The Importance of Right Speech

Words. Words are critical for clear communication. Using the correct words help us in our relationships both business and personal. How many times have you heard "That's not what I meant"? Or someone gets mad because they heard you say something that didn't say? What about people who don't keep their word? This week I'm sharing on the importance of right speech. 

Right speech is a concept that refers to speaking the truth, refraining from lying and deceiving others, being reliable with your word, refraining from gossip, and communicating clearly. This concept is a cornerstone in most major spiritual traditions including Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Toltec wisdom, to name a few.

Today we are going to focus on being reliable with your word. Since this blog is about wholeness and destiny, being reliable with our word is a key to being a person of integrity, which in turn is pivotal in moving forward into our destiny!

Personal Stories

A new friend and I had made plans to together for lunch. I asked her to touch base to confirm later on in the week as I have learned it's best to make sure both parties are still able to meet and nothing has come up. I never heard from this new friend to confirm. So on the day of the event, I texted her early. No reply. Later, she texts me and says "I'm here". When I arrived at the restaurant, she says "If I say I'm going to be someplace, I will be there", with a tone. Fast forward to the next weekend. Again, we had made plans earlier in the week and she left it with "See you then," as if to confirm. Well, guess what? On the morning of the event, I receive a text from her with an excuse why she had to cancel. Hello? I had to chuckle. 

Another acquaintance said this weekend, "I'll definitely be there". At the agreed upon time we were supposed to meet, I get a text from her with an excuse cancelling. 

Then we have the contractors who say "We'll be there Friday around lunch," and never show up. What gives?

It seems many people do not care about keeping their word these days. Now, don't misunderstand, I do realize things come up, but most of the time it's not last minute. And then we wonder why the world is in the state it's in. 

Keeping our word does matter. Our words are powerful. They have the ability to create or to destroy. They have the ability to bring us peace or suffering. They can make or break a  relationship. As author, Don Miguel Ruiz, puts it in his life-changing book entitled "The Four Agreements",

The First Agreement – BE IMPECCABLE WITH YOUR WORD

Speak with integrity and say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

Did you know the word "impeccable" comes from the latin words that mean "without sin"? Our words should be impeccable. But how many of us even realize the harm we do with our words? I had another long-time girlfriend that I entrusted a private matter to and asked her to keep it confidential. Sadly, she blabbed it to her entire family and when I confronted her about it, she got defensive and angry. She not only shared my personal story, she broke the trust I had in her, and destroyed our relationship because she could not accept responsibility for her actions. 

For Reflection

Are you impeccable with your word to yourself? When you say you are going to exercise, for example, do you?  Or do you give yourself an excuse? When you promise to yourself you are going to drink less, spend less, or whatever, do it! Be impeccable with your word not only to others, but to yourself and see how much more empowered you feel.

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If you'd like some new reading material, check out my books available from your favorite bookseller including Amazon, Apple, and Barnes and Noble, to name but a few. If you like to cook, or just want some new recipes, order your copy of my Mediterranean Mom's cookbook. Simply use Zelle or Paypal to email $25.99 and you'll receive your digital copy chock full of delicous recipes including gluten-free, paleo, keto, as well as ethnic. You're gonna love it! Use pattiel1108@gmail.com to purchase.  
                                

New Book Coming Out Soon!

So excited to share that my new book entitled "Ignite the Power Within" will be coming out soon. Once again, it is in ebook format but I will take orders for paperback copies. 

Stay tuned for more positive, practical and powerful wisdom on how to ignite the power within and discover YOUR destiny!

Until next time, keep looking up!

Ariel Paz 

Part 2: How to Live a Life Empowered by the Holy Spirit

Do you need more boldness? Have trouble speaking up or making decisions? Made poor relationship choices? If so, then this week's post is for you. Last week we talked about who the Holy Spirit is and this week I'm sharing on what the Holy Spirit does for us, which is a lot. 

                                                

As you may recall from last week's post, Jesus told his disciples that when he ascends to Heaven, he would send the Holy Spirit. On the day of Pentecost, Jesus breathed on the disciples and said "Receive the Holy Spirit," (John 20:22) and they were filled with power and boldness. Up till then, they had been timid and fearful. Now they had the Holy Spirit which enabled them to go out and spread the Gospel, face numerous challenges, and even give their lives for Christ. 

