tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48255564427284736732024-03-05T22:18:15.251-08:00Mentor MomLinda Stahnkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09452428946260279776noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4825556442728473673.post-72430250406753654342018-03-21T11:53:00.001-07:002018-03-21T11:53:31.184-07:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<h2>
Character Building - My Top 6 Traits</h2>
<o:p></o:p></div>
<h2>
Faith</h2>
<h1>
<o:p></o:p></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I was growing up in the 60’s I had a friend whose parents didn’t talk to them about Christianity. They felt it was wrong to force their faith on their kids, but parents should wait and let kids make up their own minds. Yikes! Thank goodness my mother shared her faith with me and with my siblings. Though my dad was not serving the Lord, she faithfully encouraged us to seek God’s will for our lives. Nothing less would do. I am so grateful for her teaching and example today. And if you didn’t grow up with a good example, you can be the place that the legacy begins in your family.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<h3>
What do kids need to know about faith?</h3>
<h2>
<o:p></o:p></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First of all, faith in Christ is about our sin and his sacrifice to pay for it. Read Romans 3:23 and 6:28. You have probably seen that drawing of us on one side of a cliff, God on the other. Jesus spanned the distance that we could not. No one is good enough on their own. We all have things in our lives we are ashamed of. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKZbJcZaUfbgDUETF2kmuKCWaiR5fkeNrTFW-I8iDZgnftDTsaLQDycOzcuSl4eKRIlTNdKf5gxDZjyF6s-SbZ5iNkPsFZwKNY9mJt4xupta5PV5MsQMmPXgf6EikShugrkgauzY2qA/s1600/salvation+drawing.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="411" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKZbJcZaUfbgDUETF2kmuKCWaiR5fkeNrTFW-I8iDZgnftDTsaLQDycOzcuSl4eKRIlTNdKf5gxDZjyF6s-SbZ5iNkPsFZwKNY9mJt4xupta5PV5MsQMmPXgf6EikShugrkgauzY2qA/s200/salvation+drawing.gif" width="188" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t think that it is enough for kids to hear, “We’re ____ (Presbyterian, Lutheran, etc.) Your great-grandparents were, your grandparents are, and we are. Sooner or later kids need a thinking, reasoning, searching answer for what we believe and why.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Having grown up in church and having developed my own walk with Christ, I still went through a season in my junior year of high school where I examined what my parents had taught me. I believed the Bible was true, but what if I’d grown up in a cult or something untrue? I began to search and examine and compare not only various religions, but the doctrines of my church. Were they in scripture? Or were they the teachings of well-intentioned but misled people?<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<h3>
Important Components of Faith</h3>
<h2>
<o:p></o:p></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are some other important parts of our faith. Be prepared to explain them to your kids at an appropriate age.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->The Bible is true and authoritative<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Jesus lived a sinless life, but was tempted like we are<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Jesus died on the cross for us<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Jesus was resurrected and has gone to prepare a place for us in heaven.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->This is the way God has chosen to open the path to heaven. His heaven, his choice.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->God has a plan for your life that is wonderful and amazing. He loves you!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I believe that giving kids just enough Christianity to get by is like inoculating them to faith. They need a deep, personal, living walk to last through the trials and temptations of life. And certainly, as the culture continues to become more and more anti-Christian, it will take MORE strength to live for God than ever before.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<h2>
Is the Bible rated “R?”<o:p></o:p></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Read Bible stories to your children. Bible story books with pictures are good when they are young. Some Bible stories would be “R” rated – they can be a little gruesome. You may want to read the story through in advance before sharing with your children. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Talk about the characters in the Bible. Some were great people who made major mistakes. Talk about the pivot points of life when a decision can change everything in your life and in the lives of those around you. Thankfully, the Bible gives us the straight story on people, not some false, shiny fairy tale.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Show your kids Bible verses that guide your life and decisions. Show them that the Bible has real direction for our lives. A good example is:<o:p></o:p></div>
<h1 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="text"><b><i><sup><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">29 </span></sup></i></b></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.</span></i></span><span class="passage-display-bcv"><b><i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></i></b></span><span class="passage-display-bcv"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">Ephesians 4:29</span></span><span class="passage-display-version"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;"> (NLT)</span></span><i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></h1>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our culture is trying very hard to separate Christianity
from everyday life, and especially from public discourse. Teach your children to value God’s opinion
more. Teach them that the Bible is
authoritative. Teach them that God’s
plan is for us to become more and more like Jesus. <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="text"><b><i><sup><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">29 </span></sup></i></b></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn<sup>[</sup></span></i></span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A+29&version=NLT#fen-NLT-28107a" title="See footnote a"><i><sup><span style="color: #b34b2c; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">a</span></sup></i></a><span class="text"><i><sup><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">]</span></sup></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"> among many brothers and sisters. Romans 8:29 (NLT)</span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<h2>
Walk the Talk<o:p></o:p></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Parents must start by modeling their faith. “Do as I say, not as I do’” is a sure guarantee of a child’s rebellion. Not that we are perfect or make every step exactly as God would wish us to. Kids need to see us reading out Bible, having personal devotional times, and praying (not just in emergencies). Kids see how “doing our devoes” affects us. One morning I was grouchy and had just grumped at my 10-year-old son. He said, “Mom, have you had your devoes yet?” I admitted I had not, apologized and said I would go right upstairs and do that.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A life of faith is more caught than taught. I think kids learn 2/3 from what they see you doing and 1/3 from what you say and teach them. And even that depends on what they practice and do themselves. Beware of your own inconsistency in your walk with God. Do YOU have devotional times? Do YOU talk about God as if he is a real person who is kindly overseeing your life? Are YOU growing in your faith? Talk about what you are learning from the Bible. Share about the areas where you are growing. When you have an “Aha!” moment and see a scripture that challenges your heart, share that with your kids.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As our kids were growing up our church had a 3-day fast. We wanted the whole family to be a part of this experience, but we weren’t comfortable with the children not eating, so we decided to do a “Daniel fast,” which is beans and vegetables, etc. with no meat. Kind of a simple vegetarian. It was so funny when I presented them with the stir-fry we often had – but this time with tofu instead of chicken. They felt it was hardship indeed! They got what fasting was about.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Training your children up in faith is not the job of the Sunday School teacher or the youth pastor. Make it a priority that it comes first from you, the parent.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Not sure how to find a good church? See the appendix in my book. <span style="line-height: 107%;">For more
parenting help go to </span><a href="http://www.intentionalparenting.us/"><span style="line-height: 107%;">www.IntentionalParenting.us</span></a><span style="line-height: 107%;"> or consider my book<b>, <i>Intentional
Parenting: A Guide for Christian Parents. </i></b><i> </i>There is also a Small Group
guide with discussion questions for couples or groups.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYonClAfk4ndBLfKZPiedBmhmp_hR6XdzXJEWeSRduC444vz2toajBZ-LLrkXYlTETIiqPc6jJK9wfIvocq_oxE4awSVKRs53tw9CKEWyTTxgr07uVUWNMrdQ1LPH_SshxuPYUTJ4OfA/s1600/intentional-parenting-final-cover_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1313" data-original-width="863" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYonClAfk4ndBLfKZPiedBmhmp_hR6XdzXJEWeSRduC444vz2toajBZ-LLrkXYlTETIiqPc6jJK9wfIvocq_oxE4awSVKRs53tw9CKEWyTTxgr07uVUWNMrdQ1LPH_SshxuPYUTJ4OfA/s200/intentional-parenting-final-cover_2.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Linda Stahnkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09452428946260279776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4825556442728473673.post-63405242708380030762018-02-28T18:50:00.004-08:002018-02-28T18:55:36.462-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h2>
Character Building - My Top 6 Traits</h2>
<o:p></o:p></div>
<h1>
Honesty<o:p></o:p></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Besides “not lying,” what does honesty mean? The most immediate thought is usually about words, about truthfulness. But honesty also includes being upright morally, “living honestly.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Honesty is a component of integrity which means our actions, our life, our words, our thoughts are consistently the same. We don’t say one thing, then do something different. We do not live or act one way in a certain setting, then another way when we are somewhere else or are with different people. We are consistent in our behavior toward the wealthy person and to the poor person.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h3>
Ethics</h3>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Honesty also is a part of ethics. Our ethics are the principles by which we live, that govern our activities in business and relationships. It would include treating others as we wish to be treated. It means a business owner gives a fair deal for a fair price. It means you do not cheat a store when making a purchase. You do not shoplift. It means a worker gives a full day’s work for a full day’s pay. Those are ethics. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<h3>
<span class="text"><span style="background: white;">Honesty with Money</span></span></h3>
The book of Proverbs says, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span class="text"><i><span style="background: white;">The <span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></span></span></i></span><span class="small-caps"><i><span style="background: white; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="background: white;"> detests dishonest scales,</span></i></span><i> but accurate weights find favor with him. (PR. 11:1) NIV</i><span class="text"><span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span class="text"><i><span style="background: white;">Better to be poor and honest</span> than to be dishonest and rich.</i></span><i> (Pr. 28:6) NLT<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="text"><span style="background: white;">This was a situation where someone might have one set of scales for weighing a purchase in the marketplace, but another for using in sales. Each was off a bit to the advantage of the business owner. You might get a little less than what you paid for if you purchased something from him. He might get more than he paid for if he was buying from a supplier. This was dishonest. Several translations say it is an <i>abomination</i> to the Lord. He <u>hates</u> it.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOj1zZtX7grGBsjF67-QvtUSWqF-ksmSCXTNH6LzclQemhHP6wxfw1rUzPkLQo8NbL3kPUswvurDbkcQqQQbb3J1iPsoU5ONDcs2hMvW9oAMSXB_6NR0JAfL1VqTqH5NWYSvRS_tDpLw/s1600/abraham-lincoln-60558_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1219" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOj1zZtX7grGBsjF67-QvtUSWqF-ksmSCXTNH6LzclQemhHP6wxfw1rUzPkLQo8NbL3kPUswvurDbkcQqQQbb3J1iPsoU5ONDcs2hMvW9oAMSXB_6NR0JAfL1VqTqH5NWYSvRS_tDpLw/s200/abraham-lincoln-60558_1920.jpg" width="151" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt;">
Abraham Lincoln was famously called “Honest Abe.” He was known for being very honest and conscientious in business dealings. He worked at a store, and when he accidentally returned less change than someone was due, he would walk great distances to return a few pennies. (<a href="https://greatamericanhistory.net/honesty.html">https://greatamericanhistory.net/honesty.html</a>) This may seem silly, but when you realize a bricklayer might make $1.53 per day, a fireman $1.33 per day, and a farm laborer $0.88 per day, a few pennies was the equivalent of several dollars today. (<span style="color: #006621; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><a href="https://usa.usembassy.de/etexts/his/e_prices.html">https://usa.usembassy.de/etexts/his/e_prices.html</a>)</span><br />
<span style="color: #006621; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h3>
Honesty Builds Trust</h3>
Everyone wants to be believed. A person who is known to be dishonest is one to whom people do not listen. Remember the story of the <i>Boy Who Cried Wolf</i>? If you have ever known someone who lies habitually, you know you do not put stock in what they say. You take everything they say with a grain of salt. A child who lies will be doubted again and again, even when they are telling the truth. Teach your child to build trust through being honest.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h3>
Lying to Get Out of Trouble</h3>
It is very normal for a child to lie to get out of trouble. But you cannot let it work. We increased consequences for our children if we caught them lying. We lessened consequences if they were truthful. This is a case of normal, but not acceptable. Teach your child that building trust is important and valuable.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h3>
Bending the Truth</h3>
What about shades of dishonesty? Bending the truth, coloring the truth, exaggerating? While the Bible tells stories of certain Bible characters’ behavior that weren’t rigidly honest, these are few and extreme circumstances. An example would be David pretending to be insane when confronted by King Achish (see 1 Samuel 21:12-15 and the introduction to Psalm 34). Generally, our behavior, including telling stories other than those for creative purposes should be honest and forthright.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why would we want to exaggerate or lie? To have someone think better of us? To be a people-pleaser rather than a God-pleaser? When you work with a child to improve behavior, talk about <i>what </i>they did and <i>why </i>they did it. Then you can help them to know themselves, to be aware of weaknesses and tendencies. Teach them not to give themselves away in pieces, especially for something so fleeting.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h3>
Just Kidding</h3>
And then there’s the jabbing statement, followed by “Just kidding.” Isn’t it interesting that that is actually in the Bible?! Take a look at Proverbs 26:18-19:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span class="text"><i><span style="background: white;">Like a maniac shooting</span> flaming arrows of death</i></span><i><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />
<span class="text"><b><sup style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background: white;"><span id="en-NIV-17161" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">19 </span></span></sup></b><span style="background: white;">is one who deceives their neighbor</span> and says, “I was only joking!”</span> (NIV)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span class="text"><i><span style="background: white;">Just as damaging</span> as a madman shooting a deadly weapon</i></span><i><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />
<span class="text"><b><sup style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background: white;"><span id="en-NLT-17137" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">19 </span></span></sup></b><span style="background: white;">is someone who lies to a friend</span> and then says, “I was only joking.”</span> (NLT)</i><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Our communication should be clear and open. Say what you mean. Use precise word to convey your meaning well. You can even ask someone you are talking with to repeat what they understood you to mean. You may find that it needs adjusting. What you said is good. What they heard and understood is even more important.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<h3>
Being Honest with Yourself</h3>
Lastly, and perhaps more vitally, is being honest with yourself. Romans 12:3 says, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i> <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i><span style="background: white;">For by the grace given me</span> I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. (NIV)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i><span style="background: white;">Because of the privilege and authority</span><sup data-fn="#fen-NLT-28210a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NLT-28210a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </sup>God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.</i><i> (NLT)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;">We like to think we are always right, that our plans are the best ideas. Yet we see ourselves when we overdraw the bank account, when we do the face-plant in the front yard, when we absent-mindedly cut someone off in traffic. And when we see ourselves when we do those things on purpose. Being honest with yourself in times like those will help us evaluate ourselves honestly, and work on continuing to improve and grow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">For more parenting help go to <a href="http://www.intentionalparenting.us/">www.IntentionalParenting.us</a> or consider my book<b>, <i>Intentional Parenting: A Guide for Christian Parents. </i></b><i> </i>There is also a Small Group guide with discussion questions for couples or groups.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ZkZx3msMt2VQ5QKB5UiX33qDni10jFWUsn0tFqvC4YxabojiEk03uMhSWZWm-HtPESdL55DVoANZlHfngwpB2IUpFXyjjUXdEloVBoPaMI8lqhq2Yagg3J0x4r9pj8cYzQZPzvpHmw/s1600/intentional-parenting-final-cover_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1313" data-original-width="863" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ZkZx3msMt2VQ5QKB5UiX33qDni10jFWUsn0tFqvC4YxabojiEk03uMhSWZWm-HtPESdL55DVoANZlHfngwpB2IUpFXyjjUXdEloVBoPaMI8lqhq2Yagg3J0x4r9pj8cYzQZPzvpHmw/s200/intentional-parenting-final-cover_2.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Linda Stahnkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09452428946260279776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4825556442728473673.post-10921085707911681522018-02-20T07:00:00.001-08:002018-02-20T07:01:50.163-08:00<h2>
Character Building - My Top Six Traits</h2>
<h2>
Work Ethic</h2>
<h1>
<o:p></o:p></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What do you think are the most important character traits for children to have ingrained? The list might differ a bit for each family, but it is a good exercise to think about what you really want. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When teaching parenting classes, I have asked that question a number of times. Invariably, parents are stumped when asked what the most important traits they feel they want to impart to their children. It is <i>much </i>easier to think of the character traits we <i>don’t</i> like. We don’t like them to lie. We don’t like laziness. We don’t like when they mouth off or are rebellious. But think about it proactively. What <i>do </i>you want?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Parents would do well to have a heart to heart discussion and ask one another, “What do we want our kids to be known for?” Scripture says,<o:p></o:p></div>
<h2 style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i><span style="background: white; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">Even</span></i><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;"> children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right. Pr. 20:11 (NLT)<o:p></o:p></span></i></h2>
<h3>
<span class="Heading1Char"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"> </span></span>Responsibility</h3>
<h2>
<o:p></o:p></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My husband and I wanted our kids to have a great work ethic. When our kids got old enough we divvied all the household chores among the five of them. Anything they could learn to do, I was to teach them. They learned to do dishes, do their own laundry, cook, shop, and clean. This wasn’t about me getting out of my duties, this was equipping them to have a pleasant life. Everyone helped, everyone enjoyed the results of a clean house, good food, and so on. Certainly, life was not going to do everything for them when they grew up.<o:p></o:p></div>
<h3>
Rewards</h3>
<h2>
<o:p></o:p></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We taught our kids to work hard, then to play hard. When it was time to work, we were all in. We cleaned thoroughly. We did homework to the best of our ability. We were some of the hardest workers at church service projects. At home, we rewarded hard work and efficiency. We taught our children when the work was done you could play all you wanted. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The book of Proverbs talks about work 17 times. One example: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="background: white;">Wise words bring many benefits, and hard </span>work brings rewards. Pr. 12;14 (NLT)</i><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<h3>
Others-minded</h3>
<h2>
<o:p></o:p></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We also taught them that when we went camping or visited someplace, we left things as good or better than when we came. We cleaned up our trash. We put our fire out completely. Have you ever gone to a park and wondered why the people who were there previously didn’t bother to put their trash where it belonged? Were they just too important to be bothered? Were they too self-centered? Probably.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbgkU6rx7UQcQ0PtiIbUKKzFJ5zHnsb6Q7SzA_Rrlp6VHQGxg-rECsnx-RYOkSsfNB9-7Ol45RGBXSYub0naYVR4tyjvyG87wkgQa1D1fOTwEl26AI8UI4VsGav1u_ymvioq5neRSmQ/s1600/green-3140400_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbgkU6rx7UQcQ0PtiIbUKKzFJ5zHnsb6Q7SzA_Rrlp6VHQGxg-rECsnx-RYOkSsfNB9-7Ol45RGBXSYub0naYVR4tyjvyG87wkgQa1D1fOTwEl26AI8UI4VsGav1u_ymvioq5neRSmQ/s320/green-3140400_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We taught our kids to think of others – how does our behavior affect the next person who would use the space we were leaving? It also required a little personal dignity, caring enough to do the right thing and be well-respected.<o:p></o:p></div>
<h3>
Known</h3>
<h2>
<o:p></o:p></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hard work is also about self-respect. You have to live with the results of what you do. You will be known for what you do – and don’t do. Stahnkes are not slackers or users. Even when we borrowed something (like a tool), we returned it clean and in good shape, often better than when we got it. If we borrowed my parents’ car or someone’s pickup truck, we returned it with more gas in it than when we got it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When our oldest son got his first job at a small grocery store, it wasn’t long before he was asked if he had any siblings old enough to work also. He was such a good worker and had such a good attitude, they hoped to find more help like him. Our now-grown children are known at their various jobs for their excellence and productivity. A friend recently said, “Are all Stahnkes so amazing?” Happily, I could say, “Yes!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<h3>
Keeping Commitments</h3>
<h2>
<o:p></o:p></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is a tough verse in Psalm 15 that says, “The righteous man keeps his oath even when it hurts.” It is easy to volunteer when everyone is talking about taking on a project. But if you have to show up on a hot day to do yard work, it is less attractive when the day gets there. Sometimes we must keep our word when we really would rather not. Teaching this to kids, talking about it is a powerful thing. We used to explain to the kids that some days Dad did not really want to go to work. He would rather stay home and watch movies all day. But what would we do if he got fired? We needed him to keep that job, keep his commitments.<o:p></o:p></div>
<h3>
Relationships</h3>
<h2>
<o:p></o:p></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is a certain amount of work required in relationships. Sometimes it takes the form of patience and kindness when someone is grouchy. Sometimes it means sticking with a spouse through hard times. Parents MUST be the example here. There will be times when our marriages are not fun. There will be times when raising children will not be joyful. There will be disagreements, arguments, and other problems. Sometimes relationships are just plain hard work. Stahnkes embrace the hard work.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The best things in life don’t come easily. Teach your kids to love hard work, to have the self-respect to be known for it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9jQ2Plzx-PiTUgfVdPeYCU60IVrbOWujRZEu1RV-Cx_zIJnIsmpVPqrjMahQzaoecrYGpT175SwgXj61lTwlI2MZIcwRwb7AaOe4PDRS_5xt7X65t-uPtuDxCF7-CSnIVtgKD-AEa-g/s1600/intentional-parenting-final-cover_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1313" data-original-width="863" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9jQ2Plzx-PiTUgfVdPeYCU60IVrbOWujRZEu1RV-Cx_zIJnIsmpVPqrjMahQzaoecrYGpT175SwgXj61lTwlI2MZIcwRwb7AaOe4PDRS_5xt7X65t-uPtuDxCF7-CSnIVtgKD-AEa-g/s200/intentional-parenting-final-cover_2.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Linda Stahnkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09452428946260279776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4825556442728473673.post-90631918268956766472018-02-13T13:25:00.001-08:002018-02-13T13:27:21.643-08:00<h2>
Character Building – Persistence and Diligence</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For most of us, absolutely nothing comes easy. As we watch the Olympic athletes at this year’s
Winter games, it is fascinating to hear the back story about the price these
young people have paid to be top in their sport. One skier talked about wishing she could let
up, take a nap or watch a movie instead of practicing and practicing. But her coach advised her that would not get
her where she wanted to go. She had to
dig in and keep working.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Parents often find themselves in those coaching struggles
with their children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kids may want to
sluff through on chores.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have to
make them come back and do them over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(And over, sometimes!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may
have to be the “bad cop” when it comes to practicing the musical instrument they
convinced you they wanted to learn to play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Persistence and diligence are required if they want to get beyond those
early basic songs and drills.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92rrsVQQo1DwisMCTNIjvTyKbC0ipK-_Zc-jPJzsXhAk_sm8hClvKiHkjAQqfmrCcJ9M7489O3sVb3w5cE3r0ohAcCo6qm8ycUuT0jXmdjqsDqrx7WufKkTAsyJVXF5qiCHQT2LJ1zg/s1600/piano-78492_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1600" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92rrsVQQo1DwisMCTNIjvTyKbC0ipK-_Zc-jPJzsXhAk_sm8hClvKiHkjAQqfmrCcJ9M7489O3sVb3w5cE3r0ohAcCo6qm8ycUuT0jXmdjqsDqrx7WufKkTAsyJVXF5qiCHQT2LJ1zg/s200/piano-78492_1920.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For one of our children, academic things came pretty easy –
until he got to about 5<sup>th</sup> grade when things took that cognitive jump. He was upset that he was actually going to
have to <i>work </i>at his schoolwork. He would have to think, and struggle, and strive
to learn. Of course, I could have softened
things, made them easier, dumbed them down.
Moms are often tempted to easy our kids’ load, to make things fun, but
that would not have served him well in the long run. His mind was made for higher things and
greater challenges. So, in spite of his
objections, he had to press through.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What does scripture say about diligence?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He
becomes poor who works with a slack and idle hand, but the hand of the diligent
makes rich. (Pr. 10:4 Amp. Classic)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
hand of the diligent will rule, but the slothful will be put to forced labor.
(Pr. 12:24 Amp. Classic)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Whatever
may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for
the Lord and not for men. (Col. 3:23 Amp. Classic)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Paul talked about pressing in when things were difficult. (Phil. 3:12-1</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is important to help kids learn to do hard things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Teens who have not had to do chores, who have
not learned to manage money, who have not had to pay for any car insurance or
expenses will have a rude awakening when they leave home.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of our children had learning disabilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Learning to read was difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully, a friend who was an education
expert encouraged me to be even more thorough with teaching her the phonics
foundations as she learned to read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
time she became a great reader, though not fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She read with great understanding and recall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She reads classics for fun now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throughout her difficult school years, she
fought and trudged through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now she knows
she can do anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She can learn
anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is an accomplished young
woman with a great job because of her persistence and diligence.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Help your children set goals to accomplish hard things, whether
it is becoming an Eagle Scout, learning to play and instrument, taking a college
class during high school, or building a model of a historic building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Help them see the steps it will take.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Break giant tasks into bite-sized pieces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Help them hang in there instead of giving up
when it becomes difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then
celebrate the reward they receive for their persistence and diligence.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">For more
parenting help go to </span><a href="http://www.intentionalparenting.us/"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.IntentionalParenting.us</span></a><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> or consider my book<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Intentional
Parenting: A Guide for Christian Parents. </i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>There is also a Small Group
guide with discussion questions for couples or groups.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBTuEvMbWEqN6sCmmqrhVgO0ikkoZAVLanDZ8K6qQAJw41EBDwVbDZyuNFpUSGEyc5ihKBFAg0z_6kYQLlfaQ4RrAAtoxuUHoZ30WGPV8c1EgadIY8aLpzm57nNqlgQUz6o48aW1FiA/s1600/intentional-parenting-final-cover_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1313" data-original-width="863" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBTuEvMbWEqN6sCmmqrhVgO0ikkoZAVLanDZ8K6qQAJw41EBDwVbDZyuNFpUSGEyc5ihKBFAg0z_6kYQLlfaQ4RrAAtoxuUHoZ30WGPV8c1EgadIY8aLpzm57nNqlgQUz6o48aW1FiA/s200/intentional-parenting-final-cover_2.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Linda Stahnkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09452428946260279776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4825556442728473673.post-48843092554829325062018-02-06T08:38:00.000-08:002018-02-06T08:57:57.058-08:00<h2>
The Importance of Immediate Obedience</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I walked down the mountain, our 3-year-old daughter ran
on ahead, like always. She was a
high-energy kid. I smiled to
myself. Then I saw that she was not
slowing down as she came to the row of parked cars. AND I saw a car whizzing around the hairpin
turns that went past the park and visitor’s center. In that instant I knew that our beautiful,
active child was on a direct collision course with that car she could not see
coming as she ran between parked cars. “Amanda,
STOP!!” I yelled at the top of my lungs!
