Back in earlier years of blogging, sometimes there would be a post featuring a color like red or blue, or magenta. The blogger would take us all through her house to show us examples of that color. Yes, that may have been a result of 'writer's block.' 🤔
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While I don't suffer from that mental malady today, there are some things in life that are not worthy (or appropriate) for the blog. So instead of giving you an account of my recent days, the title of today's post, "Word Pictures," is what I've come up with. It is literally true, chock-full of photos of words. I am illustrating many examples of words found throughout my home. |
Preparing for this article was a fun scavenger hunt. It would be a good game to play when the grandchildren come to visit.
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Words are fascinating. They can be used in countless ways:
instruct
warn
apology
heal
encourage
gratitude
hint
decorate
describe
remind
entertain
challenge
convict
convince
condemn
discourage
love
relax
lie
accuse
intrigue
forgive
We've all heard the misconception from childhood:
"Sticks and stones may break my bones
but words will never hurt me."
Words are a powerful instrument that are used in both positive and negative ways:
wisely
ignorantly
carefully
too much
As my greatest lifestyle teacher [mother] used to say:
"If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."
One of my children, having reached adulthood, reached this conclusion:
"Just because you think it
doesn't mean you have to say it."
Here is an observation from the Old Testament on the timing and suitability of words:
A word fitly spoken is like
apples of gold in pictures of silver.
Proverbs 25:11
This thought is perhaps the most scary of all:
"Death and life are in the power
of the tongue [our spoken words]."
Proverbs 18:21
It has been said that words, once spoken, are like toothpaste -- you cannot put them back into the tube if you regret what you said. Like everybody else, I have said things I should not have uttered, things I regret, things spoken out of ignorance, anger, guilt, and so forth.
The Lord's mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23). I apply this to my poor judgement and outright wrong behavior of the past: God forgives the repentant heart and His kindness to us applies from here on out.
Having observed all of the above, this is my prayer:
Let the words of my mouth,
and the meditation of my heart,
be acceptable in thy sight,
O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14
In closing, I am reminded of one more warning about words:
"When there are many words,
transgression is unavoidable,
but he who restrains his lips is wise."
Proverbs 10:19
Until next time, grace and peace.
14 comments:
Hi dear Barbara, I love ❤️ this post and photos. Words are very powerful. They can be used to lift up, tear down, to encourage or discourage. The tshirt is lovely. I like 👍 the colour and message on it. I love the Scripture verses as well. God bless you 🙏 ❤️ and thank you 😊 so much for sharing.
I loved all the words around your house and the words you shared on word - lots of wisdom on how to use them!
I remember the sign that says "She trusts in the Lord to take care of her". If I remember right, you had that one out somewhere that you saw if often after Beloved passed away.
Well done!! I enjoyed seeing how you are surrounded by inspiring words!! Thanks for sharing your scavenger hunt with us! Sending a hug!!
Bravo! I loved this post and really enjoyed the creativity involved. Fun! I only wish I thought of it first! 😉. Now I will no doubt, will be noticing all the words I have around my humble abode. God is surely using your talent for the written word for His glory.
I love how you toured us through your inspirational words featured around your house, Barbara. We can all use that kind of encouragement that you've shared here. A picture can paint a thousand words, can it not? Blessings!
...another 'she's talking to', smiles. Thanks Barbara...I truly appreciate this post. Have a great day.
I loved your 'words' post from the tour of words around your home to the lists to the Bible verses, Barbara. Have a blessed day.
Your posts are always so fun and inspirational (and, of course, I loved seeing that old piece of cross stitch :). Wonderful word photos and a great reminder of their power. Wishing you and Gary a most beautiful Sunday! ♥
I loved this tour of your home, Barbara, and I enjoyed seeing all of the different messages found throughout your rooms. I know from personal experience with you just how much you love "words" and signs, and also how many you gave up when you made your big move to Gary's home. Now I know that many of those "words" are gracing other people's homes and still speaking their truths to the new world around them. As a matter of fact, I believe our Pastor and his wife have a couple of your special messages in their home and/or the Pastor's study! So the gift goes on and on and on. Thank you for this powerful wordy post! It was an inspiration!!
An interesting study in words and just today I had one of those times when fewer words would have been better. Thank goodness for His grace.
That Klondike word has my taste buds on fire.
Did we have words before the dictionary was invented? Without it, I'd be lost for words.
God bless.
This was a lovely post. A verse I memorized years ago and call to mind often is Proverbs 10:19 'Where words are many transgression is not lacking. But he who restrains his lips is prudent'. Hope you have a nice week!
A wonderful post about words. I enjoyed my scroll through it and reading the truth about words that you posted from the Bible. Hope you have a beautiful new week!
Great post, Barbara! Lots of wisdom here.
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