Most of the time acting childish is bad news for a marriage relationship but when it comes to having fun, being “childish” may be the ticket to a happier, healthier, more satisfying marriage relationship! In a recent relationship research project couples were placed into two groups. The first group tied couples together at the wrist … Continue reading Childishness: The Missing Marriage Element
Hope Afresh
(The Dakota Baptist Connections published my article a while back.) Throughout the winter months I look out my window at the trees which appear to be nothing more than the skeletal remains of something that once was. Often my mind remembers the relief of last summer’s shade on a hot day or the vibrant hues of … Continue reading Hope Afresh
Grief: States not Stages
It has been said that grief from the death of a loved one is very individualized and personal. If it hasn’t been said then I just said it! While it is true that grief is individualized there is enough similarity in everyone’s grief to be able to understand most grief journeys. I said able, not easy. My … Continue reading Grief: States not Stages
Long Live Romantic Love
I know this is a big secret but I thought I should divulge my bias.... I'm a big fan of romance. I have seen first hand the powerful positive impact life-long romance can have on a marriage. With all of this bias in mind, along with some insight from relationship science, I recently wrote the … Continue reading Long Live Romantic Love
Spiritual Battlefield Resiliency
I am battle wounded. It’s not the first time but it is the most serious wound to date. I was not wounded on some distant battlefield; my wounds occurred right here in my hometown. What war is being waged in Mid-Michigan? The war against sin, of course. My wound is serious, the death of a … Continue reading Spiritual Battlefield Resiliency
Spiritual Milestones for Youth
Several years ago the Supreme Court of Michigan made a monumental ruling declaring, in essence, that parents are responsible for the education of their children. Although the court case was primarily about the rights of parents to educate at home, the ruling gave notice to all parents to take responsibility for the process of how children are educated and what they are … Continue reading Spiritual Milestones for Youth
Youth Milestones Toward Maturity
Milestones are useful markers in many areas of one’s life as they offer guidance and give a standard which allows evaluation of one’s course. For parents, some of the most important areas include milestones for spiritual development and mastery of adulthood tasks. Milestones for Spiritual Development Parents who follow Christ recognize that leading their children … Continue reading Youth Milestones Toward Maturity
Anniversary
(Note: The following was written by me for our Church newsletter in February 2009. This was long before I knew that I would be a widow. None the less, the marriage principles I wrote about are still true today.) Remember the excitement of a birthday during childhood? For me the anticipation almost equaled Christmas. I … Continue reading Anniversary
think relationally... 