Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part. Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other’s nerves you don’t snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out.
Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.
I love this. We are a family and we each contribute to the atmosphere and reality of our home life. We all play a very important part.
~gently admonish the freeloaders
Ha. Love that word, freeloaders. We all are guilty of this once in a while. Wanting others to do our part.
~gently encourage stragglers and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet.
This was perfect for me today. My middle girl had bad dreams last night and could not get back to sleep. She woke up REALLY needing more sleep. Here is the perfect example to where I need to be fore-bearing and reach out to comfort her in her exhaustion. I am glad to say I did this. Just having her Mom acknowledge that she must be tired from all those yucky dreams was enough to get her on her feet.
~be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs.
Oh boy. This one is for me. I know my family well. But, being attentive is much more than just knowing. It is serving based on the knowledge of individual need, and yes, this takes thought and patience.
~…and be careful that when you get on each others nerves that you don’t snap at each other.
It is so easy to snap and snark at family members. Ugh…why is this? There has been a lot of that going on among siblings lately. Oh how we need these reminders from the Word of Truth!
~look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out.
As a mom and wife, this one is key. It is so easy to look at the negative. To see peoples faults. Love looks past, and sees the best and works to bring it out!
~be cheerful no matter what
REALLY? No matter what? Yes, it is there. It is a command. To rejoice always. When I was sick I really had a taste of this, and it IS possible, but only with the Lords help. He is the one that gives that peace that passes all understanding, that inner joy. It is Him in me.
~thank God no matter what happens.
again, REALLY? Yes, really. Finding contentment in all circumstances is another supernatural thing only found in the power of God.
~pray all the time
A constant awareness of Him. A continual communion throughout the day. Whispers between friends. Thoughts to the One who knows me, loves me, and promises to be with me always. He is the Peace giver and the Peace maker…
…and OH how I need Him in my family’s pursuit of peace!
Anonymous
March 3, 2012 at 2:32 amThank you so much. This meant a lot to me today and I find myself searching, once again, to reconnect with my God. My sweet little ones are counting on me. You give me that extra nudge I need… blessings girl!
lawrence
March 1, 2012 at 11:47 amThanks Amy, how often do I forget that God is bigger than my circumstances, Loved the chocolate bar bigger than my head quote, keep it real Amy.
Much love Tricia
South Africa
cyn
March 1, 2012 at 5:26 amyour post touched my heart … Thank You
rkbsnana
March 1, 2012 at 3:13 amI wish I had read that this morning. It gives me peace.
Anonymous
February 29, 2012 at 11:24 pmBear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colassians 3:13
Think God is trying to tell me something, read this scripture last night and your blog today. Read scripture in book by Debbie Macomber -One simple act.-Discovering the power of generosity. Thanks Amy for the confirmation
You are a Blessing, Marion
Budget Design Girl
February 29, 2012 at 8:05 pmVery nice post. Excellent thoughts for the day. We had a bit of a rough morning here too, and after dropping the little guy at school, I found myself feeling guilty about my reaction to his behavior today. Of course we should expect good behavior as parents, but often I find that I am not always gentle enough with him when I am frustrated. Thanks for sharing this. xo-Lisa
{Adventuresindinner}
February 29, 2012 at 7:10 pmWow, I really needed that. We just suffered an very unexpected death in our family and need to be reminded that the Creator has a plan but we also need to ‘band’ together and not be divisive. Thank-you so much.