Category: Relationships

The Stages of Marriage/Relationship Counseling

Just minutes after the crash, the paramedics were using the jaws of life to carve Tom and Mary out of their mangled vehicle. The couple was rushed to the Central Hospital Emergency Room where a team of doctors and nurses frantically took over CPR, worked to stop the bleeding, stabilize vitals, and start IV fluids. … Continue reading “The Stages of Marriage/Relationship Counseling”

Women and Anger

Gender culture has shifted quite a lot over the last millennia. Not so long ago, women were considered the property of either their fathers or their husbands. They were not allowed to work, not allowed to go to school, not allowed to vote, and still do not receive the same pay rate as their male … Continue reading “Women and Anger”

Learning to Listen

Have you ever wanted to share something that has been bothering you with someone you love? They have hurt your feelings in some way and you want to let them know, but you are scared to share out of fear they may react? You go through the process of psyching yourself up for the conversation, … Continue reading “Learning to Listen”

Being Intentional in Your Marriage

There was a sense of excitement in the room. Ten couples had signed up for a weekend Marriage Retreat and the first session was about to begin. Preparations had been in the process for months. Putting the schedule and sessions together, deciding on the menu, getting the word out to potential attendees and assembling a … Continue reading “Being Intentional in Your Marriage”

5 Signs of Relational Trauma

Wearing her pink apron, my not-quite-two year old granddaughter stirs flour in a large bowl, swirls of flour-dust wafting up from the bowl, catching in her hair, landing on the floor around her. My daughter’s voice as she speaks to her daughter, “you’re such a good helper, little lady,” makes me smile, as I think … Continue reading “5 Signs of Relational Trauma”

8 Steps to Listen Well

“How do I get my spouse to listen to me?” is a common question I hear from couples who come into counseling. There is frustration and a desire for connection. Whether it’s a couple who recently shared their wedding vows or spouses who have been on the marriage journey for years, many people realize they … Continue reading “8 Steps to Listen Well”

Maintaining Happily Ever After

It’s Cinderella’s fault. This idea of happily ever after. She meets her handsome prince, they sing, dance and then ride off into the sunset with the words “And they lived happily ever after” on the movie screen. Every little girl in that theater walks away dreaming of her Prince Charming. But what happened the next … Continue reading “Maintaining Happily Ever After”

Friendship

“Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” Proverbs 27:5,6 We’re doing a series on friendship at our church and my good friend Zach Van Dyke is doing an excellent job of taking us through what the essence of friendship really looks like. So, … Continue reading “Friendship”