I've gotten so much revelation over the last couple of months. One of my conclusions - I've been playing the fence! My desire to see individuals and families transformed pales in comparison to Gods desire for the family unit. What could be better than knowing that we can go to the source Himself?! Families are in need of truth, and I look forward to helping them find it! 

Emotional stability is an underrated commodity. Proverbs 25:28 states, "Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls." We aren't as familiar with the necessity of literal walls today, but they once meant the difference between a safe and functional civilization, and one that is left vulnerable to attack and disorder. The consequence of emotional instability can be compared to a city without walls! Growing in this area with intention should be the objective of every step-parent. Security and prosperity in every area are the result! 

Being quick to forgive is much more about strength than it is about being passive! This is one of the more impactful qualities that a Step-parent can bring into their family dynamic, and continue to develop. Among the things that forgiveness provides are:

• Freedom of Expression 
• Relationship Security 
• An Example and Display of Health & Grace
• Productive Conflict Resolution 
• Attractiveness 
• Influence 

Who doesn’t want this for their family?! Step-parents are essential for achieving these byproducts. Being an individual that won’t settle for anything short of following through with their commitment, and believing for more for their family makes it possible! 

I’d love to connect with you! So if you’re looking for support, click the link below so we can schedule a 30 minute consultation. 

https://calendly.com/renewyou-live/30min

Are blended families really THAT hard? Most of us understand that any and every family comes with their challenges. However, there is a level of struggle that seems unreasonable. Or maybe 'the trial' has lasted so long that you wonder whether this is to be expected, or is your situation out of the norm. Reality is that there are greater threats to our marriages and families that tend to be overlooked. As a result we place emphasis on symptoms of what's actually happening below the surface. Listen in so that you can move your energy and attention from the fruit, and onto the root of your struggle!

As an Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, Kristi Mears specializes in serving clients that have experienced trauma in relation to betrayal. Kristi has found that this issue in particular is pervasive in nature. This is in part due to the reality that intimacy within our relationships creates vulnerabilities. Nonetheless, our most important relationsips are best served as we give of ourselves fully, opposed to our decisions and actions being shaped by fear. Kristi shares with us her expertise and personal experience to help us understand what betrayal trauma is, and some of the steps that can be taken to overcome it! 

If you're looking for help with betrayal trauma and/or the services of a Marriage & Family Therapist the you can find Kristi's services here:

integritycounselinggroup.com/kristi-mears

It has probably never been so difficult for two people to get on the same page! The confusion around relationships and how they should be done seems to be growing by the day. This is no way to build a foundation for the future. In order to avoid the moment where we're trying to define our relationship, we have to put forth a counter-cultural effort of intention and living with clear direction. 

Such a powerful conversation!  Margo was entirely unprepared for the moment when she realized that she was pregnant. The fact that there was zero stability in her relationship only made things more complicated. Unfortunately, her experience is not as irregular as one would think.

Margo was aware of the reality that she'd likely have to raise a child on her own. During the episode she also relays her experience as she briefly wrestled with the idea of abortion; a thought that Margo never imagined she'd have to consider. This conversation was a tough one, but she is evidence of Gods goodness in a tough situation. Her story is an example of what it means to fight for the things worth fighting for!

A child can hardly help but to be a reflection of their environment. Behavior, attention spans, demeanor, mannerisms and so many other indicators point to whether their needs are being met, or whether they're lacking in some way. Kathy Tempco has been working closely with young learners for almost 20 years. During this episode she speaks on her experiences of serving kids that have an ideal environment, as well as those that suffered from extreme lack. Regardless of where a child lands on that spectrum, the need for healthy parental/adult relationships and an environment of support, are a constant necessity. 

When does the desire to help end, and the attempt to be someones savior begin? This can be such a tough line to identify. Lending a hand or providing support shouldn't result in the sacrifice of our well-being. Nor do we want to rob people of the opportunity to develop and build character during what may be a trying time. Operating with both grace and tact is no easy task! 

Getting our kids to college can be difficult. The blended family dynamic tends to present additional challenges. Brad Baldridge has worked with thousands of families as a college funding specialist, so he knows what it takes for our kids to pursue a higher eduation! Whether you need information about saving for college, financial aid, student loans how to make sense out of it all, then Brad is here to help! Check out some of his resources below. 

Website: Baldridge College Solutions - Strategies For College Financial Planning

Taming The High Cost of College Podcast:  https://tamingthehighcostofcollege.com/category/podcast/