Sometimes, marriage is very hard. Yet, it can become especially difficult when we take on responsibilities that are not ours. For example: You are not responsible for your spouse’s moods. Some men and women are very immature. Some are moody and emotionally manipulative. They demand that their spouse do what they want them to do… Continue reading When Your Marriage is Hard
Category: Family
Question: What Kind of Wisdom is Needed to be a Good Parent?
The following question is one that I have been asked on a number of occasions. Maybe this will be helpful to you or someone you might send it to. My husband and I have three children. My question is, ‘How do you raise children when you didn’t have good role models growing up?’ My mother… Continue reading Question: What Kind of Wisdom is Needed to be a Good Parent?
Mark of Dysfunction: Keep this Deadly Secret
One mark of a dysfunctional marriage, family, or church is that others within the system are not supposed reveal the secret. What is the secret? You are not to tell anyone about the way things really are in this marriage, this family, or this church. After all, what would people think? Of course, I do… Continue reading Mark of Dysfunction: Keep this Deadly Secret
Ministry Inside.99
But what will people think? Years ago, Charlotte and I were walking across a parking lot of a large church building in Kansas City. We had an appointment with a marriage therapist. This was our first visit with him. I was nervous. I was nervous that someone who I knew might see me. I… Continue reading Ministry Inside.99
A Question About Dads
I’m curious. Many people grow up with memories of a father relationship that was less than adequate. I’ve heard many stories of some fathers being emotionally and/or physically absent. Other fathers regularly made critical remarks to their children and had no significant relationship with them. In your experience, how does emotional absence and even disconnection,… Continue reading A Question About Dads
10 Ways to Murder a Marriage (Part 2)
The following post is a continuation of an earlier post (find it here) describing behaviors that can murder a marriage. 6. Refuse to forgive. Some couples fight and refuse to forgive. They stuff their anger, their resentments and their bitterness. They refuse to forgive and move on. The old negative behaviors of the past are… Continue reading 10 Ways to Murder a Marriage (Part 2)
10 Ways to Murder a Marriage
The following is part 1 of a two part post in which I reflect on how to destroy a marriage. We have been married for 34 years and have had a front row seat to many, many other marriages. 1. Create an atmosphere that no one would want to come home to in the evening. Do… Continue reading 10 Ways to Murder a Marriage
How to Grow in Marriage and Parenting
(I am away on a vacation/study break during the month of July. The posts that appear during the month are from the archives.) “I have no idea what I am supposed to do.” That statement came from a very gifted and intelligent young man who was about to be married. I appreciated his honesty. He… Continue reading How to Grow in Marriage and Parenting
If You Are Not Praying for Your Children
(I am away on a vacation/study break during the month of July. The posts that appear during the month are from the archives.) If you as a parent are not praying for your children, then who is? This occurred to me a few years ago as I thought about my prayer life and my own… Continue reading If You Are Not Praying for Your Children
Keep Your Marriage Out of the Ditch
Some people are married for a few years and then they get stuck in the ditch. I want to reflect on this page about marriage and how to keep it out of the ditch. As I write this particular post, I am thinking about couples in their 20s. Perhaps you’ve been married for a few… Continue reading Keep Your Marriage Out of the Ditch