" Thus says the Lord of Hosts: Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another." Zehariah 7:9
Today's task: Show kindness to your spouse in a time of disagreement. The past few weeks have been really hard. My husband and I have hit a parenting issue with out 19 year-old son that we strongly disagree on. We both believe we have the better solution and it has caused major friction in the marriage. Yesterday, I made a conscious effort to change things. I reminded myself that although we disagree, our end-game is that we both love our son and want him to do well. The methods are different, the intent the same. Then, I decided to show my hubby love, even though I was angry. I made his favorite dinner and spent some quality time with him in the evening. It helped me to live this verse and to put us back into each other's good graces. I still disagree with him, but I am letting him take the lead and being loving while doing it. It is a challenge. Blessings. Today's Task: Have family members write down what their "perfect" day would look like. Compare notes and plan a family day that incorporates as many of these ideas as possible.
"This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad." Psalm 118:24 Most families love spending time together. The trick is making that time special and enjoyable for all members. This task can help uncover what family members really like to do: Mom likes morning Mass, Dad likes to play football with the kids, the kids like to have a fire and roast marshmellows.... Working together helps our teams create "fun times" and great memories. I have been behind on the tasks. I apologize dear readers, but the Lord has decided to present some new opportunities for overcoming difficulties and team-building in our family lately.
My husband has been struggling with a serious issue regarding his spinal stability and weakness in his leg muscles. He has been undergoing tests and may be facing his second spinal surgery in two years. (Your prayers are coveted.) On top of that, our daughter with special needs has hit a new (and very difficult) phase in her development and that is proving to be a challenge too. Maybe I need to go back and read my own books!! LOL Anyway, life does work like that. If we can view these struggles as new opportunities we may learn something from each challenge and even grow in unity as a family. For today's task: Try to look at a difficulty in your own life and view it as an opportunity. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 Task: Take a personal inventory of your life... ask for forgivenesss from someone you hurt, no matter how long ago it happened.
"And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God," (The story of the ten lepers) Luke 17:15 I had the most wonderful, totally unexpected experience last week. Someone who had hurt me quite badly, almost thirty years ago, apologized out of the blue! I had forgiven them years ago and took full responsibility for the part I had in the problems. Still, when I got the apology, offered forgiveness and apologized myself, it was if a weight lifted off my heart. Even things that have long since past have the power to hurt and to heal. I am grateful for the friend that offered the apology and sincerely pray that the Lord will enlighten my heart and mind to any apologizes I have left to make. The second part of this process is often overlooked. GIVE THANKS TO GOD!! Only He can put the desire to repent, or ask for forgiveness on our hearts. When apologizes come they are always initiated by His gentle command. Thank you, Lord, for this wonderful gift! Getting ready for some time off with the family and decided to make it productive. So here's the plan:
Five Day Vacation Mini-Boot Camp Day 1/ Look around and pick out one thing that God has blessed you with today. “This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it”. Psalm 118:24 Day 2/ Examine your conscience and behavior, admit a wrong doing and apologize for it. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 Day 3/ Find an opportunity to help out a family member. “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Phil. 2:4 Day 4/ Try something new today! Find a new talent you didn’t know you had or a new interest you haven’t explored before. “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ…” Eph. 4: 11-12 Day 5/ Speak only truth today. Look for ways to build up others. “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.” Eph. 4:15 Today's Task: Play the family observation game (FOG)
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Phil. 4:8-9 This is a fun one! I believe that observing family members and becoming experts on them is the most effective way to strengthen families. I knew last night at dinner, that my 20 year-old wanted both offers of dessert just by the way he glanced back and forth when I asked which he would like. Try this game, all you need is two pens and two pads of paper...or the scap pieces that clutter all our homes. Pick a family member. Then another member asks a questions. For example: "If you went to eat dinner at McDonalds you would order...?" One family member has to write down what the other will answer. The person picked writes down his/her own answer. It's like the Newlywed game (for those of us old enough to remember) for families. See how well you know each other. Have fun! Today’s Task: Affirm a family member.
“Brothers, if you have a message of encouragement for the people, please speak.” Acts 13:15 I once read a story about a teacher who left a permanent mark on her students’ hearts. She asked them to write down one thing about each classmate that they liked and give it to that person. We did this in our family and we went around the table reading our “affirmations” out loud. The results were amazing, both in what each member shared and how if effected the person being affirmed. What an incredible effect this exercise had. Try it and send me a message on the family forum about your experiences. |