This article serves as a part two to my previous article titled, Four Solutions to Marriage Conflict. What drew the most attention was a notion by Steve Hoppe, which I supported, indicating that fighting has no place in marriage. Of course, this is entirely dependent on what is meant by “fighting”. Hoppe went on to explain that “by definition, fighting pits two enemies against each other – each trying to defeat the other. But in marriage you aren’t enemies. You’re teammates.” (Pg 29). The reason I agree with this definition is because it is reminiscent of the sort of fighting that Paul warns a ..read more

Marriage is hard work but it's good. It's good for many reasons but not the least of which is the fact that marriage is God's gift to us to teach us about the beautiful mystery of Christ and his church (Eph 5:32). It's very easy to forget this truth primarily because of the reality of the presence of sin. The principal means by which these sinful attitudes and behaviors creep their way into the marriage relationship is when: (1) The opportunity for conflict arises, or (2) When we are in full-fledged conflict itself. Conflict with our spouse uniquely reveals what is in our heart. Jesus says, ou ..read more

Welcome back to the CCFS Counseling Conversations Podcast.     This is Episode 4 of a new series titled, Probing the Proverbs. The fourth episode will probe Proverbs Chapter 2, verses 1-5 (NIV) _____________ 1 My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, 2 turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding-- 3 indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, 4 and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, 5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. [Pro 2:1 ..read more

Welcome back to the CCFS Counseling Conversations Podcast.    This is Episode 3 of a new series titled, Probing the Proverbs. The third episode will probe Proverbs Chapter 1, verses 20-33 (NIV) _____________ 20 Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square; 21 on top of the wall she cries out, at the city gate she makes her speech: 22 "How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? 23 Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teac ..read more

Welcome back to the CCFS Counseling Conversations Podcast.   This is Episode 2 of a new series titled, Probing the Proverbs. The first episode will probe Proverbs Chapter 1, verses 1-7 (NIV) _____________ 8 Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching, 9 for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck. 10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. 11 If they say, "Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood; let us ambush the innocent without reason; 12 like Sheol let us swallow them alive, and whole, like those who go down t ..read more

Welcome back to the CCFS Counseling Conversations Podcast.   This is Episode 1 of a new series titled, Probing the Proverbs.  The first episode will probe Proverbs Chapter 1, verses 1-7 (NIV) _____________ 1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: 2 for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; 3 for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; 4 for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young-- 5 let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get gu ..read more

DAY 16 of 31 On Anger (Pt 2) Details for how to receive a free book: TWO WAYS TO QUALIFY: 1) On any given week Friday through Thursday, make a Comment in the comment box. GOAL: Be the person with most days of having made a comment AND be the first to make a Comment on Thursday, then you will win the book of the week. OR 2)  Make a comment on all 31 episodes AND be the first to make a comment on the Sunday, May 31 Episode and you will be the May 31 Book which is to be announced. ☝ One prize per household. WEEK ONE BOOK: May 1-7 ? Everything a Child Should Know About God By Kenneth Taylor a ..read more

DAY 12 of 31 Lament Details for how to receive a free book: TWO WAYS TO QUALIFY: 1) On any given week Friday through Thursday, make a Comment in the comment box. GOAL: Be the person with most days of having made a comment AND be the first to make a Comment on Thursday, then you will win the book of the week. OR 2)  Make a comment on all 31 episodes AND be the first to make a comment on the Sunday, May 31 Episode and you will be the May 31 Book which is to be announced. ☝ One prize per household. WEEK ONE BOOK: May 1-7 ? Everything a Child Should Know About God By Kenneth Taylor and Jenny ..read more

DAY 11 of 31 Endurance Details for how to receive a free book: TWO WAYS TO QUALIFY: 1) On any given week Friday through Thursday, make a Comment in the comment box. GOAL: Be the person with most days of having made a comment AND be the first to make a Comment on Thursday, then you will win the book of the week. OR 2)  Make a comment on all 31 episodes AND be the first to make a comment on the Sunday, May 31 Episode and you will be the May 31 Book which is to be announced. ☝ One prize per household. WEEK ONE BOOK: May 1-7 ? Everything a Child Should Know About God By Kenneth Taylor and Je ..read more

DAY 10 of 31 Happy Mother's Day Details for how to receive a free book: TWO WAYS TO QUALIFY: 1) On any given week Friday through Thursday, make a Comment in the comment box. GOAL: Be the person with most days of having made a comment AND be the first to make a Comment on Thursday, then you will win the book of the week. OR 2)  Make a comment on all 31 episodes AND be the first to make a comment on the Sunday, May 31 Episode and you will be the May 31 Book which is to be announced. ☝ One prize per household. WEEK ONE BOOK: May 1-7 ? Everything a Child Should Know About God By Kenneth Taylo ..read more