We all know that kids love to repeat what we say. ...the good, the bad, and yes, the ugly. I remember well the days when Caleb first started repeating after us, verbatim, and thinking....yikes, we have GOT to be careful about how we talk! And, not only do we have to be careful about what we shouldn't say, we also need to be intentional about what we do say.
We try very very hard in this house to speak only words that edify.
edify: to instruct or benefit, esp. morally or spiritually; uplift
Are we perfect in this? No.
But, do we strive each moment of our days to ensure that the things we are saying in this house and the way in which we are saying them are edifying? You betcha.
One of my recent memory verses from Entrusted With a Child's Heart was Ephesians 4:29:
"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."
As a mom to 2 precious little ones, I so desire to build them up and to extend grace to them by the way I speak.
I tell my kids I love them countless times a day. I tell Caleb how proud of him I am countless times a day. I speak tenderly to them. I use my manners with them. I remind them of Bible verses and talk about God with them. I assure them that I am here to take care of them when they are sick or hurt or sad.
But, sometimes I fail. Sometimes I raise my voice. Sometimes I am impatient. I am not perfect, but God is gracious.
In the past two days, my heart has cherished 2 particular things my sweet Caleb has said.
At one point yesterday, he said, "Mama, I am so proud of you." Granted, this wasn't for anything all that significant...I think I just had a good shot in a Wii golf game or something! In another instance, he said to Kris "Daddy, I love you thiiiiiiissss much!" (stretching his arms all the way out to show Kris just how much!)
Both of those phrases, "I am so proud of you" and "I love you thiiiiiiiissss much" (complete with arm gestures!) are phrases that are said frequently around this house. It warmed my heart to hear Caleb say them, all on his own, without being prompted in any way. Seriously, what's better than hearing your 2 year old tell you they love you without you even saying it first?!
God promises that by striving to be a home that speaks words that edify, we are building up our children, showing them grace, and living out God's Word, even in our imperfections. To witness Caleb choosing to speak words that edify was precious encouragement.
A recent post from the Entrusted Blog was on this topic.
Click here to read it.
As my children grow up, I hope that they look to me as a Mother who speaks words that edify. I pray that even on the hard days, my words, my tone, and my heart are gracious, patient, and loving toward the little ones that He has placed in my care.
We try very very hard in this house to speak only words that edify.
edify: to instruct or benefit, esp. morally or spiritually; uplift
Are we perfect in this? No.
But, do we strive each moment of our days to ensure that the things we are saying in this house and the way in which we are saying them are edifying? You betcha.
One of my recent memory verses from Entrusted With a Child's Heart was Ephesians 4:29:
"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."
As a mom to 2 precious little ones, I so desire to build them up and to extend grace to them by the way I speak.
I tell my kids I love them countless times a day. I tell Caleb how proud of him I am countless times a day. I speak tenderly to them. I use my manners with them. I remind them of Bible verses and talk about God with them. I assure them that I am here to take care of them when they are sick or hurt or sad.
But, sometimes I fail. Sometimes I raise my voice. Sometimes I am impatient. I am not perfect, but God is gracious.
In the past two days, my heart has cherished 2 particular things my sweet Caleb has said.
At one point yesterday, he said, "Mama, I am so proud of you." Granted, this wasn't for anything all that significant...I think I just had a good shot in a Wii golf game or something! In another instance, he said to Kris "Daddy, I love you thiiiiiiissss much!" (stretching his arms all the way out to show Kris just how much!)
Both of those phrases, "I am so proud of you" and "I love you thiiiiiiiissss much" (complete with arm gestures!) are phrases that are said frequently around this house. It warmed my heart to hear Caleb say them, all on his own, without being prompted in any way. Seriously, what's better than hearing your 2 year old tell you they love you without you even saying it first?!
God promises that by striving to be a home that speaks words that edify, we are building up our children, showing them grace, and living out God's Word, even in our imperfections. To witness Caleb choosing to speak words that edify was precious encouragement.
A recent post from the Entrusted Blog was on this topic.
Click here to read it.
As my children grow up, I hope that they look to me as a Mother who speaks words that edify. I pray that even on the hard days, my words, my tone, and my heart are gracious, patient, and loving toward the little ones that He has placed in my care.
