Modern Day Family Pt2

Blended Families face Unique Challenges

The image of the traditional American family — the nuclear family of the Clevers and Huxtables — was once limited to mom, dad, and children living happily together under roof. Today the notion of a typical family has gradually expanded to included blended families of stepparents and stepchildren, like the Bradys and the Kardashians.

Blended families are one of the fastest growing segments of families in the United States, but unlike the nicely packaged problems seen on Television, these families struggle with issues that are anything but easy.  Major issues that newly blended families face include integrating discipline styles and coping with strong emotions, while at the same time building new relationships from scratch.

“It’s hard to step out of that role – am I a friend or am I a parent? But as an adult, you’re the parent, you have to discipline because there are going to be times that they’re with you alone,” said New York psychologist Dr. Janet Taylor in an interview with “Good Morning America.”

“Come from a nurturing standpoint, where you teach them responsibility, but do it from a place of love.”

Yes, love is a key factor but the major role begins with the new couple and what they have agreed upon before they said I do.  If you begin to look at why the child or children are acting out, you may have a better understand on how to solve the issues at hand.  First they have suffered a great loss in loosing the other parent and secondly adjustment doesn’t come over night.  Continue to esteem your mate but at the same time don’t stop showing affection for all your children.

David A. Harris-Gavin

 

 

Giving up is not an option!

Encouraging Word: James 1:2-8 (MSG Bible)

“Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors.  So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely.  Let it do its work so you become mature and well developed, not deficient in any way.

If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father.  He loves to help.  You’ll get His help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it.  Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought.  People who “worry their prayers” are like wind-whipped waves.  Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open.”

Power Word: Giving up is not an option! 

The pressure of life as a disable person has changed my life’s situation differently than when I was healthy.  I just had major surgery on my spine and now am in a wheel chair for an indefinitely time.  This has altered my life in ways I never would have expected as a man.  Part of me wanted to give up!  A gift call friendship made this statement to me:  “By faith you do believe that your car will start once you place the key into the ignition and turn it.”  I answer yes! Well why you can’t believe by faith for your healing.  Even if you never rise up out of that chair there is a higher purpose for you. 

Today, Giving up is not an option.   One of the emotions of being disable is feeling less than, but by faith and connecting with other disabled men and women I realize I’m whole by the grace of God.  I just had to change my mind set and become proactive in facing challenges head on.

God desires to use your “Disability for His Ability!” You’re not alone whatever the situation maybe, there is a plan that will workout for your good.

Prayer:  May His Grace rest upon you removing worry, doubt, frustration, fear and depression.  Replaced the negative with inner joy, peace, love, hope, a smile, positive outlook on life and strength from caregivers. 

There are chapters in every life which are seldom read and certainly not aloud.  ~Carol Shields

David A. Harris-Gavin, dgavin921@gmail.com

Love to hear your daily testimonies

Worry Makes One Weak

Stop allowing someone or something to take your strength away.

Family Drama

Every family has drama, how you deal with this dramatic experience will leave you one of several ways.  Depressed, anger, having negative thoughts, or maybe walking out.  Yes you may add to the list!  Point being, you’re not in this alone.  The stage has now been set, dad has had a bad day at work, same for mom at home, little Johnny or Jane at school and home is the battleground.

Here’s a thought:  Someone needs to take charge, will it be you or the kids?

If you have never been hated by your child you have never been a parent.  ~Bette Davis

The Prodigal Son

Your son will return but will you receive him with open arms.  The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) gives us God’s response to a rebellious child. Possibly the hardest guideline to follow in this story is how the father allowed his son to take his inheritance and make his own choices. He did not run after his son and beg him to return, nor did he continually berate him for his foolish ways. His son was of age and solely responsible for his actions (Deuteronomy 24:16, Proverbs 1:29-31). This doesn’t mean that the father didn’t love his son. In verse 20 we are told that he saw his son returning from along way off. This implies that his father was watching for his son daily, dearly hoping for him to return and repent. This is not easy but, if we have shared the Gospel and the instructions that the Bible has given us with our children, the final decision to live a Godly life lies with each individual.

 

A Measure of Grace

My biological mother passed some 14 years ago and during her sickness my stepmother always made herself available.  Now, I’m older, wiser and truly understand the importance of family.

My stepmother loves me unconditionally just like the Lord; despite my faults.  Now, it’s my turn to be a blessing to her by assisting my half-siblings to care give for her.  Oh, what a blessing…

Can you forget about yourself and bless a family member in spite of how they may have treated you growing up?  Just a thought!

The Impact of Change

Change has a considerable psychological impact on the human mind. To the fearful it is threatening because it means that things may get worse. To the hopeful it is encouraging because things may get better. To the confident it is inspiring because the challenge exists to make things better.  King Whitney Jr.  Don’t allow the psychological impact of change discourage the greatest dicussion you ever made in your life.  Which can impact you for the rest of your life.

You have set goals, objectives and visions it’s time to see them through.  Today, change inwardly by stepping out on faith.

 

A Prayer For You!

I pray you to set your heart upon this, and to offer the humble prayer, “Lord, now reveal yourself to me, so that I may never lose the sight of you. Give me to understand that through the thick darkness you come to make yourself known.” Let not one heart doubt, however dark it may be at midnight – whatever midnight there may be in the soul – in the dark, Christ can reveal Himself.”

Peace Be Still!!!!!

David A. H. Gavin