Mark your calendars now to attend the next Sioux Falls Lutheran marriage encounter Weekend on February 7-9, 2003. Learn the skills necessary to improve and maintain good communication throughout your married life. more information coming soon, but check out the website; http://www.ilme.org/lme.html

1. Before you buy, ask yourself: Do I need it: Do I want to dust (or otherwise maintain) it? Could I borrow it from a friend, neighbor or family member? Is there anything I already own that I could substitute for it? How many hours will I have to work to pay for it?

2. Avoid the mall. Go hiking or play ball with the kids instead.

3. Become an advertising critic. Don’t be sucked in by efforts to make you feel inadequate so you’ll buy more stuff you don’t need.

4. Splurge consciously. A few luxuries can be delightful, and they don’t have to be

expensive.

5. Stay in, have a potluck, play a game, bake cookies, write a letter, cuddle a loved one.

6. Make a budget — you know how much you are earning and spending. each dollar represents precious time in your life that you worked. Are you spending money in ways that fulfill you?

During the Faith Family Style Event held at church on Nov. 10, Pat Eidsness shared some important tips on how to build a trusting relationship with your family.

Families that do these 4 keys have 50% more youth remain active in church as young adults.

1. Caring Conversations: Talk during dinner, use conversation starters - ex. Whenever I see a

rainbow, I think of ........ Talk about something other than school and grades.

2. Family Devotions: Just talking to each other, say a table prayer at dinner time, talk about faith in the context of the day & pray over it.

3. Family Service: Usher at church, serve during fellowship, give to the food pantry, visit someone at the nursing home.

Come Lord Jesus,

be our guest,

and let these gifts to us be blessed;

and may there be an ample share

on every table everywhere.

Amen.