HAPPY FAMILY: TIPS FOR A HAPPIER FAMILY – Part 1

 ANCHOR OF LIFE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE For SUNDAY, 4TH JUNE, 2023.

TOPIC:  HAPPY FAMILY: TIPS FOR A HAPPIER FAMILY – Part 1

MEMORIZE: "And the LORD God said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him."  Genesis 2:18.

SCRIPTURE READING: Genesis 2:18, 21-25

“And the LORD God said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him." 21. And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. 22 Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. 23 And Adam said: "This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man." 24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. 25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.”

EXPOSITION:

Home is God’s thought and was instituted by God. He established the first home between Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. He created the home to be of joy and be of harmony. Man enjoyed home as long as they walk with God’s laid down principles of happy home. The moment they violated it, they saw the bitter side of life. Even today, many homes are eating the bitter side of life because of their failure to abide by the biblical principles of happy home. For us to have happy home, these are some guidelines we must follow.

1. BALANCING WORK AND HOME LIFE

It’s not easy balancing your work and home life, but how you manage it can make quite a difference to your relationship with your family. Having a balance between work and home – being able to work in a way which fits around family commitments and isn't restricted to the 9 to 5 – boosts self-esteem as you're not always worrying about neglecting your responsibilities in any area, making you feel more in control of your life. Your family will be happier to see more of you, and you'll have a life away from home.

2. LOOK AFTER YOURSELF

Parents often spend all their time looking after everyone else in the family and forget about themselves. If you don’t look after yourself, you can end up feeling miserable and resentful, and you won’t be able to give your children the support they need. Admit to yourself that you actually have feelings and needs of your own. It’s not selfish to treat yourself once in a while! It doesn't have to be expensive - but putting aside some time to do just what YOU want to do, even if it's only 10 minutes a day - is so important.

3. DISCIPLINE

Rather than thinking of discipline as a punishment, you should use it as a way of teaching your children how to meet their needs without hurting or offending anyone. While you may be angry, it can help to keep calm and teach your child how he or she could have handled the situation differently, and how he or she can go about it differently next time. This way is both more positive and more constructive.

4. SETTING BOUNDARIES

We often use boundaries to protect children from harm or danger. But it is important that you try to explain why boundaries are there, rather than issuing orders – for instance, if you pull them away from an open fire explain why. Children may be reluctant to follow instructions if parents command them. However, an explanation as to why the instructions are important will help your child understand, and therefore cooperate.

5. COMMUNICATION

Communication is important – during both the good and the tough times. Children often find it hard to put their feelings into words and just knowing that their parents are listening can be enough. Talk about yourself – not just about your problems but about your daily life. If they feel included in the things you do they are more likely to see the value of including you in the things they do.

We shall continue the remaining guidelines tomorrow by God’s grace. Be the doer of the word so as to see the good in the land of the living. If your home is not good/happy, your life may be affected negatively and even your making it to heaven might be doubted, if care is not taken. 

ACTION POINT:  Work out the joy and peace of your home as possible as you can and it shall be well with you.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR –  Psalms 30-33.