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The Journey of Faith Through Trials
This article is inspired by the episode titled “Walking With God Through Trials (Part 2 of 2)” on “Focus on the Family”. The episode requires deep diving into the topic of enduring faith through life’s trials, as illustrated by Michele Cushatt’s experiences and insights. This article will weave biblical principles with practical applications, offering an inspirational guide for Christians to…
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Don't Take It Personally: A Guide to Finding Peace in Christ
Why Taking Things Personally Feels So Good It’s easy to take things personally when someone says something that sounds like an insult. At first, it might feel good to get angry or upset. It makes you feel like you have the right to be mad at someone. But in the long run, taking things personally can make you feel isolated and insecure. It’s a defense mechanism that might make you feel safe for a…
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Building a Thriving Marriage: Practical Wisdom and Simple Habits for Lasting Love
Building a Thriving Marriage: Practical Wisdom and Simple Habits for Lasting Love
Inspired by the insightful dialogue of “Simple Habits to Embrace in Your Marriage” from Focus on the Family, this article delves into the importance of nurturing your marriage through simple, practical habits. Dr. Randy Schroeder shares wisdom gleaned from decades of counseling, emphasizing the crucial role of managing expectations and engaging in meaningful relationship…
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Understanding the Seasons of Marriage: A Journey Through Love and Commitment
Inspired by the enlightening broadcast “Loving Your Spouse Through the Seasons of Marriage (Part 1 of 2)” from Focus on the Family, this article delves into the dynamic journey of marital relationships. Just as natural seasons change, so do the seasons of a marriage, bringing their own unique challenges and joys. Understanding these seasonal shifts can help couples strengthen their bond and…
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Exploring the Benefits of Counseling
Have you ever stood in front of a vending machine, trying to decide what snack to pick? Every choice, big or small, comes with its own set of reasons. This happens a lot, whether it’s choosing where to eat, what to wear, or even more significant decisions like seeking Christian counseling. People often think about the downsides, like the time it takes, but they don’t always see the many benefits.…
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A Little Goes a Long Way: The Benefits of Minimal Exercise for a Healthy Life
In the midst of life’s trials and tribulations, a glimmer of hope emerges from an unexpected source – just 15 minutes of daily exercise. This groundbreaking study from Taiwan reveals that this seemingly small commitment can lead to a 14% reduction in the risk of all-cause mortality and extend life expectancy by three precious years. As we delve into this revelation, let’s explore the significance…
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Understanding the Difference Between Stress and Anxiety
Understanding the Difference Between Stress and Anxiety
Have you ever used the words “stress” and “anxiety” interchangeably? Many of us have, but did you know that these words actually have different meanings? Stress and anxiety are two common terms related to our mental health, and it’s important to understand their differences. Knowing the distinction can help us manage these conditions and improve our quality of life. What is Stress? Stress is a…
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Why Cohabitation Outside of Marriage Puts Your Future at Risk
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Living together outside of marriage has become more and more common in recent years, but the Bible teaches that this is not God’s plan for our relationships. Many couples choose to move in together without clear intentions to marry. While some may believe cohabitation before marriage is beneficial for their eventual marriage, research has shown that this is not the case. Instead, cohabitation can actually lead to lower quality and less stable unions. The Bible teaches us that we should not conform to the patterns of this world, but rather be transformed by renewing our minds. The Importance of Commitment in Marriage One important biblical example of God’s plan for marriage can be found in the book of Genesis, where God created Adam and Eve to be united in marriage as one flesh (Genesis 2:24). Marriage is meant to be a lifelong commitment between one man and one woman, and living together outside of marriage is not in accordance with God’s plan. The apostle Paul also wrote about the importance of marriage and the need to avoid sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 7:2). Living together outside of marriage can lead to a lack of commitment and can make it easier to accept divorce as a solution to problems in the relationship. We are called to be committed to our spouses and to work through our problems together. Proverbs 3:3-4 says, “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” Another reason why living together before marriage can be harmful is that it can lead to multiple cohabiting partners before marriage. This can put couples at an especially high risk of later divorce when they do marry. The Bible teaches that we should flee from sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18) and that we should avoid being unequally yoked with non-believers (2 Corinthians 6:14). It is important to seek a partner who shares our values and beliefs. Finally, when couples just “slide” into cohabitation, rather than “decide” to be together, they risk getting locked into a relationship with someone who is not the best fit for them. It is important to seek God’s guidance when it comes to our relationships and to trust in His plan for our lives. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Choosing a Committed Relationship Over Cohabitation While it may be tempting to follow the trend of cohabitation, we must remember that this is not God’s plan for our relationships. Instead, we should seek a committed relationship with a partner who shares our values and beliefs, and who is committed to building a lifelong marriage with us. We should trust in God’s plan for our lives and seek His guidance in all our decisions. Action Step: If you are currently living with your partner outside of marriage, consider what steps you can take to align your relationship with God’s plan. This may mean discussing marriage with your partner or seeking support from a trusted Christian Couples counselor. Remember, it is never too late to make positive changes in your relationship and seek God’s guidance for your future together. Read the full article
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Unlocking the Power of Habits: Simplifying Daily Decisions for a More Fulfilling Life
