Articles

Taking Out the Trash: Preparation for the Holidays

Cheryl Chapin, M.S.

Share many blessings with family members instead of strife during the holiday season

Shame vs. Honesty

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Shame is the single most inhibitor to any individual's development of honesty. God's proomise of honesty to us paves the way to our increased ability to relate honestly with Him and with those around us.

Character vs. Reputation

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Knowing the difference between our character and our reputation is an integral part of our ministry. We promote the heart of God or we promote self.

In Pursuit of Belonging

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Sometimes obtaining a sense of belonging promotes behaviors that demean or 'step on' others in order to feel significant. Using a passage from Hebrews, this article takes a look at the role of the priest, our role as priests in the family of God and similarities of responsibility.

Resting in Hope

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Hope comes from facin our battles with the flesh before the grace and mercy of God. I Peter 1:13 is the basis of this devotional.

Christmas: God's Sacred Covenant

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Using the analogy of a love story, this brief passage describes the tenderness of God's love for each one of us. The holiday of Christmas is especially noted as it is a special time to celebrate the gift of God's commitment to us.

The Look of God

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

The power of a look. When someone looks at a nother's face they see the inner thoughts or feelings of that person. What do people see when they look at our faces?

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.

Double Yoke: No Burden is Carried Alone

Whitney Stager, M.S.

Examines our natural tendency to "go it alone" and provides a way to envision sharing your burdens with Jesus.

The Comfort of Position

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

The reality of our position with our Heavenly Father is one that is filled with comfort and help during our difficult times.

Self Sabatoge and Secret Affections

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

In the recovery process, a new kind of honesty is needed to become all that God would have. This article takes a look at one way in which honesty can be helpful in the healing of our ability to relate as God would have us to.

God's Forgiveness

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

God's forgiveness is complete. He moves us from shame and guilt to being set free.

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.

Bread of Bethlehem

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

Family and the sharing of communion is the backdrop of this article, which explores how to receive life-giving and healing attributes of God during the Christmas season.

God's Presence in the Midst of Suffering

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

Moving account of experiencing God's presence in the midst of horrendous suffering

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

Finding Balance

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

Finding balance in life through focusing on the Lord

Recognizing the Treasure Within You

Whitney Stager, M.S.

This article provides insight on helping to see God's love for each one of us and gives tools for seeing ourselves in a different way.

A True Joy-Filled Christmas

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

Stress and high expectations of the modern Christmas season are in sharp contrast to the First Christmas

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.

Why Does God Use Hardship?

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Hardship is hard. Why does God allow it? As the Potter shapes clay, over and over again, we too are shaped. Often this shaping is a process with several steps. What are these steps and why do they hurt? Sometimes it is for our strengthening and sometimes to deepen us in the ways we were meant to be and want to be. God makes us ready for all His purposes and for life abundantly.

Traveling The Road

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Each individual has a unique road to follow. This roadway is sometimes foggy to us. If we have gone along the path of trusting God many times, are we likely to continue when our eyes are blocked from what is ahead? See a personal example of a foggy road experience.

Guidelines for Help When You Feel Vulnerable or Lost

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Sometimes there is a straight-forward need for some written steps to take when feeling depressed, anxious, crummy, full of discouragement, or when listening to lies in thinking about God's ability to redeem a seemingly failed life. Here are those steps.

Gratitude, It's Own Memory Chain

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Memories triggered at times of yearly occasions are not always pleasant. How do you deal with triggered memories? Can we move from reacting to certain memories to providing ourselves with a plan? See ways people are able to set in motion a positive chain of memories both personal and spiritual.

Roadblocks to Joy

Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC

This article explores four roadblocks to joy.

Two Sides of Pity

Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC

This article describes the debilitating effects of secular pity and describes the difference between God's pity and the world's.

He's Got Your Back

Linda Hillary, MSE, NCC

The Lord goes ahead of us and protects us from behind

If You Had Been Here

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

A lively imaginary interaction of the biblical account of the encounter between Mary, Martha and Jesus just before Lazareth is raised from the dead.

Know God

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Trying to get a grasp on what it means to have a relationship with God. God desires to and pursues each of us to this end. This article includes a thorough outline of what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Forgiveness in the New Year

Whitney Stager, M.S.

The process of forgiveness, tips on inviting Jesus into the journey of forgiveness, as well as the forgiveness of self and others are discussed in this article.

Serve Your Generation

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Meeting the challenge of any new year keeps us mindful of how we have opportunity to be all that God would have us be. A personal look into the life of one serving in the face of loss is described beautifully and challenges us to look at those around us in a new way.

