Assessing our Needs

This morning I began the workbook section of the study.  I'm really going to like this. 
I will continue with that I highlighted in chapter one yesterday.  Between discussing what I have marked accompanied by the questions in the workbook, my thought process in my marriage is going to be transformed!

But how do we get past the unforgiveness and critical attitude?
I can't imagine someone having a more critical attitude than I do.  I know someone is out there...but I needn't find them.  I need to change mine.  I desire to be the former owner of a critcal attitude.  God is already working in me.  When I want to be critical, I can hear the wonderful whisper of our Father guiding me in the right direction.  Do I always choose the right path?  NO.  But God knows our hearts and he knows where my heart wants to go.  Each time it gets a little easier.  Satan knows my weakspots and I've allowed him to nest in there thinking it's okay because I'm doing it all in the name of love.  Wrong again.

There is a time to speak and a time to remail silent. 
Silent?  How in earth is my husband going to change if I don't tell him how do it?  Happy is the man whose wife can discern between the two.  Again, what a learning experience!  I have taken these concerns to my Father.  Yes, he's not working on Dan...it's ME.  I always knew I could use some changing; however, I really knew my husband could benefit from his own changing as well. 

But hard as it may seem, it's best to let God hear them first so He can temper them with his Spirit.
This works!.  Yes, I am aware I have ignored this advice more than utilized it.  Again, I'm learning!  It's amazing how our own angry tune changes if we tell God what we'd like to tell our spouses.  I feel guitly just telling God in the first place, often, even as the words are flowing out of my mouth, anger subsides.  I've found this is even more effective if you actually speak out loud to God in these circumstances.  THEN when God has guided you, return to your husband. 

We'll close for today.  I'm so thankful for this book.  Maybe, just maybe I'll be able to successfully complete a DP study once this study is done.  Surely it won't seem so radical after God has done a bit of work preparing me for DP.