Vol. 16, Issue 2
The Importance of Emotional Awareness
As the Executive Director of Haven of Hope, I frequently encounter the question, "What are the most common issues in problematic marriage relationships?" While many might assume that conflicts over money, sex, or children are the primary sources of tension, our experience reveals that the root cause of most marital conflicts is the lack of emotional awareness between spouses.
Emotional awareness is the ability to recognize and understand your own emotions and those of your spouse. When this awareness is lacking, it leads to a breakdown in communication and an inability to address the deep needs of the heart. In our mentoring office, we spend much of our time helping couples identify and resolve emotional pain on a heart level. This process is essential because when a person's emotional needs are overlooked or unnoticed by their spouse, they often feel rejected, leading to reactions that further damage the relationship.
Resolution of emotional pain is key to a connected relationship. Emotional pain is resolved in two main ways:
1. Taking Your Pain to Jesus:
Inviting Jesus into painful memories allows you to express your feelings and pain directly to the One who understands best. The Holy Spirit knows your heart wounds and wants to comfort you, releasing you from the need to defend yourself, focus solely on your pain, or project anger toward those who have hurt you. The enemy seeks to destroy us by using our pain to blind and paralyze us, but Jesus offers healing and freedom.
2. Unwrapping Your Spouse's Heart:
Healing can go deeper when you help your spouse by tenderly unwrapping their heart. Spending time to understand and empathize with their emotions can foster deeper conversations, paving the way for mutual understanding and the ability to adapt to each other's desires and concerns. Such heartfelt interactions often lead to meaningful compromises on issues that might otherwise divide you.
Compassionate restoration is a powerful force in marriage. It allows couples to move beyond surface-level conflicts and connect on a much deeper emotional level. It is always amazing to witness a spouse's heart open when they feel accepted, understood, and cared for.
At Haven of Hope, we are committed to helping couples build healthier, more fulfilling relationships through emotional awareness and compassionate restoration. If you and your spouse are struggling, know that you are not alone. We are here to support you on this journey toward deeper connection and understanding.
Thank you for being a part of our community and for your dedication to emotional growth and healing.
Warm regards,
-Steve & April Swartz
HOH Founder /Executive Director
Construction Project Update
Haven of Hope’s building site is buzzing with excitement. The sound of dozers, cement mixers, and nail guns can be heard on the work site, and our new facility is starting to take shape!
On April 29, the Haven of Hope board and staff gathered to break ground on the new land. Since then the basement walls and floors were completed. Framing in the basement is now beginning. Many local businesses and volunteers are partnering with us to make this new facility possible. To all who have already given, we want to say, “Thank you!”
As this new facility takes shape, new physically invest is possible. Haven of Hope wishes to partner with businesses, skilled laborers, and volunteers to finish the project. Here are some specific areas where we need assistance:
Framers Electricians Siding installers
Plumbers Roofers Drywallers
Finishers Painters Landscaping labor
If you would like to donate through material or labor, contact us today at 1-616-693-2925.
Haven of Hope needs physical assistance to finish our project and financial assistance as well. Every dollar invested in Haven of Hope takes us a little bit closer to opening the doors of our new facility where we can minister to more hurting couples needing compassionate restoration.
If you would like to give towards this project, you can send a donation to:
Haven of Hope - 9659 Thompson Rd. , Lake Odessa, MI 48849
Mark your checks for “building project.”
Or donate online using the button below.
Board Member Spotlight:
Israel & Jessica Yoder
We are blessed by couples who serve sacrificially on our board of directors. We would like to introduce you to our newest board members, Israel & Jessica Yoder.
Having been childhood friends, it was no surprise when Israel and Jessica married on June 13, 1998. They have been blessed with 8 children, Shadrick, Misty, Grant, Summer, Amber, Autumn, River, and Heather. Shadrick is married to Darienne, and they have Clara and Adelaide, Israel and Jessica’s delightful grandbabies.
The Yoder’s own Bullseye Construction, where Shad helps in running the business. Israel and Grant spend most of their time in the Bullseye Ag Services, custom farming and land clearing. The girls and Jessica work at their store, Bullseye Marketplace. Israel and Jessica attend Destiny Church in Three Rivers.
“Steve and April are my uncle and aunt. I remember them going for the first time to a Caring for the Heart office and seeing how it affected their lives. We feel so thankful to serve on the HOH board. We love the HOH vision of strong marriages and happy homes.”
–Jessica Yoder
