Always and Never

"...these men who were responsible for spreading the bad report about the land were struck down and died of a plague before the Lord."  Numbers 14:37

Family fishing trip...August 2005

I love it when my kids use the words always and  never in their complaint or plea.  It's a good sign that whatever they are about to tell me is a bit exaggerated.

She always laughs at me.
He never listens to me.
Everyone else always gets to do that.
We never go anywhere fun.
They always are rude.

Oh what joy to a mother's ears.  Not!

It's so easy to exaggerate the truth, tell false lies, or gossip about the people in our lives. It's sometimes so much easier to report the negative  But "bad reports" can really get us into trouble, with others and with God.  Oh, be careful little tongue what we say!

It's important to ALWAYS be careful with our words, and NEVER give bad reports.

Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to be careful what they say, and use their tongues for praise and for the building up of others.  Keep them from being tempted to give "bad reports" when they are in conversations with others.  May their eyes be focused on the positive aspects of people and situations in their life.  And when they are tempted to grumble and complain, may they first choose to have a heart-to-heart with you.  Holy Spirit, guard their hearts and minds, and prompt them to think before they speak.  I pray that they always choose to speak truth and love, and reflect the peace and joy that comes from living in you.