House Rules

House Rules (Taken from The Duggar Family Guidelines - yes, I went to their website about a month ago and printed them out) I read through them with the kids and made sure they understood what they meant and why they were important. During the day, I refer back to them. I do love our new house rules.

1. Always use soft words, even when you don't feel well.
2. Always display kind actions and joyful attitudes, even if you have been mistreated.
3. Always be enthusiastic and look for opportunities to praise others' character.
4. Always deflect praise and be grateful to God and others for the ways they have benefited your life.
5. Always use manners and be respectful of others and their belongings.
6. Always do what is right, even when others may not, or when no one is looking.
7. Thank God for how He made you, for what He has given you and everything He allows you to go through. (Romans 8:28)
8. Don't mock or put others down. Develop compassion and pray for others.
9. Never argue, complain, or blame, Quickly admit when you have done wrong and ask for forgiveness (even if you were only 10% at fault). Don't wait until you are caught.
10. Be attentive and look for ways to serve others with sincere motives and no thought of self-gain.
11. Think pure thoughts (Phillippians 4:8, Romans 13:14)
12. Always give a good report of others. Don't gossip! Never tale-bear unless physical harm will come to someone. (Use Matthew 18)
13. Never raise a hand to hit.
14. Never raise a foot to kick.
15. Never raise an object to throw.
16. Never raise a voice to yell.
17. Never raise an eye to scowl.
18. Use one toy/activity at a time. Share!
19. Do your best to keep your surroundings neat, clean and organized.
20. Never let the sun go down on your wrath. Don't go to bed angry or guilty.
21. Amendment J.O.Y. Put Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last.