Attitudes/Answers with Olen Baker

Drop your guard and get ready to understand that you WILL make mistakes.  But that's okay.  We all do.  Step two.  Sit down and have a conversation with God to get you back on track.  

Taking ownership of success and failure is the first step in connecting to God.  We're not perfect.  We never will be.  But God understands that life is learning, and learning is important to stay on the right path.

A relationship is built on time spent together.  And that's the same with God.  He has a plan for your life, but if you don't spend time with Him, you will never know or understand how to get there.

Step one: Drop the attitude and start listening to what God has in store for your life.  As the sun rises on each day, it's another opportunity to learn about life.  Take some time to talk to God.

Maturity is growing your accountability in Christ.  Will you ever achieve perfection in life? That's not the point.  Maturity is learning how to listen and respond to God.

It isn't what's on the outside that condems a person, it's what is on the inside.  Here's the question.  How is your conscience?

Have you ever done something and just a moment later, wondered why?  You're not alone.  Your acts create your character and your character defines who you are.  Stop and think, then ask God what you should do.  

Okay, you can do this.  And practice makes perfect.  Whatever is true and admirable, noble and lovely, pure and right.  Those words can turn your day and your life around.  

How do you rank yourself as a member of God's family?  We try to fit in with various social situations, and that's okay.  But think about God's family.  How you fit in there is the most important place.

We all make bad decisions.  Many times we live with the results.  How about turning bad into good.  Mistakes in life are meant to be corrected.  And you do that with the help of God.

Sure, you can avoid responsibility and life will go on.  What you are missing is the rich blessing God gives each of us.  God will help you get there.

Being accountable means you are walking the path God intended.  Walk in His footsteps and you will build an accountable life.

Excellent at what?  How about life in general.  At the core of life is, are you excellent as a child of God.  Good grades, tons of money, a membership at the club.  That's not excellence, it's the other side of what's important in life.  

One word.  NO.  Perception of who you are is an important facet of your life.  Think about it.  How would you like to be remembered?

Every decision we make has a reality factor...an outcome.  Saying you will do something, then not doing it, is never acceptable.  Say it, do it.  And be honest.  If you can't, tell the truth.

Solving a problem ALWAYS begins with a conversation with God.  Think of it as a foundation for a positive result.  The best part, He is always there. 

Simply, a human responding to a situation, any situation.  Heroes don't just do the big stuff, they do the little things that make a big difference.

Character and destiny are measured by courage, accountability, and faith.  Allow God to walk by your side and stay tuned in to what He says.  Not just every now and then...always.

Do what is right.  With God by your side, you have what's necessary to always respond that way.  Turn off the noise of the world and listen to God.  He will help you, every time.

It's easier to walk away or ignore a need.  You're just too busy, right?  Courage is taking time to stop and engage, to help a person in need or address an issue.  Showing courage is not easy, but always the right thing to do.

Sure, your schedule is over-booked and your attitude and energy is overwhelmed.  We exist to help others, just like Jesus did.  Put yourself second in line and do what's most important.  You can adjust your schedule.

So, are you a peacemaker, or an agitator?  Face it, you're not always right and the other person's opinion and feelings are well worth hearing.  It's time to talk less, and listen more.  That's a bonding moment.

Did you know that you do yourself a favor when you're kind?  It's true.  God is the true example of how kindness can change another person's life, and you get the benefits as well.  Share a little kindness today, and see what happens.

Just a few words can damage a relationship.  Your choice of words, your tone of voice can destroy goodwill.  In a bad mood?  Take time to visit with God.  The spoken words can wait.

One word; accountability.  YOU are responsible for YOU.  Better choices are not easy and many make the same mistakes over and over.  Is that you?  Be accountable.

You can't undo a mistake, you can only learn from it.  Put your ego away and let God show you how to correct it and move forward.  

Making mistakes is unaviodable.  Mistakes are forgivable IF they serve as a teaching moment.  And yes, God does use your mistakes as teaching moments.  Pay attention to His voice and learn from His wisdom and grace.

