Thursday Thirteen

Here are thirteen things my kids learn

1. Be kind to everyone. Everyone is struggling as bad...or worse than you are.

2. Live your faith. Don't compromise. Don't get in a position where you have to make the tough choices. But live your faith with love for others.

3. You have a choice on how you handle things. It is so much better to smile, but it is ok to cry also.

4. You always have time to be kind. Nothing you do is so important that you become nasty towards others.

5. You are blessed. You have a family that loves you, food on your table, blankets and sheets on your own bed.

6. Enjoy your family. You have siblings, parents, grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. And that's just the start of them. They are all really great people. Take time to let them know you care.

7. It is never to late (or early) to admit your mistake. Ask for forgiveness. Sincerely

8. Is is never to late (or early) to forgive. You don't need to wait for someone to ask. Just do it. Include yourself in that.

9. You can hold a lot more with an open hand than a closed fist. Be giving. Share. You will be blessed beyond anything you could ever do otherwise.

10. Resentment and bitterness only hurts you. Most of the time the other person doesn't even know you are upset. Let it go.

11. Your way is not the only way. Lots of other people live a different way, think a different thought, dream a different dream. That doesn't mean they are bad. It means there is diversity on earth. Enjoy it.

12. Joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness is dependent on the moment and circumstances. Joy is dependent on nothing but having true peace in Him despite your surroundings. Desire joy in your life.

13. Nobody is around forever. Enjoy them now, while they are here. And let them know how you feel.

I'm not saying I live all of this everyday. But I do hope that somehow they can learn, even through my mistakes.