Month: November 2016

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:3-4

I’m going to try to be very gentle about a touchy subject today. It isn’t politics, it isn’t money, and it isn’t even what religious denomination you are…it’s clothing. Sounds funny when I put it like that, but this issue can be quite the hot topic in church! It has even been the subject of many Sunday morning conversations in my house with one of the guys. It could’ve been any of them; it just depended on the day. The talk would go something like this:

Me: Are you wearing that to church? (Obviously if they were dressed and ready to go to church, they were planning on wearing what they had on to church. Yet, it still came out of my mouth.)

Male: Yep.

Me: Hmm. Do you think that’s appropriate? (What was I…passive aggressive all of a sudden?)

Male: Yep. (Eyes might drift down as if they forgot what they were wearing.)

Me: I think you have a nicer shirt to wear. (I obviously was making this drag out way too long. Just say what I had to say already!)

Male: Nah.

Me: Would you please change into a nicer shirt? (Why didn’t I just say that from the beginning?)

Male: Why? (Even though we went through this same conversation quite a few times, I was being asked the same question again.)

Me: Respect. (If they wanted to impress someone, they would be strutting around in their best shirt. Who better to dress up for than God?)

Male: Fine, but God looks at my heart, not my clothes. (Got me there.)

As 1 Peter tells us, these guys were right about what God sees. I realized I would rather have their inner self be shining than their shoes or clothes. They were going to church with me and praising God, but I wasn’t focusing on that.  I was being critical of what was on the outside instead of being thankful for their hearts.

Does that mean they should wear whatever they want to church? No, because there are other people involved. We can say that we shouldn’t worry about what other people think and that we can’t please everyone, and that would be true to an extent, but we never want to be a distraction for other worshipers. This is where we have to limit our freedom so we don’t offend others. I realize that we can’t make everyone happy all the time, but we can do our part while letting God do His. There’s a happy medium! Do what you can with what you have. These guys can be neat, clean, and look respectable by wearing good jeans and a nice shirt. Compromise!

The character trait for today is Deference-limiting my freedom so I do not offend the tastes of those around me (definition from characterfirst.com).

My boys wouldn’t say hello in the same way to their grandparents as they might a buddy…that’s deference. I’m sure they wouldn’t have the same manners in front of a group of guys as they have in front of me…that’s deference and I’m sure glad for it!

Today, appreciate the actions of someone showing deference to you instead of focusing on those that are offending you.  If you’re around people, be aware of how your actions or words effect them. Remember to make sure that your inner self is shining brighter than anything on the outside!

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Matthew 14:28-30

Have you ever been around someone who agrees with everything you say? They wait for your opinion before giving an answer that will complement your thinking. They might even give their thoughts, but as soon as you question it, they change their mind. You really don’t know what that person is thinking because they’re afraid to have opinions and make decisions. It’s so frustrating!

Homeschooling was not an easy decision for me. Frankly, it was something that I never thought I’d do. God knows me so well and knew to introduce the possibility over a period of time. It wasn’t a decision I took lightly, but I felt that’s where I was being lead. At the time, I didn’t know too many people who homeschooled their children. I was afraid. I wanted to set my boys up for success not failure! After much prayer and some signs from God, I knew what He wanted. Yes, signs. I asked Him to please let me know that I was hearing correctly from Him. He was patient and obliged, so how could I go against that? My hubby felt the same way and the decision was made. I was able to show decisiveness in homeschooling.

The character trait for today is Decisiveness-the ability to recognize key factors and finalize difficult decisions (definition from characterfirst.com).

I like to get the facts, weigh my options, make a decision, and stick to it. However, the sticking to it part is my weakness. When the certainty has worn off and the doubts creep in, I struggle. The questions over homeschooling started and continue today:

• Did I make the right decision?
• Did I hear from God correctly?
• Is this season over in our lives?
• Is this best for my children?
• Do I have the ability to do this?
• Can I provide them what they need?
• Do they hear me anymore?
• Why is it so hard if it’s what we’re supposed to be doing?
• Why isn’t it as exciting anymore?
• Are they getting what they need socially?

