Calming Angry Kids
Communicating Needs Without Provoking Conflict
Do you desperately want to tell your spouse how you feel, but don't because of how they'll respond? Dave and Ann Wilson tackle a listener's question about healthy communication in marriage. Dave admits that it took years for him to learn to sit and listen to Ann tell him hard truths, and Ann also had to learn to express her frustration and observations in a way that wasn't threatening to Dave. Together they tell of the lightbulb "moment" that finally changed their approach to communicating and describe how affirmation has improved their marriage.
Family Reconciliation
Julie Plagens spent years estranged from her family of origin. However, after much prayer and counseling, Julie began to see that the real enemy wasn't her parents, but Satan. She committed to do whatever it would take to restore her relationship with her family, with God's help. She chose to forgive them, and followed that with fasting and prayer, asking God to reach out. Julie's prayers were answered. Later in the year, Julie's mother invited her over for dinner. Julie shares a word of wisdom to those experiencing brokenness in their family.
A Family Break Up
All of us have an extension cord tied to our family of origin. Author Julie Plagens explains what life was like after she cut ties with her family. While her health issues did improve, Julie admits that avoiding her parents and siblings was still difficult. Julie tells how prayer and Scripture became a lifeline and helped her heal mentally. She realized that by severing her family ties, she just traded one set of problems for another. After her father suffered a heart attack, Julie began to realize how unforgiveness had taken root and prayed for God to change her.
Breaking Free From Destructive Patterns
Julie Plagens, author of the book "Estranged," remembers growing up as the lonely daughter of a highly successful nightclub and restaurant owner. After ten years of running a booming business, Julie's father came to faith in Christ which led him to take a job as a janitor at a local church, and eventually he became a pastor. Julie shares how living under the shadow of her pastor father led her to stuff her anger and bitterness, which adversely affected her health. Realizing her life was on the line due to her resentment towards her parents, Julie tells how she made the decision to cut ties with her family for good.
The Complicated Heart
When Sarah Mae became pregnant as a teen, she chose abortion when encouraged by both her grandmothers. But through the shame and sadness, God’s love still pursued Sarah.
Believe God, Not the Deceiver
Who are you listening to? Dennis Rainey explains that all of life is one long process of asking and answering the question, "Who am I going to believe?"
Preparing Your Teen for the Future
Is your teen prepared for adulthood? Dennis and Barbara Rainey identify four key areas of a child's life that parents must strive to develop before launching them into the big, wide world.
Back to the Basics: Seek God
Having a heart for God means you'll have a life that matters. Dennis Rainey shares his thoughts on seven decisions you'll never regret.
Principles to Live By
What kind of decision are you making today? For years Dennis Rainey has been sharing seven principles to live life by. Find out why seeking God is the beginning of it all.
Praying Through Conflict
Joel and Nina Schmidgall want couples to know that prayer is their ally when facing marital conflict. They encourage couples to prayerfully seek the Lord for the root of their conflict.