How to Train Your Dragon (oops, I mean) Children Maybe,” [Old Wrinkly] said, “you can train a dragon better by talking to it than by yelling at it.” “That’s sweet,” said Hiccup, “and a very touching thought. However…from what I know about dragons…I should say that yelling was a pretty good method.” “But it has...

Family Shepherds Grace Honor

September 15, 2012

The Secret to Family Peace

by John Salmon

I discovered a secret to peaceful family life. I want to share it with you even though it is a secret. Perhaps you can share it with a few of your friends. Even if you choose to keep it our little secret, I think you will discover that this secret to a peaceful family life...

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Grace Honor

communication family relationships intimacy peace power of words

September 8, 2012

6 Ingredients to Build Family Intimacy

by John Salmon

We all yearn for intimate relationship. We long for the kind of intimacy that allows us to stand before another person without fear of rejection, without feeling shameful about our perceived inadequacies, and without hesitation to give ourselves to another person…to be completely known, deeply loved, and unconditionally accepted. We can learn to nurture that...

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Grace Honor

acceptance family relationships forgiveness intimacy responsibility

August 25, 2012

The Fabric of a Fulfilling Family

by John Salmon

A team of psychologists from the University of Zurich recently completed a study (Click Here for review) suggesting that training to improve character strengths increases overall well-being and life satisfaction. More specifically, they found that training a person in curiosity, gratitude, optimism, humor and enthusiasm had the greatest impact on their sense of well-being. That...

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Celebration Family Shepherds Honor

availability communication curiosity fun gratitude parenting play

August 19, 2012

What A Week!

by John Salmon

Ever have one of those weeks in which everything frustrates you? I have…just last week in fact. I was a little frustrated and irritable (alright, my family would say very irritable) all week. It was a busy week with multiple changes and transitions. “Nothing” seemed to go right. “Everything” (and I mean “everything”) frustrated me....

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Grace Honor

apology family relationships forgiveness stress management

August 17, 2012

Tips For A Great Family Vacation

by John Salmon

Summer time means summer vacation. Vacations are a wonderful opportunity to bond with your family while having fun. Whether you go to the beach, camping in the woods, or visiting family, here are some hints to make your family vacation time even more fun. ·Include the whole family in planning. Let each...

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Celebration Honor

family relationships rest summer traditions vacation

August 12, 2012

End the Conflict in Your Home

by John Salmon

“Do not give repay evil for evil. Do not retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:9a–NLT) Following this advice would change how families operate, wouldn’t it? Think about it…the word translated blessing comes from the Greek word “eulogeo” (eulogy) and means “to praise” or “to...

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Grace Honor

arguments communication conflict disagreement family relationships intimacy

July 28, 2012

Don’t Leave Your Family the Leftovers

by John Salmon

When I first started dating my wife, her family [affectionately] decided I was like the family dog—I ate all the leftovers. I love leftovers. Some foods just taste better as leftovers, like spaghetti or soup. Also, some meals are best prepared with leftovers in mind. It’s easier to make a big roast beef and have...

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Celebration Honor

availability connection family relationships time

July 28, 2012

Becoming Your Child’s Royal Subject

by John Salmon

Do you ever feel like your children are the ones in charge? Like you are their royal subject? In some ways, our children do hold a great deal of power. From the day our little prince or princess is born, they begin to shape our life. We sleep when she sleeps, eat when she eats,...

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Grace Honor

empathy listen parent child relationship

July 21, 2012

Stop Apologizing & Bear Fruit

by John Salmon

Have you ever apologized and felt like it didn’t help? I have. In fact, I think it does no good to keep on apologizing over and over again, especially when you know what you did was wrong… especially when you know you need to apologize. Perhaps you missed your child’s game because you took a...

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Grace Honor

apology consequences forgiveness generosity sacrifice

Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

How to Train Your Children

The Secret to Family Peace

6 Ingredients to Build Family Intimacy

The Fabric of a Fulfilling Family

What A Week!

Tips For A Great Family Vacation

End the Conflict in Your Home

Don’t Leave Your Family the Leftovers

Becoming Your Child’s Royal Subject

Stop Apologizing & Bear Fruit