Do You Attract or Repel People?

I've had a turn of events in the past couple weeks that lead me to write this passage. 

Several people and couples have come to me and asked for spiritual, marital or financial guidance and I stopped today to examine why? 

We've had more couples and singles come to church with us this past year than any other year?

We don't invite people or even allude to the fact that people should come check out "our thing"  They simply come up and ask if we would mind bringing them along. 

Pm     I would like to think that it is because of some wonderful thing I've done but I really think it is God working through our family.

We've worked very hard in the past few years on Character and Value development in our family.  On truly being transparent.

We speak, act and live the values I talk about here on Legacy Dad. 

Are we perfect?  Of course not and far from it.  But, the point is we constantly strive for that as the standard not the exception.

We also speak positively at all times.  You won't hear me cracking jokes about the "old lady" and I always try to be uplifting to whoever I meet. 

I have prayed to be an uplifting person to everyone I meet for the past 2 years  because in the past I found it easy to jump on the pity or criticism bandwagon.

I'm listening to Joel Osteen's "Your Best Life Now" and he illustrates the fact that the words we speak have a huge impact not only on ourselves but on how others perceive us and our beliefs.

If people constantly hear us complain, put down others, or place blame for our adversities on outside forces then they assume you are a negative person and generally don't want to be around you, ESPECIALLY if they have their own problems and are searching quietly for answers.   Magnet_2

This is something I constantly harp on fellow Christians about and I think it further adds to some of the hypocrisy we see in our faith.

Why would we seek marital advice from someone who constantly berates or cuts down their spouse?

Furthermore, speaking positive comments alone will not create trust in those around us.  They must also see action and conviction. 

However, I believe speaking and praying for what we hope to become or strive for is the first step in creating a mustard seed in our lives which will further blossom into and full grown tree of truth. 

I have prayed for the past 3 years daily to be the best husband and father I can be and to be an example to other people and Christians.  Perhaps my prayers are taking fruit. 

There is a flip side to this as well.  When people see you fail and face adversity and moreover how you deal with conflict and adversity, it makes you more human and relateable.  No one likes people who constantly look, act and speak perfectly.  it just is not really.

However, speaking your values, beliefs and not compromising them when in mixed company goes a long way in proving your character. 

I am by no means perfect or some example to follow but somehow my families appearance, words and convictions seem to draw people toward us. 

So in closing I believe we need to first start with our words as is told in James 1:26

"If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tightrein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless."

Next we need to place these words into our convictions as in Romans 14:22-23

"The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves."

Finally, once these words and convictions are our in heart, the Lord will do the rest to expand your personal ministry. 

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set anexample for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and inpurity."   - 1 Timothy 4:12
    

 

Men's Fraternity in 2008

I listed in my Goals 2008 Post that this year I am going to attend or buy the Men's Fraternity Course and begin going through this curriculum.  Hopefully, I will find a local church to take it with but if not you can even do it on your own. 

If you haven't taken at look at Men's Fraternity, check it out here and watch a video.

Quest_coverWhile I am on the subject of small groups and classes, her is some that are great to take.

Raising A Modern Day Knight

Journey to Financial Freedom

Love and Respect

Finally, I am anxiously awaiting the release of the Grace Based Parenting Video Series in 2008 (Big Hint to Peter and Tim at Family Matters!)

Going All The Way!

Going_all_the_wayGreat Find from my buddy Marc at Dad's Cafe

“Going all the way” used to mean getting what you want  from the opposite sex now…and paying for it later.

It’s time to redefine.

Smart advice for a new generation about love, sex, and happily ever after.

You’veseen marriages fail time and again. Even relationships you thought werebullet proof don’t last. Once promising couples dissolve in the acid ofselfishness, conflict, or unfaithfulness… or fade away to a cold, graylovelessness. No wonder that for our generation, “getting what youwant” is often a substitute for love, and disillusionment aboutmarriage is the new normal.

So what do you do if you want amarriage that doesn’t just survive, but thrives? That doesn’t justbegin romantically but ends magnificently? Answer: You do somethingdifferent.

Whether you’re thinking ahead to marriage, are aboutto be wed, or have been married for a while and want to make changes,this book can help. Going All the Way will guide you through the choices and commitments you need to make now inorder to build a strong and vibrant relationship that will go thedistance. In a world where going all the way means putting yourselffirst, author Craig Groeschel will show you how, by putting God first,you can build a soul-enriching, lifelong relationship.

Withpractical, candid discussions about sex, first dates, integrity,forgiveness, and communication, Craig will help you prepare for andexperience a relationship that gives fresh, hope-filled meaning to“going all the way” with the one you love.

Check it out at Amazon

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