Steps for Fostering Spiritual Growth within Families

1. PAY ATTENTION to the internal and external signs of God's presence and activity in your life. Notice any opportunities and/or individuals who appear as the result of coincidences or intuitive promptings, especially when three things occur together.
   ----Notice and respond to the still small voice within, especially nudges that prompt you to reach out in kindness and love to another person.
   ---Then teach your children to also pay attention and respond to these things.
   
   
2. REFLECT upon personal and spiritual experiences, not only your own, but the ones that are shared with you.
   --- try to determine what do they mean?
   ---Are they directing you (or someone else) toward an action?
   ---Create a period of silence and solitude each day so you can 'hear' God speak to you, then reflect upon what you hear or observe.
   
   
3. ASK FOR HELP: try to determine what God's plan is for you or for your children, then ask for help in accomplishing it.
   --- For all of us, God wants us to live as fully as possible.
   ---Ask God to use you as an instrument of love, peace
   and grace towards your foster children and others in your life.
   --- If you are unclear about what to do, ask for help in discerning and the grace for accomplishing God's plan. Then watch and see (or hear) what happens in your life!
   
   
4. YES! Say "Yes" to the opportunities you are given to connect with
   people and situations that will help you or will enable you to help someone else. Trust that certain things will happen, that certain people will appear in your life, and that you will hear certain interior messages
   (the 'still, small voice within')-- for a reason: to help you and your family to live fully by fostering mental, physical & spiritual growth.