This new season means it is time for spring cleaning! It’s great to clean your windows and wipe the dust off of your counters, but have we considered spring cleaning our hearts? Shana Shutte from Focus on the Family has a very insightful article about confessing our sins to God and others.

“Sure, this can be uncomfortable. But if I follow God’s command in I John 1:9 (If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.), that can bless me in ways I never imagined. It can bless you, too.”

1. Confession is a way to give—and receive—deeper love.
2. Confession relieves us from the lie that we have to be perfect
3. Confession is a reason to rejoice

For the entire article, click here!

Shana also mentions some Questions for Confession for our hearts and minds to ponder:

Question: Do lustful, unclean thoughts frequently enter your mind? Do you watch programs on television that stimulate improper thoughts or feelings?

Scripture: Matthew 5:28

Question: Do your affections primarily revolve around people or things other than Jesus? Are you more passionate about earthly things than Christ? What things primarily fill your thoughts?

Scripture: Psalms 1:2

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Question: Do you do things to draw attention to yourself? Do you promote yourself and tend to put others down? Do you think only in terms of your own needs and desires?

Scripture: Philippians 2:3-4

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Question: Do you often gripe and complain about your situation in life? Do you fail to give God thanks?

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:10

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Question: Do you ever speak slang or swear words that are inappropriate? Do you use God’s name in vain?

Scripture: Ephesians 4:29

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Question: Do you harbor bitterness toward anyone? Have you refused to forgive someone who has wronged you?

Scripture: Matthew 18:35, Ephesians 4:31, 1 Corinthians 1:10

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Question: Do you make excuses why you cannot serve God? Are you content to be served rather than serve?

Scripture: Ephesians 4:8

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Question: Have you committed any form of sexual immorality or uncleanness?

Scripture: Ephesians 5:5

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Question: Do you think you are quite spiritual? Do you often criticize and judge others?

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:5

If God has shown you that you are guilty of any of these sins, rejoice that you are forgiven and that Christ died for any and all sins that you have committed (Isaiah 1:18). And remember—you can do a “spring cleaning of the heart” during any season of life.

Shana Schutte is a freelance writer, author and speaker living in Colorado Springs, Colo. (www.runtogodministries.org)

Today on the show we talked about some reasons your kids are acting out, and how you can motivate them!

These 8 reasons your kids are misbehaving comes from allprodad.com

1. They have an irregular/unhealthy diet: Bottom line: What kids eat has an effect on how they behave. Doctors have been saying it for years, but it’s true – healthy eating encourages better behavior.
2. They have a lack of consistent discipline: Yes, good old-fashioned discipline still works and is a cornerstone of practical and successful parenting. Discipline may take on different forms for different families, but nonetheless, it’s needed, and consistency is the key.
3. They are manipulating you: Kids know how to push buttons to test us and see what will happen and what they can and can’t get away with. This is often especially true when in a public setting or when others outside of the family are present. A wise parent will take notice and unapologetically win these small battles, by dealing with the situation, regardless of the inconvenience.
4. They are being negatively influenced: This could be from the things they watch, the games they play, or the friends they spend time with. Kids are great imitators of what they see and hear.
5. They have too much screen time: Kids are spending more time in front of screens and less time in actual physical activity, and sadly, it can affect both their health and their behavior. According to the Mayo Clinic, elementary children spending more than two hours a day on screen time are more likely to struggle with obesity and behavioral problems, among other things. Never feel bad for requiring your kids to play outside or use their imagination to have fun.
6. They’re not getting enough of your attention: Kids will knowingly misbehave if they find that it gets them the attention they crave but are lacking.
7. They are under stress or angry: Kids have struggles and problems too. It may be family problems, school problems, or relationship problems. All of this can have a negative effect on the way that they behave.
8. They’re just being kids: Let’s face it… kids misbehave. Sometimes it’s because they’re bored or tired, and sometimes it’s because they’re just simply choosing to be bad. Kids misbehave because they’re kids… they need our direction. Sometimes they need our discipline. They always need our unconditional love.

For the entire article, click here!

 

Next, we talked about 6 ways to motivate your kids! Parents.com gave us an awesome list!

1. Reconsider Rewards
2. Have Meaningful Conversations
3. Embrace Their Imperfections
4. Consider Their Capabilities
5. Express Appreciation
6. Lead By Example

See the entire article here!