We’ve lapsed into being a bit grouchy at my house sometimes. And it isn’t fun. I’m not sure how or why, but we all decided that we needed to stop it!
Talking about stopping it worked just fine while we were talking about it and we were all full of resolve to do better. But then life went on and we all forgot.
One morning we were all sitting at the breakfast table reveling in a most delicious and decadent breakfast made by Louisa while we were out harvesting the garden. She called us in to enjoy whole grain French toast made with our farm fresh chicken eggs, and topped with cubed mangoes and strawberries—crowned with a generous dollop of naturally sweetened whipped cream. YUM! The sunshine was streaming through the open door, the trees outside were swaying in the morning breeze . . . and all was right with the world. Ummm . . . whipped cream. Sweet and satisfying, delicious and soft. Everybody loves whipped cream.
Then it dawned on us that whip cream is exactly what we wanted! We wanted that soft and sweet, delicious feeling of whipped cream in our home, in our communications. That did it! ”Whip cream” became our code word!
Later, at that very same breakfast, someone relayed some less than pleasing information and I turned to talk to the offender in a very reasonable voice (I thought), which they thought was a scolding voice.
“Whip Cream” they politely said.
I immediately “got it” and reworded my accusation into a sweet and soft question. I prefer whip cream to caustic acid.
We are all trying to talk in whip cream tones now. It’s working!
Sometimes one of us doesn’t even recognize it when someone requests “Whip Cream” in respond to our less-than-gentle words, so we made a resolve to buy one of those aerosal cans of whipping cream at the store. If someone doesn’t respond to the “Whip Cream” code word, then a taste of the real stuff will help remind him to keep his words soft and sweet!
We all like whip cream words much better.
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I loved this encouraging word this morning! A beautiful visual aid. It mirrors what our Father says in Proverbs: "Pleasant words are a honeycomb; sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." Thank you, Diane, for ALWAYS having just the words we moms need to hear.
Diane,
Such sweet words…I/we could certainly use some "whipped cream" around our house. I have read your catalogs for years since I began homeschooling 11 years ago and consider you my online mentor in homeschooling! Your experiences continue to encourage me in good directions. I'm currently reading the book "How to Hug A Porcupine" that's been long on my 'to read' list at your recommendation. This book is rather convicting and full of helpful principles for healthy relational living. I'm praying this book will be the catalyst for turning some unhealthy family patterns around…helping me to ease up a bit, have a 'plan' rather than paralyzed frustration, and of course personally grow myself which may just trickle down to others. Anyway, just wanted to say "THANKS" again to you for sharing your life experiences & lessons learned. God bless your family!
Ohhhh, I needed this. Our family has a stressful situation going on that has taken its toll on all of us. Our sour words, tones and looks have eroded our pleasant household in to a slightly bitter one. Thanks for being so transparent. I am going to share this with my family.
I absolutely LOVE this post. I, too, think of you as my online homeschooling mentor–my oldest will be 18 soon–YIKES! With 5 boys (4 teen-aged) and 2 girls, we've been having a struggle w/ this same situation. I LOVE the whipped cream idea. I just wonder, at my home, would they not use "whipped cream" words just so they can get "sprayed". . . .?
What a fun and nice idea to help bring "sweet" words in the home!
So going to have Big Breakfast this weekend with plenty of fresh whipped cream and, guess what I will be using for our morning devotional?, yep, your wonderful poignant story! Thanks for being a willing and creative vessel for the works of the Holy Spirit!