Empowering Parents :: Part Four
Here is part four of the exclusive online presentation of "Empowering Parents" by Rev. Dr. Trey Kuhne, LMFT:
In the beginning of each new year, we make those useless resolutions to change some aspect of ourselves for “the better.” While there is much value in stopping smoking and even great value in losing 20 lbs of that overweight body mass, I would like to suggest something that is even more valuable than those - your marriage.
This year, 2009, is a great time to refocus your energy and attention onto God’s gift to you – your spouse. If you have no idea of where to begin, may I suggest a marriage communication course given through your local church or contacting a relationship specialist in your area for seminars. Another great place to start is for both spouses to buy the book “The Five Love Languages” and read the book, take the test, and determine your love language. This could very well help you in renewing your marriage.
If you want to be the most empowered you can be as parents, then strengthen the marriage relationship with your spouse. Only when you are able to express your love, appreciation, respect, and honor to your spouse can your children learn to understand those concepts for their own selves. For if you don’t teach these qualities through example in your home and marriage, your children will gladly find tainted sources for this information via friends, internet, media, etc.
Should you need any assistance to begin the renewal journey, I would be more than happy to help. Start with reevaluating your communication systems. Once that is assessed, then move into how you are both respecting/valuing the other in the marriage with your time, your money, and the responsibilities of the family. If you need some starting places, feel free to check out "The Little Blue Book Series of Secrets to a Healthy Marriage" found at www.wpcspartanburg.org/pathways.
Renew your marriage in 2009!!
Grace and Peace,
Dr. Trey Kuhne
Dr. Trey Kuhne is a pastoral counselor and licensed marriage and family therapist with Pathways Pastoral Counseling located at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 400 Dupre Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29307. He specializes in working with individuals, couples and families. Call (864) 542-3019 for an appointment. He may be reach via email at: pathwayspc@aol.com.
