Taming Your Tongue

My third-grade year started out rather ominously. One day our teacher wasn’t at the front of the classroom. Our eight-year-old brains didn’t grasp exactly what a cancer diagnosis meant, but we did understand that Mrs. Harris wasn’t coming back. We continued learning cursive writing and multiplication tables from a string of substitutes who flowed through the classroom. But everything changed when Miss Marquardt stepped through the door. Miss Marquardt had…

When we feel tired and discouraged we all need someone to come alongside and encourage us. Back when my kids were young and parenting was a full-time job, when work was not finished when we arrived home from the office, and a full night’s sleep…

An actual leaky roof gave a vivid picture of my nagging mouth. Rain battered the windows of my family room. I was sitting in my usual spot on the sofa, trying to watch a favorite show, but I wondered, “Will it happen again?” It did.…

Encouragement is defined as “to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope.”The prefix en means “to put into” and courage is defined as “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.” Encouraging words put strength into another person’s spirit—strength to keep…

Grumbling seems to be a national pastime. We moan when the weather is lousy. We complain about traffic. We gripe about disappointments. Why do we do this? Maybe it’s because complaining garners sympathy. Maybe it’s because it feels good to get something off your chest. Maybe it’s…

Years ago, I notice a need for taming my tongue. Even though I never intended to hurt anyone, it seemed my words continually did just that. I decided I needed a mouth makeover. When I began my mouth makeover, my major motivation was to stop…

We’ve all been there. We’ve all endured a conversation with someone who only wants to boast. Her conversation centers on the topic of herself. She drops names to try to impress. When you attempt to tell something about yourself, she counters with something better about…

What do you do when angry words build up in your heart? How do you cool them down before they explode out of your mouth like heat-seeking missiles? I remember the day when, as a newlywed, I decided to cook dinner using one of our…

We all need a little encouragement. That’s probably obvious to you. But does that fact motivate you to share encouraging words? My Encourager When I was in third grade, my teacher got sick. Really sick. In fact, she got cancer and left the classroom. In…