“Sorry” is an important word for a strong family. We all make mistakes. We all say and do things, accidentally or intentionally, that hurt other family members from time to time. Sorry helps bring restoration. I came across a quote that offers a tremendous summary of saying “sorry.” It not only shows how saying sorry...

Grace

August 22, 2015

Last Weekend “Was Very Good”

by John Salmon

My family and I attended a beautiful wedding at Camp Christian last weekend. The wedding ceremony took place in the chapel. Then, everyone walked a short distance to the Millhouse for the reception. It was a beautiful day. The bride and groom, along with their families, have participated in numerous programs at Camp Christian over...

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Celebration Honor

encouragement husband intimacy marriage wife

August 15, 2015

The Key to Love…or Disdain

by John Salmon

“A man falls in love through his eyes, a woman through her ears.”–Woodrow Wyatt If Woodrow Wyatt is right, men and women have different keys when it comes to love. A key to a man’s love begins with his eyes. If this is true, you can use this key to increase intimacy with your husband....

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Honor

affirmation appreciation husbands intimacy love marriage power of words spouse wife

July 25, 2015

Hard Words for a Strong Family Bond

by John Salmon

Some things are difficult to say. They leave us vulnerable and at the mercy of the other person. These same phrases, however, are often the statements most necessary to preserve and strengthen our relationships with our spouses, children, and parents. These difficult statements are actually treasures of the heart that we protect with great caution....

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Grace Honor

apology emotional health family intimacy intimacy power of words

July 6, 2015

The Mighty Power of the Pause

by John Salmon

I have a friend who likes to ask about my holidays. I especially remember his question about Thanksgiving. Rather than saying “How was your Thanksgiving turkey?” he places a strategic pause in the question to make it “How was your Thanksgiving, Turkey?” That one minor pause changes the whole character and meaning of the question....

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Honor

family intimacy intimacy listen listening protection

June 27, 2015

A Back Door to Your Child’s Heart

by John Salmon

Have you ever watched your children do something and thought, “What in the world are they thinking?” I have—like the time my daughter wrote herself a note to get out of gym class…in first grade…with a crayon…and signed her own name. For the sake of full disclosure, my parents likely thought the same thing of...

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Family Shepherds

emotional health emotions healthy development intimacy listening parent child relationship understanding

June 15, 2015

A Two for One Family Fun Night

by John Salmon

I wish I had done this family fun night when my daughters were in early elementary school. Actually, this family fun night will result in two family fun nights: one now and one in the future. On the first family fun night, gather your family together to create a family time capsule. Here are 7...

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Celebration Family Shepherds

family fun night intimacy love memories value

June 6, 2015

The Meaning in Our Lives

by John Salmon

I have the pleasure of teaching Life Span Development at local university. As part of this class, I instruct students to interview someone over 65 years of age. They ask the senior at least 11 questions. I want to tell you about two of the questions: What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far? As...

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Celebration

intimacy legacy love priorities value

May 30, 2015

A Triangle of Love

by John Salmon

I invite you to participate in a love triangle…Oh wait. That sounds bad. Step back. Take a breath. It’s not what it sounds like. I’m talking about Robert Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory of Love. Let me rephrase. I invite you to experience all three components of Sternberg’s theory of love with your spouse…and only your spouse!...

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Celebration Honor

commitment connection intimacy love marriage

May 26, 2015

12 Inexpensive & Fun Family Summer Ideas

by John Salmon

The countdown to summer is coming to an end. School will soon “let out” and summer will begin. Do you have any fun family summer plans? I often find it difficult to come up with summer ideas due to financial constraints and time limitations. If you find yourself with the same struggle, try a couple...

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Celebration

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Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

The Power of Sorry

Last Weekend “Was Very Good”

The Key to Love…or Disdain

Hard Words for a Strong Family Bond

The Mighty Power of the Pause

A Back Door to Your Child’s Heart

A Two for One Family Fun Night

The Meaning in Our Lives

A Triangle of Love

12 Inexpensive & Fun Family Summer Ideas