Category Archives: Encouragement

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

Friends Express Their Feelings to Each Other

Posted on September 17, 2019 by familyencouragement

A close friend had been sick and in the hospital and was rapidly declining.  My wife and I went to visit him.   We didn’t know it would be the last time we would ever see him when we walked into … Continue reading →

Posted in Affirmation, Attention, close family, communication, emotions, Encouragement, Family Issues, friendship, Gratitude, Growing marriage, Happy marriage, Kindness, Married and Friends, Speech, Time | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Friends are Transparent with Each Other

Posted on July 24, 2019 by familyencouragement

Recently I shared with my wife that I was emotionally fatigued and discouraged.  A part of me wanted to keep that to myself and “be strong”, but I needed someone to talk with about it.  And she is my best … Continue reading →

Posted in bearing burdens, close family, comfort, communication, conversation, Discouragement, Encouragement, Family Issues, Friends, friendship, Growing marriage, Happy marriage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Building Your Husband

Posted on July 10, 2018 by familyencouragement

After Paula and I were engaged one of our frequent conversations was the kind of home we wanted to have.    We both were believers and that meant God’s Word was the guide to our roles and responsibilities.    Both of us … Continue reading →

Posted in Admiration, Affirmation, attitude, close family, Encouragement, Family Issues, Growing marriage, Happy marriage, Husband, Marriage, Roles in Marriage, Strong Marriage, 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

Marriage Advice

Posted on June 3, 2016 by familyencouragement

Several years ago one of our pastors who teaches a Bible study for married couples asked me speak to them about some things I had learned in my marriage to Paula. (In June, 2016 we will be married for 37 … Continue reading →

Posted in advice, Bible, close family, counsel, Encouragement, familiy issues, family, Happiness, Marriage, Men, mentoring, Parenting | 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

Complaining Affects Your Family

Posted on March 11, 2015 by familyencouragement

I was visiting at a close friend’s house and decided to treat the family to supper.   It was a small town and so the options were limited.   After talking about possibilities we decided on some ribs.   The father of my … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, close family, closeness, Complaining, Criticism, disagreements, Encouragement, example, expectation, Family Issues, Gratitude, griping, Influence, praise | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Success Requires Knowing What is Most Important

Posted on August 15, 2014 by familyencouragement

I love pictures.   My wife sometimes tells the kids, “Your Dad loves pictures more than anyone I know”.   I enjoy beautiful pictures of sunsets and things God made, they remind me of His wisdom and power.   If you looked at … Continue reading →

Posted in Affirmation, Children, Encouragement, Family Issues, Father, Friends, Generosity, Giving, Gratitude, Happiness, Kindness, Leadership, Legacy, Love, Marriage, Mother, Parenting, Speech, Time | Leave a comment