Faith

Faith

by | Jun 26, 2021 | Virtues

Description

Faith is the steadfast trust in the unseen, a deep confidence in the goodness and purpose of life. It is the belief that there is a source of grace and strength beyond our understanding, empowering us to face life’s challenges with courage and hope. Faith is not just a passive feeling; it is an active relationship with the unknown, rooted in trust and love.

Faith is the steadfast trust in the unseen, a deep confidence in the goodness and purpose of life. It is the belief that there is a source of grace and strength beyond our understanding, empowering us to face life’s challenges with courage and hope. Faith is not just a passive feeling; it is an active relationship with the unknown, rooted in trust and love.

In every aspect of life, faith serves as the wind in the sails of our aspirations. It propels us forward when we are tempted to stall in fear or self-doubt. With faith, we find the strength to persevere, even when the road ahead seems uncertain. It is the quiet assurance that we are not alone, that we are guided, and that life holds meaning—even when its purpose is not immediately clear.

Faith teaches us to trust in the process of growth, to remain open to possibilities, and to embrace miracles in their many forms. It invites us to believe in ourselves and others, knowing we are all uniquely created with intention and love. Whether in relationships, career, personal development, or spiritual life, faith anchors us, providing clarity and resilience.

In its essence, faith is the act of letting go of the need to control every outcome and trusting in the unfolding of life. It is a virtue that transforms doubt into hope, fear into strength, and the ordinary into the extraordinary. Wherever we find ourselves, faith is the light that illuminates the path forward, no matter how dark the night.

Affirmations for Faith

1. I trust that life is unfolding exactly as it should.
This helps release the need for control and fosters peace by embracing the flow of life.

2. I believe in my ability to navigate challenges with grace.
Affirming self-trust strengthens resilience and confidence, even in uncertain times.

3. I welcome the unknown with an open heart and mind.
This encourages curiosity and reduces fear of uncertainty, allowing for growth and discovery.

4. I am guided by a higher purpose that supports my journey.
Believing in a greater purpose provides comfort and clarity when making decisions.

5. I choose hope over fear, even when the path is unclear.
This cultivates optimism, enabling perseverance during difficult situations.

6. Every setback is an opportunity for growth and learning.
Seeing challenges as part of the process strengthens faith in personal development.

7. I trust in the timing of my life.
This reduces impatience and frustration, fostering patience and inner calm.

8. I focus on what I can control and release what I cannot.
Letting go of the uncontrollable builds trust in the bigger picture and reduces stress.

9. I see evidence of grace and goodness all around me.
Practicing gratitude helps recognize the positive aspects of life, reinforcing faith.

10. I am never alone; I am supported by love and light.
This affirmation fosters connection and reassurance, even in moments of solitude or doubt.

Quotes

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” — Martin Luther King Jr.

“Faith is not something to grasp; it is a state to grow into.” — Mahatma Gandhi

“Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark.” — Rabindranath Tagore

Faith In Family Life

Faith in family life is the shared trust in each other, the belief in the strength of love, and the confidence that challenges can be overcome together. It is the assurance that every family member has a unique purpose and that their combined presence creates a foundation of hope and resilience. Faith keeps families united during uncertainty, reminding them that they are stronger as a team and that brighter days lie ahead.

For parents, faith means trusting in their ability to guide their children with wisdom, even when the path is unclear. It involves modeling optimism, patience, and belief in the future, showing their children how to approach life with courage and hope. Faith helps parents trust in their children’s growth and the lessons from successes and challenges.

Faith is nurtured in children when they feel safe, valued, and supported by their families. It grows as they learn to trust in their abilities, believe in their dreams, and know they are part of a loving, unshakable unit. Through shared practices such as gratitude, storytelling, and open communication, children learn that faith is the light guiding them through life’s uncertainties.

Faith in family life is more than belief; it is a living practice of trust, love, and hope that creates a sanctuary of strength and connection for every family member.

Balancing Faith

When in balance, faith serves as a source of hope, trust, and resilience, fostering a positive environment where parents and children can grow together. However, for faith to remain a healthy and guiding force, it must be complemented by other virtues that ground it in reality, ensure accountability, and foster harmony within the family.

      • Discernment:  Discernment helps ensure faith is based on thoughtful consideration and wisdom, avoiding blind optimism or unrealistic expectations.
      • Patience:  Patience allows faith to unfold naturally over time, teaching families to trust in the process without rushing results.
      • Humility:  Humility balances faith by encouraging openness to other perspectives and acknowledging that we don’t have all the answers.
      • Courage:  Courage ensures that faith is accompanied by action, empowering families to take risks and face challenges confidently.
      • Practicality:  Practicality keeps faith grounded, ensuring it aligns with realistic goals and day-to-day responsibilities.
      • Hope:  Hope nurtures faith by focusing on positive outcomes while avoiding despair in difficult times.
      • Resilience:  Resilience complements faith by helping families recover from setbacks without losing trust in themselves or the future.
      • Gratitude:  Gratitude enriches faith by encouraging recognition of the blessings already present in life.
      • Accountability:  Accountability ensures that faith-driven decisions are met with responsibility and follow-through, maintaining trust within the family.
      • Integrity:  Integrity aligns faith with a clear set of values, ensuring it is practiced with honesty and authenticity.

Maintaining balance in virtues is essential for nurturing a family environment where faith can flourish without becoming overbearing or misplaced. By integrating virtues such as discernment, humility, and resilience, parents and children alike can practice faith as a grounded, hopeful, and empowering force in their lives. This harmony ensures that faith uplifts and strengthens the foundation of trust, love, and shared growth within the family.

Joe is a husband, father, grandfather, author, speaker, educator, course creator, and parent/family coach.

He helps parents develop unity, find clarity, communicate, and develop consistency in their parenting with the Four C’s of Successful Families. You can find his work on social media.

In addition, the Four C’s newsletter is enjoyed by many as it encourages parents to self-care, build their relationships with their partners, and raise their children. 

And he loves to golf! 

Joseph Michael
Faith

Fairness

by | Jun 26, 2021 | Virtues

Description

Fairness is treating each other even-handedly so that each person receives a share. With fairness, we meet everyone’s needs. We listen to the views of others with openness and expect to be heard with equal respect. We don’t focus on who is right but on what is right for all concerned. Without bias, favoritism, or prejudice, we level the playing field. We are as protective of the rights of others as we are of our own. We seek not to overpower but to empower. We are lovers of justice.

Quote

“Hear one side and you will be in the dark; hear both sides and all will be clear.”

— Thomas Chandler Haliburton

 The Practice of Fairness

  • I treat others justly.
  • I hear others points of view with openness.
  • I expect respect for my perspective.
  • I care more about doing things right than being right.
  • I believe in fair play.
  • I have a win/win attitude.
Definitions and practices of virtue are used with permission from the Virtues Project™.

In Family Life

In a family, fairness means treating each member equally, respecting their perspectives and needs, and allocating resources and responsibilities justly. It is demonstrated through open communication that it fosters an environment where every family member’s opinions and feelings are valued and considered. Decision-making processes are transparent and inclusive, ensuring no one person’s voice or desires overshadow others. Fairness also involves:

  • Sharing responsibilities in a balanced manner.
  • Taking into account each family member’s capabilities and limitations.
  • Avoiding favoritism.

Ultimately, a fair family operates on principles of empathy and understanding, striving to maintain harmony and equal opportunities for growth and well-being among all its members.

Balancing Fairness

The virtue of Fairness is a beacon of light in our quest for a just and harmonious society. Integrating it with other virtues will provide guidance and balance.

      • Compassion: Pair fairness with compassion to ensure that we also consider each individual’s unique circumstances and needs while striving for equitable treatment. Compassion helps us understand that sometimes fairness means providing extra support to those facing greater challenges.
      • Wisdom: Wisdom guides us in discerning when a strict interpretation of fairness may not serve the greater good. It helps us make informed decisions considering long-term consequences and adapting fairness to the context.
      • Courage: Fairness should not be compromised in the face of adversity or injustice. Courage enables us to stand up for fairness, even when it is difficult or unpopular, and to challenge unfair systems or practices.
      • Humility: Acknowledging that our perspective may not always be the only valid one is an important aspect of fairness. Humility reminds us to listen to others with an open heart and a willingness to learn from their experiences.
      • Integrity: Fairness is rooted in integrity, and integrity ensures that we maintain consistency in our principles and actions, treating others as we would like to be treated.

Together, these virtues form the foundation upon which we can build a world where fairness is not just an ideal but a living reality for all.

Faith

Excellence

by | Jun 26, 2021 | Virtues

Description

Excellence is giving our very best to any task we do and any relationship we have. Within us are many possibilities. Excellence hones our talents and turns them into gifts for the world. Excellence requires us to practice humility by learning from mistakes. Each time we do something, we seek to improve it, to keep raising the bar. Excellence is effort guided by a noble purpose. It is ongoing mastery. It flows when we are doing what we love. The perfection of a seed is the fruit that grows from it. Excellence in our lives brings our gifts to fruition.

Quote

“When love and skill work together, expect a masterpiece.”   John Ruskin

“I do the very best I know how – the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end.”  Abraham Lincoln

“May you discover your own special abilities and contribute them toward a better world.”  Charlene Costanzo

 The Practice of Excellence

  • I give my best to all that I do.
  • I give my best to my relationships.
  • I am a lifelong learner.
  • I fulfill my true possibilities.
  • I strive for mastery.
  • I work with love.

“Attention to little things is a great thing.”  St. John Chrysostom

 

Definitions and practices of virtue are used with permission from the Virtues Project™.

In Family Life

In a family, excellence is a guiding principle that inspires each member to pursue their highest potential. It is demonstrated through the collective commitment to continuous improvement, where family members support and challenge one another to achieve their personal and shared goals. Excellence is cultivated through open and honest communication, where ideas are shared and differences are respected, fostering growth and understanding.

It is evident in how family members celebrate each other’s successes and provide unwavering encouragement in times of adversity. In a family dedicated to excellence, values of hard work, determination, and resilience are instilled, ensuring that each member thrives individually and contributes to the family’s overall well-being and legacy of greatness.

Balancing Excellence

To maintain a healthy balance of excellence, several complementary virtues can be beneficial:

      • Humility: Humility helps counteract the overdevelopment of excellence by reminding us that it’s okay to make mistakes and that no one is perfect. It encourages us to learn from our errors and grow.
      • Patience: Patience is essential to prevent the frustration and anxiety that may accompany the pursuit of perfection. It allows us to progress reasonably, understanding that excellence is an ongoing journey.
      • Compassion: Compassion helps us avoid unrealistic expectations for others and fosters understanding and forgiveness when people fall short. It promotes healthier relationships and collaboration.
      • Courage: Courage is necessary to overcome the fear of failure associated with the underdevelopment of excellence. It empowers us to take risks, embrace challenges, and put in the effort required for growth.
      • Self-Care: Self-care is crucial to balance excellence as it reminds us to prioritize our well-being. It ensures that we don’t neglect ourselves while striving for excellence in various aspects of life.

When practiced in moderation and balanced with other virtues like humility, patience, compassion, courage, and self-care, excellence is a valuable virtue that can lead to personal and professional fulfillment without the negative consequences of overdevelopment or underdevelopment. Embrace excellence, but remember it is a journey, not a destination.

Being Excellent

  • Give your best to whatever you do
  • Don’t try to do everything
  • Develop you special gifts
  • Remember to plan and practice

Reflection Questions

  • List the names of three famous people who excel in their field. How do they show it?
  • Name a time you chose to practice excellence.
  • Name a time you needed excellence. Did you practice it or did you choose to give up?

Practicing the virtue of Excellence within a family setting involves striving for the best version of oneself and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Here are five ways family members can practice this virtue:

  1. Setting High Standards: Encourage each family member to set high personal standards and goals in various aspects of life, such as academics, sports, hobbies, or personal development. Emphasize the importance of putting in effort and dedication to achieve these goals.
  2. Supporting Each Other’s Growth: Create an atmosphere of support and encouragement where family members uplift and motivate each other to improve and excel. Celebrate each other’s successes and provide constructive feedback when needed.
  3. Promoting Lifelong Learning: Instill a love for learning in the family by reading together, discussing educational topics, or attending workshops and seminars. Encourage curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge in various areas of interest.
  4. Recognizing and Celebrating Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate individual and collective achievements within the family. Whether big or small, recognizing accomplishments reinforces the value of striving for excellence.
  5. Emphasizing Continuous Improvement: Teach the concept of continuous improvement by emphasizing that excellence is not about being perfect but about consistently growing and bettering oneself. Embrace failures and setbacks as learning opportunities and encourage resilience in facing challenges.

By practicing these ways, family members can cultivate a culture of excellence that fosters personal growth, mutual support, and a shared commitment to being their best versions.

Faith

Orderliness

by | Jun 26, 2021 | Virtues

Description

Orderliness is living in a way that creates harmony around us and within us. We have a place for the things we use, and keep them where they belong. Order and beauty in our home and work spaces brings a sense of peace and freedom. Our thoughts and ideas flow more freely. We do not hold onto clutter. We clear the way for genuine abundanance. Orderliness is being focused and purposeful, planning tasks step by step instead of going in circles. As we trust Divine order unfolding in our lives, we find a still point of order in our souls.

Quote

“What a gift of grace to be able to take the chaos from within and from it create some semblance of order”

— Katherine Paterson

 The Practice of Orderliness

  • I create a harmonious space that makes my soul peaceful.
  • I keep only what is useful and beautiful.
  • I put things in their place after I use them.
  • I plan with a purpose.
  • I solve problems step by step.
  • I trust in the presence of Divine order in my life.
Definitions and practices of virtue are used with permission from the Virtues Project™. 

In Family Life

A harmonious and organized living environment manifests the virtue of orderliness within a family. It entails maintaining a clean and tidy home where each family member takes responsibility for their personal space and collectively contributes to shared spaces. Orderliness is demonstrated by adhering to schedules and routines, ensuring that mealtimes, chores, and activities are planned and executed efficiently.

