DELBERT BAKER
LIFE DESIGN

C.O.N.F.I.D.E.N.C.E.

By Dr. Delbert Baker
I

n any of the 84 million families in the United States, it’s a sad sight to see family members who sign-off and tune-out, with resulting family drama and trauma getting out of control. While there may be mitigating circumstances, it’s always unfortunate. To make it personal, you may know of dysfunctional families or may be in one.

The gamechanger? It will take effort and commitment but with the right tools you can be a force for good in strengthening your family! But here’s the catch. If you’re not actively contributing to family bonding, chances are you may be part of the problem rather than the solution.

So then, how can you be a change agent for good starting today? In this special issue on the family, here are ten effective strategies you can implement with CONFIDENCE while expecting positive outcomes.

CULTIVATE HAPPINESS:

bright smiling graphic
“Home should be a little heaven upon earth, a place where the affections are cultivated…. Our happiness depends upon this cultivation of love, sympathy, and true courtesy to one another” (Ellen White, AH-15).

DISSECT RESEARCH:

paper with a pencil and a checkmark graphic
Pursue best sources and solutions, online, in print and with wise people to discover how to better understand and solve family challenges, remembering progress is dynamic and ongoing.

OPERATIONALIZE PEACEMAKING:

praying hands with a heart graphic
In every family challenge or dilemma, actively seek to be a peace-maker in every possible way (Romans 12:17-19).
EMBRACE PRIORITIES:
figure sitting in a chair beside a clock graphic
Widely communicate that family is your number one priority. Let family be protected and provided for above all other affairs of life, sociality and business (1 Timothy 5:8).
NURTURE POWER:
hands lifting a heart upward graphic
Every family can improve but you will exponentially increase the likelihood of family success if you partner with Christ, utilize prayer, Bible principles, church attendance, and wise counsel.
NEGATE OBSTACLES:
figure traveling up an arrow toward a lightening like zigzag graphic
Make it a practice to intentionally sacrifice every negative urge of pride, selfishness and egotism that would militate against family unity.
FACILITATE WISDOM:
head profile with a cross graphic
Remember God ordained that every family member needs and is dependent on each other (Psalm 68:6). Whether you are single, married or a parent, the Bible has effective counsel (see Exodus 20:12, Psalm 127:3-5, Acts 10:12).
CREATIVELY IMPLEMENT:
smiling face under the sun graphic
Through proactive attitudes, acts, and words, exemplify the age-old virtues of humility, love, morality, gratitude, self-control, patience, and diligence to pursue the best family standards.
IGNITE REVOLUTION:
two figure side-by-side with their hands raised together graphic
If you link commitment to diligence with the singular goal to make the home a loving and conducive environment, that can be the spark for a quiet revolution in your home.
EMBRACE UNEXPECTED:
smiling face under the sun graphic
Trust that God’s providence rules. So ultimately, know that our lives and our families are dependent on God (Proverbs 16:9).

CULTIVATE HAPPINESS:

two figure side-by-side with their hands raised together graphic
“Home should be a little heaven upon earth, a place where the affections are cultivated…. Our happiness depends upon this cultivation of love, sympathy, and true courtesy to one another” (Ellen White, AH-15).
OPERATIONALIZE PEACEMAKING:
praying hands with a heart graphic
In every family challenge or dilemma, actively seek to be a peace-maker in every possible way (Romans 12:17-19).
NURTURE POWER:
hands lifting a heart upward graphic
Every family can improve but you will exponentially increase the likelihood of family success if you partner with Christ, utilize prayer, Bible principles, church attendance, and wise counsel.
FACILITATE WISDOM:
head profile with a cross graphic
Remember God ordained that every family member needs and is dependent on each other (Psalm 68:6). Whether you are single, married or a parent, the Bible has effective counsel (see Exodus 20:12, Psalm 127:3-5, Acts 10:12).
IGNITE REVOLUTION:
two figure side-by-side with their hands raised together graphic
If you link commitment to diligence with the singular goal to make the home a loving and conducive environment, that can be the spark for a quiet revolution in your home.
DISSECT RESEARCH:
paper with a pencil and a checkmark graphic
Pursue best sources and solutions, online, in print and with wise people to discover how to better understand and solve family challenges, remembering progress is dynamic and ongoing.
EMBRACE PRIORITIES:
figure sitting in a chair beside a clock graphic
Widely communicate that family is your number one priority. Let family be protected and provided for above all other affairs of life, sociality and business (1 Timothy 5:8).
NEGATE OBSTACLES:
figure traveling up an arrow toward a lightening like zigzag graphic
Make it a practice to intentionally sacrifice every negative urge of pride, selfishness and egotism that would militate against family unity.
CREATIVELY IMPLEMENT:
smiling face under the sun graphic
Through proactive attitudes, acts, and words, exemplify the age-old virtues of humility, love, morality, gratitude, self-control, patience, and diligence to pursue the best family standards.
EMBRACE UNEXPECTED:
smiling face under the sun graphic
Trust that God’s providence rules. So ultimately, know that our lives and our families are dependent on God (Proverbs 16:9).

So, start today with one or more of these strategies and be confident in the outcome.

DR. DELBERT BAKER, PH,D. is an international educator with a broad worldview and an astute observer of human nature. He has degrees in theology, history, counseling and administration with a Master of Divinity, PhD in Organizational Communication, and is a certified Executive Leadership Coach.
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