"Wives need consistent proof of change over a period of time in at least three areas before they will believe their husband's commitment: careful listening without justification or argument, quickness to admit error, and patience with her doubts."

--Gary and Norma Smalley, It Takes Two to Tango

A key word above is "consistent." She needs to know the change is for real and not just an act. There's no way to prioritize the three areas mentioned. They're all necessary, of the same sprout, which is focus on her and her needs and not your ego.

http://www.yourconfidencecoach.com/

Get this free downloadable (PDF) guide on how to protect yourself and your family. Especially of interest to women. Lots of good, no-nonsense tips.

Larry Burkett says, "Few Christians who view their work as a chore have much of a witness on or off the job." True, True. The Bible says the servant should serve his master as if serving the Lord himself. That principle to slaves of that time translate almost directly to the attitude that an employee ought to have toward his work and his supervisors. Many religious people think their faith gives them the right to relax their efforts; some even claim they are "sons of the King," as if that gave them the right to do less than their best. If they stopped and thought a while, they would realize that it means they will do superior work and show an exemplary attitude.

"Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men" (Proverbs 22:29 NASB).

It's called GOD'S WORD for the Nations and seems to have some good renderings. All on-line for your reading, in PDF format.

Another of my nifty couplets:

Order is not force imposed from without,
but inner balance from a spiritual sprout.

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José Ortega Y Gasset wrote, "Order is not pressure which is imposed on society from without, but an equilibrium which is set up from within." One could say the same of order for the individual, as the Holy Spirit effects its fruit within the heart.