If there is anything I know from personal experience, it is the power of words to build up or put down. I want to be a life giver—a person who builds up, infuses life, hope, and courage into others.

I want to speak words of life, and God’s words are life.

If you are a parent, you are in the best position to use your words to build up and encourage your children.

To the younger women building and establishing a family, I want you to ask yourself the questions: What does family mean to you? Why do you want a family? What are your dreams, priorities, and prayers for your family?

To the young moms, moms of teens, and young adult moms, I want to encourage you to introduce your children to Jesus, and help them cultivate a personal relationship with Him. He is your most influential person. You want your child to know Him.

I got a lot wrong raising children. Not for a second do I claim to have been a great mom. But here is one thing we got right: when I buried my child, my only son, I knew he knew Jesus.

All of the things that seemed big or important didn’t matter at all—he knew Jesus!

Don’t miss your opportunity to sow seeds for eternity in young, impressionable, teachable hearts. Know well the condition of your flock. Know the status of your children's salvation, their Godly wisdom, and maturity. Teach them to pray into God’s plans for them. Listen, observe, and pray to know their God given gifts.

Help them to prepare for life by knowing the words of life.

People are weary, overwhelmed, anxious, worried, and unsure in a world that gives too many options and not enough peace. They need rest, soul satisfaction, peace, direction, and wisdom from the Way, the Truth, and the Life. They can only have these things by building on a firm foundation—the Rock, who is also the architect and builder.

“The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings ruin. The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not upright. The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him. The Lord detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue righteousness.” Proverbs 15:6-9 (NIV)

“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.” Psalm 127:1 (NIV)

Anything not of God will fall to the ground and die. If it is from you, by you, for you, and exalts you, it will not flourish. Take root in Jesus, grow in depth and width, and be used to reach many, starting with your children.

“The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.” Proverbs 13:14 (NIV)

Start with commitment, conviction, and obedience. Set an example for your children by growing, following Scripture, seeking counsel, fearing the Lord, and learning to unload your burdens in the only place where there is true help.

Obedience will lead to compassion, which will lead to identity.

Pray it every morning, during the day, and every night: “Lord, make my mouth a fountain of life.”

Words of life