Are you working at eliminating unnecessary activities and time wasters? Here is a shocking idea the Lord gave me on 10-4-09 as I journaled:
"Help me simplify my life, Lord."
"You can't be creative if your life is crowded and cluttered."
"Show me what to eliminate, Lord."
"Negative, doubtful words, for one. Dark thoughts. The entrance of My word gives light."
I was hoping He'd suggest something more along the lines of, "No more cooking or housework," but He went for the source of most of my troubles--my mouth and mind! My profound answer?
"Help me, please."
Am I the only one wrestling with a tongue that gets ahead of my heart, and a brain that leads me into depression and anger if I let it take the reins? No wonder Solomon said, "Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who indulge it will eat the fruit of it, for life or death" (Prov. 18:21). I need all the help I can get for this out of order mouth and strong-willed mind. What about you?
Jen
You are not the only one. Can't you tell from my posts? :)
ReplyDeletesmooches,
Larie
Oh no, you're definitely not alone! I think that's why the Bible says that our tongue is the hardest part of our body to control!
ReplyDeleteI love what the Lord said to you about not being able to be creative when your life is cluttered. That is true of me, for sure. I am trying to lift myself out of the gloom lately. I stay in the Word, but this year I am reading The Message and it has been difficult. I'm not sure why. Maybe because it is SSOOOOO different. I don't know. But I keep inputting His Word, knowing that it will penetrate and actually do something in my life. Thanks for the encouraging words. You are gifted at that, my friend!
ReplyDeleteI love how He throws us curve balls that knock us off balance. It makes us lean more on Him.... I've had some ugly words and moments just this week. Thanks for sharing and encouraging me. :O)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jeanette! I "Twittered" your great line about creativity and clutter--with thorough attribution and a link to your blog. 3 John 2, Jim
ReplyDeleteJeanette you are far from alone! This is a daily struggle for me. I remind myself that I must do as Paul admonished and present by body a living sacrifice. I must daily crawl on the altar and choose to die to self and allow Christ to live through me. The hard part is that since I'm a living, breathing sacrifice I can always get up.
ReplyDeleteThanks for a wonderful look at God's response to our struggle. It blessed me.
I took your advice about sharing the character response to my letter. I hope you can drop in and take a look.
Blessings to you!
Definitely! I'm amazed that something so small has the power to cause such terrible devastation. It can only be tamed with the power of Christ. Self control will fail--right about the time anger flares!
ReplyDeleteGreat Post and yes I have to watch what comes out of my mouth. I have to speak the word instead of talking about my sometimes negative circumstances. God can change those in the blink of an eye.
ReplyDeleteTrust me, you're not the only one! This is really amazing, actually. This is the third post I've read this morning that speaks directly to a burden I've had on my heart. Thank you for your honest post--it's a confirmation that of something I need to do.
ReplyDeleteThis morning...I am praying a lot of "help me" prayers.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, andrea
Cutting out busy activities or commitments. Thinking about this for an upcoming article about letting go of the superflous...words count too.
ReplyDelete~ Wendy
We are truly kindred spirits! Your post spoke directly to me. Thank you for sharing your insights from the Lord!
ReplyDeleteYou are not the only one constantly wrestling with this issue. Wouldn't it be great to never deal with it again? But, alas, it is a daily struggle because we are creatures of free will. However, when we align our thoughts with God's will I am convinced we can learn from our mistakes and create new habits in our lives. But we can't do it alone, that is for sure.
ReplyDeleteHi Jen -
ReplyDeleteThere was a sitcom character, who used to say, "Me and my big mouth!."
I'm right there with you, kiddo!
Blessings,
Susan :)
I definitely feel your pain. I talk before thinking quite often. I'm slowly getting a little better....like very tiny babysteps. But I've got a loooooong way to go.
ReplyDeleteI never get the housework answer either *sigh*. I have tried to be more conscious of my thoughts and words (both typed and said), but that filter is not alwasy in place. A constant work in progress.
ReplyDeleteYes, I struggle with those very things. But I refuse to give in to defeat. I know how important my words and my thoughts are. The Lord is helping me to have more victories in these areas.
ReplyDeleteI suppose we all struggle with this on some level. Women especially try to fix things with words before reflecting.
ReplyDeleteMs. Diarrhea of the Mouth here. Thanks for a post that punches in the gut.
ReplyDeleteThough it hurts, you gotta love this blog--and the blogger.
Well, whose fault is it? They named me PDQ.
Patti glad-to-have-the-Lacy added.
Jeanette:
ReplyDeleteI have that problem if I am upset with my family. I have a friend who wouldn't say I did. She told me she told a mutual friend that I sometime talk so slow and deliberate that she wants to help me get the words out. :)
And don't let me get angry or I really go off.