This is so weird, because I was going to write about this today, as I was thinking about it earlier.  Well, I forgot, but then I was reading BIG MAMA'S RAMBLINGS http://thebodiebunch.blogspot.com/ and she mentioned it in her blog today...she's one of my favorites to read. 

Anyway, I actually didn't know anyone else did this, or that it even was a "theory"...I just began to employ it years ago when I realized that when I am "naughty", the thing I want to do is run from God....and the thing I NEED to do is get with Him as soon as possible and restore my relationship with Him.  Well, I thought about this with my kids.  Often times (actually I'm back to doing it more, but need to change) when our kids misbehave, they are sent to their room or "grounded".  The whole thing about misbehavior is a breech in the trust relationship between the person of authority and the child.   So I began to employ "grounded WITH me".  When they would misbehave, they were my buddy/helper for the day, doing whatever I did.  Yes, very inconvenient!  It's not that fun to have a child by my side constantly, especially if the child is not yet repentive.  But it is sooooo good for the restoration of relationship.  The Bible says that we obey that which we love.  I want my kids to obey me and obey God out of their LOVE for me and out of their LOVE for God, not JUST BECAUSE I SAY SO!  I want it to be out of relationship.  It's just like our relationship with the Lord.  He gave us free-will because He doesn't want a bunch of religious robots serving and obeying Him.  That's not TRUE love.  He wants our Hearts.  I want my kids' hearts....not so I can control their every move....but because they have mine!  I love them!  And out of this love I have for them, I want relationship with them.  So, at those moments when I LEAST want to be with them, it's when I MOST need to be with them.  It shows them that my love for them is patient - I will give you as long as you need; kind - I love you and want to be with you; not envious - I am excited about what God is doing in your life; not prideful - sorry about saying "because I said so", I know it helps you to understand what I mean; not rude - sorry I called you that or talked to you like that; not self-seeking - it is not "my way or the highway", I'm here to help you; not easily angered - forgive me for having a short-temper, mommy will try harder next time; forgives - I will not throw past offenses in your face by saying "you always do that", please forgive ME for doing that in the past; rejoices in the truth - I will teach you truthfulness by modeling it; protects - I will help you guard your heart, and I will not be one that damages it either; trusts - I trust you!; hopes - I believe in you!; always preserveres and never fails - I am always here for you!!!!!!

Lord, may this be my life-message...please help me to be a DO-ER of your Word!!  Talk is vain, let my kids see this in action in my life.  Thank you, amen.