and that was the moment that I understood she was still a little girl. Sure she is getting older, talks like an older child and at times there are things she does that I am sure she understands the reasons why, but still she has a young impressionable heart. She still needs my hands to steady hers. Whether it is to help take her first steps, or while learning about life's lessons. She still needs me, her mama, to remind her yes baby girl, " I love you this big!"

Needless to say, before I put myself in bed, this song kept playing over and over in my mind and finally it hit me. This song was on my mind as a reminder to not take for granted the need my children have for me and for myself to not take for granted the need I have for my heavenly father. As I began to pray that evening It was one filled with thanksgiving. One of thanksgiving for my children, husband, and friends and most importantly for a God that still loves me no matter what and will always say to me "I love you this big."