Surrender

Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC

Surrender is a process in which we accept the way things are.

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.

Making Your Way Through Transition

Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC

This article describes the challenges we face when going through difficult life changes. It also gives a way of navigating through that difficult time.

THE HELPER AND THE LIGHT

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Making decisions, fom the simple to the complex, is something we do every day all day long. Someone said we are our choices. God is good, He wants the best for us, and God is sovereign. If we ask, the Holy Spirit sheds light on our path so we may step in the best direction.

Different Culture, Equal Honor: Viewpoints on Shame

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

Family and individual rituals can look different, but are equally valued by God. Article shows how to bring sensitivity and honor to these rituals, when culture or economic and social status are different between people.

Broadcasts

Loss Equal Gain #1 of 2, #3198

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Brenda Spina and Paul Cameron take a look at the life of Abram and how God responded to Abrams loss, fear, and discouragement. Revealed are three things that we can say hello to when experiencing loss.

Loss Equal Gain #2 of 2, #3199

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Brenda Spina and Paul Cameron take a look at the life of Abram and how God responded to Abrams loss, fear, and discouragement. Revealed are three things that we can say hello to when experiencing loss.

Redeeming Our Life Stories: A Christian Approach to Narrative Family Therapy #1 of 2, #3200

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

A two- part series exploring how our own life stories can be "re-authored," or enhanced, transformed and healed by the redemptive story of Jesus Christ.

Redeeming Our Life Stories: A Christian Approach to Narrative Family Therapy #2 of 2, #3201

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

A two part series exploring how our own life stories can be "re-authored," or enhanced, transformed and healed by the redemptive story of Jesus Christ.

God's Fathering Us: God's Comfort, Encouragement and Urging #616

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

This program takes a look at 1 Thessalonians 2:11 discussing how we are fathered, comforted, and encouraged.

Double Binds: Comfort - Giving and Receiving #614

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Discussion centers around the dynamics of giving and receiving comfort and the impact of double binding communication.

God's Fathering Us: Being Sure of God's Love #615

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Let's talk about the word "father" and knowing the surety of God's love.

God's Fathering Us: Responding to God's Love #617

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Discussion regarding our responsiveness to the love that God gives us.

God's Fathering Us: Intimacy With God #618

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Lynda discusses what it means to have an intimate, personal relationship with God.

God's Fathering Us: Recap of the Series #619

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Sharing God's love in spite of what we deal with in the world.

The Need To Win: God Overcomes It #3 of 4, #697

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Scripture outlines practical ways in which we can overcome the inner battles that keep us locked into the need to win.

The Need To Win: God's Way #4 of 4, #698

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Discouraged about your own competitiveness? Tune in and be encouraged! God has your best in mind.

Intimacy with God #1 of 4, #764

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

How can I be intimate with someone I cannot see?

Intimacy with God: Inviting God Into Inadequacies #2 of 4, #765

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Any relationship requires one to practice vulnerability. Inviting God into your inadequacies is one way to experience a growing sense of intimacy with God.

Intimacy with God: Reactions From Oneself and Others #3 of 4, #766

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Opening up to God may elicit many different responses within oneself as well as produce changes in your relationships with others.

Intimacy with God: Wrap Up #4 of 4, #767

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Lynda with her co-host Paul take time to wrap up their discussion on what it means to be intimate with God.

Where Is Jesus In Tough Times #1 of 2, #1049

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Using Isaiah 28:16 this program discusses the necessity of getting God involved in our situation.

Where Is Jesus In Tough Times #2 of 2, #1050

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Tithing The Blessing #1199

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

There is much talk about blessing one another. Understanding what that means and the impact of giving away the blessing is discussed.

Authority and Structure in God's Family and Kingdom, #3 of 3, #1245

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

There is very much a spiritual component that fights against healthy authority and healthy structure. Listen as Paul and Lynda discuss the powers and principalities and there possible impact on the family.

Hope In The Midst Of Trouble #1318

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

The relevancy of Scripture is made known in taking a look at the family patterns of Adam and Eve. These patterns still exist in todays families.

Hiding The Truth From God #1319

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Truth is often a difficult thing for us to face. Yet, coming face to face with the truth is one way of coming honestly before the Lord.

Making Lemonade When Life Gives Lemons #1 of 2, #2074

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

How are we at handling our lumps in life. What do we do when lemons come our way? Disappointment can destroy our hope. Interpreting events is a major job of adulthood.

