Do you realize that each of us go through life with a remarkable power right under our nose? It is a power so great that it is capable of producing life or death depending on how it's used. The Bible tells us that our words are so powerful that they can bless or curse, encourage or discourage, hurt or heal, tear down or build up. Our words can even influence the way we act and feel as well as determine our attitude and outlook on life. That's right, this powerful weapon is the tongue and its ammunition is the words we speak. The Bible tells us in James 3:8-9:

"But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude (image) of God."

Yes, the Bible says that nobody can tame the tongue; however, with the help of the Holy Spirit, you and I can be saved from the destructive power of our own words. We can purposely order our conversation and speak carefully chosen words of God that will not only produce victory in our own life but in the lives of others as well.

We read in Proverbs 18:21a that "Death and life are in the power of the tongue."

An example of how words can bring forth death and destruction can be found in Mark 11:13-14,20:

"And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he (Jesus) came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it. And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots."

On the other hand, an example of words bringing forth life can be found in John 11:43-44:

"And when he thus had spoken, he (Jesus) cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go."

We can see from these two examples just how powerful our words can be. It is our privilege and responsibility as Christians to speak forth positive life-giving words in a world immersed in negativity. After all Proverbs 12:25 says that "Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad." and "pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones" (Proverbs 16:24).

Just really studied about the tongue and didn't have enough room to write about everything I've read, learned and studied, but what an encouragement it has truly been to me; yet how much it encourages me to guard my tongue and make sure that the only words that come from my mouth will be uplifting and healing words.

*EDIT*

I took a test called: "The 5 Love Languages"- and on the test they ask random questions to find out what your love language is; and here were my results:

Complete set of results

Physical Touch:		11
Quality Time:		8
Words of Affirmation:		5
Acts of Service:		3
Receiving Gifts:		3

^^^ Who doesn't love nature??? ^^^

Went to the Botanical Gardens today with a dear friend and it was so beautiful! Never thought Texas could be so pretty, but hey, I'll give Texas a little credit now. I climbed this gorgeous tree that had the best climbing tree branches in the world!! I climbed up and just took a deep breath of the fresh air and felt the wind blowing softly through my hair and glanced down at my friend who was looking at the scenery around her and I thought to myself "could it get any better than this? Beautiful scenery, beautiful friendship!" I was in the most beautiful setting with gorgeousness all around me; and my friend to be with me as we walked through this pretty place. Life doesn't get much better than that.

Onto an adventure I had today. A friend of mine and I went out for lunch and we went to one of my favorite restaurants. Chili's! Yummo! As we walked in we were greeted by an "oh so friendly waitor" who seemed to get too into his job. He started asking if we were looking for a boyfriend; and then started dancing around to show us "his moves", to which my friend and I had to hold in some laughter. He started asking if "he'd woow us in if he checked us out...". I just grinned and kept com menting about how we were taken and we were at the restaurant for food....not boys. He continued commenting about my "cute" braces (desperate)....I rolled my eyes and thought "who thinks braces are cute?" He winked every time he passed by and I thought....."why don't I sprinkle some water on this nice and slick tile next time he walks by and then we'll really see him dance." However, my good Lord gave me the patience to not pull off such a mean stunt, especially since he was one of the better looking flirts I had been encountered with. As we left he asked for phone numbers, to which I replied "I've got a waiting list". Stupid thing to say to a desperate guy....only makes them more rabid; I suppose. He howled and grunted as we walked out the door about getting our numbers.....what a day of adventure. How lucky can one get? NOT! Though I must admit that it was a learning experience....the food was deluctable and the company of our waitors was a bit too charming.

Have an awesome weekend everyone and may you be blessed with many adventures this weekend!