In my previous posts I have suggested that marriage was designed to provide companionship in the context of a committed relationship where both parties choose to unconditionally love the other. The fuel for these sorts of relationships is a bit different from our popular culture’s … “Romance & Intimacy”
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One could write a whole book, and many have, about what makes a good marriage. Rather than trying to make an exhaustive list, I am going to highlight just three things. I believe if these three areas are attended to, a marriage will ultimately succeed, … “What Makes a Good Marriage?”
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Let me start out and say something that I think is obvious but seems to be questioned these days. Marriage is good! For those who believe in the Bible, the argument is pretty easy to make, at least superfluously. God created marriage. God declared marriage good. … “Blessings of Marriage And Singleness”
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The following is a series of posts which contains what I have learned after 27 years of marriage. In the last six months I have found myself spending a great deal of time thinking and talking with friends about the nature of marriage. Part of … “Reflections on Dating & Marriage”
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Everyone I know want the opportunity to choose their long term relationships, be it coworkers, friends, or spouse. I have notice that this desire extends to the more transitory, day to day interactions. Most of us have a tendency to orient our lives so that … “Relational Openness and Delightful Surprises”
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In the last month or so I have repeatedly seen a list of the 5 most common regrets a hospice nurse has heard people express at the end of their lives. Julie’s 100 year old grandmother had just two items which overlap “spend more time with … “transform common regrets into commands for life”
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Seems like I have been talking with a number of folks who are figuring out what “Christian” dating means. This may, or may not be connected to our young adult fellowship being in the middle of a series which is looking at relationships which includes … “Recommended Books on Dating”
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I was first introduced to Myers Briggs in 1981 when I read the book Please Understand Me. I did the sorter and found myself classified as an ENFJ. The rest of this posting assumes you know something about Myers-Briggs. If you don’t, I would recommend … “Myers Briggs Useful, But Love Rules”
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Recently, a number of people have expressed appreciation for my willingness to be “real” about life, to be vulnerable. I have had had two reactions to this feedback. On the one hand, I want to say “Of course, there is no other rational way to … “The Value of Vulnerability”
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Twenty seven years ago Libby and I were married in a school’s multi-purpose room with our friends and family looking on. It was a stressful but happy day. The morning was spent moving Libby’s belongings from the room she had been sharing with a friend … “27+ Years of Blessing”
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I would notice The Courage to Teach by Parker Palmer every time I visited my favorite bookstore. I didn’t picked it up… I am not a teacher. In my mind, teachers are those brave souls who stands in front of students in a school, or … “Being Uncomfortable, Student and Teacher”
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A month or so ago, I learned that there were several homeless people who attend my church, PBC. I was bowled over by this. Not that people are homeless. I know this is a reality. What surprised me was that we had people who were … “Hospitality”
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Libby and I used to talk nearly every night. Often for a couple of hours. The topics varied greatly: basic logistical issues, smoothing over relational friction, concerns weighing on our hearts, big ideas, silly dreams. Honestly the topics almost didn’t matter, it was having someone … “Meeting God in the Empty Place – Turning Loneliness to Solitude”
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As I reflect on my father’s life, and can’t help but be struck by what a powerful influence he was on me. I fear that while my adolescent rebellion against him was mild, it was long lived. It took me a long time to see … “Lessons from Dad”
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