“So, for Erik and me, we are always asked the question: How can you be around each other so much and travel together without getting on one another’s nerves, so to speak?

At first, over 26 years ago, when we stepped into a truck and trailer and began driving across the country together with our son, Anthony, homeschooling him, it was not an easy task whatsoever. We were both truly learning one another in ways we had never experienced before. We had only been married for four years at that point in our lives, and suddenly, we were in a tractor-trailer with no way to simply get away from one another. We had to come to an agreement about things. We had to learn how to let things go, rather than always needing to have the last word. We learned respect for one another. We learned that we were in it together and that we were for each other, not against each other.

We quickly learned the Scripture that says, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a grievous words stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1

And what does grievous mean? It means something serious, heartbreaking, severe, painful, or something that causes mental suffering. Sadly, this can happen through our mouths because “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Proverbs 18:21

Our words have the power to do good or evil. They can truly tear someone down into tiny little pieces, or they can build someone up to be strong and mighty. We never forget what our loved ones have spoken to us, even in a moment of anger. When we choose to be cruel, we often disregard the fact that those words may stay with the other person for a lifetime.

So, to each of us this day, my heart and my prayer is that we choose love. That we choose kindness. That we choose to treat and respect our loved ones above all else. May we choose the soft answer. May we treat others the way we ourselves want to be treated. May we turn the other cheek, and when we find ourselves in the midst of anger, frustration, or disagreement, may we remember all the good that person has ever done for us and continues to do.

For the enemy is the author of confusion, and he wants confusion to rest and abide in you and in your heart. Because when confusion takes hold, you are never truly at peace with your life, with yourself, or, for that matter, with anyone else.

But when we grow and mature and realize that life is sweetest when we choose honey over bitterness, we can live beautiful, blessed, and fulfilling lives.

No one is perfect. We all fall short. But we can all choose to get along. We can choose to shine the grace of God and speak words of life from the wellspring of our hearts, because out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.

So guard your heart. Guard your life. Guard your relationships.

“Let him that stole steal no more…” Ephesians 4:28

Be well, and choose to be well. Give the enemy nothing of you. Grow and become what God our Father desires you to be, for His ways are so much better.

God’s ways bring peace like a river.
God’s ways bring joy unspeakable.
God’s ways fill our lives and our hearts to overflowing with love and grace.

And so, don’t forget, Choose the soft answer that turns away and extinguishes the fire.

Let our tongues not be filled with a world of iniquity, doing more harm than good. Instead, let our words bring healing, encouragement, love, grace, and life. Amen!

”For it is in His name, Jesus’ name, that I do ask and pray..Amen & Amen..Be blessed today my dear sweet friends and remember wherever you go and whatever you do, Be a light for our Father, Much love to you all, Mandi ❤️