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Are your disagreements with your spouse productive? Are you both able to be heard and understood, and work together for a solution that benefits the 'us' of your marriage? Or do your differences tend to escalate and get stuck in a negative argument cycle?
When I was a teenager, my dating advisors were people I'd never met. I was eager to learn about love and romance—and I didn't really have any other input in this area—so I'd voraciously read the "do and don't" lists in women's magazines and listen closely to the words of nearly every love song on the radio so I could find out who I was supposed to be and how I was supposed to act with the opposite sex.
If you're going through a dating relationship breakup or divorce, or know someone who is, this post is for you. Breaking up can be a heart-wrenching season in your life. And who really prepares you for the fallout? There’s no Breakup 101 class.
Perhaps you yourself, or someone you know are one of the 40 million Americans who regularly visit Internet porn sites. On today's edition of Family Talk, Jim Cress, a certified sex addiction therapist, explains to Dr. Tim Clinton that while viewing porn, you're short circuiting the God-designed pleasurable reactions in your body that were intended to bond you to your spouse. Instead, you're bonding to an illusion. But, there is hope! Galatians 5:1 says, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." By confessing your sin and through much prayer, you can be rid of this addiction. In some situations, professional counseling is required and is ministered with successful results. People can and do get their lives back and are freed of the sinful shackles that bind!
Did you know that 68% of church-going men view porn on a regular basis and that more than half of American divorces involve a spouse's use of pornography? On today's edition of Family Talk, Jim Cress, a certified sex addiction therapist, explains that porn is crack cocaine to the soul. When people are bored or stressed, they self-medicate with pornography and its instant rush of pleasure, but often feel shame afterwards. In 2 Corinthians 10:4, the Apostle Paul urges us to demolish strongholds through divine power. That includes the stronghold of porn.
As children, we often listened to fairy tales in which it was Prince Charming's job to sweep the heroine off her feet and "live happily ever after." But what happens if the prince fails? On today's edition of Family Talk, Rhonda Stoppe (pronounced STOP-ee), Christian author of The Marriage Mentor, says the key to a successful marriage is to find your worth in Christ first. Our prayer should echo Psalm 139. "Search me, O God, and know my heart. Know my anxious thoughts and see if there's any wicked way in me."
Ecclesiastes 9:9 says, "Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of your life." That's easier said than done! On today's edition of Family Talk, Rhonda Stoppe (pronounced STOP-ee), Christian author of The Marriage Mentor: Becoming the Couple You Long to Be, explains how things can go wrong. For example, unmet expectations can breed resentment and unforgiveness. She urges husbands and wives to seek God's affirmation first and spend time with older married couples who can provide godly mentorship.
Why won't your husband listen to the good advice nestled in your complaints? If only he could value the 'suggestion box' you set up for him and read the 'complaints' you regularly deposit. He, of course, would be a better man; and you would both have a better marriage!
On today's edition of Family Talk, Valorie Burton, Christian author of Happy Women Live Better, recommends three things to feel content, whatever the circumstances. First, ask yourself what was the best part about each day. Second, it's important to remember to play; have fun with your children, play with your pets, or dance with your spouse. Whatever you do, experience joy. Third, smile! God designed our bodies so when we smile, it triggers the release of serotonin and endorphins to our brains. Amazingly, our Creator wired us to feel okay, even in the midst of hardship.
Traditional psychology can help people who are struggling with depression or anxiety, among other problems. On today's edition of Family Talk, Valorie Burton, Christian author of Happy Women Live Better, explains that positive psychology is the study of what happens when things go right. People who are content have a greater ability to deal with adversity. It's important to remember that God wants you to experience joy. His Word declares, "Laughter is good medicine," and "The joy of the Lord is your strength."
