Archives of #relationships

Hope + Help for Practicing Affirmation with Sam Crabtree

In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Sam Crabtree about his book, Practicing Affirmation. IBCD Executive Director Jim Newheiser also joins the conversation as Sam explains why bringing God into compliments is the best way to give them. He also discusses why people are more prone to complaining than commending, offers four characteristics of good affirmations, and how practicing affirmation on a daily basis serves to nourish personal relationships while glorifying God at the same time. Additionally, Sam suggests reasons to keep affirmation separate from correction, encourages listeners to utilize affirmation as a means of evangelism, and answers the tough question, How do we commend someone whose behavior is anything but commendable?
Read More
3 years ago

Dear Newlyweds: I Don’t Wish You Happiness—But I Do Pray for This

If I have learned one thing on my brief marriage journey, it’s that the pursuit of happiness swallows more marriages than we realize. It can chew you up and spit you out an unrecognizable, bitter mess. Pursuing personal happiness and fulfillment in your wedded relationship is only fueled by selfish desires, for our quest to be happy is always rooted in the search for soul-satisfaction rather than the offer of self-sacrifice and service.
Read More
4 years ago

Hope + Help for Hurting Marriages with Dr. Jim Newheiser

In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews Dr. Jim Newheiser to talk about his book, "Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage: Critical Questions and Answers." The conversation focuses specifically on discovering gospel hope and help for the hurting marriage, using wisdom from the Scriptures to address some of the common challenges that couples face. Jim lays a foundation for God's good design for marriage and explains why divorce is such a hotly debated issue in the church. He also helps us think biblically about working through marital issues such as bitterness, communication breakdowns, indifference, and offers listeners considerations for deciding when to seek marriage counseling.
Read More
4 years ago

Hope + Help for Valuing Singleness with Sam Allberry

In this episode of The Hope + Help Project, Christine Chappell interviews author/speaker Sam Allberry. They’re talking about his book, "7 Myths About Singleness," in order to help Christians—married and unmarried alike—value singleness as a gift from God. Sam explains frequently misunderstood aspects of singleness, why celibacy and intimacy are not mutually exclusive, and how the gospel of Jesus Christ helps singles take hold of the unique opportunities their singleness affords. He also encourages singles in the various ways they can contribute to the creation mandate without having kids themselves, highlights ways marrieds and singles can strive to better support one another in friendship, and exposes some of the tender feelings singles experience when they feel like they're missing out in life and love.
Read More
4 years ago
For the Man Who Loves a Broken Mind | Christine M. Chappell

For the Man Who Loves a Broken Mind

We weren’t prepared for this. Certainly “for better or worse” sounded so romantically bittersweet. I’m not sure many of those entering into a lifetime of marriage say those words and think of being worse in a way they cannot see. “In sickness and in health“—a deathbed, an epic medical failure, a withered body with a hand to […]
Read More
7 years ago
When Someone Else is Living Your Dream | Christine M Chappell | Clean Home, Messy Heart

When Someone Else is Living Your Dream

It hit me the moment I saw it: a Facebook update celebrating the news of achievement and success, renown and opportunity. I confess: I’m not immune twinges of jealousy, however briefly they linger. I know I shouldn’t feel this way when others are triumphing with their talents, but this undercurrent of envy still remains. It has […]
Read More
7 years ago
Reconciling Marriages Through the Gospel | Christine M Chappell | Clean Home, Messy Heart

3 Ways the Gospel Motivates Marital Peacemaking

My husband and I hit a brick wall every-so-often—a place in our hearts where our pride has consumed us and neither wants to make the first attempt to apologize. If you’ve been married for any length of time, I’m certain you can relate to the difficulty couples have in pursuing humble reconciliation after a fight. […]
Read More
7 years ago

Finding the Root of Our Impatience

“I am a mom of an almost 2 year old girl and lately my patience is getting worse! When you are losing patience, what part of the bible do you run to?” I was recently asked this question by a reader and thought it to be a terrific opportunity not only to reflect on my […]
Read More
7 years ago
Clean Home Messy Heart Podcast | Christine M. Chappell

The Dirty Room | 1 John 1:5-7

Join Christine as she shares about a recent act of service to her daughter and how it led to a better understand God’s workings to bring about heart change and obedience in the context of Christian community. This episode’s featured scripture is 1 John 1:5–7: This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that […]
Read More
8 years ago
When Sinners Say I Do | Dave Harvey | Christine M. Chappell Book Review

When Sinners Say “I Do” by Dave Harvey | #bookschristineread

At first, I recognized the title. Then, I recognized the cover. Finally, I realized Brett and I had purchased this book on our Kindle a few years ago, and there it has remained, held hostage by the loss of the Kindle’s power cord. Personally, I don’t enjoy reading eBooks—power cord or no, I wouldn’t have read it. […]
Read More
8 years ago
Clean Home Messy Heart Podcast | Christine M. Chappell

The Olive Branch | 2 Corinthians 5:17-19

In this episode, Christine discusses the issue of pride when it comes to reconciling relationships, and a recent conviction that helped her realize the ultimate motivation for being a peacemaker. This week’s featured scripture is 2 Corinthians 5:17-19: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new […]
Read More
8 years ago