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In Which I Am Inspired

Two things really stand out to me at the end of this jam packed weekend.  First, my mom came into town to watch my kiddos while I attended a two day homeschool convention.  That act alone is not what inspires me, though I am so grateful for her willingness to help when I need her!  In the days leading up to the convention, she took us to the park to walk. We walked and rode bikes around Stoner and Overlook parks every day, sometimes twice! (we are all exhausted!) 

 When it comes to exercise, I have a million and one reasons not to do it. But walking around with my mom this last week I realized that it doesn't have to be complicated. I don't have to make any big commitments, or walk the track in a certain time frame, or wait for perfect weather conditions.  I just need to get out and move.  I DO need to remember to bring a first aid kit and to SHUT the doors of my car...but that's another set of issues all together.

 The second thing that inspired me was something I heard in one of my sessions this weekend. It also happens to be a topic in the Bible Study I've been attending, so I think God might be trying to get my attention on this. The power of speaking (and, I think, writing).  In both the study and the conference I was directed to James 3:1-12
With our tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness.  (v. 9)
God's words are omnipotent (he didn't think the world into existence, he SPOKE and it was so), and because we are made in his image, our words are potent.  Of course I have always seen this in how I talk to my children, spouse, and well, all other people. Kind, encouraging words heal and build. Harsh words tear down and destroy. But I didn't realize how much power they have over my day. When I describe my day to my husband using words like awful, difficult, frustrating, etc, etc...I am tearing it down in my heart.  When I sift through the hard parts and find the positive things, however small they might be, my heart softens and I find joy. As moms, we have the power to speak life or death over our days.  It's not a "Pollyanna-no-really-everything-is-fine-don't-worry-be-happy" attitude.  Life in this broken, sinful world is hard and it is no good pretending otherwise. But I have discovered it is not the thinking but the speaking that is powerful. 2 Corinthians 4:13:
It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken." Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak.
I might always be an Eyeore when I think about my day, but when I talk about it, I want to speak life.  

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