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KEEPING YOUR MARRIAGE FRESH

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Five Tips For Keeping Your Marriage Fresh And Strong

Having a strong and healthy marriage takes effort and dedication. Whether you’ve been married for a few years or decades, it’s essential to keep the spark and connection alive. In today’s article, we’ll explore five tips to help you do just that—avoiding the stale routine of your daily life and reigniting your relationship. Read on to find out more!

Let’s Start with Communication

In any relationship, communication is vital. This is especially true in marriage. When you’re married, you’re sharing your life with someone else, and communicating effectively is crucial to maintain a strong relationship. Communication is far and away the most significant challenge of all the marital challenges I hear about in my office. The Bible says that the state of the heart comes out of the mouth. In other words, you cannot hide what is truly in your heart. It’s coming out of your mouth sooner or later, usually sooner.

Here are five tips for keeping your communication strong in marriage:

  1. Talk openly and honestly with each other. Marriage is built on trust, so it’s essential to be open and honest with each other about your thoughts and feelings. If you’re feeling something, say it. Don’t bottle things up. Trying to appease with silence while needing to be heard is a recipe for marital disharmony on a large scale. Talk with each other – regularly, about everything.
  2. Listen to each other. It’s not just about talking. It’s also about listening. Really listen to what your spouse is saying and try to understand their perspective. If you need clarification, ask. Without defensiveness, simply ask. Assumptions are killers in communication.
  3. Be patient with each other. Sometimes you don’t see eye-to-eye, but it’s important to be patient with each other and work through disagreements calmly and respectfully. The keywords here are calm and respectful. I’m not suggesting that accomplishing that is easy, but it is essential.
  4. Show appreciation and value for each other. Take the time to show your spouse how much you appreciate and value them – whether through words or actions (or both). A little appreciation can go a long way in a marriage! When we stop conveying gratitude, we start lessening value. When we start lessening value, love begins to dissipate greatly.
  5. Pray together often. Keep the lines of communication horizontally (with each other) by strengthening your communication vertically (with the Divine). This is a secret sauce for couples of all ages. I am convinced you cannot harbor bitterness, anger, or resentment as the two of you enter God’s throneroom. Don’t dramatize it. Just talk to God about the day ahead and the days just past. He cannot wait to hear from you.

Spending Quality Time Together

It’s no secret that marriages can sometimes become stale. The excitement and passion of the early days can fizzle out, leaving you feeling more like roommates than partners. But it doesn’t have to be this way! You can do plenty of things to keep your marriage fresh and robust. Here are five tips:

  1. Spend quality time together. This means putting away your phones, turning off the TV, and focusing on each other. Have deep conversations, share laughs, and enjoy each other’s company.
  2. Get out of your comfort zone together. Trying new things can help spice up your relationship and rekindle the spark. Whether exploring a new hobby or taking a trip to an exotic destination, breaking out of your routine will excite your marriage. Even a simple old habit like bowling, roller skating, or a cheap date night can invigorate your relationship.
  3. Be thoughtful and romantic with each other. Sometimes it’s the little things that mean the most in a relationship. Make sure you’re showing your partner how much you care, whether with a heartfelt gift or simply telling them how much you love them every day. Leave a love note. Bring home flowers. Just keep in mind that marriage is like all of life. What you reap, you sow.
  4. Communicate openly and honestly about everything – both the good and the bad. Marriage is all about communication, so ensure you always share your thoughts and feelings. It’s the only way to grow closer as a couple truly. Hey husbands, this includes the recap of your day!
  5. Keep the physical intimacy alive in your marriage. This doesn’t just have to be about having sex. Often, the most intimate things are a simple kiss, holding hands, or even a welcomed hug. Touch is so important and so fun. Don’t miss God’s gift of feeling loved through physical touch.

