"God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day." Psalm 46:5
Each day. Each step. Each moment. God will help.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Saturday, July 7, 2012
A change in Attitude
"To be made new in the attitude of your minds" Ephesians 4:23
Dear Abby: It seems that every other letter you print concerns a demanding relative (a parent, in-law, sibling, etc.). The writer always wants to know how to avoid unreasonable demands without causing "unpleasantness." May I say a word to these folks?
Be honest and admit that the relationship is ALREADY unpleasant. Demanding people are impossible to please. They know their control over you depends on temper tantrums and/or fits of sulking and tears. They'll pitch these fits regularly no matter how hard you try to please them.
When faced with an unreasonable demand, just say "no." Don't waste time giving reasons or trying to work out a compromise. You already know it won't do any good. Then hunker down and wait for the explosion, keeping in mind that the longer you have been a doormat, the more violent and bitter the reaction will be.
Above all, do not be drawn into a fight! Controlling people love to fight, and they are good at it. Your weapon should be polite withdrawal. Refuse meetings. Screen your calls. Ignore letters and emails unless they contain an apology and indicate a sincere desire for change. It may shock your domineering relatives into more reasonable behavior.
If not, you haven't lost a thing. You may even find that your life is less complicated without them. Draw the line and let your family know that future relationships will be based on love AND respect, or there will be no future relations. You won't regret it.— Been There, Done That
Sounds like good advice, I am going to try this! Change the way I deal with my demanding person.
Dear Abby: It seems that every other letter you print concerns a demanding relative (a parent, in-law, sibling, etc.). The writer always wants to know how to avoid unreasonable demands without causing "unpleasantness." May I say a word to these folks?
Be honest and admit that the relationship is ALREADY unpleasant. Demanding people are impossible to please. They know their control over you depends on temper tantrums and/or fits of sulking and tears. They'll pitch these fits regularly no matter how hard you try to please them.
When faced with an unreasonable demand, just say "no." Don't waste time giving reasons or trying to work out a compromise. You already know it won't do any good. Then hunker down and wait for the explosion, keeping in mind that the longer you have been a doormat, the more violent and bitter the reaction will be.
Above all, do not be drawn into a fight! Controlling people love to fight, and they are good at it. Your weapon should be polite withdrawal. Refuse meetings. Screen your calls. Ignore letters and emails unless they contain an apology and indicate a sincere desire for change. It may shock your domineering relatives into more reasonable behavior.
If not, you haven't lost a thing. You may even find that your life is less complicated without them. Draw the line and let your family know that future relationships will be based on love AND respect, or there will be no future relations. You won't regret it.— Been There, Done That
Sounds like good advice, I am going to try this! Change the way I deal with my demanding person.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Grace with God's help
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." James 1:2
I knew the definition of perseverance (Dictionary.com; steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.
Today I found one I like even more; continuance in a state of grace to the end, leading to eternal salvation. (also Dictionary.com)
We know we can persevere. But can we do it with grace?
With God we can.