Let’s be honest. Our fears are our downfall. It’s us turning from God’s path and heading down the devil’s path. This is when we need to show our faith in God and prove He has provided us with courage. Meaning we move forward even when we’re afraid. A great quote that I found says:

Doubt sees the obstacles, Faith sees the way;

Doubt sees the blackest night, Faith sees the day;

Doubt dreads to take a step, Faith soars on high;

Doubt questions, “Who believes?” Faith answers, “I!”

We need to start being decisive in all situations, even after the choice is made and doubt creeps in. We tend to focus on the wrong things. We need to focus on God, not our weaknesses or the devil’s lies. We need to remember that “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 If we were to look at what all we can’t do, we’d be frozen in fear. However, God is inside of us. We have strength through Him! Keep the devil out and don’t let him in. Don’t try to battle the evil one. Let God do it!

I found this written down just when I needed it. I’m sorry to say I don’t know where I got it from, but it sure is a help to me. I hope it is to you too:

• Look for the good in any situation.
• Remember that you can change your mind and your attitude.
• Ask God for help.
• Look for something better to come along.
• Know that God wants what is best for you.
• Know that God cares when you’re disappointed.
• Look for ways to solve a problem rather than add to it.
• Let people you love help you.
• Choose to make the best of things.

Henry Ford said, “Think you can, think you can’t; either way, you’ll be right.” Peter boldly stepped out as Jesus told him, but the doubt after the decision is what caused him to sink.  Don’t sink, but think you can, and you’ll be right!

and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills– Exodus 35:31

I looked at today’s character word and grimaced just a little. Remember, if you’re reading this blog, judging isn’t allowed. I’m able to share my failures; this is a safe place.

I try not to go grocery shopping before heading away on vacation since we want to use up what’s in the refrigerator. There was one time when we were really searching for a meal. I was trying to get things ready to go, and I didn’t have tons of time to be cooking. I saw we had some noodles in the cupboard, along with a couple cans of tuna. I could work with this!

I was preparing tuna and noodle casserole when I realized there wasn’t any milk left. Ah…this is where genius comes out. This is where all those people from the cooking shows get creative and make a masterpiece.

I may have opened a can of condensed milk…and I may have tried to use it in place of regular milk…and I may have given it to my family to eat. NO JUDGING! It was sooo terrible! I crashed and burned with that one.

The thing is…there are times when we are going to face failure.  We can make them into a teachable, humorous moment or we can be embarrassed, angry, and in tears. The boys still laugh about it and do you know what? They now know you can’t use condensed milk to replace regular milk…even though they both say “milk” on them!

The important thing to remember is that we aren’t failures when we do something that fails. The food was most definitely a failure, but I wasn’t. My genius was just waiting for another day to show itself!

I’ve learned that when we don’t take chances, there’s less of a chance for growth. Yep…it could totally back-fire, but we could get some amazing results too. I’ve found that the times when we didn’t do things like everyone else, are the times that were the most successful. When we looked at things from a new perspective and did things out of the box, is when we’ve thrived as a family. When we’ve been low on money, we’ve come up with the most creative solutions that have had the biggest successes.

There were times when things were too tight to make the amount of contributions to those less fortunate that we wanted to.  What we did have was ourselves. We could help by giving our time.

One Christmas, we saw that there was a need for visitors in a personal care home not too far from where we live. There were many people that wouldn’t have any family visiting on Christmas day. It doesn’t take money to fill that need!

The boys colored Christmas pictures to pass out to each person, we took our dog with us, and we simply visited with those wonderful people. I was even asked to read the Bible to one lady who could no longer do it on her own. I think we got more out of that Christmas day than they did!

The character trait for today is Creativity-approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a new perspective (definition from characterfirst.com).

Even with chores, be open to use the creativity God gave you. In the summer, don’t just mow in straight lines! I pick out a tree and mow around it. Then I keep working my way outward in big circles. It may look crazy, but I’m giggling while I do it! Probably, no one will even notice. I admit that if it bothers someone, it makes me grin a little more. The hubby just shakes his head because he’s not willing to take a chance of making his help quit!