Making Lemonade When Life Gives Lemons #2 of 2, #2075

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Disappointment can destroy our hope. How are we doing at handling our lumps in life? What can we do when lemons come our way?

Nourishing Thinking #1 of 4, #2091

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

A conversation is often taking place in one's mind. How to have nourishing thoughts is explored in this program.

Nourishing Thinking #2 of 4, #2092

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

A conversation is often taking place in one's mind. How to have nourishing thoughts is explored in this program.

Nourishing Thinking #3 of 4, #2093

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

A conversation is often taking place in one's mind. How to have nourishing thoughts is explored in this program.

Nourishing Thinking #4 of 4, #2094

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

A conversation is often taking place in one's mind. How to have nourishing thoughts is explored in this program.

God's Dream For You #3015

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

I know it may seem funny, however, God has big dreams for his loved ones. His dreams often go beyond what we may think of. Listen for a brief discussion and exercise for identifying what His dreams may be for you.

Jubilant God #1 of 2, #3020

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

Experience, in this program, how God rejoices and sings over us through the bond of love. As we become secure in this bond, we too, can rejoice in the bonding process in our close relationships.

Jubilant God #2 of 2, #3021

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

Experience, in this program, how G od rejoices and sings over us through the bond of love. As we become secure in this bond, we too, can rejoice in the bonding process in our close relationships.

Attachment To God #3073

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Human bonding is both uniquely the same and different than our bonding to the Lord as Savior. Join Lynda and Brenda as they discuss the significance of our bonding to the Lord and one another.

The Meaning of Covenant #3083

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Based on Lynda's book, "Proverbs For The Family", discussion focuses on God's willingness to covenant with humans in order to bring about His goodness.

The Myth of Earthly Perfection #3087

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

The dream of perfection can be disappointing. Based on her book, "Proverbs For The Family", Lynda discusses how calmness and peace really happens.

Intimacy With God: Definition of & The Woman At The Well #1 of 4, #2161

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

This series of programs explains what it means to be intimate with God.

Comfort or Character #1 of 5, #3120

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Lynda and Brenda discuss the meaning of affliction and how the pursuit of comfort can set us up for increased affliction.

Comfort or Character #2 of 5, #3121

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Continued discussion is presented of the pursuit of comfort and how normal this longing can be.

Comfort or Character #3 of 5, #3122

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

In our search for comfort, there are often core fears that keep us stuck. Joshua 1-3 enters the discussion and its application to our healing process.

Comfort or Character #4 of 5, #3123

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Joshua 1-3 is discussed and the truths Joshua was presented with reveal the reality of God's working in our healing process.

Comfort or Character #5 of 5, #3124

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Fear, affliction and the truths revealed in Joshua 1-3 are finished up.

Intimacy With God: Expressing Feelings/ Sharing Problems With God #2 of 4, #2162

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

This program continues the series of intimacy with God and discusses sharing feelings with God.

Intimacy With God: I Wish I Could Better Hear What God Is Saying #3 of 4, #2163

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

This program continues sharing feelings with God and discusses hearing God's voice.

Intimacy With God: Believing God's Promise #4 of 4, #2164

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

This program concludes the series of intimacy with God and discusses believing God's promises.

My Thoughts Are Not Your Thoughts #1 of 4, #3048

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

These programs illustrate how we can change our thoughts and behaviors to be more in step with God's thoughts toward us. Learn how we can renew our mind in Christ and remain victorious inour thoughts and belief systems.

My Thoughts Are Not Your Thoughts #2 of 4, #3049

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

These programs illustrate how we can change our thoughts and behaviors to be more in step with God's thoughts toward us. Learn how we can renew our mind in Christ and remain victorious in our thoughts and belief systems.

My Thoughts Are Not Your Thoughts #3 of 4, #3050

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

These programs illustrate how we can change our thoughts and behaviors to be more in step with God's thoughts toward us. Learn how we can renew our mind in Christ and remain victorious in our thoughts and belief systems.

My Thoughts Are Not Your Thoughts #4 of 4, #3051

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

These programs illustrate how we can change our thoughts and behaviors to be more in step with God's thoughts toward us. Learn how we can renew our mind in Christ and remain victorious in our thoughts and belief systems.

Resting in Hope #1 of 3, #3061

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

This three part series takes a look at a three-fold directive found in the book of Peter for helping us focus on true goals as we relate to our Heavenly Father.

Resting in Hope #2 of 3, #3062

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

In a world where so much emphasis is placed on an individual's performance, the result is people battling for power, position, and possessions. The lack of peace internally creates numerous problems. The greatest of these is separation from our true source of peace.

