Previously, I wrote about intentionally creating boundaries in your relationship. Each couple needs healthy personal boundaries as the couple gets to know each other. Then, when they decide to become a collective force – a unit, an item, a couple – they need to agree on which boundaries to place around their relationship – between themselves and the world. There is no shortage of hardships ready and waiting to afflict budding relationships; and, our spiritual enemy loves destroying families since the family unit was established by God. Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and … [Read more...]
Relishing and Protecting Freedom
{Eric’s preamble to this post: If you have never learned (or have forgotten) the history of America’s national anthem, The Star Spangled Banner, I encourage you to listen (again) to it here and consider the history and lyrics: https://youtu.be/YaxGNQE5ZLA} It is that time again: hot dogs, watermelon, kids running through the streets with sparklers, and the anticipation of fireworks lighting up the sky (or, terrifyingly loud sky booms as we refer to them for our dog’s sake). America’s Independence Day marks the middle of the calendar year and the middle of summer vacation for the children of … [Read more...]
Intentionally Create Boundaries in Your Relationship
My best friend and her mom used to get so frustrated with me and my open-book, share everything, “policy.” With each person I dated, (or even those I only talked to briefly), I overshared about my life. I did not possess nuclear codes or Julia Child’s secret recipes (and still don’t), but the contents of my heart were more valuable than I believed at the time, and I tossed them carelessly at many handsome faces. We are not always careful to keep boundaries around our hearts, our story, and our personal information when getting to know a new and exciting person. Late night phone calls … [Read more...]
Praying for Your Future Marriage
Recently, a client requested a list of Scriptures which could help guide her and her boyfriend in their future marriage. Immediately, familiar marriage passages such as Ephesians 5, 1 Corinthians 13, and 1 Peter 3 came to mind. But, there are also many verses not seemingly pertaining to marriage which still pertain to marriage. About ten years ago, I heard a sweet lady in our Sunday School class say, “Don’t study marriage to have a good marriage. Study Christ.” I recall that advice today. It is good to prepare for marriage, to learn communication skills, and discuss finances. However, no … [Read more...]
Consider Your Deal Breakers Before You Date
When we are head-over-heels “in love,” our common sense seems to hibernate for a while. Have you ever felt so exhilarated with your new relationship that you glossed over issues which would normally concern you? It is important to take the time to consider not only what you are looking for in a future spouse, but with which issues you do not want to yoke yourself. Okay, so he spends money a little frivolously, but I love his free spirit! She is reluctant to talk about her faith, but I feel certain she loves Jesus, and we will be fine. The time for deciding what you can and cannot … [Read more...]
- 1
- 2
- 3
- …
- 284
- Next Page »