When people ask us in passing..."So, how are you?  How is your family?" we often smile, take a deep breathe and say "Great, just great!"  Sometimes we can say that with true sincerity because our family life really is wonderful!  But sometimes we know the words ring hollow.  There is no more truth in those words than there is snow flakes in Florida!  The truth is, family life for us is chaotic, painful, stressful, downright crazy!  

This past Sunday we began a series of messages you may find helpful if your family life is currently less than ideal:  "It's a Jungle in Here!"  We are identifying those "predators" that can disrupt family unity and create havoc in the home.  Here they are:

There is the "Elephant in the Room" - that family issue, problem, reality that everyone knows exists but which no one is willing to talk about or discuss.  It's the family secret that everyone just works around.

There is the "800 Pound Gorilla" - this is the family member who  seeks to control, coerce and always have the "last say."  They have to always be right.  They don't like it when they aren't.  They believe the whole family revolves around them.

The "Snake in the Grass" is the deception, lying and dishonestly that sometimes creeps into family dynamics and relationships.  It's venom is deadly!

The "Deer in the Headlights" - Is effective communication ever a problem in your home?  Do family members ever looked bewildered when you mention something they should remember but appear as though they are hearing it for the first time!

The "Monkey on your Back" - Debt and financial stress are top causes for family disharmony and strife.  How can we get this monkey off our back and out of our house?

I look forward to sharing these messages with you over the next few weeks!  

Stuart