Tag Archives: expectations

Mistakes I Made in My Marriage – Parsing Her Words

Posted on July 17, 2016 by familyencouragement

Years ago I was driving through Chattanooga, Tennessee listening to one of my favorite preachers, Adrian Rogers.   He was telling a story about him and his wife when they had a disagreement. In the middle of their “discussion” Joyce, his … Continue reading →

Posted in adversity, Affirmation, arguing, attitude, Change, character growth, close family, closeness, comfort, communication, Complaining, conflict, conversation, Criticism, differences in men and women, disagreements, Discouragement, Encouragement, familiy issues, family, God's grace, griping, Husband, Kindness, Marriage, Men, Mercy, Patience, Personal Growth, perspective, Speech, Wife | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

How to Overcome a Bitter Spirit

Posted on February 8, 2014 by familyencouragement

How does a person know they are bitter?    Most people do not think they are because they call it other names – disappointed, hurt, unmet expectations.   An operational definition I use for bitterness is “harbored hurt”.   If not dealt with … Continue reading →

Posted in Anger, Bitterness, Compassion, Criticism, Family Issues, Father, Forgiveness, Friends, Happiness, Humility, Joy, Leadership, Love, Marriage, Men, Mercy, Parenting, Pride, Revival | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Bitterness Destroys Families

Posted on January 23, 2014 by familyencouragement

I have counseled hundreds of couples regarding problems in their marriages.   Without question the number one issue over all others at the root of their difficulties is bitterness.    It isn’t even close to other primary causes (finances, in-law conflicts, sexual … Continue reading →

Posted in Anger, Bitterness, Children, Family Issues, Father, Forgiveness, Marriage, Mother, Parenting | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Bitterness, a Prelude to other Troubles

Posted on January 4, 2014 by familyencouragement

Have you ever sat in a restaurant while waiting for your meal and taken note of those around you?    I’m especially fascinated by the dynamic of couples and how they tend to change as they grow older.   You see it … Continue reading →

Posted in Anger, Bitterness, Criticism, Family Issues, Forgiveness, Revenge, Speech | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Handling Personal Hurts

Posted on December 20, 2013 by familyencouragement

We cannot go through life without being hurt and disappointed.   Jesus said, “…It is impossible but that offences will come”.   (Luke 17:1) It is foolish to think we will never be offended – or offend others.   Because our hearts have … Continue reading →

Posted in Anger, Bitterness, Children, Family Issues, Father, Lying, Marriage, Men, Mother, Parenting, Revenge, Satan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Unreasonable Expectations Produce Angry Children

Posted on October 5, 2013 by familyencouragement

We aren’t left clueless as to how to train our children.  It’s not left to guesswork or trying out several approaches until we latch on to something that works.    The best manual on parenting is the Bible, written by the … Continue reading →

Posted in Anger, Children, Compassion, Discipline, Family Issues, Father, Forgiveness, Mother, Parenting, Patience | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Serving Difficult People

Posted on August 22, 2013 by familyencouragement

One Sunday Paula and I were arriving home from church and not only was I tired, but my mind was full of the events that had happened during the day.    We pulled up in the driveway  and I grabbed my … Continue reading →

Posted in Anger, Bitterness, Family Issues, Forgiveness, Friends, Giving, Humility, Joy, Love, Marriage, Mercy, Parenting, Pride, Selfishness, Thinking | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Focusing on My Indebtedness

Posted on August 17, 2013 by familyencouragement

Those at our church have often heard me speak highly of my father.   My dad was my hero.   He is the best man I have ever known.   When I was married I asked him to be my best man.   When … Continue reading →

Posted in Bitterness, Family Issues, Giving, Gratitude, Love, Marriage, Parenting, Selfishness, Thinking | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Love isn’t Easily Offended

Posted on July 29, 2013 by familyencouragement

Most of the time when I speak at our church it is after special music by a soloist or a group.   Many years ago someone sang a song that I had never heard before.   I love music and it has … Continue reading →

Posted in Anger, Criticism, Family Issues, Forgiveness, Friends, Happiness, Humility, Love, Marriage, Mercy, Patience, Pride, Repentence, Selfishness | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Who Aggravates You?

Posted on July 26, 2013 by familyencouragement

I greatly enjoyed my years in college, but my third year (which was the last year I was in the dorm) was trying.   It wasn’t the classes, they were some of my best.   My challenge was a person.  We had … Continue reading →

Posted in Anger, Criticism, Family Issues, Friends, Love, Marriage, Mercy, Parenting, Repentence | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments