Category Archives: adversity

Friends are Committed through the Hard Times

Posted on July 23, 2020 by familyencouragement

Nothing proves friendship like adversity.    Friendship is costly.  Sometimes it is not easy to stand with people during difficult hours.   It will take time, energy, and may involve money.    “Words are easy, like the wind; faithful friends are hard to … Continue reading →

Posted in adversity, bearing burdens, Commitment, Faithfulness, Family Issues, Friends, friendship, Loyalty, Married and Friends, suffering | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Friends Hurt with Each Other

Posted on May 25, 2020 by familyencouragement

At the kernel of every close relationship are the marks of friendship.   As we cultivate friendship we strengthen the relationship.   This is seen in marriage and parenting, too.   It is good for us then to identify these qualities, and understand … Continue reading →

Posted in adversity, bearing burdens, Discouragement, Encouragement, Family Issues, Friends, friendship, Married and Friends, sorrow | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Comfort of a Friend

Posted on April 25, 2019 by familyencouragement

A strong marriage has at the core a relationship that is defined by a healthy friendship. If one can learn and apply the characteristics of a friendship then that relationship will be stronger, happier and deeper. One of the qualities … Continue reading →

Posted in adversity, bearing burdens, comfort, Family Issues, Friends, friendship, grief, Mercy, pain, sorrow, Strong Marriage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Gaining Wisdom through Prayer

Posted on October 17, 2018 by familyencouragement

Recently we celebrated the 80th birthday of my Mom.  It was a wonderful and fun evening as we honored her.  In the days before it I found myself reviewing the years of my youth.  I had specific memories of my … Continue reading →

Posted in adversity, Building a family, Children, Decision-making, Family Issues, Marriage, Parenting, prayer, problems, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Secret of a Strong Marriage

Posted on December 9, 2016 by familyencouragement

The strength of a structure is determined by it’s foundation.   The higher the structure, the deeper the foundation.    The foundation is hidden and unseen, but it is crucial to the strength and longevity of whatever is built on top of … Continue reading →

Posted in adversity, attitude, Bible, Change, character growth, church, close family, closeness, conflict, familiy issues, family, Hope, Husband, Legacy, Marriage, Obedience, Perseverance, Personal Growth, problems, Strategy, Success, Truth, Wife | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mistakes I Made in My Marriage – Parsing Her Words

Posted on July 17, 2016 by familyencouragement

Years ago I was driving through Chattanooga, Tennessee listening to one of my favorite preachers, Adrian Rogers.   He was telling a story about him and his wife when they had a disagreement. In the middle of their “discussion” Joyce, his … Continue reading →

Posted in adversity, Affirmation, arguing, attitude, Change, character growth, close family, closeness, comfort, communication, Complaining, conflict, conversation, Criticism, differences in men and women, disagreements, Discouragement, Encouragement, familiy issues, family, God's grace, griping, Husband, Kindness, Marriage, Men, Mercy, Patience, Personal Growth, perspective, Speech, Wife | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Decision-Making and Personal Desires

Posted on May 26, 2016 by familyencouragement

My son-in-law and I were having lunch several years ago about God’s will for his life.   He had attended four years of Bible college and had planned on serving in local church ministry, but there was a restlessness in his … Continue reading →

Posted in adversity, advice, counsel, Decision-making, Decisions, family, Family Issues, guidance, Happiness, Opportunities, Success, surrender, Will of God, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Depressed Leaders

Posted on July 3, 2015 by familyencouragement

About fifteen years ago I was riding with a well-known Christian leader.    It was a long trip and we had an opportunity to talk about a lot of subjects.   My friend was fifteen years older than me and had more … Continue reading →

Posted in adversity, advice, Affirmation, burnout, Children, counsel, depression, Discouragement, Encouragement, Family Issues, friendship, Leadership, music, self pity | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Complaining Leaders

Posted on April 23, 2015 by familyencouragement

I was picking up a friend visiting our area at his hotel to take him to lunch.   Just before leaving his room he had to make a quick phone call to a mutual friend of ours. He made the call … Continue reading →

Posted in adversity, attitude, burnout, character growth, Children, Complaining, counsel, cynicism, Discouragement, Encouragement, faith, family, Family Issues, God's grace, griping, Leadership, mentor, mentoring, perspective, problems, self pity | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How to Change Your Complaining to Gratitude

Posted on February 26, 2015 by familyencouragement

In the late 1970’s as a junior in college I was privileged to serve in a wonderful church in Madison, Alabama.     Each weekend I traveled from Chattanooga to minister in a variety of ways.   They were very special years in … Continue reading →

Posted in adversity, Complaining, Faithfulness, Gratitude, Influence, Joy, suffering, surrender | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment