Joel Osteen's Prescription For Stronger Families

In the April 2012 issue of Guideposts Magazine, Joel Osteen shared his prescription for stronger families.  With so many pressures pulling families apart these days, lets look at these practical suggestions that can lead to having a strong, successful family.


Show up. Life is busy but family members need to show up for each other.  They go to the game, the recital, the play, the open house.  They show up for dinner.  Whether in the big things or little, stay close to the people God has put in your life.


Don’t keep up with the Joneses.  Try to be the best parent you can be, but remember, its not a competition.  Stop comparing yourself to imaginary rivals.  Pray for wisdom and strength and do your best!


Have fun together.  Couples and families that laugh together stay together.  When was the last time your family had fun together?  It doesn’t have to be a big deal or cost a lot of money.  Be creative and have some fun!


Pick your battles.  Being stubborn or unreasonable will kill any relationship.  When in that battle about your pet peeve ask yourself, “Is this really important?  Is it worth the fight?”  How much tension are you bringing into your home unnecessarily?  You may win the fight but will it be worth the stress?


Spell it out.  Every day tell your spouse, your children, those who mean the most to you, how much you love them. Sometimes we make the mistake of thinking our families know we love them.  No matter how busy you are take a break, make that call, send that note, do something to let your family know you love them.

Take Time Alone

Take time alone, with God a part
Take time - take time - oh restless heart,
Lest rushing so, you headlong spin
Into fruitless work that should never have been.
A busy day?  Take time alone,
To gird yourself at Heaven' throne,
Lest stumbling on, you lose your way
And in your own strength you will end in dismay.
Take time alone - oh enter not
On work for God - 'til Him you've sought.
Lest working thus without His plan
You will work for the eyes of your fellow man.
A burdened heart for one you love?
Take time alone, with God above.
Lest speaking first to that lost soul
You will lose the bliss of the Spirit's control.
When sorrows come - take time, my friend,
With Him, Who sticketh to the end.
Lest trusting in the things of time
You will never know His comfort sublime.
Take time alone - in quiet hush -
Take time - oh shun that needless rush:
Take time with God, in Him confide,
Take your place 'neath His wing, and there abide.

A poem from my Grandma Mary Merrill

November 21, 1939