What’s the wisest way to handle my finances during a period of recession? How do I plan ahead when there’s so much economic uncertainty? And how can I avoid setbacks in the future?
Life Changes Q&As
Should I get rid of my credit cards? They’re eating me alive. Some people tell me to cut them up, but I can’t because my job requires me to travel a lot. How can I hold on to them and overcome my debt problem at the same time?
How can a loser like me ever be happy? I hate myself for who and what I am. I hate myself for the laundry that’s not done, for the dirty socks and clothes on the floor, for a bunch of clean and unfolded clothes, for dirty dishes all over the house. I feel like the …
How long should I take antidepressants? After struggling with anxiety and depression for several years, I finally decided to see a doctor about my problem. He put me on an antidepressant, and it’s definitely improved my mood. But I’m worried that I’ll have to take this drug for the rest of my life. Would it …
What would it take to help an aging parent maintain the greatest possible sense of his own human dignity, worth, and independence? My wife and I are more than willing to take care of my aging father, but he’s always been a proud man, and we don’t want to crush his spirit. How do we …
Do you think it’s wrong for my spouse to smoke marijuana? He’s been a fairly regular user for most of our married life, and I’ve never seen it as a big problem since many people have assured me that pot isn’t addictive. But he’s been using it more often lately, and sometimes he even smokes …
As a single woman, how important is it that I have a will? Is this something I should be concerned about?
How can I get my brothers and sisters to be more involved in caring for our elderly mother? I’m the oldest, and my siblings seem to have decided that I should do most of the work. I don’t mind being the primary caregiver, but the lack of support is frustrating. If I don’t do something …
What advice do you have for a family on a limited budget when it comes to buying a car? Our car is about to die, so we’re in the market for something more reliable.
How do I survive unemployment? It’s been two years since I lost my job. After exhausting every possibility in my search for work, I no longer have any hope that my situation will ever change. My wife has gone back to work, but her income isn’t enough to cover our bills even though we’ve trimmed …
What are some biblical principles to keep in mind as I begin writing up my will? I’d like to know that when I’m gone my financial assets will be used in the best and wisest way possible to benefit my family and advance the work of God’s kingdom. Any tips or pointers?
How do I know if I’m “enabling” my spouse’s compulsive gambling problem? I don’t want to do anything that might encourage his behavior. And while I’m on the subject, what exactly does it mean to be an “enabler”?
How can I best minister to someone who has lost a family member to suicide? My good friend’s son recently took his own life, and I’m at a loss as to what I should do or say to her. Can you help me?
Is suicide unforgiveable?
Is it a bad idea to become romantically involved with a fellow employee? I think I’m in love with a man who works in my office. I know it’s often considered unprofessional to date a co-worker, and I’m not entirely certain about his feelings for me. The last thing I want to do is place …
Do you have any suggestions for an aging single woman with no immediate family who is seriously worried about what’s going to happen to her in old age? I know that God holds widows close to His heart and calls the church to help care for them if they have no close relatives, but I …
How can I know God’s “calling” for my life? For years I’ve been working at a difficult, uninteresting job. It has never brought me much in the way of happiness or satisfaction, but it has allowed me to provide for my family. As far as I’m concerned, that’s the higher priority. Meanwhile, I’m always hearing …
How can I forgive my deceased father for his cruel words and behavior? He treated me horribly when I was a kid, and as a result my relationship with him was strained and distant until the day he died. I never worked things out with him in person, and now I’m struggling with feelings of …
How important is exercise and physical activity for a woman in her late seventies? I’d like to help my mother preserve her health as long as possible, but I don’t want to push too hard. Can you suggest any reasonable guidelines? What kinds of exercise are best for a person at this stage of life?
How can I come alongside a compulsive gambler and encourage him to take steps to overcome his addiction? After observing my husband’s behavior, seeking out the opinions of pastors and friends, and researching the issue on my own, I’ve come to the conclusion that he has a serious problem in this area. I’d like to …
