> Practical Family Living

Trusting God in Trials and Sorrow

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

Article depicts, through a teenager's story, how Christ will not delay his provision, safety, strength, and love when we endure trials and suffering.

Why Does God Use Hardship?

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Hardship is hard. Why does God allow it? As the Potter shapes clay, over and over again, we too are shaped. Often this shaping is a process with several steps. What are these steps and why do they hurt? Sometimes it is for our strengthening and sometimes to deepen us in the ways we were meant to be and want to be. God makes us ready for all His purposes and for life abundantly.

Traveling The Road

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Each individual has a unique road to follow. This roadway is sometimes foggy to us. If we have gone along the path of trusting God many times, are we likely to continue when our eyes are blocked from what is ahead? See a personal example of a foggy road experience.

Overexposure to Traumatic Events

Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC

This article describes the cost involved when people's hearts are overexposed to traumatic experiences.

Moving From Shame To Respect

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Moving away from a sense of shame to self respect is very important to our mental and even physical health. Shame means to operate out of a "down deep" sense of not being good enough or that something is very wrong with us. This article gives great guidelines for healthy ways that combat a shame based way of living.

Suggestions For Clarity In Relationships

Author Unknown, Edited by Brenda Spina, M.S.,LMFT, LPC

This handout provides a list of specific response one can use when behavior in relationship becomes intrusive or offensive.

Kids in the Wheelbarrow: Cultivating Trust in the Home

Explore your definition of trust, discover what trust means in your home, and begin to cultivate a trusting environment.

Blended Families and Teens

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

Blended families can be challenging for everyone, especially a teenager. Article describes these challenges and ways to help your teen navigate the ups and downs.

Rebuilding After the Storm

August 18, 2005. A record breaking day in the history of Wisconsin with 27 confirmed tornadoes in one twenty-four hour period. In one moment, debris was strewn everywhere and the destruction left behind on that day was well into the millions of dollars. Addiction is destructive, like a tornado, and you are left to deal with the aftermath of a person struggling with addiction. Whether the addiction is food, alcohol, drugs, gambling, or pornography, a trail of wreckage is left behind and rebuilding needs to begin.

Supporting Safety In Our Schools

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Safety in the schools has become a major focus for parents and school officials. Based on an interview with an area school counselor, Brenda briefly outlines ways in which parents can actively support safety for their children.

What Men Wish Women Knew

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Interviewing a number of gentlemen, Brenda presents concisely and directly the thoughts and concerns these men expressed regarding the women most important to them. Covering acceptance, purpose, affection, and trust, these men placed themselves in a vulnerable position to help us understand pieces of their experience and commitment to the people they love.

Powerful Dads and Pretty Daughters

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW

Dads have a tremendous amount of influence in the lives of their daughters. This article outlines the ways in which Dads make a powerful impact both positively and negatively.

Twelve Years, Ten Lessons

Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT

An article of tribute and thanksgiving. As Mary Lambrecht follows God's call to Texas, she shares ten basic lessons learned in the therapy room and in ministry through The Center for Family Healing and Practical Family Living.

It's Just a TV Show...Right?

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Keep your marriage fresh and alive. How? Turn off the TV. Programs that show unrealistic, unstable ups and downs, trust betrayed, and come close/go away relationships of many television programs (often soaps) actually negatively impact marriage. -Science Daily, "Then TV and Marriage Meet: TV's Negative Impact on Romantic Relationships" (9/12)

When People Stumble

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

So many, especially those in positions of authority, are held to a higher standard. The same happens in families. When someone you admire is in authority over you and they fail, it’s a test. Are you going to treat them with respect or are you going to air their dirty laundry. There are many opportunities when we can air the faults of another OR see past the fault to the vulnerability behind the fault. To point out the fault, remind them of it, or make fun of the person will only distance the relationship, bringing death to trust in the long run. If we respect the person (not to mention God) we will look to cover them with mercy and grace in their time of need.

Challenge Needed?

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Has it occurred to you that we need challenge? God provides challenge because we often need practice turning to Him in our fears. Turning to God helps us grow in trust and in determination to watch for how He is going to work things out. Of course we can create our own challenges because we are bored or because we feel empty without doom and gloom or crisis. Even then, the Lord is loving in showing us, if we are open to seeing it, how we can be our worst enemy. If we turn toward Him we benefit as we learn to trust Him and watch for His way through. A good challenge either way is a great teacher in the hands of our loving Heavenly Father.

Pronouncements

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Saying what we are going to do and doing it are two different things. Pronouncements are well-intended plans and promises, but not always thought through. These statements take place when we do not take a look at what actually is needed or may be realistically provided. Saying what we mean and meaning what we say is important. To boast about doing something, embellish upon the facts or not follow through with promises destroys a person’s trust in you. We teach others not to believe a word we say. Pronouncements reveal a need for security and acceptance; both of which are found at the foot of the cross.

The Act of Forgiveness

Compiled by Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

As children we are taught to forgive. We obediently say we forgive so we get things over with in order to go on with our day. Extending grace is the beginning of forgiveness. As adults, making the decision to extend grace does not mean we are not hurt, do not need boundaries, do not need time for trust to rebuild, or condone what was done. All it means is we remove any obstacle from within our own spirit that would sprout a bitterness to take root. If we hang on to the offense, nurturing it, we trouble and defile many.

Rebuilding Trust

Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC

Trust is precious. Once lost trust becomes priceless. Brenda outlines 4 steps to practice that may help rebuild trust but, more importantly, help us live with a greater sense of peace within.

Holding On To Hope

Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., LCSW

Occasionally the only thing you can do for someone is to hope for them, until they can hope for themselves.

The Best Traits

Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC

When asked, college students have shared that the most wonderful people in their lives: "are generous, there when we have fallen, show a depth of kindness that inspires us, and laugh from a place of wisdom and peace." Most of us could share similar things about the people we trust and admire. Long lasting pleasure in life comes from living a life of meaning, compassion, and loving others despite our differences. Sounds like loving others as we love ourselves. Let us ask God to further develop these traits in ourselves.