Tag: words

Least Favorite Words . . .

Even before a word is on my tongue,
    behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. (Psalm 139:4 ESV)

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As I work through the prompts for 30 Days of Lists, every once in a while a topic seems to stump me. Today was such a day.

I love words. I don’t really have “least favorite words” to put into a list. But I do have words that I wish would never come out of my mouth. There is some comfort, as well as conviction in knowing that God is aware of a word that I will speak even before it exits my lips.

I like to collect words. I have the word “latte” on our buffet, a gift from our oldest son. I have the word “read” in my art studio because reading is one of my favorite ways to learn. My sister gave me a word sculpture that says “Life is Good.” I often paint the word “love” into my art because God desires love.

So when asked to write a list of least favorite words, I had to think more in categories rather than specific words. (And if I told you my least favorite word begins with “b” and resides inside your nose, that would just be gross, so I won’t mention the word.)

I do not like words that hurt my feelings or yours. I don’t care for angry, loud words or razor sharp ones–those cutting remarks cloaked as little daggers of disapproval. The kind of words that people claim were only jokes, but really are sucker punches to our egos. These are some of my least favorite kind of words.

I avoid words that are discouraging, degrading, disappointing or disgusting. I do not care for words that deprive others of their value or make them feel less than loved.

I dislike words that misinterpret a situation. I don’t like words that support lies or fail to keep their promise.

Sometimes words will fail me. But the WORD of God never does, and in fact the LOVE of God never will.

What are some of your least favorite words?

Posted on by kelrohlf 4

(re)visit: to consider or take up again {and RJD Link-Up}

Now go and write down these words.
    Write them in a book.
They will stand until the end of time
    as a witness.

(Isaiah 30:8 NLT)

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Today, I’m joining up with my favorite journal keepers Dawn and Susie over at the Random Journal Day Link-Up. I randomly chose this journal. It was fun to look at how I decorated the cover with summer themed stickers. Summer brings out the kid in me!

One thing, I like about keeping a journal is that I can revist it anytime I want. When I consider where I “was at” in my life on a certain day, I get to see how far I’ve come or not come in personal progress.

Here’s where I visited:.

Friday, May 6, 2011 (Almost three years ago)

I feel tired. I walked with T in the am. Gave energy to tutoring Latin. More energy to walking again with K. Energy to shopping and putting thought into a box for Scotland [my sister and her family were living there at the time.] I always want to put so much into the box. I wish I could deliver it myself. This time last year I was getting ready for the adventure to Scotland. I wish I could go back–but I have new adventures this summer–work on Bellerive [Honors College Literary publication] –finishing work–projecting work–discovery work–restful times and active times.  B comes home Tuesday. Another soul to interact and fuse with…new dynamics.

As I revist this entry, I notice that while my circumstances have shifted, living takes energy. Relationships matter. Walking is good. Work is good. New adventures and new dynamics continue to beckon me to keep living and breathing and moving.

On one corner of the page, I pasted this quote:

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A defining moment! Looking back I can see that my experiences in 2011 foreshadowed where I am today. On the next page, I made the declaration that I wanted to be part of the journaling revolution, a clarion call from my friend and journaling mentor, Lynn Morrissey. Three year laters I am part of the revolution, sharing here with RJD and teaching classes that incorporate journaling techniques combined with collage and mixed-media art.

And one of my greatest passions lately has been inviting others to “Be YOU!” How amazing that this germ of an idea would come to fruition three years later.

God values the written word and He instills beauty in each of us. Let’s celebrate and proclaim His goodness in words and all kinds of mark making. Let’s leave our imprint on this world, in such a way that it causes others to come closer and examine for themselves this strange sight of personhood spilling over on to page and screen.

Linking with RJD.

 

 

 

 

Posted on by kelrohlf 11