Tag Archives: family issues

Friends are Committed through the Hard Times

Posted on July 23, 2020 by familyencouragement

Nothing proves friendship like adversity.    Friendship is costly.  Sometimes it is not easy to stand with people during difficult hours.   It will take time, energy, and may involve money.    “Words are easy, like the wind; faithful friends are hard to … Continue reading →

Posted in adversity, bearing burdens, Commitment, Faithfulness, Family Issues, Friends, friendship, Loyalty, Married and Friends, suffering | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Friends Hurt with Each Other

Posted on May 25, 2020 by familyencouragement

At the kernel of every close relationship are the marks of friendship.   As we cultivate friendship we strengthen the relationship.   This is seen in marriage and parenting, too.   It is good for us then to identify these qualities, and understand … Continue reading →

Posted in adversity, bearing burdens, Discouragement, Encouragement, Family Issues, Friends, friendship, Married and Friends, sorrow | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Friends Trust Each Other

Posted on May 13, 2020 by familyencouragement

Good relationships have the earmarks of friendship.  The better the friendship, the stronger the relationship.   That includes the family.   Husbands and wives.   Parents and children (as the children grow the relationship transitions to a friendship).  Brothers and sisters.   God intends … Continue reading →

Posted in character growth, Christ-centered marriage, Family Issues, friendship, Growing marriage, Mercy, Trust | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Friends are Transparent with Each Other

Posted on July 24, 2019 by familyencouragement

Recently I shared with my wife that I was emotionally fatigued and discouraged.  A part of me wanted to keep that to myself and “be strong”, but I needed someone to talk with about it.  And she is my best … Continue reading →

Posted in bearing burdens, close family, comfort, communication, conversation, Discouragement, Encouragement, Family Issues, Friends, friendship, Growing marriage, Happy marriage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Friends Serve One Another

Posted on May 16, 2019 by familyencouragement

One of my fondest memories of friendship came out of a time when Paula and I were hurting the most.   We were at home, both of us recovering from physical setbacks. I had been in the hospital with pneumonia two … Continue reading →

Posted in Building a family, Christ-centered marriage, close family, Family Issues, friendship, Giving, Growing marriage, Marriage, Married and Friends, regrets, Selfishness, serving | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mid-Life Relationships between Parents and Children: Friendship

Posted on January 30, 2019 by familyencouragement

In recent months I wrote two birthday cards to my children within a month of each other.   I didn’t realize it until I had finished signing the second card and reading it again that I had included a similar thought … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging parents, Bitterness, close family, familiy issues, Family Issues, Mid-life issues, Parenting | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mid-Life Children and Senior Parents

Posted on December 14, 2018 by familyencouragement

There are a lot of jokes made about a midlife crisis, but there’s nothing funny about the challenges an aging parent and a son or daughter experience in these years.   There are difficult and delicate situations unique to this season … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging parents, conflict, Family Issues, Father, Mid-life issues, Mother, Parenting, Senior adult issues | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Relating to Your Parents at Mid-life

Posted on November 9, 2018 by familyencouragement

Years ago I taught a small group of married couples that were in the mid-life stage.   It was one of the most fruitful seasons of my ministry.   I brought a series of lessons that dealt with issues unique to that … Continue reading →

Posted in close family, communication, conflict, disagreements, expectation, familiy issues, Family Issues, Father, Mid-life issues, Mother, Parenting, problems, Senior adult issues, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Gaining Wisdom through a Mentor

Posted on October 22, 2018 by familyencouragement

When I was in college I began to read and study about what made for a strong family.   I wanted to reach my potential as a husband and as a father.   While I had an incredible example in my … Continue reading →

Posted in Family Issues, mentor, mentoring, wisdom | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Gaining Wisdom through Prayer

Posted on October 17, 2018 by familyencouragement

Recently we celebrated the 80th birthday of my Mom.  It was a wonderful and fun evening as we honored her.  In the days before it I found myself reviewing the years of my youth.  I had specific memories of my … Continue reading →

Posted in adversity, Building a family, Children, Decision-making, Family Issues, Marriage, Parenting, prayer, problems, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment