TIME – The Currency of Relationships

There’s an old adage in the world of parenting advice: Kids spell LOVE as T.I.M.E. Kids don’t need things nearly much as they need a parent’s attention and availability. It’s a classic mistake that we make all too often; we give them stuff we’ve bought instead of the thing they most need from us –…

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The single-minded search

Single and searching? Look for this one quality. Sometimes single people ask us for suggestions on how to find a suitable marriage partner. Some, having had a series of disappointing experiences, are looking for ways to improve their odds of success. Here’s a thought we often ask them to consider. Most people, when quizzed on…

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The Stick Kit

It’s not always easy to stick together! When relationships come under stress, its tempting to give up, give in or walk away. Whether its a marriage or parent-child relationship, you can find the support you need to transform your relationships into thriving, healthy interactions at The Stick Kit  – online, anytime, anywhere. Here, Philipa Caulfield, project…

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Mercy – The Gift you Give Yourself

The Year of Mercy began on December 8 and forgiveness is in the air. Pope Francis has called this extraordinary Jubilee year to draw attention to the need for mercy at all levels of society and in the church community too. But seeking mercy is not easy and giving it can be equally hard. None-the-less,…

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Conscious Recoupling

When Gwenyth Paltrow and Chris Martin announced their intention to ‘consciously uncouple’ earlier in 2014, it was not their divorce that captured public attention, but the unusual phrasing. However, the real news that never makes the headlines is not who or how many couples ‘consciously uncouple’ or divorce, but how many don’t. Any couple who…

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A Marriage in Trouble

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Stepping Out of the Blender: The Keys of Successful Blended Families Chuck and Melinda were both married and divorced before meeting each other.  Married to each other for 5 years, they have two step-children between them. Chuck’s son from his previous marriage primarily lives with his mother, but comes to stay one night a week…

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Abstinence

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                It’s easy for parents to despair of teaching their kids abstinence.  According to the Alan Guttmacher Institute (the research arm of Planned Parenthood), 70% of teens will have had vaginal intercourse by the time they are 19 and the average age of teens’ first sexual encounter is…

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The Grandfather Clause

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                Tom and Gina just had their first child, a baby boy named Christopher.  Both Tom and Gina’s parents were overjoyed.  In particular, Karen, Gina’s mom, was especially excited because it was her first grandchild.  She knew it would be an adjustment for Tom and her daughter, so she…

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Overcoming Anger

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Aaaaaaaarrrrrggg! Overcoming Anger  Gregory K. Popcak, Ph.D.    But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.  James 1:19-20.               “I just lost it.”  Said Aaron, 43, discussing a situation that led…

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