Stressed-out Family? Seek Constructive Change - Part 3

One of the most exciting opportunities that come our way is choosing to live our lives differently from what we've done in the past. An opportunity may suddenly appear, and we have a chance to inaugurate a change. To let an opportunity pass without giving it consideration would be like turning your back on the chance of a lifetime.

Recognizing how to change is good insight, which is the key to transformation. I had a conversation with someone who had a terrible fight with her adult brother. This fight could have caused long-lasting alienation, but she decided to call her brother and apologize for her part in the conflict. This was her opportunity to choose reconciliation rather than alienation.

Everyone is capable of attitudes that destroy trust, which is needed for every aspect of life. Poisoning trust can be subtle, but destructive. Is this the time to redirect how you can be as a person? Micah 6:8 puts it this way, "What does the Lord require of you, but act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

Stressed-out Family? Seek Constructive Change - Part 2

Most parents want their children to have character traits that will enable them to endure the stressors of growing up in an ever-changing culture. Strong character traits give children determination to withstand the pressures of life. Stress is derived from various sources and, when coupled with anxiety and tension, can be a detriment to building resilience.

Child development experts expound on the benefits of tender, loving care given to children during the developmental years. Researchers believe that long-term, chronic stress impairs physical and mental health. Stressed-out people may have trouble establishing close, nurturing relationships. Doing well in school or at work is jeopardized where too much stress exists.

Responsive and encouraging caregivers help build the resilience children need to cope with stress later in life. Even in a troubled environment parents can provide reassurance and encouragement to help children feel secure. God does this for you by helping you realize that Christ Jesus is present and trustworthy to guide you through difficult, troubled times.  

Positive Change: Resist It or Embrace It? - Part 2

The whole world seems to be in a state of flux or change. When it seems too much to take in, we tend to chose our eyes and pretend everything remains the same. The most difficult change to accept is what has changed within ourselves. A significant developmental task is understanding what God is creating in you at every stage of your life.

If you think too little of yourself, you may never live up to what God called  you to be and do. If you think too highly of yourself, that perception may prevent you from carrying out God's purpose for you. The capacity to change and make mature judgments comes from the willingness to overcome invalid perceptions and boundaries.

The good news is, God doesn't require perfection, but a commitment to set true boundaries on anything that would weaken your walk with Christ Jesus. He implores you to "ask and it shall be given, seek and you will find, knock and the door shall be opened for you." Try to imagine how your life will be changed as you lay claim to this promise.