Setting Boundaries

It’s important to set boundaries in your marriage to keep it strong and fresh.
Here are five tips for doing so:

  1. Make time for each other. Set aside time every week to reconnect with your spouse. This can be as simple as going on a date night or having a weekend getaway. The key is consistency.
  2. Communicate openly and honestly. Marriage isn’t always easy, but it’s important to communicate about what’s going on in your life. This will help you stay connected and work through any challenges together.
  3. Respect each other’s space and privacy. It’s important to respect each other’s needs for space and privacy. This doesn’t mean you have to agree on everything, but it does mean respecting each other’s point of view.
  4. Be willing to compromise. In any relationship, there will be times when you need to compromise to move forward. If you’re both willing to meet in the middle, it’ll help keep your marriage strong. The goal is to stop trying to prove you are right and start making things right!
  5. Seek help if needed. If you’re struggling in your marriage, don’t be afraid to seek professional help together. This can be a great way to get back on track and improve your relationship overall.

Understanding Each Other’s Needs

In any relationship, understanding what your spouse needs and wants is essential. It can be easy to get caught up in your own life and thoughts and forget to ask your spouse about their day or how they’re feeling. Be cautious not to fall into the trap of “but they should know what I mean, or they should know what I need.” More often than not, they cannot read your mind or your emotions.

One way to proactively keep your marriage strong is by regular check-ins with each other. This can be done in person, via text, or even over the phone if you’re both busy during the day. Simply asking how your partner is doing and what they need from you can go a long way. My favorite part of each day is when Jenny asks me what each day’s highs, lows, and challenges are, and I return the same questions with her.

Remember that everyone is different and will have different needs at different times. One day your partner may want nothing more than a hug, while another day, they may need you to handle all the logistics for dinner so they can relax. Pay attention and be fully present for them when they need you.

And finally, don’t forget to communicate your own needs as well! If you’re feeling overwhelmed or like you’re not getting enough attention, speak up. A happy marriage is one where both partners feel heard and supported. This builds and conveys value, trust, and love!

Good communication is vital to a successful marriage. Understanding each other’s needs can keep your relationship healthy, secure, and full of love.

Keeping the Romance Alive

It can be easy to let the romance slide in a long-term relationship. Life gets busy, kids come along, and suddenly you and your partner are more like roommates than lovers. But it’s essential to keep the spark alive in your marriage—not just for your own happiness, but for the sake of your relationship. Here are five tips for keeping the romance alive in your marriage:

  1. Make time for each other. It’s important to carve out time together as a couple, even if it’s just a few minutes every day. Whether you take a walk together after dinner or spend an evening together on the sofa, make sure you have quality time together without distractions.
  2. Plan special outings and date nights. Sometimes, a change of scenery is all it takes to bring some excitement back into your relationship. Plan an overnight getaway or a special evening out with just the two of you. And don’t forget to keep the romance going during regular date nights by trying new things and mixing up your routine.
  3. Get physical! Physical touch is integral to intimacy, so ensure you’re showing affection through hugs, kisses, and sex—whatever works for you as a couple. If you’re not feeling sexual now, find other ways to be close physically, such as cuddling or massage. You’re welcome.

Marriage is one of the greatest joys in life, and it can be made even richer with intentional effort. I trust that these tips for keeping your marriage fresh and strong have given you some ideas to strengthen your bond with your spouse. Whether you’re looking to spice things up or deepen the friendship between the two of you, these tips will help create a stronger relationship built on understanding and love.

Go in Peace, Chuck

MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS MATTER TO MEN

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The Ache For True Connection: Why Meaningful Relationships Matter For Men

We all know the saying, “no man is an island,” and it’s true! In today’s article, let’s explore why meaningful relationships and friendships are essential for men physically and emotionally and how they can help men grow as individuals. Read on to learn why genuine connections are so important for men!

Why Men Need Meaningful Friendships

In a world that’s increasingly driven by technology and social media, it’s easy for men to feel disconnected from one another. Countless studies have shown that loneliness and isolation can have a negative impact on men’s mental and physical health, leading to problems like depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and even heart disease.

