Can you tell me how to make sure that my elderly father’s medical wishes will be respected? He’s in ill health, and he has often said that he doesn’t want any heroic measures taken to prolong his life. I know that we need to establish formal documentation of his desires in this regard, but I …
Life Changes Q&As
Can you direct me to any good books addressing mental health problems from a Christian perspective?
How can I help my spouse overcome an addiction to alcohol? She’s “given up drinking” several times only to soon end up back on the bottle. She’s lost her job, our household is a mess, and the whole family is slowly going to pieces. What can I do to turn things around?
As grandparents, how should we approach discipline with grandchildren who live under our roof? Our divorced daughter and her children recently moved in with us, and this has already led to some tense situations. What’s the best way to handle this?
Do you have any suggestions for how I can help my elderly mom with her finances? She’s still living independently in her own home, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that she’ll soon be unable to handle her finances and other matters of practical business on her own. I see a disaster coming if my siblings …
Do you think it is wise for family members to loan money to one another- for example, brother to brother, adult to child, parent to child, etc.?
Does a Christian teacher have a right to “witness” to others on the job? I’d like your opinion on the following scenario. A friend of mine recently graduated from Bible college and interviewed for a job at a local preschool. One of the interviewers, being aware of her educational and religious background, expressed some concerns …
How do I know if I have a serious problem with electronic and online games? I’ll admit I’m an avid player. I go straight to the computer every night after work and spend the rest of the evening there. It’s a way to rest and relax after a hard day on the job. The only …
Where does giving fit in with wise financial planning? These days it seems that pastors, churches and ministries are constantly asking for my money. In the process, they’re always talking about the importance of giving and telling me that it’s a crucial part of the Christian life. I’m not sure I buy this argument. What’s …
What can we do to make our terminally ill grandmother’s final days as comfortable as possible? She’s at the point when there’s no sense in attempting to prolong her life by heroic measures, but we want to do everything we can to help her. We’ve been thinking about hospice care, but we don’t know much …
Are life insurance loans a bad idea? I’m in financial trouble and I desperately need some cash. Is it wise to borrow it from my insurance policy?
I’m starting to feel increasingly scared and worried about world events and the possibility of terrorist attacks in our country. Do you have any suggestions for dealing with these fears?
Is it ever a good idea to use retirement accounts to fund projects? My husband and I recently retired, and we need some financial advice. We’re both artists, and we’d like to convert our garage into a studio. The projected cost is $10,000.00. Should we use funds from our CDs or tap into our 401(k)s?
How do we find the medical and social services we need in order to care effectively for my elderly father? He recently suffered a paralyzing stroke, so we’ve brought him home to live with us. Needless to say, we’re desperate for some outside assistance. Where should we look?
How can I handle worry? I’m a perfectionist, and I really struggle with this. I worry a great deal about everything in life, but especially about my children. Fears and anxieties about what could or might happen to them out in the world are a constant feature of my everyday life. You don’t have to …
What can I do to ensure my aging mom’s safety and security? She lives alone, and I worry that she’s becoming increasingly vulnerable to abuse from outsiders. How can I tell if she’s in any immediate danger?
Should I claim what I donate to God and the church as a deduction on my income tax? How would this fit in with what Jesus says about giving in secret?
As a widow in my mid-sixties, should I pay off my home or invest the money my husband left me? What’s the very best use I can make of these funds?
How can we help ease the transition of moving our aging loved one into a full-time care facility? I’ve heard of something called “transfer trauma,” but I don’t know exactly what it is or how it’s likely to affect my mother. Can you give me some idea of what to expect?
What can I do to establish and maintain an effective relationship with my doctor? I’ve had some pretty lousy experiences in the past, but I’m having some health problems and I know I shouldn’t put off getting the attention I need. A friend just told me about a new doctor that I’m considering seeing. What …
