House Rules

I'm approaching my 26th birthday and I'm really trying to re-evaluate why I do the things I do, and how I can make my life better as well as my families life better.  I have been given an amazing opportunity to raise children with a different set of problems and challenges then other children.  I never want to take that responsibility lightly.  You will often hear me talk (or blog)  about our struggles with infertility and our desire to grow our family.  I want to be the type of mother that God can trust to raise HIS children.  Because whether they come from my womb or someone else's they are still a GIFT from God. (psalm 127:3).   

If you have turned on your TV or looked at a magazine in the past 5 years I'm sure you've heard of the Duggers and their 1 million children.  Everyone has their opinion on this and I'm not here to share with you my opinion.  One thing I respect about this family is the set of house rules they try and follow.  I like them so much that I have printed them off and put them on the refrigerator.  Decisions made in anger are usually BAD decisions...I know this from first hand expierience.  So despite how you feel about the Duggers I really urge you to read over these house rules and see if they can make your home a more peaceful enviroment not only for you but for your children, husband, and guests. 

Here are The Pruitt's NEW set of House Rules we are TRYING to follow (emphasis on TRYING)

1.     Always use soft words, even when you don’t feel well.

2.     Always display kind actions and joyful attitudes, even if you have been mistreated. Have the right response by quickly forgiving others in your heart even before they ask.

3.     Always be enthusiastic and look for opportunities to praise others' character.

4.     Always deflect praise and be grateful to God and others for the ways they have benefited your life.

5.     Always use manners and be respectful of others and their belongings.

6.     Always do what is right, even when others may not, or when no one is looking.

7.     Thank God for how He made you, for what He has given you and everything He allows you to go through. (Romans 8:28)

8.     Don’t mock or put others down. Develop compassion and pray for others.

9.     Never argue, complain, or blame. Quickly admit when you have done wrong and ask for forgiveness (even if you were only 10% at fault). Don't wait till you’re caught. Be sure your sins will find you out. He who covers his sin will not prosper, but he that confesses and forsakes it shall find mercy.

10.  Have a tough accountability/prayer partner to daily share your heart with and to keep you in line (your parents, spouse). The power of sin is in secrecy.

11.  Be attentive and look for ways to serve others with sincere motives and no thought of self-gain.

12.  Think pure thoughts (Philippians 4:8, Romans 13:14).

13.  Always give a good report of others. Don't gossip! Never tale-bear unless physical harm will come to someone. (Use Matthew 18.)  14. Never raise a hand to hit.

14.  Never raise a foot to kick.

15.  Never raise an object to throw.

16.  Never raise a voice to yell.

17.  Never raise an eye to scowl.

18.  Use one toy/activity at a time. Share!

19.  Do your best to keep your surroundings neat, clean and organized.

20.  Never let the sun go down on your wrath. (Don’t go to bed angry or guilty)

21.  Amendment J.O.Y. - Put Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last.