She screeched to a halt, heels skidding on the gravel, leaning backward
to make the stop. WHISH! The shiny beamer whisked by, maybe a foot
away from her astonished face. Oh, dear
Lord! She burst into tears and I ran to
hold her, thanking her for being so quick to obey.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zTUPP2Zo3EkD8cN_i0feWGgmDbyiZLgtGhVkCNSK29kS6R3XNyHIL6YzXFuzJYyCTynkq7YdLtjuzvLs66xCxh0R29Sr2b-b_1l9PjaGelhnFFnaJzZcP1fRQ7grDxwdBuTjfO5hmQ/s1600/person-811696_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1066" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zTUPP2Zo3EkD8cN_i0feWGgmDbyiZLgtGhVkCNSK29kS6R3XNyHIL6YzXFuzJYyCTynkq7YdLtjuzvLs66xCxh0R29Sr2b-b_1l9PjaGelhnFFnaJzZcP1fRQ7grDxwdBuTjfO5hmQ/s200/person-811696_1920.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Several times in the course of their young lives, we will
probably catch our children on the verge of doing something disastrous –
putting a necklace into an electrical outlet, climbing out a window to sneak
around to their sister’s adjacent room (on the 2<sup>nd</sup> floor) or reaching
for a pot of boiling soup on the stove. Yup,
my kids have done all those things. In
that moment we do not have time to explain why they need to obey. We do not have time to argue about why they
should obey. They just must. Quickly. Thankfully, in most cases, I caught them, or
they survived the potential mishap without severe injury. Often, I would get that nudge from the Holy
Spirit, “You better go check on them.”
And they were headed for big trouble, like pulling out dresser drawers
to climb up on top.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Parents hesitate to require obedience. They are often willing to get into
discussions (a.k.a. arguments) over when or how obedience should happen, if at
all. Young children need to obey first,
then have an explanation of the importance of what you have asked them to do. You are not a petty tyrant, just jerking them
around. Older children may need more
explanation on the front end, but they should still be ready for the emergency “STOP”
you may call out. Prepare them for life
as an adult when there are plenty of things we have to obey – God’s laws and
morals, civil authorities, and even bosses.
Not all things adults live with are fair or equal or likable either.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love the verse, “If you are willing and obedient, you
shall eat of the good of the land.” (Is. 1:19) Sounds like the blessings of obedience
are worth it. Talk to your kids about
how obedience makes us happy. Disobedience
makes life miserable. And everyone
around you is affected by it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our family had a disabled friend years ago who had been
terribly injured at 3 when she opened a car door and fell out of a moving car. Don’t be afraid of being in charge, of
directing your children. Be vigilant and
teach them to respond immediately to your voice.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">For more
parenting help go to </span><a href="http://www.intentionalparenting.us/"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.IntentionalParenting.us</span></a><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> or consider my book<b>, <i>Intentional
Parenting: A Guide for Christian Parents. </i></b><i> </i>There is also a Small Group
guide with discussion questions for couples or groups.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8TUfOUEgbRy6PJBO84j94Rykt9srZ7oethkbBPUFQMfpcxtVWp_zK2IwO4XzpdhBTNLE_0HCPs5VqRVCmgP5c4lXuFXz9fZWCeZl8DHhqnPxc1ktOhY_xU7Rl6FUcdypyfX1c5BP0Qw/s1600/intentional-parenting-final-cover_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1313" data-original-width="863" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8TUfOUEgbRy6PJBO84j94Rykt9srZ7oethkbBPUFQMfpcxtVWp_zK2IwO4XzpdhBTNLE_0HCPs5VqRVCmgP5c4lXuFXz9fZWCeZl8DHhqnPxc1ktOhY_xU7Rl6FUcdypyfX1c5BP0Qw/s200/intentional-parenting-final-cover_2.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Linda Stahnkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09452428946260279776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4825556442728473673.post-16035079084309164762018-01-30T09:42:00.000-08:002018-01-31T07:49:25.796-08:00<h2>
Teens and Tax Time</h2>
<div class="MsoTitle">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s the time of year when we start to think about doing our
taxes. That makes it a good time to talk
to your teens about taxes, what they are and where they go.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
An easy place to start is with sales taxes. Most communities have taxes on the items you
purchase (other than food). When you
purchase items for the home or your child saves up to buy a toy, help them
notice the extra cost of taxes. If your
state does not have sales taxes, believe me, they come from somewhere else,
usually property taxes. Find out how
your local government is funded. Where
does the money come from to repair the potholes? To run the schools? To pay policemen
and firemen?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4ErLs872f2N2JBw9eoJ7fZguBr4yZ517nxQv-r2yPTPEOoSxPW56OWmX_bk6ce6RTMkhBqYGK9Nkp61XC_eueMRAIX6IL2cF6odfdenqbaG_bnA8FuxoKVRNdu21XL4yXIxjvCpcLg/s1600/pothole-1703340_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4ErLs872f2N2JBw9eoJ7fZguBr4yZ517nxQv-r2yPTPEOoSxPW56OWmX_bk6ce6RTMkhBqYGK9Nkp61XC_eueMRAIX6IL2cF6odfdenqbaG_bnA8FuxoKVRNdu21XL4yXIxjvCpcLg/s200/pothole-1703340_1920.jpg" width="200" /></a>When my husband and I went to Ukraine in 1999, there were
potholes in some roads big enough and deep enough to swallow a car. Yikes.
That was a picture of a government that was not functioning well.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another place is to show your teen how much you pay in taxes
on gasoline and tires. These funds go to
build roads. Part of the fees on tires
is for the disposal of the old ones. (How many million must there be every
year?!)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Talk about the things the state government funds such as
schools, colleges, prisons, and roads. (Funded
by state income taxes.) Look at how park
fees are used in your state. It is easy
to take these things for granted until their existence is threatened.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And of course, the federal government funds the military,
welfare and food stamp programs and so on.
Explain income taxes to your teenager.
When they are old enough to have a part-time job, they will be filing
income taxes even if it is just the post card.
Help them understand what the deductions on a paycheck are for. When Social Security is deducted, employers pay half. If you are self-employed, you pay the whole thing. You can also discuss the income tax deduction that is allowed for each
child in a family. Yay!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another fun thing to discuss is “Tax Freedom Day,” the day of
the year on which the average person has earned enough to pay all their various
taxes. In 2000 it fell on May 1. For 2017 it fell on April 24. That means over 31% of all the earnings of an
average person go to pay taxes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWCq67CaAPIzqZTMI2QMmf3SCKiK1uQx6kEz2SD6n_1sUKcmtyvg44oc7xecAcw9_WFCZRaCMxxIh1YEl1C1j3wewHxlWEpMc2_BiGo1GftSqe7HjkZQdh4os436rHl76UN39TP4INw/s1600/currency-3101280_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWCq67CaAPIzqZTMI2QMmf3SCKiK1uQx6kEz2SD6n_1sUKcmtyvg44oc7xecAcw9_WFCZRaCMxxIh1YEl1C1j3wewHxlWEpMc2_BiGo1GftSqe7HjkZQdh4os436rHl76UN39TP4INw/s200/currency-3101280_1920.jpg" width="200" /></a>Jesus even addressed the need to pay taxes. (Matthew 17:24-27 and Matthew 22:15-22) <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The saying goes that there are two things that are inevitable: death and taxes. We may not <i>like</i> paying taxes, but people who don’t pay their taxes go to jail. And we certainly are thankful for the good
life we have in the United States.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">For more
parenting help go to </span><a href="http://www.intentionalparenting.us/"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.IntentionalParenting.us</span></a><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> or consider my book<b>, <i>Intentional
Parenting: A Guide for Christian Parents. </i></b><i> </i>There is also a Small Group
guide with discussion questions for couples or groups.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyoUB6Iver6qUN2R0H4gIovwqKl2ulTufFTJI3OeimBSt7zj7fupcOHgkeRo6cPZceUj7uRAx_6HW0YvwiSoHNKt6kGZOv_gLAy3DLnRD5JyKbFZPMtEuz9pn_ukmpQhDzPZQPxf60w/s1600/intentional-parenting-final-cover_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1313" data-original-width="863" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyoUB6Iver6qUN2R0H4gIovwqKl2ulTufFTJI3OeimBSt7zj7fupcOHgkeRo6cPZceUj7uRAx_6HW0YvwiSoHNKt6kGZOv_gLAy3DLnRD5JyKbFZPMtEuz9pn_ukmpQhDzPZQPxf60w/s200/intentional-parenting-final-cover_2.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Linda Stahnkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09452428946260279776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4825556442728473673.post-63668997861707509572018-01-23T13:42:00.000-08:002018-01-24T08:18:22.703-08:00<h2>
NURTURING as a Parent</h2>
<div class="MsoTitle">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last week you may have seen the story in the news about the
California family with 12 children, ages 2 to 29, who were discovered in
horrendous conditions. My heart broke,
and it weighed on me all week. How can
any parent treat their own children in this way? Oh, my goodness! There must be some serious mental health
issues with those parents!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, I have been thinking, what does a nurturing parent really
look like? Does it come more easily
to those who are people-oriented than those who are task-oriented? I think for some it does, but some
people-oriented people pay more attention to people other than their own
children, so that is not an automatic answer. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3>
Task-oriented or People-oriented?</h3>
I am more prone to being task-oriented than people-oriented,
and I must discipline my focus at times.
I had an aunt who wouldn’t let her kids mess up the house at all. I let our children make huge tents in their
bedrooms, in the family room, and occasionally connected all down the
hallway. What fun! After two or three days, they had to come
down, but by then we were all ready for a little order.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<h3>
<br />Nurturing Defined</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The dictionary defines <i>nurture
</i>as to care for and encourage the growth or development of something. Synonyms include tend, raise, look after,
support, rear or foster. (Google) More than just having fun with your kids, I
think of a gardener tending seedlings, raising them up until they are ready to
be transplanted outside when the weather and conditions are right.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmXSG26ZO-YbL9kgUfX5VXFRDotW-6WHVneqVbnW9KXe9zjlu5l8IrrYEM9GpNOhOOvyHaphIyZUWKy6EBQ4XqFNpUCr9LgyWJLgah1RRGFSOT33a_qD3SE8LKgFVICqHu9lM2FX3PA/s1600/pexels-photo-701014.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmXSG26ZO-YbL9kgUfX5VXFRDotW-6WHVneqVbnW9KXe9zjlu5l8IrrYEM9GpNOhOOvyHaphIyZUWKy6EBQ4XqFNpUCr9LgyWJLgah1RRGFSOT33a_qD3SE8LKgFVICqHu9lM2FX3PA/s320/pexels-photo-701014.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3>
What Does it Take?</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To nurture our children, we must take time with them. We have to listen to them. (For
more on how to listen as a parent, see pp. 283-286 in my book, <i>Intentional Parenting: A Guide for Christian
Parents.</i>)<i> </i>If they are not talkers, we must draw
them out, ask leading questions, help them express and explain their feelings
and needs. We must be affectionate. We should hold them when they are small, hug
them and pat them on the back or shoulder when they get older. This may seem awkward when teen girls begin
to develop. Dads may feel self-conscious
with their daughter’s budding womanhood, but young girls don’t understand that. Have them sit by you on the couch and put an
arm around their shoulders. Dad still
needs to be the most important man in a teen girl’s life. Adjust the boundaries, but don’t stop being
affectionate. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nurturers care for children and family members when they are
sick. We hurt with them when they are
hurt – and tenderly bandage them up. We
listen when their friend lets them down.
