Some words you never forget. Sometimes they are kind words, then there are the other words...not so kind. If words could be given a flavor, it would be cayenne. While the sting of those words diminish over time, the memory does not always. I would love to forget but I have a good memory and those words stick around. I don't think about them and they don't define who I am today, but I remember.

That is not what is on my heart today. We cannot change words spoken by others years ago or even last week. The only thing we can control is our own words. This season of Christmas and all the other celebrations that take place, allow for many opportunities to visit with people. What we talk about, the stories we share, say alot about who we are and what is really in our hearts.

I just came back from a Christmas party in our neighborhood and visited with all kinds of poeple I don't know. I went with this thought firmly in my mind... don't say anything you will regret later. I was careful. I listened alot, asked questions.... it all went great.

Proverbs 12:18 says " Reckless words pierce like a sword,but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Our words, no matter how old you are, can bring hope or despair to the listener. May this be a season where we think before we speak and care more about what other people are saying then what we have to say. May we speak sincerely and bring words of hope. It is always amazing to meet people who bring hope and healing in the words they speak.

Amidst the laughter and fun, remember to think of the power of your words.