Searching the Heart with Search Talk – Part 2

In every effort to communicate, each individual responds to the one speaking and to one’s own moods, expectations, and thoughts. This sets up a chain reaction that can be positive or negative. Search talk seeks to discover solutions to problems, develop guidelines for living, and develop a perspective for pursuing a mutually agreed upon course of action.

Search talk makes every effort to understand one another in terms of what is needed or wanted. Search talk also implies that trust and respect are a given, assuring what is discovered will remain private and never used to hurt the other.

Search talk can provide clues on how to overcome obstacles. Jesus consistently engaged others in search talk to help clarify needs, discover solutions to problems, and bring light to hidden motives. Psalm 4:4 challenges you to search your heart and mind by thinking deeply when there is trouble and then to seek solutions from wise counselors. Wait patiently until you are confident in how God wants you to proceed.  

___________________ 

Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.

~Psalm 4:4 New International Version

The Lord searches all hearts and examines deepest motives so he can give to each person his right reward, according to his deeds – how he has lived.

~Jeremiah 17:10 The Living Bible

___________________

Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week. 

Choosing Reality: For Today and Tomorrow - Part 1

The most difficult task of parenting is helping children develop the ability to deal constructively with reality. As a parent, you do your best to protect your child from physical harm. What parent would permit their toddler to play in the street or be near a swimming pool without constant supervision? Concerned  parents teach children how to deal effectively with reality.

Dealing constructively with reality assumes intelligence and aptitude for change. Every child within proper age range and with normal intelligence has the capacity for understanding and accepting facts pertaining of the real world. Reality becomes distorted for children and adults as they are being inundated with false information from those who appear trustworthy.

A truth to embrace is that God constantly holds us accountable for what we model to others, especially children. God gives us initiative and wisdom for making effective changes as we choose to commit our lives to him. God is faithful to forgive and cleanse from all unrighteousness when we confess and turn away from sin. This is God's reality.