Divorce… infidelity… the devastating loss of a child or spouse… these things, and others, can shatter a family. So, how do you begin the rebuilding process? First, survey the damage. Talk about it with each member of your family… really listen to the feelings they express, and be open about your own. Second, seek help from a trusted advisor or pastor who can help you sort out your emotions. Third, be patient—with...

According to the Nielson Company, Americans watch an average of five hours of television each day. If that’s too much screen time for your family, consider cutting back. Or turn off the tube permanently and spend those hours together. That’s exactly what one man and his family did about 15 years ago. When he and his wife decided to give up what he called “the national pacifier,” he said it was one of the most...

My wife, Susan, made a guest post on my blog today. In it, she shares how we have marriage struggles too. Here are the ways she struggles with me in our relationship. Struggle #1. She doesn’t feel I hear what she says. Sure I listen, but there is sometimes a disconnect because she really doesn’t think I understand. Struggle #2. She thinks I’m a micro-manager in our home. I pay attention to the details, she sees...

Websites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are in the business of connecting people. Long-lost friends and classmates can be easily found, and relationships restored. But there’s a downside to social networking, too, especially when an old flame makes contact. In fact, marriages are breaking up over these “re-acquaintances.”  For some people, the temptation is just too much to handle. Your spouse should be...

This popular game shows the life-long struggle of birds trying to get back their stolen eggs from some pigs.  The birds defend each other and unite together, working toward a common goal.  Taking advantage of their unique talents, the kamikaze birds catapult themselves into the pig's towers to defeat them.  Marriage is kind of like that.  To have a healthy relationship, you need to defend each other and stand...

It’s the gift of L.O.V.E.  L stands for listen… pay full attention when your partner talks.  Stop what you’re doing and don’t interrupt.  O is for observe... make getting to know their likes and dislikes a priority.  V is for value… value them for who they are…what makes them unique.  And E is for encourage…build them up with your words and actions.  Four little letters that spell out lessons in love.  It’s the...

After suffering poor health for decades, composer Ludwig van Beethoven died in 1827 from lead poisoning. It was a slow and painful death. Bitterness in marriage is like that.  To find the antidote, we need to answer three questions.  First, what causes bitterness? Usually it’s not a single event, but several things that build up over time.  A wound here, an offense there… disappointment… betrayal. Second, what’s...