*Chapter 8- Should I keep trying to work it out?

Proclamation Principle: Marriage between a Man and woman is essential to God’s eternal plan. Should I keep trying to work it out?  Sacred and Secular Perspectives on the Crossroads of divorce.

Lesson Objectives:  While this chapter primarily deals with marital conflict resolution, the principle of working things out can also be applied to a family in their home life.  In so doing, we can create harmony and a loving environment in our home.  Learning the importance of this principle early, and of the importance of humility, is essential to a strong marital foundation.  Life will inevitably throw some curve balls and some challenging life circumstances where conflict may arise but with the help of a loving Heavenly Father, we can work through these challenges.

Opening Song:  Love is Spoken Here

 Quote/Scripture of the Week:  1 Peter 1:7- That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ."

Attention Activity-sit the family at the piano and have each person play any note of their choosing at the same time.  Results?  Probably not terribly easy on the ears.  What if we choose to play notes that are harmonious with one another?  What difference does it make?  Even one sour note in a family can ruin the entire sound. While each individual plays a part in creating harmony in the home, the parents have a responsibility to rear a family in love and righteousness and to show an example of love and respect. They can show this best by the way they treat their spouse.

Video Clip:  Show this silly little clip of the story of Dr. Seuss' the Zax.

Discussion: After watching the clip, discuss how this is the perfect example of how nobody is a winner when pride, selfishness, and insensitivity to others are in a relationship.   We must turn to the Lord to overcome feelings of conflict within our homes.  

Object Lesson:  The Yellow Gummy Bear Rule. Relate the story of the Yellow gummy bear rule and how there may be times of opposition in our marriage but if we can be steadfast in our efforts to overcome these challenges in our marriage, we can more fully appreciate the good even more. 

Alternate Activity:  There will be times in life when challenges come that seem impossible to overcome but if we have faith and trust in the Lord, He will help us to get through such times, especially when they are of a spiritual nature.

Clip:  Spiritual Whirlwind

 

Refreshments:  What else, gummy bears. :)