We just remembered to change our air conditioning filter yesterday- ewwwww- ick! All that gunk would have gone in our lungs- if not for the filter! From filtering water to the new devices that filter obscenities from your TV shows-
Filters are more than just wonderful- they’re necessary.
After walking Bethany in, I was leaving the school, when another Mom (of a 14 year old son with autism) and I started talking. She asked me how it was going for Bethany. ” Pretty good. We’re still transitioning. How’s your son doing? “
She grimaced and said, “He’s like a seven year old boy in a 14 year old body coursing with hormones and he has absolutely no filter on his mouth. He blurts out the most inappropriate things- some days I wish I had duct tape.”
I could relate! Emotional, social, mental maturity grow at different rates for different people. [Tweet ” Adolescents with special needs are still learning; we have to teach them to filter their words!”] Think first- speak next.
While, I hope people are understanding that Bethany has trouble filtering her words sometimes! As a parent, I can’t give Bethany a “pass” just because she has down syndrome. She can learn– it might take a lot of repetition and some creative, concrete visual examples- but this is an important life skill! I want people to like her as she grows up- so one way to insure that is helping her learn to FILTER her words.
Is it really that different for any of us???
The books of James tells us [Tweet ” “The tongue is the most difficult part of the body to train.””] Yep. Yep!
In no way, do I want you to think we have this conquered! Bethany has said so many inappropriate things, untimely things, and blurted out innocent questions that should not have been asked. I’ve had flaming cheek syndrome many times from embarrassment. But I will keep trying to give her tools to help her understand she has to be in control of her tongue.
Here’s 3 visual keys to help our children (& ourselves 🙂 )help filter their thoughts and words!
A Guard-
LORD, set up a guard for my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3
I’m teaching Bethany her mouth is a door that let words out. Words bless or words hurt. God wants to set up a “guard” that will help her think before she speaks- so she can stop before she says something she shouldn’t say. Let that “God Guard” poke those words right back in- don’t let them pass your lips! 🙂
Apples of Gold-
Proverbs 25:11 The right word spoken at the right time is as beautiful as gold apples in a silver bowl.
The beauty of words- the power of words- the rich treasure they bring! Our words can be a gift to people!
Proverbs 31: tells us- The Law of kindness is to be on our tongue!
So- Hold your tongue- arrest those thoughts that are silly, unkind, or untrue. Tame that tongue to speak KIND and GOOD!
Surprising Treasures: Psalm 19:14New Living Translation (NLT)
14 May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Oy! Great post and guidelines! I think words begin in the mind… at least mine do. I constantly need to renew my mind by seeking the Lord first, even then, I blurt out things I regret later…and like it’s been said, you cannot take them back once those thoughts are verbalized. Thank God for my High Priest, Jesus, who makes intercession for me 24/7, for reminders like your post, and for Psalm 141!!
♥♥ Mid
Exactly- to grow into “taking all thoughts” captive- you’re right- its our minds- our thought lives- but I don’t even know how to tackle that with Bethany lol- so I’m starting with her learning to control her words- but you made me think- It’s just as important I “control” her environment- the TV shows she watches for instance- I’ll hear a phrase or sassy attitude picked up and adopted into her repertoire = it’s what we set our minds upon that ultimately influence our speech- thanks Mid Love ya all to pieces!
Words are so powerful. Life and death is in our words. God chose words to communicate with us. The Word became flesh!
Life and death- in our little words. Wow. God chose words- THE WORD to communicate to us- again- WOW!
What a timely post, Cindy. I definitely have times when I have forgotten my filter. We forget that what we say in jest might do serious harm to others. Great reminder♥
Susan
I love that song- Words- I’m going back and adding it to the post! Words can offer so much grace!
Dear Cindy, you have spiritual intuition not unlike that of Martin Luther. I once read he was forever seeing scriptural applications in the most mundane things around him, like, for example, the way his dog kept his eyes on the bone on Luther’s plate, in expectation of when the time would be right for him to enjoy Luther’s giving it! I love what use you made of a dirty AC filter! You are such a gem. Thanks for the good teaching, another of my favorites from you.
Sweet Edy- God knows I used to have trouble “seeing” His hand or presence in my life at all! I’m amazed that He lets me see the daily, intentional, visual lessons constantly- I know its His way of confirming His love in my life. I just get to share 🙂 Thanks for your love and encouragement! Love the story about the dog on Martin Luther- One day, our eyes will be open to see God was speaking through everything.
Great stuff, Cindy! Love all the visuals–makes it sink down deep.
XOXOXO