Apples of Gold

This afternoon as I was studying our Sunday night's lesson I came upon some much needed help by the author. I've been discouraged lately with my oldest daughter Kelsey and I realized that although she is a very good girl and has very many wonderful characteristics, I have been focusing on her weak areas and wasn't even seeing the good. I've been so worried that she wouldn't overcome those things about her that aren't so nice that I fear I have only been making them worse. The author, Karol Ladd, in the book "The Power of a Positive Woman" brought up the verse Proverbs 25:11 - A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. She went on to explain how words can be so valuable and powerful, lovely and life-giving, or sour and destructive. She also realized how she had been nitpicking at her teenage daughter for every little issue, important or not and determined to change that. She started encouraging both of her daughters with words like "I believe in you, God has a wonderful plan for your life, you have a kind and tender servants heart that is such a blessing to me and others," and so on just saying things like that to them throughout the day. Over time she began to see courage, discipline, and a renewed zest for life rising in both her daughters. I realized that I needed to do that with my girls. Instead of constantly berating them for their faults, I need to focus on their positive points and encourage them with uplifting words. I guess my reason for writing this is to ask for prayer as I work to change my attitude and help my daughters, that God entrusted to me, become who I know God created them to be. Another quote she mentioned was "Treat people as if they were what they should be, and you help them become what they are capable of becoming." - Goethe
I hope that this helps others who might also be struggling with this same issue, whether it be with your children, husband or friends. God Bless and thank you for your prayers and support!