tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58472199753511275912024-02-19T07:49:44.006-06:00Blended Family TodayA Place to Find Encouragement, Hope, Practical Tips, Inspiration and Insight for Blended Families .........
.......... ..... GOD CAN...take your stepfamily...
FROM BROKEN TO BLENDED TO BONDED !Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982823793981308952noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847219975351127591.post-63856471870651167152014-05-25T12:31:00.001-05:002014-05-25T12:34:45.337-05:00Blended Family DUCT TAPE Rule for 2014<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Facing a Stepfamily 'Harsh Word' Moment?</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Remember our TBF 'DUCT TAPE RULE' for 2014</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are a member of a stepfamily you know the moment. Something has wounded you. Somebody as done or said something inconsiderate, probably hurtful and often done in a flash moment that one wishes they could 'take back'.</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqha6DqW09YO35LOS0CQkZOdceap9MSdOxTcsPTRYBWS8wZjVKBwGLAFiSEXHSOk9RlW-l5YV89rJH2DJgLdjZPVMKDJhmEqt-7-KeYS9GDbGWurZ8V6vWjh7VXtiKvDGZKAlllHD39vQ/s1600/duct-tape+2+rolls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqha6DqW09YO35LOS0CQkZOdceap9MSdOxTcsPTRYBWS8wZjVKBwGLAFiSEXHSOk9RlW-l5YV89rJH2DJgLdjZPVMKDJhmEqt-7-KeYS9GDbGWurZ8V6vWjh7VXtiKvDGZKAlllHD39vQ/s200/duct-tape+2+rolls.jpg" height="142" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />So let's together all go buy a roll of 'DUCT TAPE'. Keep it handy as a image to improve we'll explain below. So we can implement - both for fun and serious improvement for our families - the "DUCT TAPE RULE". The uses of duct tape have been chronicled, joked about, tested on TV and basically touted as the 'official fixer' of anything. Well, perhaps we can add yet another line to duct tape legend. Heard any words like these?</span></div>
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<em><strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />"Your children are not disciplined!"</span></strong></em></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I quit. I can't handle this marriage this way."</span></em></strong></div>
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<em><strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"You favor your kids over mine."</span></strong></em></div>
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<em><strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Your not my Dad!"<br />"This stepfamily stuff stinks!"</span></strong></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Whether age 5 or 95, we've heard of sharp tongue moment stories and outbursts like above and more. Have any of these ever maybe been you? If so, you're not alone. Over 23+ million stepfamily households in the USA. So, given the normal human beings we are... probably about 5 million people today said something that should have fallen under the 'DUCT TAPE RULE'. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="background-color: #999999; color: #eeeeee;">The BLENDED FAMILY DUCT TAPE RULE.</span></strong></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZArUbgJC5xiWl-Uwi-ekLdEOV-kJHwikjciBxpgwcL-6wf9ZxCdbZpoy4MuXKE1Yt8b6CpDD7N366irVxo-N2u0nkjeGWpNDn22D_Blr3MTWSXei8TvMAyR05PxWHNvCMrPe11ChcpaS/s1600/Stepfamily+Duct+Tape+Rule+dummy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZArUbgJC5xiWl-Uwi-ekLdEOV-kJHwikjciBxpgwcL-6wf9ZxCdbZpoy4MuXKE1Yt8b6CpDD7N366irVxo-N2u0nkjeGWpNDn22D_Blr3MTWSXei8TvMAyR05PxWHNvCMrPe11ChcpaS/s200/Stepfamily+Duct+Tape+Rule+dummy.jpg" height="200" width="90" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">STEPFAMILY Sharped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Tongue Member</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can laugh and say that if I were to recognize all my former slip ups I might look like the DUCT TAPE GUY on the right.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scripture shares it so well in James 3:5 describing the power of our spoken word (tongue)... </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>'the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.'</em></strong><br />Americans spend way too little time listening, sharing or communicating with our children. Then At The Bonded Family we suggest at least 7 minutes a day. It goes fast! Make sure your sitting or standing or kneeling (if they are youngsters) and together you are at their eye level. Eyeball to eyeball...NOT giant parent to little kid downward communication arrangement. You'll grow closer at eye level.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNu4G3MRSaqBzgn3XlliBNqTiqBMnHGCWSI6A5Kq_b3Ljrb6xpjKd7clQmGQ71lELMVNrzFOK_HNzJFZ7b2BWO9b3CtpVE_62ZTAvVtkhmGIgV8YFR_of3LxI_mdMDQ3Co96y8VETdhezX/s1600/Blended+Families+duct-tape-mouth-of+young+man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNu4G3MRSaqBzgn3XlliBNqTiqBMnHGCWSI6A5Kq_b3Ljrb6xpjKd7clQmGQ71lELMVNrzFOK_HNzJFZ7b2BWO9b3CtpVE_62ZTAvVtkhmGIgV8YFR_of3LxI_mdMDQ3Co96y8VETdhezX/s200/Blended+Families+duct-tape-mouth-of+young+man.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let there be no mistake...our tongue can spark a hurt, a fight or a longstanding squabble. The more we work to have self-control, the better our family will be. And in stepfamily dynamics, it IS IMPORTANT to take EXTRA CARE of your tongue and emotions. Every moment or situation, despite seeming big at that instant is not always... 'a hill to take the last dying stand for'.<br /><br />It truly can be very hard to be still 'in the moment', yet as a potential 'TBF Family Huddle' discussion item, talk about how words can wound. How things we say in a moment of hurt impact others. Discuss the Golden Rule when it comes to communicating with one another in our family words. Also even how our looks at each other. Ask kids to describe 'Mom or Dad' 'I am not happy look'. That'll bring some laughs. If your family is a 'word picture', 'symbolic' or 'example' type family, pull out a roll or two of DUCT TAPE and say 'Let's try the 'BLENDED FAMILY DUCT TAPE RULE' from here on out. "Who is willing to start watching their words better?" </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquyCx1yOo9qONC4rSe-_rWq9EMrJYo8m_VtZ1kmpqx8CK2RmlomLOOf3tx6_l4jbP_4YYC1tHIG7WVPlwUj81bvpPIlNiN_iYWVIt725Xt7ClC6Mzj0LyKkBpmlTS5khHcopObthIZE-o/s1600/Blended+Families+duct-tape-over-womans+mouth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquyCx1yOo9qONC4rSe-_rWq9EMrJYo8m_VtZ1kmpqx8CK2RmlomLOOf3tx6_l4jbP_4YYC1tHIG7WVPlwUj81bvpPIlNiN_iYWVIt725Xt7ClC6Mzj0LyKkBpmlTS5khHcopObthIZE-o/s200/Blended+Families+duct-tape-over-womans+mouth.jpg" height="192" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Get your new family to agree that if you are about to say something...or maybe just said something harsh...go grab the duct tape roll in a way to express that you 'understand' what you said was hurtful and you wish you had duct tape ever your mouth that moment. (**IMPORTANT for 'literal' readers we are NOT recommending duct taping anyone's mouth...it's a WORD PICTURE. Smiling for you.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Often times, the recognize a situation can teach and coach maturity in relationships for our children. After all, we are to 'raise them up in the way they should go.' Mentoring and Coaching our children to 'hold their tongue' when about to be harsh will SERVE THEIR FUTURES WELL.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TRY THIS! PRINT OFF ANY OF THE ABOVE DUCT TAPE PICTURES. PUT IT ON YOUR REFRIGERATOR OR BULLETIN BOARD AS A FUN REMINDER TO YOUR BLENDED FAMILY....LET'S BOND AND USE KIND WORDS.</span></strong>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982823793981308952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847219975351127591.post-41699070067004187712013-05-31T10:21:00.001-05:002013-05-31T10:21:06.363-05:00Obama 2nd Term like Blended Family Trials?<div dir="ltr">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">President Obama. Benghazi. IRS. AP. <br />Bumps in the Journey are Appearing Weekly.</span></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitX0gqI2tZjqs5rij7fOdgaCd0_e0V1iY4DZLIyMCRbOLCenFDaX0wrHcH1x-mwMFu_8K5MgbN-tG-GwTMMULCooEkBRW1scSvyg2B1DkLF-4O8AbvnLW1RNnsk9Lrfft2f2XltnSiA6Ju/s1600/Obama+2nd+Term+Bumps+-+Like+Blended+Families+-+Cable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitX0gqI2tZjqs5rij7fOdgaCd0_e0V1iY4DZLIyMCRbOLCenFDaX0wrHcH1x-mwMFu_8K5MgbN-tG-GwTMMULCooEkBRW1scSvyg2B1DkLF-4O8AbvnLW1RNnsk9Lrfft2f2XltnSiA6Ju/s400/Obama+2nd+Term+Bumps+-+Like+Blended+Families+-+Cable.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The topic of this blog post is <strong>Politics and Divorce</strong>. I'm not going to lambast any President. Don't believe in that. Blended Family life is my the tie in here, or I wouldn't write. A 2nd term for Presidents often holds bumps just as 2nd marriages do. Stepfamily life can lead to the 'opposition' pointing out all mistakes... broadcasting faults, slip ups, blame and antagonism. Pointing fingers.</div>
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Sadly, ugly partisan politics permeates America today. Turn on your TV... it's Republican vs. Democrats. White House vs. Congress. Conservative vs. Liberal. Right vs. Left. One side 'hungry' for the other sides slips.</div>
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For the purpose of this blog - while I hold an opinion on American leadership - I will move to the point. The wounds of divorce hurt children, as they are often damaged by the 'politics', games, maneuvering, court and custody struggles. In blended family life the #1 'developing family', in a stepfamily, challenge - as measured in a survey of over 1000 blended families - was 'antagonism, indoctrination (PAS) or negative influence' from former spouses. We've seen it in almost every 'touch' we have with new blended family marriage that is struggling. "Reaching in" we call it. It feels like a 'giant hand of negativity' reaching into a home, trying to manipulate feelings, rules, finances, relationships, respect and authority.</div>
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<strong>WHY is their often an effort to hurt the other home? "Hurting People Hurt People".</strong> Pride. Selfishness. Need to Control. Anger. One or both sides believe they have to be the 'better' or 'main parent'. Communicating, sharing or mutual respect does not exist in their thinking. This type of behavior diminishes victory for children of divorce in their lives. Yet such destructive behavior permeate divorce and new blended family relationships. No one wins. Most everyone loses. Children, and the long term effect on them, get hurt the worst.</div>
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There is a cycle of thinking for you to review in your life, relationships and marriage. Especially when working with your former spouse. The "stinkin' thinkin'" checkup to do is this....<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"FOR <u>ME</u> TO BE THE <u>GOOD</u> PARENT...</span></em> </span></strong></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong> <u>THEY</u> MUST BE A <u>BAD</u> PARENT"</strong></span></em></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you find yourself needing the other parent, their spouse (stepparent) or their home life to be bad...check your heart. What are you finding in YOUR HEART? Shared parenting, respect, following guidelines, communicating and honoring the other parent, their new marriage (if one) and the opportunity for their 'Family' to succeed is impacted by the other home. Follow the Golden Rule. How would you like to be treated?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>So...for AMERICAN POLITICS or DIVORCE or BLENDED FAMILY skirmishes... there is ONLY ONE SOLUTION. And that is...<br /> "<u>FOCUS ON SOLUTIONS</u> and <u>NOT THE OTHER SIDES PROBLEMS</u>". </strong></span><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><br />Got it? Get it? GOOD.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The Bible shares - as always - some great wisdom on negativity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">In <strong>Ephesians 4:31-32</strong> the message is clear...</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: #fff4ec;">'Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, <br />and evil speaking, be put
away from you, <br />along with all malice;</span> <br />And be you kind one to another,
tenderhearted, <br />forgiving one another, <br />even as God has forgiven'</span></strong></span></em> </div>
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<br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Check your heart. I have to constantly check mine. <br />And...Always... Keep Looking UP! God is there.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982823793981308952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847219975351127591.post-27466780549540215572013-02-03T13:17:00.000-06:002013-02-03T13:17:57.686-06:00SUPER SUNDAY & BLENDED FAMILIES<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: blue;">SUPER SUNDAY!</span> <span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Ravens-49'ers</span></span></span></b></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">? </span></span> </span></b><br />
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<img alt="Super Bowl Blended Families Stepfamilies Stepmom 49'ers Ravens" height="111" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSf03HhAtvQpl6X7SvbraLBeS_AB1tm_XvFgkFC9OYzR8GSqHQ9" title="Super Bowl Ravens 49'ers" width="200" /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><br />As With This Super Bowl, <br />You Can Be Sure That...<br />The Clock's Still Running<br />On Your Blended Family</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">... BIGGEST VICTORIES!</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;">Sometimes in the dynamics of stepfamily life, we often feel like an 'underdog' role in our families. Parents or children are often in an 'arena of life' that presents itself with bumps and challenges. We wish there were referee's sometimes. Somebody to 'blow the whistle' or 'throw a penalty flag'. This blog entry is about how to find our way to victory..... in the Super Bowl of life. Even if you feel ONE YARD SHORT...remember... GOD'S NOT DONE! CLOCK IS STILL TICKING.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4eEj31g9cF4OvZEamxvjDEY4ANkJ1aHXfGvzeTYlq62C8Uk15eZZ5DRysHYbDpFejNGwgW6bZj1v5gfbEBWLlAEDrn7hmPVE_eXUGUJ-ZqrpMoFTigk2Y_XlAIV8FUqdQglo-UuofRZgo/s1600-h/One+Yard+Short+Les+Steckel.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5162950028264272914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4eEj31g9cF4OvZEamxvjDEY4ANkJ1aHXfGvzeTYlq62C8Uk15eZZ5DRysHYbDpFejNGwgW6bZj1v5gfbEBWLlAEDrn7hmPVE_eXUGUJ-ZqrpMoFTigk2Y_XlAIV8FUqdQglo-UuofRZgo/s200/One+Yard+Short+Les+Steckel.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 14px;">Speaking of Super Bowl participants, I want to share a fantastic book and it's relationship to step-family life. In the last few years it has been my privilege and honor to get to know <b>Coach</b> <b>Les Steckel</b>, who is the <b>President / CEO of FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). </b>In 2006 he authored his autobiography entitled <b><span style="color: #330099;">'ONE YARD SHORT, Turning Your Defeats into Victories'. </span></b>It is a 'must read book' for blended family parents. The title is derived from the final play of the 2000 Super Bowl between the St. Louis Rams and Steckel’s Titans, a play that has been called the most exciting play in Super Bowl history. (I remember our family - half cheering the Rams, half cheering the Titans - as our blended family of eight watched that incredible sports moment.)<br /><br />Steckel’s book chronicles his life journey and his compelling stories and testimony makes it tough to put down once you start. I am in the middle of reading the book currently. It is a 'MEGA-ENCOURAGEMENT BLESSING' book that offers us yet another testimony to trusting in God and His incredible Hand. Anyone in a blended family, adult or teen should read this book. It isn't just a sports book, a guy book, it's a life book. Moms, Grandmas and Daughters will love it also.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>HOW DOES "ONE YARD SHORT" RELATE TO BLENDED FAMILY LIFE?</b> Often in the dynamics of stepfamily life one feels like you are often behind, things look tough, it is 'fourth down', that you want to 'punt' and hope seems lost. That's when we really do need to 'put on our headset and call upstairs to get the next play to call'. What I mean by that is to 'look to God for your next move, how to handle a child or marriage scenario'. He will answer. He may not always give us the 'play' we want to call, but the PLAYBOOK (BIBLE) we are called to draw from does not offer mistaken advice. Check out the playbook of life (the Bible).</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14px;">Find a Bible that holds in the back a "Concordance" or 'topics list'. There you can find answers to blended family common questions in areas like... patience, perseverance, hope, forgiveness, self-discipline, encouragement and most of all the promise you can trust of 'peace that surpasses all understanding.'</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />YES YOU CAN be a Super Bowl Champion-like Blended Family if you let our Lord God Almighty lead you in calling the signals in your family. Check out your playbook (Bible) today.</span><br />
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For more information on Coach Les Steckel and FCA, go to:<br />
