Home-making … not House-keeping

Years ago, I started collecting and recording stories, poems, and anecdotes that spoke to me in my readings and I am working on notebook #4, and I am behind in my homework!! I keep reading books that peak my interest and pile them up to write about later! I really did not like book reports in school but now I see their value............hmmmm...........memory loss!!

One particular piece of wisdom was taped above my sink in our "starter" home (which we stayed on for 26 years!!!), and I have forgotten its origin, but not its lessons.

A Family is a Museum of Memories

1. Love more. Never waste an opportunity to tell someone that you love them. There are 3 rules for interpersonal relationships: 1. People are more important than things.
2. People are more important than things.
3. People are more important than things.
We had 2 sons and their friends (who were also boys!) and nerf balls, nerf guns, footballs, basketballs, etc. were always part of everyday life in the household. I have used every known glue known to man and all my "treasures" are glued together !@#!
Tell them "I love you" and accept your immeasurable worth as a human being. I am on your team even if your team is losing.

2. Laugh more. At yourself; At each other; There is never a time that we are together that someone doesn't bring up someone else's mistakes from the past that are hilarious, and we laugh , again, at such mistakes that we all make. The most fun in our time together seems to be at the table and with boys around all subjects seem to be open for discussion..................

3. Be together more. Especially 1 at a time, if possible, and with your extended families. Kids do love their cousins, so. It is such a special bond. We have been blessed with so many opportunities for river trips, farm trips, beach trips, DisneyWorld trips, ski trips, etc. that are directly related to the plans of our in-laws who valued family so much. Spend alot of time with your kids and be the parent--you can be friends later!! And such friends they are................

4. Be more encouraging, positive, and appreciative.

5. Listen more. I read a quote one day that said "i have never been hurt or hurt anyone by anything I did not say/" Wow! I needed that in my life. And I know that teenagers need to talk when they need to talk, so our best gift to our family may just be to listen.

6. Be more honest. Especially with my/your mistakes. They see us everyday and see right through us. Apologize. Be humble. Ask for their forgiveness when necessary.

7. Pay attention to the little things. And wear love on your sleeves, not your feelings, and not a chip on your shoulder.

8. Create a deeper sense of belonging. The family is their peer group. It lasts for a lifetime as friends come and go---graduations, moves,etc. We must teach our children to respect and cooperate with each other. We must teach them love and dignity for each other.

9. Share God more intimately. There is probably never a time when we are together that some conversation doesn't turn to our great God and His blessings, or fellow Christians that lift us up, or requests for prayers for our friends. We memorized alot of scripture in the summers and the kids still "have it" on their hearts----mine is not as easily recalled, anymore!! Speak His name often.