That’s why meaningful relationships matter for men. Whether it’s a close friendship or simply spending time with buddies, these connections can help reduce stress, promote positive emotions, and boost overall well-being. Let’s face it, guys. Most of us need meaningful relationships but are too dang proud to admit it. I want to consider myself a red-blooded, all-American man, but at 63 years of age, I now know that a real friend is more than essential.

If you struggle to maintain relationships or connect with others, don’t hesitate to seek help. Many resources are available to support you in finding the connection you crave. One place to start is to send me an email and connect with my small group starting in March 2023. Just click here: Email Chuck

The role of friendship in society cannot be understated. Friendship provides men with a sense of belonging and helps to build self-esteem. Friendship also enhances one’s ability to cope with stress and anxiety and can contribute to physical and mental well-being. Guys, in short – you need meaningful friends. Friends that will enhance your life and support your spiritual, social, emotional, and intilectual growth. But hear me, guys. You will have to take the lead and find dudes you want to hang out with!

As men age, they often find themselves at a loss for close friends. This can be attributed to several factors, including societal expectations that men should be independent and self-reliant, the importance placed on work and career success, and the difficulty in forming deep relationships when there is an emphasis on competition rather than cooperation. Leave that to the middle school boys and let that kid sit down while the man stands up and acknowledges the need for true friends!

Reaching out and connecting with others is crucial for maintaining mental, spiritual, and emotional health. Friendships based on mutual trust, spiritual connection, respect, and support can provide incredible benefits. Friendships can challenge us to grow and change, offer advice and perspective, help us through difficult times, make us laugh, boost our morale, and provide essential companionship. You do not have a big “S” on your chest. You are not the Incredible Hulk. You are a dude in need of meaningful, purposeful friends. And if you are married, they must be other dudes. Hard stop!

By fostering the development of selfless, committed friendships, society can be healthier and more productive. In addition, when dudes are connected in spiritual, meaningful ways, they gain a greater sense of belonging and security, making them more likely to contribute positively to their communities and, most significantly, to their marriages and families.

The Benefits of Having a Friend?

Having a healthy bank of a few close friends has plenty of benefits. It can provide companionship, support, and connection. Friendships can also offer teachable moments and show us how to better one another. They provide an outlet for our emotions and give us someone to rely on during tough times. Good friendships are built on trust, shared values, and mutual respect. They can make us laugh, keep us between the ditches, and give honest feedback. In return, we should strive to be good friends by being reliable, supportive, and trustworthy. Guys, we need spiritually minded friends that assist us in staying the course as we grow to become more like Christ and less like the world expects a man to be.

Meaningful connections with other guys are essential for your mental and emotional health. Social interaction is a vital part of a man’s life. Living socially isolated will lead to feelings of loneliness, which can trigger depression and anxiety. Studies have shown that men who lack social support are more likely to experience depression and lack confidence and have a greater potential to wander from their faith system and marriage commitments.

Building and maintaining solid relationships take effort, but it’s worth it. So here are some tips for developing and maintaining meaningful connections with others:

  • Communicate openly and honestly. Be open. Be honest. Don’t try to impress; just be you.
  • Make time for the people who matter most to you. Let them know you want to connect and do what you both like. I’m a NASCAR guy, and it helped bond my relationship with one of my best buddies. I like to quail hunt and have a couple of buddies; we hunt, talk about everything and laugh together. It’s not hard; it just takes effort.
  • Be there for the good times and the bad times. When your buddies need you, be there for them – no matter what. That will be the real tell regarding the reason you connected, both ways.
  • Show your appreciation in both words and actions. Don’t be that dude that is afraid to be appreciative and grateful. I’ve told my buddies that I love them on multiple occasions. You know why?. Because I do. Expressing your love through thoughtful gestures will deepen your connection with your guys. Don’t be that guy that is always the taker, never the giver.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s okay to lean on your guys when you need emotional or practical support. Hey guys, we all need spiritual accountability – we all do! Be vulnerable enough to admit it and experience it!
  • Respect differences. Every relationship is unique, and it’s essential to respect the boundaries of others. Just because you are buddies doesn’t mean you agree on everything. Don’t let minor disagreements keep you from meaningful friendships.

