I talk a lot. I mean A LOT. I don't always realize the power that I possess in the words that I say. I find myself being like the man that James (the brother of Jesus) describes in his epistle. I can talk a great talk and voice praises to the Lord. I can also gossip, lie, belittle others, and curse. My tongue is an uncontrollable force. I know I have severely damaged relationships and even my witness for the Lord because I cannot control my tongue. Yet, the hardest thing for me to speak is the phrase "I'm sorry." I know I say it quite a bit, but I sometimes question the sincerity behind the words. I have been trying to think more often on godly thoughts in hopes that my words will come from the thoughts. I have found that the outflow of my thoughts are represented by my words. If I give ear to gossip, slander, and curses; then I spew out the same. I want to be an encouragement to all those around me. I want to spur others on to do good deeds. I am NOT THERE YET. So, I ask for encouragement from all others.