How do we find the best possible care for our aging mother? In our quest for a workable plan, one of the options that has surfaced is “assisted living?” What exactly does this entail? What kind of service does it offer, and how do we select a good assisted living facility? We’d appreciate any advice …
Life Changes Q&As
How should I respond if someone sues me? In 1 Corinthians 1:1-11, Paul says that Christians shouldn’t bring lawsuits against one another. That makes perfect sense to me. I understand that brothers and sisters in Christ need to explore other, less adversarial ways of resolving their differences, and I don’t intend to sue anybody if …
How can I know if I need to seek professional help with my depression? What exactly is the definition of a “clinically” depressed person? I feel sad and fatigued much of the time, and nagging anxiety is a chronic problem, but I have no idea if these are serious issues or not. Can you help …
What are some of the most important financial concerns for a newly single adult with kids?
What do I say to a friend who has had a miscarriage? I can tell she’s really hurting, and I’d like to reach out to her somehow. The problem is, I’m afraid of putting my foot in my mouth. I’ve never been through an experience of that kind myself, so it’s difficult to put myself …
How can I be healed from the sexual trauma I experienced while growing up? Hardly anyone knows that I was a victim of sexual abuse during my childhood and adolescent years – not once, but several times. Now I’m married with children of my own, and to most outsiders I appear to have it all …
Do you have any advice or school recommendations for someone who wants to pursue a career in Christian psychology and counseling? I’m looking for colleges and universities that offer degree programs in this field from a distinctly biblical perspective.
Are the entertainment media really as powerful as we’re often led to believe? The argument is regularly made that violence in society is directly attributable to violence in movies, television, and popular music. Is this really true? I’ll admit that I’m skeptical. It’s hard for me to believe that people actually go out and commit …
Does the Bible really say that gambling is wrong? I realize that it’s one of those activities – like dancing and playing cards – that religious conservatives have traditionally been “against.” But I’m not convinced that there’s any solid biblical basis for their opposition to what I regard as innocuous games of chance.
Do you have any advice for me as I attempt to help my elderly mother protect her financial assets and make sure her wishes will be carried out after her death? Wills, trusts, partnerships, probate, power of attorney — I know next to nothing about them. How should we plan her estate?
Should Christians be involved in lawsuits?
Is there always a risk of suicide in depression? My spouse has struggled with depression on and off for years. She has a prescription for medication, but she doesn’t always take it faithfully. Sometimes she seems so low that I begin to worry that she may harm herself in some way. Do you think I’m …
Are my spouse and I morally or legally obligated to pay off a deceased parent’s debts? My father-in-law passed away a few months ago with significant indebtedness. To complicate matters, he lived and died in a foreign country and I have no idea how that government handles a situation like this. More to the point, …
What’s your opinion of the use of hypnosis in therapy? Is this really a legitimate clinical tool? Are there any spiritual dangers associated with this practice?
Is it possible that psychologists and therapists who deal in “Repressed Memory Syndrome” are actually planting false memories in the minds of their patients? I can’t help wondering whether, at least in some cases, the practice of this type of therapy might encourage the invention of past events that never really happened. What do you …
Can you help me understand the differences — including the relevant pros and cons — between the various kinds of retirement accounts now available? What’s the wisest way to provide for my needs once my paycheck stops?
Should I withdraw money from my IRA for a down payment on a new home? The stock market’s been underperforming, but I’m optimistic about long-term home values.
How can I adjust my schedule so as to bring about a healthier equalization between the time I spend at work and the time I devote to the rest of life’s activities and demands? I’ve really tried to do this, but it seems that something suffers no matter what I do. Besides, I don’t think …
Can you help me prepare for the challenges of caring for an aging parent at home? My mother is no longer able to care for herself and has come to live with my husband and me. We preferred to do this rather than place her in an alternative facility, but we’re not sure that we’re …
What does the Bible say about moderate alcohol consumption? I see an increasing openness to social drinking in our circle of Christian friends. In fact, this seems to be the new norm, but I’m not sure I feel comfortable with it.
