Communication has never been a strength in my marriage. Sure, we're working on it. And it's getting a LOT better. But it isn't something that comes naturally, by any means. Especially for me. And while I'm sure there are some husbands out there who would LOVE for their wives to stop talking so much 😉, I can assure you that when one or both spouses actually do stop talking, it's not nearly as much fun as it sounds. Not talking leads to distance, miscommunication, misunderstanding and plenty of hurt feelings. Because when one of you doesn't share how you're truly feeling, the other is left to guess, assume or fill in the blanks themselves. And you don't always fill in the blanks correctly... In Four Marriage Communication Skills that Prevent Fights, Gina shares four learn more...
Want to Take Every Thought Captive? (It’s Easier Than You Think!)
As Christians we have a responsibility to trade in satan's lies for God's truth. Here's how to take every thought captive for Christ so you can do just that! Do you ever find yourself thinking thoughts you know aren't true, but you feel like they're true, or you feel like you can't help yourself? » For example, maybe you're a chronic worrier. You rarely let your children out of your sight, and you're always giving them tons of rules and reminders to keep them safe. No running in the house! No jumping off the deck! No food unless I'm there to watch you! » Maybe you have terrible self-esteem. You know the Bible says God loves you, but you don't see how He could. You're fat, you're ugly, you're too old, you're stupid, you've messed up too many times... You feel like a failure. You learn more...
Create Your Own Bible Study Basket
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to reach for your phone all day long, but when it comes to reaching for your Bible... you don't seem to get around to it nearly so often? Sure, you say that reading your Bible is important. And you truly believe that it is. But it isn't your Bible you find yourself reaching for as soon as you wake up in the morning, last thing before you go to bed at night, or multiple times a day when you have a few minutes to spare... It's your phone. Now, if this is true for you, don't feel judged. I totally do the same thing. And sure, I could blame it on lots of things. The fact that I work online... the fact that I want my phone nearby in case of emergency... the fact that sometimes I just need a break during the day and my phone is always so learn more...
Do You Truly Enjoy Reading the Bible? You Can!
I only remember two things about a couple who used to babysit my brothers and I when we were younger: 1. The approximate location of their house 2. That the man's favorite book was the Bible I thought it was so weird when he told us that! Sure, I was a Christian who loved Jesus and went to church regularly. I knew the Bible was important, that it told the story of God's love for us and the rules He wants us to follow, and that we were supposed to read it... But to actually enjoy reading the Bible? To love reading the Bible and look forward to reading it every day? That seemed too weird... overly spiritual. Like people who wear WWJD bracelets, carry a Bible with them everywhere they go, and randomly start evangelizing homeless people in the streets. I didn't learn more...
How to Encourage Your Husband as a Spiritual Leader
Is your husband the spiritual leader of your home? Would you like him to be? While some women really struggle with submitting to their husbands, others would happily follow their husband's leadership -- if only their husband would lead! Unfortunately, however, not all men automatically step up to that role on their own. If you'd like your husband to be more of a spiritual leader in your home, here are six things you can try. *Note: This article assumes that your husband is, in fact, a Christian. If your husband isn't a Christian, you may want to check out this article instead: Unequally Yoked Marriage? Here's What to Do When Your Spouse Isn't a Believer 1. Identify and Examine Your Expectations for Spiritual Leadership First things first. Before you can learn more...
Christian Easter Tomb Craft for Kids
How do you teach young children the Easter story in a way they can understand? (That won't scar them for life?) It's a good question, and unfortunately, there isn't one easy answer. Even within a single Sunday School class, toddlers, preschoolers and young children can vary widely in terms of what they know already and can understand about the Easter story once you explain it to them. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't try. In fact, it'd be quite a shame not to. With Easter eggs, bunnies, candy, TV specials and toys everywhere you look, it's easy for kids to get the mistaken impression that Easter is all about candy -- not the real story of the resurrection. And that means it's up to us -- as Christian parents, grandparents or Sunday School teachers -- to learn more...
