Blog
The more I consider the phenomenon of human nature, individually and societally, it becomes increasingly evident mankind is in desperate need of salvation from the inescapable presence of sin. Such evidence is found within the heart, with all of its vices and intrigues externally manifested in all of the hatred, destruction, and abuses permeating the world in which we live.
Although marital conflict and the experience of strong emotions is unavoidable, healthy marital communication requires that husbands and wives recognize when their communication has broken down, and apply emotional and conversational boundaries serving to help them remain calm when navigating important issues in their relationship. Let’s take a few moments to consider steps couples can take to help have calm and constructive communication.
If anyone tells you that doing the work of marriage is easy, you would be wise to reconsider the proposition. The reality is that establishing a strong and healthy marriage takes work, and lots of it over the course of time. This is not to imply that you should be scared or intimidated by the notion of marriage. On the other hand, it indicates couples can benefit greatly from being well acquainted with the principles enabling husbands and wives to effectively work together in creating a relationship where each person feels loved, cherished, and valued. This article sets forth two of these essential principles.
The path through life is never clear. It is an unpredictable journey where our decisions and unforeseen variables contribute to us reaching certain junctures where feel utterly lost. I've experienced these feelings myself, and have listened to many others recount the difficulty of being in this position. It's in these places some degree of change or forward progress is desired, but the solutions and details as to how to make such changes occur remain elusive. The result is a deep frustration, anxiety, sadness or sense of being trapped wherein we find ourselves asking: What should I do?
There are moments when our lives, once filled with clarity and ambition, are slowed by the weightiness of uncertainty, distress, and a diminution of focus. This is a hard place to enter into, particularly when it is coupled with the loss of energy, the sense that everything around us is falling apart, and the complexity of the question, “Lord, what am I needing to do?” When emotionally pressed in this manner, we may easily find ourselves wondering why we are in such a position.
I woke up this morning reflecting on the nature of the soul, and the many wrestlings I find taking place in my own heart. It’s not difficult to see how there are many workings in that space needing to be addressed and taken to God in a manner whereby he can continue his work of sanctification. In the midst of this reflection, Psalm 51:10 came to mind…
Ever since the inception of the early church, fervent efforts have been made to preserve the Gospel message from doctrines or heresies challenging and contradicting the truth found therein. The apostle Paul was ardent in such efforts, and clearly articulated his views on the matter in his letter to the church at Galatia…
Parenting is truly one of the most amazing and difficult endeavors in the world. Bearing the responsibility to care for and shape a life is no small task, especially considering a major element of it centers on managing conflict with our children. My experience as a Marriage & Family Therapist is that handling those conflicts well requires the establishment of a relationship directed approach with our children.
After a recent presentation to a group of therapists on marriage counseling, I was approached by a former professor who was in attendance. He came to where I was standing and asked me to clarify what made Christian counseling distinct from other clinical approaches. I recall providing a brief response, but we didn’t have time to fully explore the issue. The reality is there are multiple reasons I practice as a Christian counselor. I’ll explore a few of these reasons in this article, and identify what I believe makes Christian counseling a truly distinct and meaningful endeavor.
Humankind has sought, and will always seek, to use fear and darkness to its advantage. This is because fear and darkness pervade every heart. Certain souls seek to escape its grasp, then turn their energies toward helping others acquire freedom. Others revel in it, while some go further, wielding it to obtain positions of power and success, and to create structures in society reflective of the evil which lies in their heart. This latter element of humankind is willing to accomplish its desired ends at the expense of others.
The reality of our human condition is embedded imperfection, the presence of sin, and the inevitability of facing various disappointments in life. Such disappointments often register at a deep emotional level…and can send us spiraling into places of guilt, self-loathing, despondency, and depression if not managed carefully.
It is the easiest thing in the world to point fingers at our spouse, and to blame them for the inadequacies and issues experienced in our marriage. We may occasionally feel justified in doing so, and even believe that criticizing them will somehow bring about the changes we desire in our relationship. But the reality is that pointing fingers is rarely ever the precipitator of change in any marriage, and if we really desire to see change occur, we’ll begin by judging ourselves and facing the realities of our heart.