We root for them as they fight to conquer the challenges they face.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nurturers learn to speak each child’s love language. (See <i>The
5 Languages</i> by Dr. Gary Chapman.) They
try to make sure their child’s emotional tank is filled in the way that touches
their heart the most, whether it is physical touch and closeness, words of affirmation,
gift giving, acts of service, or quality time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3>
Nurturing in the Bible</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Scripture talks about how natural nurturing is.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="background: white;">“Can a
woman forget her </span>nursing child and have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even
these may forget, but I will not forget you.” (Isaiah 49:15 NASB)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;">In the story of the two women arguing
over the baby before King Solomon, the baby’s mother was willing to give up the
child so it could live rather than have the baby divided by a sword. (1Kings
3:16-27) Her love and tenderness identified
her as the correct mother. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;">A friend of mine who was a nanny for
several different families found that children who are nurtured by their own
parents (even though their time was limited) presented fewer behavior
challenges, handled life’s difficulties with more confidence, and were
all-around happier people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="background: white;">Dads Can Nurture Too</span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;">And it is not just moms who nurture. Just like God is the husbandman (gardener,
farmer, shepherd, etc.) who sees to the growth and development of all that is
under his care, fathers have a natural desire to do the same. They watch to see what a child’s natural bent
is. Athletics? Computers?
Engineering? Accounting? They help find ways to encourage each family
member’s growth and development. It was
my husband who made me teach the kids to do chores. I felt it was easier to do them myself, which
was true. He said that would not serve
them well when they grew up. He said, “Anything
they can learn to do, I want you to teach them.” I took a deep breath and embraced the hard
work ahead of me. Now that they are
adults, people often comment on how capable and impressive they are.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;">Nurturing takes time. This is a tall order for single parents. It is hard for busy working moms. Move it up your priority list. Your care and tenderness are an example of
God’s love for all his children. Enjoy
this natural, lovely part of parenting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">For more parenting
help go to <a href="http://www.intentionalparenting.us/">www.IntentionalParenting.us</a>
or consider my book<b>, <i>Intentional Parenting: A Guide for Christian
Parents. </i></b><i> </i>There is also a Small Group guide with
discussion questions for couples or groups.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNvue3zInRZ0Yk-2MSn2d8NIJnfhZKEfa3yVVbZIZaUHhnw_9s9LMYqX6avwwRlZKgYtAk16W78vFI9qoF61tyyONtwUd2wB-fq8UNZiMvxPjDq0LjjcPOPiCnNfn4P4P7qhPbOvNBg/s1600/intentional-parenting-final-cover_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1313" data-original-width="863" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNvue3zInRZ0Yk-2MSn2d8NIJnfhZKEfa3yVVbZIZaUHhnw_9s9LMYqX6avwwRlZKgYtAk16W78vFI9qoF61tyyONtwUd2wB-fq8UNZiMvxPjDq0LjjcPOPiCnNfn4P4P7qhPbOvNBg/s200/intentional-parenting-final-cover_2.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Linda Stahnkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09452428946260279776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4825556442728473673.post-50740681757957706232018-01-16T08:52:00.002-08:002018-01-16T08:53:33.369-08:00<h2>
VALENTINE’S DAY – LOVE & FRIENDSHIP</h2>
<div class="MsoTitle">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoTitle">
Valentines Day is right around the corner. You can use this as a teachable moment for
your children. It usually means some
sort of exchange of little cards at school or with friends, and perhaps some challenges
with friendships or lack of friendships.
There is an undercurrent (or perhaps something more in-your-face) of
pairing up. So often, this is a time
when pre-teens may worry about whether they will <i>ever </i>be liked, accepted or wanted by someone of the opposite sex. (Belonging and acceptance are foundational
needs for every human being.)</div>
<div class="MsoTitle">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5Im7Fv3aj6RrDwQZHvi71Z6HJ7VO3E0nXc3Q0HMYu4xNJaVJwIsiAS4zMRCD932vMDHnW4z6QzJNQbMO_JjDRJtWA571p6cPHJ6GCAYBv3c150kzVUswyfDgUOYDe_dYzVzSTdexkA/s1600/pexels-photo-776636.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5Im7Fv3aj6RrDwQZHvi71Z6HJ7VO3E0nXc3Q0HMYu4xNJaVJwIsiAS4zMRCD932vMDHnW4z6QzJNQbMO_JjDRJtWA571p6cPHJ6GCAYBv3c150kzVUswyfDgUOYDe_dYzVzSTdexkA/s200/pexels-photo-776636.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoTitle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a parent you can set the tone for Valentine’s Day. Here are some things you can talk about while
you are addressing Valentines cards or doing that cute craft project. (There
are some downloads and ideas at <a href="http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/holidays/valentines-day-cards-and-activities">http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/holidays/valentines-day-cards-and-activities</a>.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Discuss the legend of St. Valentine, for whom
this holiday was named.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">According to </span><a href="http://www.history.com/" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">www.history.com</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> he was a Catholic monk who
was martyred in Rome.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Claudius the Cruel
(what a name!) had forbidden engagements and marriages, wanting to get more
young men to join his army.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Valentine
felt that was wrong and continued to secretly perform weddings.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">He was beheaded for it.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">He is said to have left a note for a young
friend signed, “From Your Valentine.”</span></li>
<li>·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Talk about the love of God – He is the author of
all love. (1 John 4:7) Because of His love, He gave us Jesus. (1 John 3:16) He
wants us to love one another. (1 John 3:11) If someone does not love others, he
cannot claim to be a Christian. (1 John 4:8)</span></li>
<li>·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Children and teenagers need to learn how to be a
good friend before they worry about falling in love.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Friendship is the foundation for a good
marriage.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Dr. James Dobson wrote long
ago that friendship was the missing ingredient for so many young men and
women’s relationships.</span></li>
</ul>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We used to tell our kids’ friends (and their parents!) that
our children were not old enough to be boyfriends or girlfriends. They could only be friends until they grew up
more. (What IS it with parents trying to
pair their kids up for life at the age of 9 or 10 or 12? Yikes!)
If they learn how to be a good friend, then they are ready for learning
about courtship and romance. If they are
pairing up at 12, what will they escalate to at 16? Slow things down, for Pete's sake!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, what does it take to be a good friend? A friend knows you and likes you for who you
are, not for what you can do for him.
They aren’t trying to make you into something you are not. She is a good listener, able to have a
give-and-take conversation, not dominating all your time together. She shares her thoughts and ideas, but gives
you time to express yours. A friend
likes many of the same things you do.
They value most of the same things you do. They are honest without being rude about
their feelings. Their actions and their
words match. They do not gossip about
you or about others. Mature friends are
willing to work on disagreements and conflicts.
Good friends are not too busy to spend time with you, especially when
you need them in a hard season. (Read 1
Corinthians 13:4-8a) Of course, this is a growing, developing thing for young
children. They cannot expect their young
friends to be fully-formed in these areas. Pick one area to work on with your
family, then in 6 months, tackle another.
Talk to them about what they like in their friends. Draw them out about their friendships. Teach them how to choose good friends.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love to buy candy hearts for our kids. My husband takes our single daughter out on a
date, so she will not feel forlorn in this season. I buy a little box of chocolates for my
husband. Some families put loving notes
in lunch boxes for their kids. This is a
wonderful time to do something special for that single parent friend as
well. Enjoy this season and spread your
love around! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
For more parenting help go to <a href="http://www.intentionalparenting.us/">www.IntentionalParenting.us</a> or
consider my book<b>, <i>Intentional Parenting: A Guide for Christian Parents. </i></b><i> </i>There
is also a Small Group guide with discussion questions for couples or groups.<o:p></o:p></div>
Linda Stahnkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09452428946260279776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4825556442728473673.post-21553910647314343422018-01-09T08:57:00.000-08:002018-01-09T08:58:14.910-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h2>
CHARACTER BUILDING – INITIATIVE</h2>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoTitle">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the traits for this month from our <i>Intentional Parenting</i> list is
“initiative.” Great trait, but how do
you teach <i>that?</i> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First of all, <b>initiative</b>
means being the one to take the first step or action; starting something
without being told to do so; being the one to see what needs to be done, then
starting so others may follow. This is not the same as being a natural
helper. It goes farther than that. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You remember the old saying, “Some people make things
happen, some people watch things happen, and some people wonder what
happened.” People who take i<b>nitiative</b> are “self-starters,” a trait
valued in business and the work force.
They have self-discipline and are motivated internally. Again, some of these traits are built into
people naturally through their personality type, but there are ways to train it
in as well.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<h3>
Is Initiative in the Bible?</h3>
<h1>
<o:p></o:p></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of my favorite stories in the Old Testament is the story
of Jonathan and his armor-bearer in 1 Samuel 14. The land is at war, and Jonathan says, let’s
go confront the enemy. No one knows they
are doing it. Jonathan comes up with a
plan, and the armor-bearer says, let’s go – I am right behind you! (If you research the location, it was
crazy-difficult! Check out this picture!) They kill about 20 people in a half-acre
space, then God sends terror on the enemy and they all turn and flee. Jonathan’s initiative and God’s response
turns the tide in an ugly situation. Israel wins a miraculous, God-given victory,
but it starts with Jonathan’s initiative.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWLQ9u7O8Eyi4djx9Ruly3csPRaC0aVIdTwUsFIDGVsc82e9jrZjAeee0BN5fpM1mYInoSbaTWj5emY4bXJc668kxcQgU0ADxF26z4TyCyUQnGjAQhFBuo7Hb2VMuKmGrSE6Jfcip1A/s1600/Jonathan%2527s+pass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1044" data-original-width="1600" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWLQ9u7O8Eyi4djx9Ruly3csPRaC0aVIdTwUsFIDGVsc82e9jrZjAeee0BN5fpM1mYInoSbaTWj5emY4bXJc668kxcQgU0ADxF26z4TyCyUQnGjAQhFBuo7Hb2VMuKmGrSE6Jfcip1A/s320/Jonathan%2527s+pass.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course, in the New Testament we see God’s initiative in
reaching out to love us before we knew him when he sent Jesus to die for us.
(Ro. 5:8) This, by the way, is the pattern for courtship and marriage: young men should <i>initiate</i> dating / courtship and girls can choose whether the young
man is the match and has the qualifications they want. Girls should not do the pursuing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This past fall, we celebrated the 500<sup>th</sup>
anniversary of Martin Luther’s posting the 95 Theses on the door of Wittenberg
church. What initiative! His bravery and speaking out changed the
known world and the church forever.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<h3>
Nagging or Initiative?</h3>
<h1>
<o:p></o:p></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Consider how things get done in your home. How much of it requires you to tell others
what needs to be done? Are you telling
the kids everything to do? Do you remind
(or nag) them about their chores? About
hygiene tasks? Isn’t that wearing? Does that set them up for success as
adults? Go beyond developing habits, to
teaching kids to think and choose well in life.
Once trained, they need to take initiative with daily tasks.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For little ones, we had helping hand jobs, with pictures
posted on a hand drawing (wash face, brush teeth, make bed, pick up toys, pick
up clothes). I could just say, are your
helping hand jobs done? For older kids
we had chore charts which rotated each week.
(They had already learned “helping hand jobs.”) But rather than ask when they were done, we
set up rewards with a point system. For
example, if their chores were done before 9 AM when we were going to start
homeschooling, they got a point. And
there were consequences if your chores did not get done. For example, when the new week came and the
person who had inherited backyard pooper scooper chore found that the person
had not done it well the week before, the violator would find themselves doing
the chore for another week. (More practice needed apparently!) Of course I inspected things at the end of
each week. (Children don’t do what you <i>expect,
</i>but what you <i>inspect.</i>)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With homeschooling, I set their schoolwork up for the week on
a chart. Items they needed to do with me
were highlighted in yellow. They were to
ask for my help after I was done with reading class for the younger kids, my
first task. Things could be X-ed off the
chart as they were completed. If they
got done by 2 PM, they got points. If
they were done by noon Friday with the whole week’s work (and, of course, I
checked it!) they got extra points. If
they were done by the end of the day Thursday, all 5 days’ work counted as
such, but they got a day off to play or do what they wanted to. On the downside, if they dawdled, I was not
available to help them with schoolwork after 3 PM. I had other things I needed to do. That math or spelling test would have to wait
until the next day. They could drag out
their schoolwork until 5 or 6 PM if they wanted to, but they would be the one
who suffered. It didn’t take long to
learn to manage their workflow and have time for reading, jumping on the
trampoline, or playing Legos. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the end of the week, they could use their points to buy
items from a treasure chest. It
contained goodies from the dollar store, candy, and certificates for picking
out a movie, going on an extra date with Dad (ice cream or McDonald’s) or have
a friend over. Warning: be sure to
figure out how many points your kids can earn in a week and decide how much you
can afford for those points to be worth.
