Speaking life

When I read this chapter of The Power of a Praying Parent, I was reminded of my mom teaching me "If I couldn't say anything nice, not to say anything at all", that is something that I've held onto(most of the time), I've become very angry over the years and I find myself lashing back and being very critical so as I read this chapter and prayed the prayer over my children, I've been touched by changes I need to make and for Stormie to say that what we speak can be controlled by our own will, has opened my eyes in many ways.

Something I grew up doing was arguing my point or so trying to but my mom would always stop me and tell me it wasn't allowed, so today I find myself thinking I'm too old to have someone tell me how to respond, how to put a lid on my feelings and to control my words but when I read the verse from Matthew 12:34, it breaks my heart to know my words come from my heart and they can either bring life or death.
If we are to lead by example, my whole family needs a complete turn around.
I can start with me and I can pray for every other person in my family but I can't change them.

I've dealt with many words that are inappropriate and I've dealt with many I hate yous and other hurtful things in my 24 years of parenting but never have I looked at it as not from the Lord but from darkness, never had I thought about correcting them I've always responded well I'm doing my job and I love you. There are many things I wish I could do differently and many things I wish I could change but it is too late, however I can pray for for God to fill in my gaps and for the Holy Spirit to penetrate the hearts of my children and that they can learn to speak life not death..... After all I'm still learning myself, so it's NOT TOO LATE!