Half-way through my 21 days of no sugar in January I realized that I didn't have a problem with just saying no to sugar, I had a problem saying no to everything. So I had the grand idea of taking the first 21 days of each month of 2010 and saying no to something.
January was sugar, February was spending, March was fast-food, and for April? April will be exercising self-control in criticizing and/or nagging my husband. (Needless to say this is his favorite idea so far.) When pondering about why I decided this would be a good one, I came to the realization that this, for me, was just as much about self-control as any of the previous themes. When Brian (he's a great blogger by the way, hit the link and it will take you to his site) does something that annoys me or I feel needs to be addressed, I want to tell him then and in whatever way I want to say it - instead of thinking it through, choosing the right words, the right tone of voice, or choosing not to say it at all. And it usually results in an argument. It's all about self-control. So this month, I am exercising control over my tongue.
"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it." James 4:1
"When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise." Proverbs 10:19
"Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Proverbs 12:18
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1
"Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife." Proverbs 21:19
"be self-controlled..." 1 Peter 1:13b
