Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and […]

Seek first to understand and then to be understood – S Covey Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger James 1: If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. Prov 18:13 And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure […]

Strategies when you aren’t making progress on your puzzle Find the straight edges. Some things are more obvious than others and a little easier to solve. Have you done the easy stuff yet? If you haven’t it’s a must to start there. • Daily rituals of connection such as always saying goodbye in a loving […]

Expectations matter You saw the picture and thought, “I’d like to have that.” So you purchased it and transported it home and now it’s time for the big reveal. You open the box and look inside. The picture is in a thousand little interlocking pieces. You’ve purchased a jigsaw puzzle! Think about that for a […]

Here are two scriptures to strengthen all relationships, especially your marriage: “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” ~ Prov 16:24 “Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” ~ James 1:19 Develop the habit of using gracious words and listening quickly and you’ll […]

Pick a person, any person, with whom you have a relationship. It can be a boss, co-worker, lover, friend, neighbor … whomever. Now ask yourself “what is my default sentiment toward that person?” Do you trust them? Do you think they trust you? When they speak to you, are they trying to get a dig […]

Quote from Senneca the younger from around the time of Christ: ..nothing delights the mind so much as fond and loyal friendship. What a blessing it is to have hearts that are ready and willing to receive all your secrets in safety, with whom you are less afraid to share knowledge of something than keep […]

Here’s another entry from one of my favorite blogs at Gottman Institute. “A Million Tiny Things”: In the film ‘Sleepless in Seattle,’ Tom Hanks plays a widowed man (Sam Baldwin) whose son calls a radio talk show (Dr. Marcia Fieldstone) in an attempt to find his dad a new wife. Dr. Marcia Fieldstone: Tell me what […]

Adversity brings opportunity. When was the last time you sat with your spouse and had a safe, productive and intentional conversation about your relationship? What do you imagine might happen if you did that on a consistent basis and had the skills necessary to keep it positive? Do you think your relationship would improve? If […]