“Say Facebook!” he grinned, before ducking behind the lens.

Apparently that phrase is quickly replacing, “Say cheese.” After all, Facebook photos are uploaded weekly–if not daily.

And I do love them so… I’m able to keep up with old relatives while I “ooh” and “aww” over the new ones.

It’s a sign of this new generation isn’t it? I’m as guilty as the next person when it comes to wanting a good picture for my profile page. Like thousands of other people, it’s important for me to put my best face forward. That includes a warm smile.

There are two sides to any situation we face–a positive side and a negative side. The pose we strike determines which side we take. As difficult as it might be at times, we have the choice to choose our attitude at any time for the good. When someone gets under our skin, we can be impatient and vindictive or we can exercise the virtue of kindness. It’s especially important to remember this when we don’t feel like it because that’s when it doesn’t come easy.

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. – Colossians 3:12, ESV

There have been times when I sense that I’m a little grumpy, and even though I know that I can let go of it and smile, I choose to hang on to it. Praise God for His grace as He gently leads this work in progress.

The tagline of my ministry is “Empowering Wives to Joyfully Serve.” And the reason I chose that focus is because I firmly believe that in many cases our attitude can set the tempo in our home.

Have you ever heard the saying, “When mama’s happy, everyone’s happy?” I know it to be true in our home because a good attitude is not only contagious it offers a sense of assurance to others. It sends out an empowering message of contentment which is one that I want my kids to pick up on.

What I also want my kids to see is kindness in action. Not just kindness that comes easy, but kindness to those who don’t always deserve it.

I had one of those proud Mommy moments last night when I asked Madison, “If you were praying for a boyfriend. What five qualities would you ask God to include?”

Her answer was beautiful, and unlike most teenagers who might have put “a hot guy” at the top of their list:

1.) Christian
2.) Generous
3.) Someone who is kind to those who are not the nicest of people.
4.) A MUSIC LOVER
5.) …. I’ll think about it

Number five turned out to be “someone who has a great sense of humor,” but did you happen to catch number three? She gets it!

Being kind to people who are nice to us is nothing more than an exchange of emotions. But real character is found in those who freely give without keeping score.

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; – Matthew 5:44

Marriage isn’t about you and it isn’t about me. It’s about centering our relationship on Jesus Christ who freely gave of Himself when we least deserved it. God is kind to both the just and to the unjust.

That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. – Matthew 5:45

It’s not always easy to be kind, but it’s possible when we take the focus off of ourselves and turn them onto our Lord.

When I think of a kind wife, these are 7 of the habits that stand out to me most:

1. She’s affectionate – all human beings benefit from affection. A smile, a kiss, a warm embrace when you walk in through door… These are the things that remind us we’re loved.

2. She’s understanding – Although we don’t always agree with one another, it’s a blessing when someone makes an effort to understand our point of view isn’t it? It takes an open heart and a listening ear.

3. She looks to God to sharpen her character – When we pattern our lives after our Savior we surrender our lives to His will. Regardless of what pop culture is doing, our decisions are based on truth.

4. She’s strengthened by prayer – Prayer is an important step in reshaping our lives. If we want to center our marriage around Christ, first and foremost, we need to surrender our heart to His will.

5. She knows that a kind word turns away wrath – We all know this, but do we practice it enough? Kind words are powerful. They can diffuse a situation and calm a troubled heart.

6. She builds up her husband instead of tearing him down – Listening to him, making an effort to be cheerful, and ignoring his faults are just a few of the ways we can build up our husbands in a world that is tearing them down.

7. She’s not perfect, but she’s growing in grace – There are those who see virtue as an impossibility. We all can’t be this perfect, and we wall can’t be this strong. While that is true, it’s important to remember that building virtue on faith is a life-long journey upon which the road is paved by His grace. 

You are loved by an almighty God,

The schedule for this series
Week 1: Introduction
Week 2 – Purity Pt. 1
Week 2 – Purity Pt. 2
Week 3 – Self Control Pt. 1
Week 3 – Self Control Pt. 2
Week 4 – Love Pt. 1
Week 4 – Love Pt. 2
Week 5 – Diligence Pt. 1
Week 5 – Diligence Pt. 2
Week 6 – Patience Pt. 1
Week 6 – Patience Pt. 2
Week 7 – Kindness Pt. 1

Today and every Tuesday, I want to invite bloggers to link-up any blog posts that will encourage women to joyfully live out their roles as wives and keepers of their homes I’m looking for posts on marriage, parenting, housekeeping, recipes, etc.

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Check out my book, The Good Wife’s Guide: Embracing Your Role as a Help Meet