As the name of my blog indicates, I spend a lot of time thinking about home. Of course, my Heavenly Home is the one that is eternal, so that’s where I need to lay up my treasures, and that’s the one I’m striving for. But in the meantime, I have been given this tiny piece of the here-and-now—this home on the edge of town, this family, this neighborhood—in which to serve Him. And, though this is in the earthly realm, I want the things that happen here to be investments in the Heavenly realm.




Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Considering My Words

Words. I love words. I could never relate to Eliza Doolittle when she sang to Freddy Eynsford-Hill, "Words! Words! Words! I'm so sick of words!" and "Never do I ever want to hear another word. There isn't one I haven't heard."

Unlike Eliza, I am enamored with words. I have always loved to read. I am fascinated by word origins. I love to play Scrabble and do crossword puzzles and play Word Twist on Facebook. The "word" categories on Jeopardy are my favorites...like "C's the Day" where all the answers begin with the letter C. I like to put my thoughts into words (hence this blog). I admire ideas well-expressed, such as those in hymns and poetry and great literature. I am stimulated by good conversation.

Maybe sometimes I have used too many words. I recall Ryan's request years ago when asking me an algebra question. "Mom, I have a question and I don't want the long answer. Please don't give me a long explanation. I just want the simplest answer to my question." And I must admit, I had to refrain from providing the "long answer" and reteaching a lot of algebra in the process.

The words of a Michael Card song have recently caused me to think about words.

You and me we use so very many clumsy words.
The noise of what we often say is not worth being heard.

And that led me to pondering the words of Jesus who said,

Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

And the words of wise Solomon,
In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. Proverbs 10:19
Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. Ecclesiastes 5:2
But words can also be used for good!

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. Proverbs 25:11

And so I pray,

Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3

and

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

4 comments:

  1. Yes, and once a word leaves the tongue, it cannot be reclaimed! (Wish I remembered that a little more!)

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  2. Well said! I agree with Sarah, Amen! I so need to take these words to heart! Thanks for reminding me how important my words are.

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  3. Loved that post, Cheryl! I've got that last verse posted on the kitchen window... right at eye level, so I've got to read it while washing dishes!

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