Blog

What do you do when the world starts returning to normal? Calendars that were once empty are filling up again, and life is picking back up its pace. It's normal to feel anxious about responsibilities and expectations that felt second nature, especially after a year like 2020. In today's blog, Lynnaea Martin encourages readers to accept daily invitations from God to receive more of His abundance so you can also extend it to those around you.

This week's podcast is an episode of Stories of Hope where hosts Dan Broyles and Michal Wilson embark on conversations with real people who have real challenges. These stories of hope will draw you closer to God and to the people in your life.  Ten years into their marriage with two young children, Chris and Alisa Grace both found themselves unhappy, which served as a wake-up call for deeper emotional and spiritual intimacy to develop. Listen to the full story of how they turned an average marriage into a great marriage.

You can choose your friends, but you can't choose your family. However, you can choose how to treat your family. In today's blog, Aubrey Martin shares some tips to make your relationship with your sibling not just tolerable, but enjoyable! 

Starting a difficult conversation is never easy, but is possible with the right tools. Timing, tone, and phrasing are key components to have a fruitful discussion. In today's blog, author Alisa Grace outlines 7 communication tools that you can use to have a successful, healthy dialogue with your partner or loved one.

Dear CMR,

How do you call it quits after you’ve been going out a few times, but you don’t want to continue the relationship?

Signed,

I’m Out

Dependability is the foundation of relationship building. Paul Cobb, chaplain for the California State Guard and Orange County Fire Authority, shares how to build relationships with first responders on the front lines in today's blog. Whatever your form of ministry, Paul encourages readers to practice ministry of presence, offer practical resources, and lead with vulnerability.

Dear CMR,

We've always taught our 17-yr-old son to stand up/speak up for what is right and don't be a silent by-stander when wrong happens. However, some of his values are changing and don't necessarily reflect the values we taught him growing up. Now he's getting bullied at school because of his outspoken views, which he truly feels passionately about. We love his passion and willingness to stand up for what he believes is right, but how can we as parents be supportive and help him when we don't agree with him?

Signed,

Unsure How to Be Supportive

Many of us have not been able to be with our family members during this pandemic season. Adult children haven’t seen each other, cousins often can’t be together. Saddened by being apart, we wonder, “What can we do to build the closeness that we long for?” Here’s one easy idea!