Creating and maintaining meaningful connections with guys will positively affect your spiritual and mental health and happiness. Investing in solid relationships is one of the best gifts we can give ourselves — and those we care about most.

“…the fundamental rule of male friendship, intent was the gesture, but activity was the glue.”
― Billy Baker

We may not talk about it openly, but most men deeply yearn to connect with others. This need is innate and hardwired into our DNA. From a historical standpoint, connecting with others was essential for survival back in the day. In the modern world, we don’t need to worry about being eaten by a lion if we venture out on our own, but the instinct to connect is still there.

There are several ways to cultivate connections with others. One is to be open and available when someone reaches out to you. Another is to make an effort to connect with people who share your interests and passions. Finally, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and take some risks in your relationships. By taking these steps, you can develop deeper, more meaningful connections with other guys in your life.

What About Social Anxiety And Making New Friends?

It’s no secret that social anxiety can make it challenging to form new relationships. The idea of putting yourself out there and meeting new people can be daunting, to say the least. But the good news is that there are ways to overcome social anxiety and make new friends.

Here are some tips:

  1. Join a club or organization that aligns with your interests. This will give you a built-in group of potential friends who share your passions. If you lean toward a more introverted tendency, stay in your lane of interest. It will help the initial engagement.
  2. Make an effort to talk to people you don’t know. Smile, strike up a conversation, and exchange names and contact information. One of my best friends became a best friend because he reached out to buy me lunch. Ten years later, we are great friends!
  3. Get involved in activities that force you to interact with others regularly. This could be anything from playing team sports to taking dance classes. Here’s a thought. Get out of your recliner and join a cornhole league, play disc golf, go to your local community gathering, garden club, or whatever else. But get after it!
  4. Seek professional help if your social anxiety is severely impacting your life. A therapist can teach coping mechanisms and help you work through your fears. I know this first hand. Guys, the dumbest thing you can do is think you are so manly that you don’t need help. Stop it! Every man I know can benefit from a coach, counselor, or therapist. No, you are not the exception!

Making friends can be challenging, but it’s worth the effort because meaningful relationships are essential to a happy and fulfilling life.

On Another Note

Building stronger family bonds is essential for men for several reasons. For one, it provides a support system and a sense of belonging. The family also gives men a sense of purpose and identity. Furthermore, strong family bonds contribute to financial stability and provide emotional and physical health benefits. Guys, you need stronger family bonds:

With your spouse – Make time for each other: In our busy lives, it can be easy to forget to make time for the people who matter most. Schedule regular check-ins with your spouse, children, parents, and siblings. Even if you can’t meet in person, pick up the phone or video chat regularly. Guys – prioritize your bride at all costs. She is a gift from God, and you need her!

Do things together: Find activities that everyone enjoys and make time to do them together regularly. This could be anything from going for walks or hikes to playing sports or games to watching movies or cooking meals together. Again, get off of your phone and out of your recliner. The best days I had as a kid and as a dad was playing with my kids regularly!

Communicate openly and honestly: Good communication is vital to any relationship. When communicating with your spouse and family, be clear and concise about what you’re trying to say. Listen carefully to what others are saying as well. Seek opportunities to have difficult conversations to foster greater understanding and closeness within your family unit. Don’t bottle it up. Please don’t take on a victim mentality; at all costs, don’t make it all about you and get defensive about everything.

There is no substitute for genuine human connection. It is a fundamental need, as essential to our well-being as air, water, and food. And yet, in our tech-obsessed, rapidly changing world, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters. Guys, that one last email can wait. That extra hour at the office won’t matter in a week. You need healthy family connections and healthy relationships with buddies.

We are social creatures by nature and need meaningful connections with others to thrive. Unfortunately, many of us go through life feeling disconnected and alone. We long for deeper connections but don’t know how to find them.

The good news is that it’s never too late to learn how to connect with others in a meaningful way.

