Become Your Own Decider

Relationships/Marriage

Become Your Own Decider“I refuse to believe the lie that I am stuck forever. I exercise my freedom to choose to do the next best thing.” – Steve Arterburn

Do you make your own decisions? Or do you let others decide for you? God wants you to make decisions in your life. He gave you a mind to use; He wants you to look to Him for guidance. You should be your own decider—not other people.

As a child, your parents made decisions for you. But now as an adult, you have the right to make choices in life. God wants you to make your own decisions and to incorporate His will and plan in every aspect of your life, including relationships. And it will help if you realize two concepts. (more…)

Gossip in Groups

Relationships/Marriage

Gossip in GroupsElizabeth had been in a small group of ladies she had known since growing up. She felt so comfortable with them that she opened up and shared some important things. But after she risked telling about something very personal, she learned they gossiped about her. Elizabeth felt so betrayed that she left the group and has struggled with trusting new groups.

Like Elizabeth, you may have been betrayed by a group that betrayed confidence or gossiped about you. Sadly, many people have been hurt by gossip in groups, or have had someone share what was shared in a group to someone outside the group. (more…)

Rebuilding the Bridge Called Trust

Articles on Recovery, Relationships/Marriage

The old covered walking bridge across the Delaware River had stood for as long as anyone could remember. It connected the town of Portland, Pennsylvania with Columbia, New Jersey. One year during the spring, ice flows combined with a large amount of rain and the swollen river washed away part of the bridge and weakened what remained.

Trust between people is like a bridge built from both sides of a river. When it is built with care and careful planning, it will be durable — capable of weathering the storms of life. Occasionally it will need repair and require periodic maintenance; but individuals in a trusting relationship will feel safe putting a great deal of their emotional weight on the bridge — it’s where keeping one’s promises is expected; sensitive secrets divulged are carefully protected; and personal flaws and weaknesses are accepted. (more…)