Encouraging Words
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? James 3:9-11
Wow! What a thought the same tongue we use to praise our God we use to put down our fellow man… and really more often than not this fellow men live in our own four walls. How often do these words come out of your mouth (or something similar)?
- What were you thinking?
- Stop being silly!
- (to another mom) My kids make my house such a mess.
- You are driving me CRAZY!!!
Proverbs 18:21
What does a mother say to encourage? How do you build up your children?
- Pray- Ask God to make the words of your mouth and the meditations of your heart pleasing to Him. (over and over and over again).
- Be intentional- Seek out opportunities to encourage and build up your children.
- Quiet your voice- A whisper is much more noticeable than a yell.
- Be sincere- Do not attempt to flatter your children, but in truth tell them their strengths.
Hello Hip Homeschool Moms! My name is Sarah and I am so thrilled to be guest posting here. I am a soon to be mother of three, a rookie goat farmer and of course homeschooler.
This year I will be teaching my children kindergarten and pre-school.
I am passionate about strong families and strong marriages and I believe that both are important ingredients in a worthwhile life.
You can find me on my blog Scott School and on Twitter. I look forward to connecting with you:)
Thank you. I needed to hear that tonight, especially after the trying week I have had with my 3 year old. What a great reminder!
I am guilty of several of those – and, you’re right – I had not really thought of how it would make them feel – but, how would I feel if someone told me that I was being silly or driving them crazy? Thanks for reminding me that my job is to lift them up – and if my words don’t do that, then I shouldn’t say them….
Recent Post:Do Field Trips to McDonalds Count?
Very well written – Thank you I needed that!
A word fitly spoken! Oh how difficult it is to convey positive, encouraging thoughts.. All all all day long! And when a reprimand is needed, to word it lovingly and gently, yet soundly. I couldn’t count the times I’ve called my children knuckleheads! Though I try to back up my frustrated vents with a laugh a hug and a “Please, work with your Momma here? After all, we are in this together.” I think, then, they see I’m only human and struggle as they do!
Great post! Thanks for sharing!
Meghan
http://www.thetuckerstaketennessee.com
Great post! we all need this reminder – especially when we spend every day teaching our children! thank you!
What a wonderful remindet that we should all watch an hold our tongues much more than we actually do. Ad a mother it’s so easy to become overwhelmed and instead of first seeking God, lashing out. Love this post, thank you!
Wow that is great.
Something we as committed parents need to be intentional about! Thanks for the reminder! ;0)
I so wish I had read this last week! I know I haven’t said the most encouraging words under stress! I wrote down my journey from feeling like a failure to greatness over the last few days: http://sandytoescreations.blogspot.com/2012/12/im-failure-when-im-not-great-at.html