Practical Family Living

Is My Husband in Male Menopause?

Daniel Lange, M.S.W., LCSW

Male menopause is similar to menopause in women

Abraham, Fear and Choice

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Abraham's life, among others, exhibits the impact of fear on our choices. The reward outlined by the Lord for those who persevere is His increased presence in our lives.

When Children Steal

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

There isn't a parent on earth who enjoys the idea of their child stealing. Understanding the possible reasons that children steal is foundational to knowing how to respond in discipline.

What a Lot to Possess

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Our position as a child of God is laden with numerous benefits. Our inheritance is both instant and progressive.

Marital Transitions: Parting the Fearful Waters

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

Three steps to finding marital stability in the midst of change

A Christmas Sabbath

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

Describes how behaviors and a mindset of peace and rest can bring us closer to God in the Christmas season

Changing Our Christmas Perspectives

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

Article uses an analogy from the Old Testament to teach how Christmas can be an opportunity to turn from fear and sin, to the joy, holiness, and wonder of Christ.

Marching On

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

Article shows how God can encourage and strengthen us when facing fatigue and discouragement in challenging situations.

God's Peace in the Midst of a Crisis

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW

Moving account of a young woman who experiences the peace of God in the midst of a personal crisis

Tearing Down the Wall Through Forgiveness

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW

What forgiveness really is and how relationships can be restored

Personal Purity

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

There are benefits to personal purity beyond what we can fully take in as the world is seeming to celebrate impurity. The many faces of sexual impurity is reviewed here. The harmful effects of sexual sin including entertaining impure thoughts are discussed. This piece contains a good discussion of the harm seemingly harmless speech and innuendo brings.

Check List: How Am I Doing?

Questions to ask yourself to find out how you are doing

Helping the Discouraged

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

Discouragement can leave us frightened and unmotivated with feelings of loneliness and hopelessness. Drawing from the biblical story of Elijah and an actual family therapy case, this article discusses five steps to helping an individual recover from discouragement.

My Child Won't Go To School

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

School phobia, a severe stress response toward school is a very perplexing condition. Suddenly a child simply will not go to school and becomes unusually forceful in their not wanting to go into the school routine. Unusual crying, sitting down, not moving, screaming, running away from the parent, refusal to leave the car to go into the school, are some of the symptoms in this condition. This article gives a thorough overview of the condition and ideas of what to do with school phobia.

Affliction and Fear

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

The healing process for each one of us requires ownership within ourselves of the behaviors and attitudes that often create our own daily battles. What has been discovered is that fear is often behind those patterns of thinking and acting. Scripture tells us that if we are afflicted we are to pray. Knowing what fears we face help us know where to begin in overcoming those core fears.

Ten Ways to "Train Up A Child"

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Parenting is hard. Raising children in today's world is a juggling act for most people when trying to do a good job of applying God’s word."Ten Ways…"gives a real map of behavior for parents to follow as they seek to be a good parent. The admonition to "raise up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it" is fleshed out in this article in practical and moment by moment ways.

Prayers for God's Protection

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

Fearful situations can leave us feeling vulnerable. Article outlines a specific format of prayers to use when we need God's protection.

Coping With Holiday Grief

Compiled by Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Adapted from "Ten Ways To Cope With Holiday Grief" by L.B. Schultz, this handout provides information that is both practical and helpful for anyone who experiences renewed grief during the holiday seasons. Grief knows no time frame. Because of that fact, knowing what is normal and helpful may aid in alleviating and normalize the grief responses.