When I first started this, I created points for so many things, we could
not have kept up with the cost of the rewards.
I had to scale back on what we gave points for and how many points it
took to get things from the treasure chest.
And our kids learned to save up their points and use them judiciously.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another by-product you will have to explain to your children
is that results and rewards are not equal.
The person who take initiative earns more. Not everything has a material reward, but in
life those with initiative have a leg up.
You can provide equal opportunities, but not guarantee equal
results. THAT is a real-life lesson!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<h3>
Initiative in Good Works</h3>
<h1>
<o:p></o:p></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Be sure to notice when kids initiate good actions or
events. If one chooses to help an
elderly person, compliment the child in front of the rest of the family
later. If she helps clean up after an
event at church, thank her <i>especially </i>if
they just noticed the need and dove in without being asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You might want to have an extra chore/job or two in the back
of your mind in case a child asks you if there is anything they can help
with. If a child jumps in and helps with
something you are doing, be sure to say, “Thank you for noticing I needed some
help.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Point out when someone else is taking initiative and explain
it to your kids. Talk about noticing
people’s needs and about thinking ahead about what needs to be done. Talk about how ministries and nonprofit
organizations get started through the heart and vision of a leader. You might even want to plan a “Family
Initiative” project. Get together as a
family to brainstorm about something you could do together to help someone or
to raise money for a worthy cause. Talk
to kids about needs you notice around you.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<h3>
Initiative in Life Skills</h3>
<h1>
<o:p></o:p></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the things I love about the Boy Scouts is their many
opportunities to learn while earning merit badges. Young scouts get to choose a topic to work
on. Sometimes the troop will offer
classes or opportunities to earn a badge.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take a look at the life skills list in Chapter 17 of <i>Intentional Parenting: A Guide for Christian
Families. </i> Let your teens pick a skill
to work on. Discuss it with them and
help them develop a plan to learn that skill.
It might mean they need to contact a family friend to see if they can
shadow them at work. Or you might have
to schedule extra time to help them learn to use the city bus system. Letting them choose and move forward prepares
them for real life in the real world.
And it’s safer to be learning that while you are handy to help if
needed.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<h3>
Initiative in Earning Money</h3>
<h1>
<o:p></o:p></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Letting kids take initiative to earn money to buy something
they want is a great lesson. I remember
my sisters making and selling peanut brittle to go to youth camp. They became known for it and it became an
income stream for them until they were old enough to get regular jobs. Recently, a young man who was about 12
knocked on my front door. He had a lawn
mower and perceived that my lawn needed attention. He would charge me $40 to do the front and
the back. Was I interested? I was a little bowled-over, actually. Such a rare thing to see such brave action by
one so young. My husband was out-of-town,
so how could I say no?! I asked him what
he was earning money for and he explained that he wanted a particular video
game. Hooray for parents who gave him
opportunity to learn a life lesson, rather than just granting the wish. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEx2ukNyBLVeIOQl4iTyAcwuCqeRYR2GuAV3EEa88E8Q7pSogOlptHU1v9OCaZthQh3jxwHXSU-1UFjxxPqsc3MF1fgG197-4AQbxFFLFMCyWsGBq7basXHNURw_sm9lg-pVb0rPUMmw/s1600/lawn-mower-2293876_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEx2ukNyBLVeIOQl4iTyAcwuCqeRYR2GuAV3EEa88E8Q7pSogOlptHU1v9OCaZthQh3jxwHXSU-1UFjxxPqsc3MF1fgG197-4AQbxFFLFMCyWsGBq7basXHNURw_sm9lg-pVb0rPUMmw/s200/lawn-mower-2293876_1920.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Sometimes we think we are doing the right thing by telling
our kids what to do. Take it to the next
level by creating ways for them to learn initiative. Blessings to you as you teach your children
this valuable character trait!</h4>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Linda Stahnkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09452428946260279776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4825556442728473673.post-30704348185564101682018-01-02T13:41:00.002-08:002018-01-02T13:44:39.982-08:00Parenting ResolutionHappy New Year! As I think about parenting resolutions for the year ahead, I believe one that would produce amazing fruit would be to resolve to take time to work together in unity as parents.<br />
<br />
You know how it goes: Junior asks Mom if he can stay up an extra half-hour. Mom says, "No, tomorrow is a school day." Junior quietly goes to the next room and asks Dad the same question. Dad says, "Sure, I guess so." Boom. He got the answer he wanted. Now Mom is upset with both Dad and Junior.<br />
<br />
Kids will try to divide and conquer adults, even though the results might get them in trouble. Kids don't necessarily think about what is wise or healthy. They just want what they want.<br />
<br />
Next time, Dad would be wise to ask, "Have you already asked your mother? What did she say?" When in doubt, Mom and Dad might want to confer with each other (behind closed doors for serious matters). This give opportunity to come to agreement, the proceed with a united front when they come back to give Junior his answer. My husband and I always told the kids, "Mom and Daddy always agree. Even when we didn't. We took a time out to discuss things in private, then presented only the unified answer to the kids. Any disagreement was inside information, not for little ears. Even in football, the referees confer before announcing a penalty.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeoklB-AOBHI688SDlkOXCn-aULtdElcRf4iDwPs42GRDiWAgeh1PGbJu08aJkUDC02DLh8uRhkov8fVfzvF9kPAIwGXTPtFwL6I5UQWmebKSCzYi92VxKgax5zILVqFLQ5r8jWoxiqw/s1600/american-football-american-football-officials-referees-referee-163528+%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeoklB-AOBHI688SDlkOXCn-aULtdElcRf4iDwPs42GRDiWAgeh1PGbJu08aJkUDC02DLh8uRhkov8fVfzvF9kPAIwGXTPtFwL6I5UQWmebKSCzYi92VxKgax5zILVqFLQ5r8jWoxiqw/s320/american-football-american-football-officials-referees-referee-163528+%25281%2529.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
What about consequences for a child who has successfully manipulated and pitted one against the other? Consequences work best when they are related to the infraction. For example in the case of getting to stay up later, a good consequence might be to have to go to bed 30 minutes earlier the next night or two. The consequence needs to be heavy enough to make it not worthwhile to try this game in the future, but not so heavy as to break the relationship between parents and children. A good consequence for weaseling out of chores would be extra work. (Tell the child, "You must need more practice!")<br />
<br />
Secondly, be sure you are getting to the heart of the child with the consequence. Don't focus only on the bad behavior, but discuss the deception the child tried to pull off.<br />
<br />
And as an aside, be sure you are updating limits as kids get older. Bedtime for a 12-year old should not be the same as for a 6-year old. Be sure you are pulling back from controlling everything for teens. (See chapter 13 in my book, <i>Intentional Parenting, a Guide for Christian Families.</i><br />
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Intentional+Parenting+linda+stahnke )<br />
<br />
Have a great 2018! And may your parenting be more unified than ever!Linda Stahnkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09452428946260279776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4825556442728473673.post-10408744281219576682016-09-28T13:44:00.003-07:002016-09-28T14:04:08.923-07:00Setting Boundaries and Limits<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Imagine a ranch with no fences: its cattle wandering all
over other ranches, being hit by passing trains, calves lost from their
mothers. This is what a family with no
boundaries is like. Then there is the
ranch with the fences right up next to the house: no room to breathe, no room
to graze, no room to run. Somewhere in
between is the healthy family – allowing kids room for expression and personal
preference without permissiveness or lack of oversight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Fence, Style, Wooden, Barrier, Separate" src="https://pixabay.com/static/uploads/photo/2016/09/14/19/01/fence-1670087__180.jpg" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How do you decide what boundaries are important? Where do you start?</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Safety</b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> – Safety from danger (like
traffic in front of the house) is a basic necessity.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Safety from potentially emotionally or
physically dangerous situations (like allowing a child to visit a neighbor’s
home you’ve not been in) is also a basic issue.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">For little ones, playing in the backyard that is fenced is better than
the front yard without a fence.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">When
friends come over, playroom doors remain open. For teens, parents should meet
the kids they hang out with.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">They should
get acquainted with those they date.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">(Hey, if they’re good enough to date, they're good enough for us to meet
them, right?)</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Don’t be afraid to limit
time with friends who don’t seem to be good for them.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Healthy
eating</b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> – We required our kids to try everything we put before them.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">They developed a taste for all kinds of
interesting things.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">We allowed some
sweets, but not an unlimited amount.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Their friends who were allowed NO sweets seemed to go crazy when their
moms were not watching.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Our kids learned
to like all kinds of veggies and fruits. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">They learned to listen to their bodies when
they were full. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">They tried amazing
ethnic foods.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">They also learned to cook
and prepare a variety of things.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">This is
a GOOD LIFE!</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Curfews</b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">
– Teens definitely need curfews.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Bars
close at 2 AM, so kids should not be out on the streets when those folks are
driving.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">The later they are out, the
more opportunity there is for bad things to happen.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">We encouraged them to have their friends over
to our house and provided playing cards and food to make that happen
easily.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Have trouble getting them to
come home on time?</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">I offered to make the
curfew even earlier if they couldn’t manage the one they were given.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">(11 PM on nights with school the next day, 12
AM on weekends.)</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Of course this was open
for adjustment if there was a special event.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">And calling to say they were on the way when they should be home didn’t
count.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Responsibilities</b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">
– Shared chores are just a part of being in a family.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Everyone has a part to play in what it takes
to have a clean and healthy atmosphere.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">We paid the kids for doing extra chores, but not for the everyday ones
that were just their turn.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Then as they
grew to be more and more responsible, they were given more authority and more
freedom.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Expectations for a 5-year old
and for a 15-year old are vastly different.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Words and
attitudes</b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> – We all have to take responsibility for our tone and for our
words.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">In correcting one that was out of
line, the child was given the opportunity to say it again in a better way.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">‘Nuff said – no lecture.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Hard things must sometimes be communicated,
but it can be done with kind words.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">TV and
video game time </b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">– It is very easy for this to get stretched all out of
proportion to real life.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">We found 1 ½
hours a day was plenty for TV and video game time.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">To enforce this, we gave the kids 21 poker
chips at the beginning of each week.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Each chip represented 30 minutes of TV or movies.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">If they wanted to watch a two-hour movie, it
took 4 tokens.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">A three-hour football
game took six. When they were out of tokens that was it for the rest of the
week.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">(Family time was exempt from the
tokens requirement.)</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Our children
learned to use their time and resources wisely.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Awareness
of priorities </b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">– children will not use their time wisely without
guidance. They will seldom do their
homework before they go play. They will
not practice their musical instrument before playing that video game. If you train this into them, you will be doing
them a BIG favor for life!</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While it may not seem like the most exciting part of
parenting, setting healthy boundaries and limits are fundamental to helping
kids feel secure and cared for. It takes
energy to teach a child these things, and then time to follow up and make sure
they get done. But whoever said being a
great parent was easy? Embrace the hard
work of parenting! Build those fences,
Pardner!</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Linda Stahnkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09452428946260279776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4825556442728473673.post-37750573525694704612016-09-28T13:44:00.002-07:002016-09-28T14:02:42.603-07:00Setting Boundaries and Limits<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Imagine a ranch with no fences: its cattle wandering all
over other ranches, being hit by passing trains, calves lost from their
mothers. This is what a family with no
boundaries is like. Then there is the
ranch with the fences right up next to the house: no room to breathe, no room
to graze, no room to run. Somewhere in
between is the healthy family – allowing kids room for expression and personal
preference without permissiveness or lack of oversight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Fence, Style, Wooden, Barrier, Separate" src="https://pixabay.com/static/uploads/photo/2016/09/14/19/01/fence-1670087__180.jpg" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How do you decide what boundaries are important? Where do you start?</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Safety</b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> – Safety from danger (like
traffic in front of the house) is a basic necessity.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Safety from potentially emotionally or
physically dangerous situations (like allowing a child to visit a neighbor’s
home you’ve not been in) is also a basic issue.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">For little ones, playing in the backyard that is fenced is better than
the front yard without a fence.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">When
friends come over, playroom doors remain open. For teens, parents should meet
the kids they hang out with.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">They should
get acquainted with those they date.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">(Hey, if they’re good enough to date, they're good enough for us to meet
them, right?)</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Don’t be afraid to limit
time with friends who don’t seem to be good for them.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Healthy
eating</b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> – We required our kids to try everything we put before them.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">They developed a taste for all kinds of
interesting things.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">We allowed some
sweets, but not an unlimited amount.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Their friends who were allowed NO sweets seemed to go crazy when their
moms were not watching.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Our kids learned
to like all kinds of veggies and fruits. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">They learned to listen to their bodies when
they were full. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">They tried amazing
ethnic foods.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">They also learned to cook
and prepare a variety of things.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">This is
a GOOD LIFE!</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Curfews</b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">
– Teens definitely need curfews.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Bars
close at 2 AM, so kids should not be out on the streets when those folks are
driving.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">The later they are out, the
more opportunity there is for bad things to happen.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">We encouraged them to have their friends over
to our house and provided playing cards and food to make that happen
easily.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Have trouble getting them to
come home on time?</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">I offered to make the
curfew even earlier if they couldn’t manage the one they were given.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">(11 PM on nights with school the next day, 12
AM on weekends.)</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Of course this was open
for adjustment if there was a special event.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">And calling to say they were on the way when they should be home didn’t
count.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Responsibilities</b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">
– Shared chores are just a part of being in a family.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Everyone has a part to play in what it takes
to have a clean and healthy atmosphere.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">We paid the kids for doing extra chores, but not for the everyday ones
that were just their turn.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Then as they
grew to be more and more responsible, they were given more authority and more
freedom.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Expectations for a 5-year old
and for a 15-year old are vastly different.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Words and
attitudes</b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> – We all have to take responsibility for our tone and for our
words.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">In correcting one that was out of
line, the child was given the opportunity to say it again in a better way.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">‘Nuff said – no lecture.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Hard things must sometimes be communicated,
but it can be done with kind words.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">TV and
video game time </b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">– It is very easy for this to get stretched all out of
proportion to real life.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">We found 1 ½
hours a day was plenty for TV and video game time.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">To enforce this, we gave the kids 21 poker
chips at the beginning of each week.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Each chip represented 30 minutes of TV or movies.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">If they wanted to watch a two-hour movie, it
took 4 tokens.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">A three-hour football
game took six. When they were out of tokens that was it for the rest of the
week.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">(Family time was exempt from the
tokens requirement.)</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Our children
learned to use their time and resources wisely.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Awareness
of priorities </b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">– children will not use their time wisely without
guidance. They will seldom do their
homework before they go play. They will
not practice their musical instrument before playing that video game. If you train this into them, you will be doing
them a BIG favor for life!</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While it may not seem like the most exciting part of
parenting, setting healthy boundaries and limits are fundamental to helping
kids feel secure and cared for. It takes
energy to teach a child these things, and then time to follow up and make sure
they get done. But whoever said being a
great parent was easy? Embrace the hard
work of parenting! Build those fences,
Pardner!</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Linda Stahnkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09452428946260279776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4825556442728473673.post-28214886558928301442012-11-27T12:50:00.006-08:002012-11-27T12:50:59.566-08:00
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">PRAYER BOX – Part 2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Continuing with the cards
