"THE 511"
Encouragement for Step-Families....
from a Terrific Coaching Manual
Last weekend we hosted another Blended Family Conference. We sometimes refer to them as 'B3 Conferences'. We want step-families TO SEE that GOD IS ABLE to take them 'from Broken to Blended to Bonded!'. Incredible couples in attendance. Gifted speakers that truly spoke to the hearts of those there.
It was Saturday morning early and I was reviewing in my mind my afternoon message. Was pondering... "how do I truly encourage and lift up these marriages and families?". Then I know the Lord 'plopped' into my heart, mind and soul (God has an awesome "Plopper" - the Holy Spirit), to look up a verse that 'plopped' to me about 'encouraging one another'.
So I get to the conference center - in this case the wonderful and supportive First Baptist Raytown, who provided tremendous support and assistance - and I grabbed my Bible. I knew that in the back of my Bible, in the blank pages, where I write down great scripture to remember, I had an 'encouragement' scripture.
What a 'terrific life coaching manual' the Bible is.
There it was 1st Thessalonians 5:11...
'Therefore encourage one another
and build each other up...'
Then it hit me. 1st Thessalonians 5:11. Shortened up... "THE 511". "THE 511"! We all know call 911 in an emergency, call 411 for information, some places 811 is for digging info, 311 in New York offers NY services and info. Some states do have 511 as road, roadside support or travel information. Well, that's pretty good for an analogy for the 'blended family journey' huh? We are on a journey. And our "511' can assist you on that blended family road to success, and simply stated... "THE 511" is...
Encourage one another. Build each other up. Don't our children truly need that? How about your spouses? It's been studied that for every one negative thing you say to a child, in most kids it takes ten positive affirmations or comments to strengthen back their spirits. Goes for spouse too. 10 to 1 ratio.
Often times we focus on the negative in our families. See the good. Plant 'seeds' that will grow goodness.
How about if you are a Grandparent or a relative in a step-family situation? Wouldn't it be powerful if you ENCOURAGED your son, daughter, sister, brother, niece, nephew, grandchild. Due to the often challenging dynamics of blended family life, a word to BUILD UP the spirit of another would be a GIANT GIFT.
We work with Grandparents a lot, give them discounts to attend our conferences.
www.thebondedfamily.com/grandparents
Our Daughter Amanda, while hearing Dad pontificate on 'THE 511" drew the below sketch as she set with us last Sunday in our Blended Family Fellowship at church. We continue to be amazed at her 'eyes that see'. Her sketch below shares a cell phone on the left with the numbers 511 on it...and the words'... 'we are on a difficult road. We need to call the 511'.
I'd like to encourage you to read the entire Chapter Five of 1st Thessalonians. Only nineteen short verses. You'll find words that truly should be compelling for blended families. Words and phrases like 'self control' (wise counsel in the heat of a moment), 'be patient', 'be kind to each other', don't pay back wrong doing with wrong doing', 'God did not appoint us to suffer', 'Be joyful always', 'pray continually' and here is one to think about and take to heart...'give thanks in all circumstances'. Learn from the good and learn from the bad.
As part of your 'journey', we encourage you to continually reach out for resources like The Bonded Family and others. As Americans we strive to get better in work, in sports, in health, in many areas... SO... PAY ATTENTION HERE! Do it with your blended family life. It's the most important.
Encourage yourself to read, listen and learn about how to be the very best you can be and to create in your new family a spirit of T.E.N. - TOGETHERNESS, ENCOURAGEMENT and NURTURING. I'm not saying you'll be a 'Perfect 10 Family', yet if you simply strive to do those three... you're on your way!
Keep Looking UP!
DAN
