Under Construction: Encouragement for Couples in Counseling
Scan and scroll the internet, and you will find countless videos, tutorials, and services to plan a wedding. All the how-to’s may outline the details and nuances of how to prepare for the event. Sadly, the volume of information about what builds a marriage or what keeps couples standing strong is not met with the same number of searches or resources. Marriages don’t come with a standard manual that the world acknowledges. However, those of us who know the Lord can seek the [...]
Disenfranchised Grief and Grieving the Loss of a Cherished Pet
It’s in our nature to forms bonds, because as humans, we are relational beings. That is just how God made us. We form emotional connections with others, and when we lose something or someone that we love, we mourn them. That too is simply part of our nature. This nature doesn’t go away or become muted when we are talking of a beloved pet and not another human being. Human beings are creatures, but we are unique creatures because we were created in [...]
Dealing with Common Causes of Conflict in the Workplace
The workplace is probably one of the most interesting places in which a person can engage. Employment by its nature brings together people of different backgrounds, cultures, political beliefs, religious beliefs, intellectual capacities, and several other different social classifications, all of which can spark conflict in the workplace. Most employers are primarily concerned about bringing people on board who will advance their interests regardless of background. On the other hand, due to the high cost of living, most employees are concerned about getting [...]
Let’s Stay Together: Relationship Help for Couples Seeking Restoration
“It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.” These are the opening lines of Charles Dickens’ famed literary work. Although his novel, A Tale of Two Cities, depicts a fictional account of an actual historical period and related events, it accurately summarizes the timeless nature of our experiences in life and highlights the need for relationship help. It is not unique to those of us who believe in Christ, but every person will certainly encounter some form of the [...]
Discerning Between True Friends and Toxic Friends
Many shows that occupy our roster of Netflix binging or long-term viewing are about people and the friendships and connections they form with others. We love tuning in to see these virtual companions of ours meet, build rapport, endure hardship, overcome obstacles, find love, argue, do life together and so much more. We participate in these friendships and find ourselves feeling as though these characters are people that we know and love, never considering whether or not they are true or toxic friends. [...]
Reimagine Parenting: Raising Creative Kids in a Dream-Crushing World
When we envision how we want to raise creative kids, we don’t always see the challenging aspects that will buffet them and us in the process. The world seems harsh and hateful, and it doesn’t regard our little ones in the same way we treasure them. We imagine our children as superheroes, yet ourselves as less so. When we consider our own challenges, we may question if we are fully equipped to offer our children what they need to thrive. However, God knows [...]