Articles
Memories: Our Past, Our Present, and Our Future
Daniel Lange, M.S.W., LCSW
Memories present a consistent history to what yiou decide is true of you
Character, Grace and Relationships
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Paul's honesty about his core nature and the working of G od's grace gives each of us hope in our ability to love one another. It is in the acknowledgement of our sin that we become better equipped to love one another.
Conflict and the Call to Bless
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
The desire for revenge is within each one of us in the face of hurtful or offensive behavior. It is our way of saying we are not the villains. God has called us to bless one a nother. Blessing one another requires a cessation of treating others as if they are always the villains. In doing so, we open the door to receiving God's intended blessing towards us.
Clarity of Thought in Relationships
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
There are various fears and concerns that feed behaviors not helpful in our relationships with one another. Specific guidelines are available to aid us in our n eed for clarity of thought and behavior as we seek to experience and provide healthy styles of interacting.
Growing Up in Christ
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Maturity takes time to develop in all of us. Obvious, I know, however we can identify particular attitudes and behaviors that help us identify how we are progressing in our walk with the Lord and with others.
Balancing Power and Position
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Using the life of Hagar as an example, we can discover how easily the balance of power and position in relationships can become unbalanced.
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?
The Walk of Intimacy
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
We need intimacy. Defining what intimacy is and allowing God to increase our ability to give and receive intimacy aids each of us in our growth process. This article includes and exercise for all to identify possible underlying assumptions that may inhibit and increase the potential for intimacy.
Fruit of the Spirit: Tips to Increase Your Daily Servings
Whitney Stager, M.S.
Tips on how to incorporate the fruits of the spirit into your daily life to keep you (and your loved ones) healthy and happy.
Sabotaging Love
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Many experiences of being shamed for one's thoughts and feelings create the idea that one can search for but never find love. God's promise is that He gives us power, love, and sound thinking as we walk with Him.
Family Relationships: It's Not About Winning and Losing
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW
What family relationships are not about
Escaping the Role of Scapegoat
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW
A vignette portraying a family scapegoat moving from cooperating with the role to rejecting the role
Family Roles: Assigned and Assumed
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW
The powerful impact of family role assignments and assumptions
Characteristics of a Healthy Family
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW
Helpful guides to creating a healthy family
Elderly and Families: Intergenerational Respect and Love
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Suggestions on how family members can bring emotional, practical, and spiritual support to older loved ones
Abundant Attachment with God and Others
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Illustrates how parents and spouses can use Jesus' words from the Gospel of John for healthy attachment
Christmas Inspirations
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
What do the Bethlehem manger and a brother dying of AIDS have in common? Article depicts how life-giving responses in difficult circumstances can bring hope and encouragement.
Families and Transition
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Illustrates how Jesus can help families survive and thrive in times of change and transition.
Simplicity in a Complex World
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Money, possessions, and success can inhibit our desire to prioritize loving God and one another. Article addresses managing earthly things with eternal treasures.
Family Systems and Generational Bondage
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Article describes how past generational patterns can influence current family functioning, and how God can equip us in healthy family functioning.
Grief and Changes
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Change within a family life cycle can bring feelings of grief and loss. Article lists six ways to weather the storms of family changes.
Overcoming the Role of Family Hero
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW
A vignette portraying common characteristics of the family hero
Perfectionism: A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW
Perfectionism is harsh and demanding. However,the Lord does not require it.
Advent Traditions
Whitney Stager, M.S.
This article provides many ideas to help you and your family celebrate Advent - with special ways to prepare your hearts and minds for the coming of the Christmas season.
Changing Our Hearts by Changing Our Minds
Whitney Stager, M.S.
We can take the pressure off others to change by focusing on our own issues, because the only person we can really change is ourselves.
Just Right: A Christmas Memory
Whitney Stager, M.S.
A story of a family tradition to warm your heart and a reminder that family traditions help build memories that last a lifetime.
Healing at Christmas
Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC
This article describes the decisions we all have when entering the holidays. We can choose to stop "the war" in our relationships, to enter a time of peace.
What Happens When We Measure Ourselves With Each Other
Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC
This article looks at the phrase "It's not fair!" when people measure themselves with others and what the outcome is for the individual and relationship.
The Third Step in the Reconciliation Process
Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC
This article describes the five steps in the process of reconciliation and focuses in detail on the third step.
Behaviors That Inhibit Clarity in Relationships
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC, Welash-Desjardings
Behaviors and thoughts that inhibit relationships
A Parent’s Guide To Minimizing Sibling Rivalry
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW
Although sibling rivalry exists in virtually every family, parents can be proactive in helping to minimize sibling rivalry and helping children develop positive life long relationships with their siblings.
