If we’re clear on life’s three big questions (Where from? Where to? My purpose?), we’re sitting right in the middle of Jesus’ eternal love for us. It’s a perfect love marked by sacrifice, commitment and physical care. These are the three key elements of love for any relationship. Couples who practice love in these ways will enter marriage on the right path and stay on track to a life-long love. The Bible passage that sets the...

As my sabbatical continues, I’ve had the opportunity to continue to practice what I preach. I’ve been thoroughly enjoying some quality time with Heather, the kids and Hannah’s boyfriend, Matthew. This has been greatly needed as I’ve neglected them a bit over the last couple crazy-busy months. Here are some highlights of the past few days together…

Back in my summer camp counselor days, a favorite song at camp was “Friends Are Friends Forever” as sung by Michael W. Smith. The key line to that song is what follows the title…”Friends are friends forever, if the Lord’s the Lord of them.” In Jesus, friendships can, indeed, last forever. What a JOYOUS message that is! I experienced a taste of the enduring power Jesus gives to friendships on my family’s...

This past Wednesday I read a New York Times article about a scientific study on lying. It said, “We’ve all lied once in a while to spare someone’s feelings, but a new study looks at how fibbing could turn into serial dishonesty. The findings suggested that an area of the brain associated with emotional responses could become desensitized to lying.” I was not a bit surprised. In dealing with people going through relationship...

This morning I had the delightful privilege to be the featured speaker for the Grand Blanc (Michigan) Chamber of Commerce’s monthly breakfast meeting.  I attend these meetings regularly, but this is the first time I’ve spoken to the group of about 50 people. Although it was a “secular” setting, the entire group was welcoming and attentive as I spoke about interpersonal relationships.  It reinforced what I’ve said...