Words are Powerful...

I have been reading about words for the past couple of days. First I ordered a book called Aspire, and started reading it. On the front cover it reads, "Discovering your purpose through the power of words." It sheds light on the great unseen powers that words hold to help us to change, improve, and create... It is written by Kevin Hall, with a foreword by Steven R. Covy (one of my favorite authors); I'm really, very excited to read this book! :D

Next, I read a blog post, a quote by Douglas L. Calister, and part of a talk given from a General conference, all about the refined way in which our Heavenly Parents speak, and of our need to be like them so that we will be  comfortable in their presence. Each of these I found through on a blog post, shared by Becca... (How can I thank you enough... Becca!?)

I have always made an effort to speak appropriately, positively, and to avoid profanity and gossip. And yet, I did not realize until this morning how very much MORE there is to think about, and that I actually, truly need to improve in the area of how I use words! Words Are Powerful!

I am not at all discouraged, but am actually really excited for the challenge of speaking and writing in a much more refined and beautiful way!

I have an incredible appreciation for words, and am amazed by their power and capacity for beauty. And yet, they can be used by opposing powers....

Words can lift, or destroy. We know from the scriptures that through faith, words can create "And God said, let there be light; and there was light." We also know through the scriptures that words "defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell." And that "If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body." (James chapter 3 is amazing!)

Words can provoke anger, aggression, depression, and other negative emotions... or they can cause one to feel the greatest and most powerful emotions of love and joy imaginable... lifting one up to heights of sheer ecstasy!

Words unveil the secret desires of our hearts, and the confusing or dominate thoughts of our minds. They tell how we think, and what we value... Our words tell others so many things which we ourselves may not even care to admit! Could it be that our words betray us? Or do they lift us up? Do they confuse their hearers? Or do they enlighten and inspire? I wonder how my words affect others and what my words reveal about me?

When others hear me speak or read my words, I would hope that the words I use will be edifying and uplifting, so those who take the time to hear them can feel the sweet beauty which I am absolutely sure God created and intended words to give...

In case you don't go to her post, here is the quote that Becca shared which sheds light on a few things which are unintentionally revealed through choice of words:

Here is a link to Becca's post about Refined Speech...

Here is a link to a talk By Elder Douglas L. Callister about Our Refined Heavenly Father...

Thank you Becca... for enlightening us all! :D

UPDATE: 2:52 pm, same day...

Thankful Thoughts:

I'm thankful that I get to meet so many BEAUTIFUL people through blogging!!! I'm thankful to have met the sweet people who read and comment on my blog posts; thank you dear readers!!! :D

I'm thankful to Ginger for sharing the song and video Who Says on Ginger's blog today!!!! Thank you Ginger!!! (By the way, I added the song and video Who Says, by Selena Gomez to the end of my post, "Forget Not... The Lord Loves You." 

And, as I already stated, I'm thankful to Becca for the wonderful truths she shared on her blog (which I also shared here today) Thanks again Becca! :D

PS. Today I am again reminded of Bob... and his beautiful mission to make the world a happier place through the power of words... I love that man!

Corine :D