By making an effort to value genuine connection, we can improve our lives and the lives of those around us. When it comes to connecting with others, don’t underestimate the power of small gestures. Take the time to listen and be present with those you care about. Practice authenticity and genuineness in your conversations with others. Let people know that they are heard, valued, and appreciated.

It’s these seemingly small moments of true connection that can make all the difference.

Get After it, Guys!

Go in Peace, Chuck

It’s Monday – Let’s Kill It!

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Monday Motivation: How To Make Every Day A Little Better

Mondays can be challenging. The start of the week, coming off a fun weekend, can sometimes feel like a drag. But with the right motivation, it doesn’t have to be that way! Learn how to make every day great with these tips on Monday Motivation.

Monday starts a new week and a chance to reset your goals. For some people, this means setting aside time to work on their fitness or eating healthy. Others may use Monday to focus on their mental health or productivity. No matter your goals, there are ways to make every day a little better.

Here are some tips for making Monday (and every day) a little better:

1) Make time for yourself: Whether taking a few minutes to meditate, going for a walk, praying, reading your Bible, or favorite book, make sure to carve out some time for yourself each day. This is time you can use to recharge so that you can be your best self for the rest of the day. This is worth rising just 15 minutes earlier. The benefits far outweigh the extra time in bed.

2) Set realistic goals: It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the things you want to accomplish in a day (or week). To avoid this, set realistic goals for yourself and break them down into small steps that you can complete efficiently. This way, you’ll feel good about completing your goals and be less likely to get bogged down by them. Build a habit of creating your “top 3” things you need to accomplish on Sunday night. You will rest better and be better prepared when Monday comes. Keep your list short and bite-sized. The dopamine hit you get when checking off a part of the “big 3” is awesome!

3) Find something to look forward to. Having something positive to focus on can make even the most challenging days more bearable. Whether it’s looking forward to your favorite TV show at the end of the day or planning a fun weekend activity with friends, find something that you can look forward to. My favorite is to look forward to Monday night dinner out. Everybody goes out on Friday. Why not go eat out without the wait on Monday?

It’s Monday morning, and time to start the week off right! One of the best ways to do this is by setting weekly goals. ThIt’sill help you stay on track and motivated throughout the wit’s

  • Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
  • Write your goals down and refer to them often. Keep them in front of you!
  • Share your goals with a friend or family member to hold yourself accountable.
  • Give yourself small rewards along the way as you reach your goals.

It’s easy to let the weekdays become a blur of monotony, but it’s important to find the little things to make every day meaningful. Here are a few tips on how to do just that:

  1. Wake up with a positive attitude: Start your day off on the right foot by setting the intention for a great day. Give yourself a pep talk in the mirror or write affirmations to remind yourself of your extraordinary qualities. When you start with gratitude, everything changes. Science proves that written gratitude and affirmations are wildly more effective than just thinking about them.
  2. Do something nice for someone else: Make someone else’s day by performing a random act of kindness. Make it not so random, and give it some thought. It doesn’t have to be monetary, just thoughtful. Buy them coffee, hold the door open, or compliment them.
  3. Make time for your passions: Whether taking a cooking class, going for a hike, or reading your favorite book, make sure to schedule some activities that make you happy. Living in your desired zone each day will keep you from falling into the trap of staying in your drudgery zone. Make something happen to enjoy your day or at least part of it. My day always includes some music, reading, and sports.
  4. Connect with loved ones: Take some time each day to reach out to friends and family, whether it’s through text, social media, or good old-fashioned conversation. I use an app – Streaks – to capture the things that give me joy and make me better spiritually, physically, mentally, and socially. One of my “streaks” is connecting with one of my six daughters daily. That alone gives me great joy.

