Think Before You Speak

I love quotes.

I love Pinterest.

I love Pinterest's quotes.

My recent favorites are "The Rules of a Lady".

This one I find particularly good for moms.

Isn't that the truth?

Here is one of my favorite quotes (actually NOT from Pinterest that I believe goes beautifully with the quote above)

Children seldom misquote. In fact, they usually repeat word for word what you shouldn't have said. ~Author Unknown

And some song lyrics for good measure...

"Slow Fade"
by Casting Crowns

♪♫ Be careful little lips what you say For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray ♪♫

Often, in anger...especially now when the kids are all home from school and things are getting heated outside AND inside...we, as moms, start to lose it. We say things that we shouldn't...because we're hot...we're tired...we're frustrated...we just want some stinkin' PEACE AND QUIET already! Whatever the emotion is at the moment, all it takes is a slip. Words can't be taken back. And our children are listening. And later it shows up in their own conversations and it's a big 'ol slap...because we know where they heard it. I don't know about you but I've been embarrassed a time or two...or ten (Thank the Lord, not in public...yet). I want to be filling my children with positive uplifting words. Not only that but did you know that yelling gets absolutely NOTHING accomplished because the recipient drowns you out? It's a proven fact.

Source: Pinterest

Plus, when you speak quietly, did you ever notice that you are actually able to focus on what you're saying? I have found that to be true. I THINK more when I am speaking with normal volume. When I'm yelling, I'm typically spewing nonsense and words that can hurt.

It's funny...when I think about growing up and times when my parents were upset with me...there are two very distinct things I remember most. I remember my mom flipping out because I withheld a bad report card in junior high. It was one time. But she REALLY flipped. I remember word for word all of the things that she said. I can close my eyes and picture it. I do not think that those words define who I am or who I was but they did hurt. So much so that 20 plus years later, I still remember it vividly. On the other side of the coin, when my dad really took the time to sit down with me and correct me with one of his famous lectures, I LOVED it when he ended a heartfelt sentence in "Sweetheart". In fact, he could have said almost anything but as long as he ended it in, "Sweetheart", I knew that it'd be okay... and that he loved me.

(Mom, if you're reading, it was ONE time...don't be mad that I wrote this...that is an AWESOME record!) :)

We have to discipline our children. It's our job. But let's try to choose our words wisely. They can hurt or heal. Uplift our children or break them down. I know that words stick. So much so that I remember things that my parents said even now and I'm 29...eh hem. ;)

Let's band together as Mommy's today and vow to speak words of life into our children...even if you can only commit to today or this moment. Let's vow to take a deep breath, count to ten...or 500...however long it takes. Let's vow to whisper instead of scream (remember, it's scarier!). I want the words that my children remember to be words that I won't want to hang my head in shame as they are repeated back to me someday. Of course, I have screwed up lots of times and will again many more...we're only human after all. With big ol' sin natures. But in this moment, I can choose kindness...and discipline with wisdom. I can speak life. Oh and while you're at it, don't forget to tell them just how much you love them and exactly what it is that you love about them...ESPECIALLY when you'd rather wring their necks. It's then that they (and you) need it most.

:)

God BLESS your day, ladies! (And gents, if you're reading, this works for you too!)

XO