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When There’s Something Else Going On Behind the Conflict

When There’s Something Else Going On Behind the Conflict

A minor unannounced U-turn after church escalates into hours of tears and despair for one wife, revealing how everyday preferences quickly spiral into the Crazy Cycle of missing love and respect.

Since God Wants Me to Believe in Him, Why Doesn’t He Just Appear to Me?

Since God Wants Me to Believe in Him, Why Doesn’t He Just Appear to Me?

As a new believer in Christ at age sixteen, I recall one night going outside my home in Peoria, Illinois, and crying out to God to show Himself to me to confirm that what I believed about Him was true. “Just appear to me!” I begged of God.

Profiling a Spouse: The Invitation to Unearth New Insights Explaining Their Behaviors

Profiling a Spouse: The Invitation to Unearth New Insights Explaining Their Behaviors

Most of us long for a better marriage, and that longing is to be applauded. However, how might some go about improving the relationship?

When God’s Plan Does Not Match Your Expectations: The Untold Story Of Joseph Barsabbas

When God’s Plan Does Not Match Your Expectations: The Untold Story Of Joseph Barsabbas

When I went off to military school in eighth grade, where I stayed for the next five years, there was another cadet who entered eighth grade with me.

When There’s Something Else Going On Behind the Conflict

Since God Wants Me to Believe in Him, Why Doesn’t He Just Appear to Me?

Profiling a Spouse: The Invitation to Unearth New Insights Explaining Their Behaviors

When God’s Plan Does Not Match Your Expectations: The Untold Story Of Joseph Barsabbas

Decision Making in Marriage - A Hot Button Topic? - Part 1

Decision Making in Marriage - A Hot Button Topic? - Part 1

Recently I received an email question from a colleague who has a vital ministry in the marriage arena. I found his question most interesting and worthy of careful consideration. I’d like to share his email with you followed by my response, over the next few days. My friend writes: Emerson, I am dealing with a tough topic…

Hot-Button Words – Part 2

Hot-Button Words – Part 2

In my last post, I shared how Sarah uses certain hot-button words that can push my buttons – and how I’ve learned to not react so defensively. I hope you took some time to figure out what the hot-button words are in your relationship so you can stop the crazy cycle before it spins out of control! Recognizing where we irritate our spouse – and being willing to do something about it – goes a long way towards improving communication.

Hot-Button Words

In our current series on the Love and Respect Connection, we have addressed the importance of our spoken words – and how men and women perceive the same words differently. This week I want to talk about those hot-button words that can cause trouble in every relationship!

Hot-Button Words

Men and Women Hear the Same Words Differently

Men and Women Hear the Same Words Differently

Excess oil. What comes to mind when you hear these words? Two women discussing excess oil may be concerned about their skin. Two men discussing excess oil are probably concerned with machinery or perhaps a slippery garage floor.

In Marriage, the Mouth Matters

In Marriage, the Mouth Matters

Almost everyone has probably heard or read the nursery rhyme that makes the brave but naïve claim “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”

Mutual Understanding Became the Key to Our Marriage

Mutual Understanding Became the Key to Our Marriage

In my last post, I suggested that there is more to good marital communication than simply “talking”…we need to understand what the other is saying. That’s the “Love and Respect Connection.”

Is Communication Really the Key to Marriage?

Is Communication Really the Key to Marriage?

According to a survey conducted by Focus on the Family for the Love and Respect Ministries the answer certainly would appear to be yes. Respondents were asked, “What was (and possibly still is) the biggest problem affecting your marriage?”

A Tribute To Dad

I recently received an email from a man who wrote a moving tribute to his Dad. His insight blessed me tremendously and I’d like to share it with you, in honor of Father’s Day approaching. May those of us who were blessed with an honorable Dad remember to give him the gift of respect this Father’s Day.A TRIBUTE TO DADIn the course of tragedy in my life I’ve finally

A Tribute To Dad

Parenting