Check out our Sister Blog www.typeachecklist.com !

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Five Communication Tools to Save Your Marriage

February is a month of romance...It is also the month to strengthen the FAMILY!!!  Boy, could I use a few reminders.  I failed again last night (Yikes) with harsh words and anger. Soooo here are good reminders to all of us.

Dating is a great time. Marriage is blissful. Honeymoon can be stressful. Years together can be down-right challenging.

What’s a couple to do? Learn to communicate. Here are some pointers.

1. Respond Positively

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”—Proverbs 15:1

This Bible verse is a great reminder. Even if you feel, “he’s picking a fight with me,” use the power of a positive response. Don’t get entangled in your spouse’s anger or attitude. Give a gentle answer … focus on the positive.

2. Don’t forget the power of TOUCH

If you know you’re about to talk about something that can bring tension, try the power of touch…and prayer!

Here is a radical, but great concept. Before you discuss that touchy subject, hold hands and pray for God’s guidance.

This is exactly what God would like you to do! Guess what ? It’s also a marriage builder.

3. Watch your timing

“A man finds joy in giving an apt reply…and how good is a timely word.” – Proverbs 15:23

Timing is everything. Don’t try to talk about important things when the big game is on. Don’t try to make big decisions in a rushed mode.

Don’t try to solve problems late at night (which is, unfortunately, the time most of us are finally talking!).

Make a date to discuss big issues. Be sure it’s a relaxed and focused time. Be sure both partners are on board, with no frustrating distractions.

4. Mirror Responses

When your spouse talks, really listen (sometimes we don’t!) THEN repeat back what you think you heard him say.

“So what I hear you're saying is….” Your spouse can correct you if you got it wrong. Keep this light and non-confrontational. This is a good thing!


5. Keep Praying !

The couple that prays together…stays together! Sounds corny, but it’s true!

Even if it feels awkward at first, try praying together every day. Keep it simple. Ask God for what you need. Thank Him for what He does for you. Ask Him to help you as a couple.

As a couple – walk with God. He will guide you through!

Thursday, February 2, 2012

40 Things to Teach Your Child

Dennis & Barbara Rainey of Family Life Ministries have created this list of 40 things they want to teach their children.  I think it's pretty neat.  How about you? 

They say, after #1 -- all the rest are not in order of importance.  But they are great thoughts!



1.  Above all, fear God.


Respect authority—trust and obey your parents.

The importance of friendships.

Be in love with Christ and focus on your relationship with Him, not just on doctrine or on biblical principles.

Have compassion for the poor and orphans.

Believe God for too much rather than too little.

Real strength is found in serving, not in being served.

The power of moral purity and a clean conscience.

How to motivate people without manipulating them.

How to handle failure.

Keep your promises.

The power of the tongue for good or evil.

Give too much rather than too little.

The importance of manners and common courtesies.

View life through God’s agenda—the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.

Give thanks to God in all things.

The importance of prayer.

The art of asking good questions, carrying on good conversation.

How to grow as a Christian.

How to handle temptation.

By faith, trust Christ as your Savior and Lord, and share with others how to become a Christian.

Seeking wisdom—skill in everyday living. Knowing how to make good decisions.

Gaining a sense of God’s direction and destiny for your life.

Stay teachable and not becoming cynical.

Obtain godly counsel.

The importance of flexibility and adaptability to cope in life.

Truth is best passed on through relationships.

Leave a legacy of holiness.

Keep life manageable. Prioritize decisions.

Tame selfishness—you can’t always get your way.

Choices are yours to make and results are yours to experience.

Respect the dignity of another person and of all people.

Be faithful in the little things.

Character is the basis of all leadership.

Life isn’t fair—don’t compare with or be jealous of others.

Live by commitments, not by feelings.

Express grace and forgiveness.

A strong work ethic.

Surrender to the authority of Christ.

How to handle your finances.

WHO are YOU?

I just saw this idea and want to pass it on to you!  I have given these to you before, but they are good to remember again!

Put the following verses on index cards and scatter them through your house OR copy them on paper and put them on your refrigerator !

When you get discouraged and forget who you are when you give your life to Jesus -- Take a look at these. I've printed a few verses for you - look up the rest and KNOW:

YOU are God's SPECIAL KID! 

I am God’s child.
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name,
he gave the right to become children of God
John 1:12

I am Christ’s friend.
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

                                                                      --John 15:15

I have been bought with a price. I belong to God.
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;  you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.  --I Corinthians 6:19,20

I am united with the Lord.
I Corinthians 6:17

I am a saint.
Ephesians 1:1

I have been adopted as God’s child.
Ephesians 1:5

I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 2:18

I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
Colossians 1:14

I am complete in Christ.
Colossians 2:10

I am forever free from condemnation.
Romans 8:1,2

I am assured that all things work together for good.
Romans 8:28

I cannot be separated from the love of God.
Romans 8:35

I am confident that the good work that God has begun in me will be perfected.
Philippians 1:6

I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7

I am God’s workmanship.
Ephesians 2:10

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13