HOW BIG IS YOUR BUT!?

No, you don't need to report me to the FCC. It is B U T! That part of our daily language that always seems to include a B u t!.

But, if I only had time to do everything I need!

But, if I just had time to spend in prayer with God!

But, if I just had time to read the Bible!

But, if she just wouldn't act like that, or he!

But, if the preacher would just stop talking about money!

You get the jest. I heard this at church last week, and I can't get it out of my mind.

My favorite saying is, "Well, but. . .!" See some personalities just mean well, but they never quite come out and say what is really keeping them from doing something, they know they should. And, of course, something they shouldn't.

I was impressed by how much we use that term to explain away what we rationally and actually try to cover over. It is hilarious.

In my counseling I tell couples, there are three words we need to take out of our vocabulary every single day. Want to take a guess at what they are, if you don't already know?

Why, always and never. These three words get the b u t going on next. But, why am I supposed to take those out? I need to show him/her how right I am! Yep! But, she just doesn't get it. But, she is always late to everything and it makes me late too. But, he never listens to me. But, my kids always want to know why about everything and it is driving me nuts.

Why, always and never brings out the "Shoot out at O. K. Corral!" We become instantly defensive and come out of the corner ready to duke it out, even if it is just our little kid on the inside of us, we're ready to fight.

Always is absolute - Never is absolute. He or she may - most of the time be late, but not every time. See, there was a but! They are also defensive mechanisms that bring everyone out ready for a showdown.

I Peter 1: 13/18.

Be obedient, pursue God with all your focus. I and 11 Peter are full of how we are to conduct ourselves in our short life here. I now say there are four words that need to be taken out. However, as humans, we know we will slip up, B U T, be reverent and full of your own awareness. Hear yourself, evaluate what you say and hear. Take it to God and confess. "Ask for a new mouth!" - as Joyce Meyers would say. I add, with a new spirit. It is also good to plead for spiritual surgery sometimes.

I love Anna Bells's coined words for her young grandson. "He is a Holy Handful!" I also believe we can be a Holy Handful for God. Let us THINK, CONSIDER, PONDER what we are about to say each and every day. I also love Psalms 70. It says "Come in Haste, Lord Jesus!" I agree - but, my trigger has a short fuse, and I don't always do that careful evaluating. BUT, it is my commitment today and I hope you will to, agree to be watchful, pursue obedience and let the Holy Spirit thread good positive language skills through the person God made us to be.

**It is my commitment very soon to blog on Wednesdays and Sundays. TBA