Focus on the family games

Issues could include a begrudging division of labour or ignored sexual preferences. In these circumstances, heed Ephesians to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

You could try making a sandwich, folding a paper airplane or tying a shoe. You and your spouse are "one flesh" Ephesians , work like it!

Overcome gridlock: Do you become increasingly inflexible in your side of a conflict and refuse to listen to his position? Rather than sharing your hopes, dreams and aspirations with your spouse, perhaps you squelch them for lack of affirmation.

When humour and affection decrease, stonewalling, criticism, contempt and defensiveness increase. Gottman calls this "gridlock. Yearly strategy — The Lord says in Habakkuk , "Write the vision; make it plain. To start your own strategizing, brainstorm and write down your marriage mission statement. This could be as general as committing to bring joy to your family, friends and community. Then work together on specific strategies, outlining what you will or will not do to accomplish your goal.

As you unearth and share your dreams and aspirations, your path out of gridlock will gradually begin to appear. Create shared meaning: This is couple culture at its finest — and most fun! Note the nuances in your marriage. Your favourite make-out film, best-kept Saturday breakfast routine and habit of holding hands during prayer are just a few examples. Valuing these unique experiences forms a positive bond between you and your spouse.

For example, draw the place where you got engaged, act out your first kiss or mime an inside joke. As you draw or act these memories, rejoice in the symbols, rituals and unifying meanings that make your marriage special. Of course, effective team building needs to be a regularly occurring, integral part of married life. If you liked this article and would like to go deeper, we have some helpful resources below.

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Support Focus Help us reach families across Canada Reasons to give. In If I Had a Parenting Do-Over, author and youth culture expert Jonathan McKee offers real, practical help to parents who would rather learn from someone else's firsthand experiences in hopes of circumventing their own parenting flubs.

In this book for all parents, but especially for those with teens in the home, Jonathan shares 7 "do-overs" from his own parenting mishaps. Plugged In is a Focus on the Family publication designed to shine a light on the world of popular entertainment while giving families the essential tools they need to understand, navigate and impact the culture in which they live.

Through our reviews, articles and discussions, we hope to spark intellectual thought, spiritual growth and a desire to follow the command of Colossians "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.

Kristin Smith joined the Plugged In team in Formerly a Spanish and English teacher, Kristin loves reading literature and eating authentic Mexican tacos. She and her husband, Eddy, love raising their little guy, Judah. Kristin also has a deep affection for coffee, music, her dog Cali and cat Aslan.

Jonathan McKee is the author of over twenty books. He has over 20 years youth ministry experience and speaks to parents and leaders worldwide, He can be heard each week on the Plugged In Entertainment Review radio feature and The Plugged In Show. Haymitch Abernathy, their trainer, accompanies them. He is the only District 12 tribute who has ever survived the Hunger Games. The bored, wealthy people of the Capitol celebrate the Hunger Games with parties and parades.

Capitol-appointed prep teams create an image for each tribute by providing costumes, makeovers and talking points. Since tributes are always on camera, Katniss can never ask Peeta if his declaration is true or a ploy to attract attention. She plays along, and they draw many sponsors with their ill-fated romance.

After Olympic-like opening ceremonies, the tributes are thrown into an arena with miles of forestland. Eleven tributes die the first day as the contestants fight for the few supplies the Capitol has provided. Katniss takes off alone, hiding and hunting for several days until a group of allied tributes traps her in a tree.

There, she finds a young tribute named Rue, who reminds her of her sister. They drop a nest of mutated yellow jackets on their opponents and escape. Their alliance and friendship are short-lived. Another boy kills Rue with a spear a few days later.

When only one contestant besides Katniss and Peeta remains, the Gamemakers release a pack of vicious dog-like creatures. The beasts slowly maul the other boy to death. Only one contestant can win, meaning the District 12 tributes must fight each other to the death. Peeta and Katniss threaten to eat poisonous berries simultaneously. The Gamemakers, knowing a double suicide will be an unsatisfying conclusion for the audience, quickly uphold their earlier ruling.

Though both teens are allowed to return to home, Haymitch tells Katniss that the Capitol is furious with their attempt to throw the Games. So even as she rides the train to District 12, Katniss senses she is anything but safe. She recalls his beautiful singing. Though Mother eventually improves, she is never the same nor does she reclaim the roles of parent or provider.

Known throughout the nation for his embarrassing alcohol-induced TV appearances, he sobers up some to help them form a strategy. He sends them gifts on the battlefield when they follow his orders. The dictatorial leaders of the Capitol, as well as its self-absorbed citizens, dress strangely and eat lavishly. A few times, Katniss mentions having good luck. Rue carries a good luck charm. Katniss says the woods where she hunts have been the savior of her and her family.