Dear Grandchildren:
Wow! Our family is growing! Grandma and I are going to be great-grandparents! Congratulations to Moses and Alexis, Nick and Rachel, and Steven and Karly.
This month, I want to talk about seeds. Here in Florida, our yard does not look anything like our Michigan grass. You would think with not having to put up with snow and freezing weather like in Michigan, the grass would really be better– but it’s not. Maybe I’m using the wrong kind of seeds. That’s where it all begins…in the seeds.
You are where you are today in part because of what you’ve been saying about yourself.
Words are like seeds!
When you speak something out, you give life to what you’re saying. If you continue to say it, eventually that can become a reality. When you talk, you’re planting words and you’re planting your future.
So let me ask you: What kind of words (seeds) do you speak out on your behalf? Are they affirming words? Do they encourage you to be victorious? Successful? Healthy?Confident? Disciplined?
Oh, I know what you’re thinking. I don’t feel like those words in the last paragraph. And either do I, but the more we confess the future that we desire by our words and actions, the more likely it will happen.
I’m really talking to myself here because it’s easy to confess what you’re feeling. I feel like my body has Parkinson’s especially when my hand has a tremor and my body wants to slow down. Here’s where I challenge myself with speaking positive, uplifting words to myself.
Thank you God, for you are my complete healing in Jesus name. And I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Yesterday I had my best round of golf here in Florida. Yippee!
The Bible talks about how your tongue can either bless or curse your life. We don’t realize how negative thinking along with negative words can affect your future. Success comes in I can’s, not in I cannot’s. Listen to your words and help yourself confess a positive future by using positive words.
As parents, we have a wonderful responsibility to lift our children up with positive words and positive actions, helping them to see a healthy and productive future.
Grandma and I have been listening to Joel Osteen when we’re in the car and he has helped us to confess a positive outlook on life. He states that we who are in Christ should proclaim what the Bible says about ourselves:
In Christ, I’m getting healthier.
In Christ, I’m getting stronger.
In Christ, my mind is becoming more alert.
In Christ, I have a wonderful future ahead of me.
In other words, don’t get trapped by your own words. Proverbs 6:3 states: “We are trapped by the words of our mouth”.
You may be saying to yourselves, Isn’t this just lying to yourself? No! I would call it walking by faith in what you desire for yourself. Don’t dwell on your problems but focus your thoughts on solutions and how God is going to help you. You see, God is not surprised about anything that happens to you and he does have everything under his control. Here is a great opportunity to trust him for your future, knowing he is in control. Our responsibility is to stay positive and walk by faith in the promises of God.
In closing, I’ll offer a couple tools you can do when you’re entering a negative situation. Realize God is your answer and start praising him for the solution. If you can’t say anything positive, then don’t say anything out loud. Remember, our words are like seeds. Ask yourself: “What am I planting right now? Blessings or Curses?”
Grandma and I wish you all a Happy New Year! And a year of good health and a year of his blessings— and of course, healthy babies.
We love you,
Grandpa