Similar to the wisdom of Proverbs, every Monday I will share a practical wisdom quote. I pray this quote will make a difference in your personal life and relationships.
“There is no more lovely, friendly, and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage.” Martin Luther
Marital abuse is the silent sin that causes damaging emotional and/or physical pain in too many relationships. Abuse in marriage involves a persistent pattern of behaviors to exercise control, power, and entitlement. There are six types of abuse: emotional, verbal, physical, sexual, financial, and time. Shown below are just a few questions to assess possible abuse in a marital relationship.
1. Do you feel like you have to “walk on egg shells” to keep your spouse from getting angry?
2. Does your spouse criticize many things that you do?
3. Does your spouse isolate you by trying to cut you off from family and friends?
4. Are you compliant because you are afraid to hurt your spouse’s feelings?
5. Does your spouse give you the silent treatment to punish you?
6. Is your spouse hypersensitive and easily insulted?
7. Are you frightened by your spouse’s temper?
8. Does your spouse blame you for their anger?
9. Does your spouse do everything to win an argument?
10. Does your spouse rant about injustices that are just part of life?
Today: I pray that you are able to answer “no” to all these questions. If you answered “yes” to a question(s) and have concerns for your personal well-being and marriage seek help from a professional.
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Regularly everyone, including your child, has setbacks and disappointments but what makes a difference in the response is a determined, never give up attitude! Handling the challenges of life with a determined spirit requires that your child have confidence. Shown below are 7 ways to build confidence in your child.
1. Verbally affirm your child often with two phrases: “I am proud of you” and “I believe in you.”
2. Help your child understand mistakes and setbacks are tremendous opportunities to learn even more and grow.
3. Teach your child to look for solutions when problems arise. There are always solutions!
4. Teach your child the importance of asking for help from others when looking for a solution.
5. Stress to your child that focusing on the now, the present, is all that matters and that is what is within their control. Make a masterpiece of today!
6. When you have a setback, model how well you handle that challenge.
7. Every morning, have your child say aloud the affirmation, “I can and I will today!”
Today: Begin implementing these 7 ways to build confidence in your child.
Enjoyed this post? Like or share on Facebook and Twitter to spread the word! Please also “SUBSCRIBE” on my website for future newletters and information about my Christian marriage book. See past blog posts under Practical Wisdom for Marriage, Parenting, and Life.
Similar to the wisdom of Proverbs, every Monday I will share a practical wisdom quote. I pray this quote will make a difference in your personal life and relationships.
“It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages.” Friedrich Nietzsche
Encouragement and affirmation are essential qualities for every spouse to possess. It is important to seek ways to lovingly build up your spouse. Shown below are 10 Ways to express regard and praise your spouse.
1. Tell your spouse that you are proud to be their marriage partner.
2. Talk often about things that your partner is interested in.
3. Through your words and actions create a home atmosphere of peace and joy.
4. Avoid being a “nag” or a “demanding boss.”
5. Appreciate your spouse in one specific way each day.
6. Let your partner know your expectations in a sensitive and loving manner.
7. Never interrupt during a conversation.
8. Take your spouse’s hand or arm when you walk together.
9. Regularly show your partner your sense of humor.
10. Never let a day pass without saying “I love you.”
Today: Use one of these 10 Ways or create your own ideas for building up your spouse.
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Today’s Monday motivational quote resonates deeply as we approach a new season of rebirth.
“Excellence is not a singular act but a habit. You are what you do repeatedly.” - Aristotle
Similar to the wisdom of Proverbs, every Monday I will share a practical wisdom quote. I pray this quote will make a difference in your personal life and relationships.
“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.” Helen Keller
We all want to be successful in our endeavors and relationships. Saying encouraging statements out loud can help us take action. Use these quotes to motivate you in a positive direction.
1. “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” Nelson Mandela
2. “You may delay, but time will not.” Benjamin Franklin
3. “You can’t be that kid standing at the top of the waterslide, overthinking it. You have to go down the chute.” Tina Fey
4. ‘Until we can manage time, we can manage nothing else.” Peter Drucker
5. “Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone.” Pablo Picasso
6. “So what do we do? Anything. Something. So long as we just don’t sit there. If we screw it up, start over. Try something else. If we wait until we’ve satisfied all the uncertainties, it may be too late.” Lee Iacocca
7. “Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort.” Paul J. Meyer
Today: Say out loud these 7 quotes to motivate yourself toward achievement.
Enjoyed this post? Like or share on Facebook and Twitter to spread the word! Please also “SUBSCRIBE” on my website for future newletters and information about my Christian marriage book. See past blog posts under Practical Wisdom for Marriage, Parenting, and Life.
Similar to the wisdom of Proverbs, every Monday I will share a practical wisdom quote. I pray this quote will make a difference in your personal life and relationships.
“Good humor and laughter are far too wonderful not to come straight from the heart of God.” Beth Moore
We all want good strong relationships. Healthy relationships are fulfilling, enjoyable, and actually help our emotional and physical well-being. Although not an exhaustive list, shown below are 10 Qualities of Healthy Relationships.
1. Servanthood. Jesus came “not to be served, but to serve, in order to pay the price and free the world from the penalty of sin.” Only with Jesus was it a one-way street. In healthy earthly relationships—marriage, families, friendships--serving is a two-way street. So if something is only good for one in the relationship that is selfishness, not servanthood.
2. Forgiveness. Hurts, disappointments, and mistakes happen in every satisfying relationship. Without apologizing and forgiving, a grudge wall is built between two people.
3. Love or “Value.” One of the best synonyms for love is value. When two people value each other from a servant heart and not a quid pro quo stance, that relationship will thrive.
4. Open Communication. Totally open communication can be brutal, so avoid it. However, loving, open communication is vital in building a strong friendship. Being able to share joys and frustrations, both individuals speaking and listening, neither person getting defensive over topics, is essential for healthy relationships.
5. Self-control. The Bible says a “fruit of the Spirit” is self-control, without it friendship in marriage, families, others, and life can be difficult. Various forms of abuse, addictions, and significant personality issues are due to an absence of self-control.
6. Patience. We all can struggle with impatience, driving a car, waiting at a restaurant, shopping, so imperfection with patience is normal. However, exhibiting patience with others and daily life, is an essential attribute for two people seeking a healthy relationship.
7. Mutual Respect. Two people don’t necessarily agree in every area but they respect each other’s viewpoint. Disagree yes, disrespect no!
8. Kindness. Treating people with gentleness and thoughtfulness is at the heart of a wholesome person and makes all the difference in the world when it comes to a rewarding relationship.
9. Laughter. Life has enough drama! Smiles and appropriate humor are a fundamental quality for any friendship. Light-heartedness and fun are lubrication for potential friction in life as well as any relationship.
10. Commitment. In society today, loyalty is often a missing component. Commitment means that two people work on their issues by having reasonable expectations and seeking solutions. Loyalty says, “I am not leaving and will work together with you for the sake of our relationship.”
Today: Assess all your relationships based upon the 10 Qualities and determine where improvement is needed.
Enjoyed this post? Like or share on Facebook and Twitter to spread the word! See past blog posts under Practical Wisdom for Marriage, Parenting, and Life.
