Attitudes/Answers with Olen Baker

Wrong size, wrong color, never use it, what were you thinking?!  Here's a suggestion;  the gift pf prayerr is always the perfect gift, because it speaks directly to the person you're giving it to.  

Your attitude has a lot to do with how your child sees and responds to your direction.  Check your attitude before you speak.

Are your kids also a friend?  It's a balance between friendship and being a teacher.  

You're learning from your kids, as much as they're learning from you.  Turn to God when those speed bumps happen.  

Be a better listener and you will discover who they are.  Children know they have purpose in life.  Set the boundaries and help them discover who they will become.  Not always easy, but always necessary.

Every child is unique.  And every child deserves your specific attention to address behavior issues.  You can't find the solution in a book.  Get to know your child and be responsive to his or her specific needs.  

Kids like to please their parents.  Does that surprise you?  They are listening, but are you sending the right message?

You know, even God does not always respond with a resounding "yes" to each of your prayers.  He knows the boundaries and he knows when to make sure you've done what's necessary to walk with Him.  Before you say "yes" to the next request, talk to God, first.

Okay, it's not about you.  It's about what you expect from others.  And so many times, others will let you down.  Do your best to imitate the Lord God.  Your efforts will benefit someone.  It always will.  Look to God for affirmation.

Can you accept that your children will not always like you, and that's okay.  Kids who respect their parents go out into the world with a greater chance for success.  It's okay when they don't like.  It's not okay when they don't respect you.

This is especially important when working with our children.  Yes is an easy way out of having to deal with an issue.  No, means that boundaries have been set.  Without boundaries, children have a way of walking in the wrong direction.  No is okay.  Go ahead, try it.

Wow, sharing your feelings can be tough.  It's not what you say, it's how you say it.  Don't ever get into a conversation without talking to God, first.  He will help craft the perfect set of words and emotions.  

Anyone ever ask you that question.  So, speaking honestly, without ego or expectations of a much higher rating, who are you?  Funny thing, the best descriptives come from others, not you.  Ask someone to fill in the blank for you and see what happens.

If "nice" is your only expression, you are missing "honesty".  God can help in those places where we are at a loss for words.  Speak to Him before you speak to someone else.  

Is being nice, being meek?  No, it's not.  Nice comes from within and from God.  "My peace I give to you, not as the world gives, but as I give."  Nice is a great place to be.

Yes you can, with the help of God.  He is a constant source of hope and power.  Leaving God out of the conversation will keep you stuck in a place you'd rather not be.

Just ask yourself; How would Jesus respond if he were facing my current issues.  And let his wisdom guide your response.  

You will and always will, belong to Jesus.  Jesus answers our need for purpose and belonging.  Have you responded to his invitation?

Instead of longing for what is out of bounds, make yourself focus on what God has provided, and be thankful.  Remember, God has a plan designed especially for you.

Simply, ask God to create in you, a longing for the righteousness of Jesus.  This is the foundation for you to be in a loving, caring relationship with God.  

It's as simple as allowing the word of God to set your course.  Remember, he designed a plan for your life.  If we listen, we'll hear it.

Our chldren depend on us to show rather than tell what a healthy routine.  You might not notice, but they are watching closely.  Doing, rather than telling is the only way to let them know that a routine is so very important that YOU also follow it.  

We sometimes want more, of everything in life.  This is a dangerous cycle as it leads to a dark place.  The toughest thing to do is to impose self-boundaries.  Not always easy, but much easier when we sit down with God and talk about it.  Go ahead, start, today.

A lack of trust creates the need to control, which limits freedom of choice.  God can help us see through trust and respect issues.  Ask him, today to help you.

The generation of the 1970's, was called "the me" generation, and it was labled as greedy and self-centered.  This attitude didn't stop as the decades rolled on.  Don't get caught in the trap of what's in it for me.  It's a dangerous place to be.