<a href="http://www.fca.org/AboutFCA/SeniorLeadership.lsp">http://www.fca.org/AboutFCA/ExecutiveTeam.lsp</a><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BLENDED FAMILY DEMOGRAPHIC </span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TOPS SUPER BOWL VIEWERS.<br />A ‘SUPER TO UBER’ SIZE COMPARISON </span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">RANKS STEPFAMILIES ON TOP.</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><v:stroke joinstyle="miter"><v:formulas><v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"><v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"><v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"><v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"><v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"><v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"><v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"><v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas><v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"></v:path></v:stroke></span></span></v:shapetype><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">More TV’s were tuned into the 2012 Super Bowl then ever before. According to the Nielsen ratings system,<strong> </strong>Super Bowl XLVI viewership of 111.3 million viewers broke all records to become the most-watched TV telecast of all time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br />We are a nation of football fans. We are also a nation of changing family dynamics and structure. Blended Families, often called ‘Stepfamilies’, has become the largest family demographic in the USA. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br />In America today there are over <u>23+ million stepfamily households</u>. It is the largest ‘under the radar’ demographic in the USA, and one that grows daily with over by approximately 2000 new stepfamilies formed per day. While the Super Bowl viewership can list 111.3 million viewers, <u>the population of people living - or directly associated to in their immediate family - in stepfamilies is over 160+ million</u>. One could say it is a ‘Super vs. Uber’ size comparison. If you are reading this and you are a part of (husband, wife, child, grandparent, etc) blended family nation and this ‘uber’ population, you are not alone. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">YOU and YOUR FAMILY are not alone. There are people and organizations that exist to serve and help you.</span></span></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982823793981308952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847219975351127591.post-59190487760424239612012-04-26T09:10:00.000-05:002012-04-25T09:38:19.171-05:00BLENDED FAMILIES & BASKETBALL<b>NBA BASKETBALL FEVER is Heating Up! <br />What Do Referees and Blended Families Have in Common?<br />How Calling Fouls (On Your Stepchildren) Changes The Game.</b><br />
<b><i>Blended Family Life and Sports have similar scenarios.</i></b><br />
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I was a basketball referee for 10 years. Was accepted into the NBA Referee Development Program in the early 80's. Great season of my life. Then I went into a 'Public Service' season (politics is the ugly side of Public SERVICE) for 10 years. Seems I always picked avocations where you get yelled at. Referee. Elected Official. Sooner or later. You get booed. Could be some form of a character quirk there huh? Heh, heh. <br />
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On the basketball court a ref is half right or half wrong depending who someones cheering for. You'll be told 'great ref' to 'get some glasses you bum'. In politics you can go from 90% 'great guy popular' to 90% 'throw the bum out' with one vote on an issue. From Hero to Zero in a day I called it.<br />
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<b>That tenuous balancing act in refereeing and politics holds some similarities to our modern day world of stepfamily life and it's dynamics. Often there are 'commentators' or 'broadcasters' who want to prognosticate about you as a parent, spouse or member in a family unit. Some are just drooling and waiting for you to slip up so they can air the famous 'I told you so!'. Sometimes family members are quick to point fingers instead of slow to speak, quick to understand and extend grace. We've become the 'arm chair quarterbacks' of family life in society. We say 'We can do better America. Let's look for the good in every person!'</b><br />
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In traditional nuclear families a parent can 'make the call/call a foul' on a something a child did wrong or inappropriately, yet the child has full knowledge that the parent loves them unconditionally. With stepchildren, sometimes a parent can 'make the call/call the foul' and a child feels less secure in the circumstances. That even the 'home crowd' is against them. That they have no 'home court advantage'. <b>Great blended families work together, support each other, work together unselfishly to create a great home turf, the home court advantage. (Zig Ziglar speaks on this)</b><br />
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<b>To some stepchildren, especially early on in a new family situation, every 'foul' called seems like they are being called for a 'Technical Foul'.</b> Throw out of the game. (relationship or love) As parents, we can work together to set household rules upfront and out front. To make sure that we as husband and wife also upfront know WHO is to make the call and when. To be slow to let the play unfold. Don't rush to 'blow the whistle' on every call or behavior. <b>Work to let God guide you and say 'Be still and know that I am God'. (Psalm 46:10) Call the game with a clear understanding that it's a 'long season' and you don't want to crush a player (child) with a poor judgment call.</b> Make sure you create - again as our good friend Zig Ziglar says - the 'Home Court Advantage'. That your family knows you love them and are here for them no matter what. That we learn from mistakes, we are growing and bonding one day at a time. Trials will exist, but remind them always 'this too shall pass'. Encourage 10 times for every 1 discipline. <br />
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One thing we learned in the NBA Referee Development Program was to 'see' the whole court. Not just one action. To scan what is going on. Many refs focus just on the basketball and lose track of the other 'stuff' going on on the court. How can you relate to that as parents in your 'home court'.<br />
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Parents...be aware of your 'home court'. Be keenly aware of body language, countenances, friendships, activities, Facebook, cell phones, etc. While we should allow for reasonable freedom for our children, there is an overboard and damaging myth and trend that promotes 'let a teen make their own decisions'. We've seen this in some families and 'freedom' actually 'slows maturity' in kids in teens or early 20's. They are impacted by a lack of foundational guidance to do the right thing, and this can create an 'all about me' selfishness that is clearly too evident in society in general as a whole. <br />
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Children deep inside want boundaries from parents. They want leadership. Unconditional love. Research clearly shows the safe and solid boundaries, coupled with solid encouragement and support create healthier children. We like to share to 'Encourage 10 times to every 1 discipline.' You'll create a champion child who understand love, respect, authority and honor...all while knowing they are able to both stumble and do great things and you will be with them just the same in all circumstances.<br />
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<b>Be cautious not to let divorce / two homes for a child create a 'never call a foul' environment in order to 'win' love. That's not good either. Parents in both homes, remember, you are not in competition for the children. It's okay for children to love both homes. Kids are not 'wired' to have to choose. They want to feel safe to love. It is generally the parents who create a 'they must be bad, so I am good' sad scenario</b>. <b>Most everybody is good. Nobody is perfect. Look for the GOOD in all people.</b><br />
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My great friend Jesse Hall holds a double special place in my heart. He was one of three people who talked to me the most about the Lord and thus brought me to Him. Jesse also got me into the NBA Referee Development Program. One is eternal. Both are thrilling. Jesse still is in the NBA record books as being the referee in the <a href="http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/highest_score_071211.html" style="color: black;">highest scoring game in</a><span style="color: black;"> </span><a href="http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/highest_score_071211.html" style="color: black;">NBA history</a>. In triple overtime it was Detroit Pistons 186, Denver Nuggets 184, on Dec 13th, 1983. I tease Jesse that he took the old adage 'let 'em just play ball' a little too far. He is a great friend and super speaker should you ever need some great sports or life stories from an incredible guy. Jesse can 'bring the wood' as they say in some churches.<br />
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<b>Jesse would tell you, as I would that we do have a life 'rule book'. The Bible. It's the 'All Time - All Timer Best Seller ever! It's an awesome marriage manual, parenting book, how to live life guide. The rules were followed to create laws in this country. The Supreme Court has the Ten Commandments standing on it's building. Many have tried to prove it wrong and failed. Some have sought to prove it wrong and now are great preachers and teachers.</b><br />
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Now, there are many other great resources out there to help blended families, parents and marriages. We own them and learn some things from them also. Many can be found on our website. But follow the SUCCESS and CHAMPION LIKE FAMILIES in our nation and you will see a solid foundation in faith and togetherness wins more often. That scoreboard speaks for itself.<br />
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We talk about practical tips, parenting skills, real life examples, experiences and everyday stepfamily dynamics in our conferences, but this we know and stand upon.... GOD CAN take your stepfamily... from Broken to Blended to Bonded. <br />
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We are available for speaking, conferences and resources at <a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/" style="color: black;" target="_blank">THE BONDED FAMILY</a>.<br />
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<b>Click <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appsbar.BlendedFamily72492" style="color: black;" target="_blank">IMAGE</a> or <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appsbar.BlendedFamily72492" style="color: black;" target="_blank">Blended Family Phone App</a></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982823793981308952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847219975351127591.post-56123955935015752402012-03-02T16:54:00.001-06:002012-03-02T16:57:08.307-06:00SUPER BOWL FANS #2 vs. BLENDED FAMILIES #1<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BLENDED FAMILY DEMOGRAPHIC </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TOPS SUPER BOWL VIEWERS. <br />
A ‘SUPER TO UBER’ SIZE COMPARISON </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">RANKS STEPFAMILIES ON TOP.</span></span></b></div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhUQ5xeBEEnk4L8I25c0p5u2r98qPwLFBmJUy021IUtJJ_bL4MBwCMgp5Vu1On0OY8VTWvJSCSD6nKB_pUHrDtlIW5gfguoClXDgCXeQ-0Cf1ZZecI2ByFf1Qs89Zj6okYy6O3jM_N_CD/s1600/Super+Bowl+Eli+Manning+holding+trophy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhUQ5xeBEEnk4L8I25c0p5u2r98qPwLFBmJUy021IUtJJ_bL4MBwCMgp5Vu1On0OY8VTWvJSCSD6nKB_pUHrDtlIW5gfguoClXDgCXeQ-0Cf1ZZecI2ByFf1Qs89Zj6okYy6O3jM_N_CD/s200/Super+Bowl+Eli+Manning+holding+trophy.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"> </v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas> <v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"> </v:path></v:stroke></span></span></v:shapetype><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">More TV’s were tuned into the 2012 Super Bowl then ever before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to the Nielsen ratings system,<strong> </strong>Super Bowl XLVI viewership of 111.3 million viewers broke all records to become the most-watched TV telecast of all time. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
Eli Manning raised the NFL Championship trophy as America watched on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are a nation of football fans. We are also a nation of changing family dynamics and structure. Blended Families, often called ‘Stepfamilies’, has become the largest family demographic in the USA. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
In America today there are over <u>23+ million stepfamily households</u>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the largest ‘under the radar’ demographic in the USA, and one that grows daily with over by approximately 2000 new stepfamilies formed per day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While the Super Bowl viewership can list 111.3 million viewers, <u>the population of people living - or directly associated to in their immediate family - in stepfamilies is over 160+ million</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One could say it is a ‘Super vs. Uber’ size comparison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> If you are reading this and you are a part of (husband, wife, child, grandparent, etc) </span>blended family nation and this ‘uber’ population, you are not alone. <br />
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<a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/" target="_blank"><strong>THE BONDED FAMILY</strong></a> exists to serve the blended family population in America. The training, effort, practice, repetition of plays, studying film and playbook that the Giants undertook to win the Super Bowl, is the blueprint for any 'championship'. We have seen the great blended families including real study, effort, prayer and trusting God in their daily stepfamily walk and life. GOD CAN...take a stepfamily...from Broken to Blended to BONDED.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
And you know what!? <strong>GOD LOVES YOU! HE WANTS YOU TO HAVE JOY IN MARRIAGE, FAMILY and LIFE! </strong> He knows what you've been through. Doesn't like it, yet His mercies are new every morning scripture tells us in Lamentations. For those who are reading and think Rebecca and I might be saying divorce is okay. Stop! Rewind! Listen. We never think that. We want to drive out divorce in America. We've lived through it and anyone who has knows the pain. We completely understand why in Malachi the Bible does say that 'God hates divorce'. We've lived it. He knew the challenges, the children's hurts, pain, wounds, generational damage and spiritual battles it creates. His PROMISES are real. And that's what we share.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Let's stick together and grow and BOND. Your family deserves you to make the same 'championship' effort that pro athletes do to be the very best. The 'loss' column for stepfamilies tells us that over 67% of stepfamilies fail. We don't want YOUR FAMILY in the loss column. Neither does a God who loves YOU! Preparation and Practice take investment. Invest some time with Rebecca and I. Here are some ways...</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
<strong><a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/blendedfamilycoaching" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">COACHING</span></a><span style="color: black;"> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">CONFERENCES</span></a><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span><a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/BlendedFamilyResourceCenter" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">CONTENT</span></a><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span><a href="http://blendedfamilies.podomatic.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">COMMUNICATIONS</span></a></strong></div><strong></strong></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/blendedfamilycoaching" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJaQCzekPnf51IIq58tDB-NoLpoP9Vfa_U3npsa3IF_hHwJrThGeQcgantQ1P9IdOGTUHxBIDuwhQc9TMJ1hw7TS98eX-b0mAWHxCARPUjdkjzLGNC4KACELA4sE2q3Y9t-K7zDuLK_ng/s200/coaches+cap.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/blendedfamilycoaching" target="_blank"><div style="text-align: left;" unselectable="on"></div></a></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_484805367" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWKPQ6jmz6B2xo3f_-gu7GqxEtJxs7FcTfYIlUnsMJxlSGfM0b8SD4ZDOYmx14OuJ5_9J4AhAztmZUTEJs8cHYXrJ9rZllbMkmUs6TSMkxog7KvQhDTkHTaDex5OVG2mm8T13n_AfBeiB/s200/Rebecca+Blended+Family+Expert+2+smallest+size.JPG" width="175" /></a><a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/blendedfamilyresources" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfK8G-uF7JYbSqO0oRycnQ-8t59Nf__FhFXNuMhDDbJbzFr0vjRhVjjyowRYaHx3S3D2K0QXTEE94AOGi_fCeUOguNUpTiB-rAVIgDriuWjqvvhdYXQGfSOure5W3TmQp3aYAaiCILBMv/s200/BLENDED+FAMILY+WORKBOOK+-+stack+of+Workbooks.JPG.png" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;" unselectable="on"></div></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/blendedfamilyradio" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhz4wx0kycXQbRiim9cct3Re15bBfDlKdcDqJYBVQF_woHGdm7VnKLFofG1wIWaVbzsKLfeTIMSx8Zn_TCd2YDXW3aUPC3dR8QinjVEhHQ0TopPP9ZpazUr6JL5yFjXGwcv2hmN6fdM9O/s400/Dan+and+Rebecca+radio+NEW+ESPN+1510+logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">PLUS DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT <br />
VIA </span></strong><a href="http://www.twitter.com/blendedfamilies" target="_blank"><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">TWITTER</span></strong></a><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black;"><strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> and </span></strong><strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/blendedfamilies" target="_blank">FACEBOOK</a></span></strong></span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982823793981308952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847219975351127591.post-78136451840004686712012-02-01T11:59:00.076-06:002012-02-01T13:12:41.305-06:00SUPER BOWL SUNDAY! Blended Families CAN WIN!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjYKu0_iOkpUNd7ogYQMIgbXq-bUNuVCgvuIqFeRz93bHnIITFA32fmO3vRVg9HCzvimfTY87_H8WG-LMjprNZF7-b7UU0wbveRpC2SjYSctJoaNbOIYxxTiTu5yZgkPpbC0HCu9u4sK1/s1600/helmets+Super+Bowl+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjYKu0_iOkpUNd7ogYQMIgbXq-bUNuVCgvuIqFeRz93bHnIITFA32fmO3vRVg9HCzvimfTY87_H8WG-LMjprNZF7-b7UU0wbveRpC2SjYSctJoaNbOIYxxTiTu5yZgkPpbC0HCu9u4sK1/s200/helmets+Super+Bowl+2012.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: blue;">SUPER SUNDAY!</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Giants - Patriots? </span></span> </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Be Enthusiastic That...<br />
The Clock is Still Running... <br />
