Joy, at the top, comes from a loving relationship with God. He can teach us how to use His joy to uplift others. At the core of who you are, lives joy. Find a way to let others see that in you.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

Gifts are nice when families get together. But are they the most important element? Probably not. That is a physical gift. Consider the gift of self, and forgiveness, and love. No shopping needed.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

Frustration leads to anger which leads to angry thoughts. Has someone brought that before you. Before you get angry, consider what the other person might be going through in life. Think first of the other person, and then manage your next actions.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

We get distracted by life. And those distractions block the opportunity for connection with God. Focus on God. Not always easy, but always a must.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

Do you believe that God blesses each day for you? He does. That means you can look at tomorrow as something good. Find your strength in God, each day.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

We have the holidays just around the corner and that means that families will be attempting to get together and heal past discord. Most every family has this challenge. This year, invite Jesus to the table and let Him lead the way to a better tomorrow. Don't forget to invite him.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

As we get closer to the holiday events and gatherings, many families are not at all excited about being together. Healing is not easy. But with God's help, healing can happen. Go ahead and give it a try. It works.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

Family peace is a team effort. All parties must agree that conversations are used to unify, not divide. Not always an easy task, but if it can be done, the results will amaze you. Make the peace, not war.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

We are all individuals and that characteristic tends to divide us, rather than bring us closer together. Is that something you have experienced? Try this. Allow family members to be their own person and accept them for just that. If you do, they will also accept you. Simple, huh?Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

Connectedness, acceptance, and love. You cannot achieve this unless you put others first, always, and yourself, second, always. There is no one more important than the OTHER PERSON. Think about that.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

God would ask us to "think before we speak". How true, as well chosen words and responses lead to beneficial conversation and peaceful solutions. Think about that.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

Sure, we all have our opinions and beliefs. Instead of finding the great divide, focus on the beautiful bridge. Yes, it does exist in every family, even yours.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

We all have experienced jealuosly at times. It's a natural part of our lives. Understanding is the key. Putting others first and allowing them to be who they are is the solution.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

Accept reality and consequences as your first baby steps. Then, allow God to help you get to where you must be.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

You know what, sibling rivalry exists, in every family. Rivalry exists in the workplace, in every day life. God knows how to help us nulify discord with harmony. Have a talk with God for further instructions.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

First, we are all flawed. That's our design. We are also given choices and those choices work in our favor when they are following what God wants us to do. That, in a nutshell, is maturity.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

We all have lapses in judgement and those poor judments always lead to disappointment. God is your single most powerful source for moving away from disappointment.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

The quick answer...yes. IF you follow that with a conversation with God. Disappointment hurts. God can help you heal. It's true.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

A lack of maturity equates to failure in a long-term relationship. God is a perfect place to start that conversation. Try it. It works.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

Love, joy and peace. Did you know that's what God want's us to discover, experience and enjoy in life. Surprised?Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

Ever hear the term, "grow up". Here's how it works. Sacrifice, suffer a bit and have an attitude that tomorrow will be better because today, you learned a lesson. Ouch, but necessary.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

Success in a relationship is not always easy. It requires both of you to share similar values and a focused vision on the future. Communication is at the key of making that happen.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

Relationships are a mix of mutual values. That means listening first and then gently telling how you feel. Respect always comes first.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

Compatibility has to be nurtured, the same way you would care for a child. Gentle, loving, consistent acts will help you get there.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

Perfect compatibility is not a requirement for a strong relationship. Communication is an essential element for building it.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

The perfect soul mate. Yeah, right. Not so easy to find, is it?Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

Commitment solidifies compatibility by pledging long-term security. Not always easy, but always necessary.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

Not many want discord in a relationship. Not even you. But when discord exists, life can be tougher than is should be. Are you in a compatible relationship?Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

Compatibility is synonymous with harmony and unity. That formula works well in any relationship. So, how about you?Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

It's easy to be critical. Not so easy to be correct. God can help you with that conversation.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

When criticism is paired with wisdom and insight it has a much better chance of creating change for the better. We are flawed, we sometimes fail, but when we are given proper direction, we become better in God's eyes.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

It's important to accept feedback when and where you have fallen short. We are human. We sometimes fail. It's also important to apologize so we can move forward with a clean heart. Not always easy, but always necessary.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

God tells us to model his grace and mercy in place of being critical or cynical. Be careful how you live. It has lasting effects.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

Sure, you'll respond with anger and doubt about the person giving you criticism and eventually you might realize that the messenger was wrong. but the message was right. Talk to God and discover how to move in a better direction.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

Corrections should always come in love, not hate. We are better off when we can clearly understand the value of change. It's never easy but if we are the recipient of criticism, step back, talk to God, and discover a better resolve.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

Ask God for the wisdom, courage, and strength to accept it. God has designed guidelines for each of us to walk on the bettter side of life. Sometimes that means that you have to change your path. Accept it and reap the benefits of change.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

Criticism is a negative attack on someone else and it never generates a positive result. Turn to God to discover a better way to address your anxiety and hurtful behavior. God will show you how.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

Isn't a conversation better than a fight? Talk through problems and base that conversation on what God would say. That's where you begin.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

God did not design you to have a critical attitude. That behavior diminishes as you see yourself, and others, as precious in God's sight.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

Simple, or maybe not so simple for you. Turn to God and ask him to send help, today.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

Criticism transforms into emotional abuse over time. Turn to God, first to center your belief in self. Through Him, find a path that supports healing.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

Inferiority is something we all face at times. Long term inferiority can lead to a dangerous place.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

Proverbs 4 says, Be careful how you think: your life is shaped by your thoughts. Lies will take you to a deeper place of infereiority. God can help you out with the truth of His word. He knows you. He can help.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

The greater the feeling of inferiority, the more violent the emotional confrontation. That's a quote from psychologist Alfred Adler. God gives each of us the power to change by facing the truth. Until we do that, the darkness of violence will grow. It's time to have that conversation with God.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

Self-deception is a lie. Failure to communicate the whole truth, is a lie. We are all guilty. God knows each of us and he also knows how to move us beyond the lie. Trust him to do that in your life, today.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

Violence changes a family from a place of security and safety to one of fear and anxiety. Violence is all around us. The good news is that God replaces a violence through faith. Rather than look to ramp up a bad situation, go instead to God for direction and healing.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

Violence demonstrates a deeper level of powerlessness. The Bible says it is better to be patient than powerful. We are not immune to acts of violence. That's why it's important to first, stop in your tracks and spend a moment with God. It works every time.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu

Bullying, especially in school has become a top news item. Emotional abuse unfortunately happens all around us. And when we're the target, it's sometimes feels like it's impossible to get help. The good news is that God is there with you. Just reach out and ask Him to help. He will.Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC tarafından oluşturuldu