I wasn't going to blog tonight about this. After all, I'm sure you have better things to do than slog through each day of how I'm doing on this challenge. Yet, here I am.
Today was harder than yesterday. Part of lifting others up with your speech is not nagging. My husband didn't come right out and say "You're nagging." He just pointed out, with a smile, that I'd made the same request three times in two minutes. Oops. The sad part is, I don't even realize when I do it sometimes. This challenge is going to take some work! I can use the fact that this trait has been handed down to me by a parent as an excuse, or I can use it as a learning tool. I don't want to saw at my husband's (or anyone else for that matter) nerves and make him think it's better to live on the rooftop than with me (Proverbs 25:4).
From there I go to a friend who mentioned something that automatically puts me in full Mama mode. The "I know better than you and I'm a tad concerned(ahem)" mode. You know the one. The one that makes you want to bang your head against a brick wall because that would be about as effective as voicing your concerns. My dilemma: How do I let her know I am worried without being a nag or a know it all or both? For the record, my friend isn't doing anything illegal or immoral. It's just flat out dangerous.
I can't live her life. I can't tell her what to do. In short, I can't be in control of what another person says or does. Lesson number two of the day. Both lessons that are tough and needed. The hard part is learning to zip my lips and keep praying.
How are you doing, two days into this journey? Are you finding it difficult like me? Or are you having an easier time of it?
Showing posts with label 30 Day Wholesome talk challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 30 Day Wholesome talk challenge. Show all posts
Thursday, January 31, 2013
30 Days of Wholesome Speech Challenge : Day One
Yup, it's the end of the first day and already I'm struggling. Did I think this was going to be an easy challenge? Nope, not in the least. I thought it would be a bit easier than it is, but I hadn't counted on the adversary baiting me.
If you aren't sure what I'm talking about, go here and here to read up about the 30 Day Wholesome Talk Challenge started by Smockity Frocks. I chose to participate and blog about it.
For me, the hardest part is my mind. I read something online, hear my husband say something because he is frustrated at something, and automatically I want to growl right back or give some biting remark. Granted, it's only happened two or three times today, and for the most part I've been able to keep my temper. But the sighs. My own. I don't want to blurt out what I'm thinking so I blow out my breath. Only once though, did I growl and get snarky.
Is that it? No. I've been having conversations in my head and partly with my husband about a potential situation (Didja catch that word? Potential? That's called borrowing trouble and is a whole 'nother Dr. Phil show--I mean, Dottie post). "she's gonna do this" "she's gonna say that". Yeah, totally not good. How can I focus on speaking only things that uplift and help another person when I am self talking myself into a tizzy? Bottom line, I can't. Not in that line of thinking.
Speaking of thinking, though, a good part of this challenge is to make you think. Think about what you're about to say. Think about how to give voice to your thoughts without tearing the other person to shreds. That's what I'm trying to come away with on this challenge.
How are you doing? I'd love to hear from you. What are your thoughts on wholesome speech?
If you aren't sure what I'm talking about, go here and here to read up about the 30 Day Wholesome Talk Challenge started by Smockity Frocks. I chose to participate and blog about it.
For me, the hardest part is my mind. I read something online, hear my husband say something because he is frustrated at something, and automatically I want to growl right back or give some biting remark. Granted, it's only happened two or three times today, and for the most part I've been able to keep my temper. But the sighs. My own. I don't want to blurt out what I'm thinking so I blow out my breath. Only once though, did I growl and get snarky.
Is that it? No. I've been having conversations in my head and partly with my husband about a potential situation (Didja catch that word? Potential? That's called borrowing trouble and is a whole 'nother Dr. Phil show--I mean, Dottie post). "she's gonna do this" "she's gonna say that". Yeah, totally not good. How can I focus on speaking only things that uplift and help another person when I am self talking myself into a tizzy? Bottom line, I can't. Not in that line of thinking.
Speaking of thinking, though, a good part of this challenge is to make you think. Think about what you're about to say. Think about how to give voice to your thoughts without tearing the other person to shreds. That's what I'm trying to come away with on this challenge.
How are you doing? I'd love to hear from you. What are your thoughts on wholesome speech?
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
30 Day Wholesome Talk Challenge: Can I Do This?
Last night while I was on Facebook, I read an update from Smockity Frocks
about a lesson from her pastor about wholesome talk. He challenged his congregation to work on letting no unwholesome talk come from you, and also to build others up in your speech. It comes from Ephesians:
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29
Smockity Frocks then asked her readers if they would join in on the challenge. I immediately said yes. Then I got to thinking: Can I really do this? I'm going to be totally honest here. While at home, my speech has not been as wholesome as it should be. I admit to cussing some when I'm angry or frustrated. Not very ladylike and certainly not very Christ like. And as for building others up and benefiting them with my speech... that needs a little work too. I recognize it almost immediately most times and I feel horrible. I'm supposed to be a loving wife and mother, sister and daughter, and I have a sharp tongue at times. It's time to let go of that and move on to a better way of thinking and speaking.
The bible tells us in Philippians 4:13 that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." I am claiming that promise to beat this. It's going to take prayer, study, and careful thought. Will you join me? I will try to update each evening on how I'm doing. You can comment here on my blog or you can join Smockity Frocks from the links above or the button on the right if it is working correctly.
about a lesson from her pastor about wholesome talk. He challenged his congregation to work on letting no unwholesome talk come from you, and also to build others up in your speech. It comes from Ephesians:
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29
Smockity Frocks then asked her readers if they would join in on the challenge. I immediately said yes. Then I got to thinking: Can I really do this? I'm going to be totally honest here. While at home, my speech has not been as wholesome as it should be. I admit to cussing some when I'm angry or frustrated. Not very ladylike and certainly not very Christ like. And as for building others up and benefiting them with my speech... that needs a little work too. I recognize it almost immediately most times and I feel horrible. I'm supposed to be a loving wife and mother, sister and daughter, and I have a sharp tongue at times. It's time to let go of that and move on to a better way of thinking and speaking.
The bible tells us in Philippians 4:13 that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." I am claiming that promise to beat this. It's going to take prayer, study, and careful thought. Will you join me? I will try to update each evening on how I'm doing. You can comment here on my blog or you can join Smockity Frocks from the links above or the button on the right if it is working correctly.
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