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Spirit e-Newsletter | February 2008 | Krist Samaritan Center | Touching Lives, Healing Hearts
Love is in the air. | Love is a very strong word. It’s a feeling, an action, a cause—there's even a day devoted to it. Oftentimes this word is put to the test through friends, family and romantic relationships. This month’s Spirit aims to fine-tune your relations with a few tips to make your love last. [Photo: Flowers]
[Photo: Young Adult Couple]
Keys to a happy marriage—keep it simple.
Raging arguments. Conflict avoidance. Sound familiar? Think your marriage is headed for trouble? What is really wrong in your marriage may be simpler than you think. There’s no one sure-fire model for a successful marriage. John Gottman, well-known marriage psychologist, emphasizes that there are different styles of marriage, but a good marriage is simpler than that.
Love and respect. The two things that people really want from their significant other. It really is that simple. A husband responding to their wives’ anger. Unrequited interest in each other’s emotions. Saying thank you for even the everyday tasks. Asking about her day. Soothing each other in hard times. Making a connection through positive communication, even over the smallest things can be crucial in maintaining a satisfying emotional balance in marriage. Unfortunately, people don’t often cultivate these concepts, making it an untapped resource in many marriages. Ignoring these connections can be even more damaging than having an argument or avoiding an issue. It takes a lot of emotional and physical energy to make a marriage work. Be conscious of your actions and think about where you put your energy when it comes to your relationship with your husband or wife.
The Magic Ratio | Stable marriages show a 5-to-1 ratio between positive and negative communications. Couples do this by: • Showing interest in what each other is saying or feeling. • Sharing your joy; letting each other know when you’re delighted, excited. • Accepting and respecting each other’s feelings; listening without being defensive. • Expressing appreciation, compliments and displays of pride in each other. • Being empathetic; words and facial expressions show you’re trying to understand. • Showing you care, checking in and calling to ask how things are going. • Joking around; gentle teasing, playing, having fun cements your bond. • Showing affection by touching, saying or doing something thoughtful. (From “A Conversation with John Gottman” in the August 1995 Issue of The Lutheran.)
[Photo: Father & Son]
Pastoral Care and Counseling Seminar for the Hispanic Pastor | The Krist Samaritan Center is offering a pastoral care and counseling seminar for Hispanic pastors and their wives. Training will highlight the skills needed for basic pastoral counseling including connection building techniques, personal and pastoral boundaries, life in the ministry and a question and answer portion with experienced, licensed professionals. | When: February 23, 2008, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Where: Krist Samaritan Center | Cost: $35 for individuals, $50 for pastor and spouse. Pre-registration is required. | How: Call 281.480.7554, ext. 45 or visit www.samaritanhouston.org
TOUCHING LIVES, HEALING HEARTS
[Photo: Elderly Couple]
Location Spotlight | Each month, Spirit spotlights a partnering congregation to reveal how Krist Samaritan Center is touching lives and healing hearts all across Houston. | Houston Southwest – St. Thomas More Catholic Church | St. Thomas More Catholic Church is a large and culturally diverse Roman Catholic Parish of The Diocese of Galveston-Houston committed to prayer, worship and celebration of the sacraments. Located at 10330 Hillcroft in Houston, the Center’s Southwest Houston counseling location is staffed on Mondays from 2 pm till 7 pm by the Center’s Director of Clinical Services, Sue Barnes, L.C.S.W.
[Photo: The Krist Samaritan Center Director of Clinical Services, Sue Barnes, L.C.S.W.]
Photo Cutline: The Krist Samaritan Center Director of Clinical Services, Sue Barnes, L.C.S.W., counsels at the St. Thomas More Catholic Church on Mondays.
Mark Your Calendars! A Samaritan Celebration 2008 is October 23, 2008 at the River Oaks Country Club
[Photo: Mother & Daughter]
17555 El Camino Real | Houston, Texas 77058 | 281.480.7554 | www.samaritanhouston.org
 
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