going into the 3 X 5 card box we started a few days ago…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now add these sections and cards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Daily section – my most urgent concerns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put this section in front of the
numbered tabs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With one card for
each need, including my husband, a couple of friends with cancer surgeries
and treatments, a friend who is going through divorce, my day’s
appointments, and anyone I’ve told I’d pray for them this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(After that, I may mark that card
“Wednesday” and pray for it once a week.)</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Friends – These cards have an orange stripe
across the top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have an orange
tab at the back of them for rotating them back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray for two of these each day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They include friends who’ve moved away,
friends who are deployed, prodigal children of friends, and so on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are the people I want to pray for
from time to time, but not every day.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Missionaries and ministries – Thursday is my day
to pray for missionaries and ministries such as the chaplains on our
military bases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have picture
cards for as many of them as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I pray for their health and finances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray for their effectiveness in
ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray for their families
and marriages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I rotate their
cards to the next Thursday date.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Our pastors – I pray for the staff of our church
by name on Fridays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray
similarly to what I pray for missionaries, but also for the church’s
direction and creative team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some
of our staff are pregnant or have been sick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This card is marked “Friday” in the top
corner and I rotate it back to the next Friday date.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">My co-workers – people I work with, one or two
per day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These card have a green
stripe across the top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a green
tab behind them for rotating them back.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">To pray for something every
2 or 3 days, just put a 2 or 3 in the top corner, and rotate it accordingly
after you pray for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or if it is
something you want to pray for occasionally, put 10-20-30 or 5-19 on it to pray
for it on those days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each day, you will
pull out a manageable set of cards to pray over.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">(To be continued…)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
Linda Stahnkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09452428946260279776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4825556442728473673.post-71781760072533984762012-11-19T13:08:00.000-08:002012-11-19T13:09:45.849-08:00PRAYER IN A BOX - Part 1<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">PRAYER IN A BOX – Part 1</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Note:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This may be uncomfortable to those of you who
are “unstructured”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If so, don’t worry
about the system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>JUST PRAY!</em></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Years ago, when I was
feeling guilty over my prayer life, the Lord gave me an idea for managing my
prayer time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like there was much
I was forgetting to pray for and in some cases I was only praying sporadically
for very important things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then there
were those people I’d said I’d pray for and forgot about afterward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(No wonder I felt guilty!)</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So I got a 3 X 5 card box
and some dividers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put tabs on cards
for the days of the month, numbering them 1-31.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then I began to put cards into each section for the following, layering
in each category:</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">My children (and later their families) – I wrote
their names and their needs on a card.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These got a pink highlighter stripe across the top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put a pink tab on another card.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put two of my children’s cards in the
first day, two more in the second day, and so on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I put a pink tab in the day after
these.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would pray intently for
them on the day their cards came up, then rotate them to the pink tabbed
section and moving the tab back to the next day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">My extended family – I decided to pray for my
siblings on Tuesdays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These cards
with their names and needs got a blue stripe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They rotate back to the next Tuesday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put our parents on Wednesdays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also have a blue line across the
top and “Tuesday” in the top corner.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Big issues, including world affairs and current
events – Modified from Dick Eastman’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Change
the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">World</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">School</st1:placetype></st1:place> of Prayer*</i>, these needs
are on one card for each day of the week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I pray for the following:</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="circle">
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Monday – world evangelism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray for my personal friends who are
on the mission field and for those who are involved in spreading the
gospel throughout the world.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="square">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WORKERS</b>
– Mt. 9:38 – that they would be strengthened and faithful for the work<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">OPEN
DOORS</b> – Col. 4:2,3 – for all nations to allow the preaching of the
gospel, especially Communistic & Muslim countries.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">FRUIT</b>
that remains – 2 Thes. 3:1 – people to be saved and discipled who can
then lead others to Christ<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">FINANCES</b>
for the work – Ro. 10:14, 15 – that workers would be encouraged, not
slowed or disheartened by financial needs.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Tuesday – my church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="square">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">LEADERS
WHO PRAY</b> – Acts 6:4<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SAINTS
WHO SERVE</b> – Gal. 6:2<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">PEOPLE
WHO PRAISE –</b> 1 Pet. 2:9<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Wednesday – world issues / current events<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="square">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For the counties involved in “The Arab Spring”
and for religious liberty to come out of that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">That unjust or repressive leaders would be removed
and replaced by those who favor religious freedom<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For natural disasters and national
crises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For the persecuted church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For the nation of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Thursday – for spiritual awakening / revival<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="square">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">HUMBLE
REPENTANCE</b> – 2 Chron. 7:14<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">HUNGRY
DESPERATION</b> – Jer. 29:13<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">HELPFUL
GENEROSITY</b> – Is. 58:10-12<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">HOLY
UNITY</b> – John 17:20-21<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Friday – my family – based on Luke 2:52<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="square">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">SPIRITUALLY</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> (in favor with God)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">SOCIALLY</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> (in favor with man)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">MENTALLY</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> (increasing in wisdom)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">PHYSICALLY</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> (increasing in stature – good health)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Saturday – political and civil leaders
(Dan.2:19-22) – that they would realize their authority comes from
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That they would be wise and
judicious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The foolish and ungodly
leaders would be removed.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="square">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">National, state, and local office holders<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Legislation<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Judges<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Police & Fire<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Public services <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Sunday – myself<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="square">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">That I will be “F.A.T.” – faithful, available
& teachable<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">That I will maintain integrity and purity<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For input that will cause spiritual and
personal growth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes this
requires outside sources when the church is focused on new believers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray the Lord would bring them into
my path.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo2; tab-stops: list 1.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">My wishes and dreams<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">After
I pray for these needs, I rotate the cards back to the next numbered day that
matches the day of the week.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">(To be continued...)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">*<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You can find Dick Eastman’s prayer map at www.EveryHomeForChrist.com.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Linda Stahnkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09452428946260279776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4825556442728473673.post-2990448516363276652012-08-14T12:29:00.000-07:002012-08-14T12:29:38.889-07:00
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">Indecision<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">One of the things I see with
many parents these days is indecisiveness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When Johnny wants to go outside, they say no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then as Johnny continues to whine and
wheedle, Mom gives in and lets him go out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When Suzie doesn’t eat her dinner, Dad says she may leave the table, but
will get no dessert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later at dessert
time, he gives in and allows her to have dessert.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I’m not sure if these
parents are trying to show themselves as kind, but they are actually
demonstrating weakness instead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Children
need a surefooted parent, a sense of stability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Years ago I heard a quote from a single parent I remembered and tried to
emulate:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hardly ever say no, but when
I do, I NEVER change my mind.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">How can parents do a better
job of being decisive?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, you must
start by knowing when to say yes and when to say no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is the family standard?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is the goal of your child training?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is there a moral reason that would lead you
to one decision or the other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If so, be
firm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t make a declaration unless
you mean to stand by it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Second, determine that there
are other ways to demonstrate kindness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Plan fun outings, show tenderness when a child is hurt or in need, be
kind to animals, watch your tone of voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But when it is a discipline matter, you must be FIRM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">If you are unsure of what
answer to give in a situation, stall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tell your child that you must think about it a moment before giving her
an answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then when you decide, stick to
your decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Change your mind only if
you are given new information that changes your perspective.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">James 1:5-8 (Amplified) <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">says <strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">5</span></strong><span class="versejas15">If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the
giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">and </span>ungrudgingly, without reproaching <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">or </span>faultfinding, and it will be given him.</span><strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">6</span></strong><span class="versejas16"> Only it must
be in faith that he asks with no wavering (no hesitating, no doubting). For the
one who wavers (hesitates, doubts) is like the billowing surge out at sea that
is blown hither <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">and </span>thither and
tossed by the wind.</span><strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">7</span></strong><span class="versejas17"> For truly, let not such a person imagine that he will receive
anything [he asks for] from the Lord,</span><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">8</span></strong><span class="versejas18"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> [For being as he is] a
man of two minds (hesitating, dubious, irresolute), [he is] unstable <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">and </span>unreliable <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">and </span>uncertain about everything [he
thinks, feels, decides].</b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I believe that a vacillating
parent actually is teaching their child how to be successful in
manipulating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a boy, learning how to
manipulate women can have devastating consequences in adult life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a girl, learning how to manipulate men
has serious repercussions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For anyone,
manipulating authority and not expecting to ever be told a firm no can lead to
narcissism (deep self-centeredness).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
can cause problems in keeping a job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Narcissistic people can be self-centered enough to hurt others with no
conscience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">By being firm and decisive,
you are not being mean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are being
wise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are presenting an example of
authority that is worth following.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Decide
carefully, then stick to your decision.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Linda Stahnkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09452428946260279776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4825556442728473673.post-42772160916774844332012-05-30T09:35:00.000-07:002012-05-30T09:49:15.262-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">MINIMUM CLOTHING
REQUIREMENTS<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">May 30, 2012<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When our children were young
I read about George Mueller, who had founded orphanages during the late
1800s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His philosophy was to pray in
everything they needed, and not to ask any person for money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God provided the equivalent of about $12 ½
million (in today’s dollars) during that time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He helped 2100 orphans over 50 years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">One of the things that
Mueller did that spoke to me was to create a minimum clothing requirement for
each child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His list included 3 pairs of
shoes for each child!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One would suppose
that they might get along with as little as possible under the circumstances,
but since the whole project was to be an exercise in faith, Mueller felt that a
minimum level of provision and care should be set at a comfortable level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That challenged me!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So I decided that I, too,
would set a minimum requirement for my kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I made a list of basic items for boys and one for girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This included church clothes and play
clothes, socks, tennis shoes, church shoes, flip flops and snow boots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The winter list had a coat for snowy weather
and the summer list had a swimsuit and cover-up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept the list and checked through the kids’
things about twice per year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any item
not in good repair or outgrown was weeded out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Only items nice enough to keep went to charity. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I myself had received enough stuff that
needed to be thrown away instead, and found it was depressing!) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPO1tIZ2sW8BvNsSCi0HvqcWi2qul5SsjCVJEOhW577411ywPznwRJGA473tV-KyCB4FmlxsY7GXL8Ox8PhQwh-MeD0e8SDGXXK4who4Q2hJjYiUDFdAF9Tinkb1Sa3LkCJ9hvQGCbIw/s1600/Clothing+Inventory.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPO1tIZ2sW8BvNsSCi0HvqcWi2qul5SsjCVJEOhW577411ywPznwRJGA473tV-KyCB4FmlxsY7GXL8Ox8PhQwh-MeD0e8SDGXXK4who4Q2hJjYiUDFdAF9Tinkb1Sa3LkCJ9hvQGCbIw/s320/Clothing+Inventory.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">First of all, I felt good
about making sure my kids were ready for anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They felt taken care of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though money was tight, they didn’t usually
even know it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also found that I had
eliminated the need to go clothes shopping prior to taking our vacation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finances could then be focused on the
vacation itself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The second benefit of this
list was that I knew what was needed for any given child when I was going to
garage sales or sorting hand-me-downs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
could choose to pass on items we had plenty of and zero in on what was really
needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was less likely to buy on
impulse, and perhaps regret my purchase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">These guidelines serve as a
“max” idea as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are given a
bag of clothing by your child’s just-larger cousin, you can say no to 13
T-shirts with fun logos on them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Choose
4, and pass the rest on to someone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What a relief to be able to close that drawer in the dresser and not
have stuff spilling out because it is so stuffed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So try it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make your own list for yourself or your
kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Consider what activities you need
to be ready for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Work, camping, going
to the gym, church, and so on.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
does “enough” really look like?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary
Poppins said, “Enough is as good as a feast.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think that applies to our dressers and closets as well as our appetites.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Linda Stahnkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09452428946260279776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4825556442728473673.post-23576601692138541052012-05-14T13:00:00.003-07:002012-05-14T13:02:01.217-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">DISCRETION<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Day by day we are given the
opportunity to make choices that will add up to be the sum total of our
character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What we are when we are old
is a collection of those choices we have made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We become a distilled version of ourselves, of our choices as we near
the end of our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">One aspect of our character
comes from making choices toward discretion or simple-mindedness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Proverbs 22:3 says, “The prudent man sees the
evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished with suffering.”
