The fundemental importance of trust in relationships, and the destruction that happens when that trust is violated became a reality to me several years ago. It’s still a vivid memory; ugly and detailed accusations, followed by denials from me. I lied, got caught and our world crashed.
Surviving infidelity may not result in your marriage being saved, but it does include you finding the strength to live out your life in God’s peace and hope. Yet, once infidelity has taken place, What are the necessary steps in surviving infidelity? The following principles are absolutely key for not only your emotionally health, but key if the relationship is going to survive.
When thinking about the subject of controlling anger, I thought it would be helpful to identify the different expressions of anger, the various types of anger and the root cause of anger. First of all, it is important to identify three common expressions of anger.
1. Sarcasm – Sarcasm is often an expression of anger which can be veiled in humor and verbalized through demeaning and cutting remarks.
Many struggle with fear of intimacy. Maslow’s hierarchy of human needs lists intimacy under Social Needs. After the fulfillment of Physiological Needs and Safety Needs, Social Needs are next on the scale of importance to human survival and health. People genuinely need to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance. They need to love and be loved (non-sexually and sexually) by others. In the absence of emotionally-based, meaningful and affirming contact with other humans, many become susceptible to loneliness, social anxiety, depression and dysfunctional relationships. In some people, the need for belonging can even overcome the more primal physiological and security needs. An anorexic, for example, may ignore the physiological need to eat and the security of health for a feeling of control and belonging.
Fear of intimacy interestingly enough, is a fear we can learn to live with, yet it becomes a massive barrier blocking the meaningful social connections we crave. Here are 4 core fears that stand in the way: ……………. To read more http://www.free-relationship-help.com/fear-of-intimacy.html
The following parenting tips not only apply to teenagers, but are also relevant for our children throughout their developmental years.
1. When Your child confesses their temptations or sins, don’t act shocked. Remember you did some pretty stupid things when you were younger. Tell your son or daughter about some of the mistakes you made. Be vulnerable and admit your own failures.
1. Identify the core issues – The first step in saving your marriage is to make the distinction between the symptoms and the core issues. Only after the core issues are identified can you take the first step in repairing the relationship. There is a verse in the bible that says, “When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?”
Your marriage will never be stronger than the foundation it’s built on. There are things in the course of your marriage that can chip away at the foundation of your relationship. To experience restoration, it is imperative to identify what those issues are and eliminate them.
When it came to parenting teens, in no way were Bonnie and I perfect parents. In addition, were not the perfect family, but we were healthy – there’s a big difference between the two. Healthy parents know what their purpose is. It is parenting with this sense of purpose that becomes the first step in making a difference in the lives of our teenagers. If we know what our purpose is and where we want to go, then as we journey through the path of parenthood, we are able to make “course corrections” when needed. The following are what I consider vital principles to staying on course and parenting teenagers with a clear purpose.
Conflict is a natural part of relationships. Even though the following conflict resolution techniques will help in resolving conflict, people instinctively reject relational formulas that are separate from an attitude of genuine care. These techniques are only as effective as the sincerity of your love for others.
1. Refrain from speaking negative and hurtful words – When you are angry or frustrated it is very tempting to say everything you are thinking at the time. That never works out well. You need to remind yourself of the power of the words you speak. Words can either incite defensiveness or promote an attitude of peace. Words of kindness establish a setting for mutual respect and love. A healthy first approach is to take some time before you address the conflict. Allow your emotions to stabilize and allow “cooler heads” to prevail.
1. Spend time together – One of the marriage tips I want to initially suggest requires the importance of spending time together. Even though this point seems too obvious to mention, it is still suprising how this simple truth can get away from us.
Recently Reader’s Digest reported about 1001 couples who were surveyed regarding the elements they value the most in marriage. The statistics were interesting with the importance of laughter being 52%, compatibility 30%, quality sex 13% and frequency of sex just 9%. It is clear that if you want to experience lasting love in your marriage, you need to make time to relax, laugh and enjoy one another.
The name of the movie is The Legend of Bagger Vance. The main character, Rannulph Junuh had an illustrious golf career cut short by his enlistment in WWI. During the war, he made a decision that cost the lives of his entire platoon. As a result of the guilt, Junuh returned home to a self-imposed exile. When asked to enter a local golf match representing his home town, he initially refused. When asked why, he dryly responded, “I lost my swing.” He did finally consent to enter the tournament only to find that he is plagued with the shadow of his past…….
The Legend of Bagger Vance isn’t really about golf, but about a man being able to shake off his past failure and find again that place of confidence and hope; it’s about a man “finding his swing.”
I completely identified with Junuh. I’ve experienced the overwhelming sense of hopelessness. I know what it’s like to wonder if I would ever be whole again. Maybe you know that feeling as well?
It could be because of sin, or a series of bad choices that resulted in some type of painful failure. Life comes fast and hard. It can bury the part of us that hopes under a layer of regrets. Whatever the reason, maybe you too have lost your swing.
There’s a verse in the Bible that says, “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” Simply put, regardless of what’s happened, God’s purpose for your life has not changed. The sacrifice Jesus made on the cross paid the penalty for our failures. God does not oversee or manage your past. God has no plans or designs for your yesterdays. But, He is actively designing your future. He does have a purpose for your tomorrows.
I’m going to ask you to do something scary. I’m going to ask you to take a chance again. I’m asking you to get up, brush yourself off and trust in God’s unfailing love. It’s time to step out of the shadows and play the game you were always meant to play!