Extended Family
Essays
Making the most of living with extended family
1/8/13In current times, more and more people are pooling their resources together and living with extended family members. Some of the reasons include financial assistance, childcare, and providing care for elderly or sickly family members. Whatever the reason, living with one’s family can be a great experience if approached with the right mindset. However, if expectations, financial agreements, and general house rules are not laid out beforehand, the lack of communication can lead to disagreements…
Blended Families and Holidays
11/19/12
With the beginning of the holiday season comes many complications for those of us who come from blended families. The painful memories and uncertain expectations can turn what might be a joyous occasion into a time of tumult and hurt. Before these days are upon…
Sharing Life with Grandparents
10/22/12
He sits deep in the corner of our couch, slumped more each year. I can see his nose, his eyes, and his forehead, but not his chin. My daughter comes in and scoots up next to him. Putting her hand on his knee, she says…
Accepting Adult Kids, Being Adult Kids
6/18/12
Everyone desires to be loved unconditionally. We are insecure beings and long to be affirmed. We desire to feel loved, regardless of our shortcomings. Children especially—even adult children making poor choices--want to know that they are loved and accepted by their parents. How do we…
Devotions
Your Most Dangerous Weapon
5/23/11 Read Scripture Verse: James3:9-10
Our tongues are a dangerous weapon. What power there is in something so small! The tongue is a difficult thing to tame. We know the pain of having been called names or labeled in a less that kind way. Those things impact us deeply and…
Resources
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Successful Step Families
Step families come with a variety of challenges to weather from the moment they say “I do.” Ron Deal addresses specific challenges and offers biblical insight as well as clinical experience as a marriage and family therapist to help equip couples for the journey ahead. He offers hope and encouragement for helping families navigate establishing working relationships within the new family as well as with the extended family.
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Beyond “I Do”: What Christians Believe About Marriage
This is one of the best books about what a marriage is. It's really a theology of marriage rather than a "how to" manual, but it's perspective provides ample context for why the How-To stuff works.
