(My Friday Show and Tell post is just below this one)

To Know Him hosts Know and Tell Friday and asks this week:

Question 1
Did you eat candy this Valentine’s Day?

I actually didn’t. I did eat too many heart-shaped cupcakes, though. And I received candy from my husband and one son, so I will be having some in the days ahead.

Question 2
What is something you do to relax?

Read, watch TV, lie down and listen to music, play Boggle on the computer.

Question 3
(From Poole’s book) What is the best approach for resolving conflict?

I think first it’s best to pray about it to have the right attitude and perspective and to ask the Lord to show us what our part in the conflict may be. Then I think it’s best to approach the other person when you think they’re receptive — not when they’re distracted or upset. It’s best to come humbly, admitting and apologizing for our part, perhaps asking from clarity for the other person — so often conflict arises from misunderstanding. Then I think you just have to lay it out as clearly, simply, and unaccusingly as possible. A phrase I heard somewhere also helps: “Attack the problem, not the person.” And it’s good to avoid inflammatory statements or words like “always” and “never.”

That’s all easier said than done, and I have to admit I usually avoid it.

Question 4
(Poole’s book again) How would you define “freedom”? (This could probably be a bonus question).

Well, it doesn’t mean “doing anything I want whenever I want to do it.” That seems to be the way most people think of it, but even in the freest country in the world, one can’t live without some kinds of rules. Spiritually I think it means freedom from oppressive requirements and rituals in order to be right with God, freedom from sin and guilt though faith in Christ’s sacrifice for our sins, and freedom to do what He wants us to do by His power.

Question 5
(Poole’s book) On a scale of 1-10, how happy do you usually feel? Explain.

I guess that depends on what you mean by happy. I am quick to laugh and see the funny side of things, but I am not a “life of the party” type. I can be a perfectionist, which means a lot of frustration. I can be downright cranky. I don’t know — maybe a 7 generally? I never know how to put numbers on these things.

Question 6
If you could choose one “SIN” that you would never have to struggle with for the rest of your life what would it be?

Selfishness. That manifests itself in so many forms — pride, self-seeking, lack of self-control.

Question 7
What is one thing that breaks your heart?

Lost people trying to live without the Lord’s comfort and help and heading toward an awful end.