Michelangelo is quoted as saying, “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.” I love that quote. Researchers describe a Michelangelo effect between spouses when one spouse brings out the best, the angel, in the other. My wife is my Michelangelo. Other people look at me and see a...

Celebration Honor

January 30, 2011

Groundhog Day: A Do-over

by John Salmon

In Western PA, we take Groundhog Day pretty seriously. I have a friend who visits Punxsutawney every year for the Groundhog Day Celebration. The closest I have come to Punxsutawney and Groundhog Day is watching the movie “Groundhog Day” starring Bill Murray. In this movie, Phil (not the groundhog but a news reporter played by...

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Grace Honor

curiosity family relationships kindness resolving conflict

January 22, 2011

The Full Extent of Love

by John Salmon

Preparing for a Sunday School lesson based on John 13 caused me to pause…and think. John 13 describes the story of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet. One reason He washed their feet was to “show them the full extent of His love.” As several of my friends like to say, “That raises a question.” What...

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Grace Honor

availability family relationships priorities sacrifice serve time WWJD

January 15, 2011

What’s In A Name?

by John Salmon

A name conveys power, good or bad. My daughters came home from their first year at camp complaining, “Everyone knows you. The dean asked my name and then said, ‘Oh, you’re John Salmon’s daughter.'” Fortunately, my daughters take pride in our name; they are proud to carry our family name. On the other hand, I worked...

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Honor

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January 9, 2011

Family Bank of Honor

by John Salmon

“Easy come, easy go” rings true, doesn’t it? We work hard to save money. We put a portion of every paycheck aside (when we can) and it collects a little (very little these days) interest. Then the furnace goes out, the hot water heater breaks, a fender bender necessitates a new rear bumper, or the...

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Honor

attention family bank of honor kindness listen politeness sacrifice serve

January 3, 2011

New Year’s Vision

by John Salmon

As New Year’s Day approached, I thought about the past year and the coming year, what I accomplished during 2010 and what I hope to accomplish over 2011. (I used to make resolutions…until I made the resolution to make no resolution, which, by the way, is the only resolution I have ever kept.) After reviewing...

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Grace Honor

family relationships holiday marriage parent child relationship priorities spouse traditions

December 23, 2010

Christmas & Family

by John Salmon

I don’t know about you, but I find it easy to let the value and meaning of Christmas slip by unnoticed. The commercialism of the season arouse our sense of entitlement while our “need to impress” others leaves us void of the true “spirit of giving.” In fact, we may think more about the gifts...

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Celebration Grace Honor

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December 12, 2010

5 Christmas Gifts Your Family Will Love

by John Salmon

Every Christmas I have the same dilemma-what gifts do I give to my family? Like an episode of Hawaii Five-O, I begin an investigation to discover the perfect gift. Moving from person to person and place to place I make quiet observations and ask not-so-subtle questions in search of a gift that is desired, needed,...

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Honor

christmas encouragement family meals gifts holiday marriage student support

November 21, 2010

Intentional Gratitude

by John Salmon

Gratitude comes easy when life is good, love is easy, and family relationships running smooth. But, when life becomes rushed, love stressed, and family members disappointing, gratitude becomes more difficult. During such times, we must intentionally become attentive of our family and make a purposeful effort to show them gratitude. Why make the effort? Let...

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Celebration Honor

appreciation family intimacy gratitude holiday serve stress management Thanksgiving

November 14, 2010

Relationship Strength Exercises

by John Salmon

Last week we reviewed a daily routine to strengthen core relationship muscles. However, to build more muscle, we need to engage in strength training related to the specific skills and abilities necessary to strengthen our overall relationship. Although these exercises are demanding, the improvement you will experience in relational skills and overall intimacy is well...

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Honor

communication emotional health emotions family relationships listen love language

Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

My Michelangelo

Groundhog Day: A Do-over

The Full Extent of Love

What’s In A Name?

Family Bank of Honor

New Year’s Vision

Christmas & Family

5 Christmas Gifts Your Family Will Love

Intentional Gratitude

Relationship Strength Exercises