Here are a Few Practical Tips for a Better Everyday

  1. Get enough sleep: Most people need around eight hours per night. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day will help regulate your body’s natural sleep rhythm. Sleep affects every part of your mind and body. If you are one of those folks that think you are the exception to this, you are not!
  2. Move More: Walking is a great way to get your heart pumping and improve your fitness level. It has also been proven to make your emotional health greater. I use it to listen to books and sometimes to listen to music as I think about my week or day.
  3. Take a Nap: When feeling overwhelmed or stressed, take a few minutes (10-20) to relax and rejuvenate. A quick nap is often referred to as a power nap. I prefer to think of it as an efficiency nap. That’s because I stay far more efficient when I grab a nap rather than trying to power my way through the afternoon.

We all know that Monday mornings can be tricky. We all have challenging days. Some days are more complex than others, but we all face challenges that can make us feel overwhelmed or discouraged. When you’re having a difficult day, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Other people are facing their own challenges, and we all have bad days from time to time.

When your Monday seems insurmountable, take a deep breath and relax. This may seem impossible when you’re stressed, but it’s important to try to calm yourself down. Taking some deep breaths and focusing on relaxing your body can help reduce stress and make it easiwhat’sdeal with whatever is causing your difficult day. My friend, Julie Homrich taught me a valuable lesson, “don’t believe everything your brain thinks.” Things are rarely as bad as we make them in our mind.

Talk to someone who understands. Sometimes talking to someone who has been through similar experiences can be helpful. They can offer support and advice on how to deal with your situation. For many of us, seeking out a coach, counselor, or therapist can be so healthy. Don’t be afraid to do so.

Write down your thoughts and feelings. Putting your thoughts into words can help you process them and figure out what’s causing stress or anxiety. Writing can also be therapeutic and help you release some pent-up emotions that make your day difficult. Again, science has proven that brief journaling of your thoughts can significantly reduce your stress levels.

Also, take a break from technology. Disconnecting from electronics for a while can help you focus on other things and give your mind a break from the constant stimulation of screens. Spend some time away from social media. You’ll be happier and more satisfied without it.

Get your prayer life in order. Make having a conversation with the Divine an essential part your day. Of all the keys to a better Monday, prayer is the essential element. Don’t complicate it. Simply talk to God and then hush to “hear” His responses. If you are married, pray out loud with your spouse. It will radically improve your marriage and your joy.

Monday motivation is an important part of life. It helps us stay focused, organized, and energized throughout the week. We can make every day a little better by taking a few minutes to plan out what we want to accomplish and focus on the positive aspects of our lives. The key is finding what works best for you and embracing it as part of your daily routine. Make Monday Motivation work in your favor, and watch how much brighter your days become!

Go in Peace, Chuck

Going To Church Can Help Improve Your Emotional Health

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February 5, 2023

In a world of constant stress and worry, it can be easy to forget the importance of taking time for yourself. Attending church services can be a great way to take a break from your daily routine and invest in your emotional health. Read on to find out how going to church can help improve your mental well-being.

What is the Relationship Between Going to Church and Emotional Health?

Multiple studies suggest a positive correlation between faith, worship involvement, and mental health. For example, one study found that people who attend church regularly are less likely to experience depression.

Another study found that people who attend church are more likely to report a far higher degree of satisfaction with their lives. Additionally, church attendance has been linked with lower rates of suicide, substance abuse, and divorce.

So, what is the relationship between going to church and emotional health? It seems that there is a positive correlation between the two. Church provides a supportive community for its members and helps them develop a stronger sense of purpose. Additionally, the act of attending church can help to reduce stress levels and promote positive mental health.

There are Huge Benefits of Going to Church

There are many benefits to going to church, including improving your emotional health. Church engagement will help you connect with a community of like-minded people who can offer support and encouragement. Additionally, participating in church activities can help you reduce stress and anxiety and boost your mood. By the way, it helps if you discover a church that can encourage you along the journey.

Studies have shown that church involvement is associated with better mental health outcomes. For example, one study found that religious involvement was associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety. Research has shown that religious involvement is linked to increased self-esteem and life satisfaction. Again, it helps if you discover a church that doesn’t bore you to sleep as well.

If you’re struggling with mental health, consider attending a church service or joining a faith-based community. Doing so could help you find the support and guidance you need to improve your emotional well-being. Attending a healthy church can significantly impact your social well-being as well.