He is also called The Counselor, The Comforter, and the Spirit of Truth. This supernatural power empowers us as human beings to do the will of God, to forgive those who have hurt us, and the authority to speak up for what is right and to discern what is true. 

The Holy Spirit Empowers Us
We all know how tough life can be. Frankly, I don't know how people survive without the power of God. The challenges of life can be overwhelming, but God gives us his Spirit to empower us and to guide us in the vicissitudes of life. The Holy Spirit gives us power and boldness to speak up and to stand up for ourselves, others, and for God. 

He enables us to forgive others. He pricks our conscience when we disobey God. He gives us direction and guidance. He helps us remember the word of God when we need it. He alerts us to physical and spiritual danger. He gives us authority. 

The Holy Spirit Guides Us
I was just telling a neighbor the other day about the divine guidance I am receiving about a tooth decision. God directs our path, often without us even realizing it. He sends us to people who can help us. When we become sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, we are able to discern which path to take and when it is time to make a decision and when it is time to wait or do further research. Learn more about decision making by reading these posts. 

The Holy Spirit Helps Us Become More Godly

There is a battle going on inside each of us. It is the battle between the flesh and the Spirit. The flesh (aka the ego) wants that which gratifies us in the moment or makes us feel superior to others. That extra piece of cake. That high paying job that steals our time with family and often our health. That feeling of being superior or always right. 

Spirit, on the other hand, wants that which will grow us up and help us to have more peace. To be kinder and more patient. To control our anger. To be humble and gentle. To seek unity instead of division. To understand one another rather than prove our point. 

For more on what the Holy Spirit does, read this article. 

For Reflection

As you see, the Holy Spirit can be quite powerful in our lives if we allow him to. Do you struggle with making the right decisions? Do you have trouble with anger, impatience, or self-control? Would you like to have the help of the Holy Spirit? 

Stay tuned for next week's post when we will talk more about what the Holy Spirit does for us and how to receive the Holy Spirit power into your life. 

If you enjoyed this post and would like to join our community, simply enter your email address in the box provided. You'll receive my weekly posts AND a copy of my free guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path", and remember, communication and community is a two-way street so feel free to connect with me and others on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @ArielPaz08. 

In the meantime, check out my other offerings on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Apple. Pop on over to Pinterest and enjoy the collection I have curated for you. I just recently started posting on Instagram so follow me there too!

Thanks for reading, and stay tuned as we learn more on how to ignite the power within so you can take back your life and discover YOUR destiny!

Until next time, keep looking up!

Ariel Paz

You've Got What It Takes!

Totally equipped and fully loaded. My new car came just like this. Everything I could possibly need in a vehicle and more. The windshield wipers turn on when they detect rain. The lights go on when it gets dark. The side mirrors light up and beep when a car is in my blind side. Navigation system to get me to my destination.

I ask you, what more could one ask for? My car is equipped with absolutely everything I needed and more and guess what?  He's given US everything WE need to operate on this journey to faith as well.

We, too, are totally equipped and fully loaded. Yup. We have the full armor of God which includes the shield of faith, the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the sword of the spirit, the helmet of salvation, and the shoes of peace (Ephesians 6).

God promises to wipe away every tear that falls. He gives us light for our blind spots and a
Navigation system to direct our path, otherwise known as the Word of God.

We've got the oil of the Holy Spirit to fill our tanks up and smooth the ride when we feel like we're running on empty and the road ahead is bumpy. So when life zaps the oomph out of you, spend a few moments in quiet prayer and meditation. Be still and listen. Know that He is Lord. No matter what others say to or about you, remember that Jesus loves YOU and you've got what it takes!

http://www.zimbio.com/watch/GOMWFh55f-O/Michael+Buble+Baby+ve+Got+Takes/Michael+Buble


And the Mazda goes ZOOM ZOOM!

Visit my Mazda dealership in Lutherville and tell Eddie I said hello. And remember, always keep looking up!

Ariel Paz