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Thursday, October 27, 2011

House Rules


It's not just my blog that's crazy. My house is crazy. My calendar is crazy. My life is crazy

Five young children + traveling husband + homeschool + ministry in Africa + life in general = Abundance of craziness.

People ask me sometimes how I manage it all and I usually think... uh, I don't. Have you seen my house/children/life lately?


But I admit, I do have a few tricks up my sleeve.
Some of you might remember that I got a little help from some Rockstar Moms a while back. I'm still so grateful for the guidance, wisdom and ideas from those precious ladies who have blazed the Big Family Trail before me.

We've also established some House Rules around this place. There are only five rules on our list – but they cover a litany of issues and offenses. And these five little rules tend to keep the craziness from turning into utter chaos.
 At the risk of my reputation as a fun, free-thinking, Africa-orphan loving philanthropist, I thought I’d share this list of our house rules with y’all tonight. I'll warn you in advance -- this list might make me sound a bit stick-in-the-mud-ish, but that’s ok. This is what works for our family.

Owens Family House Rules

1.       The way we say something is as important as what we say. We speak with kindness and gentleness. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1

 
2.       When we’re given instructions, we obey all the way, right away and with joyful hearts. “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.” – Colossians 3:20

 
3.       We show honor and respect for adults and for other children. “Show proper respect for everyone.” 1 Peter 2:17

 
4.       We know that contentment is bliss. We give thanks and we have grateful hearts. “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” – 1 Timothy 6:6

 
5.       We value other people, and we value all people, because they are all souls for whom Jesus died. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but in humility, consider others as more important than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3


Our house rules are based upon scripture – because, in my opinion, those are the only rules worth following. Worldly wisdom is just that – it’s worldly, it’s empty and it’s destined to fail. “For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.” – 1 Corinthians 1:25


Also, these rules apply to everyone in our home – including our biological children, our adopted children and the adults. The kids even have carte blanch to point out to me when I’m in violation of one of them (which of course never, ever happens…).

There may not be much certainty or any guarantees in this life. But upon God’s Word, we can stand firm and rejoice – for His word will never return to us void.


For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword…”
– Hebrews 4:12

8 comments:

Naomi said...

I love this! I have copied and printed these and plan to introduce my children (and Mum and Dad) to these new rules. We all need to be reminded!

Thank you!

cathykramer said...

Do you mind if I copy these and post them on the wall in our house?

La Dolce Vita: The Sweet Life said...

Love this idea! Might just have to steal using scripture for family "rules". Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Brian and I have been talking about this very thing... I'll have to share this list with him. Thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

Oh I love this! Thanks for sharing!

Janice said...

Scripture is never "stick in the mud". It is LIFE! :) Love this!

tootermagoo said...

Thank you for this!! I have recently been feeling like I needed rules for my family but wanted them to be biblically based. Your rules are perfect!

Anonymous said...

I have just re-posted on my blog and facebook'ed the advent conspiracy video. So thankful I stumbled upon this tonight. And your house rules. AWESOME. Thanks for sharing!