Attitudes/Answers with Olen Baker

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.  

You might not see this at the moment, but a crisis for healing the wounds from the past.  Ask God to help you see what's possible.  Only He can completely understand from an unbiased position.  

Are you capable of showing remorse and repentance?  God can help you heal, but healing starts first, with you.

Yeah, it's worth fixing and yeah, it's never easy.  To start, allow trust to bring you back to center and allow God to help you take the next steps.  

Somes that bond fails.  A preoccupation with a career, a troubled marriags or simply a lack of interest.  Find out how you can make the changes necessary to be better at the job of a Mom or Dad.

New parents are uncomfortable, because they don't feel qualified to be a parent.  As kids grow there's an opportunity to grow with a bond.  This is how you go there.

No internet signal, no problem.  Find a calm, quiet place and send your message.  On the best days and the darkest days, He will always answer.

Wow, once again it's time for a fresh start.  How many times have you been there?  It doesn't matter, because God will always be there to help.  Just ask.

Holidays tend to bring out our best and worst character traits.  Too much stress weakens our impulse control.  Pray for strength to be honest and sincere.

An attitude change isn't easy, because we're stuck in our ways.  Don't let this year end without reaching out to someone you are at odds with.  It doesn't matter who is at fault, it does matter that you resolve the issues.  Doing so will lift the burden from your heart.

Christmas morning, and you're anticipating another wonderful Christmas Day.  No need to check under the tree for any other gifts, check with God to make sure that your light shines in others.  Today, give the gift of prayer.  Merry Christmas.

Remember, the most important gift you can give, is the gift of eternal salvation, through Jesus Christ.  The stores will be swamped with last minute shoppers.  You don't need a store for this special gift.  

Remember, you are the light pointing the recipient to Jesus.  On that gift tag, let them know there is a little more that comes with this present.

You are at odds with someone you know, maybe a family member or friend.  Prayer is the perfect way to turn that around.  Why?  Because asking God to help heal the wounds of life, will always be a blessing...and the perfect gift.

Wrong size, wrong color, never use it, what were you thinking?!  Here's a suggestion;  the gift pf prayerr is always the perfect gift, because it speaks directly to the person you're giving it to.  

Your attitude has a lot to do with how your child sees and responds to your direction.  Check your attitude before you speak.

Are your kids also a friend?  It's a balance between friendship and being a teacher.  

You're learning from your kids, as much as they're learning from you.  Turn to God when those speed bumps happen.  

Be a better listener and you will discover who they are.  Children know they have purpose in life.  Set the boundaries and help them discover who they will become.  Not always easy, but always necessary.

Every child is unique.  And every child deserves your specific attention to address behavior issues.  You can't find the solution in a book.  Get to know your child and be responsive to his or her specific needs.  

Kids like to please their parents.  Does that surprise you?  They are listening, but are you sending the right message?

You know, even God does not always respond with a resounding "yes" to each of your prayers.  He knows the boundaries and he knows when to make sure you've done what's necessary to walk with Him.  Before you say "yes" to the next request, talk to God, first.

Okay, it's not about you.  It's about what you expect from others.  And so many times, others will let you down.  Do your best to imitate the Lord God.  Your efforts will benefit someone.  It always will.  Look to God for affirmation.

Can you accept that your children will not always like you, and that's okay.  Kids who respect their parents go out into the world with a greater chance for success.  It's okay when they don't like.  It's not okay when they don't respect you.

This is especially important when working with our children.  Yes is an easy way out of having to deal with an issue.  No, means that boundaries have been set.  Without boundaries, children have a way of walking in the wrong direction.  No is okay.  Go ahead, try it.

Wow, sharing your feelings can be tough.  It's not what you say, it's how you say it.  Don't ever get into a conversation without talking to God, first.  He will help craft the perfect set of words and emotions.  

Anyone ever ask you that question.  So, speaking honestly, without ego or expectations of a much higher rating, who are you?  Funny thing, the best descriptives come from others, not you.  Ask someone to fill in the blank for you and see what happens.

If "nice" is your only expression, you are missing "honesty".  God can help in those places where we are at a loss for words.  Speak to Him before you speak to someone else.  

Is being nice, being meek?  No, it's not.  Nice comes from within and from God.  "My peace I give to you, not as the world gives, but as I give."  Nice is a great place to be.

Yes you can, with the help of God.  He is a constant source of hope and power.  Leaving God out of the conversation will keep you stuck in a place you'd rather not be.

Just ask yourself; How would Jesus respond if he were facing my current issues.  And let his wisdom guide your response.  

You will and always will, belong to Jesus.  Jesus answers our need for purpose and belonging.  Have you responded to his invitation?

Instead of longing for what is out of bounds, make yourself focus on what God has provided, and be thankful.  Remember, God has a plan designed especially for you.