When it comes to improving your emotional health, going to church can significantly help. For one thing, church can provide you with a supportive community. This can be especially helpful if you’re going through a tough time in your life. Knowing that people care about you and want to help you can make a big difference.

In addition, church attendance can offer you guidance and wisdom. If you’re struggling with a decision or feeling lost, talking to a pastor or counselor at church can help you find your way. They can offer advice and support that can help you improve your emotional health. Be sure to seek out a bible-based, grace-filled church. They are out there, I promise!

Finally, attending church can help you develop a positive outlook on life. Hearing inspiring messages and singing uplifting songs can remind you of the good things in life and help you focus on the future rather than dwelling on the past. Having a positive outlook makes it easier to cope with stress and challenges. Did you know singing can change your mood and outlook in just a minute?

When stressed, our first instinct is to reach out to friends and family members for support. However, sometimes we may not have anyone to turn to or feel our problems are too small to bother them. This is where a church can come in handy. Not every church is a closed community. Many churches can’t wait for you to engage with them and them with you.

Being a part of a church community can help reduce stress in a few ways. First, it can provide a support network of people who are always there for you, no matter what. Secondly, churches typically have many different programs and services that can help you deal with whatever is causing your stress. And finally, simply attending church services and participating in religious activities can help you find peace and calm in your life.

When you go to church, you are surrounded by a supportive community. In addition, attending church can help improve your mental well-being by allowing you to reflect on your life and find meaning and purpose. Doing so can help reduce stress and anxiety and promote positive thinking and emotional health. When looking for a church that can provide these things, recognize how “welcome home” they make you feel once you walk into the building.

The Bible also encourages us by teaching that we should not forsake gathering together for worship segments of our faith lives. So, as I close, we can see, once again, that faith and science agree that attending a healthy church regularly is good for you, your soul, and your emotional well-being. Go to church this week!

Go In Peace, Chuck

4forFRIDAY with Chuck Allen

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February 3, 2023 | by AChuckAllen

Week five of 2023 is almost in the books, and it has been a great week.
Here are your 4forFRIDAY reviews for February 3, 2023.

Four Lessons That I Learned This Week.

  1. I learned that you could strengthen your “peace” by instilling spiritual disciplines as a form of exercise, just like you can increase your physical strength by instilling weight lifting as a form of exercise for your body – scientifically proven and biblically supported.
  2. Regardless of which party controls the House or Senate, we’ve become a country led by whiners.
  3. Never underestimate the power of being kind to someone you do not know. It can change their day!
  4. When you commit to making a small positive change over 30 days, you will exponentially improve your life over 12 months.

This Week’s 4forFRIDAY

A Powerful Article: 10 Ways to Sabotage Your Marriage (Without Realizing It)

A GREAT Album from Brandon Lake: House of Miracles, Especially “Gratitude”

A GREAT Article from Inc. Magazine: Emotionally Intelligent People Use 2 Simple Words to Build Confidence and Work Better (and Get Others to Work Better Too)

Another GREAT Article: Need Bedtime Peace? 10 Verses to Help You Sleep

A POWERFUL PODCAST from Brené Brown: Leadership is a Relationship

A Quote from the Positive Talk Podcast:

Our brains were created to reflect what we focus on and who we spend time with. This is why some people say, “Want to see who you’ll become in 5 years?” Look at the 5 people you spend the most time with.  

Go in Peace, Chuck

Mirror Neurons: How They Affect Us And Help Shape Our Lives

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What if I told you that a particular type of neuron could shape and determine how we interact with others and the world around us? It may sound like something from a science fiction movie, but it’s real – and these are known as mirror neurons. Read on to find out more about how they work and how they can influence us in everyday life.

What are Mirror Neurons?

Mirror neurons are special cells in the brain that fire when we see someone else performing an action. For example, if we see someone else picking up a pencil, mirror neurons in our brain will fire as if we were picking up a pencil. Ever wonder why we “catch a yawn?” It’s because of mirror neurons working in our brains.

