Parenting by Personality - KC Parent - December 2012 - Kansas City

Parenting by Personality - KC Parent - December 2012 - Kansas City  - GREAT parenting article.

Does a Green-eyed Monster Dominate Your Thinking?

                                                                         Green-eyed Monster

It wasn't long before the notorious green-eyed monster overpowered Saul.  God anointed him as Israel's first king, but after awhile, doing things God's way no longer interested Saul. 

Ultimately Saul's dynasty - Saul's purpose - Saul's role completely diminished, superseded by a newly appointed king, David.  That's when the green-eyed monster showed up and Saul became obsessed with destroying David, regardless of God's plans. 

Instead, Saul was the one destroyed - by his own jealousy.

Ever allow the green-eyed monster - jealousy - to dominate your thinking?  Let's take a look at the SIX GREEN "Ps" that trigger jealousy red flags:

1)    POSSESSIONS - Someone has what you want - and you resent them for it. "Her house is so big."  His car is way too expensive."  "She owns too many shoes."

2)    POSITION - "Why does he get to be the coach?"  "I'm a better boss."  "He always gets the accolades."  That stinks.

3)    PRIVILEGE - So you weren't born into a family of privilege?  "They always go on nice vacations."  "She doesn't even have to work."  Not fair.

4)    PROMOTION - "Why did so-and-so get promoted instead of me? I've been there longer.  I do a better job and I wanted that job more!"

5)    PERFECT APPEARANCE - "Beautiful face, thick hair, perfect body.  I hate her." "I'm too tall, too short, wish I had better teeth." Worms, anyone? 

6)    POPULARITY - "She's invited to everything."  "Everybody loves to hang around his office.  I'm just not outgoing like that." "His jokes aren't funny anyway."

Sound familiar?  Or have you got the "green gimmies?"  I want this.  I want that.  I want, want, want what I can't or don't have. 

Seriously, is the grass really greener on the other side? If so, then consider that it was probably a lot of work! 

Saul's son, Jonathan, would have been in line to become the next king.  God said "change of plans." Jonathan's response?  He supported David becoming king in every way - because it was God's way. Jonathan even encouraged David, helped him, and saved his life.  His focus was God's focus - and not through any "green eye." 

Saul destroyed his life because of his lack of controlling the green-eyed monster - jealousy - in his life.  Jealousy kills and destroys.  James 3:16 "Where jealousy and selfishness are there will be confusion and every kind of evil." Jealousy is the root of many problems in our lives.

What we’re dealing with today is not some petty nuisance or minor weakness in our lives. The Bible says it will rot the bones! It’s from the pit of hell - the devil himself.

Norman Vincent Peale said, "Change your thoughts and change your world." 

So what's the "Remedy for Jealousy."  Stay tuned! Later this week we'll find out.  Don't miss it!

What Are Your Expectations Today?

Saul's highest expectation that particular day was to simply locate his father's lost donkeys (1 Samuel 9). God's plan for the day was to anoint Saul KING over all Israel! What are your expectations for your day today? Are they limited to your perspective - small dreams, little hope, feelings of inadequacy or mediocre achievements? Aim for what God has in store for you today. Settle for nothing less than to expect His best!

Skin Cancer Warning

Most people today are aware that a "glowing tan" is life-threatening! Yet, I overheard a teenage girl recently say one of the things on this summer's "bucket list" was to get a dark tan. I was shocked. 

Awareness is key, follow-through can be life-saving. A few standard tips:

• Avoid the sun between 10-4 pm 
• Wear a high SPF sunblock
• REPEAT the sunblock throughout the day
• Seek shade when possible
• Do NOT get a tan by the sun or tanning bed (try self-tanning lotion instead)

I've had skin cancer removed from my nose, chest, and melanoma on my back. (One person dies of melanoma every hour.) Thank goodness it was caught early, otherwise I wouldn't be writing this. 

Enjoy the summer - using common sense. It's serious business. I'm certain you have loved ones who would appreciate having you around for a long time, rather than a summer tan (that eventually FADES anyway!).

Spread the word - and spread the sunblock! 

This could be YOUR story. Let's pray for this lady: Skin cancer patient shares hard-learned lessons | Local News - KMBC Home

Stay-cation In My Backyard

Grabbing my iced tea, a good book, and my favorite music.  Yes, a stay-cation! Maybe we can't all take an extravagant vacation this summer, but why not enjoy our own backyards?  God's beauty is everywhere.  Let's find a spot and begin by counting our blessings this week. 

What blessings? 1) Air-to-breathe; 2) It's summertime; 3) God loves us more than we can imagine; and 4) we're more beautiful to Him than these flowers.  His love for us FLOWS like the creek in my backyard.  Enjoy this specific day, weekend, month - never to be repeated again!

Willie's Bible Study time

Looks like I'm not alone in loving my Bible Study time every morning!  As I prepared to teach this Sunday's lesson to our Adult Bible Study class at church, my dog, Willie, insisted on sitting on my lap.  Before I knew it, he was very intent on this week's lesson - needed to learn more about Peter and that rooster!  Just sayin'!  :)

We should ALL be so intrigued!

Ever Feel Like You Missed the Boat?

Happy 2012