Christmas came early

This month Austin will be 2 1/2 years old and he just gave me the most precious gift. He said he loved me for the very first time!

He is learning so much, so quickly — I just want to start the record button and film every moment! (I do take way more pictures than I should. Praise the Lord for the person who created digital cameras!)

I absolutely adore this age. My baby is becoming independent. He is starting to use the potty like a big boy and learning the rules, what he can and can't do.  

And talking. Forming sentences - "Dat my boo wobot" (translation: that's my blue robot) - and repeating words.

Our conversation went like this:
Me: Austin, say "I"
Austin: "I"
Me. Say "love"
Austin: "ove"
Me: Now say "you"
Austin: "ew"
Me: Austin, say "I love you Mommy"
Austin: "I ove ew Mommy"

Ok, say it with me friends... "Awwww..."! My heart melted. So precious are these days. I want to make time stand still — but of course I can't. He's going to grow up, learn more words, make decisions, explore this world. My job is to teach him the tools to make good choices, be safe and use his words wisely.

Our words are gifts. Just like the impact Austin's words had on me, our words affect others. We have all been wounded by words. A thoughtless comment can leave a lasting impression. And on the flip side, encouraging someone with a "great job" or a simple "thank you" can make their day!

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Proverbs 16:24 tells us, "Kind words are like honey — sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."

That old saying — sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me — is so not true! Words can hurt. And words bring healing.

We have a choice with what we say, but sometimes we speak without thinking. Unintentionally hurting someone's feelings or regretting saying "yes" so quickly! We often don't realize the gift of a kind word. Saying something nice may seem so minor from our perspective, but it could be just what the other person needed to hear. 

Today I encourage you to memorize Ephesians 4:29: Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

And remember this, "the tongue has the power of life and death." (Proverbs 18:21)

Give the gift of life today!

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