Give Me Words To Speak ...

We have all been on both ends of the spectrum of hard conversations. Either we are hearing something we don't want to hear, or having to tell someone something they don't want to hear (and sometimes we don't want to be in the spot to have to say the truth either).

Words have the power to heal and to hurt. To build up and to tear down. To encourage and to rip someone to millions of pieces. The old rhyme - "stick and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me". Really? words people have said to me years and years ago are still engrained in my memory, and yes theydid hurt. Do I still let them have the same effect on me ? no. But, it is foolish to think that words we hear, or words we say to others, don't have the ability to hurt and to cause damage.

Father, when I speak, I want to speak only the words from you, AND in your perfect timing! When I speak words of truth, may they be through you, in love - not simply correct. May the words I speak, be to encourage, to edify and to build up.

May the words that WE say Father, be pleasing to you - Amen!

Just something that was on my mind.

Til next time,
Jacqueline

For the last seven days, I have heard alot of sad stories. Some stories are brought on by self choices, and others are consequences of other's actions. It has been a week of listeining to hurting friends and their stories. Father, hold them, guide them, comfort them and continue to take the mud off all our eyes when we can't seem to see truth!

I am thankful that you alone are the counsellor and healer. I thank you that when we walk along side those who are hurting, we have you in us to love, comfort and to speak truth.


Til next time,
Jacqueline

Diapers to Date Discussions ...

It has been quite a while since I have blogged, but Father put something on my mind today to share, so here goes ... My "little girl" is not so little anymore. The youngest in the family turned 13 yrs old this past September. With the last child becoming a teenager, I have most definitely entered a new stage.
No longer am I fretting about running out of diapers and wipes; no longer am I trying to figure out how to teach the little ones that touching the stove will hurt; no longer am I setting the timer for small times outs on the kitchen chair. Parenting teens is a whole new ball game.

We have moved from debates about what Barney episode to watch, to discussions on the coach about being tempted, making wise choices, searching scripture to find out what Father God has to say, debating the purchase of music, movies to watch, when is old enough to date etc etc ... Do I feel adequate for this job that God has given me? No, but with Him living inside of me, I have been given everything I need.

New stages are hard, I have never been here before,Father show me which direction to place my next step. Guard my tongue so the words out of my mouth are your words, which are meant to nurture and edify; and yet,at the same time teach, guide and direct.

Father show me when its time to let them make their own choices and decisions. Remind me that you are the perfect parent and sometimes you simply let me walk in my own stubborn direction and you let me fall.
When they fall, remind me that as you are there every time for me, help me to be there to love, encourage and hold them when they are hurt.

These are your children Father, You love them more than I.

Til next time,
Jacqueline