HeartLife Counseling

"The reason that marriage is so painful and yet wonderful is because it is a reflection of the gospel, which is painful and wonderful at once. The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope." - Tim Keller, The Meaning of Marriage

This is an example of persistent love!

Down Syndrome child with dog

Difficulty is an opportunity not a burden. It is our self-improvement factory. We typically see difficulty as something to avoid. What if we were able to attack the difficult things of life head on, with joy!? Wouldn't that be amazing!

Discipline. When disciplining your children you have to consider the 3 C's: Clear, Calm, and Consistent. Clear. The rules and the consequences to breaking the rules must be clear. Post it so all can see. Calm. You have to stay calm when dispensing the consequences. Take your own timeout if needed. Consistent. You must be as consistent as possible so that learning behavior can take effect. 98% is the daunting goal!

I think that it is interesting how we can develop our own definitions of things to suit our preferences. It is a common belief in society that Love is this magical, mystical force that we don't have control over. Because of this belief it leads us to conclude that if we can only find Mr Right or Mrs Right, then we will live happily ever after. I would contend that Love is not this uncontrollable force, but it is simply a decision. Love does not come naturally to us. That is the reason why it is difficult to love others. We know what Love is because the Source of Love has revealed Himself to us. The Bible tells us that God is Love (1 John 4:8) and it is He who defines Love for us. According to biblical truth, Love is a choice. We choose to love those around us. When people say that they have "fallen out of love" or "fallen into love" with another person, they are really saying that they are choosing to not love one person and choosing to love another instead. To say you have fallen in and out of love is falling into the trap of believing that you don't have control over Love. In 1 Corinthians, Paul tells us that, "Love is patient, Love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." All of these qualities of Love are decisions that you have to make.