My thought for the day: "You are like a bunch of evil snakes, so how can you say anything good? Your words show what is in your hearts. Good people bring good things out of their hearts, but evil people bring evil things out of their hearts. I promise you that on the day of judgment, everyone will have to account for every careless word they have spoken. On that day they will be told that they are either innocent or guilty because of the things they have said." Matthew 12:34-37

"God lives in the heavens above the highest stars where he sees everything. Do you think the deep darkness hides you from God? Job 22:12-13

Many of us are probably tired of all the political speeches already (I know I am) yet we have a few months to go before the election. We are no longer surprised when we discover we have heard less than the truth. If we like the person running for office, we tend to excuse it; but if we are for the other side we have trouble understanding how anyone could believe that stuff.

Sadly, our culture accepts lies and half-truths as facts of life. We sometimes excuse our own exaggerations and misleading statements thinking that they do no real harm; but they do raise a believability issue with those who are watching and listening to us as we try to live a witness for Christ. Though we may try to draw a distinction between our words and our actions, both show the content of our hearts.

How then can we be certain we are on the right path with our hearts and words? The answer: "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)

Have you ever heard the expression "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words may never hurt me?" How untrue, words can cut like a knife and not just what you say but how you say it. Also do you ever really stop and think before speaking?

I am just as guilty as the next at times for speaking without thinking first or not being careful about the tone of my voice or the big one, my body actions or facial expressions.

As my mother tells me and my sisters, you may say things out of anger that you really don't mean and you may be remorseful about it later and even apologize BUT you can never, ever really take it back. You may be forgiven but it cannot be forgotten. You have to slow down and put yourself in that person's place. And the big one that I like to use, "TREAT OTHERS AS YOU WANT THEM TO TREAT YOU" (Matthew 7:12)

For those of you that I have ever offended, I am truly sorry and I will try harder to control my tongue, attitude and temper. I do love you and pray for you. I can only hope that you will do the same for me.

"The Lord sees everything whether good or bad" (Proverbs 15:3)

Remember if you want to judge me than get in line... but if you want to improve me you gotta' pray for me!