Persecution

What to do when others talk badly about you?

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor       and hate your enemy.’    But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,    that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.    If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?    And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?    Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.


Interesting - because just last week I had this conversation with a 5th grader...it's hard... but it's outside of our circle of control.

Chores of love

Proverbs 31:27 NIV

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

1.the chore I put off is at the moment ...taxes..... kitchen remodel....working in the orchard. 

Lord, I believe I am diligent, please show me where I spend too much time doing unimportant and non urgent things.  Please order my day 

Leftovers

Proverbs 31:26 NIV

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

NASB....kindness is on her tongue.....

Phil 4:8

Philippians 4:8 NIV

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

1. 3 accomplishments,  Valley Life Charter school, master's degree, marrying again
2. God was incredibly involved in marrying again and Valley life.   The first time I prayed, asking God how long it would be before I could tell Craig that I loved him, within 5 minutes, he told me!  But the one that I knew God was involved in was vlcs....
3. During the last year at vcis and the writing of the charter along with the first year of opening, God used Craig to support me.  He also gave so many signs and opened doors just at the right moment.  He still opens doors. 
4. I dont have to believe the lies people say about me.  I don't have to believe the lies I say about myself.  I trusted in Him.
5. God can take any situation and make it something incredible.  He is the author of life.  God desires goodness and mercy for us. 
6. God can do anything through anyone.  The accomplishments of Valley Life are all HIS
7.  I get frustrated because I don't see growth at each turn.  I don't really see my husband growing in the Lord.  I want to grow with him.

Pay an honest compliment before offering constructive feedback. 

We can also see how inaccurate our perceptions are.  Build others up instead of tearing them down, all the while saying what needs to be said  and  that motivates and will be heard.

Simply pray to see life through the lense of the Holy spirit.  Lord please fill me with your spirit that I would have the ability to see what is true, what is noble, right ,pure ,lovely , admirable , excellent, or praiseworthy in every situation especially those that cause you to be angry hurt or irritated     in Jesus strength amen.

Good advice

Luke 6:37 NIV

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

1. I think craig confides in me often.  He is so unlike most men, in that he has a lot of words. 
2. He doesn't really tell me about situations he needs help on.  He reports on incidents.  I mostly listen.
3. I don't think I give a lot of advise.  Occassionally a word of caution about something he may say about kids. 
4. I dont use accusatory words. 
5.  I think my husband would want me 5 talk and interact more.

He thinks I withdraw because I am over stressed at work, but it's really more that I feel he is critical of me.  He tells me often what I should and shouldn't do. 

Do I yearn for emotional intimacy or do I push him away because I am afraid?  I already feel unworthy and not enough.  If he is closer to me..will he judge all of my flaws?  Has he already?

Many times people just want to be heard, not fixed or offered advise.  We think we are helping but what we are communicating is an attitude of superiority over the other person....

Resist the temptation to offer advise.  Evaluate the situation, asking if he or she wants to talk.

Ask your husband if he considers you a safe person to talk to about hos challenges.  If he indicates you could be better ask him how you can improve. 

What happens when we are sad

Lord, I am struggling with my marrauge.  I am struggling with self worth.  Maybe not self worth, but not being  enough for craig.  But, I am drawing closer to you.  Thank you for comforting me and loving me. 

Enough
Good enough
Virtuous enough
Sexual enough
Nice enough
Pretty enough
Kind

Remember

PHil 1:9-11 That your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. 

Bottom Line:  Wisdom comes from seeing the truth in the big picture and not allowing your perceptions to be clouded by life's daily challenges.


1. What five positive attributes were reason to marry your husband?

• Integrity
• Sense of humor
• Kindness
• Servant Heart
• Loved the Lord

2.  These were important, because I know that a relationship can not work without God in the midst of it.  I love to laugh....Even Sunday - having Craig laugh at my story telling was so refreshing....
3.  Lord - please show me that my husband still has these strengths.  I am suspicious and disillusioned, because my gut was telling me something - and I'm finding it to be at least partially true...
4.  I don't communicate about his strengths often.  I rarely praise him
5. I think that reminding him of his strengths would help him to respond more positively to me.  I get impatient though.  Yesterday was such a great day at work - and then I started wondering about pages....  Lord, help us communicate from the heart.... I don't want to lose my husband....