Dr. David

Most of us claim to want intimacy, only to spend much of our lives protecting ourselves, denying our vulnerability.

Two different people, from two different backgrounds, with two different personalities often are the basis for conflict.

Have you ever noticed yourself becoming irritated, only to be puzzled later as to why you were bothered?

Desperate and having read the latest articles and books about emotional abuse and narcissism, many women feel discouraged and wonder if there really is any help for their man.

Depression is a whole-body problem. It affects our thoughts, actions, feelings, relationships and even our faith-walk.

A touch, combined with a loving gaze and kind words, adds a powerful impact. There is something very basic and powerful about a loving touch.

Two people who hurt each other and then grew more distant because of that hurt. Two people who once loved each other but who now only felt resentment.

Couples often drift apart. It rarely happens in an instance, but rather a slow disintegration over time.

Most couples must be taught to ‘hold the sacred space.’ They must be taught about the fragility of this sacred space and taught how to keep it safe so that it can be enjoyed by only you and your mate. If ‘held’ and guarded, the space will hold you. If protected, that space will protect you.

Intimacy—“into me see”-- requires safety and vulnerability, but to be vulnerable means you must trust the other person. You must know them and base your decisions on that knowledge. Trust is based on truth.

We will fail to live up to our ideals because ideals are just that—ideal. They are something to be strived for, but to also realize that we will never attain perfection.

If you’re like most people, you hold back. You stuff your feelings. You second-guess what you should tell your mate and what you should keep to yourself. Sadly, many share thoughts and feelings reactively, in the spur of the moment, and fail to share their thoughts in a timely and healthy manner.

We feel love for our mate. But, do we really show that we value our mate?

A relationship is like a fine automobile—it can run very smoothly if given the right conditions. It can function effectively forever. If mistreated and not kept tuned, however, your marriage is sure to fail. Fortunately, we have some control over how “tuned” we keep our marriage. We have great ability to remain alert to the conditions of our marriage and to check in with our mate to ensure they are satisfied, as well with how the marriage is functioning. While there are many necessary ingredients for a loving marriage (see I Corinthians 13; Galatians 5: 22-23), there are three necessities I’d like to focus on today: compassion, consideration and collaboration. Certainly, you could argue that if you are loving as defined by I Corinthians 13 or exhibit the fruits of the Spirit you will show compassion, consideration and collaboration and your marriage will likely thrive. Let’s examine each of these a bit more closely and then we’ll explore how you might try these out in your daily life.

Utterly alone, you search for hope. Unable to find a way to each other, feeling the hardness of your mate’s heart, you wonder what can be done now?

As we near Valentine’s Day, the day florists enjoy the sweet fragrance of sales, and chocolatiers lick their lips with possibilities, many men and women begin to feel a vague sense of trepidation.

What can be done about ongoing bad moods? What can we do if we get set off by the slightest provocation, hurting everyone around us and even ourselves?

Before seeking any change it is important to be clear about the issues. What is bothering you and why?