Joy

Family life is one thing we do not give up on .  At the least, we should work on our relationship with our immediate family everyday to make it our best relationship ever.   Here are some things to look out for while you - all of us - are trying :) 

 Happy Monday!  More and more, in the midst of trials, we start to realize how little everything else matters compared to family.  We work for them, worry about them, fight for them... live for them.  All the pain pays off and more.   Yet and again, sometimes we forget or seem to forget.  When we become too busy, when we argue over petty things, when we do not pay particular attention how we show up in the home.   How can we live family life with more intention?  1.  Time.  Be mindful of the quality of the time you spend with family members.  It may not be much but make them pleasant, caring, thoughtful and loving.   2. Look out for their needs.  Pay particular attention to what they like, how they want to be treated, step forward and make things easy for them at home.  3.  Be curious.  Sensitivity to what they do not say, how they are feeling and what occupies their mind.   4. ...

 We can still lose even when we win an argument when we are defensive. Why? What happens when we are defensive.   Let's talk about that in this #forwordfriday. ☕❤

Happy Monday! Surprise!  We think we can handle this truth, until we are faced with opposition, a different opinion, a person who just couldn't stand us.   Then we start to think, "why won't he agree with me?" "What is wrong with... HIM?!"  Yup, our natural tendency is to deflect rejection and become defensive.  We justify our stance, we seek others' approval, we look for every good reason why we are right and he is wrong.   Does not sound like you? Then maybe you belong to the group who immediately thinks, "What is wrong with ME?!"  Another way to react to an opposition or dissenting opinion or rejection is to question our intention, our action or worse, our self-worth.    Whichever way you swing in this continuum can be due to a lot of different factors.  However, what I want to focus on today is not how it affects you , not why it affects you but what do you do with it?   1. Be objective.  Either one of you may be ...

 Prayer should come naturally to us. With all its benefit for us we should not let a moment by without praying.  How can we be more prayerful?  Please listen. 

 Happy Monday!  The effect of this pandemic continues to be too real with all of us knowing someone who is either infected or who passed away due to the virus.   Suffice it to say that illness and sufferrings abound.  What we have plenty of, we have to put to good use.  Our sufferings, illness, efforts to take care of an ill family member might just as well be an opportunity for grace.   How?  1. When we are in pain, tired and hopelessly insecure of the future, offer these feelings for another person's intentions in prayer. We submit what we are suffering from for it to be united go Christ's sufferings and therefore turn into grace.  2.  We honor our pain and sufferings or saxrifices to the many others also experiencing pain and offering their service to their loved ones.  We remember them and commune with them.  3.  Use the time of suffering to strengthen our connection to God's love, healing, providence, power. When...

Its our first year anniversary and what timely topic!  #forwordfriday and Joy In Me Today has brought me a way to find hope in the most dire time.   And just like that, one post after another, we are on our first year!  Just keep swimming as they say.  Please watch this video on Hope and how not to lose it.