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...

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

fun identity intimacy laugh play summer value

May 23, 2015

The Marriage I Want My Kids to See

by John Salmon

I have two daughters, both in transition from the late teen years into young adulthood. I have some mixed feelings about this. They are wonderful young ladies and I love spending time with them; but they will soon leave home. Eventually, they will marry and begin their own families. Someone else will become the “man...

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Celebration Honor

admiration affection affirmation intimacy marriage parenting value

May 18, 2015

Prime Your Children for Success

by John Salmon

Many skills can boost your children’s success, but the ability to communicate well is one of the most important. Effective communication will boost your children’s chance of success in personal life and vocational life. Clear communication will enable your children to effectively express their needs and ideas. Effective communication will empower your children to manage...

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Family Shepherds

communication complaints intimacy listening success

May 16, 2015

Welcome to the Dead Zone

by John Salmon

Cell phones, computers, and other technology have many benefits when we carefully manage their use. However, technology devices seem to be taking over our lives. Check out these mobile device statistics I recently read (7 Important Reasons to Unplug): • 84% of cell phone users claim they could not go a single day without their...

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Celebration

communication family intimacy family relationships intimacy technology

May 9, 2015

15 Phrase Your Spouse Needs to Hear

by John Salmon

In the rush of family life, we often neglect to communicate our love to our spouse. We forget to make those verbal deposits of admiration and affection into our family bank of honor. Sometimes we might even begin to replace verbal deposits of admiration with withdrawals of criticism or complaint. We need to take a...

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Honor

acknowledgement intimacy love marriage value

April 27, 2015

Keep Curiosity Alive in Mom & Dad

by John Salmon

People love babies. Just watch a group of women talking around one baby. Everyone chatters away until the baby utters a single monosyllabic sound while waving his arm. Suddenly, all chatter stops and everyone’s eyes turn to the baby. Curious gazes watch to see what the baby will do next. Then, as the baby makes...

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Family Shepherds Honor

curiosity emotions family intimacy fun intimacy play

March 16, 2015

Give Your Child the Gift of a Lifetime

by John Salmon

You have a gift your child needs, an ability she cannot live without. Giving your child this gift will result in an ability she will cherish for a lifetime. She will reap the benefits of this gift over and over as it “keeps on giving.” This gift reveals the extent of your love for your...

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Family Shepherds

acceptance emotional health emotions intimacy parent child relationship parenting

March 14, 2015

Four Ways to Fill Your Family with Meaning

by John Salmon

Feel happiness. Experience less stress, less anxiety, and less depression. Discover more control in your life. Sound good? Research suggests you can experience these things by adding meaning to your life. When we become part of something bigger than ourselves we find meaning…and meaning contributes to greater happiness. Specifically, adding meaning to our lives, becoming...

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Celebration

comfort connection family intimacy fun happiness intimacy kindness value

Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

Family by God's Design

The Meaning in Our Lives

A Triangle of Love

12 Inexpensive & Fun Family Summer Ideas

The Marriage I Want My Kids to See

Prime Your Children for Success

Welcome to the Dead Zone

15 Phrase Your Spouse Needs to Hear

Keep Curiosity Alive in Mom & Dad

Give Your Child the Gift of a Lifetime

Four Ways to Fill Your Family with Meaning