Monday, April 20, 2009

Me VS. You

I read an interesting article this week. It was about how you and your spouse sometimes may find it hard to agree on something. Most couples easily negotiate the give-and-take required for everyday issues, but what should you do on the rare occasion when you disagree on a major decision? Here are ten suggestions for working your way through a significant impasse.

Be allies, not adversaries-remember you are a team not in a competition.

Seek a win-win solution-give and take a little

Listen more than you talk-they may have a point!

Solve the problem-don't conquer your spouse.

Get some perspective-step back and ask, "Five years from now, how important will the outcome of this decision be?"

Define the core issue-reduce the dilemma to its basic core.

Make observations, not accusations-avoid reading motives into your spouse's words or behavior.

The more important the decision, the more time you may need.

Get some advice.

Pray about it.

How you work through a decision sometimes is as important as the decision itself!
P/Steve

Monday, April 13, 2009

When you thought I wasn't looking...

Got this last week from Denise Brink...good words...
WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING.
(A message every adult should read because children are watching you and doing as you do, not as you say.)

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and wanted to say,'Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.'

Each of us (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher, friend) influences the life of a child. How will you touch the life of someone today?