T is for Think Before You Speak

"The heart of the wise instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips."

Proverbs 16:23

We speak enough words in a year to fill 66 800-page books.

Men speak 20,000 words on average a day.

Women speak 30,000 words on average a day.

 

 

We are talkers. The Bible says "the one who guards his mouth preserves his life; the one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin." (Proverbs 13:3). Reality is, a lot more is said than should be. The biggest battle is not what others say, but that which comes out of our own mouths.

 

In just a year of marriage, I have already had those "foot-in-mouth" moments where something is said that I can never ever take back. "Death and life are in the power of the tongue"(Proverbs 18:21), and we must live with the consequences of everything we say to our husbands. It is crucial get our mind in gear before we speak.

 

What is we saw our words as a commitment?

 

Our words have value. It is a commitment that is extended to the person we are speaking to. We are opening up our mouths, and inviting that person to look into our hearts. What do they see when we do? Are our words giving them a view of sin and death, or are they pointing them to the Law and Life in Jesus Christ?

 

What is we saw our words as an open invitation for authority in our lives?

 

Friends, we are either ruled by Christ or ruled by the enemy. There is no in between ground.  When we open our mouth, that invitation is extended for one or the other to have authority in our lives. While we do not have to be spouting Scripture to have the word of God on our lips, but we should be following His commandments to guard the tongue. Our speech should be encouraging and used to build up others. How are we doing in our marriages with this?

 

What if we saw our words as having the power to make a good marriage into a great one?

 

If we truly use our words for the benefit of our husbands, not just as a means to focus on ourselves, we can "keep [ourself] out of trouble" Proverbs 21:23. I know when I begin to run my mouth it is nothing but word vomit that follows, but when I truly pray through what should be said my words are wholesome and Christ-led. To simply use a soft answer many knock-out drag-out fights can be avoided. (Proverbs 15:1). Sweet sisters, if we put thought into words said to our husband, we have the power to become the helpmate we were created to be. It is through the power of God's Word, that our words can foster a setting for a healthy marriage.

 

What if we thought before we spoke?

 

Recipe of the Day:

Cinnamon Bun Popcorn (from Our Bites)

I was in charge of food for a recent baby shower. I love to bake, but have been trying not to have sweets around the house. I was super excited for an excuse to bake!! I came up with the idea to have a popcorn bar, and had no idea what a big hit would be. Despite the crazy, dramatic morning trying to get everything ready, I am so glad I went with the popcorn! It was devoured-and the Cinnamon Bun was by far the favorite of the day!

 

 

Ingredients:

12 C popped popcorn (about 1/2 C kernels)
1 C roughly chopped pecans
1 C brown sugar
3/4 t cinnamon
1/4 C Karo syrup (or honey makes a good substitution)
1 stick real butter (1/2 C)
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla
3 squares almond bark

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees
2. Place popcorn and chopped pecans in a large bowl and set aside. And by large bowl, I mean like, twice as big as you think you really need. If you don’t believe me, then maybe you will believe the scorching hot caramel goo that’s splattered all over your hands while you’re stirring in your not-so-big bowl. Just a thought.
3. Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a big, microwave-safe bowl. Like a 2-quart bowl or Pyrex measuring bowl. Again, use a bowl larger than you think you need to avoid scorching hot caramel goo accidents. It’s really important to incorporate the cinnamon into the brown sugar at this point. For some reason, if you don’t it does crazy things. I don’t know why. Try it and then email Alton Brown and ask him if you really want to know.
4. Chop butter into chunks and place on top of sugar mixture. Pour corn syrup (or honey) over the top of everything.
5. Microwave on high for 30 seconds (just to soften the butter a bit) and then stir to combine.
6. Return to microwave and heat for 2 minutes. Remove and stir and then microwave for 2 minutes more.
7. Remove from the microwave and add in vanilla and baking soda. Pour it right over the popcorn and pecans. Stir right away, and stir lots. Take too long and the caramel will harden on you. Keep stirring until everything is well coated.
8. Spread popcorn mixture onto a foil-lined jelly roll pan.
9. After 30 minutes, take a piece out and let it cool. “Sample.” If it’s not crunchy enough, bake for another 5 minutes. “Sample” again. This will not be the end of “sampling.”
10. When it’s done, give it a final stir and let it cool off for a bit while you melt your almond bark (just nuke it in the microwave according to the package directions) If you want, you can spread out your caramel corn on a clean piece of parchment, waxed paper, or foil. I always do this because sometimes it sticks to the hot foil if I leave it on the original pan. I’m kind of a clean control freak and I like to have it on a nice, fresh surface.
11. Now, just use a fork and drizzle the melted almond bark over the popcorn mixture.
12. When it’s hardened (pop it in the fridge to speed that process along) break into chunks and enjoy!