Today, look at things from a new perspective. Don’t do things just because it’s the way they were always done. Challenge yourself to make chores fun again!  Learning to tap into your creative thinking in the small things because that will open you up for using your creativity in the bigger things.

That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil–this is the gift of God. Ecclesiastes 3:13

What a great day Thanksgiving is! Our family has set ourselves up for a day of contentment. We’re all up at 4:00 to get the day going. Each one of us has an important part in making our Thanksgiving wonderful, and cooking is the first part. The boys and I put together the stuffing (or dressing) while the hubby is taking care of that HUGE turkey with music playing in the background. Laughter rings out over the silly things that are done!

After the food is cooking, I can get ready for the day and think about all the things I’m thankful for. We have so many blessings! The key to contentment is taking time to be grateful for the wonderful people in our lives and the memory making moments. It gets our minds off all the negative aspects of life, and points us in the right direction.

Then, we get to add to our turkey wall. One of our favorite things we do on Thanksgiving! We trace our hands, cut them out, add an eye and a waddle to the thumb, put the date on them, and write four things we are thankful for on the fingers. It makes me emotional every year I see it. To see how the boys’ hands grow each year makes me realize how quickly they’re turning into men. The oldest has now passed me up! We keep it special by only having it up for one day. This will be our tenth year. We will have forty turkeys on the wall this year; that’s 160 things we’ve been thankful for over the years!

Next, it’s time to have the parade on in the background while we make some more food. I love the old balloons and characters we see. It’s tradition to ask if the boys see them even though they’re looking right at the screen. During all of this, we call the relatives that we won’t be seeing that day. There’s a festive feel to the house, and by this time it smells so good!

Finally, When Santa is seen going down the street, it’s our signal for the feast! Although, some people might be starting to already feel a little full…umm the guys from picking at the turkey and the youngest from grabbing a roll or two. I love it!

I continue the tradition my great-grandma had for a prayer that is more than five words, and my dad has to mention how long it is. Tradition! Hey, it’s God who provided everything we have, so he just has to deal with the smells coming from his plate without touching the food for a few minutes!

The character trait for today is Contentment-realizing that true happiness does not depend on material conditions (definition from characterfirst.com).

Are our Thanksgivings always perfect? No way! For the first several years my cranberry sauce was HORRIBLE! We would laugh because I was bound and determine to try again. It became a tradition to make it and have it all runny. We still laugh when I run to the fridge and say that we can’t forget the cranberry sauce. Everyone groans and cringes even though it’s really good now! Also, I don’t know how many years I spent in close contact with God while praying, “God, please, please let the turkey be done.”

Today, have a great Thanksgiving and really allow yourself to be content no matter what’s going on around you. If you’re sitting down to the meal by yourself today, remember that you aren’t alone. You have the most important guest dining right beside you. If you’re missing a loved one, I’m so sorry. May your burdens become lighter and your memories be happy.

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

My hubby doesn’t very often complain or miss work because he’s sick, so when he stays home, I know he’s really feeling terrible and needs babying. I’ll tuck him under the covers with orange juice and medicine. He needs to hear me telling him how I know that he’s sick, and basically making a fuss. When I go back to check on him, I provide hot tea and set him up with the remote. Then, chicken soup with more orange juice is called for at lunchtime. He’s usually feeling like being up and moving for a little before heading back to bed to rest again. This is when the hacking takes place because he is sooo sick. Listen, he NEEDS to feel my compassion until every last drip of the nose is done!

I have the best intentions for making him feel all better, and I really want to take care of him. I want him to know how loved he is, but after several hours, I want to tell my hubby to put his big boy pants on! It’s awful. It’s sad. I’m horrible! I just get to a point where I need to kill those germs with the Lysol and I want to tell him not to breathe on me or anything else in the house for fear of contamination. How did that kind, loving, let-me-rub-your-back individual turn into a cold-hearted monster? My tolerance of whining needs to increase, that’s for sure. Not that I’m saying my hubby whines when he’s sick. He’s manly, strong, and a superhero…except sometimes when he’s sick. My boys just might be the same way.

