There are a lot of people around who mistakenly believe they can control things such as an outcome they dread or fear, or making another person change. Some even believe they can control God, their disappointments, or their emotions. Some fight really hard to avoid giving up control of people and things that cannot be […]
Advantages of Sharing a Mind
Have you ever felt like you were alone? Have you ever desired to know Jesus better? Do you want to grow character to be like Him? If so, you will find an advantage when knowing and doing what Dr. Jim Wilder calls, “Sharing a mind.” Sharing a mind is part of synchronizing. (If you are […]
Love Covers a Multitude of Sins (or Annoyances)
Recently I had a huge aha moment about loving our enemies that is still difficult to put into words. Those kinds of moments usually are. For several years now I’ve been studying and teaching how the brain works in relationships. I’ve gained much understanding of many Bible verses and come to look at life through […]
This is How You Do It: Good Shame Messages
Giving and receiving good shame messages at age 7 and 5? Yes! Check it out. I am not sure you readers are going to believe this, but it’s a testimony to Joy-Filled Parenting. I have to give some background, so bear with me before you get to the stories. Lauren is the mother of two […]
Fewer Bumps with Your Teen: Synchronize
Do you ever find yourself getting caught up in arguments with your teen? You see a situation one way; your teen sees it another. Disagreements are common and very frustrating. Arguing doesn’t feel good. We either want to escalate the negative emotions or run out the door, likely slamming it on the way out. If […]
Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing–Subtle Narcissism
In one of my Joy Groups we are doing an in-depth study about narcissism and how to deal with it both in ourselves and with others. We are learning that there are different ‘’types’’ and different “degrees” of narcissism. Most of us have no problem recognizing the blatant, harsh, self-justifying, defensive kind. There’s no question […]