Points to Ponder (100 words or less)

ByJoe Martino November 4, 2010

Forgiveness is only effective when we walk in it. Both people have to walk in it. The person doing the forgiving must give up the hurt, anger and the need for revenge, while the person being forgiven must give up the desire to justify or live in the guilt. Forgiveness is both a one time event and a continuing process. (60)

Dear Fellow Dads, you will grieve and it’s ok.
ByJoe Martino January 16, 2020

As I prepare for my oldest to transition into her twenties, I imagine I will miss her teenage years. The thing about grief is that it doesn’t mean that you don’t want the next phase to happen. Grief just means that you can recognize how awesome the last phase was and how much you will miss it. Once my son hits the teen stage, the next Martino I snuggle will probably be a grandchild and that won’t be for a while (probably). And it will different.

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Pain is inevitable; learning from pain is optional
ByJoe Martino September 17, 2013

In my profession, you hear a lot of pain filled stories. You hear how people’s lives have been wrecked. Sometimes, by their own choices and often by the choices of others. In fact, my job has taught me one thing. Pain is inevitable for everyone. Sometimes, we do it to ourselves We quit when we…

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Books | Change | Religion

Suits and Tattoos; the New Measurement for Your Love of Others?
ByJoe Martino February 5, 2024February 5, 2024

It often reminds me of the story of the pharisee (a religious man, to be sure) who stood up and loudly proclaimed, “Lord, I thank you that I am not like other men, cheaters, sinners, adulterers….” Of course, the difference today is we would be more likely to hear a prayer about how we thank God that we are not like those poor fools who dress up in suits and miss the whole point of the gospel.
…What would bring his salvation to question? Well, the American Eagle on his shoulder, of course. We’re not all that far from there today, are we? How many people have their love of God questioned because they prefer to wear a suit and tie on Sunday morning?

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Change | Parenting

Raising Kids: It’s Terrifying and Wonderful
ByJoe Martino July 16, 2024July 16, 2024

This post is an open letter from my wife to my daughter’s supervisor. We’ve never met her, but we have heard some statements and questions from her through our daughter. Dear Kendra’s Supervisor, I have heard that you want to meet us. Kendra has mentioned how highly you speak of her. Her charisma, love for…

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Change | Depression | Stress/Anxiety

Challenge and Accept Your Emotions for Personal Growth
ByJoe Martino April 29, 2024April 29, 2024

This article delves into the vital balance between accepting and confronting our emotions, emphasizing how embracing our feelings fosters personal development and enhances our decision-making. It offers actionable strategies to cultivate emotional acceptance and elucidates its profound advantages. Introduction to Accepting and Challenging Feelings Emotional acceptance is a transformative process that plays a vital role…

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Narrative Thinking | Parenting

When tragedy enters the plot
ByJoe Martino February 2, 2012

I almost called this post, When the plot is a tragedy but I think that would miss the point of what I’m going after. I’m reading an extremely interesting book about the effects of divorce on children throughout their life. The book is the result of a qualitative study about divorce. It’s amazing to hear…

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