Family by God&#039;s Design

The Impact of Stress on Your Child’s Brain-Gut Communication…& So What?!?

Our bodies, when functioning well, are amazing models of communication and collaboration. Not surprisingly, stress impacts that communication. Researchers at NYU College of Dentistry’s Pain Research Center conducted one animal study and two human studies exploring the impact of stress on children’s digestive systems. One of the human studies involved over 40,000 children and the...

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emotional health health parenting

May 23, 2026

To Inspire Your Spouse’s Support

Who wouldn’t like their spouse to support their goals and promote their growth? I know I would. If you would like your spouse to support your goals and promote your growth, I have good news. Specifically, three studies involving over 1,000 adults in romantic relationships reveal a simple way to encourage our spouses to do...

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goals gratitude intimacy marriage support

May 18, 2026

3 Ingredients of a Well-Fed Brain…and How to Get Them

We are designed for relationships. In fact, John Bowlby, who is credited with founding attachment theory, went so far as to say loving, secure relationships with our primary caregiver are as essential to life as water and food. And research suggests that “Loneliness Is More Dangerous Than Smoking 15 Cigarettes A Day.” At least one...

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emotional health family intimacy family relationships health marriage parent child relationship

April 27, 2026

Growing Old with Family & Music

Music is a wonderful gift. Listening to music, playing music, or making music together…it all enhances our emotional, cognitive, & relational health. In fact, a recent longitudinal study of over 10,800 participants suggests that music actually decreases the risk of dementia. Specifically, those over 70-years-old who “always listen” to music showed a 39% decrease in...

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cognitive health emotional health family intimacy family relationships music

April 20, 2026

Imagination or Resistance?

I recently read a paper in which the author described imagination as resistance in one of the chapters. Imagination, the author explained, allows people to stand against oppression and imagine a world in which they lived as liberated people. It gives hope and vision, which translates to a level of internal freedom and joy in...

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dreams imagination intimacy marriage vision

March 30, 2026

Join the Revolution of a Healthy Family

Tired of the chaos that fills our society? Looking for a way to make a real difference? I have a great solution for you to consider. It may sound too simplistic, but it is powerful. Build a healthy, happy family. Fill your children’s lives with “Positive Childhood Experiences” (PCEs). Before you cast this idea off...

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adverse childhood experiences family family relationships parent child relationship

March 16, 2026

The Menu of Love

Have you ever taken the quiz to discover your love language? Have you ever discussed love languages with your spouse? I have and it has proven helpful. In fact, the concept of love languages can help a married couple communicate love to one another more effectively. But the concept of “love languages” does have its...

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communication love love language responsiveness

March 14, 2026

Born to Connect

Last weekend my wife and I had the opportunity to lead a marriage workshop. One of the participating couples brought their 9-month-old son, a beautiful child, bright-eyed and excited to see the world around him. He would smile and try to imitate when someone made “popping sound” with their mouth. He cooed and made sounds...

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brain development connection development parenting

March 10, 2026

The Junk Food Scramble

I must admit. I like junk food. Sure, I eat lots of healthy food; but I do like junk food. So, when I heard about the “junk food scramble,” I was looking forward to an omelet with all my favorite ingredients…and a side of pancakes with whip cream on top. But that’s not what I...