On</span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b><u> Your</u> Blended Family </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>BIGGEST VICTORIES!</b></span></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">Sometimes in the dynamics of stepfamily life, we often feel like an 'underdog' role in our families. Parents or children are often in an 'arena of life' that presents itself with bumps and challenges. We wish there were referee's sometimes. Somebody to 'blow the whistle' or 'throw a penalty flag'. This blog entry is about how to find our way to victory..... in the Super Bowl of life. Even if you feel ONE YARD SHORT...remember... GOD'S NOT DONE! CLOCK IS STILL TICKING.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4eEj31g9cF4OvZEamxvjDEY4ANkJ1aHXfGvzeTYlq62C8Uk15eZZ5DRysHYbDpFejNGwgW6bZj1v5gfbEBWLlAEDrn7hmPVE_eXUGUJ-ZqrpMoFTigk2Y_XlAIV8FUqdQglo-UuofRZgo/s1600-h/One+Yard+Short+Les+Steckel.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5162950028264272914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4eEj31g9cF4OvZEamxvjDEY4ANkJ1aHXfGvzeTYlq62C8Uk15eZZ5DRysHYbDpFejNGwgW6bZj1v5gfbEBWLlAEDrn7hmPVE_eXUGUJ-ZqrpMoFTigk2Y_XlAIV8FUqdQglo-UuofRZgo/s200/One+Yard+Short+Les+Steckel.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 85%;">Speaking of Super Bowl participants, I want to share a fantastic book and it's relationship to step-family life. In the last few years it has been my privilege and honor to get to know <b>Coach</b> <b>Les Steckel</b>, who is the <b>President / CEO of FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). </b>In 2006 he authored his autobiography entitled <b><span style="color: #330099;">'ONE YARD SHORT, Turning Your Defeats into Victories'. </span></b> It is a 'must read book' for blended family parents. The title is derived from the final play of the 2000 Super Bowl between the St. Louis Rams and Steckel’s Titans, a play that has been called the most exciting play in Super Bowl history. (I remember our family - half cheering the Rams, half cheering the Titans - as our blended family of eight watched that incredible sports moment.)<br />
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Steckel’s book chronicles his life journey and his compelling stories and testimony makes it tough to put down once you start. I am in the middle of reading the book currently. It is a 'MEGA-ENCOURAGEMENT BLESSING' book that offers us yet another testimony to trusting in God and His incredible Hand. Anyone in a blended family, adult or teen should read this book. It isn't just a sports book, a guy book, it's a life book. Moms, Grandmas and Daughters will love it also.</span><br />
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<div><span style="font-size: 85%;"><b>HOW DOES "ONE YARD SHORT" RELATE TO BLENDED FAMILY LIFE?</b> Often in the dynamics of stepfamily life one feels like you are often behind, things look tough, it is 'fourth down', that you want to 'punt' and hope seems lost. That's when we really do need to 'put on our headset and call upstairs to get the next play to call'. What I mean by that is to 'look to God for your next move, how to handle a child or marriage scenario'. He will answer. He may not always give us the 'play' we want to call, but the PLAYBOOK (BIBLE) we are called to draw from does not offer mistaken advice. Check out the playbook of life (the Bible). </span></div><br />
<div><b><span style="font-size: 85%;">Find a Bible that holds in the back a "Concordance" or 'topics list'. There you can find answers to blended family common questions in areas like... patience, perseverance, hope, forgiveness, self-discipline, encouragement and most of all the promise you can trust of 'peace that surpasses all understanding.'</span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />
YES YOU CAN be a Super Bowl Champion-like Blended Family if you let our Lord God Almighty lead you in calling the signals in your family. Check out your playbook (Bible) today. </span><br />
<br />
For more information on Coach Les Steckel and FCA, go to:<br />
<a href="http://www.fca.org/AboutFCA/SeniorLeadership.lsp">http://www.fca.org/AboutFCA/ExecutiveTeam.lsp</a><br />
<br />
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<b>Want to explore hosting a Blended Family Workshop at your Church or in your Community? <br />
Write: <a href="mailto:info@thebondedfamily.com">info@thebondedfamily.com</a></b></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982823793981308952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847219975351127591.post-43365288238578392132012-01-20T14:16:00.002-06:002014-05-25T12:17:56.046-05:00Blended Family Duct Tape Rule 2012<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Facing a Stepfamily 'Harsh Word' Moment?</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Think TBF 'DUCT TAPE RULE' Now</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are a member of a stepfamily you know the moment. Something has wounded you. Somebody as done or said something inconsiderate, probably hurtful and often done in a flash moment that one wishes they could 'take back'.</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqha6DqW09YO35LOS0CQkZOdceap9MSdOxTcsPTRYBWS8wZjVKBwGLAFiSEXHSOk9RlW-l5YV89rJH2DJgLdjZPVMKDJhmEqt-7-KeYS9GDbGWurZ8V6vWjh7VXtiKvDGZKAlllHD39vQ/s1600/duct-tape+2+rolls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqha6DqW09YO35LOS0CQkZOdceap9MSdOxTcsPTRYBWS8wZjVKBwGLAFiSEXHSOk9RlW-l5YV89rJH2DJgLdjZPVMKDJhmEqt-7-KeYS9GDbGWurZ8V6vWjh7VXtiKvDGZKAlllHD39vQ/s200/duct-tape+2+rolls.jpg" height="142" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So let's together all go buy a roll of 'DUCT TAPE'. Keep it handy as a image to improve we'll explain below. So we can implement - both for fun and serious improvement for our families - the "DUCT TAPE RULE". The uses of duct tape have been chronicled, joked about, tested on TV and basically touted as the 'official fixer' of anything. Well, perhaps we can add yet another line to duct tape legend. Heard any words like these?</span></div>
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<em><strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Your children are not disciplined!"</span></strong></em></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I quit. I can't handle this marriage this way."</span></em></strong></div>
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<em><strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"You favor your kids over mine."</span></strong></em></div>
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<em><strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Your not my Dad!"<br />
"This stepfamily stuff stinks!"</span></strong></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whether age5 or 95, we've heard of sharp tongue moment stories and outbursts like above and more. Have any of these ever maybe been you? If so, you're not alone. Over 23+ million stepfamily households in the USA. So, given the normal human beings we are... probably about 5 million people today said something that should have fallen under the 'DUCT TAPE RULE'. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="background-color: #999999; color: #eeeeee;">The BLENDED FAMILY DUCT TAPE RULE.</span></strong></span></div>
<br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZArUbgJC5xiWl-Uwi-ekLdEOV-kJHwikjciBxpgwcL-6wf9ZxCdbZpoy4MuXKE1Yt8b6CpDD7N366irVxo-N2u0nkjeGWpNDn22D_Blr3MTWSXei8TvMAyR05PxWHNvCMrPe11ChcpaS/s1600/Stepfamily+Duct+Tape+Rule+dummy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZArUbgJC5xiWl-Uwi-ekLdEOV-kJHwikjciBxpgwcL-6wf9ZxCdbZpoy4MuXKE1Yt8b6CpDD7N366irVxo-N2u0nkjeGWpNDn22D_Blr3MTWSXei8TvMAyR05PxWHNvCMrPe11ChcpaS/s200/Stepfamily+Duct+Tape+Rule+dummy.jpg" height="200" width="90" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">STEPFAMILY Sharped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Tongue Member</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can laugh and say that if I were to recognize all my former slip ups I might look like the DUCT TAPE GUY on the right. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scripture shares it so well in James 3:5 describing the power of our spoken word (tongue)... </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>'the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.'<br />
</em></strong>American's spend way too little time listening, sharing or communicating with our children. Then At The Bonded Family we suggest at least 7 minutes a day. It goes fast! Make sure your sitting or standing or kneeling (if they are youngsters) and together you are at their eye level. Eyeball to eyeball...NOT giant parent to little kid downward communication arrangement. You'll grow closer at eye level.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNu4G3MRSaqBzgn3XlliBNqTiqBMnHGCWSI6A5Kq_b3Ljrb6xpjKd7clQmGQ71lELMVNrzFOK_HNzJFZ7b2BWO9b3CtpVE_62ZTAvVtkhmGIgV8YFR_of3LxI_mdMDQ3Co96y8VETdhezX/s1600/Blended+Families+duct-tape-mouth-of+young+man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNu4G3MRSaqBzgn3XlliBNqTiqBMnHGCWSI6A5Kq_b3Ljrb6xpjKd7clQmGQ71lELMVNrzFOK_HNzJFZ7b2BWO9b3CtpVE_62ZTAvVtkhmGIgV8YFR_of3LxI_mdMDQ3Co96y8VETdhezX/s200/Blended+Families+duct-tape-mouth-of+young+man.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let there be no mistake...our tongue can spark a hurt, a fight or a longstanding squabble. The more we work to have self-control, the better our family will be. And in stepfamily dynamics, it IS IMPORTANT to take EXTRA CARE of your tongue and emotions. Every moment or situation, despite seeming big at that instant is not always... 'a hill to take the last dying stand for'.<br />
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It truly can be very hard to be still 'in the moment', yet as a potential 'TBF Family Huddle' discussion item, talk about how words can wound. How things we say in a moment of hurt impact others. Discuss the Golden Rule when it comes to communicating with one another in our family words. Also even how our looks at each other. Ask kids to describe 'Mom or Dad' 'I am not happy look'. That'll bring some laughs. If your family is a 'word picture', 'symbolic' or 'example' type family, pull out a roll or two of DUCT TAPE and say 'Let's try the 'BLENDED FAMILY DUCT TAPE RULE' from here on out. "Who is willing to start watching their words better?" </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquyCx1yOo9qONC4rSe-_rWq9EMrJYo8m_VtZ1kmpqx8CK2RmlomLOOf3tx6_l4jbP_4YYC1tHIG7WVPlwUj81bvpPIlNiN_iYWVIt725Xt7ClC6Mzj0LyKkBpmlTS5khHcopObthIZE-o/s1600/Blended+Families+duct-tape-over-womans+mouth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquyCx1yOo9qONC4rSe-_rWq9EMrJYo8m_VtZ1kmpqx8CK2RmlomLOOf3tx6_l4jbP_4YYC1tHIG7WVPlwUj81bvpPIlNiN_iYWVIt725Xt7ClC6Mzj0LyKkBpmlTS5khHcopObthIZE-o/s200/Blended+Families+duct-tape-over-womans+mouth.jpg" height="192" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Get your new family to agree that if you are about to say something...or maybe just said something harsh...go grab the duct tape roll in a way to express that you 'understand' what you said was hurtful and you wish you had duct tape ever your mouth that moment. (**IMPORTANT for 'literal' readers we are NOT recommending duct taping anyone's mouth...it's a WORD PICTURE. Smiling for you.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Often times, the recognize a situation can teach and coach maturity in relationships for our children. After all, we are to 'raise them up in the way they should go.' Mentoring and Coaching our children to 'hold their tongue' when about to be harsh will SERVE THEIR FUTURES WELL.</span><br />
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<strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For Daily Blended Family Encouragement; Tips Follow us on </span></strong><a href="http://www.twitter.com/thebondedfamily" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TWITTER</span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TRY THIS! PRINT OFF ANY OF THE ABOVE DUCT TAPE PICTURES. PUT IT ON YOUR REFRIGERATOR OR BULLETIN BOARD AS A FUN REMINDER TO YOUR BLENDED FAMILY....LET'S BOND AND USE KIND WORDS.</span></strong>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982823793981308952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847219975351127591.post-74411831263361244522011-12-30T12:56:00.000-06:002011-12-30T12:56:25.317-06:00BLENDED FAMILY TODAY - Free Podcasts<strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Stepfamily Radio on your iPad, iPhone, Android or PC</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Get Smart Blended Families on Smart Phones.</div></span></strong><div> </div><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3sDr_vLSSg-JqOoIZDtXvyWraNsnuIc0YLuFX0dy6yzmsDMlKFHoTOMSrAWSuFUk5XXVGVADMVKeR54wpLkLAUOC2Gsf4GJ5Ag5_Fc_3oI7jgv_Onlkn1gdlm5c7SwdoyLCbijUi0vpP/s320/ipad+with+Rebecca+-+Podcasting.png" width="206" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://blendedfamilies.podomatic.com<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sometimes we forget to share all of the stepfamily encouraging resources we offer.<br />
<br />
This is a quick reminder that you can get FREE PODCASTS on your iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android, Galaxy or other smart device. Listen, Laugh, Learn. You always will come away with at least one "Yes, that's me" or a "Good idea!" or a "God is Good!" or some other heartfelt thought.<br />
<br />
Click on the images now to go to your free stepfamily resource.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://blendedfamilies.podomatic.com/" target="_blank">Or FREE PODCASTS, CLICK HERE</a><br />
<div> </div><div><strong>Please share this blog.</strong></div><div> </div><div><a href="http://blendedfamilies.podomatic.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiO_KmaHJLzdqOkZuuh8hTTIYuLdyrExs4m9IiAX9Wr5OCi8Iz0jaGKqO9UyOP7HA1t3JPglnE2UBzpz1JzO5xEKdS1zp8AKy9F-w_LS11B5R21ZcqZnwqAvV22tC5kUyVP1wO63JKsUEl/s200/TBF+Radio+6.27.09+Blended+Family+Today+Dan+and+Rebecca-2.jpg" width="200" /></a>Blended Family Today was started in 2009 and was the 'first of it's kind' radio program on traditional radio, based in Kansas City, yet broadcast globally that was directed 100% to stepfamily dynamics.<br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
<a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Dan and Rebecca</strong></a> interview nationally recognized figures such as:</div><ul><li>Pat Williams, Sr. VP of the Orlando Magic & Author of over 70 books </li>
<li>Zig Ziglar Family (Tom Ziglar, Julie Ziglar Norman & husband Jim) </li>
<li>J.J. Jasper, AFR Radio's DJ / nationally recognized Comedian</li>
<li>Dr. Dan Erickson, Author of 'God Loves Do-Overs'</li>
<li>Dr. Ken Canfield, Author, Speaker, 2006 KS Gubernatorial Candidate</li>
<li>Jill Brooke, former CNN on-air personality / noted author & blogger</li>
<li>Robert Sherwood, fmr Silicon Valley exec & Entrepreneur of the Year</li>
<li>Dr. Randy Shepard, College Funding Expert</li>
<li>Al and Kay Betz, Founders of OUTFLUENCE</li>
<li>Carey Casey, CEO of the National Center for Fathering</li>
<li>Dr. Bob Reccord, Pastor, Author and nationally recognized speaker</li>
<li>Patricia Plum, Forgiveness Expert</li>
<li>Bill Nicks (aka James Naismith, Pres. Dwight Eisenhower & more)</li>
<li>Henri Boucard, Career Planning Expert</li>
<li>++ many more you'll enjoy, & learn from for your marriage & family</li>
</ul>Also...enjoy <strong>DAILY TIPS via TWITTER</strong> direct to your cell phone or digital device.<br />
Click on the iPod image below to FOLLOW US and get DAILY TIPS.<br />
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<a href="http://blendedfamilies.podomatic.com/" target="_blank">http://blendedfamilies.podomatic.com</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982823793981308952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847219975351127591.post-81766062336164171942011-08-30T20:13:00.000-05:002011-08-30T20:13:56.946-05:00Blended Families ... Embracing the Word YET!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipg2U1rWObLMaVkQbR_rPoTC84-VcwPIlMaauGl6s0TRDkoCZdBelTAqal7X-yIQWLLxYAjE06r0QjcMmX1NqqEwQ5ITAO37wl9hqdhe-CQzpLKcdS8cnCLWOcom5St3yYmp6j9v4tvm5_/s1600/YET%2521+image+for+blogging+and+book.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipg2U1rWObLMaVkQbR_rPoTC84-VcwPIlMaauGl6s0TRDkoCZdBelTAqal7X-yIQWLLxYAjE06r0QjcMmX1NqqEwQ5ITAO37wl9hqdhe-CQzpLKcdS8cnCLWOcom5St3yYmp6j9v4tvm5_/s320/YET%2521+image+for+blogging+and+book.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i style="color: blue;"><b>A POWER BONDING WORD <br />
for your Blended Family.</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Our daughter Amanda started high school this year. Something TREMENDOUS happened as we attended 'Meet the Teacher' Night. Rebecca and I joyfully discovered every one of her teachers absolutely loves their job. You could see it in their face, their speech, their plans, their hopes for our daughter...they LOVED their jobs. You can tell alot about an educator when they love their job. They'll find the way to inspire our children to learn and grow and prosper in life...not just get through the daily work. We see WINNERS at Ray-Pec high school. From the Bus Driver to the Band Teacher... all posessed the great attitudes that make learning fun and lasting!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
So here is our SHOUT OUT and APPLAUSE for Raymore-Peculiar High School and the teachers we met. Great Work and Thank You!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
As we walked into the Advanced Geometry classroom, we enjoyed hearing an upbeat 'we are discovering learning together' message from Mrs. Gina Prowell. My often ADD giant right brain bounced around the room (my friends are smiling and thinking "Squirrel!" from the movie UP! right now) scanned the setting and saw multiple locations of signage with the word "YET!". Simply the word 'YET!' on a wall, a filing cabinet, above the chalkboard (oops, I guess it's 'whiteboard' now days), right near her desk and other places.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">So when it was time for the famous 'are their any questions', your daydreaming friend Dan asked 'What do all those YET!'s mean?' You should have seen the looks on the other parents. WHAT is this dummy talking about??? Of course our daughter smiled and knew Dad had been scanning the room.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Mrs. Prowell seemed to like the question and here's where the <b style="background-color: yellow; color: blue;">POWER WORD</b> was described by her. When a student stumbles with an answer or a problem or comes to her and says 'I don't get this', she is sure to smile at them and get them to add to the end of the phrase the 'power word' <b><span style="background-color: yellow; color: blue;">YET!</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5HnXGlIhlAwNOOGu12tZc1NUCqVNfsijKvrGVsAiBYKnyv29vPusfj7I6HZv3xLqNpePk-Z_zZk-pJkfMoOrU0_QL7_q-NwJDomXOUoMC6VC4JrlcchBdfNPOe1Ti70JAD2HhjiR4M47J/s1600/YET%2521+image+with+circle.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5HnXGlIhlAwNOOGu12tZc1NUCqVNfsijKvrGVsAiBYKnyv29vPusfj7I6HZv3xLqNpePk-Z_zZk-pJkfMoOrU0_QL7_q-NwJDomXOUoMC6VC4JrlcchBdfNPOe1Ti70JAD2HhjiR4M47J/s200/YET%2521+image+with+circle.png" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">As always...you may now be thinking... <br />
'Dan, how's this relate to stepfamilies?'</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">OK...I'll share that. <br />
