Two weeks ago, I received word that someone dear to me had just experienced the unexpected death of a loved one. The shock reverberated through my body as I looked at my phone in complete disbelief. This must be a dream. This cannot be right. Thankfully, I was able to make my way to her home to be with her. During the drive, I wondered what I would see when I arrived. What would she need from me and would I be able to comfort her? All I knew was I had to be with her even though I had no words to ease her pain. I walked into her home and saw her lying on the couch. I sat beside her, she … [Read more...]
How Important is Patriotism?
(Note: this post is written from an American perspective; however, if you live in a different country, patriotism and its importance to you should still be discussed between you two!) Today, in America, you cannot travel too far from your home without stumbling upon a fireworks stand. We love to watch the sky light up on the Fourth of July as we commemorate our independence. Some say that this country has changed so much that they do not find the same satisfaction in flying Old Glory and celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence as they did in the “good ol’ days.” Others … [Read more...]
What is Required for a Happy Marriage?
To be completely transparent, forgiveness is an issue with which I have struggled most of my life. Since I have relatively few complaints in the scheme of things, it amazes me how some people who have suffered great heartaches have an easier time letting go of offenses than I do. Maybe they have more practice? Or, maybe they came to a point when they realized they had two sets of choices – let go, forgive, and move on; or, stay embittered and be perpetually miserable. Regardless, I do feel somewhat ridiculous when I find anger rising in my heart towards someone who hurt me twenty years ago … [Read more...]
Is My Boyfriend Lying to Me? (Am I Lying to My Boyfriend?)
Perhaps one of the most important aspects of a healthy relationship is... honesty. When talking to young couples about desires and expectations for their marriage partner, honesty is often on the list – and if honesty is not, fidelity or loyalty is. We want the security of knowing we can breathe easy and lie in bed at night without nagging fears and unsettled thoughts. Honesty is a significant part of true intimacy. In addition to expecting and desiring honesty in our relationships, we also need to be careful to ask the right questions. If we first say, “I want you to always be honest with … [Read more...]
Let’s Get Ready to Party!!!
In less than twenty-four hours, Eric and I will be celebrating fourteen years of wedded bliss... well, fourteen years of wedded something. ~smile~ Typically, when someone who has been married more than two months says their marriage is blissful, I don’t believe them. However, when I meet a couple who has been married for forty years and they say their marriage is blissful, I do tend to believe them. Time told the tale! Hopefully that will be Eric and me one day – forty years of marriage and many smiles to share about the journey. ~smile~ Commemorating another trip around the sun together … [Read more...]