Cranial Epiglottis

Chances are if you are a member of the human race something similar to the following has happened to you. You are engaged in a normal conversation with a family member, friend, or maybe even making small talk with a complete stranger in a grocery store, when out of nowhere, it happens. A thought forms and before your conscious brain has time to react, your mouth has conveyed the thought into spoken words, words that hang in the air in all their shining lack of brilliance, insensitivity, or downright unkindness. You stand in the awkward silence, wishing to retract them, but finding it far too late. Only a sincere apology, time, and a good dose of humility will begin to undo the damage caused by a thoughtless 'slip of the tongue'.

As I pondered this uncomfortable phenomenon known as 'open-mouth-insert-foot-syndrome' a fascinating idea suddenly struck me. Do you all remember the little body part we possess called the 'epiglottis'? This ingenious flap of cartilage has a very important function. In the action of swallowing it covers our windpipe to stop food or drink from entering and effectively preventing us from choking or drowning. The beauty of it is that this action is totally involuntary on our part. We don't have to think, "Ok, now I need to close off my trachea," each time we swallow, it just happens!

Wouldn't if have been great if God had created us with a cranial epiglottis? An organ that effectively shuts off communication between the brain and mouth whenever an insensitive, sinful, or stupid comment is about to escape between our lips. Instead of opening my mouth and doing some permanent verbal damage, my cranial epiglottis would spring into action and shut down the brain wave carrying the message to my mouth.

For a brief moment I lamented the fact that this wonder organ does not exist in reality, but then I realized that, as a believer in Jesus Christ, I do possess a cranial epiglottis of sorts…it's called the Holy Spirit.

God's Word promises that all those who trust in Jesus Christ receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." (Romans 8:14)

His Word commands us to walk by the Spirit. "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." (Galatians 5:16)

His Word commands us to watch the type of speech that comes out of our mouths. "Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving." (Ephesians 5:4)

May our prayer be the same as that of King David…
"Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!" (Psalm 141:3)

(There's nothing like a Biblical prayer for a Holy Spirit guided cranial epiglottis!)

May we all pray for the power to walk (and talk) in the power of the Spirit today.

7 Random Things!

Better late than never...I am joining in the fun (even though it is now Wednesday morning) and linking up with the Sassy Single Bloggers at Exemplify to share seven random things about myself!

Here goes...

1. I love to think deeply about things and have a tendency to over-analyze. It is a blessing and a curse.

2. I believe true friendships should last a lifetime.

3. People tell me I look like my mother, however, some people also tell me I look far younger than my actual age of twenty-something. I find this to be highly frustrating at times. :-)

4. My dad and I share the same sense of humor and some random personality quirks.

5. I have a deep fear of worms.

6. I will try eating almost any food at least once (except aforementioned worms).

7. I speak nearly fluent Spanish and would love to learn a couple more langugages someday! (possibly Greek and French)

Thats all for now, folks. Thanks for letting me share a little of myself with you all!

Morning Person?

I read an interesting article today. Maybe I should try some of these tips in order to more effectively cut off my ties with my beloved snooze button.

I am skeptical, however...changing my love of staying up late and sleeping in is no small task. In general, my fear of being late to work is the only thing that drags me out of bed in the morning. I'm up for trying something new, though. So if I do try some of these tips, I'll let you know how they work! :-)

How to Have a Good Sick Day: 5 Simple Steps

It happens to all of us...one day we are going about our normal lives, and the next we find ourselves dizzy, stumbling out of bed with stuffed heads or nauseous stomachs, and wishing there were a nearby rock to crawl underneath and die. If you have ever experienced this feeling, I offer you some simple steps to make the most out of your sick day. May they help you cope with the aches, pains, monotony and bordom.

1. Choose an appropriate spot to exist. A chair, a bed, a couch; wherever you feel most comfortable remaining for extended periods of time. My personal preference is the recliner.

2. Arm yourself with enough Kleenex, cough drops, and vitamin C to supply a small army.

3. Choose your entertainment for the day. Some suggestions include: A favorite 'feel-good' movie such as "You've Got Mail", a laptop for blogging and Facebook purposes, a good book (mine is currently 'Los Numeros de la Experanza' to get in some Spanish practice), an i-pod for music that makes you want to get up and dance. Or not.

4. Don't forget the doctor's orders, 'Drink lots of liquids'. My favorites in times of sickness happen to be Sierra Mist and orange juice (not mixed together, that's gross!). However, I am hoping that milkshakes also count.

5. Keep a cell phone nearby. Not only is it useful for maintaining contact with the outside world, it also helps keep track of how much time remains till you can take your next dose of wonderful, life-preserving, elixer from heaven, cold medicine!

With these steps in mind you can conquer any sick day with style. However I would not recommend taking a picture.