Complete this sentence: “If only I had _______________, then I would be happy”. For many, this “If-Then” activity would be a life-long feat; there would be an inexhaustible list of things and achievements to acquire in order to reach lasting bliss. Patrick can certainly relate. He spent his life craving for happiness – in the newest gadgets, in esteem from others, even in romantic relationships. His list went on — yet, he still felt unfulfilled. From whom did he find eternal happiness? Watch his story.

Take the next step:
What does your soul crave?
How do you find happiness in Jesus?
Who is Jesus? Take our life lesson.

Sometimes past hurts and negative life experiences can cause our hearts to harden. Tormented memories can sometimes cause us to regress or it could subconsciously cause us to fill our lives with a flurry of things and activities to distract our attention.  Mike Woodard, Associate Director of FamilyLife Canada, has had a rough ride through life. He grew up in a turbulent home with alcoholic parents. Listen as he shares his life-changing realization that helped him recognize the primacy of foundational relationships in his life. He discusses renewed relationship with God and with his father. Watch the video

Take the next step:
Letting go of hurt and resentment
How can forgiveness bring freedom? Take our online lesson.
Are you suffering in a turbulent home? Talk to a us.

On a motorcycle, Laura Klock is fearlessly in control. She and her daughters are record-holding motorcyclists. However, her journey towards the finish line had not always been a smooth ride. As a young adult, Laura hid behind a mask. Her devastating feelings of being rejected, unappreciated and unloved were wrapped in a mantle of drugs, alcohol and unhealthy relationships. Like a shaken pop bottle ready to blow, she experienced a breakthrough via a simple invitation to church from her now-husband, Brian.  Listen as she shares her journey through the twisted, windy paths that has brought her to where she is today. Watch the video

Take the next step:
When you feel like you don’t belong, there is hope.
You can know God personally
Are you suffering with feelings of rejection? Talk to us.

Hundreds of psychological studies have been conducted to gain insight into the influence of virtual reality in our every day lives. Keshan would have been an excellent candidate for such studies. He craved significance — and he got that sense of accomplishment when he excelled in the realm of video games. Keshan lived in a world cradling his life’s remote control in the palm on his hands.  Stepping back into the real world was a complicated and nearly painful experience for him. Listen as he shares his story as he experiences a significant reality check and discovers the beautiful simplicity of the Gospel message. Watch the video

Take the next step:
What is the Gospel message?
The beauty and freedom of being loved
Would you like to know Jesus? Take our online study

The Bible is heralded as a wonderful and sacred text by both Christians and non-Christians alike; but, is it reliable? Repeatedly in Scripture, the words: “Thus saith the Lord” appears; but are Scriptures really the word of God? What details do archeological pursuits unearth, and how do they shed light into the validity and reliability of Scripture? Josh McDowell presents several key points as to how he came to believe that the Bible is true, and divinely inspired by God. He discusses the highly important contributions of archeology, the awe-inspiring discipline of Jewish scribes in their mission to transcribe the Bible, the influence of the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the Biblical writers’ keen eye for detail that cannot go without notice. Finally, Josh shares the impact all of these historical events have made on his life — and in the lives of many others. Watch the video

Take the next step:
New to Scripture? How to Study the Bible
More on the Bible: Why did Jesus have to die?
Truth and Science 

Growing up without a father, Lecrae spent a significant portion of his early life searching for a “father figure” — unfortunately, he was looking in all the wrong places. He looked up to gangsters, got involved with drugs, alcohol, and drinking; before he knew it, his life was slipping into a dangerous downward spiral. As a young man, Lecrae searched for significance and a father figure. Little did he know that someone significant has also been searching for him all along. Watch the video

Take the next step:
Hope for adult children of divorce
What are you seeking?
Are you in need of a mentor in your life?

What makes you worthy? Good enough? Is it when you have meals ready on the table, when lunches are packed and ready to go, or if the house is tidy? Perhaps when you’ve succeeded in balancing your family budget? Many mothers deal with self-destructive thoughts of not meeting and exceeding expectations. FamilyLife staff Lisa Pike shares her struggles with embracing her role as both wife and mother. Are you  struggling to make the grade? Listen to Lisa’s story and learn how she gains strength. Watch the video

Take the next step:
Stories of Being a Mother
Motherhood and Identity
The single mom survival kit

Neil Josephson has been married for over 30 years.  He’s discovered that the biggest challenge in his marriage hasn’t been any of the circumstances that he and his wife have faced.   The biggest threat to being happily married is being selfish.

He says, “Here’s what I realized: I could continue to be selfish, or I could be happily married. But I couldn’t do both.”

If you’re ready to improve your own relationship watch the video to see how Neil deals with his own selfishness.  At thirty years and counting, he must be doing something right.

Take the next step:

Marriage in a rut? Focus on your strengths
Learn how to make decisions together
If you have questions about marriage, ask a mentor  (It’s private and free.)

]]> http://powertochange.com/blogposts/2012/05/09/how-to-be-happily-married/feed/ 0 http://powertochange.com/blogposts/2012/05/04/something-to-live-for-dnltr/ http://powertochange.com/blogposts/2012/05/04/something-to-live-for-dnltr/#comments Fri, 04 May 2012 08:00:33 +0000 Power to Change Ministries http://powertochange.com/?p=36899

At a point in her life, Victoria Childress wore her heart on her sleeve — literally. In a moment of severe pain and desperation, Victoria etched the word “SAD” on her arm with a knife. She would sit in a state of physical and emotional darkness, trying to mask an invisible pain with one that she inflicted upon herself in attempt to take matters into her own hands. When a teacher and a physician intervened, Victoria decided to sign a contract to commit to live. It wasn’t long after when Victoria found herself face-to-face with the invisible: faith, hope, and love. Watch the video.

Take the next step:
Understanding cutting
Are you fighting suicidal thoughts? Take our free life lesson
Do you feel like giving up? Talk to a mentor.

If you do a Google search on “wedding stress” you’ll get over 70 million results. 

For most people a wedding is the largest, most expensive and most important event you will ever host.  If you’re planning a wedding and feeling that stress, you are not alone.   It can be tempting to think that there just isn’t time to add a “de-stressing” to-do to your lists. But if you can, carve out that time.  You don’t want to be so focused on the wedding that you forget to plan for the marriage itself.

If you are getting married, our free book for brides is full of ideas and information as you plan for a lifetime together. There is also a series of online lessons you can do with a coach to help you prepare to share you life.  These lessons can be done anytime, from anywhere you have an internet connection.

Topics include:

• Dealing with stress
• Anticipation
• Dealing with differences
• How to share your life without losing yourself

Over the series of lessons you’ll learn things you can invest in your relationship now that will reap benefits long into your life together.  Each lesson takes about half an hour to complete.  Grab a cup of tea and quiet corner and let a coach walk with you as you prepare to walk the aisle.  If you have any questions along the way we’re happy to help and we’ll pray for you as your special day approaches.

Start the first lesson today!

See the full list of lessons for brides