The Power of Words

Proverbs 18:21 says that the tongue has the power of life and death.  All too often, I neglect to think about the power of my words.  I allow my mouth to spew whatever my brain is thinking whenever I am thinking it.  If only I could be disciplined enough to think before I speak!
Our words, both good and bad, plant seeds in the hearts of others and in ourselves, that will grow and produce fruit.  I want to be harvesting a crop of GOOD fruit, so I guess I should make sure that the seeds I sow with my words are good seeds! 
Our words could change the way someone thinks about a situation or sees himself or herself.  My husband did this for me this weekend.  He made one simple statement to me..."You do a good job of balancing school work, house work, and spending time with us."  Those words were like a balm to my soul, especially since that is something I struggle with on a daily basis.  I will remember those words and cherish them in my heart for a long time!  Written words of encouragement and affection from friends and family are read and reread by me until they are engraved in my heart.  My goal is to speak and write words to those who mean so much to me that are filled with life, encouragement, gratitude, and love!  I never want those words to be left unspoken!
Our words can have the same effect on our own lives.  The words we speak about ourselves have the power of life and death!  When I hear myself say over and over, "I am not a good writer," I believe it!  Those words grow in my heart and produce fruit (yucky fruit, by the way) that just keeps coming out of my mouth in the form of words...and the cycle starts again.  My point is that the words we say about ourselves are just as important as the words we say to others.  If I want life-giving words coming out of my mouth, then I need to speak life-giving words about myself too! 
Please hold me accountable to what I have written.  I want the words of this blog (as well as the words from my mouth) to be filled with life, encouragement, gratitude, and blessing!