Maturity happens for most people.  Teaching your children that there are consequences for bad behavior is a foundational aspect of helping them mature.  Don't make excuses for them, or enable them by deflecting the truth.  Help them build that bridge to maturity in a way that also builds integrity.

You've heard it; actions speak louder than words.  Your behavior defines who you are, not your words.  And for your kids, your behavior is being watched closely by them.  Don't tell them, show them HOW life should be done.

Admit it, you have acted irresponsible from time to time.  It's okay, IF you understand that accountability isn't always an easy path, but it is always necessary to build character and integrity.  It's no different when dealing with your kids.  Teach accountability and the rest of life will fall into place for them, in a good way.

You can yell all you want, but one thing will help your child make a change.  It's called, "accountability".  That one word helps a child build character and self-esteem.  

What is it called?  Foot in Mouth, speaking before thinking?  Any way you wrap it, angry words can get you into a world of trouble.  If counting to 10 doesn't work, try taking to God.  

Sure, you can sidestep a mistake, but you will most likely make that mistake over and over.  Accountability is a tough pill to take.  But unless you take accountability for your actions and results, you will never get on a better path.  You are you.  You will make mistakes. 

Excuses, the first line of defense for failure.  Instead of opening your mouth, spend time with God and let Him chart a path that brings you to a better place.  The truth always works.

Not if, but when.  We all experience failure in life, sometimes more than just once.  We might not be able to see a reason to get back up, but God does.  Don't rely on just your feelings.  Allow God to give an assist.  He will do that.

Acccountability is tough.  You have to look in the mirror and accept what you see.  Being accountable is the pathway to integrity and healing.  Not an easy task, but always necessary.

The Apostle Paul said, when I was a child, I talked like a child.  When I became a man, I put childlsh ways behind me.  Okay, so you're still that child inside.  Problem is, it's time to grow up.  Ask God for the courage to make that change, today.

Broken relationships are tough.  What's even tougher is getting the other person to accept responsibility (partial or full) for what happened.  God washes us clean with His forgivness.  Can you do the same for someone you're having trouble with?

Yeah, the honeymoon is over, now comes the reality of life. One word, comprimise, will help give birth to that lasting bond you pledged to each other on day one.  Rather than look at the other person, take a look at who you are.  Then, take a second look at who you are, together.

Hatred is powerful and it can and will destroy you and others in your path.  Hatred is darkness and destruction.  God is forgivness and healing.  If that's where you're at, take a moment and have a conversation with God, today.

Yeah, your kids are suffering more than you, more than you know.  They are innocent victims of your conflict, sometimes used as tools against the other parent.  Do not forget how important it is to make sure they are taken care of emotionally, as well.  You are still a parent, married or divorced, and it's still your responsibility.

Kids are many times, neglected when conflict comes their way.  A divorce or family situation that is living chaos.  Kids experience the same grief as adults.  If that's your situation right now, make sure you connect with them and help them through the process.  

You can't make an apology happen by demanding it.  You should never suppress your feelings.  Even when you're the victim, approach the issue as a peacemaker, not the aggressor.  God will help you get there.

The short answer is yes, every time.  The way to healing is by YOU being part of the process.  It's not the wave of aa magic wand, but more of a collaboration with God that brings healing.  YOU are part of the process.

So, how is your attitude right now?  If it's fighting words, those words will only destroy any opportunity to repair the relationship.  Accept the fact that you are part of the conflict and that until you are willing to hear what the other side has to say, your relationship will remain broken and stuck.  Do the right thing, today.

Truth, tempered with compassion give both sides a chance to come closer together in a dispute solution.  Stop talking and start listening.  God will give you the words of response, everytime.

How do you block communication?  Body language, silence, agressive responses.  Mutual understanding is never easy, but always necessary in any relationship.

The blame game.  We all play it at times.  God can help us get out of that rut.  Listen and learn.

Okay, things have to change, and that means YOU.  It's a tough place to go, but to heal and move forward, you must do that first.

Politics, religion, whatever comes between two people, doesn't mean that harmony can't be regained.  Not a great place to be.  Let's help you get there.

You have expectations, but what you need are, realistic expectations.  Search your heart.  Have a conversation with God.  But don't be the barrier to resolution.