Pass The Bar Of Soap

If you have not seen the movie, "A Christmas Story," then you won't know what this picture is about. Allow me to explain: Ralph, the main character, came home from school and uttered a curse word to his mother. He then found himself in the bathroom with a bar of soap in his mouth. Fun stuff I'm sure.
For some reason, I have really struggled with "not so nice" words leaking out lately. I have certainly tried to stay on top of ALL words since having children, but occassionally I find myself saying something I regret. Curse words are such a frustration to me. I know people that can't seem to keep from inserting one in every sentence, and I remember how I used to be just like that. I had a huge potty mouth--I'm sure I would have put some sailors to shame. However, when I decided to change my life and everything about it, I not only made a point to stop using curse words, but I no longer had the desire to do so.
That's the frustration point. I know in my knower that I no longer have the desire to use those words. Then, out of nowhere, I will be in a situaton that gets a bit heated and I let one loose.
Ack!
Next thing I know, I am in a similar situation later on and 2 or 3 curse words come out.
Double ack!
With my focus on so many other things right now, I've apparently let this issue slide. That's not an excuse, only the truth. Here is what I want to focus on for this week--I want to take a much closer look at my words. I have to stay on track and not let any weapon formed against me prosper. It's time to pick up that "spiritual bar of soap" and clean out the potty mouth. I want my children to only hear words of peace, blessing, honor, and love coming out of this mouth. Three verses came to mind while writing this:

1. "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water." James 3:9-12

2. "Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days,
keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies." Psalm 34:12-13

3. "You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD. " Psalm 139:3-4

You know, it really does feel much better to get it all out and admit when I'm wrong. It's hard to even write about issues such as cursing, but in the grand scheme of things, I see it as just another way the devil tries to make me stumble and fall. I'm so very thankful I can run to His Word and find verses that help me deal with this kind of issue. I feel encouraged, uplifted, and best of all---free.