Building up our children

I have been thinking about the "power of the spoken word" for a few days. The bible has so many verses about the power of words. We are told that "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21" Wow! That is very heavy! What do I say? Do I affirm and build up or do I tear down?
We tend to have a lot of sarcasm in our humor around here. Us Ney's get it, but that doesn't mean it is always good. Duane and I have been talking about that and have decided that we need to tone that down a bit. We have seen that with our children and it isn't always very cute coming from a little one. They also don't have the wisdom to realize what is joking and what is rudeness.
As I have been thinking about this subject I have realized that I need to verbally praise, affirm and encourage my children more. I need to bless them through my words. I have decided to do that more and to even do it publicly, such as here! All my children know I love and cherish each one of them, so there is no specific order to where I am starting with this. I am going to start with Shelbie. She tends to quietly be in the background so often.
Shelbie has such a sweet disposition and has the gentle and quiet spirit that is talked about in the bible. As Shyloh has been slowing moving into a new season in her life, Shelbie has too. Shelbie is becoming more and more the oldest girl at home. She is truly becoming my right arm. She is such an organizer. She is the one who you quietly find cleaning out a cuboard or drawer that she sees needs it. She doesn't do it to be praised or to "look" like a good kid. She honestly does this stuff because she just knows it needs to be done and she knows I will do it eventually and she tries to bless me and lighten my load. I have been sick for a couple of days and she has gone even more above and beyond helping. She is absolutely fabulous with all the little ones. She will stop whatever she is doing and have a tea party with Poppet and Lolly when they ask. She is great about holding Shylie even when she is fussy and everyone else has passed her back to me. Even though she is more on the quiet side she still has a very funny sense of humor and has gotten quite witty lately! She has an amazing heart for people! I know that is from the Lord as she has wanted to be a missionary in Libera for several years now. She is great about keeping up with all her schoolwork without me even telling her. She is very self motivated. One day she is going to be a wonderful wife and mom to some very, very blessed husband and children. I KNOW one day "Her children will arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he will praise her. Prov. 31:28"

Shelbie, you are a wonderful blessing to me! I thank the Lord for giving you to me. Thank you for all your help with the little ones, with keeping up the house, and for making us some wonderful dinners! You do these things even without being asked, completely on your own. You are growing into a lovely young women inside and out! I am blessed each time I see you sitting reading your bible. You are becoming more and more like Christ! I love you with all my heart and I am so very proud of you!
Mama~ XOXO