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One translation identifies the prudent
man as a man of discretion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Discretion<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4825556442728473673#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a>
is:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">the freedom to decide what should be done in a
particular situation<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">cautious reserve in speech<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">prudence<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">the quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to
avoid causing offense or revealing private information<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">the result of separating or distinguishing<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(right from wrong, good from bad, beneficial
from foolhardy, etc.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The opposite would be not
thinking before your speak; saying everything that goes through your mind;
choosing the quick and convenient as opposed to the better though slower
option.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Choosing to blindly trust
someone we don’t know would be a lack of discretion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not being able to keep a confidence or being
a gossip would also be a lack of discretion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Proverbs 11:22 says a pretty
woman without discretion is like a gold ring in the snout of a pig.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How easy it is to find a foolish, silly and shallow woman these days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some act blindly, choosing foolishly, then
wonder why things are going badly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">But a woman with discretion
– in speech, in personal management, in business affairs?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those are rare indeed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This kind of woman is beautiful and
successful in a much deeper and lasting way.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We should always be seeking
to grow in wisdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can ponder what we
know about people, and learn to observe human behavior and personalities in
order to better understand what people are truly like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can think ahead, considering consequences
before we step forward into commitments. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">I like the idea of “savvy”
women, women who <u>think</u> and then act accordingly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the course of directing your future, begin
with your life today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Choose wisely,
think ahead, be a woman of discretion.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;">
<br />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4825556442728473673#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[1]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Free Merriam-Webster dictionary online.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>Linda Stahnkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09452428946260279776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4825556442728473673.post-89858082821158366362012-04-10T10:48:00.000-07:002012-04-10T10:48:00.589-07:00<span style="font-family: Verdana;">PRACTICING THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Years ago I picked up a
little book at the Christian bookstore for just a dollar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Practicing the Presence of the Lord</i> by Brother Andrew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It turned out to be a Christian classic that
challenged me deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This book is
actually a collection of letters between two brothers in the Lord, one older
and one younger in the faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Written in the 1300’s
Brother Andrew discusses how to live in constant awareness of God’s
presence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know scripturally that
Jesus is with us always through the presence of the Holy Spirit, but how much
are we really conscious of it personally?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I began to make it a goal to talk to the Lord throughout the day, to be
aware of His nearness as much as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is SO much easier to walk in the flesh, thinking about ourselves than
being aware of His Presence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoyed
this growing walk, stretching myself in a new way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Then recently, I picked
this book up again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to say I am
better about being aware of God’s presence throughout my day than I was when I
began this journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this time I
began to notice an expression Brother Andrew used about being aware of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">exalted</i> presence of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
began to ponder my sense of the Holy Spirit’s presence as Comforter and Guide,
but now I am trying to remind myself several times per day of God’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hugeness!</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thinking of Him on heaven’s throne,
surrounded by angels, crying “Holy, Holy, Holy!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a more exalted view than my friendly
expressions like, “God, did you see that person cut me off just now?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, you did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Silly question.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I begin to realize how
small my problems are in this fallen world; how silly some of the arguments are
between people and nations in view of His eternal greatness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel small compared to Him and His
Universe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I am amazed that He cares
for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He chooses to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Join me as I begin a new stretch of the journey, seeking to walk on a
higher plane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Linda Stahnkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09452428946260279776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4825556442728473673.post-20805945990593282972012-03-02T14:13:00.002-08:002012-03-02T14:13:18.825-08:00THE NEED FOR RESPECT - Part 3<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">THE NEED FOR RESPECT – Part 3<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What NOT to Respect<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the harder things in our culture concerning respect
is that we may be taught that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">everything</i>
should be respected – other religions, other people’s lifestyle choices that
are harmful, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is not true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One cannot live a discerning life and think
that all things are equal.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First of all, other religions are not equal with
Christianity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus gave his life for
ours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nice teachings of other religions
are hardly comparable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is large and
in charge when it comes to faith matters, and He says that obeying Him brings
blessing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Disobeying Him brings
curses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Deuteronomy 28, John
15-17)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Romans 10:9-10 say that we have
life if we believe God allowed Jesus to be crucified and then raised Him from
the dead.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And how <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">about</i>
those lifestyle choices?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Teach your kids
to be observers of results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life is all
about cause and effect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One example is
the food choices we make (less fat, more fiber, a little exercise) and how they
affect our quality of life as we get older.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Consider stories in the news about teens or adults who drink and
drive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we feel compassion for
those who make bad choices, we cannot demonstrate a respect for those choices.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another thing NOT to respect is laziness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lifestyle of constant TV and video games
will not have the same outcome as a life of hard work and / or community
service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One will tend to poverty and
boredom; the other will be full of rewards and joy.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Speaking of media, we do not have to respect wrong opinions
and lies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All ideas do not give the same
end result.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether it is national debt
or religious freedom in other countries everyone has an opinion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The end results of dictatorships, evil
governments, and hatred will always be agony, deprivation, and sorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our government’s overspending will result in
future hardships like inflation and diminishing economic output.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So while you consider what to respect, remember to compare
your thinking to God’s thinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Find
scriptures if you are not sure about what is right and what is wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is very vocal in the Bible about human
behavior and choices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loves everyone,
but he does not promise the same results for all life choices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be careful about what you respect.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>Linda Stahnkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09452428946260279776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4825556442728473673.post-10217844134079717632012-02-29T09:32:00.000-08:002012-02-29T09:32:03.595-08:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">THE NEED FOR RESPECT – Part 2<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Continuing our discussion of what to respect…</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">#3<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For other people God has made<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other people belong to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They are His creation, and they are precious to Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether we like them or not, whether they are
like us or not, we are not to judge their value as any less than ours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can we judge someone as lesser without
leaving behind a question that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">we</i>
might be lesser?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Several categories of people are given precedence in the
scripture:</span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
elderly – Leviticus 19:32 (also numerous places in Proverbs)</span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
poor – Galatians 2:10, James 2:5, several of Jesus’ parables</span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Widows
& orphans – James 1:27</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Children also need to be taught to be respectful toward
their peers and siblings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sarcasm,
cut-downs, and one-upmanship are not godly patterns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are tied to pride and selfishness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While this means hard work for parents to
train against the sin nature of childish humanity, the payoff is rich!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">#4<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The property of others<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the basic things God addressed in Levitical law (Old
Testament) was what was to happen if someone damaged the property of
another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Examples were given for when a
man killed his neighbor’s cow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The basic
concept was the need to replace something that was damaged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In present day terms this can be as simple as
not throwing trash in someone else’s yard or in replacing a toy broken while
visiting a friend.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The founders of the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region> included basic tenets
of ownership and respect for property in the Declaration of Independence and
the Bill of Rights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Property ownership
is part of the American Dream.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even children have a sense of what is theirs, of what they
have dominion over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is why parents
must not ignore children’s requests for parental assistance when guests’
children abuse their belongings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we
hosted a small group meeting in our home, we had separate toys that were put
out during that time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did not require
our children to share everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
respected that as their dominion, and allowed them to decide what they wanted
to bring out or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As adults, we share what we choose to share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband and I have a rule that if we
borrow something, we return it in as good or better shape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What we lend, we must be willing to let it go
if something happens to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do not
loan what we cannot afford to replace ourselves.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is golden rule and then some.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only do we “Do unto others as you would
have them do unto you”, but we do unto others as Jesus has done for us.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next time – WHAT NOT TO RESPECT</span> <o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>Linda Stahnkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09452428946260279776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4825556442728473673.post-75880990644356038442012-02-27T09:42:00.003-08:002012-02-27T09:42:59.406-08:00THE NEED FOR RESPECT – Part 1<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">THE NEED FOR RESPECT – Part 1<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is your feeling when you hear this topic?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Roll your eyes and say, “Yeah!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>THAT sure is lacking in our culture?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or, “Yeah, I’d like to get more
respect!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever your feelings, you
probably would have to agree that showing respect for others is something
necessary to a good life, whether you are an adult or a child.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Parents who do not teach their children to be respectful are
doing them no favors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They may think
they are raising independent thinkers, but those who do not know how to work
under authority have serious problems all their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They frequently struggle to hold a job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They move from situation to situation rather
than staying and working things out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have found that people who are perpetually needy or even homeless have this
lack of respect for authority in common.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
So what should we respect?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What does proper respect look like?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">#1<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Respect for parents and those in authority<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
Romans 13: 1-5 says we are to be subject to civil
authorities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These structures are put in
place by God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It says this proper
alignment with authority structures is part of having a good conscience.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Parents must model this for children by showing respect for
the authorities over them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bosses,
police officers, and government officials can be the subject of complaints,
gossip and even downright slander.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
can express our disagreement with policies of our President or </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Congress without
being disrespectful.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I Peter 2:17 says “Show proper respect for everyone:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God,
honor the king.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This follows verse 16
which talks about living as <u>free</u> people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Respect goes with freedom!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Children are to honor parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(See the Ten Commandments.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Children are to obey parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Ephesians 6:1)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they do not learn to obey you, how will
they ever obey God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they do not
respect your authority, how will they respect and obey at school or work after
they are grown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Work on these patterns
while they are young and moldable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is not to say they should be mindless robots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After they obey, it is good to discuss the
reason “why” you asked them to do certain things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Help them see how good it is for them to do
what you ask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let them discuss things
with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not ask older children for
blind obedience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Explain why, not by way
of justifying your existence, but helping them think at higher levels.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Teach children that it is okay to question authority in a
respectful manner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not to be confused
with arguing with authority, they may ask for clarification on a matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they have further information that has not
come to light, they can bring that to the discussion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But they must accept that in the end, the
authority has the right to settle the matter with their decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Young children (under 8 or so) should obey
first, and get explanations afterward.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everyone is under <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">someone’s</i>
authority.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no such thing as
100% independence.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">#2<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Respect for God’s creation<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
I’m not a tree hugger, but I do see our responsibility as
stewards and viceroys of God’s creation to rule it, subdue it, and make it
fruitful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We cannot destroy the
environment we live in and expect to live well in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of us wants dirty water or barren polluted
land to dwell in.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First, we should be grateful that God gave us a beautiful
place to live.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is. 45:18 talks about how
God formed it<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and did not create it to
be a worthless waste.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could be living
on the moon!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yikes!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That said, creation is meant to be enjoyed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not meant to be preserved separate from
human touch. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not sacred in
itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not to be worshipped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Ro. 1:25)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As good stewards, we can leave it better for our children
and our grandchildren than it was when we received it.</span></div>
<br />
<strong><em>More on respect tomorrow...</em></strong>Linda Stahnkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09452428946260279776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4825556442728473673.post-18226481640156683952012-02-09T14:25:00.000-08:002012-02-09T14:25:17.073-08:00<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PARENTING 101<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Children don’t arrive with a manual in the glove box.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes I wish they would.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But God does give us the Bible with lots of
instructions for parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s some of
the best advice I have received for parenting.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">#1 – Embrace the fact
that God give life and therefore He gives parents the authority to do the
job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes parents seem to be intimidated by the job of
parenting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are more concerned about
their children being mad at them (a <u>given</u> at some point!) than they are
about training the child to do what is right and to be a good moral
person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are not their buddy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are their parent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will have other friends through the