It also involves effective communication and a sense of shared responsibility, with everyone playing their part in keeping the household running smoothly. Ultimately, orderliness in a family fosters a sense of tranquility, cooperation, and respect among its members, creating a nurturing and stable foundation for growth and well-being.

Balancing Orderliness

Orderliness, when not in balance, can manifest as perfectionism or chaos. Consider these companion virtues to maintain a healthy balance.

  • Flexibility: Flexibility helps prevent the overdevelopment of orderliness by allowing you to adapt to unexpected changes and enjoy spontaneity. It’s the ability to go with the flow when necessary.
  • Compassion: Compassion reminds us not to judge ourselves or others harshly when orderliness is underdeveloped. Instead of berating ourselves for a messy room or a missed deadline, we can show understanding and kindness.
  • Wisdom: Wisdom helps us discern when to apply order and when to let go. It enables us to prioritize tasks and recognize that perfection is not always attainable or necessary.
  • Courage: Courage encourages us to step out of our comfort zone, even if it means deviating from our meticulously organized plans. It helps break free from the constraints of overdeveloped orderliness.
  • Self-discipline: Self-discipline complements orderliness by providing the structure needed to achieve goals, but it does so in a balanced and sustainable manner, preventing the burnout associated with perfectionism.
  • Humility: Humility reminds us that nobody is perfect and everyone makes mistakes. Embracing imperfection and learning from it is key to maintaining a healthy relationship with orderliness.

Orderliness is a virtue that, when kept in balance with other virtues like flexibility, compassion, wisdom, courage, self-discipline, and humility, can lead to a well-structured and harmonious life.

Faith

Enthusiasm

by | Jun 25, 2021 | Virtues

Description

Enthusiasm is being filled with spirit. It means “God within”. When we live with enthusiasm, we are excited about life and are open to the wonders each day holds. We do things wholeheartedly, with zeal and eagerness, holding nothing back. We allow the excitement of the moment to fill us. We enjoy good humor. We live in the moment and appreciate what we have, finding joy in simple pleasures. We are cheerful and optimistic about what is to come. Enthusiasm helps us to imagine what is possible. We follow our dreams with true joy.

Quote

“And whatsover you do, do it heartily. ”

— Colossians 3:23

 The Practice of Enthusiasm

  • I am excited about my life.
  • I do things wholeheartedly.
  • I am inspired by simple things.
  • I put love and joy into what I do.
  • I smile, laugh, and have a good sense of humor.
  • I have a positive spirit.
Definitions and practices of virtue are used with permission from the Virtues Project™.

In Family Life

The virtue of enthusiasm in a family is exemplified through an atmosphere of genuine excitement, support, and energy that permeates daily interactions. It is demonstrated by family members actively engaging in each other’s passions and interests, whether cheering on a child’s soccer game, participating in a parent’s hobby, or celebrating a sibling’s achievements.

Enthusiasm within the family means being genuinely interested and invested in each other’s lives, encouraging one another to pursue dreams and goals, and fostering an environment where everyone feels empowered to explore their talents and interests. This virtue brings forth a sense of shared joy, nurturing strong bonds, and a sense of togetherness that can weather any challenge.

Balancing Enthusiasm

To maintain a healthy balance of enthusiasm, several virtues can come to our aid:

    • Moderation: The virtue of moderation can help temper over-enthusiasm. Individuals can learn to channel their enthusiasm into productive and sustainable pursuits by practicing moderation. They’ll avoid burnout and ensure they approach tasks and goals with thoughtful consideration.
    • Patience: Patience helps counter underdeveloped enthusiasm. Individuals can persevere through challenges and setbacks with more tempered optimism when they cultivate patience. This virtue encourages them to keep their long-term goals in mind and stay committed even when the initial excitement wanes.
    • Humility: Humility reminds us to remain grounded in our enthusiasm. It encourages us to appreciate life’s simple pleasures and not let success or enthusiasm inflate our egos. Humility keeps us connected to others, preventing us from becoming self-centered in our enthusiasm.
    • Gratitude: Gratitude complements enthusiasm by encouraging us to appreciate what we have and find joy in the present moment. Practicing gratitude can help us avoid taking things for granted and maintain a positive outlook.

While enthusiasm is a wonderful and uplifting virtue, it must be balanced like any other virtue. Overdeveloped enthusiasm can lead to recklessness and exhaustion, while underdeveloped enthusiasm can result in a lack of motivation and fulfillment. Embracing virtues such as moderation, patience, humility, and gratitude can help us harness the power of enthusiasm in a way that enhances our lives and the lives of those around us.