Giving good gifts is fun.  Anticipating the receiver’s expression is exciting.  
Watching the expression on a young child’s face when they open their hoped for toy is priceless. Their eyes get big, and their mouth drops.  They may jump up and down, and wrap their arms arm you. Their delight gives you much satisfaction.
When a girlfriend, who had been longing for an engagement (I sooo remember that day), opens a little box or turns to see her man down on one knee ready to propose, her countenance is one you want to bottle up so they can both remember that moment for a lifetime of love.
One gift that gets me e-v-e-r-y time is when a family member surprises their loved ones when they arrive home from their military duty.  Oh how the waterworks flow from the eyes.
A gift doesn’t have to be a toy, or a long awaited piece of jewelry that nestles upon your ring finger on the left hand, or a physical appearance from a loved one you’ve longed to see and hold…although those are pretty sweet!  A gift doesn’t even have to cost any money, yet the value of it is priceless. The gift I want to encourage you to give, and give it daily, is…a word.

Yes! The words that come out of your mouth should be utterances of encouragement, love, and truth.
In my “Jesus and me Time” this morning, Ephesians 4:29 was the Bible verse for the day.  I read this verse, and the surrounding verses, in several different translations. The one I want to share with you is from The Message:
Watch the way you talk.  Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth.  Say only what helps, each word is a GIFT.” (The emphasis is mine.)
Each word is a gift! It doesn’t matter if you are in conversation with friends, coworkers, family, or even yourself…each word is a gift.
You don’t want to give or receive a bad gift, so speak words of encouragement.
Here are some fabulous God-breathed words regarding our speech:
The Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy true life and have only good days, then avoid saying anything hurtful, and never let a lie come out of your mouth.” 1 Peter 3:10
When you talk, you should always be kind and wise.  Then you will be able to answer everyone in the way you should.  Colossians 4:6
Honest people can always feel secure, but lying cheaters will be caught.  Proverbs 10:9
Kind words are like a life-giving tree, but lying words will crush your spirit. Proverbs 15:4
It is not what people put I their mouth that makes them wrong.  It is what comes out of their mouth that makes them wrong. Matthew 15:11
People who are careful about what they say will save themselves from trouble. Proverbs 21:23
So speak encouraging words to one another.  Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind.  I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Hey, YOU ARE AMAZING!
I want to encourage you to speak motivational words into others, give a simple smile in passing, say a word of thanks to the cashier at the grocery store, etc.
Click here to read journal entries when I searched “speak kind words”.
Have a beautiful day, and choose your wise carefully.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie

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