My hubby may not like colds, but he really is my superhero. I fully admit that I have a hard time letting someone take care of me. However, I was on the receiving end of tireless compassion from my hubby this past year. I hated to not be getting stuff done and having to rest. My body needed a bit of a break though. I probably wasn’t the best patient, but he didn’t complain after one day, and he’s still my rock after supporting me for months. Hopefully, I’m wrapping this little challenge up because I’m sure he needs a break!

The character trait for today is Compassion-investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others (definition from characterfirst.com).

The man I married taught me that there isn’t a limit to compassion. When it starts getting low, God can fill us right back up. Most mothers find it easy to have lots of compassion for their children, but it may not be so easy to show that same type of compassion for others.

Today, be compassionate to someone who is hurting, whether physically or emotionally. When you get drained from dealing with them, take a breather and rely on God to fill your compassion tank back up to full. Remember to not let it go completely empty because that’s when you get into trouble! Also, really appreciate that person that shows compassion to you.

Desire without knowledge is not good– how much more will hasty feet miss the way! Proverbs 19:2

Vacation can be times of adventures as well as times of relaxation. One in particular found us having class on a boat! The boys learned about marine life as they pulled crab pots, and handled those crabs to see if they were male or female…and to practice their reaction skills. They experienced harvesting and tasting their own oysters…salty! Yes, I participated because what kind of teacher would I be if I didn’t lead by example? (Ok, maybe there was a little bit of not wanting to look wimpy.) They learned about navigating a boat on the water and how to anchor it when we got to the mudflats.

After leaving the boat, it was time to do some clamming so we could make stuffed clams the next day. We felt that spongy mud between our toes with every step we took. We might all have a little competitive streak in us, so it was about who could find the first clam and who found the most. We kept our eyes focused for breathing holes and we’d work our feet down until we could feel that clam and pull it out. We weren’t using rakes, just our senses and our feet. It was a blast and we found so many that day!

Unfortunately, the hubby found more than clams. He found a razor-sharp oyster shell that sliced open the bottom of his foot. He was tough though, and waited until our experience was over before letting us know just how bad it was. Unfortunately, there wasn’t anywhere close to get him taken care of. The little clinic that operates on the island was closed for the day. We didn’t know if there was anywhere besides the closest hospital to seek help, which was a long drive away.

The neighbors happened to be outside when we returned to our rental house. I decided to head over to see where else we might take him, and found out she was a nurse just getting done with her shift at the clinic. She was kind enough to take a look at his foot. She got it all cleaned out and super glued shut. She saved us a long trip and a whole lot of expense. God had it all planned!

The character trait for today is Cautiousness-knowing the importance of right timing in accomplishing right actions (definition from characterfirst.com).

That vacation day, we learned a valuable lesson. There are times to be bold to accomplish what you need to and times to practice cautiousness. Even though you can plunge in with your feet, if your timing is off (an oyster shells is waiting), the consequences can be disastrous.

This is so true with life in general. There are times to be bold and speak the truth, but we must use restraint and be cautious. We need to make sure the time is right to speak, so we don’t have those disastrous results. Friendships can be broken because we are boldly setting someone straight, but God hasn’t called us to do that.

Today, practice cautiousness in your speech. Don’t let the words just roll off your tongue. Take a few seconds (or minutes…or hours…or days) to see if the timing is right. If God gives you the green light, then move boldly ahead.

Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. Mark 3:13

Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” Exodus 4:12

When the boys were young, my hubby used to get frustrated because the boys would jump up to do something that I told them to do, but not so much for him. He worried there was a lack of respect for him. That wasn’t the case at all though. I would say, “Please pick up your toys.” He would say, “Would you pick up your toys?” Kind of sounds the same, but there was a whole world of difference. I was telling them to do something and he was asking them if they would. He was giving them a choice.

Being bold isn’t something that comes easily for me. I was always the shy one that doesn’t like confrontation. I learned that when it comes to kids, it just isn’t safe to show a lack of confidence because they’ll pick that up right away. I had to get bold really quickly! I had to have the confidence that what I was saying lined up with what God taught; therefore he’d give me the words that needed said.

I don’t think Jesus went up to that mountainside and said, “Hey guys, umm, do you think you could come here for a few minutes. Maybe we could talk.” He called to those He wanted, and they came. We need to take a lesson from Jesus.

