Do you remember certain phrases your mom or grandma repeated to you throughout your life? “Treat others as you’d want to be treated.” “Little is much when God is in it.” “Do your best. That’s all I expect of you.” There are certain sayings and Scripture references which take me back to my childhood days and this is one of them: “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1 My mom wanted to instill in me the wisdom of speaking to others with kindness, humility, and gentleness. I wish I could say that her lesson kept me from ever running off at the … [Read more...]

Okay, I've heard the advice. I’ve given the advice. I’ve taken the advice! But, once in a while I rebel against the system and do it anyway. Why? Why do I keep doing it? I BRING UP ISSUES WHICH LEAD TO TENSION LATE AT NIGHT!!! There is something about those late night hours that make me want to dump the contents of my heart on Eric. After nine years of marriage, and seven years of working with premarital couples, I still make this mistake... repeatedly! I know – KNOW – it is unwise to discuss anything important or potentially fight-provoking late at night, but sometimes my mouth goes … [Read more...]

The “Year of Experiences”™ is underway! I’m currently in the process of listing various experiences I want to have this year. Some will be with Eric – and some will probably be without him. Eric and I were married towards the beginning of our graduate school careers. We had a few months off from school the summer of our wedding and then we jumped back in to full-time work and part-time school. This was how we spent the first four years of our marriage. After we graduated, we began focusing on PreEngaged and other various pursuits. There has always been a goal – whether specific or vague … [Read more...]

Believe it or not, today is I’m Not Going To Take It Anymore day. Interesting holiday. It’s a holiday I wish I’d taken a few decades ago. Not so much anymore, but when I was younger, I had an extremely hard time standing up for myself. I let guilt guide my thinking. I never wanted to upset anyone. I would put up with situations I should have never tolerated. Harmony was (and often still is) the name of my game. I suppose if I was truly happy with myself in those circumstances, it would’ve been fine, but I wasn’t. I felt defeated. It seemed like everyone else’s wants, desires, and agendas … [Read more...]