Category Archives: Friends

Unintentional Mentoring

Posted on January 3, 2022 by familyencouragement

I have been blessed by having many mentors that have influenced me, the majority of them were unintentional mentors.   By that, I mean they were pouring into my life, but they had no idea how much influence they had. It’s … Continue reading →

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Friends Give Gifts to Each Other

Posted on August 29, 2020 by familyencouragement

A healthy marriage is one where the two are friends.  When a husband and wife lose the elements of friendship, the relationship struggles and becomes dutiful.  This is a dangerous place to be.  The benefit of having a Christian home … Continue reading →

Posted in Building a family, close family, Family Issues, Friends, friendship, Generosity, Giving, Gratitude, Married and Friends | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

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

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

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

Things that Strengthened our Marriage – Time Away with Friends

Posted on October 18, 2016 by familyencouragement

In the early 1990’s myself and two of my pastor friends traveled to New Hampshire to encourage a good friend of ours, who was pastoring in Connecticut.  A man in his church had a cabin in the middle of nowhere, … Continue reading →

Posted in advice, close family, closeness, familiy issues, family, Friends, friendship, Marriage, quality time, Time | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Most Neglected Advisers

Posted on April 20, 2016 by familyencouragement

When I wanted to ask Paula to marry me, I didn’t do so spontaneously.   There was something that I had to do first.   While I knew she was God’s choice for me I needed to get the approval of … Continue reading →

Posted in advice, Change, Children, church, counsel, Decision-making, Decisions, familiy issues, family, Father, Friends, guidance, Influence, mentor, Mother, Parenting, Personal Growth, problems, Success, Will of God, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Three Essential Qualities for Advisers

Posted on March 28, 2016 by familyencouragement

I attended a Christian college and we had chapel services during the week.   Those were great hours when some of America’s greatest preachers and Bible teachers came to speak to us.   Also, announcements were made that pertained to the student … Continue reading →

Posted in advice, Change, counsel, Decision-making, Decisions, familiy issues, family, Friends, friendship, guidance, Influence, mentor, mentoring, Personal Growth, perspective, problems, Rebuke, Success, Teaching, Will of God, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Value of Advisors

Posted on March 12, 2016 by familyencouragement

In the early 80’s my wife and I lived in the Washington D.C. area and I had a good friend that was in the Secret Service.  When our friends from out of town would visit my friend would graciously take … Continue reading →

Posted in advice, Bible, Decision-making, Decisions, familiy issues, family, Friends, friendship, guidance, Influence, mentor, mentoring, problems, Success, Will of God, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment