Wride Family Rules

The Friend Magazine had a page about family rules, which was inspired since rules are right on my mind right now.  Thanks to their final push of encouragement, we've made our list, and yesterday morning I printed up 10 copies and they are by each of the kids' walls by their pillows (so they can read them and learn them as they lay down for bed or when they get up in the morning) and the rules are posted by each toilet (the other spot where kids have private time to think and ponder, haha.)  Here are our rules - slightly modified from the Duggar's family guidelines:

FAMILY RULES:

“DO” RULES:                                                                               
1.  Be calm.  Use soft words, even when you don’t feel well.  
2.  Display kind actions and joyful attitudes, even if you have been mistreated. Have the right response by quickly forgiving others in your heart even before they ask.  
3.  Be happy and look for opportunities to praise others’ character.  
4.  Deflect praise and recognize God and others for the ways they have benefited your life.  
5.  Use manners and be respectful of others and their belongings.  Share!
6. Do what is right, even when others may not, or when no one is looking.  
7.  Be attentive and look for ways to serve others with sincere motives and no thought of self-gain.  
8.  Choose to be happy now by listening only to True thoughts in your head - “True” with a capital “T”, don’t let lies or small truth advice rule your feelings. (Belief Box)
9.  Give a good report of others. Don’t gossip! Never tale-bear unless physical harm will come to someone. (Use Matthew 18.)
10.  Forgive others - D&C 64:10 “I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.”
11.  Be Clean.  Do your best to keep your surroundings neat and organized.  
12.  Always be Grateful.  D&C 59:7 “Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things”.  Thank God for how He made you, for what He has given you and everything He allows you to go through. (Romans 8:28)  
“DON’T” RULES:                                                                       
13.  Don’t mock or put others down. Develop compassion and pray for others.  
14.  Never argue, complain, or blame. “If you do not accuse each other, God will not accuse you” - Joseph Smith.  Quickly admit when you have done wrong and ask for forgiveness (even if you were only 10% at fault). Don’t wait till you’re caught. Be sure your sins will find you out.
15.  Never raise a hand to hit.  
16.  Never raise a foot to kick.  
17.  Never raise an object to throw.  
18.  Never raise a voice to yell.  
19.  Never raise an eye to scowl.  
20.  Never let the sun go down on your wrath. (Don’t go to bed angry or guilty)  
LASTLY, REMEMBER:                                                            
21.  Seek everyday for J.O.Y. by putting Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last.