I'm confident by now you know where you can lead your marriage and family. Add <strong><span style="background-color: yellow; color: blue;">YET!</span></strong> to these very common quotes and SEE THE DIFFERENCE:</span><br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
He doesn't love my children like he loves his own......YET!</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">My 'ex' is not honoring the parenting plan...YET!</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">My stepdaughter doesn't want to have anything to do with me....YET!</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">We're lost in this stepfamily life, we don't know how to navigate...YET!</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">My adult children aren't accepting my spouse in their life.....YET!</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">We don't seem to agree at all over discipline for the children...YET!</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I just can't handle this hectic schedule with two families ...YET!<br />
<em>My parents are accepting my new wife as a part of the family...YET</em></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Our finances are hurting so bad and we don't have the answer...YET!</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Our two teenagers are accepting and bonding together...YET!</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">We don't know where to turn for answers...YET! </span></em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The list of phrases could go on. So YOU FILL IN YOUR QUESTION and simply add <strong><span style="background-color: yellow; color: blue;">YET!</span></strong> to your challenge. Like Geometry teacher Gina Prowell, stay positive, believe you can overcome doubt, fear and discouragement. At TBF we challenge you to make sure you are a YET! family! Smile at your spouse and remind them. When you children complain or discuss what's 'not working' teach them this powerful 'keeper for life' word and attitude.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Scripture has some <strong>ENCOURAGEMENT</strong> in this area. <br />
<strong>Romans Chapter 5</strong> very early on reminds us...</span><br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>'...by faith into this grace <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-AMP-en-NASB-28050D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>in which we stand; and <sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-AMP-en-NASB-28050b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]"></sup>we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but <sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-AMP-en-NASB-28051c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]"></sup>we also <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-AMP-en-NASB-28051F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>exult in our tribulations, <u>knowing that tribulation brings about <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-AMP-en-NASB-28051G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup>perseverance</u>; and <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-AMP-en-NASB-28052H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup><u>perseverance, <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-AMP-en-NASB-28052I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup>proven character; and proven character, hope</u>; and <u>hope <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-AMP-en-NASB-28053J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup>does not disappoint</u>, because the love of God has been <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-AMP-en-NASB-28053K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup>poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.'</strong></span></em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Blended Family Life, especially working towards being a BONDED FAMILY does take perseverance and hope. YES YOU CAN get through all things. Say YET! and keep asking God for the strength you need to find victory.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">For your </span><a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/blendedfamilycoaching"><strong><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">WEEKLY BLENDED FAMILY COACHING AND TIPS</span></strong></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">... check out our BONDCAST and Weekly Tips available to you. We'll take you through some YET! questions each week.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Follow us for Daily Tips on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/blendedfamilies"><strong>TWITTER</strong></a><strong>.</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Friend us on FACEBOOK.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Feel Free to Copy and Paste this YET! below and put it on your REFRIGERATOR.<br />
REFRIGERATOR ART for the blended family ages. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span></div><span style="font-family: Times;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-NuGt1avwypcOsI6BeIaxTrNPknC4rKUGwnLMr_Woryes-SNAEXBtf51Qh25RR99vZzXNsypnJ8ajSRRXwiEN64naMwQibV4-SFwfR5Jg70jpcfi9moEwiXVKdvmlGrHXIslb0r-tMry6/s400/YET%2521+with+circle+JPG.jpg" width="400" /></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
Blog @Copyright The Bonded Family 2011</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982823793981308952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847219975351127591.post-42799873472695158872011-07-30T12:56:00.001-05:002011-07-30T13:21:13.175-05:00BLACK CATS and BLENDED FAMILIES<strong><span style="font-size: large;">BLACK CATS and BLENDED FAMILIES.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Neither Myth is True...So Live Victoriously!</span></strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcwwIvYlKprPIUBOiFl2MdUANfJCDec8IqIcYD_N5AoqoLas_PHwH3BgnrOrbpq8uCvE9Wmyo1QMlQbRt0Yh-ZJgq6qeV5joDA11FfMDUp-VeqNXlY3ZTQWVj3_xIxTwwVzw0PQD94_RX/s1600/black+cat+pixture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcwwIvYlKprPIUBOiFl2MdUANfJCDec8IqIcYD_N5AoqoLas_PHwH3BgnrOrbpq8uCvE9Wmyo1QMlQbRt0Yh-ZJgq6qeV5joDA11FfMDUp-VeqNXlY3ZTQWVj3_xIxTwwVzw0PQD94_RX/s1600/black+cat+pixture.jpg" /></a></div>We are a blended family. <br />
We own a black cat also. <br />
<br />
Our culture has developed the attitude that blended families don't work... and somehow think that black cats are unlucky. Both these premises are man created MYTHS. <br />
God didn't create black cats, nor stepfamilies, to be bad, evil or full of potential woesome results. Man's imagination + "stinkin' thinkin'" did.<br />
<br />
This morning our 17 year old black cat Crash (would take a whole blog to explain why that name) was walking back and forth in front of our youngest daughter Amanda. She laughed and said 'Wow, Crash has walked back and forth in front of me 5 times so I'll have 35 years bad luck'. We all laughed. Crashed looked at us - he holds a very communicative personality - and barked 'meow'. Crash does seem to bark when he knows he's being talked about. I was one of those 'don't like cats' guys until this feline was adopted away from homelessness. Crash is my buddy. I admit it. Cat-lovers cheer here.<br />
<br />
So what does the black cat myth and blended families have in common? Cats are very <u>consistent </u>in their <u>behavior</u>. Depending on their '<u>personality</u>' that can appear to be 'aloof', or maybe 'playful', 'standoff-ish' or sometimes 'mean-spirited'. Cats actually can be very loyal buddies if you treat them right and 'invest' a little time bonding with them. <br />
<br />
Often personalities and relationship dynamics within blended families can be the same. <u>Each child is unique, somewhat different in their own special way</u>. Thus relationships should be developed and nurtured differently. Some will come quicker, some may take years. <u>Perseverance</u> is a foundational word you hear a lot from our team at The Bonded Family. Perseverance comes from trusting God. Seeing what happens when you 'let go and let God'. Remember this saying when you feel exasperated or there is no hope. "God's not done".<br />
<br />
It's also a real 'myth' that stepparents and stepchildren can't get along. Just like spending time with a kitten will help one 'bond' with the cat, we recommend that you 'invest time' to discover what talents and treasure each child holds. What are their dreams, hopes and wishes? Don't simply buy into the negative stepfamily myths. The more you understand your unique or complex family situation - and that is one of the goals at The Bonded Family - the more success you will have. Understanding behavior is key. It's why people share with us after our conferences "I wish we knew THEN what we've learned from you NOW".<br />
<br />
Putting a stake in the ground and committing your marriage and family into God's hands is the absolute success criteria foundation. Without it...you are built on sandy soil. Some will 'turn away' right now reading this saying 'Oh that God stuff', yet the fact are the facts, the true stats are there. Write us and ask about them. <a href="mailto:info@thebondedfamily.com">info@thebondedfamily.com</a> <br />
<br />
<br />
Our children hear often that rock solid advice for <span style="color: #351c75;"><u><strong>VICTORY in life</strong></u>...</span><br />
<blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">"ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING"</span></em></strong></div></blockquote><br />
Scripture also holds a verse that speaks to <span style="color: #351c75;"><strong><u>VICTORIOUS LIVING</u></strong>.</span> <br />
PROVERBS 15:15 shares...<br />
<blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong>'All the days of the afflicted are bad, <br />
But a <sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-en-AMP-en-NASB-16823a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]"></sup><u>cheerful heart</u> has a <u>continual feast</u>.'</strong></em></span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></blockquote>Work on your heart. Discipline your mind. See the good in all people. Look for the good in all situations. Discover the good where you can't see it at first. Guard against feeling 'afflicted' or you 'days will be bad'. INSTEAD... say to yourself and ask God to strengthen you and give you a CHEERFUL HEART so that your days and life - and your blended family - will feel as a 'CONTINUAL FEAST'<br />
<br />
Sometimes that takes coaching. We can help. <br />
Visit our <a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/blendedfamilycoaching"><strong><span style="color: black;">BLENDED FAMILY COACHING</span></strong></a> page.<br />
<br />
<strong>Follow us on </strong><a href="http://www.twitter.com/blendedfamilies"><strong>TWITTER</strong></a><strong>. Daily Tips to Encourage.</strong><br />
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<strong>Friend us on </strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/blendedfamilies"><strong>FACEBOOK</strong></a>. <strong>Stay up-to-date on what we're doing.</strong>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982823793981308952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847219975351127591.post-40984484838445976942011-07-17T18:21:00.002-05:002011-07-17T22:10:33.454-05:00Keep Your Blended Family Antenna Up!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_w9KJBmaNzybH1043LLYVHkH3DescoAz0Q60npBKvPukRjlanoBBaCDaMOXnM0Z5D2Dg4yhLwTvufulyFosRXXuPfmzBSQMIRkOqdiX7JFfYl_Xkxif-udIDHYsGhrlFxv60VD8ola4Pt/s1600/rabbit+ears+antenna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_w9KJBmaNzybH1043LLYVHkH3DescoAz0Q60npBKvPukRjlanoBBaCDaMOXnM0Z5D2Dg4yhLwTvufulyFosRXXuPfmzBSQMIRkOqdiX7JFfYl_Xkxif-udIDHYsGhrlFxv60VD8ola4Pt/s200/rabbit+ears+antenna.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">PICTURE THIS!...</span></b></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Your Blended Family <br />
<b>Rabbit Ears</b> <br />
Picking Up Stepfamily <br />
Signals Around You.</span></i></div><br />
Recently I was with my good friend <b><a href="http://savemoneyoncollege.blogspot.com/">Dr. Randy Shepard</a></b> at a coffee place called GUSTO! in Lee's Summit. We were discussing technology and <a href="http://savemoneyoncollege.blogspot.com/">college funding</a>, two of his many areas of expertise. In the shop was <b>David Davies</b>, another great friend of our ministry and a '<b>Bonafide Encourager</b>' in every sense of the word. He was across the room 'encouraging' (of course) a young man in some way. I approached to say hello. <br />
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After meeting his friend, the young man shared 'I've heard you speak. You shared at our early morning breakfast meeting last year' and then he, unbeknowst to him, inspired me. He said <b><i>'You know, since you shared about the number of people</i></b><b><i> facing struggles</i></b><b><i> in stepfamilies in America, all of a sudden I now have my antenna up, and have found many people around me, that I pointed to your ministry'.</i></b><br />
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This is indeed what we are seeing as we put forth our message of encouragement, hope, practical tips and inspiration. The more people know about the 'under the radar' demographic, the more they are 'willing to reach out'. That is powerful. <br />
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<b>So here is our 'REACH OUT CHALLENGE' to YOU</b>.<br />
Picture walking around with these 'rabbit ears' on your head.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>BLENDED FAMILY</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>RABBIT EARS ANTENNA </b></span></div>For generations rabbit ear antenna has been used to 'tune in' to a TV or radio signal. I propose that you be a 'difference maker' in somebodies life. Begin today to start 'tuning in' to the potential stepfamily frequency signal. You may find signals and families all around you. See with over 23+ stepfamily there is absolutely the statistical probability that within your family, workplace, church or circle of friends that you know multiple cases of blended families. Perhaps you'll notice a larger family that may not all resemble one another. some match Dad, some more to Mom. Or you may be witness to a conversation that is talking about a stepdad or stepmom. Maybe even see or experience a drop off or exchange of children. With your 'antenna up', you now are able to be a positive force in their life if you witness any challenges. Yuo can say 'did you know there are organizations out there that can help?' Often times you may not know they may be struggling because they are having unique to their family stepfamily dynamic issues and don't want people to know. YOU can now be a helper and a HERO!<br />
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YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! <br />
Send them to check out our resources at <a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/">THE BONDED FAMILY</a>.<br />
<br />
For weekly LIVE VIDEO QUESTION AND ANSWER and VIDEO TIPS, sign up at:<br />
<a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/blendedfamilycoaching"> BLENDED FAMILY COACHING</a>.<br />
<br />
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Or Friend us on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/blendedfamilies">FACEBOOK</a>.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b> If this blog has blessed you, </b><br />
<b>please consider a small donation via PAYPAL.</b><br />
<b>ANY AMOUNT is an ENCOURAGEMENT.</b></div><form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post"><div style="text-align: center;"><input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_s-xclick" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="F62EBR2PZZV6N" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><input alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!" border="0" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" type="image" /></div><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" /></form>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982823793981308952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847219975351127591.post-64080989935670778022011-07-08T09:10:00.000-05:002011-07-08T09:10:02.062-05:00Blended Families, Rough Water and a Guide<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8KYozacknGEyVutoyW0fAUVNzPbSoAW0VH1ubgIJc7JGySZQ9YUv3lwGnzDEpaFmNDvv39LFb72D5c_6md4wlHUROE_P_pCvBC7kf9jxFL_6zlOnKvZuedT5V_JuMzLrkUyxrV_kFB7_/s1600/Whitewater+Stepfamilies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8KYozacknGEyVutoyW0fAUVNzPbSoAW0VH1ubgIJc7JGySZQ9YUv3lwGnzDEpaFmNDvv39LFb72D5c_6md4wlHUROE_P_pCvBC7kf9jxFL_6zlOnKvZuedT5V_JuMzLrkUyxrV_kFB7_/s400/Whitewater+Stepfamilies.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> Blended Families... Can Face Rapids and Rough Waters </b></span></div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Listen to the 'GUIDE' as to how to maneuver the rocks.</b></span></div><br />
We've had some tremendous vacations as a Family. We wrote recently of 'vacating' and it's 'bonding power', because you are 'away, alone and accepting'. I can't stress the power of 'vacation' as a means to discovering each other and finding blessings and bonds in that time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaWph0cdyPR85o98qBwf3SFBpR477YxKknTCsJqFYHbJKKEIKMA6m0AXzAzYDZDo-iUMMVYRLqFt5FPBuJwx-IhitZVLIzDmYuuipNt7ag8qvmR8KNW0EK8BCkc6l311Jc_dzgP2c7JXu/s1600/YMCA+campground+as+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaWph0cdyPR85o98qBwf3SFBpR477YxKknTCsJqFYHbJKKEIKMA6m0AXzAzYDZDo-iUMMVYRLqFt5FPBuJwx-IhitZVLIzDmYuuipNt7ag8qvmR8KNW0EK8BCkc6l311Jc_dzgP2c7JXu/s200/YMCA+campground+as+family.jpg" width="200" /></a> <br />
