"The Least Said, The Easiest Remedied"

Have you ever heard a phrase that just seemed to stay with you over the years? "The least said, the easiest remedied", is a phrase my late Grandma Barber used to say often. She was a godly woman who understood the dangers of the tongue and the devastation and destruction that can be caused by rumors or gossip. James 1:19 says "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry." Why is this so unnatural for us to do? Why do we always jump the gun and speak out of turn or get angry before we know all of the facts of a particular situation? I think it is because we speak before we think, get angry, and then say things that we can never retract.
Think about it, the less you say, the less you have to fix! I still don't have this little nugget of wisdom down pat, but I am challenged even today to work on it. We live a "broadcast yourself" society and I am convinced that I need to say less so that I don't have to fix more.
Have you ever said something that was misunderstood or misconstrued to mean something else? I am learning that even wall posts on Facebook can be misunderstood. A few weeks ago my sister-in-law had a post that said she was no longer listed as married. I reacted immediately and started a chain reaction of inquisition on this topic. It was a computer glitch that did not mean anything, but my reaction caused many to think otherwise. No worries, she and my brother are still happily married! See what I mean?
Today, I was reminded that I have to be careful what I write or say to even my wife on Facebook. I waited until I was 27 years old before I got married and I am pleased to say that my love for my wife increases everyday. I am challenged to be a better husband everyday and I am also challenged to edify and encourage her with compliments and sweet unexpected reminders of my gratitude of our love. "We love because HE first loved us." 1 John 4:19 You would think that my occasional encouragements through a wall post or facebook message would be a friendly reminder of the love Christ has given us, but even those motives and wordings can be misconstrued. I am learning how vast my potential audience is and that I must learn to discern that even innocent comments to my wife can be misunderstood. I guess my sweet grandmother was correct in her pearl of wisdom, "The least said, the easiest remedied." Let's work together to say less so that we can remedy less! For more information on this topic please go to zziiippiiitt.com

PS. I hope that I did not say too much in this blog...lol

My Own "Little Miah"

When I was just a toddler, my brother Dorian who was 2 years my senior decided to call me Miah for short. This nickname caught on quickly and has been used by my family and friends for as long as I can remember. I always find it funny that almost every week someone asks me if I have ever heard the song "Jeremiah was a bullfrog", and of course I respond, "Yes, almost weekly!" I guess I just have one of those names...I even was called Jeremiah Johnson by a co-worker several years ago. Now, kids who hear me called Miah start singing "Miah the Bee". I guess everyone has some sort of shortened version of their name, or a nickname that has caught on over the years. In fact, Kelli's grandpa calls me "The Sleeping Prophet", but that is another blog.
Today I introduce you again to my baby boy, Nehemiah Taylor. He is actually my own "Little Miah". I am so thankful that the Lord would allow me the privilege of having a son. Now he can carry on my nickname, Miah. I just hope some of his nicknames like, "Nehi"and "Puppy" won't stick too long. There is already a song for him too! My mother in law came up with "Nehemiah was a tadpole." Taddy is another nickname working its way up, but for now he will continue to be just my "Little Miah".