Or?they will take control of you! As Matthew 12:34 NIV says?for out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. When you open up your mouth whatever you have hidden in your heart, whatever you have tucked away in the back of your mind, at some point in time or another, comes out of your mouth. When it does you better watch out! The words you allow to fall from your lips are a direct telltale sign that shows those around you the condition of your heart.
If your heart is in good spiritual condition you don't have much to worry about, but if there is any type of dissention tucked away in there anywhere then it's time to take a moment and ask God to remove the root of the problem that's causing you to act in a way other than normal. It is never God's intention to have us say things to each other than can cause another to fall.
There are many reasons why you should get a hold of your tongue and keep watch over what you say, although none more important than how if affects your relationship with your spouse and/or your children. They are the ones who count on you to be their pillar of strength and example of someone of self-control. Harsh words spoken rashly can do more damage to the ones you love than anything else you could do other than infidelity.
Statistics show that the greatest problem in marriages today is the breakdown of communication between spouses. It's not uncommon for a marriage to get to the point of calling it quits when offense after offense goes without being resolved and resentment builds, then words are spoken that in a different set of circumstances wouldn't have been said and one or both partners are injured. It's not uncommon for us to be more free with our words with the ones closest to us, but this isn't always a good thing.
As hard as it is in today's world to keep a marriage from divorce court, being more mindful of the things that come from our mouths is of the utmost importance. With your words you can bring healing and restoration or destruction to your relationship. You choose?
It is also important to control the words you use over your own life. With the way you talk about yourself, you can set the tone for your future. If you consistently speak in a negative way about yourself then you will bring into existence a poor self image and lower your self-esteem. God doesn't want us to allow any words to come from our lips that are not edifying or pleasing and there is plenty of reason for it. When you don't control what you say then the fallout from words said without thinking can stay with you and those you spoke them to for a long time.
Make sure that you remain in God's word and be mindful to renew your mind daily so that you can have a better sense of self-control in the area of your tongue.
More than ever before, Americans are drowning in debt. Studies show that the average American family uses up to 8 credit cards, and carries between $7,500 and $10,000 in credit card debt alone--add student loans, mortgages, equity lines and car payments to the mix, and it can be a recipe for disaster. Experts warn that as interest rates climb, and the market becomes increasingly uncertain, it is more important than ever to be in control of our finances.
Here are a few tips to help you obtain financial freedom in 2008:
1. Make a list. As painful as it may be, by making a comprehensive list of debts, complete with the attached interest rates, you can accurately measure your financial health. Remember, admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery.
2. Stick to your goal. Post your goal in a central location, where you will be reminded of it daily. Take your credit cards out of your purse, switch to cash only, or make yourself accountable to another person for all your purchases. Find new hobbies, and if necessary, new friends. Surround yourself with people who support you in your goal. You are beginning a new lifestyle"embrace it and focus on the positive aspects of being debt free.
3. Track your spending. In addition to figuring out what you owe, it is important to understand where your money is going. Seeing your spending habits in black and white, is often enough motivation to live more frugally. You may find that you are spending much more than expected on your food bill, or that the increase in gas prices is costing you more than you thought for your commute.
4. Cut the fat. As you track your spending, watch for ways to cut out unnecessary costs from your budget. At this point, nothing is sacred--you must be willing to question every expense. If you commute, consider public transportation for a few months, or find a coworker to carpool with, and share the cost of gas. Pack your lunch instead of eating out, or read the paper online instead of buying it every day.
Even ten dollars a day spent at Starbucks, on lunch, or on snacks adds up to almost $300 a month. Every cent you waste is money that could be going toward your goal. Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference as you work to eliminate debt this year.
5. Find extra income. Depending on the severity of your financial situation, there are a number of ways to increase your income. Working overtime or even taking a second job might be necessary to achieve your financial goals. Part time or weekend jobs such as dog walking, lawn care, or snow removal can help to make a huge dent in your debt. Using websites like eBay, half.com, or Craigslist.com, is another way to turn your extra clutter into cash.
Both Karen Jaworski & William Blake are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Karen Jaworski has sinced written about articles on various topics from Internet Marketing, Religion. Internationally known Contemporary Women's Fiction Author and Public Speaker, Karen Farrell Jaworski, inspires women to a better life through her three powerful real-to-life dramas as well as her personal appearances nationwide. You can find her at. Karen Jaworski's top article generates over 22200 views. to your Favourites.
William Blake has sinced written about articles on various topics from Credit Cards, Debt Reductions and Bankruptcy Law. Can help you get your debt paid off faster? Get the inside scoop on the Debtopedia websit. William Blake's top article generates over 49500 views. to your Favourites.