After reading the last two posts on Highly Effective Couples, do you believe your relationship is on the path to becoming highly effective?! What habits have you already created and which habits are you trying to adopt? Remember, just as with any other habit, it takes time to establish a pattern! If you want to create the habit of active listening, you first have to choose to actively listen over and over again until you do it without thinking. If you want to be a cheerful giver, you have to choose to give, even if you are reluctant at first, until giving is like breathing to you (though … [Read more...]
Nine Habits of Highly Effective Couples, Part 2
So, in our last post on this series (i.e., Nine Habits of Highly Effective Couples, Part 1), we touched on prayer, dating, and active communication as three habits of highly effective couples. Have you taken notice of the couples you admire and seen any or all of these habits in their relationships? I confess: Eric and I did not start our marriage being vigilant about continuing to date each other; however, I noticed one of my friends from church and her husband made it a point to go out every week – even though it meant hiring a babysitter. Not only that, but they found time to do lunch … [Read more...]
Nine Habits of Highly Effective Couples, Part 1
Have you ever been around a couple (or read about a couple) and thought, “These people have it!” Not that they are perfect or conflict-free, but that they have somehow uncovered the secret of having an enjoyable and effective marriage? Sadly, I cannot say that I know too many couples that hit me this way, but a few do spring to mind. Most of the couples I see that seem to have mastered the art of love have been together for years and have probably been through a lot on their journeys. These amazing couples seem to share some similar habits that aid their marriage’s effectiveness. When I … [Read more...]
Do You Conform to the Stereotype?
Men and women are flooded with stereotypes. Have you heard any of these? * All men are insensitive. * All women are emotional. * All men think about sex twenty-four hours a day. * All women are superficial and bad with money. * All men like sports. * All women talk incessantly. Stereotypes are formed when a majority of people fit into a mold – at least, from the observer's perspective. With our limited experience, we may think that all people from a particular country drink alcohol incessantly. Or, we may think all people from another country are deeply religious. It is not that … [Read more...]
Shake, Ramsey, Shake…
Have you ever been thoroughly frustrated with someone only to have the Holy Spirit convict you of doing the same thing? A friend of mine recalls asking her children, “Why can’t you just obey me the first time I tell you to do something?!” Ouch. We have all fallen short of obeying God the first time He tells us to do something, whether He communicates to us through the Bible or whether we hear His still small voice speaking to our hearts. Puppies Love Treats! Training Ramsey (our golden retriever) as a puppy was no easy task, but doggie treats made it easier. She learned to sit, stay, … [Read more...]
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