Words of Life

Words are very important to me. I have a degree in English. I write a lot. I read even more than that. I play lots of word games. I'm picky about spelling. I often find myself critiquing communications if they haven't really chosen the correct words to communicate what they wanted to convey...in my humble opinion of course! And it's really hard for me not to correct someone who uses the wrong word or mispronounces a word in conversation.

I know, it borders on a sickness. But I can't seem to help myself!

Today's reading says, "These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit--but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock." Matthew 7:24-25 (MSG)

Words are important (I feel somewhat vindicated now for my obsession!). God's word specifically is important. It is through His word that our lives will be changed. They are reliable, true, convicting, comforting, powerful, challenging, and more.

My prayer for 2011 is that I learn to pay more attention to the word of God...and perhaps a little less attention to the words I hear around me. Would you join me in that prayer?

- Holly Barrett