Scientists believe mirror neurons are crucial in helping us understand and empathize with others. They may also help us learn new skills by imitating others. The old saying goes, “Want to see who you’ll become in 5 years?” Look at the five people you spend the most time with.  

Research suggests that people on the autism spectrum have difficulty understanding and empathizing with others, which may be due to mirror neurons. More research is needed to confirm this link. Still, it makes sense why so many people on the autism spectrum are super-smart but not necessarily empathetic in interpersonal interactions. I learned recently that you can actually strengthen and train your mirror neurons to build empathy and compassion.

How Do Mirror Neurons Work?

Mirror neurons fire when we see someone else doing something. For example, if we see someone smiling, our mirror neurons will fire, and we will feel happy too. Scientists believe that mirror neurons are essential for social interactions and learning.

Mirror neuron research is still ongoing, but scientists believe these special brain cells play a crucial role in our ability to understand and empathize with others. My first thought when I learned about this from my friend, Julie Homrich, was that this has massive implications for how we equip young people to think creatively and authentically.

Mirror neurons fire when someone performs an action and when another person observes the same action. For example, if you see someone drinking from a cup of coffee, the same neurons in your brain will fire as if you were actually drinking the coffee. Likewise, if you see someone praying, you may be inclined to think more spiritually.

This ability to understand and empathize with others makes mirror neurons unique. They help us feel empathy and connect with others more deeply. Mirror neurons also allow us to learn new skills by observing others. The key is if we learn healthy or unhealthy habits as we mirror.

Some studies have shown that mirror neurons may be responsible for specific social behaviors, such as imitation and conformity. So, the next time you see someone do something, take a moment to think about your mirror neurons at work! Should I strengthen my mirror, or should I break it into pieces?

Regarding mirror neurons, the pros seem to outweigh the cons. For one, they help us understand and empathize with others. Additionally, research suggests that they may also benefit our physical health.

Empathy is essential for social cohesion. It allows us to put ourselves in another person’s shoes and see things from their perspective. This is crucial for building relationships, resolving conflicts, and working together cooperatively. Mirror neurons seem vital in allowing us to develop empathy, enabling us to grow in our relationship with Christ as we become more like Him.

I think we would all agree that the world would be a far better place
if we were to have more people acting like Jesus!

Physical health benefits have also been linked with mirror neurons. For example, one study found that people with damage to their mirror neuron system were more likely to suffer from chronic pain. Additionally, research suggests that mirror neurons may play a role in motor rehabilitation after a stroke or other brain injury. But, again, the positives are determined by what influences us.

There are Potential Downsides to Mirror Neurons

Though much potential for good comes with mirror neurons, there are also potential downsides. One such downside is those mirror neurons could potentially be used to exploit and manipulate people. For example, if someone wanted to get a rise out of another person, they could deliberately do something that they know will trigger the other person’s mirror neurons. Unfortunately, this seems to be the business plan for social media.

Another potential downside is that mirror neurons could contribute to excessive confirmation bias. This is when people only pay attention to information that supports their preexisting beliefs and ignore information that contradicts them. This can lead to problems like echo chambers, where people only expose themselves to ideas and opinions they already agree with. It can also make it difficult for people to change their minds about things even when presented with new evidence. This seems to be a significant issue in America today.

If we cease to learn as we fire only mirror neurons from
what we already think we know, we cease to be lifelong learners.

Mirror neurons help shape our lives profoundly by enabling us to understand others’ feelings and experiences. As research continues, we may discover more about mirror neurons, but one thing is clear: they play a significant role in human behavior and social interaction. Understanding how they work can help us better understand ourselves and others, ultimately contributing to a healthier society. And we could use that.

Next time you recognize your mirror neurons firing, ask yourself, “is this helping you grow more like Jesus?” Or is it making you less like Jesus? You’ll immediately know how healthy your mirrored relationships are.

Choose those five most prominent relationships well. They have a much more significant impact than you might have noticed.

Go in Peace, Chuck