Kids need to learn from us on how to show boldness. I remember when my oldest came to me in boldness with a paper expressing all the reasons I needed to see his point of view. He was respectful, yet confident that I would listen and that he had something worth hearing. It made me take notice!

The character trait for today is Boldness-confidence to say or do what is true, right, and just (definition from characterfirst.com).

Go in boldness out in the world! Ask God to give you the words to say and the confidence to say them. All of a sudden you will find yourself with the peace to boldly handle any situation that you’ve struggled with in the past. Also, don’t be afraid to give God credit in front of someone. It just may change their life!

And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good. 2 Thessalonians 3:13

But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, Matthew 6:3

I wrote this blog several days ago, but I had a check in my spirit. Thoughts usually pop into my head and flow out through my fingers. They did, but it was backwards. I wrote everything, but there wasn’t a specific experience I was getting called to write about. I felt like I shouldn’t put words out there just to have another post, so I waited.   It reinforced an important lesson to me about benevolence. It’s personal. It isn’t about discussing, it’s about doing. Quietly. Without recognition. It’s not for a pat on the back. It’s not to make us feel proud, but to be God’s hands. The focus wasn’t to be about something a particular person did, but Who led us to do it. Now on with the rest…

We all face needs in our lives. It could be monetary, emotional, or spiritual. It shouldn’t make us feel inferior, yet sometimes it does. It teaches us to be sensitive to when others are in need. I like to think of helping as giving a gift, not charity. It doesn’t have to do with feeling pity for someone; it has to do with passing on God’s blessings to them. We’re simply God’s hands during this time. It’s great to do things anonymously so the focus on needs being met isn’t by a person, but by God. There isn’t awkwardness from either side this way.

In the seasons of plenty, there’s more to give. In the seasons of lean times, we learn. This is when it’s especially important that we don’t stop giving. We need to get out of our self-made pity parties and help our brothers and sisters. It’ll give us a new perspective on our own issues.

Money provides for many things, but it isn’t the only way to fulfill needs. Get creative! Provide a meal to a busy family or invite someone who is hungry or lonely over for a meal. Drive someone to the grocery store that can’t get there on their own. Use your gifts to benefit others; it could be organizing, passing food out with love, giving a free haircut, teaching interviewing skills, etc.

The character trait for today is Benevolence-giving to others’ basic needs without having as my motive personal reward (definition from characterfirst.com).

If there was a picture in the dictionary under benevolence, I think it would be Mother Teresa. She had much wisdom to share when discussing benevolence. Here are a few of the many quotes she provided us with:

• We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.
• It is not the magnitude of our actions but the amount of love that is put into them that matters.
• Let us not be satisfied with just giving money. Money is not enough, money can be got, but they need your hearts to love them. So, spread your love everywhere you go.
• We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty.

Today, give with love. Start in your own home, as Mother Teresa tells us to, and let your actions spread like ripples on a pond. Allow God to guide your hands so they are working as His here on earth.  Work tirelessly without seeking credit just to feel important.

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8

Have you ever had your schedule all planned out just to have it changed? That was me on Saturday. The guys were going camping for the weekend and I had Saturday all planned out. It used to bother me when they would leave and I’d be home alone all weekend, but I’ve learned to accept it as the blessing it is. It’s a vacation from all the mom and wife duties! I use it as my rejuvenating time. I adore my hubby and boys, and I love their energy. It’s what makes our house a home. It tends to get rather loud around here though!

The plan was made. I’d sleep in the living room in front of the fire curled up with my pup on Friday night. I’d wake up and bask in the complete silence. No rushing around, no battling to get things cleaned-up, no making sure teeth are brushed, faces are washed, or food is in the belly. I didn’t have to worry about my hobby (laundry) because there wasn’t any! I could pretend I was on an amazing vacation with nothing to do but relax. I could watch a sappy Hallmark movie without groaning and eye rolling in the background. I could read a book without twenty interruptions. I could eat something simple without making a big meal. Yes, I was ready!

