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...

Celebration Family Shepherds

March 10, 2026

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The Junk Food Scramble

by John Salmon

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...

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Celebration Family Shepherds

cognitive health diet health school

February 23, 2026

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Taming the Untamed Dragon

by John Salmon

We see the untamed dragon of jealousy rear its head for the first time in the story of Cain and Abel. Although Cain and Abel both present their offering to God, Abel, according to the writer of Hebrews, made his offering in faith. He made his offering from the conviction that the word of God...

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Celebration Honor

intimacy jealousy marriage trust

February 14, 2026

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“You’re Such a 5-Year-Old”

by John Salmon

My daughter is fond of telling me, “You are such a 5-year-old,” when I do something silly to tease her. I know she’s playing; and really, I take it as a compliment. So, I just smile and do something else to confirm her accusation, even if it’s telling a “dad joke.” It’s a short example...

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Celebration Family Shepherds

emotional development family intimacy family relationships fun parent child relationship play

February 7, 2026

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We Need Valentine’s Day More Than Ever

by John Salmon

We need Valentine’s Day more than ever. The world around us seems to be falling into an ever-widening, ever-deepening pit of hate, mistrust, and division. Worse, this pit threatens to swallow up our families in subtle and not-so-subtle ways. The stress and strain of seeing the division, the horrid abuses, and the hateful rhetoric adds...

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Celebration Grace Honor

adoration family love marriage Valentine's

January 25, 2026

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The Real Work of Marriage Isn’t REALLY Work

by John Salmon

When couples come to therapy to ask for help in “fixing” an unhappy marriage, they have generally struggled for years already. They’ve been working to fix their problems by analyzing the issues, processing the struggles, conversing about potential precipitators and causes, blaming, defending, and criticizing. The problem-solving and blaming haven’t worked…and that’s why they come...

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Celebration Honor

admiration communication gratitude listen marriage politeness

January 12, 2026

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Weeding Resentments

by John Salmon

Resentments arise so easily in life. We may fall prey to resentment because we believe our parents favor our siblings, a neighbor’s barking dog annoys us all night, or our partner contributes little to maintaining our home. Whatever the cause, these everyday resentments pile up and affect our well-being, our happiness, and our joy. If...

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Celebration Grace

emotional health family intimacy family relationship gratitude

January 10, 2026

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Boost Your Children’s Mental Health

by John Salmon

The news is out. You can help boost your child’s mental health with this simple, nonpharmaceutical prescription. An analysis of over 375 trials involving more than 38,000 young people found that this simple intervention reduced anxiety and depression in teens. Even better, the biggest improvements in depressive symptoms occurred in fewer than 12 weeks. What...

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Celebration Family Shepherds

activities anxiety depression exercise mental health parenting play

January 3, 2026

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And Now 1,500

by John Salmon

When I began working with families, I also began to look for a way to effectively communicate what characteristics promote a stronger, healthier, more intimate family. In the process, I have completed many training courses related to marriage and parenting. I’ve read books and attended classes. My favorites certification trainings have included marital trainings through...

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Celebration Grace Honor

family marriage parenting

December 27, 2025

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Resolve: Enjoy a Year of Christmas

by John Salmon

I wish we would celebrate Christmas all year round. I mean…I’m not big on the hustle and bustle, the rush and hurry. I can do without the Christmas tree needles spreading through the living room and the whole house. But the Christmas spirit…I love the Christmas spirit, the heart of Christmas. I’d like to keep...

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Celebration

emotional health family intimacy generosity healthy development kindness

Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

Born to Connect

The Junk Food Scramble

Taming the Untamed Dragon

“You’re Such a 5-Year-Old”

We Need Valentine’s Day More Than Ever

The Real Work of Marriage Isn’t REALLY Work

Weeding Resentments

Boost Your Children’s Mental Health

And Now 1,500

Resolve: Enjoy a Year of Christmas