Comunication

     Every family member works, learns, and loves differently.  Personally I work best with a set plan, I learn best by interaction or doing something.  And my love languages are quality time, physical touch, and receiving gifts. (Yes, all three are equal)  The beauty of a family is learning our differences and working as a team.  

     This summer my family has been renovating our house.  We built an Ikea kitchen, and it turned out beautifully.  It wasn't easy.  Not because the instructions were only pictures, or because Ikea makes very confusing furniture.  It wasn't easy, because it challenged our communication, and team working skills.   

     The Carroll family has five members and we all like to talk.  Our stories run long and when we listen to each other we often get so consumed by what our response is going to be.  We listen to respond not to understand.  I often find it hard to communicate though verbal words especially since day to day life seams to never slow down.  I write letters instead.  Writing letters to my family members gives me the opportunity to think through what I have to say and to say it clearly.  

     Although being able to write can be easy as a daughter and sister I have also learned the importance of verbal conversation.  Being able to communicate clearly when stressed or angry is hard, but it is a skill that is needed.  James 1:19 reminds us of the need for this skill "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger."  The saying think before you speak is hard to live out.  Even though it may be difficult try to take a breath before you respond when arguing with siblings or even with your parents.

Communication is not a skill I have mastered.  Though the move and renovations I have learned just how important being able to communicate with family is.  Talk with a sibling or write them a letter.  Sometimes it is hardest to talk to family so make it easy this week.    

~Lizzy

Many Memories:

When Andrew and I went to a RV show with our parents and we sarcastically said it would be fun to live in a RV, we were taken pretty seriously....