Taking Care of Yourself Over Holidays After a Loss
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
After the death of a loved one, various holidays are difficult, especially Christmas. Here are specific ideas for moving through any holiday with gentleness toward yourself and your situation.
Mocking In Families
A "Dear Rosa" question and answer regarding the shamed based communication and its impact on family members.
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.
Using Mindfulness to Keep Relationships Healthy
Whitney Stager, M.S.
Insights and tips are provided on how use mindfulness to be attentive to others feelings, as well as your own, in everyday experiences, to help strengthen your relationship.
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.
Respect in Families
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
There are three foundational principles that make respect in families happen. Following these principles may be challenging but are also an expression of our commitment to following the examples laid before us by the Lord. In part one, respect is defined and a brief look at grandiosity is taken.
Validation is Not Agreement
Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC
This article describes the difference between validating another person's communication and agreeing with it. Examples are given.
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.
Answering Jesus' Call
Whitney Stager, M.S.
This article helps the reader make decisions about when it is important to act on Jesus' call and to be open to His timing.
Broadcasts
Feeling Appreciated #570
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Giving and receiving in relationships is basic to the relationships foundation. Learning to give without expecting an appreciative response is part of the process of loving as Christ loves. Discussed is how to show appreciation and how it affects relationships.
Feelings of Success #573
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Comparing two different people to one another is a tenuous choice of behavior. Discussed in this program is the issue of comparison and its effects on relationships.
It's Never Enough #1 of 2, #2065
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
People get discouraged in relationships when after trying all they k now to do, their loved one still seems unhappy.
Communication, Criticism & Compliments #610
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Discussion of how we respond to criticism or compliments.
Family Life of Jacob: His Family & Coalitions #621
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Taking a look at the family life of Jacob and lessons to learn for our time.
Family Life of Jacob: Background of His Marriages #622
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Dynamics explored around the marriage of Jacob to wives Leah and Rachel
Family Life of Jacob: Leah's Disposition #624
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Continuing discussion of Jacob's family life focusing on Leah and the disposition she brought to the situation.
Family Systems #1 of 3, #729
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Why do family systems exist and what are they? Join us as we talk about limits and boundaries of the family system and how they are formed.
Family Systems: Family Boundaries #2 of 3, #730
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
This program continues the discussion of limits and boundaries in the family system and how they are formed.
Family Systems: Boundaries and Atmosphere #3 of 3, #731
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Discussing families and the development of boundaries would not be complete without taking a look at how boundaries change and the factors that influence this change.
Success and Family Loyalty #1 of 4, #1140
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Every family has a set of expectations that they put on one another about how each person is to be. Sometimes those loyalties may feel inhibiting in one's growth.
Success and Family Loyalty #2 of 4, #1141
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Where should your loyalties be? Sometimes if feels unclear whether one is to be loyal to one's family of origin or to the marriage or...?
Success and Family Loyalty #3 of 4, #1142
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
One of the challenges faced when looking at loyalty to the family is the following questions: Do you dare go beyond the success your parents achieved? How obligated are you to the family of origin parameters?
Success and Family Loyalty #4 of 4, #1143
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
The discussion of family loyalties wraps up by taking a look at the impact family loyalties have on the marital relationship.
Authority and Structure in God's Family and Kingdom #1 of 3, #1243
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Discussion focuses on defining what authority and structure in God's family and kingdom means.
Healthy Families: What Is A Troubled Family #2 of 2, #1623
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Contrasted here are the different characteristics associated with both healthy and unhealthy families.
How Does Alcoholism Affect Relationships and Intimacy #2 of 2, #1946
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Lynda and Paul take a few minutes to discuss the altered development of intimacy and relationships in the alcoholic family.
How Does Alcoholism Affect Siblings #1 of 2, #1945
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
There is a unique experience among the siblings in the family of an alcoholic that is addressed in this program. Along with this information is a discussion regarding the grief reaction each child may have.
Teamwork in Tasks and Ministry #1 of 2, #3035
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Sometimes tasks and ministries both in and out of the home can seem overwhelming. Scripture gives us spiritual and practical principles in developing teamwork and decreasing anxiety in tasks.
Teamwork in Tasks and Ministry #2 of 2, #3036
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Sometimes tasks and ministries both in and out of the home can seem overwhelming. Scripture gives us spiritual and practical principles in developing teamwork and decreasing anxiety in tasks.
Characteristics of a Healthy Family #1 of 2, #3044
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW
The healthier the family is the more the needs of the family members are met. Characteristics similar to families considered healthy are presented and discussed.
Characteristics of a Healthy Family #2 of 2, #3045
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW
Healthy families are those who meet the needs of its individual family members. Characteristics similar to all healthy families continues in this program.
Families and Forgiveness #2 of 5, #2137
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
There are relational injustices within our families at times. Asking for God's help in the stages of forgiveness.
