. We are living in a world that is being saturatedwith information about so many issues, which makes it very difficult to have aconversation with other people and believe that you are understood in what youare trying to say. I have counseled somany youth who do not believe that their parents really understand what theyare trying to tell them about an issue that came up. They would tell me that they would try toexplain why they were feeling the way they did about the issues, but as theytalked, one or both parents would interrupt them and not let them finish whatthey were saying. So many times, whenthis would happen, the youth just stopped talking and then tuned out what theparent or parents were saying because they did not feel respected for theirviews. We have to learn how to listen tothe person talking with us so that they really believe that by our demeanors,we understand what they are saying to us. The chances of being misunderstood are very high today in marriages,with friends, extended families, and co-workers. Jesus knew this was the case in Histeachings, and that is why He said, “Whoever has ears, let him hear.” (Matthew11: 15 NIV). How well do you feelunderstood?

Learning to see God’s glory takes time and effort. One has to learn how to be aware of what is going on around them, and allow the Holy Spirit to prompt them to see God at work in their circumstances. The ability to see God at work in one’s life gives you a joy and an appreciation for the blessings you’re given that nothing can compare to. Start looking today and you will be amazed at how you will see your world differently!

Living by your Christian values seems to be more difficult today than what we even let on it to be. If you were asked, “What are your Christian values?”, what is the first thing you would say? Think about that for a moment, and we must be able to show those that live in our sphere of influence, our spouses, children, extended family, our friends that we believe our Christian values and are consistently living by them. Yes, it is demanding but absolutely necessary in our world today. Let’s see how we can do this!