They say that the family is the basic unit of the society. That's quite true. Happy families make happy societies. I'm sure all of us long to have a happy family. Having one is worth thanking for!

Caption: That's my family in Cebu. My cousins are so adorable!

In the last article I posted here in Steemit, I shared about some tips to strengthen the family bond. In this post, I'll be adding three tips. I hope these tips will really help you. Don't forget to pray and ask God to fill your family with joy and love. Let me first have a recap of the first three:

1. Communicate with Love
2. Allot Sufficient Time to be with each other
3. Family Meetings are Important

Caption: As the years go by, we were able to accept our strengths and weaknesses. We don't compromise but we always rebuke in love.

4. Make every Member of the Family Feel Special

Please don't encourage favoritism. Make everyone feel that they are loved and they are special. In my extended family, when someone celebrates his/her birthday we greet him/her or give some presents to him/her. Family members sometimes tend to focus on those who "achieve" a lot and forget those who are just mediocre. Well, be careful. Make sure everyone is given equal attention and time. Parents, especially, should not overlook their children's emotional needs. All members should be sensitive if there's someone who is being left behind.

Caption: I praise GOD for giving me parents who have always been with me through life's ups and downs.

Caption: Our family bondings were always memorable. Happy me!

5. Express Affections

I heard some people saying that some cultures are not that expressive in terms of verbal and non-verbal affections. As families, I often heard counselors saying that we should be intentional in expressing affections and warmth. Love is an action. It should not be merely on giving some cash or expensive gifts. We should not stay cold with each other. Let us allow God to sweeten our families with encouraging words, hugs, and of course, saying "I love you." My parents and I often say "I love you" and hug each other. I find it very nice. I appreciate their loving gestures and words.

Caption: Focus on the positive side of your family. Let the sunshine of love come in!

Caption: Always seek God first

6. Make Christ First and Last

Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. -Matt 6:33

It could be a commonly used Bible verse but it really has a deep and wonderful meaning. I know that my family have this motto. I have seen them praying and seeking God's will through the years. Their influence have inspired me to choose to have Christ as the first and last in everything. When we obey God's commandments, His blessings come freely. It is therefore important to create healthy Christ-centered values and pass them to the next generations. One thing that I'm really grateful for about my family is that God gave me the chance to work with them in the Gospel ministry. It helped us love each other unconditionally.

Caption: Zen and My are my two closest family members. They are worth more than diamonds!

Friends, remember if we commit to God all aspects of our lives, He will fill our lives with joy that the world cannot give. Choose to love your family. Choose to be happy with them. Be a better person and a better family member. Do not give up. Smile. :)

@abigailloveremo

Excelsior forevermore!
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