Dr. David Stoop

Growing older is inevitable and, as we often say, it beats the alternative. But just because we age does not mean we must give in to a slow deterioration of our bodies, minds, social circles, and interests. It doesn't mean we need to give up on our dreams, goals, or aspirations. In fact, as people live longer and healthier into old age, we need to decide what we want to do with all the extra years we've been given! In Living Strong, Finishing Well, Dr. David Stoop draws upon his more than 80 years on the planet and his decades of counseling, speaking, and writing to show you how to live every moment to its fullest until you're finally called home. He shows you how to be yourself, continue the search for meaning, stay humble, build on your friendships, develop resilience, stay teachable, and more as you learn to accept the gifts that come with growing older and wiser in a world that needs what you have to give.

When it comes to a successful, satisfying marriage, it's not about how many workshops you've attended, how many counseling sessions you've experienced together, or which conflict resolution tools you've been taught. What it really all comes down to is emotions--understanding your own and your partner's, and then walking hand in hand through those inevitable situations where emotions run high. In The Emotionally Healthy Marriage, Drs. David and Jan Stoop take you and your spouse through a 5-step process of developing the emotional intelligence you need to stay strong and stay together. With personal inventories that help you discover where you are doing well and where you need improvement, as well as practical action steps you can take now to implement what you've learned, this book is perfect for couples, counselors, and pastors.

Attitude is everything. Attitude is what makes the difference between those who succeed and those who fail. It's easy to see--in other people. But it's not always easy to recognize when our own attitude needs adjustment or to know how to change it. In You Are What You Think, Dr. David Stoop shows readers how to use self-talk to make positive changes in their attitudes and beliefs in order to - choose healthy, positive thoughts- respond rather than react to circumstances- overcome guilt, anger, anxiety, and stress- release the power of faith- and more We can use self-talk to gain control of the way we feel and act. We can turn out-of-control into self-control and make our emotions work for us rather than against us. You Are What You Think explains how.

The principles of emotional intelligence have long been applied to the business world with remarkable results. But what would happen if they were applied to that most important of relationships--marriage? SMART Love is a system for understanding emotions--both your own and your spouse's--managing those emotions, and walking hand in hand through those situations when emotions run high. Drs. David and Jan Stoop break the book into five sections: - Self-awareness of your emotions- Managing your emotions- Accountability to yourself, your spouse, and others- Reading the other person's emotions- Together in the land of emotions A SMART Love inventory helps readers see where they are strong and where they need improvement, and each section includes action steps couples can take to implement what they've learned. Perfect for couples' counseling, small groups, and anyone who wants to connect with their spouse more deeply.

Forgiveness is an essential part of being a Christian. But what do we do when confronted with the unforgivable--an act that shakes our moral foundations to their roots, often committed by someone trusted and loved? Murder, sexual abuse, adultery--all leave lifelong wounds and all are trespasses that, through the grace of God, still can be forgiven. Dr. David Stoop compassionately guides readers along the course of heartfelt forgiveness, freeing them to apply the biblical teachings that have already changed thousands of lives. Now available in mass market.

Did you know most of our patterns of behavior are set by the time we are six years old? No wonder it's so hard to change! Even when we're committed to making a change in life, it's always an uphill battle. But there is a secret to lasting change that God gave us long before modern neuroscience and self-help gurus were the norm. Rethink How You Think is for anyone who has been frustrated by an inability to change habits, overcome fears, or keep up new healthy patterns of living and thinking. Dr. David Stoop shows readers that the true way to lasting change is in the renewing of our minds, which we accomplish when we faithfully read God's Word and meditate on it daily. He clearly shows how to move from fear to love, from resentment to gratitude, from lust to purity, from loneliness to connection, from idolatry to contentment, and from mistrust to trust. Anyone eager to find change that lasts will welcome this practical and encouraging message.

For more than 15 years, people who grew up in dysfunctional families have found hope, healing, and the power to move forward with their lives in the classic "Forgiving Our Parents, Forgiving Ourselves." Now, in this revised and updated edition--which includes new stories, statistics, and more practical help--a new generation can move beyond failure to forgiveness by understanding the roots of their pain. Readers will explore family patterns that perpetuate dysfunction by constructing a "psychological family tree" that will uncover family secrets and habits that have shaped their adult identity. As they develop a greater understanding of their family of origin, they will be able to take the essential step of forgiveness, releasing themselves from the chains of the past to live in freedom and wholeness. "Forgiving Our Parents, Forgiving Ourselves" gives readers the power to become "unstuck" from behaviors that hurt themselves and those they love, changing their hearts so they can change their lives forever.