Families and Forgiveness #3 of 5, #2138
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Forgiveness takes a lot of work, but the outcome of forgiveness is freedom.
Families and Forgiveness #4 of 5, #2139
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
This program helps us to tenderly look at the past and see pain and parental sacrifice in a new light.
Families and Forgiveness #5 of 5, #2140
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
We must forgive to be forgiven. This programs reviews the steps of forgivenss.
Rituals And Their Meaning #1 of 4, #2156
Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC
This program discusses the meaning of rituals.
Rituals And Their Meaning #2 of 4, #2157
Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC
The four types of rituals and their key elements are discussed.
Rituals And Their Meaning #3 of 4, #2158
Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC
This program discusses how the four types of rituals work and their various styles.
Rituals And Their Meaning #4 of 4, #2159
Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC
This program discusses that importance of rituals in healing.
It's Never Enough #2 of 2, #2066
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
People get discouraged in relationships when after trying all they know to do, their loved one still seems unhappy.
Characteristics of Healthy Families #1 of 4, #2067
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
The first four points 13 are covered in this program.
Characteristics of Healthy Families #2 of 4, #2068
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Points 5-9 of 13 characteristics are discussed by Lynda and Paul.
Characteristics of Healthy Families #3 of 4, #2069
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
The last four points, 10 - 13 are explored in this series discussing the characteristics of healthy families.
Characteristics of Healthy Families #4 of 4, #2070
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Lynda and Paul wrap up the series with words of encouragement for families to remember.
Families and Forgiveness #1 of 5, #2136
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
We learn about forgiveness and whether we are loved from our families. Why are family relationships sometimes so painful.
Uncomfortable Sides #3086
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Based on her book, "Proverbs For The Family", Lynda discusses how adult behavior shows up in children.
Children Raising Children #3097
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Often older siblings are asked to step in and care for those younger in the family. Long-term child care by a sibling has a way of brining out the tyrant in everyone.
Three Styles of Families #1 of 3, #3054
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW
This series of programs discusses the three styles of families: Parent Centered Family, Child Centered Family and God Centered Family.
Three Styles of Families #2 of 3, #3055
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW
This series of programs discusses the three styles of families: Parent Centered Family, Child Centered Family, and God Centered Family.
Three Styles of Families #3 of 3, #3056
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW
This series of programs discusses the three styles of families: Parent Centered Family, Child Centered Family, and God Center Family.
Rituals in Blended Families #1 of 2, #3057
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
These programs will explore the place that tradition and ritual plays in a blended family's life and how to better facilitate changes that inevitable occur in this area.
Rituals in Blended Families #2 of 2, #3058
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
These programs will explore the place that tradition and ritual plays in a blended family's life and how to better facilitate changes that inevitably occur in this area.
Realistic Expectations For Stepfamilies #1 of 3, #3202
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Brenda Spina and Paul Cameron discuss seven expectations that can help stepfamilies in the blending process. Each realistic expectation is matched with its matched with its unrealistic counter part.
Realistic Expectations For Stepfamilies #2 of 3, #3203
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Brenda Spina and Paul Cameron discuss seven expectations that can help stepfamilies in the blending process. Each realistic expectation is matched with its unrealistic counter part.
Realistic Expectations For Stepfamilies #3 of 3, #3204
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Brenda Spina and Paul Cameron discuss seven expectations that can help stepfamilies in the blending process. Each realistic expectation is matched with its unrealistic counter part.
Reclaim the Sabbath #3246
Whitney Stager, M.S.
Lynda and Whitney provide various tips to help you and your family reclaim the Sabbath. Also discussed are ways to increase quality family time spent together and how to build rituals and traditions into everyday family life.
Parents Modeling Faith #1 of 2, #3255
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Brenda Spina and Paul Cameron discuss the story found in II Kings 4:1-7 through the eyes of a child. Outline are simple yet challenging steps for parents in modeling the importance of having faith in God.
Parents Modeling Faith #2 of 2, #3256
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Brenda Spina and Paul Cameron discuss the story found in II Kings 4:1-7 through the eyes of a child. Outlined are simple yet challenging steps for parents in modeling the importance of having faith in God.
When Parents Fight, #2 of 2, 3276
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW
The parents are the executives of the family and from their marital relationship all the other relationships in the family are derived. When parents have the habit of fighting with each other fiercely or frequently, children may be negatively impacted. In this series of broadcasts, Christine and Lynda discuss the impact and offer suggestions to help parents.
When Parents Fight, #1 of 2, #3275
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW
The parents are the executives of the family and from their marital relationship all the other relationships in the family are derived. When parents have the habit of fighting with each other fiercely or frequently, children may be negatively impacted. In this series of broadcasts, Christine and Lynda discuss the impact and offer suggestions to help parents.
