Articles written by Susan Manning

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About me - Susan Manning

I am a wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt, friend and Christian. I am, and have been, many other things, but these relationships are the substance and shape of my life. Whatever else you make of that is up to you. I'm still working on it myself.

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Relationships & Family > Domestic Violence & Abuse Healing from toxic relationships: 3 of 35

It has been said that healing from abuse is like tending a garden, a very fitting description, indeed. Whatever the form of abuse, the effect is the same, it will smother what was meant to be a thing of beauty. However extensive the damage, there is yet hope that it can be lush and thriving, full of life, a true reflection o...
Parenting & Pregnancy > Child Development Issues The dark side of teens: 1 of 11

When our beloved children reach their teen years, it may seem to us that they have a dark side of which we'd been unaware. We begin to see behavior and attitudes we never expected, even in the best of kids. It's important for parents to remember that the disturbing things we see are not evidence of something dark and disturb...
Relationships & Family > Domestic Violence & Abuse Abusive relationships: When the suffering we know is better than the unknown: 2 of 6

As a survivor of domestic abuse, I am often asked why I remained in that relationship. There is just no easy answer for that. Fear is the most obvious answer. We might expect that fear would actually motivate us to leave, but this is not the case. It is the fear that binds us, it is our fear that gives our abusers power over...
Relationships & Family > Grief & Loss Life support: Should the wishes of the family take precedence over the patient's right to relieve his own suffering?: 3 of 8

As I sit here, healthy and of sound mind, considering what I would choose for myself if I ever needed to be put on life support, I realize what an enormous decision it is. It's simply impossible for me to decide now what would be best, having no real understanding of what I and my family will be facing. There are too many un...
Relationships & Family > Dating Dilemmas & Advice Can jealousy ever be healthy?: 5 of 11

I have a friend who believes jealousy is a sign of affection, the more jealous a lover is, the more they really care. I have seen her go through many painful relationships, the primary cause of the discord almost always unresolved jealousy. I have believed this myself, and experienced the same pain. It took me years to reali...
Religion & Spirituality > Christian Doctrine & Issues What day is the true Sabbath day?: 9 of 19

The observance of the Sabbath has been a subject of debate for centuries. Some maintain the time for the Sabbath remains from sundown on Friday to sundown Saturday, while others insist it was changed to Sunday under the New Covenant of Jesus Christ. While both sides provide compelling arguments, we will find the truth only i...
Celebrations & Holidays > Engagements & Proposals Should a man propose to a woman with a diamond ring?: 5 of 10

Almost every little girl dreams about her wedding, and this includes the proposal. We envision a romantic setting, and a very nervous man of our dreams down on one knee. This is the traditional view of the proposal. In today's society, it seems to be occurring less often, for a variety of reasons. Many women today prefer to ...
Personal Finance > Smart Spending How to save money on groceries without coupons: 31 of 47

In these days of economic crunch more and more people are looking for ways to save on essentials, especially at the grocery store. I recently tried collecting coupons again, and found most of the products were items I don't use very often and the savings were minimal. It simply wasn't worth the time it took to clip and save ...
Parenting & Pregnancy > Parenting (Other) What to do when Child Protective Services contacts you: 2 of 3

Few of us ever expect to be contacted by Child Protective Services, but it is a situation any of us, even good parents, may face. Should that day come for you, your initial reaction may be anger or fear. You may think, "How dare they accuse me?" or "They want to take my baby!" It is important that you resist these initial re...
Religion & Spirituality > Christian Doctrine & Issues Can a Christian be gay?: 18 of 26

In November of 2009, the Matthew Sheppard act was signed into law. This law was inspired by, and named for a young man who was brutally beaten to death simply because he was gay. The intent of this law is to protect citizens from violence, intimidation, and other acts of hatred based on their sexual orientation.&...