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February 2004 ETC Corner
Coming Out of the Dark
By Mary Southerland
Depression can be triggered by many factors. The journey out of the pit of darkness truly begins when we choose to identify those factors and deal with them. God empowers each step, providing direction, comfort and strength beyond our own.
Physical factors:
- Illness
- Fatigue
- Medication
- Hormonal or chemical imbalance
- Over-commitment of time and energy
Psychological factors:
- Significant loss
- Rejection
- Major life change
- Learned patterns from childhood
- Mid-life crisis
- Growing older
- Suppressed anger
- Lack of purpose
- Loneliness
Spiritual factors:
- Disobedience toward God
- Aftermath of a great victory
- Sense of guilt or self-condemnation
- Wrong perspectives and priorities
- Unbalanced life
- Perfectionism
- Self-effort
- Self-focus
Marriage 101
By Mary Southerland
I once read that all weddings are happy; it's the living together afterwards that causes all the trouble. This world is not the friend of marriage but God is! In fact, marriage was God's idea. No matter where you are or where you have been in your marriage, the rest of your marriage can be the best part of your marriage.
1. When the going gets tough, the tough stay right where they are. A great marriage is built on commitment. Love is not the basis for marriage. Marriage is the basis for love.
2. Accept your husband and change yourself. We need to celebrate our differences; they can rip us apart or add great flavor to the marriage relationship.
3. Spend time alone with your husband. A great marriage takes a lot of hard work and a lot of time.
4. Guard your mind. Don't allow anything into your mind or anyone into your life that might weaken your marriage in any way.
5. Learn to communicate with your husband. A marriage is only as good as its communication.
6. Discover your husband's language of love. Every husband and wife has different ways of giving and receiving love. Find your husband's language of love and become fluent in it.
7. Meet the sexual needs of your husband. You are the only right sexual option for your husband.
8. Be your husband's biggest fan. Don't criticize your husband to your friends, children or other family members. Make a list of his good points and then broadcast them.
9. Cultivate replenishing relationships that will encourage your marriage. We need replenishing friendships as individuals and as couples.
10. Laugh a lot! The more challenging the marriage the more important it is to have fun! Laughter brings healing and can be a bridge over frustrating circumstances.
Love in Action
-Author unknown-
I was hungry
And you formed a humanities club
To discuss my hunger.
I was imprisoned
And you went to your chapel
To pray for my release!
I was naked
And you debated the morality of my appearance.
I was sick
And you knelt and thanked God for your health.
I was homeless
And you delivered a sermon
On the shelter of God's love.
I was lonely
And you left me alone
To attend church.
You seem so close to God
But I am still very hungry, and lonely, and cold.
Five Ways to Grow your Kids During a Winter Grounding
By Rebecca Ingram Powell
Messages on the Snow. After a yummy breakfast of pancakes, fill up that empty syrup bottle (or water bottle, or water gun) with water that has been colored with food coloring. Head outside to write messages on the snow. (hint: Don't use yellow food coloring.)
Spa Night. Enjoy a mother/daughter night of pampering. Make bath time special for younger girls by lighting a few candles in the bathroom (candles must be supervised by an adult at all times). Older girls will enjoy a manicure or facial with Mom.
Share your love story. Dig out your wedding album, wedding video, and even your guest registry book to show your kids. They will love hearing their parents' love story, no matter how many times you've told it to them. Give Grandma and Grandpa a call and let the kids hear them reminisce about your magical wedding day.
Warm up with a day at the beach. Nothing beats the winter blues like pretending you are spending the day at the beach! Younger children will enjoy this: Spread an old sheet or a shower curtain out on the floor. Dump a couple of bags of cornmeal (this is your "sand") on it. Add measuring cups, spoons, and pails. This will keep them very entertained, and as long as you DON'T ADD WATER, it's very easy to sweep up or vacuum. (If the children put on their swimsuits, they will be easy to clean up as well!)
Letters and Cards. Revive the lost art of letter writing with your children. Now is a great time for your children to write or send pictures to family members and long-distance friends. How about a thank you note to a special teacher or church staff member? By the way, who would appreciate a handwritten note from YOU?
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