Marriage is a sacred and special institution. It is a deep commitment between two people, destined to last a lifetime. However, many couples face challenges that threaten the solidity of their union. These challenges, which we can call the "enemies of marriage," can undermine the relationship if they are not identified and dealt with. In this blog, we will explore some of these enemies with a Christian counseling perspective.

In today's fast-paced, digital world, creating a genuine sense of community can be a challenge. We're often connected online, but those connections can sometimes lack depth and authenticity. Yet, the benefits of having a supportive community are immeasurable: increased well-being, shared experiences, and a sense of belonging. In this blog, we'll explore effective ways to create a real, tight-knit community through authentic connections.

Authentic relationships are the cornerstone of a fulfilling and meaningful life. They provide us with a sense of belonging, support, and love. Both psychology and the Bible offer valuable insights into building and maintaining authentic relationships. By combining psychological principles with biblical wisdom, we can create relationships that are deeply rooted in trust, compassion, and understanding.

In the hustle and bustle of life, it's easy for couples to become disconnected amidst busy seasons. However, maintaining a strong bond is essential for a healthy and thriving marriage. While life's demands may challenge your time together, intentional efforts can help you stay connected even when schedules are packed. In this guide, we will explore meaningful ways to prioritize your relationship and keep the flame of connection alive during those demanding times.

This might seem like an unusual approach to a podcast.  I hope as begin this journey, you will see why.  More questions than answers is the only response we should have if we have less than perfect understanding.  None of us has perfect understanding therefore our posture must be to live in questions.  This is an important time in history.  There are plenty of voices out there.  However, at the Family Collective we view our mission as helping to restore and discover the identity of everyone we come in contact.  This could seem like too lofty a goal or mission – but we know we are not the source.  We hope you will join us – think about questions with us so we can learn from each other.

Most of us get up every day with a set of pre-formed thoughts about how life should happen.  These expectation and our views of how our life are usually formed by what we have already seen and have experienced in our life.  This might be a good template for understanding life but it may not be as well.  Most of us are very comfortable with our own perspective and believe almost by default that it is the right one. We do not often challenge these internal assumptions unless we have a “life-altering” experience.  This might be a divorce, a job loss or a significant medical challenge. 

These seem like some very difficult questions.  Often times we try to ignore these questions in our lives.  We often settle for false validation – power, recognition, money or destructive relationships.  When this happens to us, we end up just enduring through life’s journey.  We can become disillusioned or discouraged and isolated.  However, there is good news.  You were created to flourish and having a lasting impact all around you.

You have a unique, divine purpose given to you by God himself before you were born.

When we tear a muscle or a ligament, we often need surgery and rehabilitation.  Trained doctors substitute ligaments or provide reattachment surgery for us to gain the full use of our limb again.  We cannot do it by ourselves.  We need help.  These surgeries intend to restore our bodies to their original purpose or capability.  Once we recover many times the new limb works better than the older ones.

It is important for us to understand the magnitude of the other victory Jesus won on the cross by coming to earth and returning to heaven.  May this became fully alive in all of us.

How did Jesus’ death and resurrection give us access to a supernatural kingdom even now here on earth?

What do trees show us about God’s kingdom?

I know thinking about trees when it comes to the bible might not be normal. However give this a chance – it might surprise you. Some of it I am sure you have already heard but maybe not in this way. I know it made me think a little differently. It even gave me a little internal wonder tingle. As we have discussed earlier – all of creation speaks of God and his kingdom – so let us explore one of the biblical pictures given to us with trees.

What is happening right now? Our latest social trend is to cut someone out or remove them from your life. Cancel Culture tells us we must pay for our mistakes. It does not matter if you intentionally made that mistake. It really does not mean anything if you have already asked for forgiveness. Bottom line- You made a mistake - You are marked as not forgiven and cancelled. You are targeted for judgement no matter how long ago you messed up.

Sex not only feels good. It can also be good for you. Here’s what a healthy sex life can do for you.

Facial expressions, posture, and tone of voice offer important clues. The signals you send with your own body language can help your partner understand your mood and intentions. When you pay attention to physical signals, you are less likely to project your own emotions onto your partner, or to misinterpret their feelings. This is especially helpful during conflict or challenging interactions when you might experience overwhelming thoughts and emotions.

Scientists have discovered that oxytocin (a bonding hormone) released during the initial stage of infatuation causes couples to feel euphoric and turned on by physical touch.

It actually works like a drug, giving us immediate rewards that bind us to our lover. Researchers in one 2012 study found that couples in the first stages of romantic attachment had significantly higher levels of oxytocin than their unattached counterparts.

One of the key challenges for parents of children with high functioning autism is helping their child navigate social interactions. These children may have difficulty interpreting social cues, understanding sarcasm, or initiating conversations. Parents can help by teaching their child social skills through role-playing and providing them with opportunities to practice in real-life situations.

God has made us all in His image and likeness. What does this mean exactly? When He created male and female, He put aspects in all of us that we not only need in order to live the life He planned for us, but also reflects parts of Him as a Father. Just as we pass down traits to our children.