years, but only one mom or dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if
you do a good job through the years, you’ll get the opportunity to be adult
friends when they grow up!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Deuteronomy 4:9-10</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Deuteronomy 6:6-7</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">#2 – Embrace the
responsibility of parenting.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God gave you the job, even though He knew you wouldn’t do it
perfectly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband and I apologized
to our oldest child when he was about 12.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We told him we were learning to parent with him as our guinea pig, and
were doing the best we knew how.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(Thankfully, we can say he turned out great!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be intentional in your parenting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t wait for a problem and then react, but set
goals for character and spiritual growth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Choose skills to be learned and chart a course for teaching them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Build on each child’s strengths and gifts,
and help them work on their weaknesses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don’t react to situations that arise out of your being embarrassed
or when something personally offends you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Stop to think about the principles you are training into your
children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Correct them for their own
good and growth, not your personal satisfaction.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ephesians 6:1-4</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Proverbs 22:6</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Children don’t turn out well on their own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Proverbs 29:15)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Society has taught that we should expose our
children to all kinds of ideas and then let them choose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">NO
WAY</st1:address></st1:street>!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pour
into them the principles that apply to life, teach them the moral reason why,
and train them up to a solid standard of behavior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the heat of the moment when they are
angry, you want them to remember there is a standard of what is acceptable and
good.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Proverbs 29:17<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don’t let the child lead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even if they are smart or gifted, they are not all-wise or great in
experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some parents let their child
do anything they want, and then correct behavior as necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a bit like telling them they can do
no wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’ll be surprised when
society does not agree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(This was
actually cited as a concern for the two young men who perpetrated the Columbine
massacre.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Teach them to embrace and
cultivate their gifts, but also to struggle against their weaknesses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’ll thank you for it someday.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Proverbs 26:12</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don’t let them be independent too young.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Give freedom commensurate with ability and
demonstrated responsibility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kids with
too much independence at a young age will rebel against restrictions placed on
them later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They actually become “wise
in their own eyes”. (Prov.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Notice, I
did not say truly wise, but just that they think they are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think of a graphed line that shows
responsibility / freedom at “0” at birth and at 100% at adulthood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your control should start at 100% at birth
and diminish to “0” by adulthood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Midway
(around 12 or 13 if the child is responsive) the two lines should cross and be
about half-and-half.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">#3 – Embrace the hard
work of parenting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Face it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Children
will not misbehave or have an emotional meltdown only when you are rested and
ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Parenting means you are still on
duty when you’d rather be doing something else like when you’re sick or when
you need a nap.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Realize that some days will not go well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get back up from a spouse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tag team with a grandparent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Declare amnesty for the offenders and go out
for pizza once in awhile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Give yourself
permission on those bad days to do nothing but deal with kid-issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The house may be a wreck, but everyone is
alive to try again another day.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take respites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make
sure you have time alone or get-aways for date nights and fun times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All work and no play makes mommy a grumpy
person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Schedule and guard that
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It should be 2-4 hours each week
with other adults or by yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mommy
burnout is a real possibility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it’s
ugly!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">#4 – Don’t parent out
of fear.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You may have bad experiences from your childhood, perhaps
even an abusive parent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t let that
stop you from being active in your parenting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some folks are paralyzed by fear of doing the wrong thing, so they do
nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That leaves they child in a bad
place, without guidance and protection from their own whims and willfulness.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomorrow – what to train into your child, not just train out of him /
her.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>Linda Stahnkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09452428946260279776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4825556442728473673.post-9904443939646849142012-02-02T15:16:00.001-08:002012-02-02T15:16:43.774-08:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">CUTTING HOUSEWORK DOWN TO
SIZE - Part 5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">HOW CLEAN IS CLEAN ENOUGH?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Years ago my way of
cleaning was to let things pile up until I couldn’t stand them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or I would let things go, then clean like mad
when we were going to have company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
know how it goes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s like when people
tend to fix up their home only when they plan to sell it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">One day the Lord convicted
me of that, telling me that if it was good enough for my family, it was good
enough for anyone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were as
important (or MORE important) than anyone else who might come to our home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I had to rearrange my
thinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was good enough for <u>my
family</u>?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What message was I sending
to my children about their worth?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
time to raise the bar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My goal was not
to just get by, but to create a place that was orderly and peaceful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to send subliminal messages that
they were cared for and loved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Making sure the daily
“Basics” were faithfully done and that there was healthy well-balanced cooking
in the works spoke volumes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Limiting
clutter, making sure surface (counters, tables, floors) were clean said this is
a safe place for you to grow and to bring your friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I made the front living
room off limits to toys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could welcome
guests without having to apologize for clutter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Toys were okay in the family room, but we had a “toy break” clean up
time twice a day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One set of toys had to
be picked up before the next round brought out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I had to analyze what was
piling up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did that stuff have a
home?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I found myself moving a stack
from here to there and then to somewhere else, did it have a place?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The old saying “A place for everything and
everything in its place” applies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
needed a bin, a drawer, a hook, or somewhere where everyone knew it belonged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Having a box or bag in the
garage or bottom of the coat closet designated for charity took care of a few
things that tended to pile up in bedrooms and the laundry room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">You probably don’t qualify
for those scary TV shows about hoarders and people who don’t clean out their
refrigerators, but you can set a standard of cleanliness that makes your home
the place to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Send your family a
message:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You are WORTH ‘company clean’.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span></b>Linda Stahnkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09452428946260279776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4825556442728473673.post-3229786824464764452012-02-01T08:25:00.000-08:002012-02-01T08:25:55.142-08:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">CUTTING HOUSEWORK DOWN TO
SIZE – Part 4<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">SPRING CLEANING<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">There are still a few
chores that aren’t on our list, things like washing windows and cleaning
baseboards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like to treat these as
projects to be done each spring and fall.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Wash
windows (I love mild soapy water and a squeegee for this!)</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Clean baseboards, banisters, and tops of door frames</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dust books and book shelves</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Vacuum behind refrigerators and freezers</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Clean oven</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Clean out pantry shelves</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Have carpets cleaned professionally (2-4 times per year)</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Tidy and sweep out garage</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Touch-up paint throughout house<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Wash blinds and/or drapes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Change furnace filters (every other month or so)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Flip mattresses<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Pick one Saturday per
month for one of these projects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t
give up all your Saturdays for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Don’t let them haunt you or make you feel guilty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Work them into your calendar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">When you notice something
that needs to be cleaned (like the chandeliers or light fixtures), put it on
that rotating list for that one project day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Don’t beat yourself up about it being dirty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This stuff has to be done in everyone’s
house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trees lose their leaves, birds
lose their feathers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the second law
of thermodynamics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things proceed from a
state of lesser to greater disorder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
even happens in the universe. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Then you can sit back and
relax on your deck or at your fireplace, enjoying your lovely, orderly home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span></b>Linda Stahnkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09452428946260279776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4825556442728473673.post-36994387474649491292012-01-28T06:36:00.000-08:002012-01-28T06:36:06.191-08:00<span style="font-family: Verdana;">CUTTING HOUSEWORK DOWN TO
SIZE (Part 3)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">WORKING SMARTER, NOT
HARDER<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">As we look at those chores
on the Weekly Rotation, there are some ways to save time and effort – working
smarter, not harder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Tip #1 – Laundry<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">A friend called mine “The
Laundry Dragon” once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The name
stuck!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Start slaying your Laundry Dragon
by understanding fabric content and how to handle them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Read labels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Follow directions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Treat acrylics
and nylon gently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t cheat and throw
everything in together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fabric won’t
last as long and you’ll be replacing those great sweaters!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Use good detergent and
stain removers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like TriZyme or Biz as
an additive. They contain organic enzymes that break down food stains and even
lipstick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I seldom have to pre-treat
collars or stains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything comes
clean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once in awhile I use a prewash
spray for something stubborn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Check stains
before they go into the dryer and get set in with heat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m proud of my family looking clean and
sharp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And they don’t have to feel
self-conscious or embarrassed because of tacky clothes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Use good tools for
stacking and sorting laundry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a
divided hamper for dirty laundry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A full
section is a full load of colors, darks or delicates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For clean laundry I LOVE those stackable bins
that are open on the front.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With one for
each family member, I toss their clean items in for them to come and get each
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mate socks as they come out of
the dryer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Strays go into a small basket
on a shelf, and I mate those once in awhile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(When the kids were younger, one of the kids had the chore of mating 3
pairs every day from this basket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recently I
found these bins for under $5 each at my local Wal-mart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get the size that holds several pairs of
jeans and T-shirts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are often used
for potato bins.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Hang most outer clothing
on hangers as soon as the dryer stops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you missed the buzzer, put a damp towel in (and a dryer sheet) and
run it again for 10 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t
iron many items, and most are ready to wear this way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you don’t have enough hangers, pick up a
few from the dollar store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your
laundry room doesn’t have a rod for these items, you can get a hook or arm that
hangs over the door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Set aside things that need
to be mended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t put them back in the
closets or drawers unless they are ready to wear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Tip #2 – Tools<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">You don’t find carpenters
pounding nails with a rock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t try to
do housework with poor tools.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Buy the
best vacuum within your budget.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Price is not necessarily a measure of what’s
best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t have to double as a
food processor or carpet shampooer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make
sure it is easy to get up and down stairs, that it has a hose for edging and
getting under coffee tables, that the bags or canisters empty easily and hold
enough for more than a room or two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pay
attention to how much power it has and how easy it is to retrieve legos and
small toys from inside it.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Keep a spray bottle of
disinfectant cleaner under each bathroom sink and in the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have plenty of rags (without using your good
towels).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have a toilet bowl brush and
cleaner in each bathroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are not
expensive, but you’ll find it easier to give it a quick swish if you don’t have
to trudge downstairs to the other bathroom to get the tools.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">If your dishwasher is
doing a crummy job, check to see if it has a filter that needs to be cleaned
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You shouldn’t have to prewash the
dishes for them to come clean.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Stop and think about what
is frustrating you or creating an obstacle to doing your weekly chores.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Find a way to make that chore easier, faster,
less of a burden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Work smarter, not
harder!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Keep carpet spot cleaner
and a rag under the kitchen sink especially if you have children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a lot of company, and it keeps me
from being stressed when something gets spilled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just jump up and grab the red spray bottle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I’m actually more surprised if company comes
and goes and we DON’T need it!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Keep a roll of trash bags
that fit the trash can under the bathroom sinks or in the rooms where you will
need them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leave one or two in the
bottom of the trashcan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe the person
who takes the trash out will take time to put the new one in place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or maybe not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Oh well, at least it’s handy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Tip #3 – The Timer<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The Timer is your
friend!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t dawdle through chores all
day long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you find yourself stalled,
set a time for one chore, then another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Turn up the music, and get it done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Set a limit for total chores then go do something fun or
worthwhile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Charities need volunteers,
friends need encouragement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t be a
slave to housework.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Verdana; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Verdana; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Tip #4 – Grocery
Shopping<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Use a divided grocery list
that matches the aisles and sections of the grocery store you prefer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I like the one that comes with my Covey
planner.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With produce, meat, frozen,
and canned goods grouped together, you can get in and get out more
quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Build your grocery list
from a menu saves money and time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Deciding what to make as you are going down the aisle leave you to the
mercy of slick marketing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A little
planning ahead will help you eat healthier and avoid the danger of buying too
much when you are hungry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I try really
hard to stick to my list and ignore the call of impulse buying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Next time – Major Projects and Spring
Cleaning<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>Linda Stahnkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09452428946260279776noreply@blogger.com0