Hold on to what you love!

By Francine & Byron Pirola | February 11, 2014 |

As we fall across the ‘Christmas-NY’ line, we look back on the past month with a sigh of relief and a tinge of regret… yet another frantic Advent with barely time to think about Jesus or our loved ones except to curse the ones who obstinately remain difficult to buy for. Every year, we swear…

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Finding Mr or Mrs Right

By Francine & Byron Pirola | January 25, 2014 |

Many people think that the key to a successful marriage is finding the right person. Clearly there is some common sense to this notion – after all, having someone who shares your beliefs and values, has similar interests and is a person of virtue and integrity all make marriage a whole lot easier. And in…

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The 11 Differences Between Dating a Boy vs a Man

By Francine & Byron Pirola | January 23, 2014 |

*Original article available here* When I was in my early twenties, if a guy acted aloof, called back only sometimes and showed minimal interest, I would get hooked. You could say I was addicted to the bad boy/ unavailable boy/ player. I was drawn to what psychotherapist, Ken Page terms as “attractions of deprivation” –…

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Two of Us: Activities

By Christine | January 20, 2014 |

Reflect Separately, say the prayer and spend some time reflecting on the questions. Write some notes and then share your answers more fully with your spouse.     Prayer I want to spend these moments thanking You, Father for all the goodness You have placed in my life.  Most especially, I want to express my deepest…

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Two of Us: Negativity

By Christine | January 13, 2014 |

An exercise to help us grow in the area of ‘affirmation’ rather than ‘criticism’ to enrich our relationships rather than grid-lock them. Reflect Separately, say the prayer and spend some time reflecting on the questions. Write some notes and then share your answers more fully with your spouse.   Prayer Father,  You have chosen me to…

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Two of Us: Compliments and Criticisms

By Christine | December 30, 2013 |

An exercise to understand the impact compliments and criticisms have in our individual relationships. It can be quite easy to give someone either, but the effect is usually greater than we initially think. Reflect Separately, say the prayer and spend some time reflecting on the questions. Write some notes and then share your answers more fully…

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Two of Us: Self Image

By Christine | December 23, 2013 |

An exercise to recognize our own self image, how this affects our family and how our spouse can help. Reflect Separately, say the prayer and spend some time reflecting on the questions. Write some notes and then share your answers more fully with your spouse.   Prayer You know Father, that I get down on myself…

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