Somewhere on that bumpy ride known as my teen years, I vividly recall telling a boyfriend I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom someday. My mom taught elementary school and was an amazing educator; but, deep inside her heart, she always dreamed of being a stay-at-home mom. My grandmother was a stay-at-home mom in an era when most wives and mothers stayed home and cared for the house and family’s needs. My mentor stayed home while her children were young and later went back to work for several years. Having seen both sides of the coin, and knowing my personality and personal values, I thought I … [Read more...]

It is April Fool’s Day. The day practical jokers get their kicks. The day honest people fib (for about two minutes before they come clean). The day friends laugh until they cry. The day some people use as an opportunity to be mean and hateful; and, the day well-meaning people sometimes make unwise decisions. Years ago, I knew a woman who completely fooled her husband on April Fool’s Day by having her pregnant acquaintance take a pregnancy test which she later passed off as her own. Because he wanted to have another baby, her husband was understandably upset when he discovered her joke. She … [Read more...]

Last time, we posed the question, “What is more important than Sex?” The answer? Affection. In the long haul of marriage, sex is extremely important, but affection is doubly important. Those morning kisses and goodnight hugs help soften hearts and defuse anger. And, let’s face it – hugs, kisses, and cuddles can exist in relationships no matter the couple’s age, health, or mobility. In addition to the importance of affection in marriage, I also believe attention is an ingredient which makes great marriages. Dating is where we get hooked. ~smile~ Boy pays girl a lot of attention. Girl … [Read more...]

To the newly in-love couple, such a question as, “How important is affection to marriages?” sounds like a joke. Of course, it is important! It is vital! It is the reason for getting up in the morning! We will never suffer from a lack of affection! (I may or may not have believed this myself… ahem.) But, the overwhelming, intoxicating feeling of being in love does fade. For some, it fades after a handful of months; whereas, others hold onto it for up to three years. Whether it happens in month three or year three, the initial in-love phase ends. Period. And, for couples who built their entire … [Read more...]

In less than a week, school children will be eating green cupcakes, McDonald’s will sell millions of Shamrock shakes, and green beer will flood the gullets of many party-goers. Saint Patrick’s Day is once again upon us. Last year, I celebrated with more vigor than usual as the holiday marked the twentieth anniversary of my most significant breakup. It was most definitely not luck, but God’s hand on my life (not to mention hours of prayers from concerned people) that this relationship died. As I hung up the phone that night, I heard a still small voice say, “This relationship is over. It … [Read more...]