Crossroads

Whenever we come to a crossroads in life, what choice do we make?  In other words, in what direction will we travel and what habits will we establish?

Inevitably, in life, we need to make choices everyday we wake up.  What to eat?  What to wear?  Every choice we make creates a ripple effect on our lives as well as the lives of others.  The choices we made throughout our life determine where we are and what we are becoming.

A habit is a pattern of behavior that we follow consistently.  We need to decide prayerfully, what habits we will practice.  Paul's referred to his life journey as a race.  He learned that the only way to stay the course was to discipline [his] body and bring it into subjection.   No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. [1 Corinthians 9:27]

Disobedience to God makes our heart-home dirty.  But obedience that is expressed out of love for Him will make our heart a suitable home for God now, and we will be ready when Christ returns.

In the beginning we make our habits; in the end our habits make us.

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matthew 7:14 KJV

W.I.S.D.O.M. of married life

'W '  is for working it out

One should always make an effort to preserve one's marriage.  Successful marriages are not perfect or made in heaven but rather well managed.  Accept the realities of day-to-day life, and work within it.  It is important that marriages be sustained and improved upon.

Divorce is not a wise solution in most cases, often time, it is only the convenient way out.

'I'  is for in-laws

Your relationship with your in-laws must be conducive.  Do not put your spouse in a difficult situation where he has to make a choice between you or his parents.  Always have the right attitudes towards them as choice of words are important as a sign of respect and love.

'S'  is for self

We always forget to put emphasis on ourselves.  Keep some time for yourself, your spouse should also do the same - your own 'me-time'.  It is lovely to have the peaceful sanctuary of ones own room just being alone.

'D'  is for dumb and deaf

When an argument arises, it is wise to act dumb and to turn a deaf ear to whatever says. Words that are not thought over are best left unspoken.  Better still, write them down - will give you time to ponder and evaluate your innermost feelings.  A wise man treats an argument as a way to understand each other better.  It is not a matter of winning or losing.

'O'  is for observe

Observe what your spouse despises and avoid them.  Learn to pick up the hints from body language and facial expression.  Quarrels can be easily avoided once we are able to recognize the trigger points.  Care and take notice of his 'liking'.

'M'  is for mediate

Sort out any disagreements, talk it out and find an amicable solution.  You have a lifetime to spend with this person, yet life is too short to be wasted on unconstructive arguments.  To strengthen a marriage, there must be mutual effort.