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New Beginnings: Rebuilding and Repairing Relationships
Couples frequently come to my office with relational injuries, wondering if their marriage can be repaired. Individuals and couples may feel there has been such damage and destruction in the relationship that any hope of making amends, repairing the damage, is hopeless. Restoration and redemption in relationships is available through Christ. As we enter this new year, I am led to encourage Agape readers that in Christ, all things are possible. If you are having trouble communicating with your partner, especially during the process of healing, you may find that learning new patterns of communication can be difficult. According to psychologist and researcher John Gottman, repairing relationships during and after…
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How to Forgive the Unforgivable
By Cathy Downen, MA, MA, PLPC At Agape Christian Counseling Services, we assist many people who are struggling to find freedom in the aftermath of feeling deep hurts. We help clients cope with the results of living in a fallen world and journey with them on the road to recovery from all varieties of abuse, addictions, infidelity, poverty, racism, grief, illness, unemployment, and many other kinds of problems. Many times, the inevitable questions arise: How can I ever forgive? Does God expect me to forgive even that? Is it really necessary to forgive? What forgiveness is: Every Christian understands the Biblical concept that there is healing in forgiveness, and we’re…
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Gospel Driven Parenting
By Carolyn Knarr, MSW, LCSW, Director of Children’s Therapeutic Services In writing about parenting, I often like to begin with the Gospel. Within its words, we find a beautiful love story about a Father who adores His children, just as they are. He shows mercy in place of rules, guidance instead of demands, and acceptance where others expect performance. He gives hope to parents and purpose to our children, for He understands the frustration and futility of earthly children trying to please a Divine Father. He knows that our faith in Him and relationship with Him will bring joy and meaning to our lives, while our own accomplishments will melt…
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Funny, Funny, Funny, What Money Can Do
There is an old Dean Martin song describing the love-hate relationship people have with money. While it’s “Funny What Money Can Do,” it’s certainly not humorous when it comes to the effect it can have on marriage. We have addressed in previous articles how couples and families go through periods of change that can cause stress in their relationships. During this holiday season, I thought it would be important to address a potentially tinsel covered “elephant in the room.” Money. Financial stress is one of the most common causes of marital conflicts, and yet a topic that is often taboo for couples. The holiday season can certainly put an extra…
Marriage Family & Individual Counseling | St Louis MO
