Kate Motaung

EXTERNAL CAUSES: Part I I explored the five internal causes of eating disorders and I examined how the combination of a sinful nature, free will, spiritual depravity, and poor self-control can cause us to develop disordered eating habits. Though I believe eating disorders are mostly a result of an internal condition, there are external factors which play a role. In this third article in our series on the causes of eating disorders, I will look at two primary external

Part I: Internal Causes People with eating disorders – and those who treat them – often try to place the blame beyond the control of the person with the disorder; we want to believe that our problem happens to us, rather than in us. Personal responsibility is not a popular concept in today’s world. Before I address the external dynamics that can lead to an eating disorder, I would like to look at the spiritual dimensions to disordered eating. This

“Ok here’s a little bedroom tip. Put a bag of popcorn in the microwave before hand. That way, when you’re done you have a treat.” –Liz Lemon “30 Rock”   References “A Celebration of Sex for Newlyweds” Dr. Douglas Rosenau Consider this the biblical alternative to the top left corner of Cosmo. (You know what they print there every month.) Sex is tricky. Both of you have different preferences and desires, and then there’s the insecurity you are not

Scripture on Marriage: Rediscovering God’s View The Bible says that when two people come together in marriage, they become one flesh (Mark 10:8, NIV). Does this mean that we are to abandon our personal identity to live as one with our partner in Christian marriage? Does God—who formed each of us uniquely in the womb—really wish us to give up our individuality when we enter into the covenant of marriage? I don’t know about you, but I have never

Trying to “fight fair” and “be reasonable” when you’re arguing with your partner is kind of like trying to recite the alphabet backwards after you’ve fallen out of an airplane. All that adrenaline, fear, and inertia makes it impossible to keep your mind on anything other than the danger you feel. Marriage counselor Dr. Susan Johnson says trying to teach couples a list of rules to follow during conflict sets them up for failure. Instead, she counsels couples to

I realize that romance goes both ways. It’s not just about the man needing to provide an adequate level of romance to satisfy the woman. But for the purposes of this article, I am writing from the perspective of the woman who is looking for more romance than her husband is giving her. Please, women, don’t assume that romance is only the responsibility of the man, because it is not. Romance is a two-way street.  Does your husband define romance

Sex is everywhere: The magazine rack at the grocery store; clothing catalogs; billboards; television and of course, the Internet, to name just a few. It’s nearly impossible to go through one’s day in the United States without seeing a sexually charged image. Our culture is awash with sex. Sex sells. And whether we claim to like it or not, we seem to buy a lot of it, because it keeps selling. But what about love? Does love sell? Not

How do I forgive my husband for having an affair? This article is written from the perspective of a woman whose husband has cheated on her. It is certainly not the case that only husbands cheat on their wives. Wives cheat too. Perhaps a second article will be written from the perspective of the cheated-on man. But for now, we look at the issue from the perspective of the woman, whose husband has broken his vow. I suppose I

Two roads diverged in a wood and I, I took the one … and I travel it every day. In my faith journey, I have endeavored for many years to consistently devote myself to the Lord in the morning, before the rest of the day begins. Going on a walk with the Lord as soon as I get up has proven to be just what I needed to help me finally follow through and abide in the Vine (John

We all know how important communication is in parenting. As a parent, you will have to speak to your child about some tough topics. Parents need to guide their children and adolescents as they find their way in life, but this guidance doesn’t always have to take the form of telling them what to do. An important way in which you can mentor your child is by sharing your own life experiences with them. In my previous article, I looked

As a parent, you have probably heard that you should talk about drugs and sex with your children. Humans beings need to be mentored and you are the best person to guide to your child and adolescent through these sorts of topics. But the guidance you provide need not be limited to exceptional occasions. A parent can greatly support a young person’s development through many small conversations on important topics throughout the course of their life. One important tool that

There are numerous ways grief and loss can be experienced. Some of these include: The loss of a loved one, job or financial stability. The desolation of a marriage. A betrayal of trust by someone close to you. The deprivation of freedom – hitting the glass ceiling of personal advancement. Regretting your poor life choices or poor career ambitions. The loss or reduction of mobility due to sickness. My history in counseling has taught me that sorrow comes in