Nothing is guaranteed: all is grace, all must be cultivated

In life, anything unfed dries up. Love, trust, and peace at home don’t run “by themselves.” Scripture sets the compass: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21, ESV) What you call “treasure” gets your time, eyes, and actions. Wisdom adds: “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23, ESV) If your heart shuts down, everything hollows out.

Everyday truths (no polish)

We lose what we put on autopilot: marriage, prayer, bonds with our kids.

Complaining drains a home; gratitude makes it breathe.

Excuses kill value; small acts protect it.

Screens steal minutes; presence makes them fruitful.

God’s grace doesn’t cancel effort; it carries it when you step.

How we lose what we don’t value

We say “God first” yet give Him no real 10 minutes. We say “my marriage matters” yet delay repair. We say “kids are precious” while talking to them over a phone. Eventually the spouse feels optional, the child goes quiet, faith becomes a memory. Nothing is guaranteed: everything is grace to be cultivated.

To value = time + limits + repetition

Time: block minutes, not intentions.
Limits: cut what steals (notifications, binge, useless spend).
Repetition: repeat the same simple acts until the house changes.

Concrete plan (7 days)

1) God 10 (every morning): 10 minutes Scripture + prayer; write one line of obedience for today.
2) Face-to-face 15 (3 evenings): cleared table, phones in a basket; 90 s each; listener mirrors one sentence; end with one specific thanks.
3) Repair 60: if a word snapped, within an hour say, “Sorry for my tone; let me restart gently.”
4) Act 24h: one visible loving gesture (prep coffee, fold laundry, kind text).
5) Screens: one screen-free hour after dinner; alarm outside bedroom; no screen in bed.
6) Money: freeze one nonessential spend; prioritize giving/rent/food/savings.
7) Blessing: one spoken blessing a day over spouse and kids.

Signs you’re revaluing what matters

Fewer raised voices; more short true sentences. “Thank you” returns. The table clears. Kids respond better because rules are seen and kept. Prayer becomes simple and regular. Peace grows without bigger budgets.

Prayer

“Father, all is grace. Teach me to cherish what You entrusted to me. Guard my heart, reset my treasure. Give me strength to keep these small acts today. Amen.”