Relationship Assessment Test

CLICK ON THE TITLE TO TAKE THE TEST!!!

According to the website, the purpose of this assessment is to help you see how your evidence of connection compares to your level of clarity about your relationship. This assessment is structured to be helpful both for those who have seen a relationship grow over a period of time but want to know if it's moving toward a more formal romantic relationship and those who want to know if their formal romantic relationship is moving toward marriage.

The Bend in the Road

When we feel we have nothing left to give
And we are sure that the song has ended,
When our day seems over and the shadows fall
And the darkness of night has descended,
Where can we go to find the strength
To valiantly keep on trying?
Where can we find the hand that will dry
The tears that the heart is crying?

There's but one place to go and that is to God,
And, dropping all pretense and pride,
We can pour out our problems without restraint
And gain strength with Him at our side.
And together we stand at life's crossroads
And view what we think is the end,
But God has a much bigger vision,
And He tells us it's only a bend.

For the road goes on and is smoother,
And the pause in the song is a rest,
And the part that's unsung and unfinished
Is the sweetest and richest and best.
So rest and relax and grow stronger,
Let go and let God share your load.
Your work is not finished or ended,
You've just come to a bend in the road.

A poem of encouragement by Helen Steiner Rice.

A Story of Cancer and Comfort

This broadcast brought tears to my eyes, this morning. Listen to the broadcast by clicking on the title and click on "listen now". The Rev. David Jeremiah describes how his faith in God sustained him during two bouts with cancer. He also explains why he believes God allows suffering, and offers encouragement to those facing trying circumstances. (Part 1 of 2) This was very comforting to me because I have gone through some circumstances that were difficult. Yet, after hearing this, I am even more convinced that suffering builds character and draws you closer to God.

Related Article , "Suffering Brings Wisdom," Perspective by Randall Murphree

“I want to tell you, you can learn a lot from being sick,” said Dr. David Jeremiah. The popular author, speaker and media teacher made that observation to a national group of Christian journalists gathered May 6 - 10 in San Diego for the annual convention of the Evangelical Press Association.

Participants included writers and editors from Charisma, Christianity Today, Moody, AFA Journal and scores of other Christian periodicals.

Dr. Jeremiah is qualified to address the issue of suffering and sickness. Pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church, El Cajon, Calif., he was diagnosed with lymphoma in 1994. After treatment, he thought he had weathered the storm, but in 1998 the cancer recurred. Surgery removed a nodule from his neck, and in early 1999 he had a stem cell transplant.

“It was the darkest night of my soul, a nightmare with no hope of waking,” he wrote in his latest book, A Bend in the Road: Caves In Experiencing God When Your World (Word, 2000). The book is a chronicle of his battle with cancer and the life lessons God taught him in the process. Today, he again has hope and lives in remission.

Jeremiah told the journalists he has learned many things through his experience with cancer, including the power of prayer, the persistence of Satan and the perspective of attitude. He says studies show that attitude can be as important as medical treatment for a cancer patient. “Attitude comes from your personal walk with the Lord,” he said.

Dr. Jeremiah’s "Turning Point" program is aired internationally on more than a thousand TV and radio stations. In addition to serving as pastor at Shadow Mountain, he is chancellor of Christian Heritage College in El Cajon and has written 12 books, including Jesus’ Final Warning and The Handwriting on the Wall.

Randall Murphree is a freelance writer and editor of American Family Association Journal in Tupelo, Miss.

Bott Radio: 640 AM Station

If you are not familiar with Bott Radio, you need to invest some time and listen to some of the programs. They are so insightful...covering everything imaginable with the Word of God as the authority on the issue.

I must admit that Familylife is one of my favorite links. And, I am going to recommend you to read any books that are on the programs since they are written by God-fearing men and women.

This morning, I heard a great program on Bott Radio called Hazard of the Road. It was about the danger that a married couple faced when Sam, the husband, traveled alot for his business, spending alot of time in hotel rooms. He had much sexual temptation and it became impossible to resist. Finally, he gave in to it. The broadcast features him and his wife, Toni, talking frankly with Dennis Rainey about his struggle with pornography and the moral failure that turned out to be his wake-up call.

Things that were discussed in the program and worth mentioning to YOU:

• Sam was a CHRISTIAN.
• He REASONED that since he was away from home and his wife, why not sin since no one would know.
• Couples need to agree about the time that they will spend apart to avoid SEXUAL TEMPTATION.
• The relationship, the covenant, in marriage has got to supersede ALL OTHER THINGS.
• The D word might come across your mind but do not make it an OPTION.
• The wife, Toni did not get involve with another man during this time. Yet, she precoccupied her mind and time by decorating her home and the result was still a struggling marriage. Do not avoid the issue CONFRONT IT.
• Men beware in hotel rooms because cable is accessible and you are ALONE.

There is much more! Listen to the broadcast for yourself...click listen on this link http://www.familylife.com/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=dnJHKLNnFoG&b=3789887&ct=6018859





Sam Gallucci is senior pastor at The Harbor Community Church in Ventura California, and is president of CRM Associates, a management consulting firm. He is the author of Road Warrior. Sam and his wife, Toni help lead men out of sexual sin, and offer hope and healing to women who have been wounded in the aftermath. Sam and Toni have been married for more than 25 years, and have three sons.

GABE in Washington

Gabe's Day as President!!!!!

Eva, Gabe's mom wrote to me about their experience in Washington, last week.

It was so encouraging to see Gabe's eyes light up
when he saw or heard something familiar like when we were on a tour of
Washington and various excerpts from famous speeches were played - MLK's I Have
a Dream speech, JFK, "Ask not what your country can do for you...." But I have
to say he also enjoyed the "city" life with the traffic, buses, taxi's, metro,
etc. and chasing the pigeons on the lawn of the Natural Museum of History and
taking a dip in the reflecting pool (much to my dismay!) I can hear you now,
"that's Gabe!" And, of course, he brought back a suitcase FULL of new
books! He also got to meet R.L Stine. That was a big thing for him.

The Love Dare Book That Will Fireproof Your Marriage

The Love Dare from Mike Stecker on Vimeo.

After the movie, last Saturday night, a pastor was giving out flyers as we were leaving stating that if you visited their church on Sunday that you could have a FREE copy of the Love Dare. So, my friend and I went on Sunday to get a copy. I could not pass up that give-away. It is so much more than a book to me.

According to a website, this daily devotional steers you through the fiery challenge of developing a strong, committed marriage in a world that threatens to burn it to the ground. The Love Dare personally leads you through daily devotionals, records your thoughts and experiences, and ends each day daring you to perform a simple act of love for your spouse.