Nope, I wasn’t ready. The parents needed help doing leaves up at their camp. Their camp…which I’d have to drive to…by myself…with just the pup as the extra set of eyes. Could I do this? I’ve never gone by myself before. Would I get lost? How was I going to work and make sure the pup was ok? Would I have enough energy to get through the day? I could do it…I think. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. What was I thinking? I’m never alone.

Were there battles on Saturday? You bet! I wrestled with the pup’s crate and finally got it folded up, but my pants got wounded in the battle. The pup decided to “help” me outside without a leash on. I missed a turn and took a scenic route. This was all before I even got there! I admit to grumbling a little at this point, but these were my parents. They needed help! God wanted me to help them.

The character trait for today is Availability-making my schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I serve (definition from characterfirst.com).

I’ve found that when you have plans, but are willing to change them to follow what God would have you do, He makes it up to you. He knows what we need even more than we do. He strengthened my confidence on Saturday. He allowed me to spend quality time with my parents and sister. He created a great training environment for the pup. It may have been different than my plans, but it was what I needed even more than what I thought I needed.

Are you willing to adjust your plans and your schedule to be available when God calls you? How much grumbling are you going to do?

Today, say to God, “Here I am.” When you get your assignment, don’t grumble, instead trust that He will travel with you wherever He sends you.

We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. Hebrews 2:1

The hubby was driving and waited outside while I ran into a veterinarian’s office several years ago. When I came out, I was telling him all about a yellow Lab I had seen while in there. I was able to tell him all kind of details about how the dog looked and behaved because the dog had my full attention.

The hubby all of a sudden started acting like an interrogator from the police department. Was the owner male or female? Easy one! The owner was a male. We had a conversation about the dog where I learned the dog’s age. What did the owner look like? How old was he? I couldn’t figure out what all the questions were about. Frankly, the guy could have been anywhere from 20-50 years old. All I saw was his jeans because they were in my vision while I was looking at the dog. Was my hubby jealous? He never gets jealous! Nope, he was proving a point.

My youngest can’t tolerate artificial dyes and high fructose corn syrup in his food. When I go to the grocery store, I have to make sure that I read the ingredients of everything I’m purchasing. I give those packages my full attention. While I’m intensely studying a label, everything seems to disappear around me. I’m focused! This has led to some pretty interesting situations that I have gotten myself into.

My hubby has kindly gone along with me to buy the groceries, but as I’m focused on the product, he manages to mosey into a different isle. I’m thinking he’s still standing there, so I start talking to him. When I turn around because I’m not getting an answer, I tend to find people looking at me strangely because I’m talking to an imaginary person! I’ll say, “He was here a minute ago.” Some people believe me and some just give me a wide berth. Thanks hubby. I’ve even started talking to another guy until I realized it wasn’t the man I married. The poor guy just laughed at the shocked look on my face when I finally realized who I was (or wasn’t) talking to.

The character trait for today is Attentiveness-showing the worth of a person or task by giving my undivided concentration (definition from characterfirst.com).

The point my hubby was making with the dog at the veterinarian’s office is that I’m giving my undivided concentration to the wrong things. I’m not aware of what’s going on around me…oops, there went alertness too. He was telling me I needed to be observant for my safety.

The lesson I learned at the grocery store was that even though I was attentive to my task of getting food for my son, I didn’t have alertness for my surroundings. The right response isn’t talking to another guy thinking he’s your husband!

Why can I show such attentiveness to a dog or to a product label outside my home, yet go into a crazy multi-tasking mode where it’s safe to have such attentiveness? I’m not focusing on the most important people in my life like I should!

Are you being attentive to the right things at the right times? Unfortunately, the ones that are most important to us are also the ones that seem to not get our undivided attention. This goes for God too!

Do you put down the phone and focus on your loved ones when they’re talking to you? Giving them the same consideration as you would give to an outsider shows them their worth to you and reminds them that you respect them. If the kids are interrupting a talk with your hubby, let them know that they can’t do that. That’s showing the worth of their father. It’ll be a lesson that’ll help them have a strong marriage in the future.

Today, make it a point to pay careful attention to what God is telling you so you don’t drift away, but also pay careful attention when your family is talking to you so they don’t drift away!