This week's study is called Work It Out. It is about fighting fair. The verses are from Ephesians 4:25-32. The basic theme this week is to learn from God's Word how to communicate effectively in times of conflict.
I know when Amanda and I have a "discussion" that I don't always exactly fight fair. I'm thankful for this week's lesson because I constantly need to be reminded about forgiveness, grace, and edification.
As the leader of my family, I need to set the standard in my home for how we work out disagreements and how we relate to one another. So, my prayer this week is that I would be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. I am asking God to show me how to be willing to forgive and to give up my pride, which always wants me to be right.
Next week is the last week of this study. It is called Pour It On. I'm looking forward to it! See you then!
So, Amanda and I have been getting ready for a garage sale. Yay! I know all of you wish you could help because garage sales are such fun to put on, but don't worry, we've got it covered.
We have been going through closets, drawers, boxes, the garage, and everywhere else. It is amazing how much stuff you can accumulate over the course of a few years. We have some things I totally forgot we even have.
I am just at the point that I want to get rid of about 90% of our stuff. We don't use most of it and is just getting in the way. Amanda is almost to that point as well. We want to enjoy our family, not take care of a bunch of stuff.
We are pricing everything to sell since we don't want to keep it or have to pack it away again, but I was wondering if anyone out there has any tips for having a successful garage sale. We are open to suggestions...and oh, by the way, if you are looking for a good deal, come by the house on May 9th and we will hook you up!!! :)
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Okay, okay. I've been pretty busy lately and I've gotten behind on my weekly posts for the Men's Bible Study. So, here goes.
Week 4 was called Serve Her. It was a great reminder about praying for Amanda, serving her, and loving her no matter what. I know there are lots of times I try to "fix" her problems instead of just listening, serving, and caring for her. The key verse was 1 Peter 3:7. I need to remember to be intentional about caring for Amanda and meeting her needs so that our relationship sets the tone for the rest of the family.
Week 5 was called Love Them and shifts gears away from Amanda to the boys. Psalm 127:3 was key verse. It says "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him." I'm not sure what I've done to deserve such great boys, but I believe God has truly blessed me. Week 5 was a reminder to connect spiritually with my children and be intentional about teaching them to love and follow the Lord all of their lives. I have tried to already start teaching them about God and His love for them. Amanda and I try to make it a point to relate the everyday things of life back to the Lord. We do our best to love them the way Jesus loves them and help them do the same with others.
Week 6 was called Have Fun! It is a reminder that God desires us to be full of joy and peace that can only come from him. We need to have fun with our families because God has filled us with His spirit. The key verse this week is Ecclesiastes 3:12 which says that "I know there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live." To have fun as a family, we need to serve alongside one another, encourage one another, play games together, and just spend time enjoying one another. I think we do a pretty good job of this but there is always room for improvement.
Next week is called Work It Out and is about conflict resolution.
This whole study so far has helped remind me to be intentional about everything I do. I don't need to just sit by the side and let life happen. I need to take the initiative to lead my family in righteousness in all that we do, whether at work, play, or everyday tasks. God created us to bring Him glory and I think we should strive to do that in everything we do.
See you next week!
This week's study is called "Lead Her". It is a great reminder that my wife is God's gift to me as a helper suitable for me.
It has really made me think about how I treat Amanda and how I lead her and our family (or how sometimes I fail to lead). How much more grace and patience do I show to other people, even strangers sometimes, than I show to Amanda or the boys?
I desire to be a godly leader for my family. This week I am working on thanking God for my wife and asking Him to show me where I can benefit from her help. I know God has put Amanda in my life because she is the perfect match for my needs. I pray that I can hear His voice and be wise enough to listen to Amanda and lead her as God would have me do.
Next week's lesson is called "Serve Her". Acts of Service is one of my primary love languages, so I hope I can ace this one! These first few weeks have really stepped on my toes (in a good way) and I think God is using it to remind me of things that I know but have forgotten to put into practice. Hopefully, my family and those around me will see the difference.
(Posted from my BlackBerry.)
