Changing a Heart Attitude

I was talking with a mom last weekend about this issue, and that word “selfishness” stood out. One of the principles of peacemaking is recognizing when a desire becomes a “monster desire.” In other words, God created us with desires that are good and needful. But when we want something more than we want to glorify God, that desire has become a “monster desire” and will cause strife and quarrels and all kinds of trouble. The principle is based on James 4:1, “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” 

That principle, as well as the word picture about conflict being a slippery slope, are explained more at Peacemaker Ministries. You can read about the Foundational Principles under the tab that says Resources. Those concrete word pictures and accompanying Scripture verses really helped keep peace among our children and address those heart issues. Maybe you will be able to find something there that will be a good tool for you—paired with much prayer, of course.

I am reading a book called “Positive Discipline” that looks promising…

I’m finishing up a book I got from the library called Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes in you and your kids! by Scott Turnansky, D. Min and Joanne Miller, R.N., B.S.N. Both authors are homeschooling parents. The idea is to teach honor. Chapter 4 discusses 6 ways to teach honor to children. Another chapter deals with how to deal with roadblocks that prevent honor (anger, selfishness, and foolishness). They say to teach the child to recognize anger before they have an outburs then to teach them how to control it, and to be peacemakers. They also focus on learning to be a servant to others (I want to try the Servant of the Day activity!) The authors use scripture to back up their teachings. 

HTH!Tara