 By Cindee Johnson Relationship Champion and Encompass Partner It’s that time of year when our thoughts turn to roast turkey and baked ham, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce, green beans, stuffing, deviled eggs, sweet potato casserole, macaroni and cheese, pecan pie, fresh dinner rolls, and…family. Ahhhh, the family. We gather together with family giving thanks with grateful hearts. Or do we?
Do we give thanks with grateful hearts? And, does it really matter? Turns out, it does. In fact, it matters a lot.
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 By Dr David Marine Mabry Encompass Executive Director Many of us grew up with sayings like, “Forgive and forget,” or assumed that forgiving someone meant excusing their actions. But these are myths about forgiveness that can make the journey to healing feel impossible. So today, let’s explore what forgiveness is—and isn’t—to help you find a path forward that feels right for both you and your relationship.
 By Dr David Marine Mabry Encompass Executive Director Have you ever looked at a couple and thought, “Wow, how did they get so lucky? They make marriage look effortless!” Here’s the secret: it’s not luck. Every strong relationship you see takes effort, patience, and intentional communication. Behind that sense of ease lies a shared commitment to building and nurturing the relationship—something every couple can cultivate.
 By Cindee Johnson Relationship Champion and Encompass Partner Coming alongside another person to show the way has long proven to be of value. Coaches. Trainers. Mentors. Disciplers. No matter the title, Jesus modeled this better than anyone. He led by example. He lived what he taught. He was intentional. He was relational. He made a difference. So can we.
How do I know? I’ve witnessed it at Encompass Connection Center, again and again. I’ve even been blessed to be a part of it. As we celebrate Encompass’s 20 years of impact this month, let’s look at how mentoring and coaching are utilized to make a difference.  By Theresa Mabry Encompass Director of Operations We’ve all seen those annoying clickbait ads that pop up when you’re browsing online: “Improve your marriage in just 6 hours a week!“ “Lose 40 pounds by Friday!” “Florida Man Finds 20-Foot Crocodile in his Basement!” But don’t dismiss us too fast. Encompass Connection Center really can help you with one of those things. We’ll let you guess which one...
 By Theresa Mabry Encompass Director of Operations Couples need to have the Freedom to have fun! Who would you rather hang out with someone who laughs easily or someone who spends more time complaining? A person who turns any situation into an adventure, or a person who leaves no room in their routine for spontaneity? A partner who plans fun for the two of you, or a partner who sees everything on the calendar as an obligation?
The choice should be easy - most of us prefer to spend time having fun! And who better to have fun with than the person you’ve chosen to spend your life with? Research shows that couples who have fun together and laugh together have healthier, more vitalized relationships. That sounds like a pretty good reason to give yourself the freedom to have fun as a couple!  By: Cindee Johnson Relationship Champion and Encompass Partner free·dom
/ˈfrēdəm/ noun: freedom Is that how you define freedom? Freedom can mean something different to each of us. It can mean being able to vote for specific ideals or for people who best represent your views. Freedom can mean the ability to voice your opinion freely. It may mean the opportunity to travel where you want, read what you want, look how you want. Maybe, for you, freedom is no financial debt. Or being free from all oppression. What does freedom mean to you?  By Kermit Rowe
Encompass Relationship Facilitator This month’s blog theme is “more than words.” So let’s take those three words and put them at the end of the following sentence to “explore the more” of a time-tested relational truth: Communication is more than words. How do we communicate besides talking? Well, we should know because we certainly do it a lot. A Psychology Today article famously reported that only seven percent of our communication happens through words. That means 93 percent of your intended message is left up to tone and non-verbal cues. Other estimated percentages may vary a bit, but one thing is clear: When it comes to communicating in relationships, it’s more than words can say.  By: Cindee Johnson
Relationship Coach The world paints for us vivid descriptions of love, especially during the month of February. From television ads urging us to buy our way into someone’s heart to social media posts making everyone an expert. Emotions run rampant. Feelings are full. Advice is plentiful. Wisdom is not. Yet, there are some other love insights I believe worth sharing—from elementary school children.  By Ronda Nissley
Encompass Co Director Well not really…. But the problem I have with Valentine’s Day is the emphasis on singling out one day a year to celebrate an inferior type of love with gifts, flowers, candy and goofy cards – things that have little to do with Real Love. (Unless your love language is gifts.) In last week’s blog, Lavern highlighted three characteristics of real love as a way to recognize counterfeit love. Real, true love is unconditional, others-centered, patient and kind. In contrast, counterfeit love looks quite different... |
HostsDr. David Marine and Theresa Mabry are Co-Directors of Encompass since June 1, 2024. TOPICS
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Program content is the sole responsibility of Encompass Connection Center and does not necessarily represent the views of the funders.
Encompass Connection Center services are provided to all eligible persons on a non-discriminatory basis. Encompass Connection Center complies with all applicable laws and regulations concerning discrimination does not discriminate on the basis of the potential participant's race, gender, gender orientation, age, disability or religion.
Registered 501(c)(3). EIN: 37-1485217