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Comment on Did I Miss Anything? by Jessica

Jessica — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 00:48:40 +0000

I definitely agree that tares are the issue. Wheat will work for the kgidnom in one accord, or at least come to one accord eventually–misunderstandings are bound to happen on this side of eternity. Divisions with the pastor and within congregations usually come because of a lack of focus on the most importance thing, Jesus Christ.I’m very happy with my current church as the pastoral staff love getting behind their congregations’ ideas and running with them, offering suggestions and corrections along the way, empowering the people of God rather than ruling them. It’s very refreshing to have that kind of environment.

Comment on Mentors by Alfredo

Alfredo — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 23:06:52 +0000

I would recommend Connect 4 – kids love that game. Another that moves along qlckiuy if they know how to play it is Mancala. Operation is another that can keep them entertained. You may want to choose several 2 player games, as well as have a supply of art materials on hand – paper, crayons, coloring pencils, blunt nosed scissors, etc. And you could arrange to have someone show them how to do a couple of simple origami projects. You can find directions for many, including the famous paper crane, on line.

Comment on Should Married Couples Think about Separating? by Barbara

Barbara — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:25:05 +0000

Marital counseling will only work if BOTH pearits want it to work. The fact that he has moved out to be with another woman sounds to me as if he's not interested in resolving whatever issues there were that prompted him to not only cheat on you with a mistress over two years ago, but to move completely out of your life and the marital home. I would think that you'd have consulted with an attorney by now and moved toward severing your relationship with him as he has done with you and then resolved the financial issues that need to be addressed. Then you can move forward with your life and find a man that is going to be there with you for the long term. Counseling will only work individually if he believes this his ways are wayward as hyou think they are. Obviously he doesn't agree with you.

Comment on The Goal of Separation: One Man’s Story by sblumer

sblumer — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:15:11 +0000

Thanks for sharing. You are quite right. It does take the power of God and His Word working in our lives to restore any relationship, especially the marriage relationship. It’s not so easy for both couples to be willing to uncover, forgive, and die-to-self, especially when they see the problems not being their own. Glad to hear that your marriage is strong and continues to last.

Comment on Should Pastors Get Stressed? by Imelda

Imelda — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:21:18 +0000

Hello,Yes, stress can afefct your health but the crazy part is, it doesn’t have to.Stress is anything that taxes our body. Long hours and no time off definitely fit in that category.The question is: how do your react to the long hours? Does it energize you? Do you feel invigorated and charged because of the excitement of your project, or are you drained and depleted?You don’t sound excited from your question, so I assume that it drains you. In that case, the stress can take its toll on your health in many ways, including depleting your immune system, afefcting your digestion, circulation, hormone levels all sorts of stuff.To reduce stress you can: get rid of the stressors. Quit your job or reduce your work load. manage your stressors. Find coping mechanisms that help you with the stress. For example, you can ask that you take extra time at lunch to do a yoga class, or make sure that your boss always gives you notice before a deadline is due. change your attitude about the stress. Here you can use mediation, biofeedback, affirmations, or other tools to change your view point so that you no longer see your situation as stressful. If you start to accept that you work long hours, and quit thinking it should be any differently, you may start to enjoy them. It’s our resistance to what is actually happening that often causes the most stress.You know what you need for health. Listen to it and you won’t go wrong.Julia

Comment on The Goal of Separation: One Man’s Story by But

But — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 06:09:44 +0000

Christian marriage ceunsoling, I believe, has greater potential as an active ingredient in the healing process than any other type of therapy. Why? Because marriage between a man and woman is God’s plan so it only stands to reason that the repair procedures for an unhealthy marriage could be found in His word.My wife and I went through Christian marriage ceunsoling provided a trained, licensed, minister of the faith who was exceptionally gifted in using the Word of God to help couples in the reconciliation process. These are important credentials in choosing a counselor. What makes Christian marriage ceunsoling effective is the willingness of the couple to truly uncover, forgive, and die-to-self. It has to be understood that none of these things are within our human ability to accomplish alone. We need the help of the Holy Spirit to facilitate the type of radical change that must take place in one’s heart, deep down inside, in order for real change to take place. You’ll know it is happening when your focus is less on what your mate is doing than what you are doing in and with your relationship with God.Fifteen years later, my wife and I are stronger than ever. Has the road been free of bumps? No. But I have heard it said that if the mountain were as smooth as glass, you wouldn’t be able to climb it. We are still living in and by what we learned in Christian marriage ceunsoling. Our marriage is not about determination and resolve to make it work; its about the freedom to love one another and let the other be who they are with full faith and confidence that what holds us together is not our resolve, but trust and assurance in Jesus Christ that He is able to sustain us through any storm that might come our way.

Comment on Should Married Couples Think about Separating? by cestarr

cestarr — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 01:53:44 +0000

I haven't, which is why it intrigues me. I would like to learn more about the experience of others with this option. Thanks again for tackling it!

Comment on Redeeming Marriage Power Struggles by sblumer

sblumer — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 20:31:06 +0000

Thanks for the comment. Communication is highly essential. Even if a marriage or relationship is on the rocks and they are communicating, they can make things work. Once communication stops, problems become harder to work through.

Comment on Should Married Couples Think about Separating? by sblumer

sblumer — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 19:46:39 +0000

Thanks Michael-divorce certainly has gripped many families. Perhaps this is a valid option? Is anything better than divorce?

Comment on Should Married Couples Think about Separating? by sblumer

sblumer — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 19:45:12 +0000

Thanks! Have you ever tackled this before on your marriage blog?