The Power of Love and Wise Counsel

Have you ever had a situation where someone at work, in your neighborhood, in your circle of friends, or in your family has made you mad? I'm guessing... yes.

What do you do? What do I do?

We have a big decision to make. If you are like me you have a real preference on what you may want to do but it messes with what you (and I) ought to do.

To whom to you go for guidance? 

The only way for you and me to get smart is to stop asking our sympathetic friends. 

I am totally guilt of this.

When I am questioning something, do I seek wise counsel (someone who may not tell me what I want to hear but it is what I need to hear.) or do I ask my sweet friends (the ones who will tell me what I want to hear)?

That leads me to my next thought. Do I really want to hear something that may challenge or convict me? Or do I just want to feel good and justified?

Truthfully, I like to be affirmed. I like to be agreed with. I like to be told, "You did the right thing." 

I phone a friend. A sweet one.

Part of being in the body of Christ is being able to talk with a person who can provide wise counsel and biblical advice. God places certain folks in our lives so we can learn, stretch, and be challenged. So we can become all that he wants us to be.

Newsflash: He wants me to be more  like Jesus...and less like...me. 

I need support to do that. Of course I need my friends. And I am thankful most of them are really smart...spiritually smart. And I also need to be apart of a community, a church where I can be accountable; a place where I can grow in Christ. And maybe help someone else along the way.

So I'm going to start using my head and seek wise (unbiased) counsel when I am wrestling with something. I'm going to give my friends "permission" to love me by being truthful. (Okay..with the understanding they be gentle in the process! )

To do life well we need to be wise; use our heads and put our heads together. We aren't meant to do  life alone.We need one another. And we need truth with grace.

Plans fail for lack of counsel, with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22

Whoever heeds correction gains understanding. Proverb 15:32b 

In addition to the Holy Spirit, who has God placed in your life to be your "guidance counselor"?

With faith, hope, and love,
~Lori Wildenberg

A Quiver of Kids

Theme for June: Fathers!

Verse:

"Sons are a heritage from the LORD,  children a reward from him.

 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth.

Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them."

Psalm 127 3-5a

Mom's Musing:

Dads are such an important part of a boys growing up. Dad is the guy who the son looks to for direction and guidance. I recall one time when our family was on an outing with another family and my husband was offered a cigar. I overheard my eight-year-old son say to his seven-year-old sister, "I knew Dad would say no." Our kids are definitely watching us.

A dad's impact on his daughter is no less great but often much more subtle. How he treats his daughter sets in motion the type of man she will look for in a spouse.  One dad I know "dates" his daughter. He opens the car door for her, pulls out her chair, listens to what she has to say. He is deliberately modeling what to expect from a young man. This smart dad is laying the ground work for positive relationships with men for the future. The girl who feels connected to and respected by her dad will look for the same type of healthy relationship with a boy.

Not only does a father impact future relationship choices, he also plays a large role in his daughter's self-worth. One small comment about baby fat, could be the trigger for an eating disorder. A dad that only compliments or acknowledges his daughter's appearance rather than her character or heart may also jump start anorexia, bulimia, or even promiscuity.

Scary, huh? Being a dad carries a lot of responsibility. It is such an important job. One to take seriously. Build relationships with your kids and the respect will follow.  Moms help out your man by supporting his relationships with your children.


Parenting Tip:  Dad guide your son and date your daughter.  Don't just say she looks pretty. Tell her how you love the way she is kind to her friends. Reinforce those desirable character traits. If you don't already know your kid's favorite band, friend, activity, food-find out. Spend time getting to know your child (children).