Resting in Hope #3 of 3, #3063

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

In a world where so much emphasis is placed on an indiviudal's performance, the result is people battling for power, position and possessions. The lack of peace internally creates numerous problems. The greatest of these is separation from our true source of peace.

The Healthy One #1 of 2, #3147

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Lynda Savage and Phil Panier discuss how being in our Heavenly Father's arms is better than being in pursuit of health without God in the picture.

The Healthy One #2 of 2, #3148

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Lynda Savage and Phil Panier discuss how being in our Heavenly Father's arms is better than being in pursuit of health without God in the picture.

Be Anxious For Nothing #3254

Most people will call a friend, go for a walk..do anything before the pray. The whys for this and keys to talking to God are covered in this program hosted by Lynda Savage.

Am I A Gossip? #1 of 2, #3211

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

These two programs cover the definition of gossip, use example from the book of Proverbs as well as outline 5-6 responses that one may use to release themselves fro the gossip loop.

Am I A Gossip? #2 of 2, #3212

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

These two programs cover the definition of gossip, use examples from the book of Proverbs as well as outline 5-6 responses that one may use to release themselves from the gossip loop.

A Chrismas Sabbath #1 of 3, #3213

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

This series of three programs explores the meaning of a Sabbath-rest and offers spiritual and practical suggestions for a Sabbath-rest during the Christmas season.

A Christmas Sabbath #2 of 3, #3214

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

This series of three programs explores the meaning of a Sabbath-rest and offers spiritual and practical suggestions for a Sabbath-rest during the Christmas season.

A Christmas Sabbath #3 of 3, #3215

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

This series of three programs explores the meaning of a Sabbath-rest, offers spiritual and practical suggestions for a Sabbath-rest during the Christmas season.

Neglect: The Obtuse Abuse #1 of 2, #3221

Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC

Suzan Myhre discusses with Paul Cameron the harsh consequences of being ignored and neglected in childhood. They explore how neglect impacts relationships into adulthood including parent-child relationships and marriage. Also covered is how to heal from Neglect and God's healing power.

Neglect: The Obtuse Abuse #2 of 2, #3222

Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC

Suzan Myhre discusses with Paul Cameron the harsh consequences of being ignored and neglected in childhood. They explore how neglect impacts relationships into adulthood including parent-child relationships and marriage. Also covered is how to heal from neglect and God's healing power.

The History of Practical Family Living #1 of 8, #3225

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

PFL has been in existence more than 20 years. Lynda Savage, Director and Founder of Practical Family Living and Paul Cameron take a walk down memory lane and remember how God put together PFL. There is laughter and tears as God's faithfulness is remembered as well as rejoiced in.

The History of Practical Family Living #2 of 8, #3226

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Lynda Savage and Paul Cameron continue their recollections of the early days of PFL. They are joined by Brenda Spina as they continue to remember and celebrate the interweaving of people and their gifts as PFL began to grow.

The History of Practical Family Living #4 of 8, #3228

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Lynda and Brenda turn the table and interview Paul. Paul candidly shares about the benefits of Practical Family Living to himself, his family, and the listeners.

The History of Practical Family Living #5 of 8, #3234

Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC

Lynda interviews Suzan Myhre, who has been a therapist with the Center For Family Healing touching on her introduction to and the ministry of Practical Family Living.

The History of Practical Family Living #7 of 8, #3236

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

This program, featuring Lynda Savage and Mary Lambrecht, addresses insights learned from PFL on parenting multiple children, the PFL primary focus on glorifying God and Mary's journey from young mother to therapist on staff at the Center For Family Healing.

The History of Practical Family Living #6 of 8, #3235

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

Lynda interviews Christine Vander Wielen, a therapist at the Center For Family Healing touching on her introduction to and the ministry of Practical Family Living.

The History of Practical Family Living #8 of 8, #3237

Whitney Stager, M.S.

Lynda interviews Whitney Stager, a therapist at the Center for Family Healing. Whitney shares her experience as a christian therapist and a humorous story of how she first heard of Practical Family Living and met Lynda Savage.

Attachment Wounds: Ten Steps That Heal #1 of 2, #3175

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

In this two part series, a child's story of broken attachment illustrates how to begin the healing process toward healthy attaching to God and to others.

Attachment Wounds: Ten Steps That Heal #2 of 2, #3176

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

In this two-part series, a child's story of broken attachment illustrates how to begin the healing process toward healthy attaching to God and to others.