One 'Christmas vacation' was a small cabin, at a closed for the winter YMCA camp, just us, that left us with some great memories of 'owning' the Grand Lodge Hall, which we used to produce fun that was captured in video and will echo for decades. <br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzS_Qzzfri3YK-9B90T-5Bq2vCctOuD7yBFItpZy8b0BgF50QeS_OhlLhjCHmoftegCyu12vCpS-Et8youmEQiawUbACPOFFuWTQkB1KMERLpwYyWVj_f28EEgPA9F6ubBn1o-Fj34_e7/s1600/Blended+Family+pic+at+Superman+statue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzS_Qzzfri3YK-9B90T-5Bq2vCctOuD7yBFItpZy8b0BgF50QeS_OhlLhjCHmoftegCyu12vCpS-Et8youmEQiawUbACPOFFuWTQkB1KMERLpwYyWVj_f28EEgPA9F6ubBn1o-Fj34_e7/s200/Blended+Family+pic+at+Superman+statue.jpg" width="123" /></a> A 'Tradition' of stopping at Metropolis, IL and getting a picture with Superman lives on even today. Great joy in youth, 'oh Dad' in teen years.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL97-4o-rRslMplyS7p_zw2HmqSOoeMESmG_l8fXh09tashvtAdKviLKbSgjiQ77MZda4uacSO2PJLCEIV9ZgUL0vd4nl8hHqgiPKksI-FIEbzaZyYc2-HiU8jh0-jTTK966qparDM-uPh/s1600/Washington+DC+2002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL97-4o-rRslMplyS7p_zw2HmqSOoeMESmG_l8fXh09tashvtAdKviLKbSgjiQ77MZda4uacSO2PJLCEIV9ZgUL0vd4nl8hHqgiPKksI-FIEbzaZyYc2-HiU8jh0-jTTK966qparDM-uPh/s200/Washington+DC+2002.jpg" width="200" /></a> Our memory of visiting Washington DC for the 4th of July fireworks. Remembering checking in through super tight post 9/11 security, sitting three hours in the intermittent rain on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Then to see the skies clear, and the DC Mall ablaze in a patriotic spectacular. Voted all time best fireworks display by the family. <br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><u><span style="color: #134f5c;"><b>'WHITEWATER' COLORADO</b></span></u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkzcDMWlh9NWBrqO-tOrALqllTIea6LtFtLeaZBrnz_9L9CtyGyDapmqXtoVxpL18D9QiTjOnXyNCHH2YSsrlpGIlHv-q9BlPndkbigGnFjDMt2J_nhFjt8vbyfxtYy8vJ0yl3pg1kEAWP/s1600/Blended+Family+Vacation+CO.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkzcDMWlh9NWBrqO-tOrALqllTIea6LtFtLeaZBrnz_9L9CtyGyDapmqXtoVxpL18D9QiTjOnXyNCHH2YSsrlpGIlHv-q9BlPndkbigGnFjDMt2J_nhFjt8vbyfxtYy8vJ0yl3pg1kEAWP/s400/Blended+Family+Vacation+CO.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><b>WHITEWATER RIVER RAFTING</b> was voted the 'all time, all timer' great family vacation time. So by now you want to know what that has to do with YOU, and not just our family times??<br />
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<u><b>In stepfamily dynamics</b></u> <b>you can be assured that there will be some 'rough waters', some turbulence, some 'hold on to your seat' places. </b><b>Often just simply due to the 'unknown' of what sometimes lies ahead on your family journey.</b><b> Stepfamilies often feel like the 'waters are moving fast', that they are 'swept under', that the 'rocks' are seemingly going to 'sink their ship' or the 'marriage or stepfamily raft of life'. Of this you can be assured. Those rocks will be ahead. The waters will swirl and splash. The whitewater may try to 'throw you off the boat'. In fact there are usually forces at work 'hoping' you'll be crushed, toppled or even die as a family unit. Sometime former relationships and wounds will 'reach in' to your family. Foremost remember that satan is real. He wants marriages, children, families...all life to be miserable. It's a fact.</b><br />
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God gave YOU and I a message of <b>ENCOURAGEMENT AND HOPE</b> 'for such a time as this'. In our weak moments, our 'I can't do this' moments, our 'I am going down' moments... read this, repeat this promise of God. Yes...it is GOD'S PROMISE, not mine, Dr. Phil's, Oprah's or anyone elses...it's God personal commitment and PROMISE to YOU!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Isaiah 43 : 2 shares in Scripture (NIV)</b>:</div><blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;<br />
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>When you pass through the waters, <u>I will be with you</u>;<br />
and when you pass through the rivers,<br />
they will not sweep over you.<br />
When you walk through the fire,<br />
you will not be burned;<br />
the flames will not set you ablaze.</b></i></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The MESSAGE, another Bible version shares it this way...</b></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>"Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you, I've called your name. You're mine.<br />
When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you.<br />
When you're in rough waters, <u>you will not go down</u>.<br />
When you're between a rock and a hard place,<br />
it won't be a dead end—<br />
Because I am God, your personal God..."</i></b></div></blockquote><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_rH_yMyQZiT5uRZeutL8CXb_KqsKxRJI1EqaZNvFy1TaRUoJ4UtwNEK9wHAE0KBPocFOSiZ6SoblcummqEpLcvkt_Sj89dodnkLN0a0AzcQtN3w-o4B9I1jFbnNQBtSu2vsEdH4enmfD/s1600/Blended+Family+GUIDE+in+Rough+Waters.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_rH_yMyQZiT5uRZeutL8CXb_KqsKxRJI1EqaZNvFy1TaRUoJ4UtwNEK9wHAE0KBPocFOSiZ6SoblcummqEpLcvkt_Sj89dodnkLN0a0AzcQtN3w-o4B9I1jFbnNQBtSu2vsEdH4enmfD/s400/Blended+Family+GUIDE+in+Rough+Waters.JPG" width="400" /></a>You see, God offers to be your GUIDE in life. He knows best how to 'steer' through the rough waters, the rocks and the challenges. In the picture above our 'GUIDE' is the only person visible. Our family is 'below the water' so to speak, yet the 'guide' knows exactly how to lead us out of the rough waters. I put my family's 'trust' in her hands. People in general seem to only turn to God, to put their trust in Him, during times of catastrophe, serious illness or near death situation. At The Bonded Family, we suggest turning to Him every day. Giving thanks when the water is smooth and from where He's taken us already, asking Him to be with us in the journey ahead. Not just in a crisis. <b>THE MESSAGE OF THIS BLOG.... LET GOD BE YOUR GUIDE IN YOUR BLENDED FAMILY.</b> Our research, data, experiences with thousands and success statistics prove it true. If you think you know a 'smarter' way... perhaps you should check out this page on our website. <a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/lifeinstructionmanual">http://www.thebondedfamily.com/lifeinstructionmanual</a><br />
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Be sure and visit our website, <b><a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/">THE BONDED FAMILY</a></b> for events, resources and our new <a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/blendedfamilycoaching">WEEKLY VIDEO BONDCAST COACHING</a>. Best resource for blended families available today for weekly LIVE Question and Answer sessions and topical discussions. Plus get video mail with TIP OF THE WEEK.<br />
Find more about <a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/blendedfamilycoaching"><b><span style="color: black;">BLENDED FAMILY COACHING</span></b> </a><br />
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Join over 12,000 fellow stepfamily <b>'<a href="http://www.twitter.com/blendedfamilies">TWITTER FOLLOWERS</a>' </b><br />
by following <b><a href="http://www.twitter.com/blendedfamilies">@BlendedFamilies</a></b><br />
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Or join us on <b><a href="http://www.facebook.com/blendedfamilies">FACEBOOK</a> </b><br />
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And remember to Keep Looking UP!<br />
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Copyright, The Bonded Family 2011</i></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982823793981308952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847219975351127591.post-71858698548025122652011-07-01T14:10:00.000-05:002011-09-06T08:52:46.063-05:00College Funding Questions Arising?<span style="font-size: large;"><b>COLLEGE FUNDING PODCAST Shares <span style="background-color: black;"></span>Super Tips!<br />
BLENDED FAMILIES have unique options!</b></span><br />
<div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Listen to this FREE and VALUABLE PODCAST.</b></i></span></div>
<br />
<b style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #38761d;">DR RANDY SHEPARD</b><span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"> </span>offers valuable insight, tips and suggestions, for parents, especially stepfamilies. There are 'additional options' for blended families, because you have two households to review and draw ideas from that might extend tax savings and open up financial eligibility.<br />
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<object width='420' height='85'><param name='movie' value='http://blendedfamilies.podomatic.com/swf/joeplayer_v18c.swf'></param><param name='flashvars' value='minicast=false&jsonLocation=http%3A%2F%2Fblendedfamilies.podomatic.com%2Fentry%2Fembed_params%2F2009-08-13T08_53_26-07_00%26color%3D43bee7%26autoPlay%3Dfalse%26width%3D440%26height%3D85'></param><param name='allowFullScreen' value='true'></param><param name='allowscriptaccess' value='always'></param><embed src='http://blendedfamilies.podomatic.com/swf/joeplayer_v18c.swf' flashvars='minicast=false&jsonLocation=http%3A%2F%2Fblendedfamilies.podomatic.com%2Fentry%2Fembed_params%2F2009-08-13T08_53_26-07_00%26color%3D43bee7%26autoPlay%3Dfalse%26width%3D420%26height%3D85' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' allowscriptaccess='always' allowfullscreen='true' width='420' height='85'></embed></object>
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DR RANDY SHEPARD'S BLOG WEBSITE ALSO HOLDS VALUABLE INSIGHT.<br />
<a href="http://savemoneyoncollege.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">http://savemoneyoncollege.blogspot.com</span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">At The Bonded Family, we seek to help families in many areas. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">College funding being one of them.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Whatever age you child is, Fr. Soph, Jr, Sr or in college now...college funding questions could be on the</span><span style="font-size: small;"> horizon and Dr. Shepard can assist you.</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982823793981308952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847219975351127591.post-33222606158662280202011-06-30T23:24:00.000-05:002011-06-30T11:08:36.324-05:00BLENDED FAMILY ALERT! "VACATING" = a Key to BONDING plus "Q20 is the BONDING MACHINE"<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>"VACATING" Stepfamilies will Bond Better</b></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Plus...Buy Q20 Here for your 'Vacating'<br />
</b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">We can't encourage you too much to intentionally and with special planning create your new blended family vacation times. They are giant opportunities to 'get away' and 'bond'. No external pulls, ties, conflicts, other home influences, etc. It is one on one time as a group. It works! Plan it! Do it! We did a radio program on 'VACATING' on our radio program BLENDED FAMILY TODAY. Enjoy AFR DJ and Comedian J.J. Jasper on that one too. Visit the <a href="http://blendedfamilies.podomatic.com/entry/eg/2009-05-25T19_57_49-07_00">VACATING and Family Fun broadcast by clicking here</a>. <br />
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</span></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifacjo8yn32dWq8zMMqhhZFxicWVnKYh1CAjHu_egm3wPtQY6lhiqwYoWoHh6V15SHMwFG02KVl0L-IXbD69Migd3o4vngRQ088kt9U3g_W9381aAQI000EdRN2JjS8QcEcKjkNO-X8HKc/s1600/Blended+Family+Vacating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifacjo8yn32dWq8zMMqhhZFxicWVnKYh1CAjHu_egm3wPtQY6lhiqwYoWoHh6V15SHMwFG02KVl0L-IXbD69Migd3o4vngRQ088kt9U3g_W9381aAQI000EdRN2JjS8QcEcKjkNO-X8HKc/s200/Blended+Family+Vacating.jpg" width="190" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">So many of you would agree that Estes Park Colorado is an incredible place to enjoy as a family. That was our first vacation as a blended family and it started the great tradition of road games. We did the contest of spotting various states license plates, who could spot the first water tower, first church steeple, first McDonalds (then we had to stop for a malt) or doing the alphabet via letters on licenses or other games. <br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDMe95VNglsuA78XwuoOusXg4q2ppLqaH8qdcMKNkT6pmxpADF0P9HKEUbkms8CjBuK66PpdX6a8GzcM12YGPxifJQqo2hYPF31LekwBut5anz5AYu0_nKjvneHMEccOTG9cVTRLDrgAq/s1600/DSC_0189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDMe95VNglsuA78XwuoOusXg4q2ppLqaH8qdcMKNkT6pmxpADF0P9HKEUbkms8CjBuK66PpdX6a8GzcM12YGPxifJQqo2hYPF31LekwBut5anz5AYu0_nKjvneHMEccOTG9cVTRLDrgAq/s200/DSC_0189.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of our favorite games was 'The Whine Counter Game'. Mom / "Rebecky" would keep a list of who moaned or complained or whined the most. Everyone would of course 'assist' her in pointing out a brother or sisters moan about something. The 'top whiner' would have to do the dishes or other chores at the mountain cabin. Funny how the whining dropped off the day we played that game. Anyway, as you plan and enjoy your family 'vacating', be sure and find some great games to play while driving and create some 'bonding' memories. Our kids remember and actually seemed to LIKE the LONG TRIPS. God is good. </span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">One year we bought some mini-electronic games for the road. The BEST ONE and the ALL-TIME, ALL-TIMER FUN BONDING MACHINE is the 20 Questions little round device called the Q20. It is amazing. You think of 'something', it's asks you 20 questions...and then 'get's it right!' You have to have one. So that's all I got to say. Spend $15 and get a MILLION dollars worth of family joy. "VACATING" with Q20 is a bonder. Buy your Q20 below. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&nou=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=000000&t=thebondedfami-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&asins=B0001NE2AK" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> <br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>REMEMBER... to grow a BOND in your Blended Family...be sure to enjoy 'VACATING' together!</b></span><br />
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Visit THE BONDED FAMILY website at: <a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/">http://www.thebondedfamily.com</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Join us on FACEBOOK at: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/blendedfamilies">http://www.facebook.com/blendedfamilies</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">or on TWITTER at: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/blendedfamilies">http://www.twitter.com/blendedfamilies</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982823793981308952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847219975351127591.post-1026012962467442512011-04-14T18:16:00.001-05:002011-04-14T18:18:23.686-05:00God is Sad for a Blended Family when...<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">'God is Sad When...'</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">When We Act Broken In Our Ways...</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>A "NO Stinkin' Thinkin'" Blended Family Thought</b></span><br />
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</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In our regular weekly </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/blendedfamilyfellowship">Blended Family Fellowship</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> on Sunday mornings here in Kansas City we have some tremendous and very cool people. Rebecca and I often say 'we get more back and learn more from others when we teach than we give'.</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_506042805"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPY-RNh9t3ANJ4fZ9aHtn_d4EUTqIXkEAq2_BEu8yyHgBw2_9eWAuT-EYX7cvR13ILS7mV9lS94N61LJLo3Xu_lufyluKPrJCy-4vVoZqV4kPR7szYr4YuLqqT03RPKTXAFTzQ3ebBN3JO/s200/Ron+and+Laurie+Grant-3.jpg" width="138" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/blendedfamilyfellowship"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Ron and Laurie Grant</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ron and Laurie Grant are an awesome couple. Truly a blended family couple that walks and lives out the Bible verse Romans 8:37 'we are overcomers / we are more than conquerors with Christ' (paraphrasing).</span><br />
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They have great joy and love. Also, like most, they have faced trials. They are shining examples of trusting God, perseverance and knowing that 'God is not done' in any situation. A couple to be emulated.</span><br />
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Recently as we were talking about behavior and situations that arise in stepfamily dynamics Laurie said 'You know I bet God is sad when that happens.' I thought to myself... 'Self...that is profound and people should think about that in their blended family interactions...or for that matter...anywhere'. I asked them for permission to borrow and 'expound' upon their wisdom with what came to my heart when she said that.</span><br />
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God is the almighty powerful force in the universe. The Bible shares where He has got mad, brought about consequences, plagues, storms, fire, wind, you name it. Jesus even got mad at His disciples when they fell asleep in the garden after he asked them to pray. Or when Jesus overturned the tables in the temple. We've read of God's upset. But we often don't think, and we should, 'does God get sad?'. 'Do we hurt our loving Heavenly Father?' I think the answer is YES.</span><br />
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I don't want to enter into a 'theological' debate over this. I'm not a Pastor, nor theologian. I did seek scripture on this and welcome anyone else's thoughts. But for those who want to point out my contextual errors... I also share wryly a quote from my friend and a wonderful man of God, Zig Ziglar, "Some people find fault like there's a reward for it." Keep that one tucked away in your heart for future reference in your life.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUCbCwkUTiSsxX_7UQeRmYvc4nIEj3bE5pkGoKyGmsutUorIYJxLFZkzCk3Lum_j0V3r5g0XlDXSHtkes7_O1ecVrdPh3sFyrq4o8P3DA7j5n6KrLRs5sMbrTEjzcRoFNlcTirbd3NS8t/s1600/jesus+wept.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUCbCwkUTiSsxX_7UQeRmYvc4nIEj3bE5pkGoKyGmsutUorIYJxLFZkzCk3Lum_j0V3r5g0XlDXSHtkes7_O1ecVrdPh3sFyrq4o8P3DA7j5n6KrLRs5sMbrTEjzcRoFNlcTirbd3NS8t/s200/jesus+wept.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
Certainly as a Father, we can imagine the sadness God felt when His Son Jesus was tortured, mocked and crucified. Think on that sadness for a minute. Jesus was sad when Lazarus was dead. The shortest verse in the Bible? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John 11:35</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> "Jesus wept".</span><br />
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am pretty sure that "God is sad when He sees...."</span></i></b><br />
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<i>- a smart person like you make poor choices when knowing better<br />
- our hurt and pain and tears over relationship struggles</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>- a divorce and the ripples it causes through people's lives</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>- children's lives impacted by parents who bicker over custody</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>- a husband or a wife unleash a sharp tongue to their spouse</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>- a misunderstood stepfamily member not fully grasping how to cope</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>- the hurt and pain that children feel when they miss a parent</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>- He sees the hurt and pain a parent feels when they miss their children</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>- the light in a child's eyes dim when they're blasted by a stepparent</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>- ache in a stepparent heart when a child shouts 'You're not my Dad!'</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>- a 'christian' treating a divorcee or single parent with disdain</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>- a couple turning away from Him for marriage solutions</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>- all the "Stinkin' Thinkin'" that goes on in selfish hearts</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>- observes me - maybe you too - and sees my bad spirit about things</i></span><br />
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See God sees all. He knows your joys and your sorrows. Loves you the same when you are good or slipping in your walk with Him.</span><br />
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Ephesians 4: 29-32 shares it so well for blended family relationships:</span><br />
<blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. <u>And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God</u>, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29304" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">31</sup> Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." </i></b></span></span> </blockquote><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God does 'grieve' when we treat one another wrongly. He forgave us. We are His children He wants us to model ourselves after His ways.<br />
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Rebecca and I have always shared with our six children <b><i>"Do what's right...even when no one is looking."</i></b> If we coach, mentor and teach our children honor, truth and unconditional love, whatever their biological role, we are serving them in their life. If we show grace and mercy and 'The Golden Rule' in tough situations (former spouses, treating children fairly, etc), even when it's hard, then our children and future generations of their children will be blessed.</span></div><br />
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There are a lot of cool things going on at The Bonded Family. Visit our website to see. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/">http://www.thebondedfamily.com</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* <a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/ziglar">Zig Ziglar's Daughter Julie Ziglar</a> to speak at TBF Luncheon May 20th</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* <a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/blendedfamilycoaching">Weekly Coaching Program</a> that pays for future conference investment</span><br />
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And you can join us - you don't have to attend our church - every Sunday and "Meet Ron and Laurie" in person. You'll love them as we all do. For info about the Sunday Fellowship our blended family resources, write: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="mailto:dan@thebondedfamily.com">dan@thebondedfamily.com</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keep Looking UP!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982823793981308952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847219975351127591.post-64566226231528396762011-03-30T09:38:00.002-05:002011-07-26T13:29:32.005-05:00Blended Family Getaway in Colorado!<b><span style="color: blue;">36 Hours Left to Register ---- THIS WEEKEND! <br />
ONLY TWO SPOTS LEFT! Renew Your Marriage and Family.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">Blended Family Getaway - Workshop and Retreat for Couples</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">Colorado Weekend Offers Renewal, Rest and Rediscovering Purpose</span></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHhLKODpR9YFGq9Hjbq6XUMUvjoVW9MCcGZDayRP86cE0QfAhn6yYxKIAT6pIioKzpiegz8VH9y-zPCqK5XTzGriy6KxB9lfJli2wyYb3OvOCLQn-rEMmjom5lsNWuP8x3iGeba-3nbkS/s1600/Rebecca+Dan+in+CO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHhLKODpR9YFGq9Hjbq6XUMUvjoVW9MCcGZDayRP86cE0QfAhn6yYxKIAT6pIioKzpiegz8VH9y-zPCqK5XTzGriy6KxB9lfJli2wyYb3OvOCLQn-rEMmjom5lsNWuP8x3iGeba-3nbkS/s1600/Rebecca+Dan+in+CO.jpg" /></a></div><b>Mention the word 'Colorado' and 9 out of 10 people will get a big smile, rise to attention and enthusiastically say they 'love Colorado' using descriptive words like majestic, fun, peaceful, special and foremost relaxing and renewing to their hearts.</b><br />
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That's why THIS WEEKEND April 1st through the 3rd we are bringing blended family couples to <a href="http://www.horncreek.org/"><b>HORN CREEK CAMP</b></a> in Colorado for a special couples weekend called 'BLENDED FAMILY GETAWAY - a Workshop, Retreat and Renewal time for couples seeking to better 'bond' their blended family (stepfamily).<br />
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More information quickly at: <a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/horncreek">www.thebondedfamily.com/horncreek</a> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPfJDpMB6vNBBay6oNkN05inxK1k7EPQPnSsDyAbx_vGdsNDry0PawPRva4-9dPCoE52Z6yANsbWO3XjgWXyS188Pjt8gq1HUoYhX0nTgttJ5EWt6X_LnOfJwdGmmmfcoUWHuDB20dIz5/s1600/HORN+CREEK+Mini+Lodge+Open+Area+Fireplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPfJDpMB6vNBBay6oNkN05inxK1k7EPQPnSsDyAbx_vGdsNDry0PawPRva4-9dPCoE52Z6yANsbWO3XjgWXyS188Pjt8gq1HUoYhX0nTgttJ5EWt6X_LnOfJwdGmmmfcoUWHuDB20dIz5/s1600/HORN+CREEK+Mini+Lodge+Open+Area+Fireplace.jpg" /></a></div>The Horn Creek facility is nestled in the Rocky Mountains about 80 minutes southwest of Colorado Springs. The Meadows cabins, the part of the camp we will be at, is the newest part of the complex and holds a special mountain lodge feel that will allow for relaxing and learning at the same time. We purposefully built in lots of husband and wife getaway time into the weekend. <br />
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You can arrive early on Friday morning at the camp to take advantage of the recreation center with a full basketball, bowling, rock climbing, internet cafe, volleyball and other amenities. Our formal workshop sessions together begin Friday evening 6:30 to 9:30, then Saturday AM from 9:00 to 11:30, then Saturday evening 6:30 to 10:00 with a campfire after that. Sunday morning service at 9:30 AM allows still for time before leaving camp later in the day. So adding up time you can just 'take in the mountains' could be up to 24 hours apart from the group alone if you choose. There will be group activities, fun games, tournament competition if you choose to participate.<br />
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IMPORTANTLY...the SUPER RATE we've partnered with Horn Creek to offer you. For $269 a couple (yes that's not per person, but per couple) you will get three (3) great days and two (2) nights at the cabins, ALL your meals, coffee and snacks during the workshops, use of the camp facilities, couples pictures in the mountains taken by TBF staff members for your memories, PLUS 8+ hours of blended family fun and informative workshops from some of the leading authorities in the nation on stepfamily dynamics. Where else can you get a hotel, all your food, training and a 'view' like that for $269 per couple. We say 'Thank You Horn Creek' for delivering a great weekend getaway partnership.<br />
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If you are a Grandparent, Family member, Co-Worker or Friend of a Couple you know could use a boost in their blended family situation, consider SPONSORING a couple to this special weekend.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/wyoming/rocky-mountains"> http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/wyoming/rocky-mountains<br />
Special Thanks toDestination360 for this pic.</a></td></tr>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982823793981308952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847219975351127591.post-20076984525124476292011-03-18T11:59:00.001-05:002011-03-18T12:00:41.034-05:00How are your Blended Family world windows?<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Blended Family Life can be a place for a 'Fresh Start'</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Do YOU know a Stepfamily that could use a boost?</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>SEE them with 'new windows' from your heart.</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>*** NOTE *** A struggling couple we are coaching mentioned their 'neighbors', even people at their own church, seemed to be judgmental about their new marriage and blended family. Even felt like they were being 'whispered' about. This hurts. Anyone who has walked through divorce, single parenthood and now perhaps blended family life knows firsthand the sometimes 'branded-ness' (by some) of the situation. Our tag line is 'from broken to blended to bonded'. Sometimes 'branded' is part of that brokenness. Remember, God doesn't make mistakes. Keep Looking UP!</b></span></div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><b><u>TWO STORIES TO ENCOURAGE YOU TODAY:</u></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">(First a story I read multiple places online a couple of years ago. <br />
Knew it might serve others one day.)</span><br />
<br />
<i>A young couple moves into a new neighborhood.</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;"><br />
</span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;">The next morning while they are eating breakfast,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;">the young woman sees her neighbor hanging the wash outside.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;">"That laundry is not very clean", she said.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;"><br />
</span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;">"She doesn't know how to wash correctly.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;">Perhaps she needs better laundry soap."</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;">Her husband looked on, but remained silent.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;">Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;">the young woman would make the same comments.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; float: right; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1em; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwGy46O9c0NecTUOUVdaqc6lEB3Gefy3WiNerbuoYDPsfqMlBP_pqqJX-MmAH7FxtNOJDFZsx1Yt3SIoRrdsv89YNK72o3FBbdk95kRSGe7PwUFUa6Q3GXV9gpLZjalBHtM7To3-KOdK3/s1600/Blended+Family+window+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwGy46O9c0NecTUOUVdaqc6lEB3Gefy3WiNerbuoYDPsfqMlBP_pqqJX-MmAH7FxtNOJDFZsx1Yt3SIoRrdsv89YNK72o3FBbdk95kRSGe7PwUFUa6Q3GXV9gpLZjalBHtM7To3-KOdK3/s200/Blended+Family+window+blog.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">See a Blended Family next door?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;">About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;">nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;">"Look, she has learned how to wash correctly.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;">I wonder who taught her this."</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;">The husband said, "I got up early this morning and</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;">cleaned our windows."</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">And so it is with life. What we see when watching others d</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">epends on the purity of the window through which we look.</span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>ENCOURAGING 2nd story from scripture... John 8 : 1-12</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>"The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group</i> <i>and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery.</i> <i>In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women.</i> <i>Now what do you say?”</i> <i>They were using this question as a trap,</i> <i>in order to have a basis for accusing him.</i></span></blockquote></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"></span></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TQrxocKPVa3zZTHvDOeV0fwVdkcpTrYcfMMIiTHnXrbS3UsYiXLZ1CwIVOv-FIYD98i9D4zAo9EfGxCabHsjF4XWmy_RtTfG8Eb_4xycMPsYxz8oX1spCyusOBiJTZzfHnPhwKggE-2X/s1600/Blended+Family+Brandedness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TQrxocKPVa3zZTHvDOeV0fwVdkcpTrYcfMMIiTHnXrbS3UsYiXLZ1CwIVOv-FIYD98i9D4zAo9EfGxCabHsjF4XWmy_RtTfG8Eb_4xycMPsYxz8oX1spCyusOBiJTZzfHnPhwKggE-2X/s200/Blended+Family+Brandedness.jpg" width="127" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blended Family Fresh Starts</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <i>But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger.</i> <i>When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, <u>“Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone</u></i><u> <i>at her.”</i> </u><i>Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.</i><i>At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there.</i> <i>Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” </i><i>“No one, sir,” she said. </i><i>“Then neither do I condemn you,”</i> <i>Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”</i></span></span></span></blockquote><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My wonderful wife Rebecca often mentions that she wonders if Jesus, as he knelt and was writing in the dust of the ground, was actually writing the 'shortcomings' and 'sins' of the Pharisees. Or perhaps to share with the woman, right where she is at, that she was free to go and begin anew in her life. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We certainly understand why God states in Malachi that He hates divorce. We do too. The ripples it causes His people for generations is not His plan. But it is not an unpardonable sin, nor a place where others can condemn if you truly are seeking a 'new beginning'. SO BE ENCOURAGED! GOD LOVES YOU! HAS A GREAT PLAN FOR YOU! BELIEVE IN HIM!</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Whether it's your own house windows or the public square, where is your heart. Help a marriage, a child, a neighbor, co-worker or fellow church member rise up above their circumstance and see the 'fresh starts' that God offers them.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We are here to help: <a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/">www.thebondedfamily.com</a> We know you can do it. If God believes in you and is for you, who can be against you? We'll help you become 'overcomers' in your family setting like you've never believed you could. We offer practical tips and the inspiration to 'keep on, keepin' on'. That's the key. Not just in the techniques but in the special touch and strength of God.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">PERHAPS A GRANDPARENT, NEIGHBOR, FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER? Consider a SPONSORSHIP / SCHOLARSHIP to our upcoming Colorado weekend April 1-3. Call a family member or some couple you know struggling and say 'we want to send you to Colorado for a fresh start'. <a href="http://www.tbfcolorado.eventbrite.com/">www.tbfcolorado.eventbrite.com</a></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982823793981308952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847219975351127591.post-54914648037738227692011-03-08T19:08:00.000-06:002011-03-08T19:08:06.957-06:00BLENDED FAMILY SHOWER POWER?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmOWZQkzf0xIKyKwy_xiAYT7Trpf4P92NWnRENu9_lCviM8Hb072soyeTDDbRosi5ZHGvJafkxe2Fl107sRPizwAFoCOxsa7zDNVWAKuSsPO-D51wDNO3QssuwXqCdB_hzUNR0DiVfxHk/s1600/Shower+Head+for+Blended+Family+Shower+Power.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmOWZQkzf0xIKyKwy_xiAYT7Trpf4P92NWnRENu9_lCviM8Hb072soyeTDDbRosi5ZHGvJafkxe2Fl107sRPizwAFoCOxsa7zDNVWAKuSsPO-D51wDNO3QssuwXqCdB_hzUNR0DiVfxHk/s200/Shower+Head+for+Blended+Family+Shower+Power.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Blended Families...</span></span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Feeling a Little 'Stinky'... <br />
From a Stepfamily Fight.</b></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
Get Washed Clean. <br />
Renewed. Redeemed.<br />
'Live Under the Spout'...<br />
Of God's Showering Love. </span><br />
</b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
Often times in our work surrounding stepfamily dynamics we see a need for </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">getting 'refreshed' in the sometimes 'stinky' areas of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">emotions, feelings and foremost in a persons 'spirit'. Are you living in an blended family household where you feel the 'stinky' consequences of...</span><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">TOXIC WORDS? OLD WOUNDS? </span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">STEPCHILD HURTS? </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">A FORMER SPOUSE (EX)? </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">SIBLING RIVALRY?PRIDE? </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">STUBBORNNESS? </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">EMOTIONAL OUTBURSTS? CHILD EQUALITY?</i></span><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b style="font-style: italic;">JEALOUSY? SPOUSAL UNITY ON ISSUES?</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <br />
We've found that 80+% of these issues stem from the marriage couple being unprepared for stepfamily dynamics, unmet expectations, emotions running undisciplined and a true lack of an foundational commitment to something bigger than themselves. We know that faith in God can be and is the best 'foundation' that any stepfamily can stand on. That's why God said "go share your 'tests' as a 'testimony'".</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
If you've experienced divorce, remarriage, bringing together children while sharing them with another household, at some point you'll probably walk through many of those above scenarios. It's part of the reason why the Bible says 'God hates divorce'. (Malachi 2:16) He doesn't want you to walk through that kind of 'stinky' stuff in life. Yes... divorce stuff really stinks up a life. 'I know it, you know it and the American people know it.' (famous Bob Dole quote) </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
God does hate divorce perhaps for the reasons of the effects of the pain and suffering that the children, parents, grandparents, even the workplace, community and schools go through it. Yet He doesn't hate YOU. He loves you. We want to repeat that so you 'get it'. You may have walked through divorce, however it is NOT the 'unpardonable' sin. God loves you. He wants joy and peace and a great life for you. Trust in Him. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
<b><u>GOD IS A GOD OF SECOND CHANCES</u>. Ask God to renew your life, your spirit and your commitment to Him and he will give you 'the desires of your heart'. (Psalm 37:4) We serve a loving God who does want you to recognize that if one follows His commands and precepts, life will be more joyful and you'll 'see' and 'feel' His love and goodness in a more special way. And have a 'family' life that shines bright!</b></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-anXZBhAWYvTBmok1XwXgdzyNQH2ZyJ_8Mykc0-WJERjvP84xKwp-lRbihNwbGey-FZIIb02XvavsKo4cxhgLkCWjrlJ-32spd4XYNlP5ys0jDZKUtVl-O8MT_xwvYUxECqNoCPudej6b/s320/shower+head+pouring+out+blue.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="245" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture God's Grace Pouring on your Family<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">A longtime friend of mine Dan Madasz once shared an example of thinking of 'God's Grace' being like a shower head. That people don't 'get under the spigot' of God's goodness to shower us with His love. Importantly, we don't show our honor and love of God enough and take the action (prayer, trust, honor, praise, etc) that He asks from us, so that we might be blessed by the 'shower' of His love If America prayed, and praised, God as often as we 'showered', we'd have stronger marriages and families and be a much happier nation.</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><blockquote><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>"If America prayed to, and praised, God as often as we 'showered', we'd have much stronger marriages and families... and be a much happier nation."</i></span></b></blockquote> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In blended families, and at The Bonded Family we share the message, that God CAN take a stepfamily 'from Broken to Blended to BONDED.' Picture your family if you all were 'stinky' and dirty, and then holding hands, jumped under a giant shower head. It would be a 'bonding' event and remove the stinky, sticky feeling that sometimes dampens the joy of children and parents and all around. God does want your family to feel 'fresh', 'renewed' and 'smelling and feeling good'... just like after a shower.</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopKDn5Li7ONyAZd1LdfAf8iRJI4w7e5GVK9iRqhTwIqlwMNty2BXpEgHX-VU3l7DfydwiHgLHKUbwnFv0h2nxvdkEnoAfNh6sfOV_JtOy_pTLhP80wiOqV2AMYFM7uMkpWK5p_dGOF3jp/s1600/Showerhead+flowing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopKDn5Li7ONyAZd1LdfAf8iRJI4w7e5GVK9iRqhTwIqlwMNty2BXpEgHX-VU3l7DfydwiHgLHKUbwnFv0h2nxvdkEnoAfNh6sfOV_JtOy_pTLhP80wiOqV2AMYFM7uMkpWK5p_dGOF3jp/s200/Showerhead+flowing.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blended Family 'Shower Power' of God</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I<b>f you're in a blended family, and working on bonding, consider making THIS 'SHOWER POWER' IMAGE a family discussion during a "BLENDED FAMILY HUDDLE". Make 'we need some 'shower power' phrase a way of realizing that 'stinky' stuff is going on in your family. </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Acknowledge it. Nothing more powerful then when a 8 yr old blurts out 'we need some shower power here'. It may just be God using a child to break up the struggle and help your family 'win the moment'. God Bless You in your 'Shower Power'!</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><br />
Scripture speaks of God encouraging us to 'wash ourselves' clean in Isaiah 1:16-18</b></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>"Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. </i></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b style="font-style: italic;">'Come now, let us settle the matter,' </b></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b style="font-style: italic;">says the LORD. </b></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"></span></b></span></span></b><br />
<div style="display: inline !important;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><i>Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow..."</i><i style="font-style: normal;"> </i></span></b></span></span></b></div></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><div style="display: inline !important;">Isaiah 1:16-18</div></div></span></b></span></span></b><br />
<div style="display: inline !important;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"></span></b></span></span></b><br />
<div style="display: inline !important;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</span></b></span></span></b></div></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For practical tips, fun and laughter and biblical insight on a daily basis, follow us on TWITTER. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/blendedfamilies">www.twitter.com/blendedfamilies</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Or on FACEBOOK: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/blendedfamilies">www.facebook.com/blendedfamilies</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Visit our website and learn about upcoming conferences in Colorado, Nebraska, Washington DC, Gulf Shores AL, Dallas and more at: <a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/">www.thebondedfamily.com</a></span><br />
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</i></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982823793981308952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847219975351127591.post-63197331226537500932011-02-18T12:45:00.000-06:002011-02-18T12:45:11.761-06:00Blended Family Dominoes<strong><span style="font-size: large;">BLENDED FAMILY DOMINOES?</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">We Can ALL Help God Stop the Tumbling.</span></strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBe1O8foV-zvHkVzABsaG6GsPvcHYZLdZTqgzAd6ooVkdahSmNegKyMPZB8YVIU5u4CMbxTP1Nhl-HYi9c9ZhQhpXWNUyIQsw-LeowKgAJGjkpAcEyu0zgTtfdE1DrRZ7BhCgpCxN1659/s1600/giant+hand+stopping+dominoes-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBe1O8foV-zvHkVzABsaG6GsPvcHYZLdZTqgzAd6ooVkdahSmNegKyMPZB8YVIU5u4CMbxTP1Nhl-HYi9c9ZhQhpXWNUyIQsw-LeowKgAJGjkpAcEyu0zgTtfdE1DrRZ7BhCgpCxN1659/s1600/giant+hand+stopping+dominoes-2.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
Often times the challenges of stepfamily dynamics creates a 'domino' effect. We all stumble and tumble at times. I know I have, I do and I will. Just ask my bride or children. One slip up or lack of seeking to live via the 'fruit of the spirit' (love, patience, joy, peace, gentleness, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and the big one in stepfamilies - self control). What it can look like is the first domino starts to tip and tumble and then a series of mistakes - can be by parents or children or grandparents or whomever - starts to create 'noise', uncertainty, falling spirits and fear of somehow going to be 'crushed' in some way. Like the couple in the image above.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">NOW COMES THE GOOD NEWS! See that giant hand stopping the dominoes before they flatten the couple? The Hand of God is THE HAND THAT CAN stop the dominoes. The same God that we cry out to when there is a disaster, emergency, sudden crisis or real life danger, is also there to handle for you and your marriage and your family the day to day dominoes. Just as this image shows. BOOM...God's hand can STOP THE TUMBLING DOMINOES. We do have to ask Him for the help. And do so daily...BEFORE the first domino falls, DURING the tumbles and then giving thanks AFTER the tumbling has been stopped. We encourage a quick morning and evening prayer - together as husband and wife - and praying for your marriage and each and every child by name. It works.</div><br />
<strong>Scripture shares with us great 'Hand of God' wisdom.</strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>'Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.'</em></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> 1 Peter 5:6-7</span></strong><br />
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Join us in the ROCKY MOUNTAINS - April 1-3 for the BLENDED FAMILY GETAWAY.<br />
<a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/horncreek">http://www.thebondedfamily.com/horncreek</a> <br />
Or if near Kansas City, hear Zig Ziglar's daughter Julie Ziglar Norman live and in person for a great evening.<br />
<a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/ziglar">http://www.thebondedfamily.com/ziglar</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982823793981308952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847219975351127591.post-64631902287426781262010-12-08T08:30:00.000-06:002010-12-08T08:29:36.142-06:00BLENDED FAMILY Lessons from a Walmart Morning<strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">WHOEVER THAT DAD WAS...<br />
HE SHAPED A CHILD'S FUTURE!</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Follow this guys lead in your Blended Family.</span></strong><br />
<br />
It was a recent blustery, snow-filled Saturday morning and I was off to grab some waffle mix, eggs, milk and cantelope for a 'Dad's Waffle Breakfast Morning'. Not enough Saturday's free, so I was excited to enjoy that family tradition. Good 'bonding' time and hey, I even like my own waffles, so while the kids slept I went to Walmart early to grab the 'stuff'.<br />
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As I thought I would be in and out, little did I know I would leave the store with much more than food for family, but bigger than that...food for life. To share with you.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGz8JdP8nBrR4bNMup6npwD0a6bEO3yXgMVZ_IgW9voOxXUNReRDJ83kqi2du_uEPkRq4TMjeq4jptY6uRvpGRmdFjdWVpO7jjN_xmRs9ZW4ck9GY_EnFKnZqU_4rul_pkR2ZwT3mHMZA/s1600-h/family+with+child+in+cart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGz8JdP8nBrR4bNMup6npwD0a6bEO3yXgMVZ_IgW9voOxXUNReRDJ83kqi2du_uEPkRq4TMjeq4jptY6uRvpGRmdFjdWVpO7jjN_xmRs9ZW4ck9GY_EnFKnZqU_4rul_pkR2ZwT3mHMZA/s320/family+with+child+in+cart.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>While I was in the waffle mix aisle, I could not help but overhear the joyful voice, from the next aisle over, of a youngster repeating his Father's words and mentoring. I heard the little voice say 'I am a happy boy!' repeating his Dad. Then it was 'I can grow up to do great things!' following the coaching, then an interesting comment that really sparked my interest, 'I look for the good in people!' followed by 'God made me special!'.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7ycd4WuVQpd1oduhnAVGn1MIPtf8UQJDw3tbF8AjsTKA3gSkgn550w60pNz3okUJaUWiAxZnctdXdU_i1jgyG3h6SJfJNlhh-7Crl8JZZZoAgTnviQAwIG2oEEThXx-iP9ST84S69cqI/s1600-h/Walmart+Greeter+Happy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7ycd4WuVQpd1oduhnAVGn1MIPtf8UQJDw3tbF8AjsTKA3gSkgn550w60pNz3okUJaUWiAxZnctdXdU_i1jgyG3h6SJfJNlhh-7Crl8JZZZoAgTnviQAwIG2oEEThXx-iP9ST84S69cqI/s320/Walmart+Greeter+Happy.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>By this time those of you that know me, understand already that my cart was wheeling around the corner to go meet this 'Super Dad'. Surely I thought I would find Zig Ziglar's first cousin, Anthony Robbins himself, or maybe just some high school football coach in a cap with a whistle around his neck who knew the power of inspiring his players. Or perhaps one of those 'hired WalMart Greeter' people who usually are fairly fired up individuals themselves. They seem to naturally have a smiley face on and love people thanks to Sam Walton's legacy.<br />
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You see the voice I heard, but could not see, from across the top of the waffle and cereal aisle divide certainly was certainly a character shaper and a giant of a man. I wanted to meet him and shake his hand! Tell him I love what I heard!<br />
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So when I spun my cart down that next aisle and looked ahead I did not see any of those wondermen of motivation I spoke of, but instead a man in a torn overcoat, scraggly beard and a weary walk. After greeting the man and telling him how powerfully he impacted me from across the aisle top, he simply said 'I want Joey to grow up with more positive voices in his little head than I did'. God's gonna make him better than me'. Wow! After hugging the man and telling him God's already blessed this little guy with you, I asked little Joey 'are you happy?'. He smiled big and blurted out 'I'm a happy boy!'<br />
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I had earlier especially been taken by the boy following the wisdom of... "I look for the good in people". Worth repeating. 'Look for the good in people'.<br />
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Especially in stepfamilies, too often a parent or child is 'looking for error' in a relationship instead of following that wonderful wisdom...'look for the good'.<br />
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Blended Families or any family. Learn from a scraggly bearded man, who might just have been an angel so I can share this story with you. Encourage your children. Be a positive and Godly force that echos into their future.<br />
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Scripture shares in <strong>Proverbs Chapter 17 and Verse 22</strong>...<br />
<blockquote><em><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: white;">A cheerful heart is good medicine, <br />
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.</b></span></em></blockquote><strong><span style="color: blue;">Go tell somebody THREE THINGS that you like about them.</span></strong><br />
It will be...good medicine. And God just may give you one more step on the journey 'from Broken to Blended to BONDED'.<br />
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Visit our website <a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/">http://www.thebondedfamily.com/</a> <br />
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Keep Looking UP!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982823793981308952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847219975351127591.post-12143625686919370392010-12-06T09:30:00.003-06:002010-12-06T10:30:31.460-06:00Blended Family Tree<b><span style="font-size: 180%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">NOTE: Sunday, in our weekly <a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/blendedfamilyfellowship">Blended Family Fellowship Class</a> ...Rebecca shared wonderfully about 'tree trunks'. Made me think about a 2008 blog worth repeating.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><br />
See Your Blended Family Tree Grow</span></b><br />
<div><br />
After a recent snow and ice storm, I helped my Father-in-law cut down and haul away a very large branch of a giant tree that he had planted long, long ago. It was a towering willow tree planted along a small lake. It had stood the test of time over 37 years. Now one of the willows large cut up branch lay ready to become firewood for our families. As I looked at the ‘tree rings’ depicting the chronology of that tree and the large branch, a smile came over me in a big way … there is a message for Blended Families in this tree.</div><div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69g5zRDVXD3pnBpEKncUe2bM79_DCcuB0j9PkUcdle9TJufEdXODW1v1gxAtKjHGhZfF0P0tacjVWTsEVADC67S4YKtWGHpNIS_z9uElArqQUjF_-TNBDnaWLCcv6AY8fXiemdnF9vdrT/s1600-h/Tree+Rings+and+History+Markings.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvunagVmPutS6tutIYgucoUj3XZypKyC_3dVb5eMe7EygjZGnjO69d3x75IIOMgMZKNev3_MyJgf3KP-_S99zHKstcyKdmFCuRm8YtPD8FUITjeCr92Spfro7apiSWRs1uRbV4TPra7xK/s1600-h/Tree+Rings+and+History+Markings.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154292170218698498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvunagVmPutS6tutIYgucoUj3XZypKyC_3dVb5eMe7EygjZGnjO69d3x75IIOMgMZKNev3_MyJgf3KP-_S99zHKstcyKdmFCuRm8YtPD8FUITjeCr92Spfro7apiSWRs1uRbV4TPra7xK/s320/Tree+Rings+and+History+Markings.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a>Each year that a tree is alive it grows another ring, making its trunk wider. The thickness of each ring depends on what the weather, the climate, lightning strikes, fire damage or the storms were like during the year in which it grew that ring. A wide ring indicates faster growth (good conditions), whereas a narrow ring or scar of some sort indicates poor growth (bad conditions). When a tree is cut, the rings can be "read" like a diary of the ‘history of life’ of that tree. Families also can have ‘tree ring’ story in their chronology diary... and by God's hand we can have good growth.</div><br />
<div></div><div>In Blended Families we too have seasons of life or our own family ‘tree rings’. Often in blended families, despite being ‘branded’ broken, there is much joy, happiness and many good seasons, and yes occasionally some will probably be not so good. That is normal. Like all of life, God gives us seasons we go through in order to see His hand in our life. He wants us to know that placing our trust in HIM offers strength through all the seasons. So that our ‘tree rings’ will show genuine growth. </div><br />
<div>We encourage you to take this to heart in your step-family. Often times in divorce, remarriage and new blended family / step-family life the ‘storms’ seem to be just a little stronger, the ‘heat’ feels a little hotter, and the ‘winds’ seem to blow more powerfully against us, testing the strength of our tree. Parental interaction, children’s behavior and emotions, financial challenges, and cooperation with former spouses can all offer ‘climate’ that sometimes seems to try to knock down or knock out a family.</div><div><br />
We encourage blended families / step-families who we coach through difficult situations to look first for patience, perseverance and victory through trusting God. We respect the secular viewpoints that offer insight into the dynamics of step-family life, yet as we have invested years of research, reading, interviews with families, and conversations with family therapists and professionals, we continue to find the real power is in God’s Hands. The foundation of your blended family, your ‘tree ring’ and family chronology success in this sense must be fully planted in the Word of God. The greatest growth of your tree ring can be found through planting, and your family by the streams of living water.</div><br />
<div>In <b>Psalms 1: 1-3,</b> we are offered perfect wisdom to follow;</div><br />
