Take initiative!

It's become standard on job evaluations: "So-and-so takes initiative." Our culture values people who demonstrate a willingness to take on a task without outside prodding; it seems to indicate personal fortitude and a healthy sense of risk. After all, the idea I personally perceived as "brilliant and cutting-edge" might be viewed as "overly ambitious and dangerous." But that's the allure—and the hazard—of initiating something. My suggestion could be praised, or it could be shot down.

But in a partnership—especially marriage—one person doesn't want to carry the whole initiative-taking burden. Sometimes there is a tendency to let one spouse or the other initiate things such as better "parenting skills", certain work that needs to be done around the house, marriage improvement opportunities, etc.. I want to challenge you this week to consider working together on initiating growth in your marriage and family. Guys, our tendency, especially with marriage and parenting growth is to put that on our wives. Find ways, and "spring break" is good time to do it, that you both can initiate growth in your marriage. How can you develop better habits and initiate positive changes in you life? Answer that question and then do it! Its BOTH of your jobs!

Blessings!
P/Steve

I never have enough time!

How many times have we wished for just a little more time? More hours in the day, more days in the week, more weeks in the year, and…you get the idea. Could it be that we actually have plenty of time? We just don't know how to spend it wisely.
Time, like money, is what we make of it. Of course spending time wisely is easier said than done.

I'm increasingly convinced, however, that our perceived shortage of time may be largely of our own making. We talk incessantly about our lack of free time.
The truth is, we're rich in time. What we sometimes lack is the backbone to take responsibility for how we choose to spend it. Time is something you manage, not something that manages you. Learn to think through each time commitment in its entirety. Here are a coupel of ideas to get a handle on your time...

Schedule in reverse
Put the real priorities on the calendar first—family picnic or date night. Then write in everything else.

Drop one thing from your schedule
You'll probably let someone down, but look who benefits. Spending two less days a month as a lunch monitor at your son's school frees you up for a lunch date with your spouse.

Be, rather than do Try it for an evening. Think. Pray. Relax in a lawn chair.

Get your spouse's perspective
Ask your mate to comment on how you're using your time and what seems to be robbing you of time.

Be honest about your limitations
Do you find yourself saying "yes" to a project in the hopes that a weekend will suddenly hold the ten extra hours you'd need to complete it? You can't manufacture time.

Make a list of your commitments Post the list next to the phone or your calendar. A visual reminder of all that you're involved with will make you think twice before tacking on something else.

Blessings!
P/Steve

Kids, kids, kids

I've had conversations with couples who are struggling in their marriage. The root? Their kids. Well, actually, it wasn't their children; it was the fact that the couple was focusing so much on their kids that the marital relationship was almost non-existent. All their conversations revolved around the children. Many couple's date nights even included the kids! They get so busy with all the kids events and caring for them, that their relationship begins to flounder.

Maybe your marriage isn't at that extreme point. But are there times when either you or your spouse could say that the children take precedence to the marriage relationship? Take time for each other! Plan date nights, get away...instead of dropping in front of the TV when the kids go down...sit down over a cup of coffee. Find time to PRAY together! If we don't foster our marital relationship, whether we realize it or not...everyone pays a price! Find time to plan "connection" times with your spouse where its just about the two of you.