Dear Dad, Happy Father’s Day! On fifty-three occasions you have celebrated this day as a father. I wonder what your memories are of our very first one. For the record, my memory of that occasion is a little fuzzy. Over the years, my respect for you has grown, not because you are more worthy but … Continue reading The Joy of Parenting: Dear Dad
Yours, Mine, and Ours: The Blended Family
With this post I've added a new category to the blog: StepFamily. With my recent marriage, I’ve entered the world of step-parenting. Although my journey has barely begun, I’ve found it to be a wonderful yet scary place to live. Wonderful and scary may sound like some strange terms to use to describe my new … Continue reading Yours, Mine, and Ours: The Blended Family
Man’s Ultimate Conquest
The Pursuit Perhaps it was months or years before the wedding. That day when your eyes locked and the pursuit of her heart began. You can remember laying awake at night thinking about ways to impress her, ways to demonstrate your affection. Time and money were no issue. You were creative too. It worked! You … Continue reading Man’s Ultimate Conquest
21 Statements a Successful Marriage Makes…
Marriage says, "Dear love of my life, ... ... I want to experience life with you until death parts us." ... I do not know what the future holds but whatever comes my way and whatever comes your way, we will face it together." ... I want to make the most of this relationship." ... I'm in this … Continue reading 21 Statements a Successful Marriage Makes…
Its a Short Life
I have to admit, reluctantly......very reluctantly, that at my age I probably have fewer years left to live than those that have already passed. That means I’m on the downward side of life. During my time on earth I have learned that life is precious, precarious, —and short. My understanding of this fact of life stands … Continue reading Its a Short Life
The Destroyer Visits
It’s been said that all bonds are built on trust. This statement is never truer than in a marriage. In a healthy relationship trust grows, develops, and deepens over time. Most couples understand that there are ups and downs during life. While these times surely test trust, it is a couple’s daily interactions which offer the … Continue reading The Destroyer Visits
A Good Run
The scene has been replayed in Hollywood so often it’s becoming a cliché. You’ll recognize it. There are two guys near the end of the movie, they’ve been struggling through tremendous odds and just when we think they are going to win, they are suddenly surrounded. With no hope for survival and in the most solemn … Continue reading A Good Run
Childishness: The Missing Marriage Element
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
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
Lessons Learned Loving Carrie into Heaven
Lessons Learned Loving Carrie into Heaven Sermon Audio Sermon January 26 & 27, 2013 Introduction: Good evening/morning. Some of you here today may not know me. Around the Cedar Street Church family I’m known as Pastor Jeff Johnson. I’m also known as dad to three young men, uncle to two of the cutest nieces, and … Continue reading Lessons Learned Loving Carrie into Heaven
think relationally... 