<div><i>Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,</i></div><div><i>or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.</i></div><div><i>But his delight is in the law of the LORD,</i></div><div><i>and on his law he meditates day and night.</i></div><div><b><span style="color: #666600;"><i>He is like a tree planted by streams of water,</i></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #666600;"><i>which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.</i></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #666600;"><i>Whatever he does prospers.</i></span></b></div><br />
<div>So that your ‘blended family chronology’ will prosper, through the “storms” and “climate” challenges, you and your spouse must plant yourself as the parents ‘by the streams of living water’ and draw a line in the sand for your family by fully trust God. He is the root and the trunk, you are the branch. Then you may ‘see things with new eyes’ and ‘hear things with new ears’.We encourage blended families to look for God in all things, good and some seemingly bad, and keep your ‘roots’ firmly planted in prayer and in God’s Word daily. You can be ‘like the tree…which yields fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither. Do not walk in the counsel of negative people, or those who mock biblical wisdom. Stand strong, you will get through it. If you trust God, your tree will stand and reach up to the sky and one day you will see its fruit. </div><div></div><div>Our family tree, and our own blended family chronology, has had some thick rings with great years of growth, and some rings where you can sense the storms came. In all times, we kept the ‘roots’ planted in God’s Hands, even when the world might say we should crash. We have seen God’s goodness and His glory, and He has firmly planted in our hearts to pass along the encouragement, hope and motivation for you and your blended family. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982823793981308952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847219975351127591.post-38389717385943716662010-10-19T14:29:00.001-05:002010-10-19T14:45:53.890-05:00STEPFAMILY WORKSHOPS - KANSAS CITY AREA<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>BLENDED FAMILIES Have Busy Schedules</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Two November Options for a Stepfamily Workshop</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2XQ7192MSYoVKn4vkq7N4GRPsKmJNaNeXoCWwpievnZFayATh4ceju9hlc0Hs6bbkTnTHzXhGckNW8XR_0JrYnsF1mkPtqauWGfexa-6gFgzpHGi69BJRlykiuEG8NE437uV0N4094rc/s200/busy_calendar.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Blended Family Calendars Can Be Hectic</span></strong></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">My Wife Rebecca recently blogged with great experienced insight about the hectic pace and busy lives of blended families. We know that our fellow stepfamily marriages can be filled with many scheduling commitments.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We've often heard from people who say 'I want to attend your TBF conference but we have the kids that weekend'. Hmmmm....we get it. So...we hopefully fixed that.</div></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We have set up options for you on the back to back <a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/">Saturday's Nov 13th and Nov 20th</a> in the Kansas City area we are hosting a shortened one day only STEPFAMILY WORKSHOP. One in Cass County (Harrisonville/South KC metro) and one in KC Metro area proper.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The topics and discussion are the same at either. (see below) So choose which one fits your schedule. ALSO...due to the challenging economic times, we have reduced the registration fees from $89 to $49. Plus offer additional discounts to Military, Police, Fire, College or Seminary Students, Pastors, Grandparents (a new key area for family success) </div><br />
Some might say 'Well $49 is still a lot right now'. Consider that you get 7+ hours of Practical Tips, Encouragement, the Value of 7 years of Research and Study, and over 60 years of real life combined stepfamily experience, a workbook, gifts, discount coupons worth savings around town, lunch, coffee and snacks...then that $7 an hour seems reasonable. OR...some wait to go to $100 an hour therapist long after it's gotten worse in their family. $49 is a GREAT INVESTMENT IN YOUR FAMILY. <br />
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The OPPORTUNITY for a Grandparent, Friend, Co-Worker, Manager or Church Group to SPONSOR SCHOLARSHIPS for individuals is ENCOURAGED.<br />
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For Details and Register...click below and on the date you are interested in.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/"><strong>www.thebondedfamily.com</strong></a><strong><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></strong></div><br />
<div align="left"><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong><u><a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/">LEAVE THE STEPFAMILY WORKSHOP WITH</a>:</u></strong></span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></strong></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>• Improved StepParent-StepChild Relationships </strong></span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></strong></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>• Greater Marriage Teamwork & Communication </strong></span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></strong></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>• How to improve the co-parenting with 'other house'. ('The Ex')</strong></span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></strong></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>• "What a Child Sees, Feels & Hears" - Hear from a Child of Divorce<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span></strong></span><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></strong></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>• Family Court System Ideas, Suggestions and Coaching</strong></span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></strong></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>• Blended Family Huddles and Bonding Traditions </strong></span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></strong></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>• Greater Understanding of Stepfamily Dynamics</strong></span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></strong></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>• Practical Tips to Succeed Week to Week</strong></span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><br />
<strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></strong></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>• Coaching & Sharing via Small Group Breakouts</strong></span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></strong></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>• Answers from Multiple Live Q&A Sessions</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">After attending one of our conferences or workshops, people often say:<br />
<strong><em>"I wish I knew THEN, what I've learned from you today NOW."</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">INVEST IN YOUR MARRIAGE AND YOUR FAMILY. <br />
Get 15 years of THEN...NOW.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><br />
For that wonderful blog of Rebecca's I spoke of: <a href="http://www.blendedfamilyhope.com/">http://www.blendedfamilyhope.com/</a></strong></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">If you'd like to have your Church, Community Center, Hospital, Military Base or other group be a part of serving stepfamilies and the unique dynamics they face...contact us at: <a href="mailto:INFO@TheBondedFamily.com">INFO@TheBondedFamily.com</a> </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/blendedfamilyradio" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgReA8P6AmrFJ29Rq_vuWtpxIC6EbggDJjw4i2RNlRBE-RJMB8cvHXi0ALJxJzuUx4hHDVbJpOw97ulRs4VS4MwXcuj8hIKGkBIlwJ2vGokpg39hmjZEvt77ZOLW8U6VN4FTSU_IPSA1NzM/s200/Rebecca+on+air.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Rebecca Snell on <br />
Blended Family Today radio</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">REMEMBER...GOD CAN...<br />
take your Stepfamily...</span></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>From Broken to Blended to BONDED.</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">God Bless YOU! Keep Looking UP!</span></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/"><strong>www.THEBONDEDFAMILY.com</strong></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982823793981308952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847219975351127591.post-6548384167619252922010-07-26T15:13:00.000-05:002010-07-26T15:13:39.623-05:00BLENDED FAMILY INSPIRATION<div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Blended Families Finding Inspiration to Win!<br />
'IF WE ONLY KNEW THEN, WHAT WE KNOW NOW!'<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://surveys.ratepoint.com/survey/e1caa7e5e4df7912315ae86f0de6c2ae">Blended Family Survey</a> Helps Stepfamilies 'Know'.</span></b></span></div><br />
"If we only knew in the first year of our blended family, what we've learned in your conference this weekend!" We often hear this, or read in evaluations, from our conference attendees. Why? Because like most any profession, avocation, duty or responsibility in life, the more upfront one has a grasp of what they'll experience ahead, can carry with them some success tips, be knowledgeable of the unique dynamics of the situation, and have awareness of potential 'landmines' the easier it is to manage the scenario. It's not always 'what happens', but bigger how you 'respond to what happened' that can measure success in your family or life.<br />
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Our own personal 15 years of successes, AND failures too, in our own blended family taught us much as we seek to share in order to help others. Putting that life experience together with research, study, reading, listening via focus groups, hosting conferences and workshops has taught us much. We are happy to share every bit of expertise we gather to help other people just like you and your family.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHkixf3jW7px40qDQ2jWyEyL4Bwfs3Oh7xzPBroft9NUOwMxKtUPHwPF-NjnzNCIlnl_J3oYfWcyNNBDLIIjDPRZlCNcc_nVHLK5zU2E4FbttSmN0LctfoFE-LOwOMULvLXNS0Y3XHfQd/s1600/zig+ziglar+cares+and+helps+blended+families.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHkixf3jW7px40qDQ2jWyEyL4Bwfs3Oh7xzPBroft9NUOwMxKtUPHwPF-NjnzNCIlnl_J3oYfWcyNNBDLIIjDPRZlCNcc_nVHLK5zU2E4FbttSmN0LctfoFE-LOwOMULvLXNS0Y3XHfQd/s320/zig+ziglar+cares+and+helps+blended+families.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>"You can have everything in life you want, if you just help enough other people get what they want."</i> ~ Zig Ziglar</div><br />
For the last 30 years, <b>Zig Ziglar</b> has been the 'gold standard', the 'American Treasure' when it comes to sales and relationship expertise. He has changed the lives, and inspired the world across the globe like few others.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hQmrG35aHuHl-k5T0W4Z791S8IIijDeE-PtDAHRK7jT-LialLer00Vc1QZnLpX-5eQIGwXyC4f4gK1DVc_P0ENRCoRfIXhc8MOGy0DLy-GvtbJQPhOnTRenuAqhU1YWTB0xdcSyom79X/s1600/Zig+and+Tom+Ziglar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hQmrG35aHuHl-k5T0W4Z791S8IIijDeE-PtDAHRK7jT-LialLer00Vc1QZnLpX-5eQIGwXyC4f4gK1DVc_P0ENRCoRfIXhc8MOGy0DLy-GvtbJQPhOnTRenuAqhU1YWTB0xdcSyom79X/s200/Zig+and+Tom+Ziglar.jpg" width="200" /></a>Companies turn to <a href="http://www.ziglar.com/">Ziglar Corp</a>, led now by self described 'Proud Son' and equally encouraging Tom Ziglar as CEO, to deliver some of the very best corporate training in the nation. We have been honored to work with Tom, Zig and Julie Ziglar Norman, Zig's youngest daughter, as they too have giant hearts for helping families prosper in America. Zig's classic books '<a href="http://www.ziglar.com/shop/index.php/cPath/21%27">Raising Positive Kids in a Negative World</a>' and '<a href="http://www.ziglar.com/shop/index.php/cPath/21">Confessions of a Happy Christian</a>' are two books we were <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZKlug06riAiHanEyawjwaAgZXwJBwc1HJstMvDSFMFdyj4qhbqr2OA_NFgjA8eyhWoexAW6ymTbO9eZWeKIS2q0bXuE_0oC8D2u3JQfvM6JXQJOL_81WBK-7yFg8lZ3Pjkibkch0Sm1Z/s1600/Ziglar+Snell+Blended+Family+efforts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZKlug06riAiHanEyawjwaAgZXwJBwc1HJstMvDSFMFdyj4qhbqr2OA_NFgjA8eyhWoexAW6ymTbO9eZWeKIS2q0bXuE_0oC8D2u3JQfvM6JXQJOL_81WBK-7yFg8lZ3Pjkibkch0Sm1Z/s320/Ziglar+Snell+Blended+Family+efforts.JPG" width="320" /></a>blessed by long before ever meeting the Ziglars in person. Tom Ziglar was the keynote speaker at our January 2010 Blended Family Luncheon. Julie Ziglar Norman has spoken at our stepfamily conferences and she, along with her inspiring husband Jim Norman, share their very special testimony of success in stepfamily life.<br />
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At The Bonded Family we have one purpose. To extend Encouragement, Hope, Inspiration and Biblical insight to the 23+ million homes in America. Over 140 million Americans go to bed each and every night facing some form of stepfamily dynamic challenge. There is a way to reduce the wounds, stress, conflict and pain. Our mission is to share that nationally. If we could bring 10% of the inspiration, confidence and encouragement that our friends the Ziglar's did in this world then we will feel blessed mightily. <br />
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As part of the ongoing research we do, quarterly we conduct a <b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/research">BLENDED FAMILY SURVEY</a>.</span></b><br />
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Please click on this <b><a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/research">BLENDED FAMILY SURVEY</a></b>, invest 90 seconds to fill it out. You'll help us serve families. Strictly confidential. No names or email request. If you are not in a stepfamily environment, forward this to someone who is. They'll truly appreciate you caring enough to think of them this hour.<br />
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As the population and awareness of stepfamily dynamics grows, more and more are seeing the glass isn't half empty, but indeed for blended families it can be half full, and why not make it overflow! Divorce, remarriage and struggle is not God's perfect plan for life, yet He does love us and does have a plan that we can follow to succeed in our 2nd chances. <br />
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<b>In the meantime....we ENCOURAGE You to KEEP LOOKING UP!</b><br />
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Visit our website at: <a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/">www.thebondedfamily.com</a><br />
Follow us on TWITTER : <a href="http://www.twitter.com/blendedfamilies">www.twitter.com/blendedfamilies</a><br />
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FOLLOW TOM ZIGLAR ALONG WITH 34,000+ others at: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TomZiglar">www.twitter.com/TomZiglar </a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982823793981308952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847219975351127591.post-64768073883409070912010-07-07T08:27:00.000-05:002010-07-07T08:27:28.399-05:00Please Help CHARGE UP our Blended Family Efforts!<div style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b>EVER FEEL WEARY IN YOUR STEP-FAMILY DYNAMICS?</b></div><div style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b>EVERY WISH YOU COULD GET YOUR FAMILY RE-CHARGED?</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;">COULD YOU USE SOME GOOD NEWS! </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">That's what we try to do on a weekly basis via this Blended Family Today blog, our BLENDED FAMILY TODAY radio broadcasts and free <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">podcasts</span>, as well as conferences, coaching, mediation and resources. Find those and more information at <a href="http://www.thebondedfamily.com/">www.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">thebondedfamily</span>.com</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=7r2B1t0qW8k&offerid=184575.10000250&type=4&subid=0" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Interstate Batteries.com" border="0" src="http://corporate.interstatebatteries.com/affiliates/affiliate_images/ImagesB/300x250.jpg" /></a>To keep things rolling with any organization, some form of revenue is needed. We work to keep registrations to conferences and resource prices as low as possible. So when you see us once in a while with brief promotions like this, please know we are just trying to fund operations.<br />
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We discovered a way to help that revenue effort, and for you to also help our cause. We have partnered with Interstate Batteries, a nationally recognized name who just happens to have a CEO who is a strong man of faith. They will pay us a small percentage of the battery sales we do, even while keep their BATTERY PRICES DISCOUNTED +++ FREE SHIPPING. Please click below. They have ALL KINDS OF BATTERIES. You need batteries right? Instead of waiting until you are out, buy them now. With FREE SHIPPING it is less than using gas to drive to the store. Click to check it out. Let us know what you think.<br />
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If YOU RIGHT NOW, would buy some batteries, and the other thousands of readers would buy some batteries, you'd be saying THANKS for us blogging and PAYING FORWARD your support of another <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">stepfamily</span> that might need some help down the road.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Please help us help blended families by CHARGING UP your house and funding up our mission. THANK YOU and God Bless Your Family! </div></div><img border="0" height="2" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=7r2B1t0qW8k&bids=184575.10000250&type=4&subid=0" width="2" /><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=7r2B1t0qW8k&offerid=184575.10000243&type=4&subid=0"><img alt="Interstate Batteries.com" border="0" src="http://corporate.interstatebatteries.com/affiliates/affiliate_images/ImagesB/468x60.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982823793981308952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847219975351127591.post-27425793808794147712010-06-30T23:02:00.001-05:002010-06-30T23:02:02.352-05:00Set the Plans. A VACATING PLAN for your Blended Family! 'Vacating' = Bonding Time! <a href="http://ping.fm/mfxmx">http://ping.fm/mfxmx</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04982823793981308952noreply@blogger.com0