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Do you ever feel overwhelmed by simple everyday decisions? You are not alone! Even small choices can cause stress and anxiety. But why does this happen, and what can we do about it? Let's explore some research and insights that can help us make better decisions without the stress. One reason we struggle with decisions is that we have too many options. The more choices we have, the harder it is to compare and decide. In fact, studies show that having too many options can actually cause anxiety. In the book of Proverbs, we read, "Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad" (Proverbs 12:25). When we feel overwhelmed, it's important to find a way to simplify our choices. Another reason we feel stressed is that we may not feel confident in our ability to make the right decision. This can be especially true when it comes to financial decisions or goal setting. But as Christians, we can trust in God's guidance. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." When we seek God's wisdom, we can make choices with confidence. It's also important to remember that some decisions may have emotional stakes, even if they seem trivial. Choosing what to wear on a date, for example, can be a source of stress because we want to make a good impression. But God sees our hearts, not just our outward appearance. 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us, "For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." When we focus on what truly matters, we can find peace in our decisions. Our personality can also play a role in how we make decisions. Some of us may tend to maximize, always seeking the best option. Others may be more satisficers, settling for a good enough choice. But the Bible encourages us to seek contentment, not perfection. Philippians 4:11-12 says, "I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound." When we focus on finding contentment, we can make decisions that bring us joy. To make decision-making easier, it can be helpful to build habits. By establishing routines for everyday choices, we can reduce the mental energy we need to expend. This is similar to the idea of system one thinking, which relies on our unconscious habits rather than our conscious decision-making. In Ecclesiastes 3:1, we read, "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." By creating habits that align with our values, we can make choices that reflect our priorities. Everyday decisions can be stressful, but by seeking God's guidance, focusing on what truly matters, and building good habits, we can make choices with confidence and ease. As we learn to simplify our options, seek contentment, and trust in God's wisdom, we can find peace in even the smallest decisions. Let's take action today by setting a goal to establish one new positive habit that can help us make decisions with less stress and more joy. If you're feeling overwhelmed by everyday decisions, seeking Christian counseling can provide the guidance and support you need. By incorporating Biblical principles and focusing on finding contentment, a Christian counselor can help you make choices that align with your values and bring you peace. Don't let the stress of decision-making weigh you down - take the first step towards a brighter future today. Read the full article
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3 Lessons from the World's Happiest Country
Finland has been declared the world’s happiest country for the sixth year in a row, according to the World Happiness Report. But what can we learn from the Finns that we can apply to our own lives? Dr. Frank Martela, a psychology researcher and lecturer at Aalto University, has identified three things that Finns never do to maintain a high quality of life. Firstly, Finns don’t compare themselves…
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Improving Body Image in Youth: The Power of Reducing Social Media Use on Smartphones
Adolescence and young adulthood are crucial periods in which mental health challenges can arise. Studies have shown that excessive social media use (SMU) is linked to poor body image in young people, which can lead to eating disorders. While many studies have investigated this link, few have been able to demonstrate a causal relationship. However, a recent study has provided experimental evidence…
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How Being Thankful Improves Daily Well-Being and Happiness
As Christians, we are called to have a heart of gratitude and thankfulness in all circumstances. Previous research has shown that being grateful is linked to overall well-being, but a recent study has delved deeper into the day-to-day association between gratitude and happiness. The results were fascinating and provide biblical support for the importance of gratitude. The study found that…
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How TikTok and Social Media May Impact Our Cognitive Abilities
Although the potential national ban of TikTok in the US is mainly due to privacy concerns, it is important to acknowledge the other risks it may pose. While social media apps are known to negatively impact mental health outcomes, less is known about their effect on cognitive abilities. How Social Media Companies Track Your Attention and Keep You Hooked Social media companies are designed to keep…
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Navigating Conflict: Wisdom from the Book of Proverbs
In life, conflict is almost inevitable. It is messy, personal, and difficult to navigate, especially when it involves people we care about. Proverbs refers to this kind of conflict as “strife,” and as Christians, we are called to avoid it whenever possible. However, there are times when we make mistakes that lead to strife, or when it hunts us down, no matter how hard we try to avoid it. When…
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Strengthening Relationships through Couples Counseling
For couples struggling with relationship issues, it can be challenging to find a way forward. However, seeking help from a Christian couples counselor can be a game-changer. As a Christian, I firmly believe relationships can be restored and healed. In this article, I will discuss the transformative benefits and how it can help you and your partner. What is a Christian Couples Counselor? A…
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A Christian Perspective on Experiencing More Joy in Life
Joy is a unique feeling that is often misunderstood and underappreciated. Unlike happiness, which is often pursued, joy can have a significant impact on both our mind and body. As Christians, we believe that joy is a gift of God, a fruit of the Holy Spirit that is produced by God’s work in us and part of God’s will for us. In this article, we will explore the power of joy and how we can…
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Breaking the Cycle of Negative Assumptions with Biblical Wisdom
Have you ever found yourself reacting to a situation based on past experiences rather than what is currently happening? It’s a common human tendency to let our past experiences shape our present and future reactions. However, it’s essential to be reflective in our “after-action” evaluations, ensuring that we learn the right lessons rather than reactive ones. It’s crucial to exercise wise caution,…
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