We are not perfect. We never will be. But God is the giver of hope and strength to help us move in the right direction. Use his road map for your life and discover a better way to live life.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

A broken promise hurts others, but it also cuts deep in our own lives. Here's a simple fix, first, ask God for forgiveness. Then, allow himm to inspire you to take action with every promise. Make that promise, and take action immediately. Not always easy, but it can be done with God's help.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

When life hits you hard with the facts of life, you might call it a wake up call. God constantly reaches out to make sure we stay on track. That means what needs to happen today, should happen today. Tomrrow is another chapter.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

You've heard it before. I'll do it tomorrow. Do you think you're the only one who is stuck? The first step is to connect with God who has a plan for each of us. Use his design for you to help you see what can be.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

Guess what, you're not the only one who gets stuck. Step one: take responsibility, then connect with God who will help you be successful. Try taking that step, today.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

Like the song, "Man in the Mirror", change only happens when we change who we are, what we think, and how we respond to life. You're not stuck, you just haven't taken a good look at YOU. God is right there to help make that change happen.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

We all make bad choices, all of us. If you cry out to God, humble yourself before Him, change happens. You're not stuck. You just haven't discovered the connection. It's a free call.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

Okay, I'll do what I can do with my faith journey. So the question is, what do I get in return. God is working within you, 24/7 in the good times and the bad times. That's the promise. Keep it close and discover a life worth living.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

Good values are like good relationships. To keep us on track, we must work on those values every day. As the sun rises, make time to connect with God and set the attitude for the day. It really does work. Try it, today.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

Attitudes are a huge barrier to following Jesus. We get stuck because bad things happen. They do, to everyone. That's part of life and one way that Jesus helps us better understand what can be. Time to get unstuck.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

We live with barriers in our lives. Those barriers can block us from successfully changing the way we think. We are not stuck. God is the key element in moving away from the dark and bad thoughts, and allowing Him to show us what is possible. Give it a try.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

Not so easy, or is it? Change is the first step. Admittting that God has your best interests at heart is a big step and allowing him to be first in every thing you do, every breath you take. Take a deep breath and start that change, today.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

Yes, but only if you're listening. Life creates a static that can get in the way of communication with God. A strong pathway or signal is essential in making change happen. Don't try it on your own. Simply, touch base with God.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

Some folks call it "systems". Others call it focus. Either way, unless we are 100% locked in on the vision, we will fall short. God does and always will keep us on track.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

Allow God to expand your faith by trusting that all things are possible. Refuse to comprimise, and believe that he also has faith in you.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

Keep that connection open. Remember, God's time is your time, without limitation. No boundaries and a forever oportunity to communicate with him. Like today. Have you had the chance to give him a call?โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

We are all capable of a closer connection with God. We can also break that connection through neglect. Your God time is very important and must be part of your every day. Keep the connection strong. God gives us unlimited time with Him.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

It's coming up on the holidays and family gatherings. Usually, we expect conflict because that's the way it has always been. Instead, focus on Jesus and discover how He sees your family. Yes, He sees all the good, and you should too.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

God will help you discard conflct from the past. You might also know this as baggage. Leave the baggage behind and expect an opportunity to create a new beginning in your family relationship.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

Beyond all of the things that irritate you about another family member, there are many things that you also love. Find your way through the forest of conflict and discover a brighter side of that person. It's there. You just have to find it.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

Joy, at the top, comes from a loving relationship with God. He can teach us how to use His joy to uplift others. At the core of who you are, lives joy. Find a way to let others see that in you.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

Gifts are nice when families get together. But are they the most important element? Probably not. That is a physical gift. Consider the gift of self, and forgiveness, and love. No shopping needed.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

Frustration leads to anger which leads to angry thoughts. Has someone brought that before you. Before you get angry, consider what the other person might be going through in life. Think first of the other person, and then manage your next actions.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

We get distracted by life. And those distractions block the opportunity for connection with God. Focus on God. Not always easy, but always a must.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

Do you believe that God blesses each day for you? He does. That means you can look at tomorrow as something good. Find your strength in God, each day.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

We have the holidays just around the corner and that means that families will be attempting to get together and heal past discord. Most every family has this challenge. This year, invite Jesus to the table and let Him lead the way to a better tomorrow. Don't forget to invite him.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

As we get closer to the holiday events and gatherings, many families are not at all excited about being together. Healing is not easy. But with God's help, healing can happen. Go ahead and give it a try. It works.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

Family peace is a team effort. All parties must agree that conversations are used to unify, not divide. Not always an easy task, but if it can be done, the results will amaze you. Make the peace, not war.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

We are all individuals and that characteristic tends to divide us, rather than bring us closer together. Is that something you have experienced? Try this. Allow family members to be their own person and accept them for just that. If you do, they will also accept you. Simple, huh?โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

Connectedness, acceptance, and love. You cannot achieve this unless you put others first, always, and yourself, second, always. There is no one more important than the OTHER PERSON. Think about that.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

God would ask us to "think before we speak". How true, as well chosen words and responses lead to beneficial conversation and peaceful solutions. Think about that.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

Sure, we all have our opinions and beliefs. Instead of finding the great divide, focus on the beautiful bridge. Yes, it does exist in every family, even yours.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

We all have experienced jealuosly at times. It's a natural part of our lives. Understanding is the key. Putting others first and allowing them to be who they are is the solution.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

Accept reality and consequences as your first baby steps. Then, allow God to help you get to where you must be.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

You know what, sibling rivalry exists, in every family. Rivalry exists in the workplace, in every day life. God knows how to help us nulify discord with harmony. Have a talk with God for further instructions.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

First, we are all flawed. That's our design. We are also given choices and those choices work in our favor when they are following what God wants us to do. That, in a nutshell, is maturity.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

We all have lapses in judgement and those poor judments always lead to disappointment. God is your single most powerful source for moving away from disappointment.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

The quick answer...yes. IF you follow that with a conversation with God. Disappointment hurts. God can help you heal. It's true.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

A lack of maturity equates to failure in a long-term relationship. God is a perfect place to start that conversation. Try it. It works.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

Love, joy and peace. Did you know that's what God want's us to discover, experience and enjoy in life. Surprised?โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

Ever hear the term, "grow up". Here's how it works. Sacrifice, suffer a bit and have an attitude that tomorrow will be better because today, you learned a lesson. Ouch, but necessary.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

Success in a relationship is not always easy. It requires both of you to share similar values and a focused vision on the future. Communication is at the key of making that happen.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

Relationships are a mix of mutual values. That means listening first and then gently telling how you feel. Respect always comes first.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

Compatibility has to be nurtured, the same way you would care for a child. Gentle, loving, consistent acts will help you get there.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

Perfect compatibility is not a requirement for a strong relationship. Communication is an essential element for building it.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

The perfect soul mate. Yeah, right. Not so easy to find, is it?โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

Commitment solidifies compatibility by pledging long-term security. Not always easy, but always necessary.โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC

Not many want discord in a relationship. Not even you. But when discord exists, life can be tougher than is should be. Are you in a compatible relationship?โดย Olen C. Baker MDiv, LPC