The beginning of a new year often sparks hope and excitement in those of us who are dreamers. There is something about shedding the sadness and disappointment of one year and stepping into the optimism that comes with a clean slate. What was this year like for you? Was it full of good friends, fun, and accomplishments? Are you excited to see what next year has in store? Was this year filled with heartaches and disillusionment? Are you happy to move into a new year, or are you sorry to see this year go? The turn of a year is not only a good time to make plans and resolutions for the future, … [Read more...]
Have You Ever Walked a Mile in Your Sweetheart’s Shoes?
Eric is characterized by having one idea after another. His mind is always working and thinking of new ways to accomplish tasks, new services that can be provided to bless people, or new ways to have fun. For a long time, he would come home from work and immediately share with me the new ideas he had thought of during the day. In his mind, he was simply sharing his ideas (which for someone with his personality is a big deal), but in my mind, he was bombarding me with new tasks that needed to be researched and implemented into our lives. After several years of marriage, I realized that when … [Read more...]
The Little Changes of Marriage
It has been said that big changes are easier to make than little changes. I have found this to be true in many situations. Moving to a different area is less difficult (in the long run) than committing to a dietary change or giving up television for some time. Before getting married, it's important to consider a lot of the "little" changes that will take place. One little change will be in grocery shopping. You may be used to getting the exact same fifteen items every time you go to the store; however, you may be marrying someone who loves variety, who may not enjoy the food you enjoy, or … [Read more...]
Jumping Off a Cliff into Culinary Delight
Recently, Eric and I celebrated an anniversary and, as is custom, Eric chose for us a special place to eat. He usually takes me to a fun, new place for special occasions; and while he plans to keep the place a secret, he usually asks me at the last minute if I want to know where we are going... and I almost always do. When it comes to food (and life), my natural inclination is to prepare. I don't want to be craving steak only to end up at the world's greatest pizza restaurant (although I can almost always shift my taste buds for pizza). So, where did he take me? Eric took me to a tapas bar. … [Read more...]
You Can’t Change Them
This might be an Earth-shattering realization, but, there is nothing you can do to make someone else change. “WHAT?!?” Yes, you can’t change them… I know, it is hard to hear. However, it is still true that we do not have the power to change a soul… we can’t change our parents; we can’t change our children; and, most of all, we can’t change our spouses. Our parents may love us unconditionally, but you cannot make them change their ways or minds. Your children may look up to you for a time, but no amount of "beating" truth into them is going to make them how you want them to be. And thinking of … [Read more...]