Attitudes/Answers with Olen Baker

It's coming up on the holidays and family gatherings.  Usually, we expect conflict because that's the way it has always been.  Instead, focus on Jesus and discover how He sees your family.  Yes, He sees all the good, and you should too.

God will help you discard conflct from the past.  You might also know this as baggage.  Leave the baggage behind and expect an opportunity to create a new beginning in your family relationship.  

Beyond all of the things that irritate you about another family member, there are many things that you also love.  Find your way through the forest of conflict and discover a brighter side of that person.  It's there.  You just have to find it.  

Joy, at the top, comes from a loving relationship with God.  He can teach us how to use His joy to uplift others.  At the core of who you are, lives joy.  Find a way to let others see that in you.  

Gifts are nice when families get together.  But are they the most important element?  Probably not.  That is a physical gift.  Consider the gift of self, and forgiveness, and love.  No shopping needed.

Frustration leads to anger which leads to angry thoughts.  Has someone brought that before you.  Before you get angry, consider what the other person might be going through in life.  Think first of the other person, and then manage your next actions.

We get distracted by life.  And those distractions block the opportunity for connection with God.  Focus on God.  Not always easy, but always a must.

Do you believe that God blesses each day for you?  He does.  That means you can look at tomorrow as something good.  Find your strength in God, each day.

We have the holidays just around the corner and that means that families will be attempting to get together and heal past discord.  Most every family has this challenge.  This year, invite Jesus to the table and let Him lead the way to a better tomorrow.  Don't forget to invite him.

As we get closer to the holiday events and gatherings, many families are not at all excited about being together.  Healing is not easy.  But with God's help, healing can happen.  Go ahead and give it a try.  It works.

Family peace is a team effort.  All parties must agree that conversations are used to unify, not divide.  Not always an easy task, but if it can be done, the results will amaze you.  Make the peace, not war.

We are all individuals and that characteristic tends to divide us, rather than bring us closer together.  Is that something you have experienced?  Try this.  Allow family members to be their own person and accept them for just that.  If you do, they will also accept you.  Simple, huh?

Connectedness, acceptance, and love.  You cannot achieve this unless you put others first, always, and yourself, second, always.  There is no one more important than the OTHER PERSON.  Think about that.

God would ask us to "think before we speak".  How true, as well chosen words and responses lead to beneficial conversation and peaceful solutions.  Think about that.

Sure, we all have our opinions and beliefs.  Instead of finding the great divide, focus on the beautiful bridge.  Yes, it does exist in every family, even yours.

We all have experienced jealuosly at times.  It's a natural part of our lives.  Understanding is the key.  Putting others first and allowing them to be who they are is the solution.

Accept reality and consequences as your first baby steps.  Then, allow God to help you get to where you must be.  

You know what, sibling rivalry exists, in every family.  Rivalry exists in the workplace, in every day life.  God knows how to help us nulify discord with harmony.  Have a talk with God for further instructions.

First, we are all flawed.  That's our design.  We are also given choices and those choices work in our favor when they are following what God wants us to do.  That, in a nutshell, is maturity.  

We all have lapses in judgement and those poor judments always lead to disappointment.  God is your single most powerful source for moving away from disappointment.

The quick answer...yes.  IF you follow that with a conversation with God.  Disappointment hurts.  God can help you heal.  It's true.

Immarutity is a stumbling block for making good decisions.  It's uncomfortable and most always puts you in a bad place.  Maturity is just one place in your life, it's every place in your life and it is a life-long pursuit.  God can help.  Just ask Him.

A lack of maturity equates to failure in a long-term relationship.  God is a perfect place to start that conversation.  Try it.  It works.

Love, joy and peace.  Did you know that's what God want's us to discover, experience and enjoy in life.  Surprised?

Ever hear the term, "grow up".  Here's how it works.  Sacrifice, suffer a bit and have an attitude that tomorrow will be better because today, you learned a lesson.  Ouch, but necessary.