The Blog of Todd Green

I turned on the radio today and heard two separate front-page stories that refer to the power of words.

The one story is of Arnold Schwarzenegger years ago praising the oratory abilities of Adolph Hitler. The other story is of Rush Limbaugh and prescription drug abuse. In the Arnold story, he now says that whatever he said then he surely does not believe today. In the Rush story, radio clips are being played of monologues on Rush's radio show where he says that people who abuse drugs should be shown no mercy. Yikes.

The power of the tongue is almost more power than we should be allowed to have. The Bible tells us that, "Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach; good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest. Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit-you choose." Proverbs 18:21-22

Growing up, the favorite Sunday school song was, "Be careful little mouth what you say." I always thought that was odd - until I got older - now I know it is not so odd.


Words are like a knife. They can either carve the wood into something beautiful or they can remove the life from the living.

The words you say give people a window seat with a view of what is in your heart.

The words you say can either come back to haunt you or even bless you.

You may have a change of heart today, but people don't easily forget the words they heard you say yesterday.

I guess what I heard as a child rings true today, be quick to think and slow to speak.

posted by Todd @ 4:14 PM

A couple of days ago I returned from the "whirlwind-mindboggling-omyLordwhatamIdoing-istthereaStarbucksatthisExit-international-Tour."

Fri.-Sat., September 19 & 20, My dad got married to a very nice lady in Springfield, MO last (almost 2 weeks ago now). It was more than a little stressful for Pennie and I to get there but it was good to see dad happy after a real bad couple of years.

Sunday, September 21, I preached for a former Sunday school teacher who now pastors in Festus, MO. It was good to be with friends.

Monday, September 22, Pennie & I drove from St.Louis to Lebanon, Ohio, picked up our daughter at my in-laws and then drove on to Columbus.

Tuesday, September 23, Pennie & I took Cassidy to school and went out to breakfast. I love my wife. I then took off for Toronto. It was a real easy drive until I got to Toronto. I was lost for almost 3 hours. Yikes.

I spent the remainder of the week at our church conference. My accommodations were excellent. I stayed in a apartment/suite. Not too shabby. I want to take the family back to Toronto for holiday at some point.

Saturday, September 27, I drove back home.

Sunday, September 28, I preached in the AM service, taught in the PM service, played music, led praise & worship. I was tired.

Monday, September 29, day off. Whew!

Tuesday, September 30, Dad & Kim said they would be in early evening, and they were really excited about meeting Cassidy. They were delayed and arrived pretty late. Pennie slept with Cassidy, I took the couch.

Wednesday, October 1, Dad & Kim left. They spent about five minutes with Cassidy before she went to school. It was good to see them. It was somewhat awkward, but truthfully not that bad.

Healing usually always comes in time. I really do still miss mom. In fairness, I do not slight my dad the opportunity to move on with his life. He seems to be happier than ever. I am really glad.

posted by Todd @ 10:11 AM