No Porcupines Please

"People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!"  James 3:7-10 (NLT)

 Kyle checking out the porcupine...2004

Porcupines aren't fun animals to be around.  A little poke and one is in some intense pain.  Watch out and don't get too close.

As well, our tongues have the power to stroke or poke, and yet we are so easily flippant in the things we say.  With one word we can bless or curse.  So often we forget.  Once in a while we may even think we have the "right". 

I want my kids to be conscious and aware of the words that they speak.  To even stop and think before choosing to allow something to come out of their mouths.  What if God were to put a guard over their mouth, or allow the Holy Spirit to nudge them when they begin to speak like a porcupine?  I know He can!

I don't know what animal would prove to be the opposite of that, but I'm praying my kids are like that.

Tame that tongue, children! No porcupines please.

Lord, our tongues are so hard to tame.  Please set a guard over Alyssa and Kyle's mouth, and keep watch over the door of their lips.  This will keep them from calamity.  Allow the words that come from their mouth to be used to build up those around them.  Help words of blessing, and not curses, flow freely.  From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise.  Lord, how I pray that Alyssa and Kyle's words always bring glory to you.